Last Updated February 2023
If you intend to take an active role in managing your rental property, you should at least be familiar with the basics of building construction tools. You would be surprised how much money you could save by using a wrench to turn off gushing water during a flood, or using a screwdriver to tighten a loose door handle. Below we explore the top 5 best tools brands for aspiring landlords based on 5 different factors to consider when determining which type of brand of tool is best for their rental property investment.
Milwaukee
Founded in 1924, Milwaukee Tools (The Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation) is a manufacturer and supplier of tools. It came to prominence in 1918, by introducing the first lightweight and portable, one-handed 1/4″ capacity drill called the “Hole-Shooter”. The Shooter was far more lightweight than Milwaukee has evolved with the tool industry over the years and now produces many battery powered tools with a strong effort on digitization of tools and jobsites. Milwaukee tools are sold through authorized retailers, including Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and Acme Tools.
Why We Like Milwaukee Tools
Milwaukee tools are easily available at the largest home improvement store (Home Depot) and continually are introducing new innovative products.
Makita
Makita tools was one of the first pioneers of removable battery operated drills, where in 1978 Makita released the first cordless drill (6010D) powered by a removable battery pack. While Makita is one of the pricier brands out there, their tools are built with very high-quality raw materials. The brand is well reviewed among industry professionals as delivering the most durable and long lasting tools that are able to withstand tough abuse on jobsites. Makita tools are sold through authorized retailers, including Home Depot, Amazon, and Tractor Supply.
Why We Like Makita Tools
Maybe it’s just a coincidence, but most of the professional contractors and tradespeople we personally know use Makita tools.
Dewalt
The DeWalt tool brand dates back to 1923 with its original founder, Raymond E. DeWalt, who founded the radial arm saw. Since then, it has been through many iterations and different phases of growth. DeWalt tools are known to be good quality tools, but are not necessarily considered the most premium quality, nor are they priced as such. An interesting note about DeWalt is that they produce a very wide variety of tools, with many trade-specialty power tools. DeWalt tools are sold through authorized retailers, including Lowes, Home Depot, and Amazon.
Why We Like Dewalt Tools
Dewalt tools have some of the most innovative battery technologies when compared to their competitors. For example, their FlexVolt cordless battery system can deliver up to 60 volts of power.
Ridgid
Ridgid (The Ridgid Tool Company) is an American manufacturing company that is credited with popularizing the modern pipe-wrench in 1923. Most of Ridgid tools are mostly popular among the plumbing and tile trades. As far as quality, Ridgid tools are very close to the top performers, but priced well under the other mainstream tool brands. Ridgid tools are sold through authorized retailers, including Home Depot and Acme Tools.
Why We Like Ridgid Tools
As their name suggests, not only are their tools “rigid” but likely a favorite if you are a plumber. Ridgid has many specialty tools available for those in the plumbing trade.
Bosch
Robert Bosch founded the company in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1886. The company has always been a pioneer in new products and operating in many markets such as automotive, energy, home appliances, and power tools. Bosch is credited with introducing the world’s first professional cordless hammer drill in 1984. Among industry trade professionals. Bosch tools have a great reputation for quality and reliability. Bosch tools are sold through authorized retailers, including Lowes, Home Depot, and Amazon.
Why We Like Bosch Tools
Bosch tools are overall high quality, but they have several popular specialty tools that can make a specific job much easier. These popular tools include their sanders, routers, and measuring-layout tools.
Rental Property Tool FAQ
Where to Buy Tools?
Any of these best tool brands can be purchased in many different ways. The truth about purchasing tools is that they are usually purchased on an as-needed basis. To further complicate this, the necessity to purchase usually arises during the middle of a job. This urgency leads to most tools being purchased at nearby home improvement retailers or local hardware stores. Ideally, tools can be purchased in advance online which allows for price comparison shopping. Alternatively, tools can be purchased in used condition at significant discounts on consumer-to-consumer marketplaces such as Facebook or Craigslist.
Do I Need to Own Tools as a Landlord?
A common question that new landlords ask themselves is “Do I need to have tools to be a landlord?”. The answer mostly depends on what type of rental property you have and what type of landlord you intend to be. If you own and self-manage a single-family rental or even a 4-unit multifamily apartment, then it is probably worthwhile to own a set of basic tools. Performing basic repairs such as tightening some cabinets or installing new door handle can save you some time and money. If you are a commercial landlord with outsourced property management, then there will likely be minimal things you should personally and directly do with tools. Larger properties with many units or commercial properties with tenants who are responsible for maintenance, are best left for professionals to address any issues.
Explore More Rental Property Building Products
Disclosure: RentalRealEstate.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program as well as other affiliate programs, designed to provide a means for us to generate revenue by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites at no extra cost to you.