Makita vs Milwaukee

[nationdom]

I am heavily invested into Milwaukee 18v. I was told that Milwaukee is the best when it comes to impact and mechanic tools but just recently Makita and even DeWalt have surpassed Milwaukee it seems.

Would you choose Makita or DeWalt over Milwaukee today?

I currently have Fuel Driver, 1/2mid torque gen 2, drill, multi tool, sawzall, trimmer, mower, blower, vacuum and non fuel orbital sander, 4.5” grinder plus 12 batteries.

Worth it to swap to DeWalt or Makita? I also don’t like the fact that Milwaukee is a Chinese company.

 

[bonneyman]

The repair guy on Youtube says Milwaukee of late has dropped off really bad on quality. Last 1-2 years. With a warrantee they work, but overseas where he is they're not a good bargain.
He recently got a Makita grinder in that sank on a boat. Sat in sea water. The owner sent it to him just to see if it could be salvaged as it was a brand new tool. He replaced the battery holder and main switch, cleaned and dried it - and the dang thing worked! Bearings were a bit noisey but heck.

 

[danski0224]

I also don’t like the fact that Milwaukee is a Chinese company.

Don't look too closely at those Makita tools, then...

 

[VolvoRyan]

While at it, you should ask what motor oil is best.

-Ryan

 

[nationdom]

Don't look too closely at those Makita tools,

Don't look too closely at those Makita tools, then...

I realize a lot of tools are made in China but DeWalt and Makita are not Chinese companies.

 

[PlanB]

Just a home gamer, but I am team yellow and have been thinking about going red....... teal is too much $. In reality probably should have gone ryobi but......

The grass is always greener

 

[VolvoRyan]

Just a home gamer, but I am team yellow and have been thinking about going red....... teal is too much $. In reality probably should have gone ryobi but......

The grass is always greener

The rub is that a single battery platform just doesn't work economically. Especially if you're the OP that is going to ditch thousands of dollars in tools.... because China. And those windmills must be tilted.

For stuff I don't do much of, Ryobi makes soooooo much sense. I can find faults in the tools, but they'll get you through a chore. For the work I do a lot of, it makes sense to invest in your favorite fancy red/yellow/blue brand.

-Ryan

 

[shibertus]

Having both I find Makita tools a little more refined. They have better fine trigger control, better weight balance and less vibration. My Japan-made XGT impact is the nicest impact driver I've ever had. I have had bad luck with a number of M18 batteries while my Makita ones have been fine. That said, if you are heavily invested in M18, I doubt its worth the $$ to make a change.

 

[cgrutt]

Like you I'm heavily invested in Milwaukee and for the most part have no issues with their tools. Also like you I have a somewhat of a problem with Chinese tools. On the bright side, while parent company TTI is in fact Chinese based, Milwaukee, one of its many subsidiaries, still is predominantly a US company. If you apply for a job with them it will more than likely be based in Wisconsin, Mississippi or several other US States. I haven't purchased many other battery tools that were not Milwaukee however my last several tool purchases have been either Makita or Bosch and have been corded tools. I just can't seem to justify buying a 5" M18 ROS for example at nearly twice the price of a better featured corded tool in Blue or Grey lol...

 

[AEAdam]

I was told that Milwaukee is the best when it comes to impact and mechanic tools but just recently Makita and even DeWalt have surpassed Milwaukee it seems.

What does this mean? Surpassed how?

Beware of the max torque wars. After a certain threshold, more torque ceases to be helpful to the user and is only good for youtube reviewers and marketing to the inexperienced.

In terms of Milwaukee being ”best”, only thing best about Milwaukee is probably the wide range of tools they have. Milwaukee offers an enormous range of impact tools, probably more than Makita and Dewalt put together. For carpentry, I like their battery nail guns, which Makita doesn’t offer to my knowledge, and the battery hole hawg is pretty awesome.

