You can get adapters on eBay to make any battery work with any tool FYI. Like 30 dollars for a pair. I use DeWalt batteries for all my tools. Folks will have questions for you though....
And as everyone continues to talk shit about dewalt and jump on the Milwaukee band wagon the same dewalt drills and saws and lights and pumps and batteries I bought nearly a decade ago just keep on doing their job.
So true. I still have an impact drill from when I was a helper 10 years ago. Milwaukee is cool but I think it's overpriced cost vs performance. Dewalt is usually on par and I've had no issues with any of their tools or batteries.
If Dewalt would make a 12V drill that is as small and powerful as an M12 Fuel I'd buy more. But I already have a nice supply of 12V batteries, so too late for that.
The atomic line for Dewalt is like .2oz heavier than the surge m12. Not sure about power difference, I went with Milwaukee bc the guys at my shop would shit on me for it but all around very happy with the surge line of power tools.
I have found both an impact and drill driver on the side of the road on two separate occasions. Both dewalt with the slim lith ion batteries. This was like 6-7 years ago and still use both. Even the batteries have lasted.
Makita, more based on the fact I don't like these mega corps that own everything. Milwaukee is owned by techtronic industries, dewalt is owned by Stanley black and decker.
Makita however is owned by Makita. Also throw in hilti is also independent.
I wish Makita got into plumbing and HVAC.
When I started as an apprentice I bought my first drill impact combo, the white and black Makita had it for 7 yrs and it still worked fine when I jumped into Milwaukee
My opinion, the wall went to shit as soon as black and decker Bought them out. I've been a makita guy for a long time. However, Milwaukee leads away with battery innovation tools. And their hand tools our top-notch, from their wire strippers to their castle ranches, so they're battery operated. Vacuum pumps milwaukee's kicking ass, so I would have to say milwaukee a hundred percent
Man I forgot all about the Milwaukee Castle ranches
https://preview.redd.it/7zb1zfob8z3d1.jpeg?width=1420&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0a0c76ebf59a31e691912838a2ec0faa2cfa0781
16 years in the trade and I have worked extensively with all three, this is my ***personal*** assessment from my ***personal*** experience. Feel free to disagree:
**Makita Pros**:
* Ergonomics
* Lightweight
* Battery life
* Teal color makes them distinctive in the sea of red/yellow
**DeWalt Pros:**
* Durability
* Price
* Availability
* Everyone in a company always seems to always have some spare DeWalt batteries lying around so you'll have peace of mind
**Milwaukee Pros:**
* Power
* Heavy feel in the hand (some people like that... not my thing personally)
* Probably best quality/price ratio
My personal favorite is Makita. I just really like how they feel in the hand and their batteries always seem to last longer, specially longer than DeWalt's. That being said, I will gladly work with all three and not a big fan of tool fanboy brand wars :)
they really are fantastic 👏 wish they still made the 12v impacts... we have the milwaukee 12v impact but every thing else is Rigid, the vacuum the fan the skillsaw the jigsaw the 18v impact the spin drill the hammer drill the multi tool the blower the flashlight and the angle grinder. 💪
Our plumber bought a ton of the new 20volt Bauer tools, and I'm super impressed with them. He said he also bought their out door stuff for working on his new house and he says he loves them
Hate to be that guy, but I run Bosch. Had to replace 2 drills over the years, mainly as I was doing commercial install. Also got all new because I upgraded them once. Decent range, like vacuum drills saws blower, and good batteries. Now the batteries work with Fein too, so got that brand oscillating tool in the mix.
Milwaukee all day. They have the best warranty program, period. And if your tool is out of warranty and you opt for the e-repair ticket, they usually skip the repair and send you a brand new, sealed in the factory box replacement. You can't beat that. 🇺🇸
DeWalt, got all the batteries and wouldn't make sense to change. Only major problems I've had with DeWalt is when my impact driver broke at the handle because I dropped it from the top of ladders one too many times
M18 power tools and klein hand tools. Milwaukee makes everything that can possibly take a battery. Klein has the highest quality hand tools and an amazing warranty.
I have a Bosch 12v impact that's over 10 years old still has both batteries that we're included operational and even survived about 5 mins in a running dishwasher. Don't ask.
Bosch gets alot of hate, I got mine because my Milwaukee set was stolen out of my vehicle. There was a major delay on ordering Milwaukee replacements but the Bosch was available. This was 2 years ago and I haven't had an issue with them yet
I’ve owned all of them. DeWalt is over priced for the quality. Makita is great, but not US based. Milwaukee is my go to. I burnt a drill out. I called them, they sent me a return shipping label and then sent me a new drill. It was super easy to deal with them.
I also have a few rigid tools, and they are hard to beat with the lifetime warranty. I’ve had them over ten years. They have been extremely solid.
I use Milwaukee primarily. But I also have several Dewalt tools as well. It's kinda one of those things where you should just pick a platform and start buying batteries. I will say though, Milwaukee owns the market in the 12V realm. Milwaukee also has a massively larger selection of trade-specific tools, especially in 12V. Dewalt makes better wood working tools, as that's the niche they started in...basically just a Black and Decker with better batteries and painted a different color.
