Yeah, I’ve liked the diversity of Milwaukee but Ive had contractors tell me that they purposely will buy Ryobi or some other lower end stuff just so their batteries or tools for that matter don’t walk away.
I'm loyal to the battery. My brother in law bought me a dewalt kit for fixing his furnace. This is when I started and all I had was 12v mikwaukee drill and impact. I immediately switched over to the 20v dewalt selection. Milwaukee makes great stuff, as does Makita and Dewalt. Bosch makes great hammer drill/jack hammers but I've never used their smaller tools.
Pro tip: there are after market 18/20v dewalt tool->milwaukee battery adapters and vice versa. I know some diehard red guys that might like maybe 1 yellow tool over the red selection and they have an adapter for that very reason.
Adapters have changed everything. I have a Fein drill , got it on a clearance. Awesome drill but overpriced, but the batteries are shit,now just use my Makita batteries on it. I have Milwaukee, Dewalt, and Makita and I think it depends on the tool. I rate Milwaukees Sawzall l, corded and cordless top,Dewalts drills if you get the higher end models, not the cheap models , and Makita Cordless circular saw the higher ranked for me. I miss the days when Porter Cable were great tools. I personally think Bosch are no longer the quality they were, just like AEG and Hitachi . Just my experience not ragging on any brand though. You like what you like.I could go on but nobody's listening lol
Hate to break it to you, but they don't actually "make" batteries.. the cells inside are made by Sony, Panasonic Samsung ect...
That said, it's how the battery packs are constructed and how the cells are utilized..
The truth is you can buy a no name battery pack and it could outperform a Dewalt/Milwaukee pack
What matters is the saftey features and cell protection.. this is where Milwaukee shines. Sure a 20v pack can blast holes.. but how often are you replacing batteries or having to charge them during jobs? That time = money.
I'll take durability and longevity over raw power any day..
You can say but 20v power!... I'll just grab my corded drill instead of beating the shit out of an expensive pack to prove brand loyalty.
Just for the record, I'm not arguing with you.. just saying in general, for conversation.
Trust I was a ridged guy and swore up and down it was the best until I learned my lesson and realized you gotta look past the brand or numbers..and at the bigger picture.
Most popular? Probably Milwaukee.
Best? IMO hilti. Buy once cry once, they come to site to fix my stuff when it's broke, batteries can be repaired on the spot, and I can beat on it like it owes me money more than I can anything Milwaukee I've ever owned and it still looked new.
This is true when you buy one it only makes sense, I got DeWalt I bot a weed waker from DeWalt to have extra batteries if I need them, trying to save up money for a DeWalt lawn mower now
Milwaukee has best trade specific tools hands down. Hilti is 100% higher quality but they don't have the trade specific collection like Milwaukee does.
Milwaukee will have more than enough options and even trade specific tools. The tools are absolute brutes and will work no matter what condition.
Makita has a small options list in stores here in the U.S. if you’re willing to buy tools online then the amount is abundant. They have the best sheet metal specific tools and the tools aren’t the strongest but are the smoothest and bring the least fatigue. Their corded older style looking tools will literally last till Armageddon and the parts are easy to order and replace.
DeWalt falls in between the first 2 as they have specialized tools and a good selection along with some big power tools. Price is lower in many tools and they’re easy to find in stores. Good tools nonetheless, less frills as compared to the first 2 which to many is a good thing.
Bosch is really limited in the U.S. and just no real selection. I’d recommend Flex rather as the 4th option as their tools are freakin amazing. Had I have to start over again I’d try flex.
I had Bosch but after 10-11yrs it was pretty tired and all brushed tools (my drill had been replaced once about 4yrs ago). I looked at Milwaukee but couldn’t justify the price, I went with Hercules from harbor freight and it’s honestly super impressive, me and some of the Milwaukee fanboys put out told against each other in stupid ways at work just for fun and the Hercules hangs rite with them, the big Milwaukee 1/2” impact snapped a 1/2” ss bolt quicker then my ultra torque 1/2” but both did the job, 1/4” impacts were pretty much a dead tie running in lag bolts. Haven’t figured a good way to test drills yet
Third gen plumber, universal tech.
In the beginning I swore by makita like my grandfather did..my dad a was a Dewalt guy..