There are a few tools Makita has that Milwaukee does not. Until recently, Makita had a highly recommended we’ll priced track saw. I just bought the new Milwaukee track saw, which is a little disappointing, but I’m reserving judgement. Makita have a 18V biscuit joiner that Milwaukee doesn’t have.

I’d base your platform choice on what batteries you currently own and what tools you are liable to buy in the near future. My mistake was, I didn’t separate saws and lawn tools from my basic carpentry tools. The high performing saws, including chain saws need special expensive batteries I didn’t have.

 

[j3rf]

Worth it to swap to DeWalt or Makita? I also don’t like the fact that Milwaukee is a Chinese company.

Time to pony up for true American company USA made Snap On power tools!

Edit: Please take this post with a HEAVY dose of sarcasm. Thanks.

 

[nationdom]

Time to pony up for true American company USA made Snap On power tools!

Dang $900 for 1/2 compact with battery and charger. Is it better performing than a fuel or Makita?

 

[VolvoRyan]

Beware of the max torque wars. After a certain threshold, more torque ceases to be helpful to the user and is only good for youtube reviewers and marketing to the inexperienced.

I dunno, man. More torque means one can *really* cross-thread those oil drain plugs good.

-Ryan

 

[Snapped-off]

I wouldn't dump what you got just to switch brands. If someone has a tool you really want to try, just get a battery adapter.

I chose Makita and haven't regretted it. I recently started picking up some M12 tools for certain things.

Also don't get too hung up on the lab-style youtube channels. It's useful info, but you'll get different results in the real world.

 

[AEAdam]

Time to pony up for true American company USA made Snap On power tools!

I have some last gen Snap On impacts and they are very very nice tools. They don’t have an amazing product range.

Milwaukee have some right angle ratchet-style impacts that look attractive to me, big and small, high and mid torque impacts.

The Snap On guns are impressive tho. The batteries are nice, feel like good quality and seem to really hold a charge. I guess it’s the ”get what you pay for”.

 

[jives]

I chose Makita about 5 years ago as my first real platform. I find the base plate of the circular saw a bit flexible, but overall, all the tools are rock solid and have not let me down despite some mis-use abuse. Still on the original batteries with no sign of slowing down. The deciding factor for Makita was that Makita is owned by Makita. No colossal tool conglomerate.

 

[j3rf]

I have some last gen Snap On impacts and they are very very nice tools. They don’t have an amazing product range.

Milwaukee have some right angle ratchet-style impacts that look attractive to me, big and small, high and mid torque impacts.

The Snap On guns are impressive tho. The batteries are nice, feel like good quality and seem to really hold a charge. I guess it’s the ”get what you pay for”.

I was mostly joking, but I have been impressed with Snap On's battery ratchets as well as their new CT9038 stubby 18V impact wrench. Couple of co-workers have them and they seem to be more powerful than any battery compact I've used yet, including most of Milwaukee, Dewalt, and Makita lines. I'm not usually tempted because they are so expensive but that one has me going hmmm.

 

[AEAdam]

I dunno, man. More torque means one can *really* cross-thread those oil drain plugs good.

-Ryan

I know you are joking, but there are a lot of negatives about the high torque guns. They are typically heavy. The torque can be wrist braking. It’s been my experience that my 450-500ftlb gun, now thought of as mid torque, can pretty much do everything.

That said, my last gen SO gun I think is over 1000ftlbs and I’ve needed it for some jobs, but certainly not lug nuts.

 

[Blueshound_GJ]

I also went with Makita. I don't like red tools, it is purely an aesthetic thing. Also Milwaukee always makes me think "cheap nasty beer" lol.

 

[VolvoRyan]

I know you are joking, but there are a lot of negatives about the high torque guns. They are typically heavy. The torque can be wrist braking. It’s been my experience that my 450-500ftlb gun, now thought of as mid torque, can pretty much do everything.

That said, my last gen SO gun I think is over 1000ftlbs and I’ve needed it for some jobs, but certainly not lug nuts.