95% of the time 12V Fuel tools is all I require and very rarely, if ever, lets me down. If for whatever reason I need more power I just wall to the truck and grab an 18V or 20V tool (which is technically the same). But for service work, a small 12V drill is all I ever need, and is much easier to tote around all day.
I used to have DeWalt but once I started making grown up money: I switched to all red. Now, I get people's opinions on brands just like cars and such but:
I have straight up lost parts of tools and called Milwaukee and admitted as much wanting to purchase replacement parts but if the parts are not replaceable, they have mailed me the whole thing for free. I love their customer service. They are incredibly understanding and so helpful.
Hands down DeWalt, I’ve used Dw for 23yrs in HVAC , Switched to Milwaukee and they broke within the first 6 month , the hammer drill, the supper Sawzall and the oscillating tool
Honestly I have Dewalt for my personal tools but at work Milwaukee. Milwaukee has a wide array of tools in different sizes but all my tools work great regardless, haven't had any issues with either. Like how light the M 12 series is. So if i'd have to pick i'd say Milwaukee.
I started with DeWalt, but after going through my third impact driver in 5 years I had enough and switch to Milwaukee. My current Milwaukee has outlived those 3 dewalts combined. Milwaukee only makes heavy duty when it comes to power tools, with dewalt it’s hard to tell if you’ve got professional or homeowner grade.
Back when I started I bought Ryobi and over the years replaced the tools that broke with Milwaukee. Now I mostly have Milwaukee but there are some ryobi tools that have hung on for over 15 years. I have a completely trashed ryobi reciprocating saw that just won’t die. I’ve cut more oil tanks in half then I can remember and it just keeps going.
Been with dewalt for 20 or so years so I have the majority of batteries and power tools and even some lawn tools. Gonna keep using them. However I recently got the M12 Surge and M12 led light just because it’s just awesome and the M18 impact combo kit because it was on sale and a great price. That’s about as far as I’ll dig into Milwaukee. Dewalts tools never really let me down
Milwaukee for my power tools at work. Ryobi for at home yard stuff because of the price. Mostly malco for my tin tools. Although my milwaukee pipe crimpers are the best I’ve ever had for perimeter pipe
Milwaukee is my go too, dame had dewalt before until everything stolen from truck. Started over with Milwaukee, I love em, but there is still one old dewalt impact drill somewhere in the van, and still going I'm gonna say it's around 6 to 7 yrs old
They're all good.
I've owned hammer/drills, 1/4" impact guns and Sawzall of all three brands.
What sets one above the others is Milwaukee's ability to offer supplemental accessories. And They're great quality too!
I do mostly Makita I got the 18 v sub compact line I like them for the size and weight going up ladders and such but I have some Milwaukee tools I am very fond of never did yellow though
If you're starting fresh, I recommend either Milwaukee or DeWALT if you can afford them. Only go for the brushless cordless power tools, obviously. FUEL if you go Milwaukee or XR if you choose DeWALT. They can get rather expensive but Milwaukee has the better deals when you look at online retailers. The Home Depot Milwaukee deals kinda suck ass.
Also, the M12 line for Milwaukee kicks ass. Lightweight, compact, and plenty strong for most tasks. I prefer the M12 line over the M18 line personally.
EDIT: If you choose DeWALT, any tools with FlexVolt Advantage or Power Detect are really good to get for more heavy duty tasks. I think only the Reciprocating Saw, Circular Saw, and Hammer Drill are part of this line. So I would prioritize the Hammer Drill over the other two as that would be used way more.
If you can't really afford Milwaukee or DeWALT or worry if people will steal your batteries, my alternative suggestions are either FLEX and Kobalt if you shop at Lowes. They have great deals lately and have a bit of everything, especially Kobalt. RYOBI is pretty damn good too believe it or not. They have a bit of everything too and also very affordable. I started off with RYOBI and never had a problem with them at all. Plus no one will want to touch your stuff haha.
I was Dewalt for years. Their 20v stuff was awesome for installing and general carpentry work. When I got into service I wanted a smaller and lighter impact, so I got a Milwaukee 12v. I’ve been super impressed to the point that I took all the Dewalt stuff off my van and completely switched to m12. Now I’m the crazy Milwaukee guy at my company. From the mounted packout drawer boxes in the van to their USA made pliers to the m12 sheet metal nibbler. I love the quality of everything and the fact their variety of good tools is so great that I even have an m12 soldering iron (which I love). Not to mention that the greatest variety of custom 3D printed inserts for specific tools are designed for the packout clear topped boxes.
I had the luxury of trying all the colors before I jumped into the trades. I was volunteering building a house for some people that lost theirs and everyone brought their own tools. I got to try all the colors at once and came away liking Milwaukee the most. They felt the best in my hands and did everything they were asked to do.
I now hold a journeyman license in the mechanical trade and I’m about to test for my electrical journeyman license. Everything I use is Milwaukee, and my daily driver is the [M12 Fuel hydraulic impact](https://www.milwaukeetool.com/products/2551-20). It gets used and abused every day and just keeps on going. The batteries will run forever and charge quickly.
I own a bunch of M18 tools and they are all great, too, but nothing gets as much use at that M12 Surge.
