Which Power Tool Brands Are Made In the USA?

Power Tool Brands

With so many power tool brands around the world offering high-quality products and amazing customer services, it is often difficult to pinpoint which brand is from which country. 

Moreover, due to the globalization of businesses, many American power tool brands have expanded their manufacturing operations to other countries, making it harder to tell which brands are selling made-in-the-USA products.

There are a few power tool brands producing their products primarily in the USA. These “Made in the USA” power tool brands include Milwaukee, Dewalt, Craftsman, Black & Decker, and so on.

If you want to support local communities, and the economy, and celebrate power tool brands, which in turn, promote more employment opportunities for the American people by “buying American,” this article is for you. Here, we will introduce you to the eight best power tool brands that are made in the USA. But, before that, let’s understand what tools can have a “Made in the USA” label and some other aspects of them. 

What Tools Can Be Labelled As “Made In The USA”?

As the label “Made in the USA” or MUSA is used to have a broad representation, many marketers would try to make unqualified MUSA claims. To establish MUSA labeling rules, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a notice of proposed rulemaking in June 2020. 

According to this notice, tools that fulfill the following conditions can be labeled as “Made in the USA.”

  1. The tool’s final processing or assembly is completed in the USA
  2. All or nearly all raw materials for manufacturing the tools are sourced or produced in the USA
  3. All the important manufacturing processes of the tool occur in the USA  

Are “Made In the USA” Power Tools Better?

Both professionals and DIYers agree that “Made in the USA” power tools are usually of excellent quality that will get your job done more effectively and efficiently. They are also known to be more durable, heavier, and more robust in construction. However, they also tend to be more expensive than other alternatives. 

Pros of Using “Made In The USA” Power Tools

Using “Made in the USA” power tools come with a plethora of benefits. Here are a few.

Construction

As we have already discussed, “Made in the USA” power tools are well-known for their construction quality. Local American brands utilize the best components and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes to manufacture power tools that will remain operational for a very long time. 

Comfortable

USA-made power tools are produced after keeping ergonomics and user interactions in mind. Therefore, these tools are usually easy-to-operate and comfortable to work with, ensuring the utmost comfort of the users.

Great Value

Although US-based power tools are known to be expensive, they offer excellent value as well. The higher price of such tools is because of stricter quality control, employing skilled workers, continuous research and development efforts, and incorporating components of the best quality. Therefore, you can rest assured that your investment in US power tools will be worth it.

Promoting Local Businesses

As you buy more power tools from US brands, you help in boosting the domestic job market and the economy as a whole. This ripple effect on the economy does not only benefit the power tool industry but also promotes other related businesses including electric component suppliers, the construction industry, and vehicle manufacturers.

Cons of Using “Made in the US” Power Tools

There are a few downsides of using only “Made in the USA” power tools as well. These include:

Higher Price

As we have already discussed, “Made in the USA” power tools are more expensive than their imported counterparts. Although your investment will be providing you value over the years, you will still need to pay a substantial amount of money to obtain them. Therefore, it is smart to get “Made in the USA” power tools if you are planning to use them for a long time. But if you need one for a short period of time or just a few tasks, buying American may not be very cost-effective.

Difficulty In Identification

In this era of globalization, it is becoming increasingly difficult to identify which power tools are truly “Made in the USA.” As a consumer, it is near impossible for you to collect all the necessary information to determine if a power tool is actually “Made in the USA.” The more complex the manufacturing process, the less likely that the product is 100% American. 

When it comes to power tools, maintaining all the FTC conditions can be a bit tricky. For example, lithium-ion batteries are made overseas, where the manufacturing of such batteries has been established for decades. But in the USA, such electrical component production is not established at that level yet. 

Major Competitors Of “Made In The US” Power Tool Brands

The main competitors of “Made in the USA” power tool brands are German brands. Germany is widely known for its engineering and construction quality in its manufacturing industry. German brands like Fein and Festool are the top choices for many professionals. Moreover, HiKOKI, the power tool brand owned by Hitachi, has been rising in popularity as a high-quality and reliable Japanese brand.    

