Cordless drill - Dewalt vs Milwaukee

[Cooper_day]

Which is the better cordless drill between Milwaukee M18 4.0AH brushless cordless combi drill and Dewalt DCD778M2T-SFGB 18V 4.0AH brushless cordless combi drill?

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[nicebutdim]

Milwaukee make several M18 brushless combi drills - as do all the big name brands - so it's difficult to compare without knowing which drill you have in mind. In general the more you pay, the better the drill - although there are plenty of people asking big money for entry level drills.

Probably the best way to answer this question would be to look at stats for each drill, paying particular attention to torque figure and gear/gearbox material. Respective manufacturer websites will likely be the most concise source of such information.

 

[Mikegh]

Milwaukee if I was buying myself

 

[nicebutdim]

Milwaukee if I was buying myself

That's personal preference, yet we don't even know which drill to compare. OP could be looking at several different drills of varying capability.

Personally I'd walk past them both and buy a Makita DHP486 or DHP481 ?

 

[Mikegh]

Good drill but expensive

 

[Cooper_day]

Milwaukee make several M18 brushless combi drills - as do all the big name brands - so it's difficult to compare without knowing which drill you have in mind. In general the more you pay, the better the drill - although there are plenty of people asking big money for entry level drills.

Probably the best way to answer this question would be to look at stats for each drill, paying particular attention to torque figure and gear/gearbox material. Respective manufacturer websites will likely be the most concise source of such information.

Those are the model that at the moment I am looking at:
M18 CBLPD-402C (Milwaukee)
DCD778M2T-SFGB (Dewalt)

 

[Electrics]

DeWalt wins most of the tests on youtube.

I went with them and i'm very happy with everything except the battery chargers which are crap. Just had my 18v XR cordless last 3 weeks on site on a single charge.

The Milwaukee stuff i've used is very good though.

 

[MJPD29]

Always milwaukee. Only ever had 1 dewalt drill and it was absolutely rubbish

 

[nicebutdim]

Those are the model that at the moment I am looking at:
M18 CBLPD-402C (Milwaukee)
DCD778M2T-SFGB (Dewalt)

Very little between the two sets.

Both supplied with 2x 4Ah batteries.
Both brushless motors.
Similar specs.

Milwaukee rate their drill for higher capacity in wood and masonry, but that means nothing. Both have metal gearing, which is likely to be some sort of sintered metal - not as strong as forged gearing, but considerable more robust than plastic.

Dewalt produces slightly higher torque, but there isn't a significant difference between it and the Milwaukee.

Neither are top of these manufacturer's respective ranges, but I don't think either drill would disappoint - what colour do you like better, red or yellow? I think that's what it comes down to.


Wait for a decent Makita deal ?

 

[Mikegh]

Both around 60nM , metal gearbox , electronic braking etc

 

[pc1966]

I got one of these sets (as well as a 1/2" impact driver to match, M18ONEIWF12-0 M18) but from another supplier for less at the time:

https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/milwa...redlithium-brushless-cordless-twin-pack/133fj

I have found that the impact 1/4" hex impact driver has had most of the use with hex-shank drills and the likes of 20mm / 25mm / 32mm hole saws.

It can be used for screws, etc, as well but you need to be really careful as even on the lowest setting it will trash smaller screws if used without care.

Edit: Think this was the supplier I used:

Milwaukee M18FPP2A2-502X 2 Piece M18 FUEL Power Pack

Milwaukee M18FPP2A2. Combi drill and 1/4 inch hex impact driver Milwaukee twin pack power tool kit. Generation 3 FUEL. Milwaukee cordless brushless drills and impact drivers combo kit. UK equivalent for US Milwaukee Tool 2997-22. Milwaukee 4933464269.

www.bigredpowertools.co.uk

 

[Electrics]

Wait for a decent Makita deal ?

Controversial statement but imo Makita's battery stuff has been garbage for years now. The actual batteries on them are atrocious and their chucks like to fail. Would never buy again after being a Makita man for over 10 years. They're now in the same league as blue Bosch for me - overpriced rubbish riding on a name.