I totally agree with you. I'm always amazed by how much I can get apart with the little M12 gun.

-Ryan

 

[Walkers]

Just stick with whatever battery platform you have. Buying tool only is a much cheaper way to go. I am Makita, but only because when I upgraded to 18v there was a sale at Ho de. Once I had several batteries it made sense to stay with it.

 

[dnschmidt]

Neither is Milwaukee. TTI is owned by a German. That stated I do like Makita particularly for carpentry tools. Automotive, Milwaukee seems to have pretty locked up. With a five year warrantee you can't beat the customer service. I don't consider cordless tools to more than a five year investment anyway. I've look at some of the tools the guy from England fixes. All of them look like they have been run over by a D9 Caterpillar bulldozer. I would not even consider having them fixed as they are too ugly for me to use as I’m a tool snob and a clean freak. I don’t even like it when one of my tools gets dirty. I immediately clean the dirt off after I’ve used it. I just can’t help it. I will never abuse a tool to the level of the tools this guy repairs so I'm not too worried about how much abuse these tools can take.

 

[engineer2]

I respect other brands and they do the job required. I went with Makita LXT 18V Lithium since that is what most professional contractors used when they first came out in 2005. It's more varied now. Electricians like DeWalt, auto techs and DIYers like Milwaukee, weekend warriors like Ryobi, carpenters like Bosch, I've been very happy with my decision and am heavily invested in the platform. It think Makita has the most number of power tool models, but they get into heavy construction and OPE, which others don't as much.

 

[BrandonV]

TTI is a Hong Kong company not a mainland China company... it makes a big difference (for now).

Having worked with both it's the cultural differences are shocking.

 

[Davegvg]

I like both but prefer Makita whenever I can get the Makita version of a given tool.
My town has a small family owned Makita shop where I can get actual service and they take care of me.
I tried Dewalt about 15 years ago and wore out a saw and screwdriver kit building a deck and a shed.

 

[tarbellb]

Dump all the red stuff you fool !

 

[dnschmidt]

Dump all the red stuff you fool !

Why? If I did that I'd need a full sized dumpster I've got so much of it.

 

[The Wordsman]

Time to pony up for true American company USA made Snap On power tools!

Snap on electric power tools are made partially in Taiwan.

 

[cherrybomb]

I like both but prefer Makita whenever I can get the Makita version of a given tool.
My town has a small family owned Makita shop where I can get actual service and they take care of me.
I tried Dewalt about 15 years ago and wore out a saw and screwdriver kit building a deck and a shed.

I'm also heavily invested in the Makita Line,I bought a Makita Mitre saw,finish sander and one of the first cordless drills when they fist came out,about 1980????.I tool have a Makita shop close,they have great selection,but I've not had a claim.40 plus years and 15 tools,I guess ,why switch brands if it works for you?

 

[Davegvg]

I'm also heavily invested in the Makita Line,I bought a Makita Mitre saw,finish sander and one of the first cordless drills when they fist came out,about 1980????.I tool have a Makita shop close,they have great selection,but I've not had a claim.40 plus years and 15 tools,I guess ,why switch brands if it works for you?

The only time I switch is when I cant get the tool I want from Makita. I think I'm up to about 20 Pcs now.

I've yet to wear out a makita tool, even my 9.6 V screwdriver with stick batteries still works fine.
(I have had batteries go bad but thats expected if you actually use them)
That said Im just a home/farm use guy not a construction pro.

When I say service I mean buy stuff and ask questions, but they do have a repair department.
I had one product from makita I didnt like ( a battery extending backpack I thought Id use with their string trimmer) and they let me return it with zero guff.

 

[CGarage]

Bosch

 

[Jbullfrog]

I have had Makita power tools for 20 years. My uncle, who was a contractor in California, swore by them. I now have Makita and Dewalt cordless tools. Dewalt are available locally. I love the balance and control from Makita. The Dewalt 20v tools I have were bought because I needed them, that day. I carry Makita 1/4 hex, 3/8, and 1/2 impacts, a ratchet, hammer drill, and spot light in my farm truck. I have corded and cordless Makita tools in the shop for wood working.

