Tools of the Trade: Which Power Tool Brand is Perfect for Touring?

When it comes to power tools, every roadie has their favorite. Whether you're a seasoned set carpenter or just starting out as a roadie, having the right tools can make or break your load in. But there are lots of factors to consider when picking the brand of power tools you're going to stick with. You have to consider things like price and also all the situations you're going to require these tools in. Sometimes most expensive is not best.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the top power tool brands, what makes them great, and where they might fall short for touring life.

DeWalt:

Positives:

• Extensive range of tools
• High durability and long-lasting
• Excellent battery life
• Widely available in stores and online
• Easy to spot

Negatives:

• Can be more expensive than others
• Some tools are heavey
• Less power then expensive options

DeWalt’s a great choice if you’re looking for tools that can handle just about anything. They’ve been a go-to in the industry for years, and for good reason. These things are built tough – they can take a real beating and keep going, whether you’re in the middle of a festival site or working a big arena show.

One of the standout things about DeWalt is their range. Whatever job you’re tackling, chances are they’ve got the tool for it. And let’s not forget their signature yellow and black design – it’s handy when you’re trying to spot your gear in the middle of a busy stage.

The only downside? They’re not cheap. If you lose one, it’s going to hurt. But honestly, with the quality you’re getting – strong battery life, great performance, and durability – they’re worth the investment. DeWalt tools are built to keep up with the demands of the job, and they won’t let you down.

Makita:

Positives:

• Lightweight designs
• Exceptional cordless tool range
• Wide range of accessories
• Reliable performance
• Long battery life

Negatives:

• Pricier option
• Batteries & chargers sold separately
• Less power then expensive options

Makita is one of those brands that’s earned its reputation for a reason. People who swear by Makita will tell you they’re reliable, versatile, and don’t try to overcomplicate things. They just get the job done, which is exactly what you want when you’re dealing with the chaos of touring.

Their cordless range is especially worth shouting about—quick-charging batteries, lightweight designs, and plenty of power. If you’re after tools that are easy to handle and don’t weigh you down, Makita is definitely a solid choice.

But is it the best option for life on the road? Sure, they’re reliable and powerful, and they’ll get you through most challenges without breaking a sweat. The downside? That hefty price tag. On tour, you’ll spend just as much time keeping an eye on your gear as you will using it, and with Makita’s reputation and cost, they’re prime targets for sticky fingers. It’s something to think about when you’re weighing up the pros and cons.

Milwaukee:

Positives:

• Strong battery technology
• Built tough for heavy-duty tasks
• Solid warranties & customer service
• Great tool selection for specialising

Negatives:

• Some tools can be a bit bulky
• Higher price tag
• Less power then expensive options

If power and innovation are what you’re after, Milwaukee is definitely worth considering. Their cordless systems are great and built to handle just about anything you throw at them. These tools are designed for tough jobs, and they deliver without hesitation.

One thing that stands out with Milwaukee is their focus on professionals. They’ve got specialty tools that cater to specific tasks, so if you’re dealing with something tricky, there’s a good chance Milwaukee has a solution for it. They’re not messing around, and if you’re after rugged dependability, they’re worth the investment.

But like any premium brand, touring comes with its risks. Milwaukee’s strong reputation and higher price tag mean you’ll spend a lot of time keeping an eye on your tools. Things go missing on tour, and it’s always the expensive gear that catches people’s attention. That said, Milwaukee tools are worth every penny—they’ll power through jobs with ease and can make those hectic load-ins and load-outs just that bit smoother.

It’s a brand built for professionals, no doubt about it. There’s always that ongoing debate between Makita and Milwaukee, though. From what I’ve seen, Makita tends to be the go-to for the older tradies, while Milwaukee has a strong following among the younger crowd. Either way, both brands seem ideal for professionals.

