Whether you’re a professional or a DIY enthusiast, choosing the right power tool that matches your preferences and will do an excellent job can be daunting. With so many brands in the market, how do you know which power tools are for you? Today we’ll look at two renowned brands in the power tool industry in this guide that covers Dewalt vs. Milwaukee.
These brands offer powerful, high-quality, durable, efficient, and long-lasting power tools. However, they still differ in some ways, making them ideal for different users. So, how do you know which brand to go for? You will after this guide.
Let’s dive in.
History and Background
Image Source: dewalt.com
Both Dewalt and Milwaukee were founded in 1924.
Dewalt was founded by Raymond E. DeWalt and has built a reputation as one of the world’s leading power tool providers. Since its inception, Dewalt has grown to be an international company with production facilities outside the United States.
Some of these facilities are located in China, Italy, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and Mexico.
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation was founded in Brookfield, Wisconsin, but is now owned by Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd – a Chinese company. Nonetheless, the brand continues to produce amazing power tools that are renowned the world over.
As we continue with the article, you’ll realize that these companies dedicate their resources to producing high-quality, durable tools for DIY enthusiasts and professionals. However, Dewalt focuses more on convenience and comfort, while Milwaukee Electric Tool Company is all about power and performance.
This makes Dewalt great for DIY enthusiasts and Milwaukee perfect for professionals.
Nonetheless, we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Whether you’re a DIY-er or a professional in the workshop, you’ll be fully equipped to choose the right brand for you.
Let’s now consider some factors when comparing these two power tool brands.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Dewalt Vs. Milwaukee
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When comparing two brands that produce high-quality, durable, and high-performance power tools, it can be hard to know where to start. This is why we’re looking at specific factors that will help you determine the right tool.
Once you’re done with this section, you’ll be able to make an informed choice on which power tool brand to go with. Let’s get started.
1. Product Line
Image Source: dewalt.com
Dewalt offers a variety of corded and cordless tools designed to give you maximum comfort and convenience in the workshop. All their tools are designed to be great for DIY enthusiasts and beginners. Therefore, if you’re still finding your way around the workshop, you’ll enjoy having a Dewalt power tool by your side.
The 20V Max line is especially popular for offering a range of cordless tools powered by reliable batteries.
Milwaukee also offers a variety of tools, accessories, and attachments. If you’re looking for power and performance in your tools, Milwaukee tools are a great option.
The Milwaukee cordless tools are powered by the M18 system that is compatible with all M18 tools. Some corded tools to look out for when going with Milwaukee include impact drivers, saws, and drills.
2. Battery Life
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Regarding battery life, we’ve found that both brands are at the same level. Both Dewalt and Milwaukee use Lithium-ion batteries in their tools. This is pretty convenient because it means you can use your power tool for over an hour before recharging. Therefore, if your concern is just battery life, you can go with either brand.
Nonetheless, it’s important to note that the battery life of your tool will also depend on the project you’re working on. For example, if you are using your Milwaukee impact driver to drive some screws, you’ll notice that the power charge lasts longer than when you’re using it to drill through concrete. Therefore, keep this in mind when getting cordless power tools to use a long way from your workshop.
Also, it’s worth noting that Milwaukee is known for its innovative practices and was the first of the two brands to include Lithium-ion batteries in its design.
3. Number of Batteries Per Purchase
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In most cases, Dewalt offers you a 2-pack of batteries when you purchase one of their power tools. On the other hand, you only get one battery when you buy from Milwaukee.
Nonetheless, you can always get extra batteries from both companies at an extra fee. Therefore, if you’re working with a big budget, this shouldn’t be much of an issue.
However, it’s also worth noting that Milwaukee batteries are more expensive than Dewalt’s. Guess there has to be a price for all that innovation, huh?
Anyway, if you’re working with a tight budget and want good value for your money in terms of power packs, we recommend going with Dewalt.
4. Torque
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Both Dewalt and Milwaukee are on the same level in terms of torque. You’ll find that their impact wrenches have up to 1000 pounds-feet (Lb-Ft) of torque.
Nonetheless, you must choose a power tool with the power you need without compromising efficiency. For example, if you’re an expert in the workshop and want something that will pack a punch, we recommend a power tool with a high torque setting that can seamlessly loosen those stubborn bolts.
Nevertheless, ensure that you only get what you can handle, especially if you are a beginner. If you’re still finding your sea legs in the workshop and are unsure how much torque you’ll need, it’s best to get an impact wrench with a variable-speed trigger.
