So what is that supposed to mean it's not a 5 year warranty? Is it only 4 years 364 days? 1 year? 90 days? I have had some tools warrantied and even batteries by Milwaukee with no problem, they were not at the 5 year mark yet but no issues other than some times it takes a little longer to get them back then others.
[/url]
As a prospective buyer, all I can judge their warranty by it what it states on their web site:
" Subject to certain exceptions, MILWAUKEE will repair or replace any part on an electric power tool which, after examination, is determined by MILWAUKEE
to be defective in material or workmanship for a period of five (5) years* after the date of purchase unless otherwise noted. Return of the power tool to a MILWAUKEE factoryService Center location or MILWAUKEE Authorized Service Station, freight prepaid and insured, is required. A copy of the proof of purchase should be included with the return product. This warranty does not apply to damage that MILWAUKEE determines to be from repairs made or attempted by anyone other than MILWAUKEE authorized personnel, misuse, alterations, abuse, normal wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or accidents."
It appears there are slight differences depending on the type of tool..but all seem to state the same thing. I use my tools a lot...right out of the box. If there is any "defective in material or workmanship", it's probably going to show up long before a stores date of return policy expires, if not within the first few days.
Maybe you're privy to special attention that others wouldn't be. Unfortunately, I can't put my faith in your testimonial 3-4 yrs down the line in hopes that they would fix a tool that craps out.
I'll judge the tools I buy based on my personal experience in actually using them and what others who have used them under the SAME conditions have to say. If a 5 year warranty claim makes folks feel good about a certain brand..that's cool. But without digging into the actual details of what exactly is covered..IMO it's pretty meaningless.
Just judging by what I have personally come across, it seems that the chosen trade of the person using the tool around seems to be the difference in choosing Milwaukee or Makita. I see most general contractors, electricians, plumbers etc. using Makita. Milwaukee and Snap-On are used almost exclusively by automotive techs and DIY'ers. I'm a technician for a Toyota/Lexus dealer and couldn't imagine using Makita over Milwaukee simply because of the range of tools that are useful for my specific line of work. Numerous impacts with anvils (1/4", 3/8", and 1/2") rather than 1/4" hex chucks, cordless ratchets, lights, and small yet powerful drills. I own and have used LOTS of Makita tools and they are worth every penny, and so are Milwaukee.
Think about the number of tools made by both companies that are used and abused every day VS. the number of people on here who discuss them and lean one way or the other when it comes to brand preference. Both brands have been proven time and time again and you seriously can't go wrong with either one. You can get them cheaply enough these days that if you aren't satisfied with whichever one you decide to go with, you can simply resell it for a minimal loss and go a different route. Just pick one and get to work, LOL!
Wow....what a well expressed, unbiased post in regards to a variant of the old "Ford - Chevy" debate. Who let you in here..