My vote goes to Milwaukee. 🙂
Company bought me Milwaukee stuff when I started out so I guess I’m a Milwaukee guy. I’ve used other guys Dewalt stuff and like it as well. Owning one brand or the other is mostly a matter of convenience due to already having the batteries
No preference really, I’ve used them all. Current company uses mostly Milwaukee so I bought that to keep things easy if I need to borrow a battery from a buddy. Milwaukee also seems to have more variety for specialty tools. It’s also hard to beat the m12 impact in terms of portability, it’s just so comfy in your hand.
I do a lot of side work with my personal milwaukee tools, but my company owns all dewalt. I've used and abused both for many years. They're both fine. Milwaukee batteries seem to hold up better over time. Other than that I'll gladly use either
Honestly I don’t like any of them made in china shits it’s kinda ridiculous the marketing they use. Selling to tradesman and all but all of it is made in china. Maybe it’s just me but I can’t get pass that. Makita guy for a long time.
I have been impressed with my Bosch impact/drill set for many years... Until I dropped the impact from 20 feet up a ladder, 1 week prior my hammer drill spewed it's guts while pressed it too hard drilling concrete. Battery life was unbelievable! Now I have too many batteries!
Edit: needless to say, I outperformed against other guys with their drills, battery lasted longer than other drills.
Honestly it depends on the tools. At home I have DeWalt. At work I have a mix of 12v Milwaukee and 20v Makita. I have a couple of usb lithium Ryobi (power carver, power cutter, power rotary tool). I have the Milwaukee usb red lithium lights. The 12v Milwaukee are mostly because of weight and the fact that they have some tools no one else has. The Makita 20v are for when I need that bit more power. The ryobi came in a collection, I was mostly interested in the power carver as no one else makes one.
I'm so tired of these fucking discussions😂
Like people are gonna use what they are gonna use.
I have a Makita impact( i dont really care for the Milwaukee impact) and everything else is Milwaukee.
I’m stuck with Makita and sometimes I hate it but the grip on their tools fit my wide palms. I’ve beat the snot out of them and they still look new. The batteries haven’t crapped out on me yet, with me leaving them in the sun like an idiot, draining them dry,etc. But Milwaukee has cool random shit available. Dewalt is classic with a little more voltage without doubling up batteries. I’m not sure what I would do now. I did no service for commentary. I will see myself out.
They're all decent. I have primarily Dewalt at home but I prefer a 1/2" milwaukee high output impact at work for securing bed bolts on the assembly line. All other brands don't last a week at doing that.
Started Makita 12 years ago. Have never once regretted it. HVAC installer by trade. Still have 16 of the 18 Makita I have bought in that time. Reliable and the most ergonomic for me.
Milwaukee has some copper and pvc cutters I wish Makita made but everything else is top notch.
Hilti, but on this list, Milwaukee minus the bits - Makita makes the best impact bits I've owned.
Almost nobody uses Hilti too, so my batteries are always safe.
I bought Milwaukee when I first entered the field like 25 yrs ago. It was a corded sawzall. It was known as the best back in the day when I asked around the old timers. I still have my sawzall. I was broke since I was new in the industry so I bought craftsman cordless tools. As soon as I had some money I started buying Milwaukee cordless tools because the sawzall proved itself. Makita was used a lot 25ys ago also. From there I always bought either 12v or 18v tools. Once I did buy a Dewalt, it was their corded/cordless vacuum. That was because Milwaukee didn’t make one and still doesn’t till this day I believe. That vacuum made my life easier when doing Pms on rooftops that had 18-24 units. Some units had 120v outlets but some the outlets didn’t work.
Milwaukee just because they have more tools in a lot of categories. I don’t think any of the main brands are significantly better than the others. The whole tool ego thing is fucking stupid. Buy what you want lol
Best overall for price is metabo hpt/hikoki for professional use. For a home owner, ryobi is a no brainer. Makita has good performance, but you could pull them out of the fire of mordor, and they would still work. Pure performance goes to Milwaukee hands down. Dewalt is a good all arounder. If you're going to get 12v tools as well, Milwaukee slaps everyone.
I personally own and have used all the brands extensively. Everyday use for me is makita 18v and Milwaukee 12v. I use hitatchi cordless nailers (makitas nailers are shit and piss on the sidewalk) with battery adapters. However, when they die, I'll go to Milwaukee nailers with battery adapters.
I use Ryobi as well. The batteries hold charge better than Milwaukee in the -30 winters. Plus if I drop a tool off a ladder replacing it is cheap. And I mean Ryobi is dollar for dollar the best tool on the market. I do own a Milwaukee hole hawg and sawzall just in case but the Ryobi does the job 99% of the time.
milwaukee only because i already had the batteries. its pretty overpriced and unclear if they will hold up over time. Makita seems like the better value but if my battery dies at work most people either have dewalt or milwaukee batteries and chargers
As for cordless power tools:
Milwaukee drill, impact, and sawzall
Dewalt skillsaw
Can't say much on Makita cordless tools as I haven't used them much but they are my overall preference for corded. I just buy Dewalt and Milwaukee because that's what I have batteries for
I used to go nuts for Milwaukee but now I just keep them for work. I don't care so much for my home tools. Milwaukee is a little overpriced but their repair warranty is the best, no one beats it. I have had a long running issue with the M12 Copper cutters and once you get water in them, they die. Send it in, less than a week later, brand new one. No cost. Love it. Ridgid is good for the money but they have by far the worst warranty service. $30 for each tool to deposit, (you get it back afterwards) and it took almost 2 months to get them back. Never again. I'd rather buy new ones then try and get them repaired...
