When you hear people talk about cordless tools, typicaly it’s always just two brands: either you’ve got yellow tools from DeWalt or you have red tools from Milwaukee. And if you’re on a jobsite you’ll see one of these two brands. They dominates the current market in cordless tools.
Both provides extensive systems with many tool ranging from table saws to impact drivers. It almost becomes a team thing, choosing one or the other. Money talks; it doesn’t walk.
Spending money isn’t about loyalty to brand. It’s about choosing one tool, but it’s also about buying into an entire system. If you buy into the DeWalt 20V MAX line or the Milwaukee M18 system, then you’re locked in on both battery shape and voltage.
If you gets stuck on the wrong system, you’ll pay more for compatible part or carry extra batteries. For your specific use, one is likely better than the other. There isn’t a winner and a loser for all application between these two brands.
Each has its strength and area of focus. Knowing this will help you save money and buy what is right for you. It could be anything from cabinet finish to house framing.
Choosing Between Milwaukee M18 and DeWalt 20V
DeWalt vs Milwaukee Market Dominance
For Milwaukee it’s about durability and high torque. They has good battery quality with their RedLithium batteries. Higher energy density mean a longer run time in a smaller cell.
Milwaukee RedLithium Battery Performance
This is important if you’re carrying the tool around all day. They also has an M18 Fuel line of tools. These are heavier and perform well for heavy application like saws and hammer drills.
DeWalt Ergonomics and FlexVolt System
DeWalt also focus on ergonomics and balance. Their 20V MAX tools operates well in confined areas. FlexVolt ties their stationary power with their portable tools.
For example, plug a bigger FlexVolt battery into corded machine and get increased power. Useful if you’re a contractor and don’t like having multiple generator around. It depends on size of the ecosystem.
Tool Ecosystem Depth and Accessories
Ecosystem depth is where real cost hides. Milwaukee has most accessories. They probably have an M18 version if you want a work light or laser level.
DeWalt does a good job with the basics, but not as much in more narrow segment. Maybe you purchase a DeWalt impact driver and a Milwaukee light. The combination lower the value of having single system.
Battery Compatibility and System Lock-in
You should also consider battery compatibility. All of the M18 tools from Milwaukee shares the same battery. In some markets, their older lines shares that connector as well, though in others they do not.
DeWalt’s 20V MAX also uses it. Check your existing batteries. Buying into the DeWalt system will cost you not only the purchase price of a new drill, but also disposal of your old batteries if you already have DeWalt tools.
Pricing Deals and Resale Value
However, the cost vary by retailer. At times, DeWalt tools comes as kit deal at places like Home Depot. Usually, the resale value of Milwaukee tools is higher when sold used.
If you want to upgrade within three years, resale value become important. You can typically recoup more for your used M18 stuff versus DeWalt tools. Availability: Service networks differs by region.
Regional Service Network Availability
In the Northeast and Midwest, Milwaukee is well-served. Because of their relationship with Home Depot stores, DeWalt also has more location throughout the country. For folks who spend time in rural parts of the country, be sure to inquire locally about what service might look like for your tools.
What good is a busted tool that can’t be fixed? This is a brand decision. The brand decision comes down to fit, not necessarily spec.
Choosing Based on Fit and Handling
Which ones do you work with? Grab them and look at the one you reach for the most. Build from there.
And don’t worry as much about what the color of the tool is, but more so whether or not it fits well in your hand. Buy the brand that values your time. You should of thought about this earlier.
Actually, choosing between two luxurius options is hard. It makes you feel uncomfortabley because of the choice. The moddern tools is good.
Use a armchair to sit and think. I recieve many questions about this. It was different than I thought based off the price.