Dewalt vs Milwaukee in general

[kossuth]

I have an older Dewalt 18V drill. I'll call it the classic NiCad style batteries that interchange with about 90% of just about everything they make. Wasn't really happy with it when I bought it but never purchased a replacement being it filled it's purpose for about 6 years. Then when I was doing a remodelling project the trigger mechanism burned up in it. I know that happens from time to time with every tool brand/make/model, but they want a mint for parts for these things. Mine is an older 959 Type 1 and they want almost $70 just for darned trigger assembly . So I ended up purchasing a Ridgid 3X Hammerdrill for about $150 from one of the local factory overstock resaler and even though I'm pretty sure it's a China drill (I have to look at the Ridgid to make sure and the Dewalt is definately a Mexican unit) and the Ridgid is easily twice the drill.

 

[Conductor562]

So are you guys saying if I do go with Dewalt, I should go for the 18V Li-Ion over the 20V max? If so, they have this combo on sale at my local store:

http://www.farmandfleet.com/product...ammerdrill-impact-combo-kit.html#.UQGqaSf7Kwg

If you go Dewalt DO NOT go with the Nano base Lithium. Go with the 20V Max. The Nano base was just a new battery that works with the old tools to keep the current owners from being left out in the cold. 20V Max is the future and has all the onboard electronics.

 

[sthojlft]

I have both too.

For me its no contest....Milwuakie far superior, more inovative, better support, just generally better made.

I use my MILW 12v impact drill and drill all the time...super power and light.

120v sawsall, 120v hammer drill..... Amazing stuff!

 

[Drock93]

At this point I'm leaning towards Milwaukee, the 5 year warranty and E-Tool Service/Lightning repair really appeals to me.

Now I'm just deciding whether to get the M12 Combo now, or get an M18 Fuel Drill, and save up for the impact later. I'd really like the fuel, but not sure if its worth the extra cost and if I'd get the use. I'd pay the money if it had no chuck wobble, but a google search isn't bringing anything up on whether it has a different chuck than the normal M18.

I'll tell ya what though, I really liked the Milwaukee sawzall over the Dewalt counterpart, the Milwaukee was made of more metal, and had the quick change blade holder, where as the dewalt was mostly plastic with a small plastic lever for the blade changer, and I read it tends to break quite often.

 

[Conductor562]

Just look at the poll results, over 72% prefer Milwaukee and I have to believe there's a reason for that. I wouldn't worry to much about any chuck wobble. I've heard a lot of feedback on the Fuel. It was almost entirely positive and no one ever cited any chuck wobble that I recall.

 

[57JoeFoMoPar]

I've used both but own only DeWalt. I've had zero problems with my DeWalt tools, in spite of beating the ever loving **** out of my old 1/2 chuck drill and 4.5" angle grinder. I have recently bought the DWS780 12" CSMS, which is totally sick and I'm very pleased with it. I have a set of the standard 18v cordless tools, drill, impact driver, reciprocating saw... and they're all great. Nice to be able to buy new tools bare as well. I think Milwaukee is better when it comes to sawzall and portaband, but I've never had a DeWalt tool fail on me

 

[Drock93]

Just look at the poll results, over 72% prefer Milwaukee and I have to believe there's a reason for that. I wouldn't worry to much about any chuck wobble. I've heard a lot of feedback on the Fuel. It was almost entirely positive and no one ever cited any chuck wobble that I recall.

Do you mean chuck wobble isn't a big issue for drilling/driving? At this point I'm just trying to justify spending $225 on a drill, instead of $130 and the the rest on other tools.

 

[Conductor562]

Nearly every drill I've ever used had some degree of chuck wobble. Unless it's really bad you'll never even notice it. The only drill I ever used that it was enough to irritate me was a Makita my dad had about 10 years ago. It's normal. Take an impact driver for example, you put a bit in it and pull the trigger and it will "wobble" to an extent. I don't care who makes it, the bit will never remain 100% straight during rotation. Put a 6" bit in some impacts I've seen and you can almost use it as a hand mixer. Most of the time the pressure applied during driving will correct it as soon as it bites into the material you're drilling. It's really not something to worry to much about. If it starts causing problems you've got the warranty to fall back on.

