Brushless cordless tools - Makita or DeWalt?

[dward51]

Ok, I have a couple of Makita 18v LXT line tools and 3 batteries. I'm seriously thinking about adding some more cordless/brushless tools to my arsenal. Makita batteries are more expensive than DeWalt, but I've owned my Makita's for years and not had one issue and only one battery failure (aged out I guess).

So do I stick with Makita and build on what I have or go ahead and start building a new platform of the DeWalt XR brushless? Pros and cons of each would be helpful.

Not for commercial or contractor use, but I usually buy pro-sumer level stuff for the shop. I can move the Makita's to the garage and set up the DeWalts in the basement shop if I go that route. Or if I buy a Makita kit to add to, the duplicate (non-brushless) will move to the garage, etc...

I'm wanting to add the 6 1/2" circular saw, jigsaw, reciprocating saw, sander, osculating multi-tool, compact router, and a 18/20v blower (to clean the garage and deck with). If I switch to DeWalt, also will be adding a drill and impact driver of course.

 

[yamaha0343]

Both brands make fine tools. I like Dewalt, but you’re invested in Makita and have had positive experiences. Why switch?

 

[Rabid Badger]

You can pick up Makita 5Ah batteries for $105/pair all day long on eBay. Genuine Makita batteries, not knock-offs.

 

[anndel]

Makita batteries are expensive but worth it. If you're happy with Makita then stick with them. I have 15 year old 18V LXT tools that still work today.

 

[nadogail]

Dewalt made thier name with the Radial Arm Saw.

Makita made their name with Cordless Tools.

 

[seber]

Dewalt made thier name with the Radial Arm Saw.

Makita made their name with Cordless Tools.

The Dewalt that sold radial arm saws sold to Black and Decker in 92. Makita was selling corded tools for decades before cordless came along.

 

[dward51]

Ok, seems like Makita gets most of the votes. Thanks

 

[engineer2]

6 1/2" circular saw: have it and love it. I'm selling my SkilSaw.
jigsaw: a sweet saw with good trigger control and easy blade change.
reciprocating saw: get the new brushless version with the soft start. For homeowner use 18V is fine. For commercial use, the 36V makes sense.
sander: A quarter sheet sander is missing from their lineup. They only have a round one.
18/20v blower: check out the 36 V blower.

 

[Bacon!]

Dewalt made thier name with the Radial Arm Saw.

Makita made their name with Cordless Tools.

?? What does that matter today? Dewalt has been competitive in the cordless tool market for 20 years, though a smaller tool variety at the start. Granted, don't buy their $100 consumer grade drill and expect it to perform as well as their more expensive contractor grade gear, but they aren't the only one making lower tier products to compete at those entry level price points.

The two best bets are watching youtube videos of the specific tools you want, and checking them out at a local hardware store. Personally, I wouldn't switch brands, as long as the 18V Makitas you own, still have current generation, OEM battery support.

 

[Rinspeed]

I prefer Milwaukee to either of them.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Balck&Decker switched over to using the DeWalt name for their industrial grade tool line. Which wasn't as good as the old Milwaukee or the old Porter Cable lines, but a good deal better than Makita. The plastic in the cases went from grey black to yellow. But that is history.

 

[liliysdad]

I chose DeWalt simply because that is the prevailing brand among contractors locally. As such, I can typically get very good deals in the local pawn shops.

 

[Lassen Forge]

I like DeWalt, but nothing wrong with Makita. Juat make sure whichever you go with has the tools you're likely to use.

 

[poppakap]

Are any makita cordless still made in Japan?

 

[Voi]

I'm wanting to add the 6 1/2" circular saw, jigsaw, reciprocating saw, sander, osculating multi-tool, compact router, and a 18/20v blower (to clean the garage and deck with). If I switch to DeWalt, also will be adding a drill and impact driver of course.

With the above desired tools I'm not sure which to suggest. I own Makita and have used a few of the Dewalt tools on your list.

Of the tools I've used from both brands I'd say the biggest winner would be the Makita blower vs the Dewalt. If you didn't mind stepping up to Flexvolt I'm sure that would be competitive with the Makita.

I do like the Dewalt oscillating tool better but not enough to be disappointed in my Makita.

The circular saws are a toss up.

If you want a full sized reciprocating saw I'd say it's a toss up. If you want a compact then Dewalt would win for me on ergonomics alone.

No idea about sanders and routers.

I didn't care for the Dewalt jigsaw. I don't recall which one it was other than it was 20V. Haven't used any of Makita's offerings or any other cordless jigsaw for that matter.

 

[Farmall450]

Both brands make fine tools. I like Dewalt, but you’re invested in Makita and have had positive experiences. Why switch?

Agreed. Only reason I can see is that DeWalt is way more accessible and has better sales.

I do quite like my 20v Trim router; I actually didn't know Makita was offering one now.

 

[engineer2]

Are any makita cordless still made in Japan?

I guess it depends on the product according to this site:
https://www.productfrom.com/products/0/Makita/0/1/

 

[ive]

Are any makita cordless still made in Japan?

Yes. I’ve noticed some high end stuff is still made in Japan. Also, I’ve been reading that the Japanese government is subsidizing manufacturing moves from China back to Japan to stimulate the Japanese economy.

 

[Shed of tools]

Another vote for makita I think they are the most durable out there.

 

[American Locomotive]

I have Makita, and like them. But, if you already have LXT tools, it doesn't make sense to switch. Just stick with it.

 

[tarbellb]

Makita>Dewalt

plus the coffee maker!

 

[jollygreengiant]

I'd say if you have Makita now then to stick with it. From what I've seen there is such a small difference between the big brands that it doesn't justify the cost to replace what you have already.

That being said, my lineup is Makita and never had an issue with them. Granted I'm not using them everyday for my job, just homeowner/diy level but they are very good quality.

My first cordless drill is probably getting close to 15 years old and still have the original batteries. My most used are the impact driver, bluetooth speaker, and LED worklight. That's actually one complaint I have with Makita; I can only move my phone about 5' away from the speaker before it starts cutting out. I have the DJR188 compact recip saw and it's great for getting into tight spaces. It's not really meant for large material but I recently made two cuts through a 10x16" old growth timber and it got the job done. No doubt a bigger saw could have done it faster but you make do with what you have.

Also keep an eye on Makita's new 40v lineup coming out. I'm hoping they make the tools backwards compatable with the 18V batteries.

 

[Ainsley]

If you need batteries I'd suggest looking for promos rather than just buying them outright. Only time i've purchased just batts is when they were clearing out the 4Ah at depot for like $80 a pair a few years back. Otherwise I always wait for the promos...
All my cordless stuff is Makita, prob 15ish tools and 12 batts now.