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Dewalt vs. Milwaukee Tool – which is the best cordless power tool brand for you? I get asked this question a lot, and you’d think I’d have a solid answer by now. Both brands have great strengths and weaknesses, and I think I have finally come to a decision!
First, let’s talk about why it’s important.
Choosing a cordless power tool brand is more difficult than ever these days, especially if you’re just starting out. There is also a lot at stake, since users that buy into a cordless system tend to stick with that system.
Once you settle on a cordless power tool brand, buying new tools from that same system tends to make the most economical sense. Sometimes you only need to buy a bare tool, as you already have a working battery and charger from the same platform, and this can save you quite a but of money.
If you find a new tool kit more compelling, you can stretch the value of that kit, since the included battery and charger can be used with your existing tools from the same platform.
There’s also a convenience factor, as it’s far easier to charge and maintain one set of batteries with the same charger. When it’s time to replace your battery packs, as batteries do wear down with age and use, it can be less expensive to replace several batteries from one brand rather than a couple of batteries from all different brands.
We’ve talked about all of the main cordless power tool brands before, so be sure to check out that guide as well:
But here, we’re after one answer. Is Dewalt the best cordless power tool brand for you, or Milwaukee Tool?
This is a tough one.
I know some of you might be asking “what about Makita?,” or “what about Bosch?,” but what about them? Both brands have fallen way behind Dewalt and Milwaukee when it comes to cordless, brushless, and Li-ion tool tech, and although they have come out with some neat innovations, those tools are outclassed by the time they make it to our side of the world, and that’s IF they launch here at all.
I sat down, reflecting on all of the tools I’ve tested and used over the years. There have been so many reader questions that I’ve thought about, and thousands of reader comments.
I have been going back and forth, and have finally come to a decision. The Dewalt vs. Milwaukee debate is finally over!!
Sometimes the best brand for you depends on your typical tasks or needs, and so I’ve broken down my recommendations by user type.
Please let me know in comments whether you agree or disagree!!
The Winner is… Milwaukee Tool!
Pro tool users tend to be very hard on their tools. Time is money, and you’ve got to get your work done. How’s it going to look if you have to stop for the day because your tool just couldn’t cut it. That’s why this is the brand for you.
The Winner is… Milwaukee Tool!
If you’re just starting out, you probably have a limited budget and an empty tool box. Good news – this brand offers some value-friendly options alongside premium-featured tools you can upgrade to later if need be. Starting out with this brand might be hard on your wallet, but remember: “buy once, cry once.”
The Winner is… Milwaukee Tool!
While this brand has quite a few specialty tools, they also have a strong offering of “core” tools that can handle everyday light and medium-duty construction needs with ease.
The Winner is… Milwaukee Tool!
As an electrician, this brand might not perfectly fit your needs, but they certainly do make a fantastic compact drill and impact driver. You might also appreciate their worklights, which will brighten up basements, attics, or other dimly lit areas you’re bound to come across.
The Winner is… Milwaukee Tool!
In addition to a strong lineup of core tools to power through your work, this brand has also come out with a couple of specialty plumbing tools that you might have even considered adding to your wishlist.
The Winner is… Milwaukee Tool!
Maintenance, Repair, and Operations professionals tackle a little bit of everything – and so has this tool brand! With a strong selection of core power tools and specialty options, this is the best brand for you.
The Winner is… Milwaukee Tool!
This brand has turned their attention to the automotive tools market and wants a bigger piece of market share. That’s a win for the brand, and a win for users like you.
The Winner is… Milwaukee Tool!
While most cordless power tool brands have focused the bulk of their attention on construction-related tasks, this brand has taken the time and attention to develop some neat options for fabricators that work with a variety of materials. If you’ve got a multi-material workshop, this might be the best brand for you.
The Winner is… Milwaukee Tool!
Let’s face it – enthusiasts don’t necessarily need the best, but you demand it. Even if you might not earn a living with your tools, you have demanding needs and your time is too precious to waste on sub-par performance. Good tools don’t guarantee excellent work, but bad tools will often hinder you.
The Winner is… Ryobi???
If you can’t decide between Dewalt or Milwaukee, how about Ryobi? If you don’t need top performance all the time, save some money where you can.
Feedback?
So, what do you think? Do you agree or disagree?
And if you don’t like my pick, try again later, maybe the answer will change yet again.
