First Cordless Drill - Milwaukee or Makita

[Rabid Badger]

I'm confused. In post #19 in you quoted a link to a 28 series drill and said "I really cannot stress enough how much you don't want a drill with that chuck."

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7590475&postcount=19

Does the 2801 (brushless, non-Fuel) have the good or bad chuck?

Sorry, I forgot to make that distinction. The chuck on the non-fuel drills is garbage. Not because it wobbles, but because it might as well be 3/8. Anything bigger slips under high load.

 

[dsarge84]

I picked up this kit about 2 weeks ago.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...Batteries-Charger-and-Bag-2893-22CX/305491102

I only have about 10 hours of work between the drill and driver so limited experience. No complaints at all and I have used it around the house and on my truck. This kit was my first cordless kit other than hand me downs from family.

Sent from my SM-G930V using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[DFB]

I picked up this kit about 2 weeks ago.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...Batteries-Charger-and-Bag-2893-22CX/305491102

I only have about 10 hours of work between the drill and driver so limited experience. No complaints at all and I have used it around the house and on my truck. This kit was my first cordless kit other than hand me downs from family.

Sent from my SM-G930V using The Garage Journal mobile app

Interesting have not seen that one before or those tool part#'s

Specs look to be the same as what the original Gen 1 FUEL combo was, but now just brushless and not fuel. Side handle too

 

[engineer2]

I'll go back later and read the threads, but you can't go wrong with a Makita XPH07.
New version is XFD07Z
18V LXT Lithium‑Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2" Driver‑Drill, Tool Only
3 phase motor
Excellent chuck!!
0 - 550 / 0 - 2,100 RPM
1,090 in.lbs
Makita has more tools than any other manufacturer, so you can add to your collection.

Lots of love for Milwaukee here, but I've only owned their excellent corded tools.

 

[jhrodd]

I have four Makita 18V drills/drivers and two Milwaukee M12's I only use the Makita's when I can't find a Milwaukee. And I'll waste a lot of time looking.

 

[CC268]

Hmm sounds like maybe I’m better off with Makita...but I really wanted red!


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[CC268]

It looks like this is the kit with Milwaukee’s newest drill/impact?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...ickid=3WpQJrSmyUepw67S101DnVlzUkgRpT35uWyW3Q0


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[CC268]

People absolutely rave about Makita’s compact series as well.

Makita CX201RB 18V LXT Sub-Compact BL 2-pc. Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CN6NPSR/?tag=atomicindus08-20


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Voi]

People absolutely rave about Makita’s compact series as well.

Makita CX201RB 18V LXT Sub-Compact BL 2-pc. Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CN6NPSR/?tag=atomicindus08-20

That kit is drill & impact wrench, not drill & impact driver.

Here is the drill & driver kit:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M1BYJAG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[American Locomotive]

People absolutely rave about Makita’s compact series as well.

Makita CX201RB 18V LXT Sub-Compact BL 2-pc. Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CN6NPSR/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I believe that is technically their "sub-compact" series.

But either way, can confirm. Absolutely love my sub-compact 3/8" impact. It's nice having something small and light that can use the same batteries as the rest of my stuff.

 

[DFB]

People absolutely rave about Makita’s compact series as well.

Makita CX201RB 18V LXT Sub-Compact BL 2-pc. Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CN6NPSR/?tag=atomicindus08-20


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

It looks like this is the kit with Milwaukee’s newest drill/impact?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...ickid=3WpQJrSmyUepw67S101DnVlzUkgRpT35uWyW3Q0


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

That Makita subcompact line is a niche market concept, though the kit linked to has an anvil wrench there is also a drill/impact driver combo available. They use 18V LXT batteries but the power ratings are actually closer to those produced by Milwaukee M12 Fuel tools than other 18v-20v offerings

If you actually consider that consider the M12 Fuel drill and impact driver combo kit it's super popular, and no one seems to have anything negative to say about it in any of the versions.

As for the One Key Fuel now you have covered the complete spectrum on Milwaukee

 

[jgromada]

Its strange now how the decision to select something like a drill really means you are buying into a companies ecosystem. If that's the case you really need to think about what other battery powered tools you might want from what ever battery platform you select.

I think it makes even more sense for tradespeople. My plumber is working at my house on a bathroom overhaul and he has nothing but Milwaukee but it might be Milwaukee makes some real specialized plumbing tools. But he drags in a whole bunch of Milwaukee tools, chargers and batteries. Ready to go.