Bosch:

Positives:

• Reliable and durable
• Excellent precision for woodworking
• Broad selection of accessories
• Affordable entry-level tools

Negatives:

• Cordless range isn’t as extensive as others
• Might struggle with heavy-duty work
• Might struggle week kitty workload

Bosch tools are versatile and dependable, making them a solid choice for all kinds of tasks—from woodworking to metalworking. They’re a great option if you’re after precision, and they tend to appeal to both hobbyists and those just starting out.

But here’s the thing: are Bosch tools really built for the demands of touring? Let’s be honest, being thrown in and out of flight cases and pushed to their limits isn’t exactly what these tools are designed for. Even Bosch would probably admit they’re geared more toward the domestic market than the hard-hitting, fast-paced world of touring.

Their lower price tag does make it less painful if something goes missing, but that also comes with drawbacks. Using budget tools on a professional gig can make you look like you’re cutting corners. Sure, they’re fine when you’re starting out, but in the long run, most people in the industry expect you to invest in a more robust, durable toolset.

And the argument of using cheap tools because you don’t mind if they get stolen? That doesn’t hold much water in the touring world. At the end of the day, if you want to be taken seriously, you’ve got to kit yourself out with gear that’s up to the job. Bosch is great for what it is, but for life on the road, you might want to aim higher.

Other similar brands:

Titan:

Titan drills, like many budget-friendly brands, are designed primarily for domestic and occasional use rather than the rigors of professional touring. While their affordability might be tempting, they often lack the endurance and power needed to handle the demanding and unpredictable lifestyle of a tour.

Black & Decker:

Black & Decker tools, much like Titan, are better suited for domestic or light-duty projects rather than the demands of touring life. Black & Decker products might handle small, occasional tasks well, but they’re unlikely to keep up with the endurance and reliability needed for professional touring work.

Ryobi:

Ryobi tools are a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts and light-duty tasks, thanks to their affordability and wide range of products. However, they’re not designed for the rigors of professional touring. While they might hold up for occasional use, their durability and power often fall short for the constant demands of life on the road.

But let's continue…

Festool:

Positives:

• Unmatched precision and attention to detail.
• Innovative dust extraction systems built into their tools.
• Durable and designed to last.
• Excellent warranty and customer support.

Negatives:

• The price tag is steep, so it’s more of an investment than an impulse buy.
• Best suited for woodworking, which limits versatility for other trades

Festool is top-tier when it comes to woodworking and precision work. Their tools are engineered to deliver exceptional performance, making complex tasks feel straightforward. If you're after high-quality, professional-grade equipment and don't mind the investment, Festool is hard to beat.

That said, Festool’s price tag does raise the question: is it worth it for touring life? For most roadies, especially set carpenters, the level of precision Festool offers might simply be overkill. The reality is, tools on tour need to be tough, reliable, and ready to handle a bit of rough treatment—not necessarily delicate or overly specialized.

Interestingly, there’s one Festool product that seems to break through brand loyalties: the plunge saw. Regardless of what other brands people use, this tool is often the one Festool purchase most set carpenters make. And for good reason—it delivers perfect precision every time, doing exactly what you need it to do.

While Festool might not make sense for a full touring toolkit, their plunge saw is definitely worth considering for those key moments when accuracy truly matters.

Choosing the right tools is about balancing your budget, needs, and keeping track of your gear. Investing in reliable brands like DeWalt or Milwaukee from the start saves money and hassle in the long run. Cheaper tools might work short-term, but professional-grade options are built to last and grow with your career. I hope this block has been insightful and have a great tour.

Thanks for reading.

Disclaimer: This blog post includes brand mentions and recommendations based on independent reviews and personal experience. I have no affiliation, partnership, or connection with the companies or brands mentioned, nor have I received any compensation or communication from them. The content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered an endorsement or guarantee of a product’s performance, safety, or suitability. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and use discretion when making decisions. I am not responsible for any issues, damages, or disputes arising from the use of the mentioned products or services.