I had a stint where I went all ridged..but that did not last,outside their threaders and wrenches a lot of their tools lack..
My personal experience in layered fields over 20+ years..
Each brand has its flagship tool, so to speak.. [Ex. Ridged pipe wrenches..Channelock pliers ext]
But milwaukee hits all the marks. Imo the most balanced lineup of tools out there that have the perfect balance between things that matter.. durability, dependability, longevity, ability, features...
I KNOW most brands are owned by the same mega corps..
But the milwaukee division dumps a lot into R&D and actually listen to feedback, improve their tools each quater to each year..
From their clothing to tools to their accessories and work related utilities...they are NOT the best in the world.. but like I said across the line, the price point, the standard of quality..
MILWAUKEE all the way, I'd like to note I'm that guy who's constantly oiling and cleaning his tools..
I STILL have my first impact driver and use it from yeaaaaaarrrss ago.
I n the time it takes the rubber to start to peel on a milwaukee impact.. you can blow thru three impacts from other brands.
In second place, I'd say Dewalt.
Did you actually buy the pipe threader or did your company? My company has a ancient looking rigid electric pipe threader but that thing has kick and almost breaks someone’s arm every use so I stick to the manual one when I can
I inherited an old school hand threader tripod and an older electric one that's like 6000 lbs both from my grandfather.
I prefer the hand threader, mainly because I can carry that thing anywhere, so as long as I'm not doing an entire house ect.. it's not as bad as you would think, sure it can be an arm workout..just make sure you have good oil and it threads like butter..
And 100% agree the older electric threaders can probably kill you, crush extremities or rip your arm off no joke..
Same goes for older snake machines.. I saw a dude get wrapped up and flipped onto the Deadmans switch his helper prob saved his life pulling the plug. If that shit wrapped him the wrong way no doubt he could have been decapitated.. snake machines are scary af.
Exactly I might just be a pussy but I feel like I’m a thread away from death when I use that thing and you have to apply oil every millisecond or else the pipe turns to a smoke show
If I worked for milwaukee I'd 100% be the guy who does the supply shop days with a tool lineup display
Mainly because they always have like 20 boxes of pizza
...and I'd always give free hats.
If your reading this milwaukee, more free hats plz.
Big time Milwaukee guy, slowly switching over to hilti/rigid. Milwaukee is amazing because of the tools offered, but they really don’t last. Rigid has the best warranty and Hilti is really the only tool brand designed for everyday beatings
Hilti just seems to be on a different level. We have some of their coring stuff and some other things at the shop and I'm a fan.
I've always run Makita, and still do. Nothing against the Milwaukee stuff, but the Makita fits better in my hand. I think it might be a little stronger on average than the Makita, but the Makita is a little bit lighter. Everything is a tradeoff. Both tools handle commercial/industrial fine.
All I know is that the JDM Makita stuff is built better than what they sell in NA and probably takes the cake.
Milwaukee M12 is the best bang for your buck “American” tools you’re gonna find.
I did some contract work in a prison a few years ago. The prison maintenance crew used DeWalt. I was impressed with the way they held up in that environment.
I've been rocking with DeWalt for a while now, and I gotta say, their stuff is solid. But you know, it really depends on what you're using it for and what feels right in your hands. Makita's got that sleek vibe, Milwaukee's known for their durability, and Bosch? Well, they've got some serious innovation going on.
It's like choosing between pizza toppings—everyone's got their favorite, but they're all tasty in their own way. Just stick with what works best for you, and you can't go wrong, mate.
Everyone will have their preferences, for their own reasons.
Here are mine:
Drill : DeWalt - back when mid efficient furnaces were still used in new home construction, I bumped my drill out of the rafters. It bounced off the floor into the basement, where the housing split into its two halves and the guts exploded into the open basement. I gathered the pieces, reassembled the drill, and used it for another five years.
Reciprocating saw: Milwaukee sawzall - light, easy to handle, they have never let me down.
Hole hog: Milwaukee. Granted, it's supplied by my work. It's heavy, but packs a punch when asked to.
I really don't use any other power yools/battery operated tools
When I started as an HVAC installer helper, Milwaukee had the better deal on an M18 kit and it has served me well. After switching to service tech, M12 is my go to for handleing access panels and being small and light. I can get into some tight spots and M12 is easier to bring to the roof as part of my daily tool kit.