Both Makita and Milwaukee are fine companies and make great products. You probably won't go wrong selecting either of those companies.

At first i thought it was a big deal when i selected DeWalt as my primary 18/20v product line. Wanted to buy into only 1 vendor. But I found a killer deal on some Ridgid products, got a deal then on batteries and now got a bunch of Ridgid stuff too. I wanted the Milwaukee M12 ratchet so when Home Depot put the bundle up for sale I have that too along with a hackzall. All the chargers sit at home, I am not a tradesman so i don't really care about the various platforms anymore. If I wanted a particular cordless tool now I would see what DeWalt, Ridgid or Milwaukee M12 offers and then choose, but if i found a killer deal for some other brand I might be tempted to go that way.

 

[CC268]

Thanks for the help guys. I am thoroughly overwhelmed at this point, so I'm going to slow down and put together an Excel spreadsheet with the various Milwaukee/Makita drill/impact kits (because each company has 7-8 drill/impact kits! how ridiculous!). I'll likely report back later to make a final decision.

 

[Holmesx10]

I think it basically comes down to wether you’ll do some mechanics work at some point because Milwaukee’s impacts and ratchets far succeed any other brand currently. Otherwise it was stated above makita has better yard tools supposedly. I’d make your decision based on how your using the battery platform

 

[CC268]

I think it basically comes down to wether you’ll do some mechanics work at some point because Milwaukee’s impacts and ratchets far succeed any other brand currently. Otherwise it was stated above makita has better yard tools supposedly. I’d make your decision based on how your using the battery platform

That is the exact opposite from what I've heard ha. I've heard mechanics generally prefer Makita while plumbers and other tradesmen often end up with Milwaukee. I do more mechanical work than I do trade type work. I don't do this stuff for a living. That said, I do plan to do some basic woodworking sometime down the road.

 

[CC268]

Okay one thing you guys can help me out with here...

Milwaukee does not make an M18 FUEL kit with a drill/impact driver. They only have kits with their hammer drill. I don't think I want a hammer drill.

 

[American Locomotive]

That is the exact opposite from what I've heard ha. I've heard mechanics generally prefer Makita while plumbers and other tradesmen often end up with Milwaukee. I do more mechanical work than I do trade type work. I don't do this stuff for a living. That said, I do plan to do some basic woodworking sometime down the road.

Most pipe fitters I've seen use Milwaukee. Most woodworkers I see use Makita. Makita saws are super excellent. A diesel mechanic friens of mine uses Makita.

Although I think it's a bit generous saying "nothing comes close" to Milwaukee's impacts. My sub-compact makita impact will take lug nuts off, and Makita's big 1/2 gun is every bit as powerful as Milwaukees. Makita's only really lacking in electric ratchets and the "mid torque" impact range.

 

[f121]

There’s no real disadvantage to having a hammer drill, tiny bit more expensive maybe. I certainly never use the hammer on my makita drill, thats what the SDS is for.

At this point, I would compare prices and warranty. Unless there is some esoteric tool that only one or the other makes, you would probably be perfectly happy with either. For example, the makita impact wrenches are excellent, so are the Milwaukee ones. The Milwaukee drills are excellent, so are the makita ones, etc.

 

[Rabid Badger]

Thanks for the help guys. I am thoroughly overwhelmed at this point, so I'm going to slow down and put together an Excel spreadsheet with the various Milwaukee/Makita drill/impact kits (because each company has 7-8 drill/impact kits! how ridiculous!). I'll likely report back later to make a final decision.

What have we done to this poor guy?

 

[CC268]

There’s no real disadvantage to having a hammer drill, tiny bit more expensive maybe. I certainly never use the hammer on my makita drill, thats what the SDS is for.

At this point, I would compare prices and warranty. Unless there is some esoteric tool that only one or the other makes, you would probably be perfectly happy with either. For example, the makita impact wrenches are excellent, so are the Milwaukee ones. The Milwaukee drills are excellent, so are the makita ones, etc.

So you can remove the handle and turn off the "hammer" feature on these types of drills?

 

[Davefr]

I'd go 12v Fuel. Very capable and more compact. Absolutely get a impact driver (they're a must have for driving screws).

