Milwaukee 12v VS Dewalt 12v

[Jimithing616]

Ok, so this is my first thread here, I've been lurking for a long time, and recently got into reading all the threads religiously as I updated my garage storage with a whole setup of Gladiator Cabinets and a Harbor freight 16 drawer tall box, as well as the 60" husky tool box and workbench w/ pegboard

Anyway, thanks for all the help and great info from everyone!


On the the point of the post.

I purchased a dewalt 12v Drill/Impact combo about 6 years ago, as when everyone came out with their 12v lion line back then, the dewalt won all the reviews and won me over with its specs and the ergonomics. I love the battery NOT being in the handle.

Just as an aside, I own the dewalt 18v lithium hammer drill and impact set, the best one available 5-7 years ago before 20v hit. I also own Dewalt 20v other tools like Circ saw, jigsaw, grinder, etc

So. I have been considering switching my small 12v stuff over to Milwaukee.

The reason is due to the fact that dewalt has all but given up on their 12v line. The drill/impact I bought 6 years ago, is still the one they sell, or very similar, along with the tiny 1.3ah batteries. Brushed motor, etc they have not innovated or added products to the line up at all it would seem

I really like the milwaukee 12v 3/8 ratchet. As well as the hackzall and many of the other tools, but I really like the ratchets, all of them 1/4,3/8,1/2

So, my question for all of you is this...

Do you hate the fact that the battery is inside the grip on the drill/impact?

The set I'm considering is the 12v fuel hammerdrill/impact set at HD for $199 it comes with a free bare tool, of which I would choose the ratchet.

My concern though is the SIZE of the hammer drill or even the normal drill in the FUEL line-up.... they are easily the size of other brands 18-20v drill... and just as heavy, I don't need such a beastly drill... I have the biggest baddest dewalt hammer drill they made back then and it still easily holds up to the newest ones on the market as far as specs go and I love it. So, what I really need is a small drill.

So, does anyone here think dewalt will revive their 12v line? Add some new tools, brushless drill/impacts, and hopefully a 3/8 ratchet? Anyone heard of any upcoming releases?

I kinda doubt it, as my local Home Depot's have stopped carrying dewalt 12v stuff, so that makes me believe it's kinda fallen to the wayside...

Why would they abandon their 12v line when all the other big brands are going whole hog into compact and sub compact stuff, especially Milwaukee... and people seem to LOVE the milwaukee 12v stuff as well as the Bosch 12v stuff too

Anyway, what would y'all suggest?

 

[Scott Plewacki]

Ok, so this is my first thread here, I've been lurking for a long time, and recently got into reading all the threads religiously as I updated my garage storage with a whole setup of Gladiator Cabinets and a Harbor freight 16 drawer tall box, as well as the 60" husky tool box and workbench w/ pegboard

Anyway, thanks for all the help and great info from everyone!


On the the point of the post.

I purchased a dewalt 12v Drill/Impact combo about 6 years ago, as when everyone came out with their 12v lion line back then, the dewalt won all the reviews and won me over with its specs and the ergonomics. I love the battery NOT being in the handle.

Just as an aside, I own the dewalt 18v lithium hammer drill and impact set, the best one available 5-7 years ago before 20v hit. I also own Dewalt 20v other tools like Circ saw, jigsaw, grinder, etc

So. I have been considering switching my small 12v stuff over to Milwaukee.

The reason is due to the fact that dewalt has all but given up on their 12v line. The drill/impact I bought 6 years ago, is still the one they sell, or very similar, along with the tiny 1.3ah batteries. Brushed motor, etc they have not innovated or added products to the line up at all it would seem

I really like the milwaukee 12v 3/8 ratchet. As well as the hackzall and many of the other tools, but I really like the ratchets, all of them 1/4,3/8,1/2

So, my question for all of you is this...

Do you hate the fact that the battery is inside the grip on the drill/impact?

The set I'm considering is the 12v fuel hammerdrill/impact set at HD for $199 it comes with a free bare tool, of which I would choose the ratchet.