If wasn't already locked into the DeWalt range i would go for Milwaukee. The advantage they do have is that all the stuff i've used seems very light whereas DeWalt is really heavy.

 

[nicebutdim]

Controversial statement but imo Makita's battery stuff has been garbage for years now. The actual batteries on them are atrocious and their chucks like to fail. Would never buy again after being a Makita man for over 10 years. They're now in the same league as blue Bosch for me - overpriced rubbish.

Much depends on the tool in question. Makita LXT drills range from the DHP453 with around 40Nm of torque and internals made from cheese, right up to the DHP486 with a wrist shattering 130Nm of torque and all metal gearing - how exactly do you manage to tar these two drills with the one brush?

If I go out tomorrow to B&Q and buy a cheap Dewalt combi, chances are that in 6 months time I'll have destroyed it - on that basis should I declare that all Dewalt tools are garbage? Of course not as these manufacturers are trying to cater to a market that runs from occasional DIYer to seasoned tradesman - if we consider ourselves part of the latter, we should be aware of the old caveat; 'you pays your money and takes your choice'. I'm happy with my Makita choices, as are many others, but plenty would be of different opinion and this is true for all manufacturers. As far as the OP is concerned, I'd like to think I've provided an unbiased opinion of the two drills which they asked about.

As for batteries; I've never felt let down by Makita 5Ah units. Not sure what more I can say other than having disassembled an old Makita battery, I found it contained Sony 18650 cells which were as good as it got at that time.

 

[SparkySy]

I replaced all my kit last year with Milwaukee going from Bosch blue, not been disappointed with it. The Milwaukee gear is great and so many options! Having said that a chippie I'm good mates with has bought all Dewalt gear and that is also impressive stuff! I think a lot of it is down to personal preference at the end of the day!

I used to have all Makita gear until I moved over to the Bosch. I think it had started to fall off in quality, this was probably nearly 10years ago now. Couldn't comment on the newer Makita stuff as I don't know anyone who uses it!
Sy

 

[pc1966]

Of course not as these manufacturers are trying to cater to a market that runs from occasional DIYer to seasoned tradesman - if we consider ourselves part of the latter, we should be aware of the old caveat; 'you pays your money and takes your choice'.

This!

 

[Electrics]

Much depends on the tool in question. Makita LXT drills range from the DHP453 with around 40Nm of torque and internals made from cheese, right up to the DHP486 with a wrist shattering 130Nm of torque and all metal gearing - how exactly do you manage to tar these two drills with the one brush?

Because specs and figures aren't relevant if the batteries don't hold charge and the chucks come loose etc.

What i'm looking for in a tool is that they're reliable so i can actually count on them to work when i need them. No good having 'wrist shattering torque' if the batteries start to die after a dozen cycles or the chucks are coming loose and need replacing. You could argue this is a battery problem but imo a tool is only as good as its battery since without them they are ornaments.

I had the Makita cordless and impact driver, and the circular saw and they were rubbish and real, real expensive. My opinion is based on their top of the range stuff. It's rubbish.

 

[LukeD]

Makita as a company is dying faster than ever .

 

[Mikegh]

What warranty are they all offering ,.Bosch has 3

Rang them one day with a trigger problem, they sent a courier out to collect next day and he dropped it back again,zero work on my part

 

[Midwest]

Never owned or used Milwaukee, my preferred choice is Dewalt.

Wouldn't use anything else, only because having the batteries, makes sense to stick with one brand.

As @nicebutdim said, which colour do you prefer!

 

[Electrics]

What warranty are they all offering ,.Bosch has 3

Rang them one day with a trigger problem, they sent a courier out to collect next day and he dropped it back again,zero work on my part

DeWalt comes with 3 years.

 

[Mikegh]

Seems Iike those 2 are very similar in their target market anyhow ,base pro level

The Milwaukee combi above twice the torque and probably way better build quality for twice the price

 

[Electrics]

Seems Iike those 2 are very similar in their target market anyhow ,base pro level

The Milwaukee combi above twice the torque and probably way better build quality for twice the price

Imo there's a limit on how much torque you actually need though. It's like people who pull their wires over X BHP in a car or bragging theirs can do 168mph when you can't even go that speed.

