For carpentry tools Stanley is tops their ''fat max'' line are the epitome of excellence ,Estwing hammers are solid steel with a cushion grip ,the vibration they create will cause tennis elbow in no time not many carpenters use them.  The stanley fat max hammer has a hatchet type handle of solid hickory and a magnetic nail set in the head for one hand use.The fat max tape has a sturdy inch and a quarter blade ,hell all their tools are the best.  If you get into framing buy a bostich nail gun,they last forever,as for power tools de-walt is tops ,if you need a table or a radial arm saw go with delta.