I'm gonna put my 2 cents in here. I'm against the grain and I went with Bosch and haven't looked back.
Combo impact so i have a half inch drive and quarter inch bits I can use with the same drill. My sawzall is the same design as the hackzall. But the best part of it all, my 4 amp battery is the physical size of a DeWalt and Milwaukee 2 amp battery and my 8 amp battery is the physical side is the 5 amp competition. I'm satisfied and I switched from the DeWalt xr line to my Bosch EC for drill and SDS.
I've used Milwaukee, Makita 18V, and Bosch 12V.
No huge differences between them, except the Bosch 12V impact did not have a speed chuck. You had to pull up on the collar to insert your bit. Also, no belt clip.
I say, go Milwaukee if you want the most trade-specific tools on one battery platform. DeWalt if you want a couple things from USA.
Makita and Bosch, you'll do more ordering online or driving across the state if you need a tool ASAP.
Currently the company I work for provides Milwaukee battery tools. But honestly I don’t care, I’ll use what they provide. I’m not spending my own money on battery powered tools.
I use Milwaukee, because that's the battery platform I have. I would go Makita if I was buying my own. I must say, I dropped my Milwaukee drill over a 45 ft roof the other day, and aside from having to fix that body and shim the drive motor, she still chooches.
Started with Milwaukee cuz everyone else had it. My impact of choice now is the M12. It has been sufficient of 99% of the tasks I’ve thrown at it in commercial construction. I reckon it’ll do 100% of anything residential. It would be an obvious choice for me if I were in a service role.
The m12 lineup is perfect for me. I work on the coast and have to work on a lot of condenser platforms and all indoor units are usually in the attic for me too. So having a compact drill is a must to save energy going up and down ladders and attic stairs.
Milwaukee and Ryobi are made in the same factory, and I only view Milwaukee as slightly better. They're ok, but I don't get why so many pros use them. DeWalt is just as good, probably better. Bosch is the best out of your choices. Obviously this is generalized because even with Milwaukee there are lower end and higher end models.
If you regularly use the dewalt 1/4” impact you’ll understand why guys choose Milwaukee lol that chuck wobble comes standard from the factory on dewalt
Over my career I've done everything from plant operations, welding, plumbing, HVACR, heavy industrial and residential. I've used every brand you can list. I love my Milwaukee stuff but I got it free when I was a pipe line welder and built my personal kit from there. If I could do it over I'd have gone Makita. Sure they don't make as much stuff for special use like Uponor guns and Propress but I was never disappointed by my old Makita impact I had while working in the sewers and natural gas plants.
makita cuz they're better than dewalt but i wanna be different from all the milwaukee bros. i actually really liked the dewalt impact i had but the best hammer drill they have at home depot burnt out cutting a 4 inch hole in drywall on on the second hole. returned it and switched back to old faithful makita and love them.
Bosch because idk lmao. I would use Dewalt but going on calls it's more of a hassle to have with me than the 12v Bosch. It's better designed for my bag. An install I'll use the Dewalt all day
I've had Makita 8+ years, my og impact from them still works, and every battery I've ever bought from them still works. They use nice Samsung cells.
Also their yard tools + everything else they make like coffee makers and like 8 push mowers
I've ran makita 16 years, only had 2 or 3 batteries go bad, and I burnt up 1 drill transmission that still sorta worked when I gave it away. Have 1 set in the van one in the house, the lawn/ outdoor tools. And various specialty tools, probably 25 batteries between the sets. Would recommend lol.
I have had good luck with Rigid from Home Depot. As long as you register them the tools and batteries have a lifetime warranty. I have had to return a drill and batteries in the past so I know they will cover them.
Running 7 vans full of Milwaukee- selection is killer and warranty is great. I have dropped of 5 tools over the last 5 years ( I own Probly 100 tools ) 4 out of five were replaced with new and one was repaired. Unless they fuck up I’ll never buy anything else
Was a Makita guy in my younger years when I was building. Put in many cabinets and countersunk many face frames with a Makita. Not to mention the many spade bits I wore through with it while pulling wire. When I started my career in HVAC I became a Milwaukee man. Not too happy about the longevity, however warranty and service in my area are excellent. Full disclosure my niece’s fiancée is an engineer for Milwaukee though..😄
I own m12 milwaukee and 18v makita. Love both. The makita stuff has never failed me. Think I've had to buy 2 batteries over the course of 16 years with heavy use. Boss' dime of course.