 

[Conductor562]

This Festool T18 might have Zero wobble:

They run around $500

 

[duneslider]

The 12v will NEVER match the power and RUNTIME of the 18-20v batteries.

The question you need to ask is does that matter? I am a makita guy but I find myself going to my 12v stuff more often than not because it is easier on the body and I typically don't need the POWER/RUNTIME that my 18v provides.

If you are going to be planning on falling back on corded tools for the heavy hitting then you may find you love 12v tools. I have a lot of other 18v tools that I use a lot sawzall, circular saw, grinder, 1/2" impact, etc. I feel a lot less fatigue when using the 12 drills for long periods.

Since you aren't a professional using these tools all day everyday, you will be happy with DeWalt or Milwaukee, I would pick which ever has the best warranty (especially on batteries).

 

[Greatbear]

One advantage for the DeWalt 20V line is the chargers are backward compatible with the 12V line. The reverse isn't true, since the 12V chargers will not accept a 20V pack. This is a plus if you plan on having a combination of both types of tools and don't want a lot of chargers cluttering up things.

My Milwaukee Fuel hammerdrill came with the new combo charger that will charge both M12 and M18 packs. Unlike the DeWalt which has a single charging dock that can accept both voltages, the Milwaukee has two separate docks. Advantage is that you can charge two batteries at once. Disadvantage is the charger is much more bulky.

I have lots of DeWalt 18V tools, but none out of the 20V line yet. I did pick up a couple items from the new 12V line. I also wanted another charger and found DeWalt makes a dual charger that charges the old stem-style packs (7.2-18V, NiCD, NiMH and LiIon) as well as the new 12/20 series. That helped clear up space on my charger shelf.

I have quite a few Bosch tools as well, both 12 and 18V. Like Milwaukee, the two formats are totally different, and as of now Bosch does not make a combo charger.

 

[Drock93]

Points taken. Do you guys think an impact is a necessity or something nice to have? I could do the M12 or M18 drill/impact combo, or do the M18 fuel with an impact down the road.

As far as the milwaukee charger goes, I was under the impression that only one battery charges at a time, but once one is charged then next in line starts. Or that's at least what I've seen on some videos.

 

[Conductor562]

Points taken. Do you guys think an impact is a necessity or something nice to have? I could do the M12 or M18 drill/impact combo, or do the M18 fuel with an impact down the road.

As far as the milwaukee charger goes, I was under the impression that only one battery charges at a time, but once one is charged then next in line starts. Or that's at least what I've seen on some videos.

You can obviously use your Drill as a driver meaning an impact isn't an absolute necessity, but once you use an impact to drive screws you'll never use a drill for it again. You can get by with the drill until you can afford the impact, but you'll want an impact eventually.

The new Milwaukee Multi-bay charger is a sequential charger meaning it charges one then goes on to the next.

If it were me, I'd get the Fuel and add the impact as soon as I could, but the previous models were good tools as well. I've got a ton of them and I have no complaints.

 

[Drock93]

Few more questions here.

I picked up a sawzall already since I knew which model I wanted. Here's the one I got:
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...-1&keyword=sawzall&storeId=10051#.UQLi6b_7Kwh

Now looking online at the Milwaukee CPO, they have the "same model", but one number is different and its $20 cheaper. What's the difference?
http://www.cpomilwaukee.com/milwauk...tml?start=1&cgid=milwaukee-reciprocating-saws

At this point I'm just deciding between a Fuel, or regular M18. Noticed on CPO that they have a factory reconditioned models. Are these recomended? They are cheaper, but only come with a 1 year warranty.

 

[Conductor562]

The 6509 and the 6519 are the same saws except that the 6509 has a 3/4" stroke while the 6519 has a 1 1/8" stroke. That's worth the extra $20 IMO.

I've bought a few refurbished tools, though only corded models. I value the warranty more with cordless stuff. May be worth a shot though. If it has any bugs they'll probably show up in less than a year anyway.

 

[Displaced Hokie]

I have Dewalt for most of my tools and am very happy with them

I have the 18v drill/driver, 18v 1/4in impact driver, and 4.5in orbital sander.

I have had 0 problems with any of it.

