Makita -vs- Milwaukee

diebog · Apr 17, 2014

So all the contractors where I am from (northern California) all use the 18 volt Makita Lithium Ion. Thats all the stores here sell. I would have to drive to a bigger city to find Milwaukee stuff. But I see so many posts on here about Milwaukee cordless tools. They do look cool and there is a ton of stuff you can get. Same goes with Makita.

So Im wondering why do you guys like the Milwaukee over Makita, or Snap On, IR etc? cost maybe? Maybe the batteries just last longer? More tool options? Color preference? Im just curious as I have never owed Milwaukee cordless tools. Id like to buy some stuff, but wanted some input why one would choose to go with Milwaukee or not. Again, any input is appreciated. Thanks

BFHtime · Apr 18, 2014

I bought the Makita brushless when they first came out so I bought into those with the batteries in such. I have an brushless drill, brushless impact driver, and brushless impact driver with three different settings (don't get an impact driver without the different settings), a jig saw, and bunch of extra batteries that came as bonuses. They charge so quick and the batteries last so long the extra batteries were never even opened. I have three still in the package. I do have a friend that killed one of his battery packs though, but he has maybe eight cordless impacts mostly snap-on.

I wish I had the Milwaukee brand instead, I think they are marginally better, and I am talking a very thin margin (might need a microscope to see it), but the line of tools that they offer is more expansive, versatile, and flexible compared to Makita. Lowe's does not carry Milwaukee, ( I like lowe's better), so I go to home depot for Milwaukee stuff.

Either way though you will get a better quality tool if you buy it from a place that specializes in tools. The big box hardware stores, sell cheap versions of these tools made just for their stores, in my experience. Check the model numbers to be sure. Some models are exclusive to big box hardware stores, like the Walmart black Friday big screen tv,with no Hdmi input. Buyer be ware.

diebog · Apr 18, 2014

BFHtime said:
I bought the Makita brushless when they first came out so I bought into those with the batteries in such. I have an brushless drill, brushless impact driver, and brushless impact driver with three different settings (don't get an impact driver without the different settings), a jig saw, and bunch of extra batteries that came as bonuses. They charge so quick and the batteries last so long the extra batteries were never even opened. I have three still in the package. I do have a friend that killed one of his battery packs though, but he has maybe eight cordless impacts mostly snap-on.

I wish I had the Milwaukee brand instead, I think they are marginally better, and I am talking a very thin margin (might need a microscope to see it), but the line of tools that they offer is more expansive, versatile, and flexible compared to Makita. Lowe's does not carry Milwaukee, ( I like lowe's better), so I go to home depot for Milwaukee stuff.

Either way though you will get a better quality tool if you buy it from a place that specializes in tools. The big box hardware stores, sell cheap versions of these tools made just for their stores, in my experience. Check the model numbers to be sure. Some models are exclusive to big box hardware stores, like the Walmart black Friday big screen tv,with no Hdmi input. Buyer be ware.

Thanks for the input. I have herd about those batteries going bad. Some saftey feature in them. I have some of the older 18 volt ones that arnt brushless. They do ok, nothin special. Hey are you interested in selling all your makita stuff? That is if you wanted to switch to the Milwaukee.

Outlawmws · Apr 19, 2014

Why would you have to drive to get a Milwaukee? Its the internet age. Let your fingers do the walking (Driving)..

yowzer · Apr 19, 2014

I recently handled offerings from both in a store, and liked the feel of Makita tools better. Just more comfortable for me to hold, which is an important factor to consider. Is not just specs on paper that matter.

BlindViper · Apr 19, 2014

Makita LXT is more directed towards general construction. Milwaukee has some of the same tools, but they have some tools for electricians and plumbers. I use Makita I have had my original stuff for 6 or 7 years and have 1 bad battery and 1 starting to go bad. I have used the milwaukee m18 stuff and I found it heavy and a little loud compared to what I use.

bushmechanic · Apr 19, 2014

I don't think they can really be compared.

As noted, Makita focuses on building construction. Their tools are designed specifically to reduce as much strain as possible in that environment, much like Bosch tools.

Milwaukee has a large and varied specialist line of tools, many developed with production and maintenance in mind. Many, many people have a favorite Milwaukee toll for a very specific job.

