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Any reappraisal of thebest tool brandsinvariably includes DeWalt and Milwaukee at or near the top . They both offer top - nick functioning , reliability , and strength . DeWalt ’s yellow and Milwaukee ’s cerise tools can be go steady on countless jobsites and in the garages and shed of those unforced to empower a bit more for high - quality puppet . Both stain systematically introduce new innovation to the market place . They have all-inclusive reach encompassing cord and cordless power prick , accessories , store , and workwear .
The DeWalt vs. Milwaukee debate has been rifle on for year , and now it ’s our occupation to try and divide them . Can we finally find out a winner ?
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How We Compared DeWalt vs. Milwaukee
Here at Bob Vila , we have tested thousands of power tools over the twelvemonth , and , not surprisingly , we have gained considerable hands - on experience with both DeWalt and Milwaukee products . We also regularly curb in with the party themselves to make certain we ’re up to day of the month on new developments .
In summation to researching the backgrounds and reach of each maker , our top picks feature the closest match we could ascertain in footing of specification and public presentation for two very democratic power tools . This allow you to rapidly analyze some of the key Milwaukee vs. Dewalt differences .
DeWalt
damage Range:$$ to $ $ $ $ Our Top Picks : DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill / Driver Kitfor $ 99 at Amazon orDeWalt 20V MAX 7¼-inch Cordless Circular Sawfor $ 188.65 at Amazon .
Raymond DeWalt created DeWalt in 1924 , and Black+Decker acquired it in 1960 . They subsequently became Stanley Black & Decker in 2009 . We of late enquire this popular pecker producer so we could answer a question many have call for : “ Is DeWalt a adept brand ? ” We found their prick to be well made , honest , and often competitively price .
DeWalt likes to invoke to both tradespeople and DIYers . In addition to extensive corded and cordless tool ranges , the companionship offers everything from simple screwdrivers and drill snatch to workwear and refuge gear mechanism . Like most world power tool company , DeWalt sources some of its product overseas . However , it has a impregnable manufacturing presence in the U.S. with readiness in seven states , and it employs approximately 13,000 people .
Photo: Amazon
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Milwaukee
Mary Leontyne Price Range:$$$ to $ $ $ $ Our Top Picks : Milwaukee M18 Cordless Drill / Driver Kitfor $ 199 at The Home Depot orMilwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless 7¼-Inch Circular Sawfor $ 199 at The Home Depot .
In what seems a remarkable coincidence , Milwaukee also go deal in 1924 . It was Milwaukee that introduced the legendary Sawzall that so many others now copy . In 2005 , they became part of Techtronic Industries ( by and large know as TTi ) , which focus the marque on product for the mechanically skillful , electric , and plumbing trades .
Like DeWalt , Milwaukee has bolster its corded and cordless tool ranges with mitt tools , accessories , and workwear . Their products are generally perceived as being at the same level as their competition in terms of timbre and durability . Milwaukee prick have always been manufacture in their home state of Illinois , but they now also have operation in Wisconsin and Mississippi with a total of around 5,500 employees . to boot , Milwaukee has five facilities afield .
Photo: The Home Depot
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DeWalt Usually Has the Edge on Price
price from both steel be given to reflect the high-pitched quality of the tools offered . However , in unmediated comparisons , DeWalt products usually be less . When make our top picking , we compared DeWalt vs. Milwaukee Mandrillus leucophaeus / machine driver . Both offer two 2 - adenosine monophosphate - hour batteries , a charger , and a bag , yet the DeWalt is $ 100 less . There is one significant technical deviation : The Milwaukee practice session is brushless and , as a result , near maintenance - barren . This could well touch the pick of professionals , but are DIYers likely to manage ? With that big of a savings , we doubt it .
The pricing of the circular saws we take is closer and more meditative of the norm , but the DeWalt poser is still brassy . This is not always the case , so it ’s important to tally . When we equate DeWalt vs. Milwaukee shock drivers , the prices are almost identical . It ’s also true that sometimes the situation is reversed , but this does n’t happen often .
This reflects DeWalt ’s broad solicitation , whereas Milwaukee is generally see as the tradesperson ’s option . This was underlined when we looked at thebest DIY top executive tools . The DeWalt drill / number one wood was our first pick , and Milwaukee did n’t get a credit .
Milwaukee Leads the Race for Absolute Power
Maximum power on cordless tools is all about voltage . When we compare Milwaukee tools vs. DeWalt , we see both have 12 - volt ( V ) and 20V mountain chain . Although Milwaukee ’s tools are called M18 ( for 18V ) , they are the same . you could find an explanation in our buyer ’s guide for theBest Cordless Drills .
DeWalt up the wager by introduce some dense - tariff 60V peter , and handily , the cunning 20/60V FlexVolt batteries can also be used on their 20V tool . Then Milwaukee went one better with the MX Fuel range running off their impressive 72V baron packs . These provide outstanding performance and offer outstandingly speedy charging for their sizing .
Cordless office tool battery technology changes speedily , and it may not be long before DeWalt reacts . For now , Milwaukee leads the way .
20V Ranges Are Close, But Milwaukee’s 12V Range Wins
When you equate DeWalt 20V vs. Milwaukee M18 run , you ’ll see many similarity in specification and public presentation , and there is a choice of around 200 different models from each brand . It ’s a very different story when you look at the 12V orbit .
We first noticed this when we put together an clause on thebest DeWalt tool at The Home Depot . It does n’t feature any 12V models . For balance , we stop at Amazon , where we found just a few pick . By contrast , the Milwaukee M12 reach provides a staggering 150 different tools .
It ’s of import to point out that these are not underpowered alternatives , or plan purely for DIY users . Some are more compact , lightweight rendering of their M18 vis-a-vis . Others are swap - specific shaft like pipe pinnace , riveting machine , and drain snakes . It ’s a market DeWalt seems to have for the most part disregard .
Our Verdict
We jazz resolving the DeWalt vs. Milwaukee debate would be a tough ask . candidly , it ’s hard to criticise the tools of either brand . DeWalt ’s competitive pricing crap them a favorite with serious DIYers whereas Milwaukee focus on trade buyers . We were surprised to find such a disparity when we compared 12V Milwaukee power tools vs. DeWalt alternatives .
So how do you choose ? It might make a difference if you ’ve already invested in bombardment and chargers for one rather than the other . If not , equate spec and toll , and take your pick . Whatever you decide , we doubt you ’ll be let down .
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