Dilemma... Dewalt or Milwaukee?

[AreYaSerious]

So I currently have ridgid power tool set, and I’m very happy with it.
However I am finding the selection of adding on is limited. Should I upgrade to Milwaukee or Dewalt, and if I should which one?

 

[jshillin]

Milwaukee!!! Selection of m12 and m18 tools is impresssive!

 

['52Chevy]

I have Milwaukee M18, and not even the Fuel versions. I have been very happy. Growing up my step-dad always had Dewalt. I almost went that route, but decided on Milwaukee because I plan to get their impacts as well. I really don't think you can go wrong with either one, as long as they have the tools you want. Milwaukee is a little more expensive though.

 

[oldwino]

I had some of the earlier 18v DeWalt tools and was unhappy with the battery life even after replacing batteries. Switched to Milwaukee 18v and never looked back
On a construction site you see more red than yellow but both hold up in a pro environment

 

[finn]

I have both Dewalt and Milwaukee, along with Bosch.

Of the three, I favor Bosch, but there just isn’t the tool selection in the Bosch lineup here, compared to what German retailers offer.

Between Dewalt and Milwaukee, I prefer Dewalt because, of the tools I have, Dewalt seems to have better ergonomics, ie better balance.

I ordered some smaller batteries for the Milwaukee impact wrenches to see if that helps the situation.

Milwaukee offers a wider range of tools, but a lot of them are specialty tools that are sort of a novelty selection for those not in that particular trade. For example, an M12 pcv shear isn’t on my must have list, nor is an M18 crimper. Nice to have, but not economically viable for someone not doing that work daily, when there are other alternatives to doing the job.

Milwaukee fan boys appear to be in abundance. It’s sort of a cult.

I suggest you make a couple of lists prioritizing what tools you thing you must have and a second list of those you might eventually want. Take that list to your favorite retailer and plat with the displays to see what feels most comfortable.

Also, don’t be swayed by someone comparing a fifteen year old Dewalt tool to a brand new Milwaukee. It’s meaningless.

Both brands are good.

 

[acer66]

What is your field of work or what do want to do with them?

To me, I am in the Bosch camp but warming up to team yellow.
I am a remodeler and I think team yellow has me covered if I choose to move over my 18vs.
But I would keep the 12v with Bosch because of the form factor.
Team red has leans more towards mechanics while still offering all the usual.
Their 12v drill offerings are similar in size to Bosch which again I like.
I am more and more drawn to 12v tools as a wood worker.

 

[AmateurMechanic]

Dewalt's 12V line has better ergonomics due to the slide-pack battery as opposed to Milwaukee and Bosch with the battery that goes inside the grip (makes for a much fatter and less ergonomic grip). However, tool selection for both Dewalt and Bosch is limited compared to Milwaukee's extensive M12 lineup. Based on the ergonomics, I'd still go Dewalt for 12V as long as they have all the tools you use most often.

18V - Milwaukee has the broadest range of tools, especially when it comes to Mechanics tools. Hard to beat team red for automotive work.

 

[neverdone]

As a homeowner I don’t need either one but at the fire station we use Milwaukee fuel. We’ve even replaced our gas chain saws with them they are that good.

 

[seber]

Either one will work just fine. They both have advantages and disadvantages. I would look at what is available in both systems though.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

Dewalt atomic 20 volt here. I think the value is better with dewalt but it depends on the tools you are looking for. Im more of a prosumer when in comes to automotive but if i were a professional I might go with Milwaukee. I hate the fat handles on the Milwaukee m12 stuff myself and dewalt is putting time into there 12 volt line right now. They just came out with a 3/8s and 1/2in 12 volt impact wrench. The m12 and m18 line are plentiful for sure. I switch from craftsman c3 stuff because I needed a better 1/2in impact and new batteries for the craftsman stuff and they are fetching a premium in the used market

 

[Rabid Badger]

Makita.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I suggest you make a couple of lists prioritizing what tools you thing you must have and a second list of those you might eventually want. Take that list to your favorite retailer and plat with the displays to see what feels most comfortable.

Also, don’t be swayed by someone comparing a fifteen year old Dewalt tool to a brand new Milwaukee. It’s meaningless.

Both brands are good.

This is good advice here.

I have Dewalt 18V stuff but the battery issue is starting to become a problem. I need to step up to either 20V or Milwaukee.

