Milwaukee vs. DeWalt: Neck-to-Neck Brand Comparison
The neck-to-neck Milwaukee vs. DeWalt comparison will not seem foreign to regular DIY tool users. Truth is, everyone seems to have an opinion as to which brand is best.
So when new power tool users start asking questions like, “Is Milwaukee better than DeWalt?” or “Is Milwaukee and DeWalt the same company?”, they end up getting misleading answers. Not because one brand is so bad, but because the opinions that mislead them are from ignorant brand loyalists.
Now, here is the good news: we've been victims of these ignorant opinions, and we desperately want you to avoid them. So, we got tools from both brands, put them to objective tests, and came up with this Milwaukee vs. DeWalt review to end your search and answer all your queries. It promises to do a world of good. Read up.
Home Maker Guide created for informational purposes only. Thus, we neither endorse you in any way to buy specific products in our reviews, nor making you act like it’s written in our guides. We are reserving the rights for you to make your personal decision.
ARCHIE ADAMS
Editor-in-Chief of the Home Maker Guide
Milwaukee vs. DeWalt: a Brief Comparison
Comparison Milwaukee vs. DeWalt is not as easy as it tends to seem on the surface. The Big Red family (Milwaukee) and the Yellow and black (DeWalt) manufacturer do the most. Just when consumers seem to have seen it all, these brands turn up with their next big innovation. It’s overwhelming.
Before we proceed to compare, let’s give you a brief overview of both brands.
Brands History
Milwaukee Tool, based out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin is a popular power tool brand. The brand started with an improved version of the Hole-Shooter. It has, however, grown to be a reliable force in the hand-tool industry.
The DeWalt power tool company is owned and operated by Stanley Black and Decker. The American Company started in the “1920s” and is popularly known for its products in the manufacturing, construction, and woodwork industries. For a fact, both brands are some of the best drill brands in the construction industry.
Innovations and Technologies Used
When it first started in 1924, Milwaukee introduced a light-weight, handy and portable version of the Hole-Shooter. Ever since, the company has lived up to its standard of quality, convenience, and reliability. Asides’ pioneering the Bluetooth tool technology with the Milwaukee One-Key, the brand is also known for putting the lithium-ion battery to special use. Milwaukee power tools and products like M12 and M18 FUEL products are second to none.
In 2011, DeWalt expanded its horizon to hand tools, and in 2013, it started manufacturing mechanics tools. The company later debuted the FlexVolt, a hybrid voltage battery pack that powers the best of DeWalt battery tools.
Tools Quality & Warranty
The answer to whether DeWalt or Milwaukee offers the best warranty options will depend largely on the consumer’s concept of best. DeWalt offers a 3-year limited warranty on cordless tools, a 90-day money-back guarantee, and a 1-year service free contract. Certain DeWalt tools reviews tend to believe the company offers the best, and Milwaukee tools reviews tend to tilt in favor of Milwaukee.
What Parent Companies are Behind Milwaukee and DeWalt?
Milwaukee was founded by Albert F. Siebert after he lost his former company to a fire. In 2005 however, Techtronic Industries, a Chinese company acquired Milwaukee Electric Tools and they operate it to date. Well, if you have questions like “where are Milwaukee tools made?” you should know that their tools are made in the USA and Hong Kong.
Raymond E. DeWalt originally started the DeWalt Company in 1923. Now operated by Black & Decker Inc., the power tool brand is largely based in the USA, with its headquarters in Towson, Maryland.
Milwaukee vs. DeWalt: Product Lines Comparison
Comparison Milwaukee vs. DeWalt will not be deemed complete without a side-by-side comparison of cordless drills and other products from both brands. So here goes something:
Hammer Drills
In a DeWalt vs. Milwaukee hammer drill debate, you should note that both brands are top in this category. Both brands have their hammer drills made of ratcheting nitro-carburized metal chuck with carbide inserts.
Milwaukee 2408-20
This Milwaukee electric tool model is a heavy-duty hammer drill made of nitro-carburized metal and is covered in plastic. It comes with a five-year warranty, in-built Lithium-Ion batteries, and a power drill replacement part.
- Power state Brushless motor: purposely built for the M18 Fuel 1/2" Drill driver to provide up to 60% more power than the competitive set
- Redlink Plus Intelligence: ensures optimal performance and provides overload protection to prevent damage to the tool and battery during heavy applications while still maintaining compatibility across the entire M18 system.
- Red Lithium XC5.0 battery pack: delivers more work per charge and more work over the life of the pack than competitors
- Up to 60% more power: 1, 200 in-lbs of torque
DeWalt DCD996B 20V MAX XR
This DeWalt electric tool model is a hammer brushless hammer drill that weighs about 4 pounds. It is known for its super drilling speed, maximum application speed, and 3-Mode LED lighting.
