re: Favorite Power Tools Brand?

Actually, it would be easier to list the brands I avoid. My list of tools is pretty varied.

Cordless drills and drivers: I’ve moved to Milwaukee 12 volt for everyday use. I’ve found little difference between 12 and 18 volt other than price. Since most of my activity is shop based, rotating batteries isn’t an issue for me and the 12 volt have plenty of torque. I’ve also got a Porter Cable 18 volt set for really heavy use.

Circular saws: a blend of Porter Cable and Makita

Sanders: All my electric are Porter Cable (and old enough to all sport the Made in USA badge), but I use a Mirka pneumatic sander in the shop backed up by a really big Ingersoll Rand air compressor

The vast majority of my power tools are Porter Cable, Milwaukee, Makita, and a little sprinkling of Dewalt. My heavy equipment is Powermatic, Jet, Delta, and Crescent and Dewalt.

I normally base my purchases on recommendations from folks around me. A lot of times I’m able to use the tool for a few minutes before I decide.

There are brands I avoid like the plague: Rigid, Ryobi, Grizzly, and just about anything from Harbor Freight.