For almost any job on site, the torque is going to be just fine on any pro model of combi. Most of us have an SDS for anything bigger anyway.

 

[Mikegh]

Imo there's a limit on how much torque you actually need though. It's like people who pull their wires over X BHP in a car or bragging theirs can do 168mph when you can't even go that speed.

For almost any job on site, the torque is going to be just fine on any pro model of combi. Most of us have an SDS for anything bigger anyway.

Well that's right and the impacts can do the tougher work anyway

 

[Electrics]

Well that's right and the impacts can do the tougher work anyway

I'll give it its due the Makita impact driver was half decent but still relying on a crap battery.

 

[nicebutdim]

Because specs and figures aren't relevant if the batteries don't hold charge and the chucks come loose etc.

What i'm looking for in a tool is that they're reliable so i can actually count on them to work when i need them. No good having 'wrist shattering torque' if the batteries start to die after a dozen cycles or the chucks are coming loose and need replacing. You could argue this is a battery problem but imo a tool is only as good as its battery since without them they are ornaments.

I had the Makita cordless and impact driver, and the circular saw and they were rubbish and real, real expensive. My opinion is based on their top of the range stuff. It's rubbish.

You had a bad experience and that's unfortunate, but you've completely ignored every point I made.

What exactly is 'the Makita cordless and impact driver and the circular saw'? You're basically making my point, which is that they make far too many options and this seems to confuse people who have an expectation that all tools are equal, when it is patently obvious that this is not the case.

In honesty, I don't care. Buy whatever tools you're happy with, whether they be Dewalt, Hilti or Mac Allister. The OP asked a question, to which I've hopefully provided a reasonably unbiased answer and that's really what this thread is about.

 

[nicebutdim]

What warranty are they all offering ,.Bosch has 3

Rang them one day with a trigger problem, they sent a courier out to collect next day and he dropped it back again,zero work on my part

Most manufacturers are offering 3 years now - 1 year out of the box and a 2 more years if registered within 30 days of purchase - even Fatmax tools come with this warranty.

 

[Electrics]

You had a bad experience and that's unfortunate, but you've completely ignored every point I made.

I ignored your point because it was stupid.

When drills fall to absolute bits because they're crap i don't care that it's got better specs on paper, it's still a piece of crap and i won't ever buy them again, which is what happened with Makita. I don't remember the numbers since i sold the lot to someone else but they were the most expensive drills Makita make, which is a point you ignored because it didn't suit your argument. Almost £400 for the pair + 2 batteries and a charger, their top of the range stuff. And it was gash.

I rate my trust in brands based on how that brands manufacturing holds up to scrutiny with daily use. If i buy even a couple of bottom of the range 'professional' tools and they fall to bits then i don't care that their 18v XYZ version has better gearing or more torque, i won't buy their brand again because they are known to me to use crap materials and have rubbish build quality. But you do you.

Makita are rubbish. It doesn't matter whether one of their specific drills is good or not, based on owning several of their products i'm saying that they're garbage and i won't buy them. That's the price companies pay for making shoddy products, which Makita's are in my experience.

 

[nicebutdim]

For almost any job on site, the torque is going to be just fine on any pro model of combi. Most of us have an SDS for anything bigger anyway.

I'd tend to agree that for most people huge torque is unnecessary, but those tools tend to be built to a much higher spec. 40Nm is going to get spade bits through 2" of timber, but drills at that level generally have plastic gearing. 80Nm+ is going to do the same job without bothering the drill unnecessarily and 130Nm is going to breeze through effortlessly.

I ignored your point because it was stupid.

When drills fall to absolute bits because they're crap i don't care that it's got better specs on paper, it's still a piece of crap and i won't ever buy them again, which is what happened with Makita. I don't remember the numbers since i sold the lot to someone else but they were the most expensive drills Makita make, which is a point you ignored because it didn't suit your argument. Almost £400 for the pair + 2 batteries and a charger, their top of the range stuff. And it was gash.