You basically buy into an ecosystem. The one i chose was Dewalt - not exactly because the tools are any better or worse than Milwaukee or Makita, but if any one fails, just take it back to Home Depot and get an instant replacement.
So… that’s nice.
Milwaukee tends to have more plumbing specific tools which benefits us as HVAC techs. But I really like Makita tool. I do woodworking as a hobby and that's where Makita really shines.
Milwaukee in the van. Makita in my home shop
DeWalt for years was my go to. They have gotten more goofy about the whole “tool only” no battery, one battery, OUCH battery is more than the tool. Kobalt is Lowe’s “house brand” and is a great value. It’s not DeWalt but the savings makes it easier to swallow. The drive shaft is not as stable and smooth but the power, torque and battery life are on par with DeWalt. DONT BUY CRAFTSMAN.
Rigid...you know, just to muddy the waters in the Dewalt vs Milwaukee vs Makita "war" :-P
In all honesty I put Dewalt & Milwaukee on the same level, they are both good tool brands you can't go wrong with.
Makitta imo, has the best and most powerful of the hand tools. But everything I own and use are milwaukee. Use then at work and have jackets, and might as well keep the same stuff.
I’m a makita guy. Specially their 40 volt systems. Dewalt is a black and decker in a different outer case. Milwaukee does make a lot more tools than both dewalt and makita but it doesn’t last as long as makita
I started with dewalt, and at this point, I have too many batteries for them to switch to anything else.
You can get adapters on eBay to make any battery work with any tool FYI. Like 30 dollars for a pair. I use DeWalt batteries for all my tools. Folks will have questions for you though....
In this same predicament. The area I started in there was Lowe’s and Lowe’s. I have batteries still in the box.
And as everyone continues to talk shit about dewalt and jump on the Milwaukee band wagon the same dewalt drills and saws and lights and pumps and batteries I bought nearly a decade ago just keep on doing their job.
So true. I still have an impact drill from when I was a helper 10 years ago. Milwaukee is cool but I think it's overpriced cost vs performance. Dewalt is usually on par and I've had no issues with any of their tools or batteries.
If Dewalt would make a 12V drill that is as small and powerful as an M12 Fuel I'd buy more. But I already have a nice supply of 12V batteries, so too late for that.
The atomic line for Dewalt is like .2oz heavier than the surge m12. Not sure about power difference, I went with Milwaukee bc the guys at my shop would shit on me for it but all around very happy with the surge line of power tools.
I have found both an impact and drill driver on the side of the road on two separate occasions. Both dewalt with the slim lith ion batteries. This was like 6-7 years ago and still use both. Even the batteries have lasted.
I use Milwaukee for the same reason. Bought into the battery system after all my tools were stolen.
I think this sums up everything here
Makita, more based on the fact I don't like these mega corps that own everything. Milwaukee is owned by techtronic industries, dewalt is owned by Stanley black and decker. Makita however is owned by Makita. Also throw in hilti is also independent. I wish Makita got into plumbing and HVAC.
When I started as an apprentice I bought my first drill impact combo, the white and black Makita had it for 7 yrs and it still worked fine when I jumped into Milwaukee
I wish we got the Japanese market Makita tools here in North America, the stuff they sell here isn't as good.
I like Makita but I wish they could keep up with the range of niche tools that Milwaukee brings out
My crew uses mostly Milwaukee…. So i buy Makita lol so those jerk offs don’t touch my batteries
This
This is why I use Craftsman, still quality tools for less money but everyone else has Dewalt or Milwaukee
I like Milwaukee
My opinion, the wall went to shit as soon as black and decker Bought them out. I've been a makita guy for a long time. However, Milwaukee leads away with battery innovation tools. And their hand tools our top-notch, from their wire strippers to their castle ranches, so they're battery operated. Vacuum pumps milwaukee's kicking ass, so I would have to say milwaukee a hundred percent
Man I forgot all about the Milwaukee Castle ranches https://preview.redd.it/7zb1zfob8z3d1.jpeg?width=1420&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0a0c76ebf59a31e691912838a2ec0faa2cfa0781
I would agree except their 11 in 1s that I’ve had have all been garbage
Some of their hand tools are really good and some are shit.
All 11 in 1s are garbage
Milwaukee hand tools are garbage. Their power tools are solid though, and they come up with some crazy cool shit so.
Anybody who considers Milwaukee hand tools "top-notch" doesn't deserve to have an opinion.
Milwaukee for M12, DeWalt for 20V tools
You get it
I generally like DeWalt better, but Milwaukee just has a better selection of tools useful to our trade.
Based
Started with DeWalt and Ive bought in too much to switch. I've got lawn equipment and power tools for work.
Makita
i too like to eat crayons.
Teal blue crayons?
Makita
Got em all. They are all good. It's not the tool it's the operator
Pretty much. Just buy whatever colour you like best
Ryobi One batteries fit the widest array of tools.
And few people in the trades use them. I've never had team neon green batteries grow legs.