 

[danski0224]

Makita has a cool "drywall jigsaw" that no one else has, yet. If I was doing more home repairs, that's one I would buy.

 

[Davegvg]

Bosch

Bosch is great, but the lineup is thin comparatively.

Makitas 18V and X2 36 volts give me a super wide range of tools from the garage, to woodworking to yard tools with one platform.

 

[jhendric]

I was turned off by Makita early on when they changed up battery configs caused me to throw away my cordless drill. I too am primarily a Milwaukee guy. I've been mostly happy with the exception of my 1/2 impact. It was brand new and simply broke after just a few uses. It was replaced under warraty with one that has clearly been used. In all fairness that one has been fine. Several years ago I got tired of my wife borrowing my tools so I started buying her Kobalt battery tools as they are generally cheaper and she doesn't use them nearly as much as I do. I must say Kobalt quality is pretty darn good. I find myself more and more buying Kobalt since they're way cheaper. My point to the OP is that I'm not sure the quality delta is that huge anymore "preimium" brands charge waaaaay too much, especially for the batteries.

 

[82355]

Keep what you have. Multiple battery types are annoying.

Martin

 

[Davegvg]

I was turned off by Makita early on when they changed up battery configs caused me to throw away my cordless drill. I too am primarily a Milwaukee guy. I've been mostly happy with the exception of my 1/2 impact. It was brand new and simply broke after just a few uses. It was replaced under warraty with one that has clearly been used. In all fairness that one has been fine. Several years ago I got tired of my wife borrowing my tools so I started buying her Kobalt battery tools as they are generally cheaper and she doesn't use them nearly as much as I do. I must say Kobalt quality is pretty darn good. I find myself more and more buying Kobalt since they're way cheaper. My point to the OP is that I'm not sure the quality delta is that huge anymore "preimium" brands charge waaaaay too much, especially for the batteries.

It'll be interesting to see what the quality delta may be over the next 10 years and X jobs. The Makita batts seem exceptionally well protected thermally as they should be for the money, but no doubt they are overpriced.

Which Makita battery change up are you referring to? Could you not get batteries?
I can still get batteries for my old 9.6, I cant bear to throw it away as it still works perfectly.

There hast been a decent cordless tool line I'm aware of that hasn't had a series of battery upgrades over the decades.

 

[AEAdam]

Bosch

I started with Bosch. At the time, 10yrs ago maybe, they had the best 18v tools. I love my circular saws, sawzall, grinder & impact drivers. When my drill wore out, I chose Milwaukee and that’s a much better tool than my Bosch, but the Bosch was much older.

100% unscientifically, all my Bosch batteries have held up really well despite hard usage. Some are 10+ yrs old. They have long run times, which may be a function of the motors in the tools. I like the size or form factor of the batteries WAY better than Milwaukee, which I find big and clumsy. A couple years ago I bought a couple CORE 3 or 4amp? batteries and I love them. Small and powerful. There’s a lot to be said for small and lightweight.

I suspect Milwaukee is too concerned with specs and chooses specs over utility sometimes. Or maybe that’s BS I‘ve read here. Point is, working with these tools all day long, I value long run time, light weight, comfort in my hand more than how fast I can sink a 4” screw. I think that’s a very bad criteria to select a tool with. In my view, such reviews have become typical as the reviewers are not users.

I also like smooth bodies that don’t catch on stuff and hit the j-hook on my tool belt. Also love my Bosch jobsite radio. Love, love love it.

 

[WildBill]

I work with a ton of construction guys, they all went from dewalt to milwaukee in the last 10 years, and after having those start to go to **** lately a lot are moving to makita or hilti. I've always had makita and have never had an issue.

 

[Davegvg]

Keep what you have. Multiple battery types are annoying.

Martin

This rule means you dont get the tools you want or need because no one platform has it all.