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Makita was founded in 1915 in Nagoya, Japan, originally as an electric motor sales and repair company. They produced their first power tool — a portable electric planer — in 1958, and have been a dominant force in professional power tools ever since. Makita is known for engineering reliability and extensive battery platform compatibility, with over 350 tools running on their 18V LXT system alone. Their teal-coloured tools are instantly recognisable on job sites worldwide. Makita operates manufacturing facilities across multiple continents, including plants in the UK, China, USA, and Japan. They’re particularly strong in woodworking tools, rotary hammers, and cordless technology. Among UK tradespeople, Makita has a reputation for durability and longevity — many sparks and chippies run Makita gear for a decade or more without complaint.
Established 1915 in Nagoya, Japan. Started as an electric motor sales and repair company before producing their first power tool — a portable electric planer — in 1958.
That distinctive teal (officially “Makita Blue”) has been the brand colour since the 1970s. Instantly recognisable on any job site worldwide.
Based in Anjo, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Manufacturing facilities worldwide including UK, USA, China, Romania, and Brazil. Employs over 19,000 people globally.
Makita UK operates from Milton Keynes with dedicated trade support. Widely stocked at Screwfix, Toolstation, and independent trade suppliers across the country.
The 18V LXT system launched in 2005 and now powers over 350 tools. Twin 18V (36V) tools extend the platform into heavier applications without needing separate batteries.
Reliability and longevity. Makita tools regularly survive 10+ years of trade use. Particularly strong in cordless technology, woodworking tools, and rotary hammers.
Established 1923 in Pennsylvania, USA, when Raymond DeWalt invented the radial arm saw. Now owned by Stanley Black & Decker since their 2010 merger.
The XR 18V system competes directly with Makita LXT. FlexVolt technology allows 54V output from backwards-compatible batteries for demanding applications.
Officially based in Towson, Maryland, USA. Part of Stanley Black & Decker’s global operation with manufacturing and distribution across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Yellow and black livery dates back decades and signals professional-grade equipment — deliberately distinct from parent company Black & Decker’s consumer orange.
DeWalt traces its roots to 1923 Pennsylvania, USA, when Raymond DeWalt invented the radial arm saw. The brand changed hands several times before being acquired by Black & Decker in 1960, and is now part of Stanley Black & Decker — one of the world’s largest tool conglomerates. DeWalt positions itself firmly in the professional and industrial market, distinguishing itself from Black & Decker’s consumer focus. Their distinctive yellow-and-black tools are ubiquitous on construction sites globally. The XR cordless platform competes directly with Makita’s LXT system, offering over 250 tools on 18V/54V FlexVolt batteries. DeWalt has a strong presence in the UK through trade suppliers like Screwfix and Toolstation. They’re particularly well-regarded for their construction-focused tools — SDS drills, circular saws, and site radios — and aggressive trade pricing.
Milwaukee Tool was founded in 1924 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and built its early reputation on heavy-duty hole-shooters for the construction industry. Now owned by Techtronic Industries (TTI) — a Hong Kong-based conglomerate that also owns Ryobi — Milwaukee has repositioned itself as the premium professional brand in the power tool market. Their M18 FUEL range is widely considered the most powerful cordless platform available, particularly for demanding applications like pipe cutting, concrete drilling, and high-torque fastening. Milwaukee’s red-and-black branding is increasingly common on UK sites, especially among mechanical and electrical contractors. They’ve invested heavily in trade-specific solutions: purpose-built tools for electricians, plumbers, and HVAC engineers rather than generic multi-trade equipment. Premium pricing reflects their positioning, but build quality and performance typically justify the cost for professionals.
Established 1924 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Built early reputation on heavy-duty “hole-shooters” for construction and industrial applications. Now owned by Techtronic Industries.
Red and black branding positions Milwaukee as the premium professional choice. Increasingly visible on UK sites, especially among M&E contractors.
Officially based in Brookfield, Wisconsin, USA. Parent company Techtronic Industries (TTI) is headquartered in Hong Kong and also owns Ryobi.
Growing rapidly through specialist distributors and online retailers. Less ubiquitous than Makita or DeWalt at high-street trade counters but availability improving steadily.
M18 FUEL is widely considered the most powerful 18V cordless platform available. M12 compact system offers lighter options. Both known for class-leading torque and runtime.
Maximum power and trade-specific innovation. Purpose-built tools for electricians, plumbers, and HVAC engineers rather than generic multi-trade equipment. Premium pricing reflects positioning.
Established 1886 in Stuttgart, Germany by Robert Bosch as a precision mechanics and electrical engineering workshop. Power tools division launched much later.
18V Professional system offers solid compatibility across the range. Smaller ecosystem than Makita or DeWalt but covers core trade requirements. ProCORE batteries offer enhanced performance.
Based in Gerlingen, near Stuttgart, Germany. Bosch is a global engineering conglomerate spanning automotive, industrial, consumer goods, and power tools divisions.
Bosch Blue denotes Professional (trade) tools. Bosch Green is the DIY range. Important distinction — they’re completely different quality levels despite sharing the Bosch name.
Bosch was founded in Stuttgart, Germany in 1886 by Robert Bosch as a workshop for precision mechanics and electrical engineering. Today, Bosch is a global engineering giant spanning automotive technology, industrial equipment, consumer goods, and power tools. Their power tool division operates two distinct lines: Bosch Blue (Professional) for trade use and Bosch Green for DIY consumers — a distinction that causes occasional confusion among buyers. The Professional range competes directly with Makita and DeWalt on quality and capability, while typically offering competitive pricing. Bosch has particular strength in measurement and detection tools (laser levels, detectors, range finders), SDS drilling technology, and dust extraction systems. German engineering heritage gives the brand credibility, and their tools are widely available through UK trade outlets. The 18V Professional system offers solid platform compatibility, though with fewer tools than Makita or DeWalt’s ecosystems.
