Veteran-built.
Why it matters who owns a brand
Knowing the parent company helps with three real buying decisions: which batteries fit, which store carries the brand, and how much the "cheap" brand really shares with the pro brand. It doesn't tell you that two tools are the same. Sister brands are usually designed, built and warrantied separately.
Battery platforms don't cross, even between sister brands
This is the most common mistake we see. Milwaukee, Ryobi and RIDGID are all Techtronic Industries (TTI) brands, but their batteries don't fit each other's tools. The same goes for DeWalt and Craftsman under Stanley Black & Decker. Each brand keeps its own battery shape and electronics.
| Parent | Brands | Shared battery? |
|---|---|---|
| TTI | Milwaukee M18, Ryobi ONE+, RIDGID 18V | No; each has its own packs |
| Stanley Black & Decker | DeWalt 20V MAX, Craftsman V20 | No; separate packs |
| Makita | Makita 18V LXT, 40V XGT | LXT and XGT are separate systems from the same brand |
| Chervon | EGO, Flex, Skil | No; separate packs |
Battery adapters exist, but most brands say they can void the warranty. We don't recommend them for high-draw tools.
Store exclusives
| Brand | Where it's sold | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ryobi | Home Depot | Licensed name, made by TTI |
| RIDGID power tools | Home Depot | Licensed name from Emerson's RIDGID; made by TTI |
| Husky | Home Depot | Home Depot house brand |
| Kobalt | Lowe's | Lowe's house brand; widely reported to be made by Chervon (24V line) |
| Craftsman | Lowe's and others | Stanley Black & Decker |
| Hart | Walmart | TTI |
| Bauer, Hercules, Icon | Harbor Freight | Harbor Freight brands |
Store exclusives decide which deals you'll see. Kobalt promos happen at Lowe's, and RIDGID and Ryobi promos happen at Home Depot. See the store guide.
Common myths
- "Ryobi is just cheap Milwaukee." Same parent company, but different designs, different batteries and different warranties.
- "Kobalt is rebranded EGO." Both are tied to Chervon, but they're separate product lines with separate batteries.
- "RIDGID power tools are made by the pipe-wrench company." The RIDGID name is licensed. The power tools are made by TTI and sold at Home Depot. RIDGID pipe tools are a different business.
Safety note
Use the charger made for your pack. A charger from a sister brand won't fit, and a forced fit or a cheap off-brand charger can damage the pack.
FAQ
Does Milwaukee make Ryobi?
Both are owned by Techtronic Industries (TTI), but they're separate brands with separate batteries.
Who owns DeWalt?
Stanley Black & Decker, which also owns Craftsman, Stanley, Black+Decker, Porter-Cable, Bostitch, Irwin and Lenox.
Is Makita owned by another company?
No. Makita is an independent Japanese company.
Who makes Kobalt tools?
Kobalt is Lowe's brand. Its cordless line is widely reported to be made by Chervon, the company behind EGO, Flex and Skil.
Sources
- Techtronic Industries, brands: https://www.ttigroup.com/brands
- Stanley Black & Decker, brands: https://www.stanleyblackanddecker.com/ (blocks automated link checks)
- Chervon, brands: https://www.chervongroup.com/
- Makita Corporation: https://www.makita.biz/
Ownership as widely reported in 2026. Acquisitions and licenses change, so check the parent company's site for the latest.