- DEWALT-built high power, high efficiency brushless motor of DEWALT 20V hammer drill delivers up to 75% more runtime vs. 18V NiCad brushed motors
- The cordless hammer drill features heavy-duty 1/2-inch ratcheting nitro-carburized metal chuck with carbide inserts for superior bit gripping strength
- 3-Mode LED provides lighting in dark or confined spaces up to 20X brighter than previous model
- LED Spotlight Mode features 20 minute shutoff function allowing for extended work time in dark or confined spaces
Milwaukee vs. DeWalt Hammer Drills Comparison
| Milwaukee 2408-20 | DeWalt 20V MAX XR | |
| Power Source | Battery | Battery |
| Battery build | In-built | Separate from device |
| LED Lightening | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (pounds) | 4.5 | 4 |
| Voltage | 18 volts | 20 volts |
| Product Dimension(LxWxH) | 5x9x11inches | 4x10x8 inches |
| Warranty | 5 years | 3 years |
Which Brand is Better?
In this category, our vote is for the Milwaukee 2408-20. Though it is slightly heavier than the DeWalt model, it also carries heavier duty. The cordless drill battery is made to last longer and is built with a battery-indicator for the duration of each charge.
Impact Drivers
For this category, we have Milwaukee vs. DeWalt impact drivers. Both brands are known to produce impact drivers with brighter lighting, variable speed triggers, and a one-handed easy grip sleeve.
Milwaukee 2656-20 M18 18V
This brushless impact driver is not only fast, but it is also safe. The grip sleeve made of rubber is soft textured, and you can still firmly hold on to it even in slippery conditions. This Milwaukee power tool also has a straight drive configuration and a no-load RPM of 0-250.
- LED LIGHTING: Keep your work illuminated with the LED lighting array located just below the quick-connect chuck
- TEXTURED HANDLE: The compact design of this power tool is complemented with the textured rubber grip, which gives you superior handling, even in slippery conditions
- VARIABLE SPEED TRIGGER: Apply pressure to the trigger to match the amount of power you need on the job. This can drive the motor to create up to 3,450 impacts per minute
- REDLINK TECHNOLOGY: Electronics inside the impact driver communicate with the M18 batteries that power it to reduce the risk of overheating, which results in more efficient work
- M18 COMPATIBLE: This cordless Milwaukee impact driver works with the M18 family of lithium ion batteries. Compatible models include the 48-11-1860, 48-11-1850, 48-11-1828, and 48-11-1815, 48-11-1840, 48-11-1820
DeWalt DCF887B 20V MAX XR
- DEWALT built brushless motor and XR Li-Ion batteries of DEWALT impact driver deliver more run time and capacity over standard units
- The cordless impact driver has 3-speed settings for optimized application versatility
- Precision drive in speed 1 for precision applications and added control
- 3 LEDs with 20-second delay after trigger release, provide visibility without shadows
- One-handed loading 1/4-inch hex chuck with easy grip sleeve, accepts 1-inch bit tips
Milwaukee vs. DeWalt Impact Drivers Comparison
| Milwaukee 2656-20 M18 | DeWalt 20V MAX XR | |
| Power Source | Battery | Battery |
| Battery build | In-built | Separate from device |
| Torque capacity (inch-pounds) | 1500 | 200 |
| Weight (lbs) | 2.3 | 2 |
| Voltage | 18 volts | 20 volts |
| Product Dimension(LxWxH) | 2.93×5.69×7.58 inches | 8x3x5.88 inches |
| Drive size (inch) | 1/4 | 1/4 |
Which Brand is Better?
After placing this Milwaukee tool vs. DeWalt side by side, our verdict lies with DeWalt. It’s lighter, faster, is built with better lighting, and it even comes with a belt clip. Unlike it’s Milwaukee counterpart, this DeWalt model is designed with an adjustable variable trigger.
Angle Grinders
Angle Grinders are used to cut and grindstone, concrete, masonry, and steel. To perform a task as tedious as this, you deserve a power tool brand to make your work easier. Here is a side-by-side comparison of two angle grinder models from the best cordless tool brands. A careful study should influence your choice.
Milwaukee 2780-20 M18
This angle grinder model is designed to grind faster and last 10x than regular angle grinder batteries. It’s also built with an easy-to-use hex clutch for convenience at whatever angle. This Milwaukee Electric tool is built with Redlithium technology and is 100% tool-free.