No need for 18v unless you want to add a Sawzall later on

 

[CC268]

So here are the option I am looking at:

Makita:

XT279S
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-...er-Drill-Impact-Driver-3-0Ah-XT279S/305509361

CX201RB
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-...-Drill-Impact-Wrench-2-0-Ah-CX201RB/304862945

Milwaukee:

2999-22 - Expensive
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...-2-Tool-w-2-5-0Ah-Batteries-2999-22/305120441

2598-22 - M12 - not too sure about 12V - already own a 12V drill
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...it-2-Tool-w-2-Batteries-Bag-2598-22/303101201

2596-22 - M12 - again not sure about going 12V
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...t-2-Tool-W-Charger-Tool-Bag-2596-22/303688986

Unfortunately it looks to me like Milwaukee doesn't have a great drill/impact combo in the M18 Fuel series. You have to go with a drill hammer/impact combo with Milwaukee if you want the M18 Fuel.

 

[CC268]

I'd go 12v Fuel. Very capable and more compact. Absolutely get a impact driver.

Would 12V be sufficient if I wanted to build a wood deck, or a wood workbench, etc?

I have a 12V Ryobi and that thing is a complete dog.

 

[Rabid Badger]

So you can remove the handle and turn off the "hammer" feature on these types of drills?

Yes.

 

[Rabid Badger]

Would 12V be sufficient if I wanted to build a wood deck, or a wood workbench, etc?

I have a 12V Ryobi and that thing is a complete dog.

12V works fine for small drill bits and driving screws. If you want to use hole saws and drive lag bolts, go 18V.

It will take about 30 seconds for someone to jump in here and talk about how they run hole saws and drive lag bolts with their M12 all the time. They might even be telling the truth. The fact is an 18V set will let you get work done faster and easier.

 

[Davefr]

Would 12V be sufficient if I wanted to build a wood deck, or a wood workbench, etc?

I have a 12V Ryobi and that thing is a complete dog.

Absolutely!! 12V FUEL will do exactly what you're planning and the advantage is ergonomics and compactness. Make sure your kit includes two batteries.

12V FUEL is no comparison with an old 12V Ryobi.

This last summer I used my 12V Fuel impact driver to build a deck using 10X3" screws and the impact driver handled everything with ease. Even thru old/hard 4X timbers.

12V works fine for small drill bits and driving screws. If you want to use hole saws and drive lag bolts, go 18V.

I agree, but if he's driving lag bolts he'd be better off going M18 1/2" Impact Wrench vs impact driver. Can't say I've ever seen a need for using a large hole saw for decking or a workbench projects.

Those big M18 batteries are heavy and bulky. The slim M12 batteries can get the tool into tight areas. They might not have the run time but that's why you should have two with one in the charger and one in the tool.

 

[Voi]

So here are the option I am looking at...

So the M12 kit with the hammer drill is $30 cheaper than the kit with a regular drill? Is there another difference I'm not seeing?

You posted the Makita sub-compact kit with the wrench again.

Are you including that one because you think you'd prefer an impact wrench over an impact driver?

 

[CC268]

So the M12 kit with the hammer drill is $30 cheaper than the kit with a regular drill? Is there another difference I'm not seeing?

You posted the Makita sub-compact kit with the wrench again.

Are you including that one because you think you'd prefer an impact wrench over an impact driver?

Shoot my bad ha. I don't think Makita makes a sub compact kit with drill/impact driver.

 

[CC268]

12V works fine for small drill bits and driving screws. If you want to use hole saws and drive lag bolts, go 18V.

It will take about 30 seconds for someone to jump in here and talk about how they run hole saws and drive lag bolts with their M12 all the time. They might even be telling the truth. The fact is an 18V set will let you get work done faster and easier.

Yea...tbh...I want to go with 18V.

 

[Voi]

Shoot my bad ha. I don't think Makita makes a sub compact kit with drill/impact driver.

I posted it in my reply earlier this morning. I went back and edited it in so you likely read my reply before that edit.

Here it is again:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M1BYJAG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

And the Home Depot link:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-...r-Drill-Impact-Driver-2-0Ah-CX200RB/207051121

 

[JBH]

Thanks for the help guys. I am thoroughly overwhelmed at this point, so I'm going to slow down and put together an Excel spreadsheet with the various Milwaukee/Makita drill/impact kits (because each company has 7-8 drill/impact kits! how ridiculous!). I'll likely report back later to make a final decision.