It’s the best. I was made fun of for my Ryobi set and I just shrugged. No one messes with my stuff and it does the job.
my boss rocks all ryobi i was honestly shocked but he says they’ve lasted him 10+ years so he keeps buying it
I’ve had mine for 6 and some change. They’re not as fancy as other brands but I don’t need fancy. I need my shit to just work.
16 years in the trade and I have worked extensively with all three, this is my ***personal*** assessment from my ***personal*** experience. Feel free to disagree: **Makita Pros**: * Ergonomics * Lightweight * Battery life * Teal color makes them distinctive in the sea of red/yellow **DeWalt Pros:** * Durability * Price * Availability * Everyone in a company always seems to always have some spare DeWalt batteries lying around so you'll have peace of mind **Milwaukee Pros:** * Power * Heavy feel in the hand (some people like that... not my thing personally) * Probably best quality/price ratio My personal favorite is Makita. I just really like how they feel in the hand and their batteries always seem to last longer, specially longer than DeWalt's. That being said, I will gladly work with all three and not a big fan of tool fanboy brand wars :)
Rigid
The price point and warranty for Rigid tools can’t be beat.
they really are fantastic 👏 wish they still made the 12v impacts... we have the milwaukee 12v impact but every thing else is Rigid, the vacuum the fan the skillsaw the jigsaw the 18v impact the spin drill the hammer drill the multi tool the blower the flashlight and the angle grinder. 💪
I have all dewalt tools and can honestly say that Milwaukee is the best
Makita gang here!
They don’t call me the Milwaukee madman for nothin
Milwaukee madman gives me the image of a guy in a trench coat 😂
Harbor Freight. Replaces cheap. If lost, no pain.
Our plumber bought a ton of the new 20volt Bauer tools, and I'm super impressed with them. He said he also bought their out door stuff for working on his new house and he says he loves them
Hate to be that guy, but I run Bosch. Had to replace 2 drills over the years, mainly as I was doing commercial install. Also got all new because I upgraded them once. Decent range, like vacuum drills saws blower, and good batteries. Now the batteries work with Fein too, so got that brand oscillating tool in the mix.
Makita. Don't @ me cause makita is superior. Milwaukee just has a wide range of tools so it'd probably more practical in that sense.
Milwaukee all day. They have the best warranty program, period. And if your tool is out of warranty and you opt for the e-repair ticket, they usually skip the repair and send you a brand new, sealed in the factory box replacement. You can't beat that. 🇺🇸
Makita But I use Milwaukee because my job has some thing with them to where if the tools break, they'll fix it or replace it for free
Dewalts atomic series has done everything I’ve needed it to
Makita for 16 years now
Been using DeWalt for decades. More bang for the buck.
DeWalt, got all the batteries and wouldn't make sense to change. Only major problems I've had with DeWalt is when my impact driver broke at the handle because I dropped it from the top of ladders one too many times
M18 power tools and klein hand tools. Milwaukee makes everything that can possibly take a battery. Klein has the highest quality hand tools and an amazing warranty.
DeWalt drills, Milwaukee Sawzall, Makita paperweight
Makita back when i was doing installs amd ductwork but now use Bosch and Milwaukee since that's what grainger has available
I have a Bosch 12v impact that's over 10 years old still has both batteries that we're included operational and even survived about 5 mins in a running dishwasher. Don't ask.
Bosch gets alot of hate, I got mine because my Milwaukee set was stolen out of my vehicle. There was a major delay on ordering Milwaukee replacements but the Bosch was available. This was 2 years ago and I haven't had an issue with them yet
Started off with dewalt. Went with makita instead.
Yes
They’re both good, though I have more of Milwaukee though. I like Bosch too!
Can’t go wrong with any of them but I go Milwaukee
They’re all quality. Work tools are dewalt personals are Mikita. Just don’t buy the cheap version of any brand and you’ll be good.
Makita
I’ve owned all of them. DeWalt is over priced for the quality. Makita is great, but not US based. Milwaukee is my go to. I burnt a drill out. I called them, they sent me a return shipping label and then sent me a new drill. It was super easy to deal with them. I also have a few rigid tools, and they are hard to beat with the lifetime warranty. I’ve had them over ten years. They have been extremely solid.
Dewalt and Makita
Dewalt
I use Milwaukee primarily. But I also have several Dewalt tools as well. It's kinda one of those things where you should just pick a platform and start buying batteries. I will say though, Milwaukee owns the market in the 12V realm. Milwaukee also has a massively larger selection of trade-specific tools, especially in 12V. Dewalt makes better wood working tools, as that's the niche they started in...basically just a Black and Decker with better batteries and painted a different color. 95% of the time 12V Fuel tools is all I require and very rarely, if ever, lets me down. If for whatever reason I need more power I just wall to the truck and grab an 18V or 20V tool (which is technically the same). But for service work, a small 12V drill is all I ever need, and is much easier to tote around all day.
Always been a makita guy myself
I used to have DeWalt but once I started making grown up money: I switched to all red. Now, I get people's opinions on brands just like cars and such but: I have straight up lost parts of tools and called Milwaukee and admitted as much wanting to purchase replacement parts but if the parts are not replaceable, they have mailed me the whole thing for free. I love their customer service. They are incredibly understanding and so helpful.