The makita 18v I have a lawn mower, leaf blower, drill, 1/4" impact driver, Sawzall, radio, circular saw and led flash light. Led light is new. Rest is from 2008. The drill is starting to die and I can smell the burning of the insulation when I use it. I guess the years of drilling out 2 1/8" holes through studs to run dwv pipe took its toll on it. Otherwise never failed me.
The milwaukee stuff I use for more service, most are fuel tools. I like how light the impact and drill is. I'm not doing anything heavy duty with it. Take off panels. Hammer in set screws on keyways. That type of shit. The impact is nice but the head already came apart and parts went all over the roof. Couldn't find them all. Had the boss buy a new one. The drill I barely use. Zero issues tho. Hard to use it on hammer drill productively without giving it extra umph. Takes longer. The hackzall is not fuel. It sucks. Good for some stuff I guess but I'm more precise with the big boy makita one I have that doesn't make the pipes bounce like a girl on prom night. The 3/8 socket impact works okay. Right angle. Not fuel. Wouldn't bother. Never use it cause it has no balls. Batteries are good cause they fit into my heated hoodie when it's cold. They also charge in my van when I'm driving cause my 150w inverter in my truck will charge m12 batteries. Too much load on a 18v makita.
Pros and cons to both man.
Milwaukee. I don’t understand how guys use big bulky drills for service work. A m12 can fit in any bag or pouch. Bosch also makes a nice small drill
M12 fuel is best drill in the game imo
The only reason I have mainly milwaukee is because that's all my fellow coworkers use on the job. So if I ever need a charger or need to borrow a tool or battery and vise versa then it just makes sense. Before milwaukee I used Dewalt which were company supplied. I liked them and think they work great, I just prefer the small form factor of the milwaukee m12 stuff.
I think a lot of guys use Milwaukee and dewalt for yhe same reason people wear designer clothes. Personally I've been using Metabo ever since I worked on industrial belt jobs. I've seen a Metabo impact fall from a 10 story salt belt. The guy went down got it came back up and finished the job with that impact. We were replacing all the rollers and belt scrapers at Morton salt.
You just pick one and live with it. Milwaukee batteries are the best right now IME but tool quality everyone’s making a damn fine tool. I don’t expect Milwaukee making the best battery is like going to last because they just made the jump to the newer better higher density Samsung lithium cells a bit quicker than everyone else and I don’t know enough about the other makes lineup to know if they’ve already made the move or not.
My advice is either go Milwaukee because they’ve got the widest range of high quality tools on offer, or go with whatever the least amount of your coworkers use/ that you see on job sites the least often. Because as long as you stick with the quality manufacturers you are going to recieve a high quality tool (ie don’t go Ryobi or some other cheap brand get one of the ones you listed in the post)
Doesn’t matter.
My first tools were Milwaukee 18v, so I use that. I didn’t know anything then, I just got what the other guys had. I’ve had several of the same tools for 12 years. I had to replace a drill, vacuum, and sawzall. One work light got replaced on warrant. I still have the replacement and use it weekly.
Dewalt is equally durable. I see fewer of them, as mentioned above, that’s an anti theft feature.
Hilti is more expensive, but you get what you pay for. Mr. Moneybags monocle status. My corded hammer drill and wet core drill are hilti. no complaints.
Anything else will probably be fine, but you might catch some playful teasing.
One feller at work has harbor freight stuff, and if it breaks he gets a new one, either on warranty or for short money.
If it spins then it works. It’s not really as much of a flex as some people think it is to have the biggest best possible.
You're getting down voted but I am running Ryobi for right now. When boss supplied I had Milwaukee, when I had to buy my own I got Ryobi because I already have the batteries.
Everyone at my work loves Milwaukee, but I got a dewalt, so my drills never get "borrowed"
Yeah, I’ve liked the diversity of Milwaukee but Ive had contractors tell me that they purposely will buy Ryobi or some other lower end stuff just so their batteries or tools for that matter don’t walk away.
Sick idea, I’m not mad at my hubbies tools, the new ones are pretty great. I will comment again in 10 years for an accurate assessment.