I rate my trust in brands based on how that brands manufacturing holds up to scrutiny with daily use. If i buy even a couple of bottom of the range 'professional' tools and they fall to bits then i don't care that their 18v XYZ version has better gearing or more torque, i won't buy their brand again because they are known to me to use crap materials and have rubbish build quality. But you do you.

Makita are rubbish. It doesn't matter whether one of their specific drills is good or not, based on owning several of their products i'm saying that they're garbage and i won't buy them. That's the price companies pay for making shoddy products, which Makita's are in my experience.

I think we can end this here as it's yet another thread turned sour by some irrational desire to be right and prove everyone else wrong, despite the fact that 'supporting evidence' only materialises when you don't have a point to argue.

I'm primarily here to learn and couldn't care less who makes the 'best' tools (despite my tongue in cheek comment to the OP about Makita). OP's question has been answered and if you have something constructive to add I'm sure they'll be eager to read it.

 

[Mikegh]

The number of different models is ridiculous anyway

 

[nicebutdim]

I ignored your point because it was stupid.

When drills fall to absolute bits because they're crap i don't care that it's got better specs on paper, it's still a piece of crap and i won't ever buy them again, which is what happened with Makita. I don't remember the numbers since i sold the lot to someone else but they were the most expensive drills Makita make, which is a point you ignored because it didn't suit your argument. Almost £400 for the pair + 2 batteries and a charger, their top of the range stuff. And it was gash.

I rate my trust in brands based on how that brands manufacturing holds up to scrutiny with daily use. If i buy even a couple of bottom of the range 'professional' tools and they fall to bits then i don't care that their 18v XYZ version has better gearing or more torque, i won't buy their brand again because they are known to me to use crap materials and have rubbish build quality. But you do you.

Makita are rubbish. It doesn't matter whether one of their specific drills is good or not, based on owning several of their products i'm saying that they're garbage and i won't buy them. That's the price companies pay for making shoddy products, which Makita's are in my experience.

For informational purposes, here's a video AvE made several years back, as part of a series drawing comparisions between top end Makita, Dewalt & Milwaukee combi drills and his observations are certainly interesting.

I'd draw particular attention to the chucks as Makita have never used plastic chucks on top of the range drills, which is at odds with your claim about owning a £400 Makita combi complete with plastic chuck.

 

[Mikegh]

For informational purposes, here's a video AvE made several years back, as part of a series drawing comparisions between top end Makita, Dewalt & Milwaukee combi drills and his observations are certainly interesting.

I'd draw particular attention to the chucks as Makita have never used plastic chucks on top of the range drills, which is at odds with your claim about owning a £400 Makita combi complete with plastic chuck.

Hmm 3 top end combis

Before I see it I'm wondering did he successfully reassemble them

 

[nicebutdim]

Hmm 3 top end combis

Before I see it I'm wondering did he successfully reassemble them

He has a poor track record where successful reassembly is concerned ?

 

[Mikegh]

He has a poor track record where successful reassembly is concerned ?

They make the best testers

Prepared to sacrifice the equipment to get the best results

Maybe??

 

[UNG]

The longevity all power tools be it battery or corded machines can be measured by what is proper use and what is user abuse
Everyone complaining about the longevity of batteries probably leaves them overnight in a cold van or garage during the winter with sub zero temperatures and then they wonder why their batteries prematurely fail
How long any power tool lasts is down to how the user operates it or abuses it treat it with respect and use it within it's limitations and it will give you many years of service abuse it and take the consequences
Karcher is a well known brand if you look at their range of pressure washers they go from budget level up to premium price and you get what you pay for at the lower end they are built to fail after 50 - 60 hours use evidently the average use of a domestic pressure wash is around 24 hours / year
If you want an opinion on power tools my advice would be speak to the guy doing the tool repairs in the workshop at your local independent hire shop also have a look at which manufacturers tools are in their hire fleet as they will be some of the most abused tools you will find

 

[Mikegh]