My concern though is the SIZE of the hammer drill or even the normal drill in the FUEL line-up.... they are easily the size of other brands 18-20v drill... and just as heavy, I don't need such a beastly drill... I have the biggest baddest dewalt hammer drill they made back then and it still easily holds up to the newest ones on the market as far as specs go and I love it. So, what I really need is a small drill.

So, does anyone here think dewalt will revive their 12v line? Add some new tools, brushless drill/impacts, and hopefully a 3/8 ratchet? Anyone heard of any upcoming releases?

I kinda doubt it, as my local Home Depot's have stopped carrying dewalt 12v stuff, so that makes me believe it's kinda fallen to the wayside...

Why would they abandon their 12v line when all the other big brands are going whole hog into compact and sub compact stuff, especially Milwaukee... and people seem to LOVE the milwaukee 12v stuff as well as the Bosch 12v stuff too

Anyway, what would y'all suggest?

I personally like the battery in the handle, and for me the ergonomics of the drill feel good..just my .02

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

 

[stonesfan68]

I have both M12 and M18 tools. The only benefit to having both be Milwaukee is that I can use the same charger. Otherwise, it is just like having two separate product lines. I’d get the Milwaukee 12V tools and not worry about the bigger tools being made by Dewalt.

 

[shelbysguns]

Something to think about, as I am right now is that the mac 12/20v tool line is just rebadged dewalt. So you can buy the mac ratchets and impacts in the 12v line if you want those.

 

[EdH1]

I have Milwaukee 12 and 18 volt drills. I am happy with them. I do not mind the battery on the handle. I have storage for them in my garage and in my house shops. But I go for air tools when I use tools for automotive.
I use the Milwaukee for woodworking projects. I watch for specials at HD and a few other places that carry them. I recently bought some extra batteries, 12 volt, that were on special. It was a special on an impact 12 volt that came with 2 batteries, a 4AH and a 2AH. When I clicked on the tool I was not intending to buy it but lo and behold there was an additional 4ah battery included with the special. So it came with 2-4ah's and 1-2ah plus the toll for about the price of the three batteries if bought seperately, so I couldn't resist.
Like everything else, you have to watch what you buy from Milwaukee cause they have a range of quality.

 

[bbrins]

My larger stuff is Dewalt 20v, and my smaller stuff is Milwaukee M12. When I started shopping for the 12v stuff, I looked at the Dewalt and Milwaukee side by side and I just liked the more compact battery setup on the M12 stuff better, and if I need more capacity, I can use the bigger batteries. With the Dewalt 12v, I don't have the choice, the battery is always just as wide. Probably if I were to start over, I would probably go with Milwaukee for everything, just so that I would only need to carry one type of charger. I don't really have a preference for Dewalt or Milwaukee as far as quality is concerned, I have had pretty good luck with both.

Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk

 

[DonkeyFluffer]

I have 19 M12 and 12 or so M18 tools. I seriously doubt you will be unhappy with the M12 line.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[Firebrick43]

Jimithing, I was in the same boat as you were a year and a half ago. Loved the ergonomics of the dewalt 12v, except with heavy winter gloves. Neighbor had some bosch 12 v and while good tools, the battery in handle sucked to me and I thought Milwaukee would be the same. I upgraded my bigger tools to Milwaukee 18v then bought an 12v propex tool (Milwaukee). Then came a fuel hacksaw. Quickly realized that the Fuel tools were narrower in the grip above the battery than the bosch and non fuel tools.

They also work better in the winter with gloves on than the dewalt. What really sealed the deal is the huge lineup of Milwaukee 12v vs dewalt, one charger can do both 12 and 18 and icing on the cake is the 4.0 and 6.0 batteries have the pack below so if you want you can set tools down now and it wont fall over.

I have since sold the dewalt as I just didn't use it anymore

 

[kctyphoon]

I have the dewalt 12v, and the m12 brushed and brushless tools.. m18 stuff in brushless and brushed too on some models.

Dewalt 12v vs M12 Brushed, you won't see any real difference performance wise other than battery options in the type of tools shared between the brands.. dewalt wins in ergonomics and some lighting on a few tools all day long..

