When you’re looking for power tools to purchase, both DeWalt and Milwaukee are popular choices. We’re going to compare DeWalt vs Milwaukee power tools so that you know what you’re getting if you decide to choose either of them.
1) Drills:
Drills are perhaps the most common of all power tools, and are therefore occupying the first position in this debate. So, determining whether DeWalt or Milwaukee drills are better requires us to consider a number of factors.
Firstly, the DCD997 by DeWalt has a considerably softer torque compared to the M18 FUEL 280620 Milwaukee hammer drill. In addition, the DeWalt drill also performs better when under load, which means that it can keep up the pace while performing a job, and has little to no slowdowns. In addition, this drill also allows for faster drilling in concrete surfaces.
The 280620 drill by Milwaukee, on the other hand, has been optimized for speed, which means that, in most cases, it can get the job done quicker than the DCD997. The Milwaukee drill is one of those rare tools that can drive a self-feed of 2-9/16” right through a 2X material without losing speed.
This is an exceptional feat, as even some of the leading cordless drills (including DeWalt one that we just discussed) tend to lose speed during such a job. Hence, the Milwaukee drill can considerably enhance workflow for plumbers and electricians.
Drill Size:
The Milwaukee drill is almost an inch smaller in length compared to its DeWalt counterpart. The weight of the two drills, however, is almost identical: The Milwaukee drill weighs around 4.8 pounds when loaded with a 5AH battery, while the DeWalt one weighs about one ounce more when fitted with the same battery.
12V or Compact Models:
When it comes to 12V or compact models, the competition becomes considerably less stiff. This is because the Milwaukee M12 tool line is considered to be the best in the industry, by some distance. So, if you are looking to go for a 12V platform, Milwaukee is the clear choice.
As far as compact tools go, we feel that, once again, Milwaukee outdoes DeWalt. Although the new line of DeWalt compact tools does promise affordability and compactness, we think that there is room for improvement in terms of weight and sturdiness.
2) Impact Drivers:
What the hammer drill debate above showed us was that the two tools are tremendously competitive. As far as impact drivers go, we noticed that the Milwaukee 2857-20 is, once again, around an inch smaller than the DCF887 by DeWalt. Other than that, Milwaukee’s impact drivers have significant benefits in terms of torque and speed.
Having said that, DeWalt does use a chuck-based LED light, which we felt was pretty impressive. This is because this LED light will allow you to illuminate your work area considerably better. Other than that, DeWalt also offers an ejection feature that Milwaukee does not.
All in all though, if you focus on the flagship impact driver from both the brands, the competition is nowhere near as fierce as it was in the hammer drills.
3) Impact Wrenches:
The high-torque wrench by Milwaukee is definitely one of the most powerful cordless models going around. In fact, in terms of power, it certainly rules over the DCF899 DeWalt impact wrench.
Of course, power is not the sole factor, so let us consider some of the others. Milwaukee gives you access to its D-handle impact wrench, which is an inch long. On the other hand, DeWalt’s DCF897 impact wrench is 3/4th of an inch long. So, once again, the clear conclusion is that Milwaukee impact wrenches are better and offer more variety in terms of maximum power.
Moving on to mid-torque impact wrenches, the ones by Milwaukee offer a maximum fasting torque of 550 foot-pounds. In comparison, the DeWalt mid-torque impact wrenches have a maximum fasting torque capacity of just 330 foot-pounds.
In addition to that, Milwaukee has greater variety in terms of ‘stubbier’ compact models, as well as in brushless premium 12V models. No matter how we slice it, the impact wrench debate certainly belongs to Milwaukee.
4) Circular Saws:
Sidewinder Saws:
The sidewinder saws made by the two companies go neck-to-neck, both in terms of physical abilities as well as price. The DCS578 by DeWalt, for example, is a pound lighter than the Milwaukee 2732-20, making it a relatively lighter tool.
The Milwaukee flagship sidewinder saw, meanwhile, has lower friction on the magnesium shoe. Moreover, this saw is also capable of better handling compound, 45-degree cuts (DeWalt’s guard gets in the way during such cuts). Speaking of the guard, we felt that Milwaukee’s was better, and had greater sightlines.
As far as DeWalt goes, we feel that it takes the prize in terms of its forward-handle design. Other than that, the tracking on the DeWalt sidewinder saw is also somewhat better, making for straighter and more accurate cuts. All in all, the sidewinder saw category is a real tossup. However, if we had to go for one, we would go for the 2732-20 by Milwaukee.
Rear Handle Saws:
Much like the sidewinder saws, the rear handle saw department is also very competitive. Either saw is extremely effective at ejecting dust without requiring a vacuum, and both offer excellent cutting power.
The Milwaukee 2830-20, however, has a smoother base, which allows the saw to glide through during rip and cross cuts. Other than that, the saw also maintains marginally better sightlines. DeWalt’s DCS557, meanwhile, has a better, forward-angling handle, which provides excellent control and a solid grip while cutting. Either saw is extremely good at tracking and capable of maintaining a straight line while cutting.
So, if you find that cutting sheets is extremely time-consuming, either of these brands will work well for you. Even, on the whole, it is hard to determine which saw is better, as they both offer plenty of runtime, power, and ergonomics.
Wrapping Up:
To some up, as far as the Dewalt vs. Milwaukee power tools debate goes, it is hard to determine a winner in the saws and hammer drills department. However, as far as impact drivers and wrenches go, we feel that Milwaukee has a clear edge over DeWalt.
To learn more about the best woodworking tool brands, please feel free to check out some of the other blogs on our website.