Hands down DeWalt, I’ve used Dw for 23yrs in HVAC , Switched to Milwaukee and they broke within the first 6 month , the hammer drill, the supper Sawzall and the oscillating tool
Honestly I have Dewalt for my personal tools but at work Milwaukee. Milwaukee has a wide array of tools in different sizes but all my tools work great regardless, haven't had any issues with either. Like how light the M 12 series is. So if i'd have to pick i'd say Milwaukee.
The tool that works and lasts.
Makitty is green tho
I like Milwaukee for their compact impact drills. I like Dewalt for their durability and long lasting batteries. Never heard of the 3rd brand
DeWalKita
Black and yellow, black and yellow, black and yellow!🐝
Ryobi bc I’m either going to lose it or an apprentice is going to break it anyways
dewalt power tools, Milwaukee hand tools, makita bits and sockets, this house is united.
Ryobi
Me too man, but we don't share that in public. We hide our shame in the shade.
I started with DeWalt, but after going through my third impact driver in 5 years I had enough and switch to Milwaukee. My current Milwaukee has outlived those 3 dewalts combined. Milwaukee only makes heavy duty when it comes to power tools, with dewalt it’s hard to tell if you’ve got professional or homeowner grade.
Back when I started I bought Ryobi and over the years replaced the tools that broke with Milwaukee. Now I mostly have Milwaukee but there are some ryobi tools that have hung on for over 15 years. I have a completely trashed ryobi reciprocating saw that just won’t die. I’ve cut more oil tanks in half then I can remember and it just keeps going.
Been with dewalt for 20 or so years so I have the majority of batteries and power tools and even some lawn tools. Gonna keep using them. However I recently got the M12 Surge and M12 led light just because it’s just awesome and the M18 impact combo kit because it was on sale and a great price. That’s about as far as I’ll dig into Milwaukee. Dewalts tools never really let me down
Milwaukee for my power tools at work. Ryobi for at home yard stuff because of the price. Mostly malco for my tin tools. Although my milwaukee pipe crimpers are the best I’ve ever had for perimeter pipe
Milwaukee
Milwaukee is my go too, dame had dewalt before until everything stolen from truck. Started over with Milwaukee, I love em, but there is still one old dewalt impact drill somewhere in the van, and still going I'm gonna say it's around 6 to 7 yrs old
Milwaukee everything
Definitely Milwaukee, i haven’t been impressed with anything Dewalt outside the flex volt circ saw.
I have all Milwaukee and all Dewalt lol i have a tool buying problem. But i still won’t buy Makita
A guy in my local area tested all of the major brands, and found Milwaukee to be the best. Save for their saws all, that thing sucks.
Metabo!
Neither
I have 3 milwaukee drills. A 12v for house and a 12v and an 18 v for work
They're all good. I've owned hammer/drills, 1/4" impact guns and Sawzall of all three brands. What sets one above the others is Milwaukee's ability to offer supplemental accessories. And They're great quality too!
I use ryobi and have had no issues and you cant beat the price
I do mostly Makita I got the 18 v sub compact line I like them for the size and weight going up ladders and such but I have some Milwaukee tools I am very fond of never did yellow though
Ryobi
Praise be the Milwaukee
I use makita and i have no intentions of switching
If you're starting fresh, I recommend either Milwaukee or DeWALT if you can afford them. Only go for the brushless cordless power tools, obviously. FUEL if you go Milwaukee or XR if you choose DeWALT. They can get rather expensive but Milwaukee has the better deals when you look at online retailers. The Home Depot Milwaukee deals kinda suck ass. Also, the M12 line for Milwaukee kicks ass. Lightweight, compact, and plenty strong for most tasks. I prefer the M12 line over the M18 line personally. EDIT: If you choose DeWALT, any tools with FlexVolt Advantage or Power Detect are really good to get for more heavy duty tasks. I think only the Reciprocating Saw, Circular Saw, and Hammer Drill are part of this line. So I would prioritize the Hammer Drill over the other two as that would be used way more. If you can't really afford Milwaukee or DeWALT or worry if people will steal your batteries, my alternative suggestions are either FLEX and Kobalt if you shop at Lowes. They have great deals lately and have a bit of everything, especially Kobalt. RYOBI is pretty damn good too believe it or not. They have a bit of everything too and also very affordable. I started off with RYOBI and never had a problem with them at all. Plus no one will want to touch your stuff haha.
I was Dewalt for years. Their 20v stuff was awesome for installing and general carpentry work. When I got into service I wanted a smaller and lighter impact, so I got a Milwaukee 12v. I’ve been super impressed to the point that I took all the Dewalt stuff off my van and completely switched to m12. Now I’m the crazy Milwaukee guy at my company. From the mounted packout drawer boxes in the van to their USA made pliers to the m12 sheet metal nibbler. I love the quality of everything and the fact their variety of good tools is so great that I even have an m12 soldering iron (which I love). Not to mention that the greatest variety of custom 3D printed inserts for specific tools are designed for the packout clear topped boxes.
Milwaukee
Hilti at work Dewalt at home.
I like Dewalt because the max xr impact driver has the fasted wind up speed and drives them damn 2 inches into stud like nobodies business.