Also of note is how they are built. Many construction oriented tools are built with a solid drive line in a flexible case. This increases shock resistance, decreases stress on the user. Bosch pioneered this way of building drills.

Ergonomics are focused on reducing wrist strain at the expense of precise alignment.

Production oriented tools are different. They need to be very precise and consistent. As such, their drive lines tend to be mounted piece by piece into a more rigid case, leading to tools like the old hard red Milwaukee drills.

Ergonomics are focused on precise alignment at the expense of wrist strain reduction.

The older "blue" Makitas were a wonderful combination of the two focuses, actually, lending them their incredible popularity in the past.

If you want to build a house, you've a number of options from which to choose.

Panasonic, Bosch, and Makita are common favorites in the construction arena. Though each offers a few specialist tools, this is the category in which the manufacturers belong.

In a shop or small factory, however, it's kind of hard to thumb your nose at Milwaukee.

bushmechanic · Apr 19, 2014

It's also important to consider how they are powered. This is very much like choosing a computer mouse.

Wireless mice work very well for light to medium-heavy tasks. They can be used all the way up to regular photographic development and editing.

When you need to get properly serious, though, be it with a workstation or heavy gaming rig, you need a cord.

There's a reason Milwaukee still maintains a vast corded tool inventory. When a single process happens in a single location all day long for years on end, you can't be screwing around with cordless tools.

Ign · Apr 19, 2014

I agree Makita is more "carpentry" based. I'm not a carpenter so I find Milwaukee's more diverse selection of tools preferable.

There's no where around me to buy "real" tools, and HD doesn't count. Even if HD has it I'm not willing to pay their premium over online pricing. I mail order virtually everything.

Rummel · Apr 19, 2014

I worked at a welding company for a while and all they had was Milwaukee impacts and drills. Whenever a battery would die someone would yell "Dead man Walking!" long story short, we heard it a lot, batteries charge didn't last long at all.

I personally own Makita 18v Li-ION impact and hammer drill, I love them they always work, the batteries can go almost 3 full days of CONSTANT work without charge. Also with the rapid charger they will go from dead to fully charged in 30 minutes!

Jwych · Apr 19, 2014

I'm big into milwaukee, they make a fine product. even through beatings. I bought the fuel brushless set after using the standard m18 at work for a year or so. We drilled over 100 wholes through 1/4 in stainless on 1 maybe 1- 1 1/3 battery's every day 5 days a week for a year. Thats a minimum of 26,000 holes! I did not count saturday work. I believe we had to have 1 chuck replaced but I'm pretty sure that was because of people not tightening the chuck down to the bit properly. We dropped that drill off 10 ft ladders, off 5 foot ledges on the machines we worked on atleast once a week and it just keeps on ticking! Take it for what its worth from a random guy on the Internet but they are definitely worth looking at..... Tough tough tools. Also by the XC battery ones not the plain Jane m18!

Jwych · Apr 19, 2014

Ign said:
I agree Makita is more "carpentry" based. I'm not a carpenter so I find Milwaukee's more diverse selection of tools preferable.

There's no where around me to buy "real" tools, and HD doesn't count. Even if HD has it I'm not willing to pay their premium over online pricing. I mail order virtually everything.

From whete I am HD was even money as far as Internet pricing vs their price!

Filson · Apr 19, 2014

When I got hired on at a shop where we built off-road firetrucks for the military/government, the vast majority had Makita. I was a shop hand, but also ran to the store to get ****, and whenever I was going to buy something, if they didn't have it in stock, and I asked about Milwuakee or something else, they would just say "No, try XYZ store down the road". They've had a number of Milwuakee stuff burn out on them, mostly corded stuff that would be taken to a local shop for repairs. Anyway, they were pretty hell-bent on Makita only, which, for me still not knowing much at the time, I went with a 18v Li-Ion Makita Hammer Driver/Drill and Impact combo, and to this day, I absolutely love it. Batteries charge in about 30 minutes, last a long time, has tons of torque, is very comfortable (for me) to use. I would immediately look to buy the exact model if I were to ever break one of these some how.