This way, you’ll get to experiment until you learn what you need. The good thing is that both of these power tool brands offer these features on their impact wrenches.
Another thing to note about torque is that having a lot of torque on your power tool can make the drill harder to handle, as in the case of commercial-grade impact wrenches. Therefore, just keep this in mind as you’re factoring in torque.
If you’re new to the world of woodworking and are wondering if you can turn your garage into a woodworking workshop, check out our guide on woodworking in your garage for tips and tricks.
5. Accessories
Image Source: dewalt.com
Milwaukee takes the prize when it comes to the range of accessories that comes with your power tools. For example, the brand offers over 50 attachments for its impact drivers, which is way more than Dewalt provides.
In fact, some users have stated finding that Dewalt misses some accessories, such as the attachment needed to drill through metal. Nonetheless, the brand still offers an array of accessories and attachments you can use on your Dewalt tools.
If you like your accessories, and it’s important for you to have an array of them, consider going with Milwaukee.
6. Tool Size
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Here’s another area where Milwaukee takes the lead.
Let’s look at both brands’ drill bits as an example. The Milwaukee impact drill is 6.5 inches long and weighs about 3.4 pounds. On the other hand, the Dewalt drill is 7.7 inches long and weighs around 6.75 pounds.
Nonetheless, it’s still important to note that Dewalt creates its tools with comfort and convenience in mind. So, although some of its tools may be on the heavier side, it doesn’t take away from this fact.
7. Power and Performance
Image Source: dewalt.com
Milwaukee is the clear winner when it comes to power and performance for heavy-duty projects. This is one of the major reasons we mentioned that it’s better to go with Milwaukee tools if you are a professional or want power tools for commercial purposes. Milwaukee power tools are great for heavy-duty projects and demanding jobs.
Nonetheless, this is not to say that Dewalt power tools are not powerful or efficient. In fact, Dewalt’s 20V Max cordless line is designed to be versatile and give you enough power to run both DIY and professional projects.
The only important takeaway when it comes to power and performance is that Milwaukee tools are designed to provide you with more power and run for longer.
8. Innovation and Technology
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Both Dewalt and Milwaukee are known for their innovation and efforts toward improving the technology of their power tools.
For example, Milwaukee is well known for the RedLithium Battery innovation technology that gives you long battery life and more run-time with your tools.
Dewalt is also renowned for its reliable and durable cordless tools. A good example of an innovative technology from this brand is the FLEXVOLT system which gives Dewalt cordless tools the power of corded tools.
9. Price
Image Source: dewalt.com
As a professional or DIY enthusiast, you always want to get value for your money. The good thing about these two brands is that you’ll always be getting value for your money because their power tools are designed to meet the needs of their users.
The only important thing is to ensure that you are their targeted user. For example, Dewalt makes its power tools for beginners and professionals. Therefore, if you are a DIYer or a beginner, getting a tool from the Dewalt brand will be valuable to you.
On the other hand, Milwaukee makes its tools for professionals who want power, high performance, and reliability. This makes some of their tools more expensive than Dewalt tools. A good example is the M18 Line of cordless Milwaukee tools that are more expensive than Dewalt’s 20V Max line.
If you are a professional or a DIY-er who wants all that power, paying the extra on top will be worth it. So, all in all, both of these brands offer you value for your money as long as you choose the right tool for you.
10. Customer Service and Support
Image Source: dewalt.com
Both Dewalt and Milwaukee offer good customer support to their customers. You can expect to get warranties, online resources, repair services, and more from both brands.
If you decide to go with the Dewalt 20V Max line, you’ll get a limited lifetime warranty. On the other hand, you’ll get a 5-year warranty if you opt for the Milwaukee M18 line.
Conclusion
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Ultimately, choosing between getting a power tool from Dewalt or Milwaukee comes down to your preferences, budget, project, and needs.
Nonetheless, if you are a DIY enthusiast, we recommend going with Dewalt because the brand focuses on your comfort while working and gives you the most convenience. You’ve seen this even in their choice to focus mostly on cordless tools.
If you’re a DIY-er and you’re looking for more beginner-friendly workshop tools, check out our guide on the best CNC routers for woodworking.
On the other hand, if you are a professional and want a tool geared towards giving you power and performance, go with the Milwaukee brand when it comes to power tools.
You can also opt to mix things up and go with tools from both brands for the best of both worlds. If you want to learn more about another power tool brand, check out our article on 5 Reasons to Buy from Ryobi.
Featured Image Source: dewalt.com & milwaukeetool.com