The longevity all power tools be it battery or corded machines can be measured by what is proper use and what is user abuse
Everyone complaining about the longevity of batteries probably leaves them overnight in a cold van or garage during the winter with sub zero temperatures and then they wonder why their batteries prematurely fail
How long any power tool lasts is down to how the user operates it or abuses it treat it with respect and use it within it's limitations and it will give you many years of service abuse it and take the consequences
Karcher is a well known brand if you look at their range of pressure washers they go from budget level up to premium price and you get what you pay for at the lower end they are built to fail after 50 - 60 hours use evidently the average use of a domestic pressure wash is around 24 hours / year
If you want an opinion on power tools my advice would be speak to the guy doing the tool repairs in the workshop at your local independent hire shop also have a look at which manufacturers tools are in their hire fleet as they will be some of the most abused tools you will find

Im kinda of that opinion regarding use of power tools
I posted earlier I've got the Bosch 18v SDS fitted with a 5.5 masonry and it stays in it
Underused but it's an important task and if it does than 1 task indefinitely that's enough for me

Rough work I've other corded stuff that can come out

 

[nicebutdim]

Im kinda of that opinion regarding use of power tools
I posted earlier I've got the Bosch 18v SDS fitted with a 5.5 masonry and it stays in it
Underused but it's an important task and if it does than 1 task indefinitely that's enough for me

Rough work I've other corded stuff that can come out

I keep a 5.5 bit permanently in a 12V SDS. People laugh at it, but it's light, gets into tight spots and isn't troubled by drilling small holes.

 

[Mikegh]

I keep a 5.5 bit permanently in a 12V SDS. People laugh at it, but it's light, gets into tight spots and isn't troubled by drilling small holes.

What brand

 

[nicebutdim]

What brand

Didn't think I'd need to state that... Makita ?

 

[MJPD29]

I keep a 5.5 bit permanently in a 12V SDS. People laugh at it, but it's light, gets into tight spots and isn't troubled by drilling small holes.

I do the exact same. M12 milwaukee sds with 5.5 in it. Brilliant bit of kit. Bigger sds only comes out for bigger stuff

 

[Mikegh]

Didn't think I'd need to state that... Makita ?

I do the exact same. M12 milwaukee sds with 5.5 in it. Brilliant bit of kit. Bigger sds only comes out for bigger stuff

Ya I've only got the 18v but the 5.5 masonry is such a go-to item I'm happy enough to leave it there
Got the hilti te5 and the 18v impact/combi

 

[Timbo]

Been using Milwaukee since 2008, still use original 12v batteries. Been using M18 for 8 years, no problems with tools or batteries. Summer or winter.
Tools do everything asked of them, usually more than design spec.

 

[kurtbelyeu]

Which is the better cordless drill between Milwaukee M18 4.0AH brushless cordless combi drill and Dewalt DCD778M2T-SFGB 18V 4.0AH brushless cordless combi drill?

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My Milwaukee tools have taken an absolute beating and still perform like the day I bought them.. I have only needed to buy new batteries over the last 4 or so years.

That being said, I am jaded.

/kurt

 

[LukeD]

I use dewalt and festool a lot. But latest tool is a Ryobi 2nd fix brad gun. If I had to ...I would buy another Ryobi . What keeps most people locked into a brand is batteries and chargers . I dont play that game .I buy the best for the job

 

[UNG]

I use dewalt and festool a lot. But latest tool is a Ryobi 2nd fix brad gun. If I had to ...I would buy another Ryobi . What keeps most people locked into a brand is batteries and chargers . I dont play that game .I buy the best for the job

I find that using different battery platforms for tools is ok if they are frequently used tools, over the years I've found that batteries that are not frequently used tend to have a shorter life than you expect

 

[LukeD]

I find that using different battery platforms for tools is ok if they are frequently used tools, over the years I've found that batteries that are not frequently used tend to have a shorter life than you expect

Thats called "battery management !! and involves making sure the stuff not used often is kept in good order .Different types of batteries have different ways of stopping them from dying quickly

 

[MJPD29]

Been using Milwaukee since 2008, still use original 12v batteries. Been using M18 for 8 years, no problems with tools or batteries. Summer or winter.
Tools do everything asked of them, usually more than design spec.

Mine have taken whatever I can throw at them, and sometimes being thrown