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Whether you are looking to add a saw or another type of power tool to your toolbox, knowing which brand will offer you the best buy that can make all the difference in your purchase decision.
To offer some help, I’ve compared Milwaukee vs Dewalt tools, so you can see how the two brands stack up against each other. The results are in, and I am ready to offer my recommendation for the best saw.
Which is better, Dewalt or Milwaukee? Read on to find out.
Contents
Milwaukee vs Dewalt – Backgrounds
Both companies started at virtually the exact same time, during the 1920’s. While this was a period of dramatic economic times in the United States, both companies endured and emerged as dominant figures in the power tool market.
The History of Dewalt
Dewalt is a company that has earned itself a strong reputation in the industry. Its power tool products are durable and productive in every way.
The history of the company is an interesting tale that starts off way back in 1922. It is then that Raymond DeWalt came up with the idea of forming the Dewalt Products Company right in Leola, Penn.
It wasn’t until two years later that DeWalt actually opened the doors of the company. DeWalt was quick to launch the first product from the company with the Wonder-Worker – a woodworking machine that could be configured nine different ways.
Soon, the company started growing, and expansion was necessary. DeWalt moved the company to Lancaster, Penn., where it still resides today.
A few short years later, the name of the company was changed to Dewalt Inc., which is the brand that consumers know today.
Dewalt really hit a high mark in 2001, with more than 200 models and more than 80 accessories to its name. The list keeps growing, and Dewalt keeps developing new products that meet the demands of its customers.
The Dewalt brand is known for its high quality, toughness, and productivity. The company places a strong emphasis on engineering by using feedback from its customers to create products that will help people solve problems they face every day on the worksite.
Dewalt is primarily geared toward contractors but has found its way into the hearts and homes of traditional consumers as well. Individuals appreciate their tools for reliability and effectiveness.
Dewalt is a brand that is highly recognizable all over the world. Its signature yellow trademark has helped a variety of professionals complete the job using the latest technology available for power tools.
Consumers trust the Dewalt brand and appreciate the extended warranty the company offers on all its power tools. It shows the trust that Dewalt puts into their own products, which assures their highest quality.
The History of Milwaukee
When looking at the history of Milwaukee vs Dewalt, I can see that they even started at a similar time. While Dewalt was founded in 1922, Milwaukee has almost as long a history that dates back to 1924. The company is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin – the same city it is named after.
The company began its entry into the power tool market with the Hole-Shooter, also in 1924. This was a ¼ inch capacity drill that was lightweight and portable, giving it the ability to be used with one hand.
The company quickly expanded after that first product and began to add more and more power tools to its range. Today, it has over 500 tools and 3500 accessories in its product family.
Many of them are incorporated with its Lithium-Ion battery technology as well as the latest advancements in the tool industry.
The company really focuses on creating power tools that are designed to be heavy-duty. They primarily target the contractor market but also have products prepared for and appreciated by homeowner consumers.
While compared to other leading brands such as Bosch, Milwaukee is considered as one of the top brands in the power tool market, and its trademark red is known throughout the world.
The engineering that goes into a Milwaukee power tool really speaks to the prowess that the company takes to make products that meet the demands of the worksite. The company is quick to introduce new power tools that are top contenders in the market, innovative, and up-to-date with the latest standards.
Milwaukee’s power tools are primarily used in the construction industry by professionals. The company has created a tool for virtually every application and remains one of the strongest and most reliable brands that customers eagerly choose each day.
Milwaukee vs Dewalt
Comparing Dewalt and Milwaukee as brands provide an interesting twist for me to explore. Both companies have developed serious name recognition in the industry.
Both companies also target the same market segments with construction contractors as their primary focus, followed by homeowners in a reduced (but growing) capacity.
Both yellow and red brands battle it out for market share and are fierce competitors with each other. Dewalt, however, takes the lead over Milwaukee time and time again, even if only slightly at times.
Dewalt’s ability to introduce products that are just a step above Milwaukee tools tends to dominate the market, and, for some reason, Milwaukee just can’t keep up.
Dewalt simply has an uncanny ability to predict the needs of its customers. While the company uses contractor feedback on a continual basis to bring power tool products to market that their customer need, it still impresses with the sheer volume of products it launches each year. This is probably one of the most responsive brands on the market right now, and not only in the power tool market.
Add to this its outdoor power product line, and you have a recipe for total domination of the tool market.
Innovation
What is also worth mentioning and what many customers (construction companies and individuals alike) highly appreciate is the fact that Dewalt stays one step ahead of the curve, launching products with new and useful technology integrated into it, which can make the life of the contractor on the job site significantly easier and, very often, much safer. Its Bluetooth technology gives customers the ability to use an app to customize and manage tools like the impact driver.
It’s not to say that Milwaukee hasn’t considered and offered these options, but Dewalt does it with such enthusiasm that it is hard not to jump on the bandwagon and buy the entire line. With these technological advancements, Dewalt is really positioning itself with a younger demographic early on to create loyal customers for life.
It is especially important, as younger generations generally expect their everyday items to be more modern and use the wonders of technology to improve the quality of life. They are less likely to forgive technological mistakes, functioning problems, manual difficulties, and such.
Milwaukee also uses technology to its advantage, but the company is not as bold and experienced in doing so as Dewalt is. For this reason, I think that Dewalt takes the lead on enhanced power tools products over Milwaukee that may be aimed at a more traditional contractor or homeowners.
Dewalt vs Milwaukee Drills
When choosing between Milwaukee or Dewalt, it is a good idea to look deep at the core of the business for these companies, and that means drills. While you really can’t go wrong with choosing a capable drill from either company, there are some key differences that separate the brands.
Now, Milwaukee manufactures a fine drill lineup with several models that would work well in any application that you put them in. But I have found that its drills tend to be on the heavy side, which is not ideal for many workers.