Better still, go and try them out. When I was looking for a drill I found that I hated Milwaukee's ergonomics. The direction button was right where my thumb wanted to go, and the side handle stuck out way too far. I never would've known that without physically trying out the tool.

I ended up with a Fein.

 

[Rabid Badger]

Shoot my bad ha. I don't think Makita makes a sub compact kit with drill/impact driver.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M1BYJAG

 

[CC268]

Thanks guys.

 

[CC268]

I'll be honest. I'm considering the Ryobi One+ series. Simple and reasonably priced.

 

[DFB]

Unfortunately it looks to me like Milwaukee doesn't have a great drill/impact combo in the M18 Fuel series. You have to go with a drill hammer/impact combo with Milwaukee if you want the M18 Fuel.

Wow this is all news to me but ya looks like Milwaukee has reinvented some of the their kits after the latest Gen 3 releases


There still is a non hammer version of the drill/driver avaible but not as a combo with the impact. And the One Key version of the drill/driver with impact seems to be the only current available combo.


This is one different kit yet (though it is still the hammer drill version) One 5.0XC AND one 2.0ah compact battery

https://www.acmetools.com/shop/Prod...sWZuo51GMQnLYhsVjQInko=&ddkey=https:ClickInfo

guess even with the few negatives being posted about them about either/or chuck runout and grip tightness the hammer drill option seems to be the more popular tool no matter and is being pushed. Gen 3 clutches are different too from what I understand too, electronic may operate similar to the M12 RA drill I have but I don't really know

 

[f121]

So you can remove the handle and turn off the "hammer" feature on these types of drills?

Correct. See image of one of my makita drills below. The lower ring selects screwdriver, drill or hammer drill. Front ring selects screwdriver torque. This one doesn't have a side handle, but they're removable.

Re 12v vs 18v - they complement each other well, but if your only buying one, 18v is more useful.

 

[powertrip]

I'll be honest. I'm considering the Ryobi One+ series. Simple and reasonably priced.

No complaints out my Ryobi stuff. I really like the selection and the quality is very good. Same warranty as my Milwaukee stuff as well. I actually prefer the Ryobi nail guns over the Milwaukee versions and the new shopvac is awesome with a 9.0 battery.

 

[CC268]

Wow this is all news to me but ya looks like Milwaukee has reinvented some of the their kits after the latest Gen 3 releases


There still is a non hammer version of the drill/driver avaible but not as a combo with the impact. And the One Key version of the drill/driver with impact seems to be the only current available combo.


This is one different kit yet (though it is still the hammer drill version) One 5.0XC AND one 2.0ah compact battery

https://www.acmetools.com/shop/Prod...sWZuo51GMQnLYhsVjQInko=&ddkey=https:ClickInfo

guess even with the few negatives being posted about them about either/or chuck runout and grip tightness the hammer drill option seems to be the more popular tool no matter and is being pushed. Gen 3 clutches are different too from what I understand too, electronic may operate similar to the M12 RA drill I have but I don't really know

Yea good grief they sure have made it difficult. I may just go the good ole Ryobi One+ route and make my life simple and stress free

 

[CC268]

Correct. See image of one of my makita drills below. The lower ring selects screwdriver, drill or hammer drill. Front ring selects screwdriver torque. This one doesn't have a side handle, but they're removable.

Re 12v vs 18v - they complement each other well, but if your only buying one, 18v is more useful.

Thanks

 

[jd_1138]

No complaints out my Ryobi stuff. I really like the selection and the quality is very good. Same warranty as my Milwaukee stuff as well. I actually prefer the Ryobi nail guns over the Milwaukee versions and the new shopvac is awesome with a 9.0 battery.

Yeah the Ryobi stuff is fine for the average DIYer. Kinda not pro-grade quite yet, but close.

This is probably the best deal in the cordless tool market -- 5 tools, 2 batteries, charger for $149.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-18-Volt-ONE-Li-Ion-5-Tool-Combo-Kit-with-Drill-Circ-Saw-Recip-Saw-Impact-Driver-Light-2-1-5Ah-Batteries-Charger-P1982N/305846312

regular drill, impact driver, circular saw, recip saw, flashlight. Their impact wrench, radio, inflator and other tools can be added down the road.