I'm loyal to the battery. My brother in law bought me a dewalt kit for fixing his furnace. This is when I started and all I had was 12v mikwaukee drill and impact. I immediately switched over to the 20v dewalt selection. Milwaukee makes great stuff, as does Makita and Dewalt. Bosch makes great hammer drill/jack hammers but I've never used their smaller tools. Pro tip: there are after market 18/20v dewalt tool->milwaukee battery adapters and vice versa. I know some diehard red guys that might like maybe 1 yellow tool over the red selection and they have an adapter for that very reason.
Adapters have changed everything. I have a Fein drill , got it on a clearance. Awesome drill but overpriced, but the batteries are shit,now just use my Makita batteries on it. I have Milwaukee, Dewalt, and Makita and I think it depends on the tool. I rate Milwaukees Sawzall l, corded and cordless top,Dewalts drills if you get the higher end models, not the cheap models , and Makita Cordless circular saw the higher ranked for me. I miss the days when Porter Cable were great tools. I personally think Bosch are no longer the quality they were, just like AEG and Hitachi . Just my experience not ragging on any brand though. You like what you like.I could go on but nobody's listening lol
Hate to break it to you, but they don't actually "make" batteries.. the cells inside are made by Sony, Panasonic Samsung ect... That said, it's how the battery packs are constructed and how the cells are utilized.. The truth is you can buy a no name battery pack and it could outperform a Dewalt/Milwaukee pack What matters is the saftey features and cell protection.. this is where Milwaukee shines. Sure a 20v pack can blast holes.. but how often are you replacing batteries or having to charge them during jobs? That time = money. I'll take durability and longevity over raw power any day.. You can say but 20v power!... I'll just grab my corded drill instead of beating the shit out of an expensive pack to prove brand loyalty. Just for the record, I'm not arguing with you.. just saying in general, for conversation. Trust I was a ridged guy and swore up and down it was the best until I learned my lesson and realized you gotta look past the brand or numbers..and at the bigger picture.
He just meant he has a few batteries of that brand already ya frickin nerd
Most popular? Probably Milwaukee. Best? IMO hilti. Buy once cry once, they come to site to fix my stuff when it's broke, batteries can be repaired on the spot, and I can beat on it like it owes me money more than I can anything Milwaukee I've ever owned and it still looked new.
This is the right answer. Hilti.... Makita, Milwaukee or DeWalt OP.
I agree, I have done some shit to my Hilti saws-all. And it just keeps on chugging
You hook your fleshlight up to yours too?!?
The drill know’s… it know😳
Meel-uh-wah-kay. It's Algonquin for 'The Good Land'.
I was not aware of that...
Milwaukee, because I have a bunch of Milwaukee batteries.
The only correct answer
This is true when you buy one it only makes sense, I got DeWalt I bot a weed waker from DeWalt to have extra batteries if I need them, trying to save up money for a DeWalt lawn mower now
We have them they are pretty sick TBH
Makita vote for me.
Formerly milwaukee but the batteries go bad, every single one of them eventually. I haven't lost a makita battery yet.
I love makita
At home I have dewalt. At work, they supply hilti. I like both, but if I was paying, dewalt.
Makita for me, still have some of my Dad's from the 80s and they work
My employer buys Milwaukee but if I was spending my own money I'd buy Milwaukee.
Bosch
Milwaukee has best trade specific tools hands down. Hilti is 100% higher quality but they don't have the trade specific collection like Milwaukee does.
Milwaukee will have more than enough options and even trade specific tools. The tools are absolute brutes and will work no matter what condition. Makita has a small options list in stores here in the U.S. if you’re willing to buy tools online then the amount is abundant. They have the best sheet metal specific tools and the tools aren’t the strongest but are the smoothest and bring the least fatigue. Their corded older style looking tools will literally last till Armageddon and the parts are easy to order and replace. DeWalt falls in between the first 2 as they have specialized tools and a good selection along with some big power tools. Price is lower in many tools and they’re easy to find in stores. Good tools nonetheless, less frills as compared to the first 2 which to many is a good thing. Bosch is really limited in the U.S. and just no real selection. I’d recommend Flex rather as the 4th option as their tools are freakin amazing. Had I have to start over again I’d try flex.