The drill I've had since 2003. The sander I got last year and the driver I got a few weeks ago, but have used a bunch already.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

This goes for me to. I cannot comment about Milwaukee, but I'm VERY pleased with my 18v Dewalts - especially the one's fueled by the Li-Ion packs.

 

[duneslider]

I would second the impact thoughts. I use my impact more than anything else by far. I even drill holes with it. The regular drill doesn't get used much. Really just for boring bigger holes or when I set the drill up with a drill bit and have the impact to drive the screws. The impact is even a staple for working on the autos too. I just use it all the time.

 

[dgreen1069]

I just bought an 18v Dewalt 1/4" impact and it is the greatest tool ever. I wanted to go with the 20v combo, but I already had a full 18v tool set and a bunch of batteries. Whatever set you go with, get the impact. It drives lag bolts like nobody's business.

Not to throw a wrench into your selection process, but have you considered Rigid? They have a lifetime service agreement that also covers the battery. Some may not see Rigid as on par with Dewalt and Milwaukee, but most of the reviews I read from owners were positive. You can get an 18v drill and impact combo for $199.99

 

[demographic]

For a while I really liked Milwaulkee tools, that was when it was the same kit as AEG/Atlas Copco, more recently I've seen a right load of homeowner tat with that name on its covers and wouldn't buy it unless I'd had a good go on one owned by someone else.

De-Walt can be the same.

Can I vote for Panasonic or Hitachi?

 

[KnurledNut]

If you go Dewalt DO NOT go with the Nano base Lithium. Go with the 20V Max. The Nano base was just a new battery that works with the old tools to keep the current owners from being left out in the cold. 20V Max is the future and has all the onboard electronics.

Dewalt B&D was named in a lawsuit against A123 Systems (the maker of these said batteries) for patent infringement (by the UofT and hydro-quebec) and ordered to stop producing them. A123 iron phosphate cells are HIGHLY regarded and IMHO these were the best batteries Dewalt has ever used in their power tools. I own and use weekly these, and their performance is excellent. However, when the NOS is gone, its gone. FWIW, the compact versions do not use the same cells (IIRC they are sony) and are still being produced.

 

[Conductor562]

Dewalt B&D was named in a lawsuit against A123 Systems (the maker of these said batteries) for patent infringement (by the UofT and hydro-quebec) and ordered to stop producing them. A123 iron phosphate cells are HIGHLY regarded and IMHO these were the best batteries Dewalt has ever used in their power tools. I own and use weekly these, and their performance is excellent. However, when the NOS is gone, its gone. FWIW, the compact versions do not use the same cells (IIRC they are sony) and are still being produced.

IIRC the lawsuit only dealt with the 36V tools. Am I mistaken?

 

[sthojlft]

I bought the m12 impact and drill kinda on a whim a few years back.

The impact is power to weight and just light weight serious grunt surprise tool I have ever purchased. It amazes me every time I use it.

One of the COOLIST tools I own.

 

[Drock93]

At the moment I am leaning towards this kit (I have a 10% off coupon):
http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hard...Id=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051#.UQM_5L_7Kwg

Is there any reason NOT to get it? Only thing I can think of is because of the Hammer Drill. I already have a corded one, and have heard that the hammer feature is just one more thing to go wrong. Any truth to this?

If not that, then this:
http://www.cpomilwaukee.com/milwauk...lt,pd.html?start=3&cgid=milwaukee-top-sellers

 

[Conductor562]

At the moment I am leaning towards this kit:
http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hard...Id=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051#.UQM_5L_7Kwg

Is there any reason NOT to get it? Only thing I can think of is because of the Hammer Drill. I already have a corded one, and have heard that the hammer feature is just one more thing to go wrong. Any truth to this?

If not that, then this:
http://www.cpomilwaukee.com/milwauk...lt,pd.html?start=3&cgid=milwaukee-top-sellers

Go with the first one. The refurb kit at CPO appears to come with the previous generation batteries rather than the Red Lithiums THERE IS A DIFFERENCE. There's no reason not to get the hammer drill. For the little difference in price it only makes sense and I've very rarely heard of the hammer action going out.