The brushless m12 is a little better, but the wide platform is where Milwaukee blows deawalt away.. the fuel hackzall is a bit of a cheat, since it's really just an entirely different saw then the regular m12.. circular saws, lighting, ratchets, heated gear - make the wider handles worth dealing with..

 

[jgromada]

I went the Dewalt route for 18v tools first, but when i wanted to get the 3/8" ratchet i obviously went with Milwaukee M12 as there is no comparable Dewalt tool. as the OP said, Dewalt isn't really promoting its 12 v line.

The original cost for the M12 ratchet and starter kit was $150 but then for one of the holiday sales i got a 4 tool (drill/driver/hackzall/ratchet) starter kit for only $50 more ($199)

 

[shelbysguns]

Dewalt 12v also shares a charger with the 20v just like the m18/m12. I would love to go Milwaukee, but I am kind of commited to Dewalt 20v and Ridgid 18v.

 

[DerekV]

The new gen 2 M12 Fuel drill/impact will be out in early 2018. I'd definitely hold off for those. Much much smaller than the current gen 1 variants with the same or more power. Personally, I don't think the battery in the handle thing is ideal, but Milwaukee has done a nice job with that bulky situation.

 

[Jimithing616]

Thanks everyone. I did not know that I could use MAC 12v cordless tools with my dewalt batteries.... a nice option, however I still think I'd be weary of the fact that all my 12v dewalt batteries are a little light at 1.3ah

I think I will buy the 12v fuel hammerdrill and impact set for $199 at Home Depot and take the ratchet as my free tool. If I hate them, I can always return them I suppose! Although I know I won't as I never return anything haha

I did see some news about a new fuel gen 2 hammerdrill that is supposed to be much smaller due to a newer brushless motor design that's replacing the gen 1 brushless Fuel motors. Something to think about, although I don't think they are out yet, just saw info on it on ProTool Reviews...

I just hate to miss out on this Home Depot deal waiting, it ends in January I believe, although I'm sure another deal will come along! And this clearly is not a NEED situation, I do own a nice Cornwell air ratchet and of course my dewalt 18v/20v and 12v tools of which I own at least 10 ....

just no 3/8 or 1/2 impact or ratchets which I'd like to have, the dewalt 18v lithium impact basically lives with a 3/8 socket adaptor on it to use with my 3/8 impact sockets... and then the 12v impact lives with a Phillips bit in it, it's actually one of the Milwaukee bits haha ... they are definitely the best I've used, although I did see at HD that dewalt, Mikita, Bosch, etc are now basically copying that flexible shank design that the milwaukee bits have... idk who was first. But, I digress.

 

[kctyphoon]

Dewalt makes 2.0 12v batteries.. just FYI

 

[Voi]

I have been considering switching my small 12v stuff over to Milwaukee.

My concern though is the SIZE of the hammer drill or even the normal drill in the FUEL line-up.... they are easily the size of other brands 18-20v drill... and just as heavy, I don't need such a beastly drill... I have the biggest baddest dewalt hammer drill they made back then and it still easily holds up to the newest ones on the market as far as specs go and I love it. So, what I really need is a small drill.

The 2nd generation M12 Fuel impact driver is supposed to be an inch shorter than the current M12 Fuel. I would see if you can find out 1) if the drill also shrunk in size and 2) when it is going to be released.

Do you need the hammer drill function?

If not, you could do basic drilling with the Gen2 M12 impact with hex shanked drill bits. Without the keyless chuck I image it would be considerably shorter. But you'd be giving up the clutch if that matters.

Could possibly do the same thing with some of the 1/4" hex chucked screwdrivers, although I'm not sure what RPMs your drilling needs require. They would at least have the clutch.

Not ideal but if you need a small tool for basic drilling and the rest of the M12 lineup appeals to you then it might be a reasonable compromise.

 

[DerekV]

The 2nd generation M12 Fuel impact driver is supposed to be an inch shorter than the current M12 Fuel. I would see if you can find out 1) if the drill also shrunk in size and 2) when it is going to be released.



Do you need the hammer drill function?