Top American Power Tool Brands Selling USA-Made Tools

There are tons of power tool brands in the USA making the “Made in the USA” claim, but not all of them have clearly stated the locations of their operations and other important production details. Although it caused some difficulties, we have successfully compiled a list of the best power tool brands that are “Made in the USA.” 

1. Dewalt

Dewalt is one of the oldest power tool brands in the USA. After the invention of the radial arm saw by the founder, Raymond E. DeWalt, in 1923, Dewalt started its journey in 1924. Currently, Dewalt is known to be the most iconic industrial tool company, established as a global manufacturer of hand tools and power tools for the woodworking, manufacturing, and construction industries.

Besides the USA, Dewalt has manufacturing facilities in Mexico, China, Brazil, Italy, the Czech Republic, and the UK. Along with power tools like drills, polishers, grinders, saws, etc.,  Dewalt also offers electrical components, such as 12V, 18V, 20V, and 40V batteries. 

2. Craftsman

Craftsman is another “Made in the USA” power tool brand with a long history of successful business. Since 1927, the brand has been ruling the domestic tool market with its exquisite product quality. Along with high-quality power tools, the brand sells a range of corded, battery-powered, and gas-powered outdoor gear and yard maintenance equipment. 

Craftsman established manufacturing and assembling plants all over the USA, identifying themselves as a true American power tool brand. Such plant locations include Texas, South Carolina, Connecticut, Tennessee, Missouri, Ohio, Massachusetts, Kentucky, and so on. Using global materials, Craftsman keeps making Americans proud with its products.

3. Milwaukee

Since its inception in 1924, Milwaukee has been establishing itself as a proud American power tool brand in the global market. It is also the largest supplier of cordless power tools in North America. The brand’s manufacturing and distribution facilities are located in Mississippi and Wisconsin. 

Milwaukee is well-known for the quality, functionality, and durability of its outdoor gear and construction equipment. However, its cordless power tool line primarily built its brand reputation. For rugged and heavy-duty jobs, Milwaukee is the most popular choice among HVAC technicians, electricians, automotive workers, and professional contractors.

4. Black + Decker

Black + Decker is one of the largest and oldest USA-based power tool brands. It is the parent company of brands like Dewalt and Craftsman. After being established in 1920, the company invested heavily in power tool development and invented portable electric drills in 1917. 

Whereas Black + Decker offers commonly used power tools such as drills, sanders, nailers, etc., the brand also sells hand tools, accessories, outdoor gear, cleaning devices, and home appliances. Besides the USA, it has manufacturing plants in Brazil, Mexico, the UK, and China. 

5. Ridgid

Since 1923, Ridgid has been establishing its name in the HVAC and plumbing industries all over the world. It sells five classes of power tools, including corded and cordless power tools, tile saws, bench and stationary, and pneumatics and compressors. Its manufacturing plant is located in Ohio.

Ridgid is well known for the durability of its power tools. In fact, the company offers some of the best warranties in the market. So you can rest assured that these products are built to last.

6. Bostitch

Founded in 1896, Bostitch initially focused on industrial sewing operations. As time passed, the company moved towards the development of industrial power tools. Currently, its line of power tools includes jigsaw kits, impact driver kits, drills, speed hammers, etc. Its manufacturing plant is located in Rhode Island.

7. Makita

Makita power tools are known for providing additional convenience in their power tools, such as fans and radios. This global brand’s USA establishment, Makita USA Inc., is headquartered in California. The Makita Corporation of America, one of Makita’s ten global manufacturing and assembly plants, is located in Georgia. The brand offers a range of corded, cordless, pneumatic, and outdoor power tools. 

8. Stihl

Stihl USA was founded in 1926 and is known for its invention of the first two-person operated electric chain saw. Its products are widely used in landscape maintenance, the construction industry, and the agriculture sector. It produces high-quality power tools, using both domestic and foreign components, in its 20,000-square feet manufacturing facility in Virginia Beach, employing more than 2,000 workers.

Final Thoughts

Whereas many American power tool brands have been serving professionals and homeowners for decades, they have inspired many other “Made in the USA” brands to rise. With superior quality and reliability, these power tool brands have been proudly representing the country in the global market. With their continuous innovations and contribution to the country’s economy, these “Made in the USA” power tool brands deserve our appreciation and support. 

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