- POWERSTATE Brushless Motor: Delivers maximum power and up to 10X longer motor life
- REDLINK PLUS Intelligence provides optimized performance, electronic clutch, and overload protection using total system communication between tool, battery and charger
- REDLITHIUM XC5.0 Battery Pack (not included) provides superior pack construction, electronics, and performance to deliver 2X more run-time and more work over pack life
- POWER TO GRIND: World’s first cordless grinder with corded performance.
- DURABILITY: Same metal housing & gearing system as legendary high performance corded grinders
DeWalt WALT DCG405B
This DeWalt power tool adds a switch up the angle grinder game. It is designed with a kickback brake and a power loss reset system for your safety. It’s also lighter than the Milwaukee counterpart and is battery powered.
- Brushless motor of the angle grinder requires no brush changes.
- DEWALT grinder's brake stops wheel in 2 seconds or less on average
- Kickback Brake engages when a pinch, stall, or bind-up event is sensed and the electronic brake engages with maximum force to quickly stop the wheel, reduce the movement of the metal grinder and shut the grinder off.
- Power Loss Reset prevents accidental restarts following a power disruption when the tool is left in the "on" position.
Milwaukee vs. DeWalt Angle Grinders Comparison
| Milwaukee 2780-20 M18 | DeWalt DCG405B | |
| Power Source | Electricity | Battery |
| Weight (lbs) | 5 | 4.48 |
| Voltage | 18 volts | 20 volts |
| Product Dimension(LxWxH) | 2.3×12.9×7.6 inches | 12.91×6.28×4.92 inches |
| Tool warranty | 5 years | 3 years |
Which Brand is Better?
In our most candid opinion, the DeWalt brand has a better angle grinder. The kickback brake reduces the grinder’s speed in less than 2 seconds as soon as it senses a stall event. This cordless drill model combines safety and efficiency.
Table Saws
Cutting woods on a professional scale is a lot easier with table saws. It allows for finesse and easier cutting. Finding the best table saw on the market will save you unnecessary stress. That’s why this Milwaukee vs. DeWalt category will compare table saws from both brands.
Milwaukee 2736-21HD
This Milwaukee electric tool table saw model is a brushless motor designed with Redlink Plus Intelligence. This table saw can rip 4×8 plywood sheets. The OSB Rack & Pinion fencing system allows for square cuts & easy adjustments.
- Product is manufactured in China
- This product meets customer requirement
- 5 year warranty on material and workmanship
DeWalt DCS7485B
Like other DeWalt power tools, this model provides cutting at its best with all the safety you need. The table saw is designed with a metal roll-cage base, OSB rack & pinion telescoping fencing, and a power-loss reset feature.
- Flexible - power of corded. Freedom of cordless. The world's first battery that automatically changes voltage when you change tools
- 24" of Rip capacity for ripping 4x8 plywood or osb sheets
- Rack and pinion telescoping fence rails make fence adjustments smooth and accurate
- Metal roll cage base offer greater durability than plastic Bases
- Power-loss reset prevents accidental re-starts following a power disruption when the switch is left in the "on" position
Milwaukee vs. DeWalt Table Saws Comparison
| Milwaukee 2736-21HD | DeWalt DCS7485B | |
| Power Source | Battery | Battery |
| Weight (lbs) | 55 | 45 |
| Size | 8-1/4 | 8-1/4 volts |
| Product Dimension(LxWxH) | 15x27x24 inches | 12.9×23.8×23.8 inches |
| RPM | 6300 | 5800 |
Which Brand is Better?
In this Milwaukee tools vs. DeWalt category, it’s the Milwaukee model for us. It produces finer cuts, in a shorter time at a speed of 6300RPM.
Circular Saws
For this Milwaukee vs. DeWalt contest, we’ll be placing circular saws from both brands side-by-side.
Milwaukee 2631-20 M18
This circular saw has a brushless motor, electric brake, and an integrated rafter hook for easy storage. It is also built with an integrated dust port and LED light.
- This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, and may arrive in a generic box
DeWalt DCS570B
Unlike its counterpart, this DeWalt power tool is corded and powered by electricity. It optimized the Lithium-ion battery cell type and has a bevel capacity of 57degrees.
- Power - Brushless motor of DEWALT 7 1/4 circular saw provides 5500RPM maintaining speed under load
- Runtime - The cordless circular saw provides 330 crosscuts in 2x4 (pine)
- Capacity - 7-1/4-inch blade of the compact circular saw provides 2-9/16-inch cutting capacity at 90 degrees
- Ease of Use - Bevel capacity up to 57 degrees for increased versatility
Milwaukee vs. DeWalt Circular Saws Comparison
| Milwaukee 2631-20 M18 | DeWalt DCS570B | |
| Power Source | Cordless | Corded |
| Blade size | 7-1/4” | 7-1/4” |
| RPM | 5000 | 5200 |
| Weight (lbs) | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| Voltage | 18 volts | 20 volts |
| Product Dimension(LxWxH) | 13x11x7 inches | 11x8x10 inches |
Which Brand is Better?