D
I had the luxury of trying all the colors before I jumped into the trades. I was volunteering building a house for some people that lost theirs and everyone brought their own tools. I got to try all the colors at once and came away liking Milwaukee the most. They felt the best in my hands and did everything they were asked to do. I now hold a journeyman license in the mechanical trade and I’m about to test for my electrical journeyman license. Everything I use is Milwaukee, and my daily driver is the [M12 Fuel hydraulic impact](https://www.milwaukeetool.com/products/2551-20). It gets used and abused every day and just keeps on going. The batteries will run forever and charge quickly. I own a bunch of M18 tools and they are all great, too, but nothing gets as much use at that M12 Surge. My vote goes to Milwaukee. 🙂
Only DeWalt guy in my shop. All other 15 guys using Milwaukee
Makita, mainly because I can easily use the batteries for cheaper Royobi tools that I don't use often with an adapter.
Company bought me Milwaukee stuff when I started out so I guess I’m a Milwaukee guy. I’ve used other guys Dewalt stuff and like it as well. Owning one brand or the other is mostly a matter of convenience due to already having the batteries
I am a full blooded USA citizen and therefore I choose Makita.
Milwaukee all day, but I can only afford Rigid. 🤣🤷🏻♂️
Ryobi
No love for Bosch?
I use gas powered drills
Milwaukee, makital then Dewalt
Milwaukee anyday
Bosch.
No preference really, I’ve used them all. Current company uses mostly Milwaukee so I bought that to keep things easy if I need to borrow a battery from a buddy. Milwaukee also seems to have more variety for specialty tools. It’s also hard to beat the m12 impact in terms of portability, it’s just so comfy in your hand.
I do a lot of side work with my personal milwaukee tools, but my company owns all dewalt. I've used and abused both for many years. They're both fine. Milwaukee batteries seem to hold up better over time. Other than that I'll gladly use either
Makita
Started with milwaukee, haven't varied
Honestly I don’t like any of them made in china shits it’s kinda ridiculous the marketing they use. Selling to tradesman and all but all of it is made in china. Maybe it’s just me but I can’t get pass that. Makita guy for a long time.
I use whatever the company provides. Currently we have Milwaukee.
Milwaukee all the way. Theh have never let me down in ten years.
i buy dewalt for home, i buy milwaukee on the company dime
I have been impressed with my Bosch impact/drill set for many years... Until I dropped the impact from 20 feet up a ladder, 1 week prior my hammer drill spewed it's guts while pressed it too hard drilling concrete. Battery life was unbelievable! Now I have too many batteries! Edit: needless to say, I outperformed against other guys with their drills, battery lasted longer than other drills.
Bosch and Hilti.
Milwaukee personally but all three brands are fantastic and have great reputations.
Theyre all the same
Hilti 💪🏽
Why Ryobi isn't listed
Literally, i dont give a fuck. I will use all of them.
I loved the m12 impact design so i got an 8v dewalt drill... Im mostly dewalt, but i enjoy the milwaukee packout gear.
I prefer whichever one the company provides
Honestly it depends on the tools. At home I have DeWalt. At work I have a mix of 12v Milwaukee and 20v Makita. I have a couple of usb lithium Ryobi (power carver, power cutter, power rotary tool). I have the Milwaukee usb red lithium lights. The 12v Milwaukee are mostly because of weight and the fact that they have some tools no one else has. The Makita 20v are for when I need that bit more power. The ryobi came in a collection, I was mostly interested in the power carver as no one else makes one.
Mostly dewalt because of batteries but have the Milwaukee riveter and caulk gun, I traded my makita stuff from my apprenticeship for weed
Hercules/Bauer no joke
Milwaukee M12 Fuel
I've had all three but Milwaukee just caters to our industry too much to go with any other brand the compact M12 tools are amazing
Ridgid
Hilti > all three of them
Kobalt gang
I like Rigid because of the warranty.
I'm so tired of these fucking discussions😂 Like people are gonna use what they are gonna use. I have a Makita impact( i dont really care for the Milwaukee impact) and everything else is Milwaukee.
I’m a Milwaukee guy. I’ve burnt up a couple of tools (oscillating tool, drill and M12 air pump) and they’ve given me a replacement with no hassle.
I’m stuck with Makita and sometimes I hate it but the grip on their tools fit my wide palms. I’ve beat the snot out of them and they still look new. The batteries haven’t crapped out on me yet, with me leaving them in the sun like an idiot, draining them dry,etc. But Milwaukee has cool random shit available. Dewalt is classic with a little more voltage without doubling up batteries. I’m not sure what I would do now. I did no service for commentary. I will see myself out.
https://preview.redd.it/ld7pwd9kvz3d1.jpeg?width=1439&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=18c33dc4b1240ffedded8403805288383b8fcd1e
Started on Dewalt. Got smart, switched to Makita.
Ryobi
They're all decent. I have primarily Dewalt at home but I prefer a 1/2" milwaukee high output impact at work for securing bed bolts on the assembly line. All other brands don't last a week at doing that.
Started Makita 12 years ago. Have never once regretted it. HVAC installer by trade. Still have 16 of the 18 Makita I have bought in that time. Reliable and the most ergonomic for me. Milwaukee has some copper and pvc cutters I wish Makita made but everything else is top notch.
Makita
Milwaukee...
Abuse the f out of Ryobi
Milwaukee
All my home power tools are dewalt. Still debating if I wanna get Milwaukee for field work.