 

[Deadsquiggles]

I have the Dewalt 20v tools and I can definitely recommend them. However, if I ever decide to invest in any 12v tools, I’d go Milwaukee for size. I figure if I’m using a 12v tool, I’m more in need of compactness over power and the Milwaukee wins that for me.

 

[keweenawbee]

I have mostly M12 M18 M28, but my cut off saw and table saw are both Dewalt Flex Volt. The YouTube reviews were no contest. Gotta research each tool on the high dollar choices. Kinda throws me going back to the solid red LED when charged though!

 

[PWC Repair]

I was in that same dilemma a few years back. Went from homeowner Porter Cable stuff to Milwaukee 18v. Then this year I actually gave the 18v stuff to my wife for her crafts and switched over to the Milwaukee 12v Fuel. I like the overall size and feel better than the standard 18v stuff and they seem just as powerful so far. I DON'T like the plastic squeeze sides on the batteries VS an actual mechanical latch.

 

[JoeMcGov]

I am a home user and run DeWalt. Love DeWalt's 60 volt lineup that can share batteries with the 20 volts ("Flexvolt").

 

[andersen24]

Well here is my .02. When I purchased my last foreclosure property in 2012, I went ahead and upgraded my tools to DeWalt. They had recently came out with their 20v line and DeWalt was definitely the top dog at the time. Fast forward 9 years......I still have quite a big selection of DeWalt tools and am very happy with them.

I will say the field of quality tools is much more crowded now then it was in 2012. But between Milwaukee and DeWalt - either way you can’t go wrong. I own tons of yellow and a bit more red now. For example - I borrowed my friends M12 cordless ratchet and I IMMEDIATELY went out and bought one - literally the BEST invention EVER! A couple weeks ago, my neighbor let me borrow his M18 1/2” High Torque Impact - and holy hell!!!!!!! I kinda looked at my DeWalt impact as the red headed stepchild. I’m sorry, but NOTHING will touch Milwaukee’s Impact, that thing is literally next level! So of course after this, I started to wonder if I should invest my new purchases over to Milwaukee........well this is where 9 years of handling DeWalts prevented me from jumping ship.

I think everyone on here will agree, our hands become accustomed to a manufacturers tool family. The Milwaukee’s just felt foreign to me. Not anything bad or like they’re engineered wrong - but the weight distribution is different, the way the torque is applied, etc. I think for me, my nut drivers, my impact drills, etc - that will definitely be DeWalt for me - but when it comes to specialty type tools, I’ll gladly buy Milwaukee or DeWalt. My advice, look at what you are going to use the most of the tools and what each manufacturer offers. Whichever one has the majority of the tools you see yourself using, go with that - but honestly either way you go, you aren’t going to go wrong. Anyone on here that says go this way cuz the other one is **** - just dismiss those. Good luck - either way, you’re going to be stoked!

Oh and last thing - the ONLY thing about the DeWalt line I don’t care for is their two lines; Atomic and XR. For me, if I am going to spend the money, hands down go XR. That is just ME - but I do feel by DeWalt making tools available at a lower price for the consumer by creating the Atomic series, they kind of devalued their name......again just my opinion though!

Also - no disrespect to any other manufacturers, but the OP specifically asked about these two....

Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[kngelv]

I never understand these conundrums. By the tool you like. I don’t know why people get wound up over having too many battery platforms. I have mostly 20V DeWalt and 12V Milwaukee. But if I like the tool I’m not going to pass it up because I need a different battery. I like that DeWalt is the only one of the big players that actually makes some of their cordless stuff in the USA. I think nearly all their non-automotive 20V and Flexvolt is better than the equivalent Milwaukee. I also think the Milwaukee 12V is better than the DeWalt 12V line. I have cordless Hilti stuff at work and also like Makita. There are guys on this site with over 50 3/8 ratchets and hundreds of sockets yet they must have only one battery platform. Strange but true.

James

 

[AmateurMechanic]

A couple weeks ago, my neighbor let me borrow his M18 1/2” High Torque Impact - and holy hell!!!!!!! I kinda looked at my DeWalt impact as the red headed stepchild. I’m sorry, but NOTHING will touch Milwaukee’s Impact, that thing is literally next level!

The Milwaukee M18 high torque is one of the most powerful 1/2" impacts in existence.

It has beaten every single air impact tested on the Torque Test Youtube Channel to date, including the Matco MT2779, HF Earthquake XT, and Aircat 1150. And that was using a standard 5.0 Ah battery, not one of the newer "High Output" batteries which supposedly give it even more power.