Having said that - I've never owned a Milwuakee, so I can't make a true comparison for myself. I just know I've been damn happy and impressed with Makita.

si_jeff · Apr 19, 2014

I agree. All I see at work in NYC (manhattan) construction sites are Hilti, Bosch and Makita. I think you can't go wrong with any of the big brand tools, it's personal preference for most tradesman.

GortonsFisherman · Apr 19, 2014

si_jeff said:
...it's personal preference for most tradesman.

That's really all you're going to get by asking in a forum, personal preference. Some guys are cheap. Some guys like to overpay, so they can then ***** about having done so. Some guys just want to be a part of a particular club. Some guys don't know what they're talking about. Some guys just prefer the color red, or yellow, or whatever. For some guys, the answer is "Snap-On", not matter what the question is. Lol. Etc.

rancherbill · Apr 19, 2014

Makita is HUGE world class company, their products can be bought on all the continents of the world. You will find them every where the pros shop and also the DIY.

Milwaukee is a US name owned by an off shore company that is popular in the US, less so in Canada. You don't see them that often where the pros shop.

Dewalt is used by pros and DIY.

YMMV.

RCStocker · Apr 19, 2014

Milwaukee and Bosch are the two best cordless brands bar none. Others work well but even the repair places will tell you they are the best. That has been my experience.
I have tried 20 brands in the construction business and the M and B tools hold up much better and run much smoother.

Just my three cents worth. A penny for Obama inflation.
Buy on the internet. I buy so much stuff I pay for Amazon Prime and I get free shipping on almost everything and better prices than any hardware or box store. I seldom go in a store. I just ordered screws, nuts and bolts for a new fence I am installing. It was cheaper than Home Depot and much better quality.

I love the internet. My truck gets to rest and is very happy eating less.

bushmechanic · Apr 19, 2014

RCStocker said:
Milwaukee and Bosch are the two best cordless brands bar none. Others work well but even the repair places will tell you they are the best. That has been my experience.
I have tried 20 brands in the construction business and the M and B tools hold up much better and run much smoother.

Get your paws on a Panasonic when you can. They are very hard to find in the US, and very expensive, but damn is it ever worth a try.

They make the entire tool; even the battery.

It's great seeing Made in Japan on the bottom of a power tool these days, instead of Made in China.

Everything Panasonic touches seems to be made of gold, from televisions to microwaves. They don't screw around.

diebog · Apr 19, 2014

Wow! Thanks guys for all that input. Allot of good point made there.

As far as finding places to buy, I agree the internet is the way to buy. Its just sometimes I like to see it in real life and feel how the tool sits in my hands etc. Its real hard to judge weigh and how centered the tools is or if its going to rub somewhere and end up with a nice blister at the end of the day. I know most places have a 15 or 30 day money back deal, but your usually out the shipping costs.

diebog · Apr 19, 2014

bushmechanic said:
Get your paws on a Panasonic when you can. They are very hard to find in the US, and very expensive, but damn is it ever worth a try.

They make the entire tool; even the battery.

It's great seeing Made in Japan on the bottom of a power tool these days, instead of Made in China.

Everything Panasonic touches seems to be made of gold, from televisions to microwaves. They don't screw around.

Panasonic makes cordless tools? Ive never seen or even herd of that till it was mentioned earlier in this thread. I always thought they just made tv's and VCR's. Thats interesting. Ill do some searching to see what they look like.

JonnyMac · Apr 19, 2014

My makita batteries tend to die after about 18months. But at the moment the 3ah batteries are around $80 delivered free so they are somewhat disposable.
I find the common tools like drill drivers are cheaper in makita but specialist tools are more expensive (than Milwaukee).
Take the band saw for example, from memory the makita is about $100 more than the Milwaukee.
Ive used and like both, I really just believe it comes down to what's more convenient for you and whether you like the feel of one over the other.

bushmechanic · Apr 19, 2014

diebog said:
Panasonic makes cordless tools? Ive never seen or even herd of that till it was mentioned earlier in this thread. I always thought they just made tv's and VCR's. Thats interesting. Ill do some searching to see what they look like.

http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/ac-vent-fans-and-tools-cordless-tools

Enjoy. :drool:

Edit: Oh, did I mention they weren't cheap? LOL

Makita -vs- Milwaukee

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