Updated 2026-11-02

Most reliable power tool brands

Of the 8 power tool brands we track, PORTER-CABLE ranks first (Reliable). The order comes from one formula: CPSC recalls in the last 3 years and owner ratings on Amazon.

Best overallPORTER-CABLEReliable

#1 of 8 brands by our formula. No recalls in 3 years.

Cleanest safety recordBoschReliable

No recalls in 3 years; 26 on record in total.

Happiest ownersDEWALTMixed

Highest owner satisfaction of 8 brands on Amazon.

  1. 1PORTER-CABLE
    • No recalls in 3 years
    • Owner satisfaction: High
    • Founded 1906. Owner: Stanley Black & Decker
    ReliableSafety record: Clean
    Read the verdict
  2. 2Bosch
    • No recalls in 3 years
    • Owner satisfaction: High
    • Founded 1886
    ReliableSafety record: Clean
    Read the verdict
  3. 3Milwaukee
    • 1 recall in 3 years
    • Owner satisfaction: High
    Generally goodSafety record: Some
    Read the verdict
  4. 4Makita
    • 1 recall in 3 years
    • Owner satisfaction: High
    • Founded 1915
    Generally goodSafety record: Some
    Read the verdict
  5. 5Craftsman
    • 1 recall in 3 years
    • Owner satisfaction: High
    • Founded 1927. Owner: Stanley Black & Decker
    Generally goodSafety record: Some
    Read the verdict
  6. 6Skil
    • 1 recall in 3 years
    • Owner satisfaction: High
    • Founded 1926. Owner: Chervon (HK) Ltd
    Generally goodSafety record: Some
    Read the verdict
  7. 7DEWALT
    • 3 recalls in 3 years
    • Owner satisfaction: High
    • Founded 1924. Owner: Stanley Black & Decker
    MixedSafety record: Frequent
    Read the verdict
  8. 8Ryobi
    • 3 recalls in 3 years
    • Owner satisfaction: High
    MixedSafety record: Frequent
    Read the verdict

How the ranking works

How the verdict works

One formula for every brand, built from public records. We do not test products.

Owner satisfaction

Ratings of the brand's most-rated products on Amazon. High: weighted average of at least 4.5 and no more than 10% of products below 4.0. Medium: at least 4.2 and no more than 30%. Low: everything else.

Safety record

CPSC recalls in the last 36 months: none is Clean, one or two is Some, three or more is Frequent. Counts are not adjusted for sales volume.

Owners / SafetyCleanSomeFrequent
HighReliableGenerally goodMixed
MediumGenerally goodMixedUse caution
LowMixedUse cautionUse caution

Full methodology

FAQ

What is the most reliable power tool brand?

PORTER-CABLE (Reliable) ranks first among the 8 power tool brands we track, based on CPSC recalls in the last 3 years and owner ratings on Amazon.

Which power tool brands had recalls in the last 3 years?

DEWALT (3), Ryobi (3), Milwaukee (1), Makita (1), Craftsman (1), Skil (1).