 

[danski0224]

Both...

 

[finn]

The Milwaukee M18 high torque is one of the most powerful 1/2" impacts in existence.

It has beaten every single air impact tested on the Torque Test Youtube Channel to date, including the Matco MT2779, HF Earthquake XT, and Aircat 1150. And that was using a standard 5.0 Ah battery, not one of the newer "High Output" batteries which supposedly give it even more power.

I have the Milwaukee, but don’t dismiss the competition, and understand that there are compromises when going for the biggest and baddest. The balance, weight, and general ergonomics of the M18 2863 impact aren’t ideal, even with a relatively small 5 ah battery.

I’m not sure the choice of the 2863 over the equivalent Dewalt was my best ever decision.

It’s strong, though.

 

[finn]

The Milwaukee M18 high torque is one of the most powerful 1/2" impacts in existence.

It has beaten every single air impact tested on the Torque Test Youtube Channel to date, including the Matco MT2779, HF Earthquake XT, and Aircat 1150. And that was using a standard 5.0 Ah battery, not one of the newer "High Output" batteries which supposedly give it even more power.

It’s powerful. I have one, but it’s also heavy and poorly balanced.

Don’t get wound up by YouTube reviews, and don’t concentrate on only one measure when looking at these tools.

 

[jd_1138]

Both...

Best advice. You don't need to be in ONE camp only. If you start acquiring tools, you will naturally end up with batteries if you buy a tool or a kit here or there, so it's easy to have 2 brands.

The advantage of being in 2 brands is that you can pick/choose the better tool when you need a certain tool. I am in Makita and Ryobi. If I need a tool that I don't think I will use often I will buy it in Ryobi. Core tools like drills and saws are Makita.

Also I buy refurbs off ebay, CPO and used on OfferUp/CL. You naturally will accumulate batteries and chargers. Being in one brand is overrated.

And having 2 or 3 chargers is an advantage, as you can charge more than one battery at a time.

 

[Renegade1LI]

As a homeowner either will do just fine, as a GJ member you need at least both, as a contractor GJ member you need 3 plus as a minimum. Unfortunately they both have great tools, look for a deal on a combo set with 5 or 6 tools, batteries & a case. I'm having great luck with the tough cases, very modular & can be individually stored.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Dewalt seems to be favored among carpenters around here. But literally every other trade uses Milwaukee to the point of exclusion in my area. You really won’t go wrong with yellow, red or blue though. Happy hunting.

 

[quickfarms]

Milwaukee is my pick for corded drills and mag drill

Skill worm drive 77 saw

Makita 4 1/2” grinders

Makita 18v cordless tools

 

[Rickster]

I had Ryobi One+ and Bosch 12v. Gave the Bosch to the kid and no longer adding any Ryobi. I’m all-in on the Milwaukee 12v. They have the most to offer for what I use or want to add.

 

[Rinspeed]

At the shop we have much better luck with Milwaukee than Dewalt.

 

[pc350]

I used to use Mikwaukee, but haven't in years. Now I have a mixture of brands for my tools, and really am fond of Dewalt.

 

[B_Bimmer]

Dewalt, or you could save time on your next upgrade and go straight to makita.

 

[joe_pinehill1]

I started buy M12/M18 when they were introduced about 10 years ago. The tools do everything I need them to do. When I use them I wonder how the old craftsman 50 years ago were able get jobs done.

DeWalt maybe just as good, the only yellow tool I have is the 8v screwdriver, I bought it over Milwaukee because I thought the M4 was way over priced even for Milwaukee.

Only drawbacks I can think of:

retail big box store is limited to Home Depot, Dewalt is carried by both Lowes and HD

Price- maybe DeWalt is a little more affordable because there is more competition at retail.

 

[ecotec]

For the electrical trade, I would go with Milwaukee. For my trade, Dewalt is not even close.

Like everyone else, I am wondering what exactly you want and need out of your tools. That should, really, inform your decision.

 

[Prospecter]

I had some of the earlier 18v DeWalt tools and was unhappy with the battery life even after replacing batteries. Switched to Milwaukee 18v and never looked back
On a construction site you see more red than yellow but both hold up in a pro environment

I also had earlier 18v DeWalt. Also unhappy with short battery life. They were also clunky. They moved along to the ReStore. Can't speak to Milwaukee battery tools. I switched to Hitachi and have been pleased with the choice. (Not the selection of tools that Milwaukee offers, though!)