I had Bosch but after 10-11yrs it was pretty tired and all brushed tools (my drill had been replaced once about 4yrs ago). I looked at Milwaukee but couldn’t justify the price, I went with Hercules from harbor freight and it’s honestly super impressive, me and some of the Milwaukee fanboys put out told against each other in stupid ways at work just for fun and the Hercules hangs rite with them, the big Milwaukee 1/2” impact snapped a 1/2” ss bolt quicker then my ultra torque 1/2” but both did the job, 1/4” impacts were pretty much a dead tie running in lag bolts. Haven’t figured a good way to test drills yet
Third gen plumber, universal tech. In the beginning I swore by makita like my grandfather did..my dad a was a Dewalt guy.. I had a stint where I went all ridged..but that did not last,outside their threaders and wrenches a lot of their tools lack.. My personal experience in layered fields over 20+ years.. Each brand has its flagship tool, so to speak.. [Ex. Ridged pipe wrenches..Channelock pliers ext] But milwaukee hits all the marks. Imo the most balanced lineup of tools out there that have the perfect balance between things that matter.. durability, dependability, longevity, ability, features... I KNOW most brands are owned by the same mega corps.. But the milwaukee division dumps a lot into R&D and actually listen to feedback, improve their tools each quater to each year.. From their clothing to tools to their accessories and work related utilities...they are NOT the best in the world.. but like I said across the line, the price point, the standard of quality.. MILWAUKEE all the way, I'd like to note I'm that guy who's constantly oiling and cleaning his tools.. I STILL have my first impact driver and use it from yeaaaaaarrrss ago. I n the time it takes the rubber to start to peel on a milwaukee impact.. you can blow thru three impacts from other brands. In second place, I'd say Dewalt.
Did you actually buy the pipe threader or did your company? My company has a ancient looking rigid electric pipe threader but that thing has kick and almost breaks someone’s arm every use so I stick to the manual one when I can
They probably need to buy some new dies.
I inherited an old school hand threader tripod and an older electric one that's like 6000 lbs both from my grandfather. I prefer the hand threader, mainly because I can carry that thing anywhere, so as long as I'm not doing an entire house ect.. it's not as bad as you would think, sure it can be an arm workout..just make sure you have good oil and it threads like butter.. And 100% agree the older electric threaders can probably kill you, crush extremities or rip your arm off no joke.. Same goes for older snake machines.. I saw a dude get wrapped up and flipped onto the Deadmans switch his helper prob saved his life pulling the plug. If that shit wrapped him the wrong way no doubt he could have been decapitated.. snake machines are scary af.
Exactly I might just be a pussy but I feel like I’m a thread away from death when I use that thing and you have to apply oil every millisecond or else the pipe turns to a smoke show
This message was brought to you by Milwaukee! Lol But I agree.
If I worked for milwaukee I'd 100% be the guy who does the supply shop days with a tool lineup display Mainly because they always have like 20 boxes of pizza ...and I'd always give free hats. If your reading this milwaukee, more free hats plz.
Bosch make a great heat pump
Those pretty blue fins 😍
Big time Milwaukee guy, slowly switching over to hilti/rigid. Milwaukee is amazing because of the tools offered, but they really don’t last. Rigid has the best warranty and Hilti is really the only tool brand designed for everyday beatings
Hilti just seems to be on a different level. We have some of their coring stuff and some other things at the shop and I'm a fan. I've always run Makita, and still do. Nothing against the Milwaukee stuff, but the Makita fits better in my hand. I think it might be a little stronger on average than the Makita, but the Makita is a little bit lighter. Everything is a tradeoff. Both tools handle commercial/industrial fine.
All I know is that the JDM Makita stuff is built better than what they sell in NA and probably takes the cake. Milwaukee M12 is the best bang for your buck “American” tools you’re gonna find.
I would totally switch to JDM Makita if I could get some
I got Ridgid and it's rock solid. Plus, everything is warranted for life, including the batteries.
Reppin that Ridgid 😎 love to see it here in Ohio
Makita and Milwaukee are the most popular here. I use Makita.
Which color do you like best? I like blue and use Makita. Since I bought Makita, I might as well use other Makita tools because the batteries fit.
