Good reply. You elaborated points that I wouldn't have thought of.I have both Milwaukee and Dewalt. The Dewalt has never seemed underpowered vs the comparable Milwaukee. In some cases Dewalt is more powerful, but I’m hesitant to declare that, since they’re both continually releasing new product that is better than the last version.
They also both offer tools of tiered quality. For example, the non Fuel Milwaukee is weak, and the XR Dewalt and Fuel Milwaukee are comparable. The Black Friday / Fathers Day deals often promote weak, entry level tools from both brands.
I generally prefer the ergonomics of the Dewalt.
As has been stated…this is not a universal truthBoth are good. But M18 has the edge for raw power and speed.
There are also entry level M18 tools from Milwaukee, so you can’t go solely by voltage.Milwaukee also has a pro grade line of tools…..M18 fuel. Is this what you are comparing to or are you comparing to M12?
If you are comparing to M18 fuel, not much out there will compare. Even dewalt atomic would have a hard time competing with M18 fuel.
If you are talking about M12, then any dewalt should be comparable. M12 is entry level.
That’s why I cringe whenever I read the “Buy once- Cry once” credo. It rarely pays off to hold out for “the best”, in someone else’s eyes, when entering a field where technology is changing.That's an excellent kit to start. I have all DeWalt stuff because a friend can get it at significant discount. Modern cordless tools are remarkable compared to even 10 years ago and most will beat the "best" contractor from back then.
For some good info, check out Torque Test Channel https://www.mcmaster.com/2752T16/
M18…..M18 FUEL.There are also entry level M18 tools from Milwaukee, so you can’t go solely by voltage.
A Quick Look at the current Home Depot flyer shows deals on M18 brushless tools, but they aren’t the Fuel version, but rather simply brushless. These would be considered more homeowner level M18 tools, built and spec’d to a price point, rather than Premium Fuel tools.
Dewalt tools in the flyer follow the same pattern. The 20v tools being promoted, while brushless (I believe), aren’t the Premium XR versions .
Same with batteries. Both brands offer a couple of grades of batteries at different price points.
I mostly buy the Compact Atomic and XR series Dewalt, and M18 Fuel Milwaukee when adding tools, but also buy other brands, knowing they likely may not be equivalent, although they, so far, have done the job I bought them for. I haven’t yet been disappointed with any of my cordless tool purchases, regardless of brand. I currently have eight active battery platforms, and, from memory, have phased out four more over the last forty years.
Didn’t say you didn’t specify Fuel.M18…..M18 FUEL.
Not the same and I specified FUEL.
Hmmm, if the product says fuel, then it’s fuel. If it does not, then it’s not M18 Fuel. Saying fuel on it and the hefty price tag of the fuel should give it away pretty easily.Didn’t say you didn’t specify Fuel.
The difference isn’t obvious to everyone, and certainly isn’t pointed out in the HD ads.
A knowledgeable consumer of tools would see the difference, but I bet the vast majority wouldn’t, as made clear by some of the posts by newbies on this site.
Some folks don’t know the difference between a ball peen hammer and an and a framing hammer. That doesn’t make them inferior to me or you.Hmmm, if the product says fuel, then it’s fuel. If it does not, then it’s not M18 Fuel. Saying fuel on it and the hefty price tag of the fuel should give it away pretty easily.
I guess some folks may not catch those details.
Ok, but I think you might be underestimating peoples ability to detect wether or not the box and product say M18 FUEL on it. And, folks might also detect that fuel is twice the money. That might be hard to miss.Some folks don’t know the difference between a ball peen hammer and an and a framing hammer. That doesn’t make them inferior to me or you.
Sir, you have no idea how amazingly stupid the average American is. The only positive I can say about the ever increasing decline of human intelligence is that is excellent job security for myself and other first responders.Ok, but I think you might be underestimating peoples ability to detect wether or not the box and product say M18 FUEL on it. And, folks might also detect that fuel is twice the money. That might be hard to miss.
All the mechanic type tools are m12 so I dont think thats a fair statement. Also not all m12 tools are made in the 18v line and vise versa. The m12 tools are smaller for different applications its not a quality difference.If you are talking about M12, then any dewalt should be comparable. M12 is entry level.
I don’t think that’s true.Dewalt stuff is fine, it's just not king of the hill anymore. For many years it was, starting in the late 90s (my estimate) and into the 2010s, it was the top dog and nothing really came close. Their problem is they didn't put any effort into their batteries, Milwaukee started creeping in with some very compelling battery tech for the time, matched or exceeded Dewalt's build quality and vast tool lineup, all the while Dewalt just kind of sat back and let them do it without a real attempt to compete. Once Milwaukee started to tip the scales, their marketing prowess was the final nail in the coffin (not really, DW is still wildly successful, just not the top choice of most trades). Fascinating story really. Milwaukee just kind of bullied their way into the game and never looked back.
I don’t think that’s true.
Dewalt was first to introduce the pouch battery technology with the Powerstack a couple of years ago. I might be wrong, but I don’t think Milwaukee is there yet. The pouch technology yields more useable power out of a compact package.
Pretty sure Milwaukee was the first to abandon stem type NiCad batteries and go to modern lithium sliders while Dewalt held on for several years. On the other hand in the 12 volt line, Milwaukee is still clinging on to the old stem packaging.
You’re exaggerating. Milwaukee rolled out the M18 line in 2005.You're correct, Dewalt came out with their Powerstack batteries, but that was after sitting on their hands and letting Milwaukee kick their *** and steal a good deal of marketshare over the course of 15+ years. It was too late....on every job site I see 10 M12/18 batteries for every 1 Powerstack battery.
I would say at this point you are strongly in the DeWalt camp.