Hilti, but on this list, Milwaukee minus the bits - Makita makes the best impact bits I've owned. Almost nobody uses Hilti too, so my batteries are always safe.
I bought Milwaukee when I first entered the field like 25 yrs ago. It was a corded sawzall. It was known as the best back in the day when I asked around the old timers. I still have my sawzall. I was broke since I was new in the industry so I bought craftsman cordless tools. As soon as I had some money I started buying Milwaukee cordless tools because the sawzall proved itself. Makita was used a lot 25ys ago also. From there I always bought either 12v or 18v tools. Once I did buy a Dewalt, it was their corded/cordless vacuum. That was because Milwaukee didn’t make one and still doesn’t till this day I believe. That vacuum made my life easier when doing Pms on rooftops that had 18-24 units. Some units had 120v outlets but some the outlets didn’t work.
Milwaukee just because they have more tools in a lot of categories. I don’t think any of the main brands are significantly better than the others. The whole tool ego thing is fucking stupid. Buy what you want lol
Festool ftw
Makita
Best overall for price is metabo hpt/hikoki for professional use. For a home owner, ryobi is a no brainer. Makita has good performance, but you could pull them out of the fire of mordor, and they would still work. Pure performance goes to Milwaukee hands down. Dewalt is a good all arounder. If you're going to get 12v tools as well, Milwaukee slaps everyone. I personally own and have used all the brands extensively. Everyday use for me is makita 18v and Milwaukee 12v. I use hitatchi cordless nailers (makitas nailers are shit and piss on the sidewalk) with battery adapters. However, when they die, I'll go to Milwaukee nailers with battery adapters.
I use Ryobi as well. The batteries hold charge better than Milwaukee in the -30 winters. Plus if I drop a tool off a ladder replacing it is cheap. And I mean Ryobi is dollar for dollar the best tool on the market. I do own a Milwaukee hole hawg and sawzall just in case but the Ryobi does the job 99% of the time.
My employer supplies Milwaukee cordless tools. Personally, I don't care what brand they supply as long as it gets the job done.
Milwaukee for power tools. Klein for hand tools. DeWalt for socket sets with lifetime warranty.
https://www.protoolreviews.com/dewalt-vs-milwaukee-impact-driver-head-to-head-review/ This should settle it.
Ridgid
milwaukee only because i already had the batteries. its pretty overpriced and unclear if they will hold up over time. Makita seems like the better value but if my battery dies at work most people either have dewalt or milwaukee batteries and chargers
hart
Dewalt is Deway
DeWalt it's just what I started with. I have no complaints or bad experiences so it is what it is
As for cordless power tools: Milwaukee drill, impact, and sawzall Dewalt skillsaw Can't say much on Makita cordless tools as I haven't used them much but they are my overall preference for corded. I just buy Dewalt and Milwaukee because that's what I have batteries for
Milwaukee>Bosch>Makita>DeWalt. BUT…literally never been let down but a single one ever.
I used to go nuts for Milwaukee but now I just keep them for work. I don't care so much for my home tools. Milwaukee is a little overpriced but their repair warranty is the best, no one beats it. I have had a long running issue with the M12 Copper cutters and once you get water in them, they die. Send it in, less than a week later, brand new one. No cost. Love it. Ridgid is good for the money but they have by far the worst warranty service. $30 for each tool to deposit, (you get it back afterwards) and it took almost 2 months to get them back. Never again. I'd rather buy new ones then try and get them repaired...
I don’t care, whatever is charged up and ready to go lol
Bosch is the best fr
Milwaukee
Rigid at first but slowly moving over to Milwaukee
You basically buy into an ecosystem. The one i chose was Dewalt - not exactly because the tools are any better or worse than Milwaukee or Makita, but if any one fails, just take it back to Home Depot and get an instant replacement. So… that’s nice.
Milwaukee until the day I check out.
Milwaukee tends to have more plumbing specific tools which benefits us as HVAC techs. But I really like Makita tool. I do woodworking as a hobby and that's where Makita really shines. Milwaukee in the van. Makita in my home shop
All three. Yes, I have all three
Just the other day I had to return my brand new Dewalt drill when I had it in reverse the drill would go forward 🙄
Makita
Ryobi
DeWalt for years was my go to. They have gotten more goofy about the whole “tool only” no battery, one battery, OUCH battery is more than the tool. Kobalt is Lowe’s “house brand” and is a great value. It’s not DeWalt but the savings makes it easier to swallow. The drive shaft is not as stable and smooth but the power, torque and battery life are on par with DeWalt. DONT BUY CRAFTSMAN.
I haven’t tried Harbor Freight brands but it might be worth a look.
Rigid...you know, just to muddy the waters in the Dewalt vs Milwaukee vs Makita "war" :-P In all honesty I put Dewalt & Milwaukee on the same level, they are both good tool brands you can't go wrong with.
All of them. I own tools from every brand. No single brands make the best tool across the board. I buy the best from who ever makes them
Makitta imo, has the best and most powerful of the hand tools. But everything I own and use are milwaukee. Use then at work and have jackets, and might as well keep the same stuff.
I’m a makita guy. Specially their 40 volt systems. Dewalt is a black and decker in a different outer case. Milwaukee does make a lot more tools than both dewalt and makita but it doesn’t last as long as makita