If not, you could do basic drilling with the Gen2 M12 impact with hex shanked drill bits. Without the keyless chuck I image it would be considerably shorter. But you'd be giving up the clutch if that matters.



Could possibly do the same thing with some of the 1/4" hex chucked screwdrivers, although I'm not sure what RPMs your drilling needs require. They would at least have the clutch.



Not ideal but if you need a small tool for basic drilling and the rest of the M12 lineup appeals to you then it might be a reasonable compromise.

Drill is WAY smaller than the current one. Don't know the exact specs off hand, but I think it's like ~6.5" long IIRC. That's small.

Pretty sure the scheduled release date is January 2018.

OP - WAIT! It'll be worth it.

 

[fdtrucks]

I have the m12 line at the house. They are great. I have replaced all my old dewalt 18v stuff with the m12 stuff. I started with a hammer drill and impact driver combo. They are by far the most used around the house. I have several other tools from the line and they all work great. The only tool that I have that really kills the battery is the skill saw. If I had to do it all over again, I would still go with the m12 line.

 

[gdocktor3]

I think I will buy the 12v fuel hammerdrill and impact set for $199 at Home Depot and take the ratchet as my free tool. If I hate them, I can always return them I suppose! Although I know I won't as I never return anything haha

Is that in store only? I checked online and didn't see any M12 stuff eligible for that free tool deal.

 

[Voi]

Is that in store only? I checked online and didn't see any M12 stuff eligible for that free tool deal.

Here's a link from the Milwaukee Addiction thread:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...5044703?cm_mmc=shopping-_-shopzilla-_-NA-_-NA

 

[Jackfre]

I have the M12 impact, drill and the sweet little sawz-all. I find the power to be excellent and they are just so darned handy. They fit easily in my nail bag or if not bagged up the clip onto my belt or pocket securely. When you are crawling under the house the size is a real bonus.

 

[jhelrey]

I like the feel of the Dewalt 12V stuff vs the 12V Milwaukee. Once you step up to the 18V line, different story.

 

[Distrophe]

Edit: I prefer the specifics of Milwaukee compared to Dewalt. The 12V 2404 HamR drill is almost as big as the 18V so I'm waiting for the 2nd gen to be out at a few places before getting it. It's still a few bucks more with no free tool though.

 

[Chromdome35]

I'm currently building a good size outdoor storage shed using only my Milwaukee 12v Fuel Impact and hammer drill for all screw driving and drilling needs.

I'm siding it with Hardie Siding, which is a concrete based product. Very difficult to sink a screw into it without first drilling pilot holes. I'm using the 12v hammer drill as a drill for the pilot holes and the impact to sink the screws. All I can say is that it's worked great for me. I love the size and ergonomics of both tools. Power hasn't been an issue at all and they have lasted me all day for 2 1/2 days using the 4.0 AH batteries in each.

One thing I will say, I prefer them with the larger battery format that allows the tool to stand up on the battery. When you have the smaller footprint battery in the tool, you can't stand it up you have to lay it down.

I used the non-fuel M12 Sawzall to cut the 2x4 plates out of the doorways. It wasn't much, just 8 cuts of pressure treated 2x. It did fine and didn't bog down or seize up at all.

I am a fan of the M12 line.

 

[PR1Gneon]

M12 Fuel tools are great.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

 

[kctyphoon]

Is that in store only? I checked online and didn't see any M12 stuff eligible for that free tool deal.

There's a ton of stuff listed online at hd with free tool combo deals

 

[gdocktor3]

Here's a link from the Milwaukee Addiction thread:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...5044703?cm_mmc=shopping-_-shopzilla-_-NA-_-NA

There's a ton of stuff listed online at hd with free tool combo deals

Yea thanks I was looking under the "Free Select Power Tools" link on the main page which only had 18v stuff listed. I had a $35 dollar gift card from my birthday and just won a $50 dollar gift card at our Christmas party last week, so one of those sets is looking pretty nice. All I really want is the ratchet....

 

[thatguysb]

Honestly just pick one.

i have the m12 drill, impact and some other small bits, works fine never had a problem. Almost never charge.