 

[Drock93]

Go with the first one. The refurb kit at CPO appears to come with the previous generation batteries rather than the Red Lithiums THERE IS A DIFFERENCE. There's no reason not to get the hammer drill. For the little difference in price it only makes sense and I've very rarely heard of the hammer action going out.

Good catch! I also noticed the chuck looks different, looks like a plastic covered not an all metal. What was the difference between the normal Li-Ion and Red Lithium?

I'm really trying to convice myself to get the M18 Fuel, but it's hard when I can get a combo for the same price. Any help? haha

 

[Conductor562]

Good catch! I also noticed the chuck looks different, looks like a plastic covered not an all metal. What was the difference between the normal Li-Ion and Red Lithium?

I'm really trying to convice myself to get the M18 Fuel, but it's hard when I can get a combo for the same price. Any help? haha

Consider this. Right now at CPO Milwaukee they have a reconditioned Fuel Impact kit (with the Compact Red Lithium packs) for $179 HERE

They also have a reconditioned Fuel Hammer drill for $119 HERE

It's $70 more than the kit you were looking at, but you've got a Fuel combo for $300 flat.

The downfall to getting any kit with compact batteries is that if you go to add bare tools later, some of them won't accept compacts. Sawzalls and Circular saws will not accept only the XC batteries.

There is this kit on eBay. Pre-fuel (refurbished) with the XC packs for $256 (buy it now) HERE

I waited for the right time and got my 4 tools combo on eBay (New) for $325.

Check you inbox. I sent you a PM

 

[cheechi]

If you go Dewalt DO NOT go with the Nano base Lithium. Go with the 20V Max. The Nano base was just a new battery that works with the old tools to keep the current owners from being left out in the cold. 20V Max is the future and has all the onboard electronics.

OK I won't specifically argue this point because it is good advice. 20v is DeWalt's future, it's a waste of money not to go with what is clearly the company's future platform. Why buy the last gen? and so on

But

every pawn shop has 18v DeWalt tools. Every store you're likely to shop has some. DeWalt 18v is not a bad platform, comparing apples to apples with lithium batteries they may not be the besty best tool, but they are definitely a good tool and not to be discounted. Cheaper to get that one cordless tool you won't use often if you have more likelihood of finding a used one.

Someone asked what bits to use. You can get DeWalt bits at both lowes & HD as well as amazon on sale ALL THE TIME. I bought 3 sets of driving bits at HD after the holiday sales were over, spent about $15 on them and I won't need any for a while. I have been warming up to Milwaukee impact bits, they did something recently because the last set I got was awful. These not so bad, about on par with the Dewalt impact bits.

I know CPO is supposed to be super great and all, and I looked at getting some refurb milwaukee corded sawzalls in the past, but come on you save like like $20. I would rather spend that $20 on one that wasn't broken in the first place. I will abuse a sawzall pretty hard I don't want a pre-abused one.

 

[ADSR]

I own both the 18v and 36v dewalt 4 piece kits. Bought them both in 06. These are both nano lith. I have used them every day on the job site since day one. And i beat the **** out of my tools. I've used the 36v drill with a 6" hole saw all day long some days. I've built whole houses with the 36v skill saw. My 18v has been abused so much it boggles my mind how it still lives.

When it comes to cordless...I'm all about yellow.

Corded tools are a different story. I'm all about red.

 

[ADSR]

BTW, my coworker caught a M18 1/4 impact gun on fire once. I just about pooped my pants laughing at him.

 

[ADSR]

Someone asked what bits to use. You can get DeWalt bits at both lowes & HD as well as amazon on sale ALL THE TIME. I bought 3 sets of driving bits at HD after the holiday sales were over, spent about $15 on them and I won't need any for a while. I have been warming up to Milwaukee impact bits, they did something recently because the last set I got was awful. These not so bad, about on par with the Dewalt impact bits.

Ok, i have to chime in here. I had a job about a year back. The owner wanted hardwood in his basement. We covered his slab with 3/4 ply, glue down, and industrial tapcons. We used dewalt impact bits to start.

They would do about 4 screws. Next was milwaukee, same deal! Would do about 4 screws. Bosch did about 8 so we were getting better. But this was turning into a waste of time and money. So my boss went out and bought a **** load of cheap chinese bits. They were no name bits that had an OMEGA logo on it. He said they were a buck each.