 

[gearhead1]

I have both DeWalt and Milwaukee. Milwaukee has more tools for automotive and I think they’re just a little bit better. That’s just opinion, but they appear to be a little heavier duty. Can’t go wrong with either. If you do a lot of automotive stuff, I’d go Milwaukee.

 

[Granite80]

I used to have both. But now all Red 12 and 18. I gave my yellow stuff to my son. He is making good use of them in his new place


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[bob15]

I recently bought a Makita 18v impact. Works fine for me. Even though I have several Metabo 18v tools, then didn't have the impact I wanted, hence the makita. Next will be a 3/8 impact and their hedge trimmer.

 

[Aaron_W]

We had some Dewalt tools at work, I've never been that impressed with them. Not bad tools, but not exceptional either.
2 years ago my Dad and I were doing some work on my house. He brought along a brand new 18v Dewalt drill with him. My 10+ year old 18v Makita easily ran twice as long on a charge despite also getting used more.

I never understand these conundrums. By the tool you like. I don’t know why people get wound up over having too many battery platforms. I have mostly 20V DeWalt and 12V Milwaukee. But if I like the tool I’m not going to pass it up because I need a different battery. I like that DeWalt is the only one of the big players that actually makes some of their cordless stuff in the USA. I think nearly all their non-automotive 20V and Flexvolt is better than the equivalent Milwaukee. I also think the Milwaukee 12V is better than the DeWalt 12V line. I have cordless Hilti stuff at work and also like Makita. There are guys on this site with over 50 3/8 ratchets and hundreds of sockets yet they must have only one battery platform. Strange but true.

James

Agree, when it was basically just cordless drills it made sense to only do one battery system, but there is so much variety these days why limit yourself to only one brand.
I'm not giving up my Makita drills, so I'll always be tied to them. Ryobi makes some nice inexpensive tools, and their yard tools are quite handy.
I'm really attracted to some of the Milwaukee cordless "air tools" tools, so it is just a matter of time before I add one or both of their battery lines.

Once you have the battery logistics covered it gets so much easier to add more tools.

 

[DIY_Guy79]

Both are great. But I think Milwaukee has a bigger selection of tools. Not to mention, Milwaukee has the M12 Ratchets, not sure if Dewalt even offers a cordless ratchet, thats something you may want to take into consideration if you turn wrenches very often.

I highly recommend Makita as well. Specifically the compact black 18V drill/impact combo set. Both are about the size of 12v tools with 18V power. Had mine for years now, use them daily and absolutely love them. Not to mention they have an awesome selection of tools in the 18V line.

 

[bigtiger]

Milwaukee all the way.. I moved from Dewalt to Milwaukee simply because Milwaukee has 12 v selection, tools for auto care, plumbing and outdoor lawn equipment stuff.. Plus dewalt 12v selection **** and they have given up on 12v and they abandoned all the previous 18v dewalt guys like me..keeps changing battery, now 20v, flexvolt, 40v and whatever comes next, who knows. Milwaukee didn't abandon the older Milwaukee 18v systems owners.


Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[finn]

We had some Dewalt tools at work, I've never been that impressed with them. Not bad tools, but not exceptional either.
2 years ago my Dad and I were doing some work on my house. He brought along a brand new 18v Dewalt drill with him. My 10+ year old 18v Makita easily ran twice as long on a charge despite also getting used more.



Agree, when it was basically just cordless drills it made sense to only do one battery system, but there is so much variety these days why limit yourself to only one brand.
I'm not giving up my Makita drills, so I'll always be tied to them. Ryobi makes some nice inexpensive tools, and their yard tools are quite handy.
I'm really attracted to some of the Milwaukee cordless "air tools" tools, so it is just a matter of time before I add one or both of their battery lines.

Once you have the battery logistics covered it gets so much easier to add more tools.

Not sure where your dad got a brand new 18v Dewalt drill two years ago.

Dewalt dropped that fifteen year old Nicad platform probably seven or more years ago when they replaced it with the lithium ion 20 volt platform.


Edit: the 18 volt platform was introduced in 1996, so it’s a twenty five year old platform, and the 20 volt was introduced in 2011.

Also, when comparing tools, you have to keep battery size constant. A 1.5 a/hr battery has no where close to a the capacity of a 5 or more a/hr battery in the same platform, yet a given tool works with both. Just not as effectively.

That’s why anecdotal testimonials on subjects like this are virtually useless.