 

[Jimithing616]

Drill is WAY smaller than the current one. Don't know the exact specs off hand, but I think it's like ~6.5" long IIRC. That's small.

Pretty sure the scheduled release date is January 2018.

OP - WAIT! It'll be worth it.

Derek! Thanks for the info on the gen 2 fuel stuff.... it's hard for me to wait for things when I want them lol! But, I think you've convinced me! I'm in this boat now with my dewalt 12v drill and impact because I didn't wait and see how their 12v line panned out, I guess I foolishly assumed they would care about it and nurture it like they do their 18 then 20v stuff

Honestly though, I'm STILL a little peeved at DeWalt for coming out with the 18v lithium stuff (of which I bought the flagship $400 hammerdrill and impact kit) and then months later completely abandoning it for the 20v lithium line up.

Yes, I know you can buy the adapter now and use 20v batteries on 18v tools, and I understand they wanted to have a slide type battery, and all that jazz about the 20/60v stuff that all makes sense. But, they should have just went right from 18v Nicad to 20v lithium... Dont trick people into thinking the 18v lithium is the new big thing and then basically disappear it a few months later!

So.... I have half a mind to just sell all my dewalt 12v/18v/20v drills, impacts, saws, grinders, etc etc and switching whole hog over to Milwaukee.... I love their circular saw 18v fuel deal at Home Depot, you get the saw, which is normally 199 alone, and a 9.0ah battery and charger for $249 which is amazing...

So, I'm sure I'd still end up spending quite a bit after selling all my dewalt stuff and buying all new Milwaukee, especially if I want a comparable hammerdrill and impact to my 18v lithium flagship set. But, in all my years of owning it, I dunno if I needed it. I probably would've been ok with a middle of the road or one step below the best hammer drill and impact...

Well, anyway, moral to the story is, thanks to Derek, I will be waiting for the gen 2 12v fuel stuff, and even though I b***h about dewalt, I'll likely keep the 20v circular saw, grinder, and jigsaw, especially since I just bought them (although I wish they were brushless) as well as my 18v lithium stuff too... I've always liked dewalt, I just feel they need to try a bit harder to keep up with Milwaukee, who, at the moment, is hitting it out of the park!

 

[Aqua-Andy]

Six or so years ago I went with Dewalt because the handle fit my hand better and the tools just felt better balanced with the battery at the bottom. If I was to do it all over again I would probably stay with dewalt due to ergonomics and then purchase the M12 tools that Dewalt does not make.

 

[Rarified27]

I've had M12 tools since 2011 and the only thing which I consistently don't like is the handle width. The 1st Gen stuff I originally purchased then had handles where the grip was a similar size the whole way up, but the 2nd Gen stuff has a taper towards the top, which is much more comfortable.

There's been nothing my M12 Fuel hammer drill and impact have been underpowered for and I renovated my current house down to the studs with both of them. To be fair, I also used Ryobi 18v and an old DeWalt NiCad 18v, but neither of them on the toughest stuff.

After what is now almost 7yrs of use, I spotted a $99 deal at HD for the M18 Brushless (non-fuel) compact drill and thought I'd try it to see if their M18 handle felt notably different and the clear answer is yes. I also think my individual hand size plays a factor here- I'm the guy who buys gloves a size smaller than my palm requires because I don't have the longest fingers. I read a few different pieces about guys with bear paws having no complaints about the 1st Gen M12 stuff.

Something else I noticed was the M18 brushless compact drill w/ a 2.0 battery feels lighter than my M12 Fuel Hammer drill with a 4.0 battery.

I like the brushless M18 and will keep it, but what blew me away was picking up the M18 Fuel hammer drill w/ a 5.0 battery in the store. It felt like a 50lb dumbbell compared to my other stuff. I'm curious how the guys using them all day feel about the heft they present.

In terms of the DeWalt stuff, the above comments about virtually no marketing for 12v and a minimal tool variety compared to Milwaukee is usually the driving force with most people I know who use 12v tools.

The Bosch 12v guys on here might have some thoughts about their battery-in-handle stuff as well.

 

[DerekV]

[emoji106]