Though the DeWalt power tool brand is corded and has a higher voltage rating, it is still our preferred model. This is because it cuts at a faster speed, and we all need speed in our lives.
Reciprocating Saws
We are down to reciprocating saws, and like another comparison Milwaukee vs. DeWalt; we are still placing models neck-to-neck.
Milwaukee 2720-20 M18
This Milwaukee electric tool is cordless and tends to deliver finer cutting compared to corded saws. It is built with onboard LED lights and a reduced heat system for extended life.
- Delivers faster than corded cutting speed and the durability of a corded saw
- POWERSTATE Brushless Motor: Supplies constant power for faster cuts and reduced heat for extended life
- REDLINK PLUS Intelligence: Provides optimized performance and overload protection using total system communication between tool, battery and charger
- REDLITHIUM XC 4.0 Battery Pack: Provides superior pack construction, more work per charge and more work over the life of the pack than competitive batteries
- Patented gear protecting clutch
DeWalt DCS367B
A peculiar feature of this DeWalt electric tool is its lightweight. It comes with LED Lights, a variable speed trigger, and an anti-slip comfort grip.
- DEWALT 20V reciprocating saw has up to 2.5x more runtime*
- Compact 14.5-inch length fits in between studs & in other tight spots
- Only 5 lbs. in weight (tool only)
- Keyless 4-Position Blade Clamp for quick & easy blade changes & cutting versatility
- 1-1/8-inch stroke length
Milwaukee vs. DeWalt Reciprocating Saw Comparison
| Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 | DeWalt DCS367B | |
| Power Source | Cordless | Battery |
| SPM | 3,000 | 0-2900 |
| Weight (lbs) | 7.55 | 5 |
| Voltage | 18 volts | 20 volts |
| Product Dimension(LxWxH) | 5.8x17x3 inches | 14.5x6x7inches |
Which Brand is Better?
For us, it is the Milwaukee brand. Though it is slightly heavier than the DeWalt toolbox, it is more efficient.
Wood Routers
In this category, we want to see if DeWalt or Milwaukee can do a better job at cutting that thick oak tree.
Milwaukee 2723-20 M18
This wood router from one of the best drill brands serves you with easy and clean cuts, accurate depth, and optimum speed. It is built with a variable speed dial option and LED Lights for workspace illumination.
- POWERSTATE BRUSHLESS MOTOR: Power of corded compact routers and higher SPM to complete cuts in hardwoods
- PERFORMANCE: Redlink Plus intelligence ensures maximum performance and protects from overloads, heating and over-discharge. Variable speed dial ranges between 10,000 and 31,000 rpm, providing precise control for clean edges and details
- ADJUSTMENTS: Macro Adjust button allows for fast macro-adjustments and 1.5-inch of adjustable range. Fine adjustment screw allows for precise adjustments beyond 1/64-inch increments
- COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with Milwaukee Plunge base and Offset base attachments (sold separately)
DeWalt DCW600B
This cordless wood router is built with a plastic base and dual led lights for illumination. It cuts at a super-fast speed and is designed with a soft start motor.
- Dual LED lights help illuminate the work surface
- Depth adjustment ring allows for fast and easy height adjustments
- Electronic brake slows the motor down faster after the unit is shut off; Speed 16,000 to 25,500 rpm
- Variable speed dial allows the user to match speed of the router to the application
- Soft start motor with full time electronic feedback allows the motor to maintain speed during cuts
Milwaukee vs. DeWalt Wood Router Comparison
| Milwaukee 2723-20 M18 | DeWalt SCW600B | |
| Power Source | Battery | Cordless |
| RPM | 31,000 | 16,000-25,500 |
| Weight (lbs) | 2.95 | 2.6 |
| Voltage | 18 volts | 20 volts |
| Product Dimension(LxWxH) | 4.79×3.23×6.86inches | 8.38×5.82×5.75inches |
Which Brand is Better?
Not so tough category, because the Milwaukee electric tool wood router outruns DeWalt in terms of cutting speed. DeWalt will, however, cut thicker oaks.
Milwaukee vs. DeWalt: Overall
In all, this comparison Milwaukee vs. DeWalt should influence your decision and not dictate it. Both tools are good in their respect. DeWalt rules in terms of lightweight and product dimension. Milwaukee power tools do better in terms of speed. So go for which works for you. Enjoy.
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