28 screws late, the bit would snap. I couldn't believe it. This POS cheap bit was KILLING the big boys.

What a joke.

 

[demographic]

Ok, i have to chime in here. I had a job about a year back. The owner wanted hardwood in his basement. We covered his slab with 3/4 ply, glue down, and industrial tapcons. We used dewalt impact bits to start.

They would do about 4 screws. Next was milwaukee, same deal! Would do about 4 screws. Bosch did about 8 so we were getting better. But this was turning into a waste of time and money. So my boss went out and bought a **** load of cheap chinese bits. They were no name bits that had an OMEGA logo on it. He said they were a buck each.

28 screws late, the bit would snap. I couldn't believe it. This POS cheap bit was KILLING the big boys.

What a joke.

The worst screwdriver bits I've ever had the misfortune to buy ever were Milwaukee Shockwave bits.
If they last ten times as well as others the others must have been made out of play dough.
They were pathetic and if thats in indication for the quality of the rest of their products it's a damming indictment.
These ones, the words Avoid, and plague spring to mind.

 

[BigUgly9]

Drill Corded Milwaukee Magnum Holeshooter 1/2 Compact.
Use the torque handle, I call mine Little Torque Monster.
I have had mine 25years and the only problem you will have ia the
Cord at the base of the drill, I picked up anotherone as they plug into
Base of drill about $25-30. I have the new cord hanging on the peg rack as
I was able to splice the cord, works great, now have spare.
BE CAREFULL THAT DRILL WILL BREAK YOUR WRIST THEVARIABLE SPEED IS
TOO EASY TO SQUEEZE TO FULL ON AND TOUGH TO LET GO OF.

Cordless DW926 9volt ni-cad 12years old.
It will drive 3 1/2 in ceramic coated #25 torx head screws by the dozens per battery, just be sure to run the batteries down before recharging. I am still using original batteries.
Plus it weighs about 1/2 half that the 18volt contractor favorite and is about
1/2 the size. I am 73 plus now and like it more every time I use it as a little of the artharitus has set in.

 

[kgorman]

I have the Dewalt 18v system with 1/4" impact, hammer drill, drill, sawzall, light, circular saw, and 3/8" impact. Love them all and have been super happy being able to move from nicad to li-on batteries. Been beating on them since ~2003. I am sure they will serve me for many more years. I love setting up a drill and impact at the same time so I don't have to keep switching out. The 1/4" impact is particularly nice.

That said I have been looking at lighter set ups and have been impressed with the Milwaukee m12 and 12v Bosch tools.

 

[rice rocket]

Blast from the past.

 

[b974k]

DeWalt (which is Black & Decker ) because B & D invented the cordless drill and sells more than anyone else.

 

[rmsg0040]

I prefer Milwaukee and moving more and more towards them.

Over the weekend I sold all my dewalt 12V tools, today I sold (2) 20V max batteries and a hammer drill.

 

[Timbucktoo]

My first post here guys i am looking to buy an impact driver but cannot make up my mind as to which one to buy i must admit i'm leaning toward the Dewalt dcf895m2 or the dcf 886m2 but i have am also looking at the two Milwaukee impacts which are growing on me
Milwaukee impact driver 2653-22 and the Milwaukee impact driver 2653-22CT
which one would you guys go for.thanks

 

[shockwave]

Currently Milwaukee is top with power and warrantee but dewalt has been great over the years

 

[SantaAna12]

I own both the 18v and 36v dewalt 4 piece kits. Bought them both in 06. These are both nano lith. I have used them every day on the job site since day one. And i beat the **** out of my tools. I've used the 36v drill with a 6" hole saw all day long some days. I've built whole houses with the 36v skill saw. My 18v has been abused so much it boggles my mind how it still lives.

When it comes to cordless...I'm all about yellow.

Corded tools are a different story. I'm all about red.

^^+1.

 

[Gidge]

I'm pleased with my Milwaukee corded drill and Circular Saw.

I went through 2 DeWalt corded drills in about 5 years time -- the keyless chucks on both crapped out in short order.