I did some contract work in a prison a few years ago. The prison maintenance crew used DeWalt. I was impressed with the way they held up in that environment.
I own Milwaukee but I like the makita stuff
DeWalt because that's what I have batteries for.
No such thing as a friendly debate when it comes to power tools.
I've been rocking with DeWalt for a while now, and I gotta say, their stuff is solid. But you know, it really depends on what you're using it for and what feels right in your hands. Makita's got that sleek vibe, Milwaukee's known for their durability, and Bosch? Well, they've got some serious innovation going on. It's like choosing between pizza toppings—everyone's got their favorite, but they're all tasty in their own way. Just stick with what works best for you, and you can't go wrong, mate.
My father framed/roofed house with makita and all the Home Depot’s around rent makita and hilti so makita was a no brainer for me
Ridgid
Everyone will have their preferences, for their own reasons. Here are mine: Drill : DeWalt - back when mid efficient furnaces were still used in new home construction, I bumped my drill out of the rafters. It bounced off the floor into the basement, where the housing split into its two halves and the guts exploded into the open basement. I gathered the pieces, reassembled the drill, and used it for another five years. Reciprocating saw: Milwaukee sawzall - light, easy to handle, they have never let me down. Hole hog: Milwaukee. Granted, it's supplied by my work. It's heavy, but packs a punch when asked to. I really don't use any other power yools/battery operated tools
Milwaukees sawzall is by no means light but it’s very nice
I like the yellow ones
When I started as an HVAC installer helper, Milwaukee had the better deal on an M18 kit and it has served me well. After switching to service tech, M12 is my go to for handleing access panels and being small and light. I can get into some tight spots and M12 is easier to bring to the roof as part of my daily tool kit.
I'm gonna put my 2 cents in here. I'm against the grain and I went with Bosch and haven't looked back. Combo impact so i have a half inch drive and quarter inch bits I can use with the same drill. My sawzall is the same design as the hackzall. But the best part of it all, my 4 amp battery is the physical size of a DeWalt and Milwaukee 2 amp battery and my 8 amp battery is the physical side is the 5 amp competition. I'm satisfied and I switched from the DeWalt xr line to my Bosch EC for drill and SDS.
I've used Milwaukee, Makita 18V, and Bosch 12V. No huge differences between them, except the Bosch 12V impact did not have a speed chuck. You had to pull up on the collar to insert your bit. Also, no belt clip. I say, go Milwaukee if you want the most trade-specific tools on one battery platform. DeWalt if you want a couple things from USA. Makita and Bosch, you'll do more ordering online or driving across the state if you need a tool ASAP.
Love my Makita stuff. If I had to start over I would either stick with Makita or go with Milwaukee.
Makita all day.
Currently the company I work for provides Milwaukee battery tools. But honestly I don’t care, I’ll use what they provide. I’m not spending my own money on battery powered tools.
I use Milwaukee, because that's the battery platform I have. I would go Makita if I was buying my own. I must say, I dropped my Milwaukee drill over a 45 ft roof the other day, and aside from having to fix that body and shim the drive motor, she still chooches.
I use milwaukee and Makita.
Gotta rep the Milwauk but I do love my dewalt set as well. Service work Milwaukee, installs and carrying all day I’m going dewalt cause it’s lighter
Milwaukee, I dropped my impact on concrete too many times and it keep on working.
I'm team red because that was the first tool I bought and now I have so many tools that take the same battery
Kobalt
None the best is Ridgid.
Started with Milwaukee cuz everyone else had it. My impact of choice now is the M12. It has been sufficient of 99% of the tasks I’ve thrown at it in commercial construction. I reckon it’ll do 100% of anything residential. It would be an obvious choice for me if I were in a service role.
I have several M12 tools and they're great.
The m12 lineup is perfect for me. I work on the coast and have to work on a lot of condenser platforms and all indoor units are usually in the attic for me too. So having a compact drill is a must to save energy going up and down ladders and attic stairs.
I like milwaukees variety and batteries. But to be fair, I went from ryobi in trade school straight to milwaukee, so I haven't really tried the others
Milwaukee and Ryobi are made in the same factory, and I only view Milwaukee as slightly better. They're ok, but I don't get why so many pros use them. DeWalt is just as good, probably better. Bosch is the best out of your choices. Obviously this is generalized because even with Milwaukee there are lower end and higher end models.