This can make them awkward (or sometimes more dangerous) to use, especially if it is over an extended period of time. The heavier weight of the drills can cause fatigue to set in quicker, which will affect the worker’s overall productivity. It is all the more important if there is a construction company owner who wants to equip their employees with the right tools; they won’t risk buying the ones that will cause their workers fatigue.
Dewalt drills, on the other hand, are pretty streamlined. They have a lighter weight to them without any additional bulk. This can really make a difference in a job that requires a lot of drilling as it is easier to use and operate the drill for longer periods of time.
Plus, the easy feel of a Dewalt drill really attracts beginners that are unfamiliar with using the tool as the lightweight nature feels more comfortable and natural in their hands.
Other factors to consider when deciding between Dewalt and Milwaukee include a difference in the two companies’ battery technology used in their drill lines. Both brands are savvy and use Lithium-Ion batteries, but many have found that Milwaukee’s batteries just don’t give the same life that a Dewalt can.
It may be the difference in the capacity of the batteries, but I just feel that Dewalt stands a step ahead as their batteries last longer over time.
Dewalt vs Milwaukee – Cordless Power Tools – The Dewalt 20V Power Drill vs Milwaukee M18 Power Drill
The latest generation of products from Dewalt and Milwaukee really focuses on power and performance. Milwaukee has launched the M18 Fuel line while Dewalt has concentrated on a 20V series.
Both lineups are cordless power tools with added durability, battery life, and power.
The 20V products are equipped with Flexvolt batteries that offer dual voltage.
This provides automatic voltage-switching and uses one battery to power 20, 60, and 120 V tools.
For Dewalt, the 20V lineup with Flexvolt batteries offers all the power and performance of a cordless power tool. They are designed to be rugged and really give you that strength you need to complete the job.
Now, Milwaukee has the M18 Fuel lineup which includes Powerstate brushless motors, Redlithium battery packs, and Redlink Plus intelligence all in an 18V platform. These new introductions are included in more than 150 of its power tool models that give the company a nice boost in power and tool performance.
As much as I appreciate the effort that Milwaukee has put into the M18 Fuel line, I still think that Dewalt just brings a little more to the table with the 20V. The ability to switch voltages with one battery is a bonus that makes it easier than ever to use its tools.
Dewalt Saws vs Milwaukee Saws
I also thought it was important to mention a few words about the Dewalt and Milwaukee saw ranges. Both have several models to choose from for virtually every cutting application you might want to consider.
I like that Dewalt’s saws are more affordable than Milwaukee’s, even with the Dewalt brand attached to it. It seems that you get more features with a Dewalt saw over a Milwaukee saw without having to pay additional costs to do so.
Milwaukee does command a higher rate on its saws as well as its power tools that leaves me wondering whether you really do get what you pay for. I tend to think not in this case.
Overall, the cut quality and precision are much improved with the Dewalt saws, and I also like that its battery life in the cordless models, such as the jigsaw, is superior. More power comes from a Dewalt saw than a Milwaukee model even with enhancements recently made by Milwaukee with the M18 Fuel line.
That 20V from Dewalt just can’t be beaten. Overall, I see the value and performance of a Dewalt saw more so than the saws that Milwaukee offers.
Dewalt Recommended Saws
As you can see from this very extensive list, Dewalt offers plenty of saw models that I rate highly.
These saws offer good quality, a strong performance, and plenty of power. I like the cutting accuracy and appreciate all the technology upgrades that went into their design.
I encourage you to add one of these Dewalt saw models to your shopping list while you’re looking for a new saw to complete your workshop.
DEWALT 20V MAX Jig Saw
DEWALT Bare-Tool DC330B 18-Volt Cordless Jig Saw
DEWALT Table Saw
DEWALT 10-Inch Table Saw
DEWALT Scroll Saw
DEWALT Wet Tile Saw
DEWALT Corded Drill
DEWALT Corded Drill with Keyed Chuck
DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill / Driver Kit
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill / Driver Kit, Brushless
DEWALT 20V MAX Impact Wrench Kit
DEWALT Impact Wrench
Milwaukee Recommended Saws
Now, Milwaukee Tool doesn’t disappoint with its saw line. I don’t have as many saw models that I think are top-notch but none the less, I did find this very capable cordless jigsaw made by the company.
While often compared to Makita, this Milwaukee saw has good control, which is imperative with a jigsaw and good cut accuracy. You’ll like the ergonomic design according to the features it offers.
You’ll do well by adding this saw model to your toolkit:
Top Pick from Milwaukee
Milwaukee makes a wide range of products, from their miter saws to their impact drills and drivers.
Milwaukee 2645-22 18-Volt Jig Saw
Milwaukee GIDDS2-811760 Magnum 5.5 Amp 1/2
Milwaukee M12 12V 3/8-Inch Drill Driver
Milwaukee 2697-22CT M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hammer Drill/Impact Driver Combo Kit
Milwaukee 2767-20 M18 FUE High Torque 1/2” Impact Wrench with Friction Ring
Milwaukee 2 PC M18 FUEL Auto Kit
Milwaukee 2691-22 18-Volt Compact Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit
Conclusion
The choice was pretty simple for me to make when it came to comparing Dewalt vs Milwaukee. Dewalt, hands down, is the better brand when it comes to saws and, of course, power tools in general.
As you could probably tell from the lengthy list of saw models I recommend, I think quite highly of this brand.
When you purchase a Dewalt saw, you’ll have the latest technology integrated into the device as well as a good variety of features. Plus, I like that it is an American-made product that is built tough and durable.
You’ll have plenty of cutting ability with really any of its saw models. I strongly recommend Dewalt as your preferred brand for saws as well as any power tool you need to purchase.