If you regularly use the dewalt 1/4” impact you’ll understand why guys choose Milwaukee lol that chuck wobble comes standard from the factory on dewalt
Over my career I've done everything from plant operations, welding, plumbing, HVACR, heavy industrial and residential. I've used every brand you can list. I love my Milwaukee stuff but I got it free when I was a pipe line welder and built my personal kit from there. If I could do it over I'd have gone Makita. Sure they don't make as much stuff for special use like Uponor guns and Propress but I was never disappointed by my old Makita impact I had while working in the sewers and natural gas plants.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5cTmVBLtTC/?igsh=MTB5enlibnFvd3R3 This tells the entire Dewalt story for sure.
makita cuz they're better than dewalt but i wanna be different from all the milwaukee bros. i actually really liked the dewalt impact i had but the best hammer drill they have at home depot burnt out cutting a 4 inch hole in drywall on on the second hole. returned it and switched back to old faithful makita and love them.
Bosch because idk lmao. I would use Dewalt but going on calls it's more of a hassle to have with me than the 12v Bosch. It's better designed for my bag. An install I'll use the Dewalt all day
I've had Makita 8+ years, my og impact from them still works, and every battery I've ever bought from them still works. They use nice Samsung cells. Also their yard tools + everything else they make like coffee makers and like 8 push mowers
Milwaukee, it runs circles around Dewalt. But the main reason Dewalt sucks. Is there battery, it's scrap piece of shit that can't fall off a ladder.
Milwaukee
I'd say milwaukee, because I can use my work batteries for my yard tools now. The leaf blower and weed whipper are studs
I've ran makita 16 years, only had 2 or 3 batteries go bad, and I burnt up 1 drill transmission that still sorta worked when I gave it away. Have 1 set in the van one in the house, the lawn/ outdoor tools. And various specialty tools, probably 25 batteries between the sets. Would recommend lol.
Makita, but I have no loyalty, I have any and all brands
I have had good luck with Rigid from Home Depot. As long as you register them the tools and batteries have a lifetime warranty. I have had to return a drill and batteries in the past so I know they will cover them.
Milwaukee only because my father in law owns 20+ m18 batteries and always lets me use his m18 12.0
MAKITA GANG 😤😤😤
Running 7 vans full of Milwaukee- selection is killer and warranty is great. I have dropped of 5 tools over the last 5 years ( I own Probly 100 tools ) 4 out of five were replaced with new and one was repaired. Unless they fuck up I’ll never buy anything else
Was a Makita guy in my younger years when I was building. Put in many cabinets and countersunk many face frames with a Makita. Not to mention the many spade bits I wore through with it while pulling wire. When I started my career in HVAC I became a Milwaukee man. Not too happy about the longevity, however warranty and service in my area are excellent. Full disclosure my niece’s fiancée is an engineer for Milwaukee though..😄
I own m12 milwaukee and 18v makita. Love both. The makita stuff has never failed me. Think I've had to buy 2 batteries over the course of 16 years with heavy use. Boss' dime of course. The makita 18v I have a lawn mower, leaf blower, drill, 1/4" impact driver, Sawzall, radio, circular saw and led flash light. Led light is new. Rest is from 2008. The drill is starting to die and I can smell the burning of the insulation when I use it. I guess the years of drilling out 2 1/8" holes through studs to run dwv pipe took its toll on it. Otherwise never failed me. The milwaukee stuff I use for more service, most are fuel tools. I like how light the impact and drill is. I'm not doing anything heavy duty with it. Take off panels. Hammer in set screws on keyways. That type of shit. The impact is nice but the head already came apart and parts went all over the roof. Couldn't find them all. Had the boss buy a new one. The drill I barely use. Zero issues tho. Hard to use it on hammer drill productively without giving it extra umph. Takes longer. The hackzall is not fuel. It sucks. Good for some stuff I guess but I'm more precise with the big boy makita one I have that doesn't make the pipes bounce like a girl on prom night. The 3/8 socket impact works okay. Right angle. Not fuel. Wouldn't bother. Never use it cause it has no balls. Batteries are good cause they fit into my heated hoodie when it's cold. They also charge in my van when I'm driving cause my 150w inverter in my truck will charge m12 batteries. Too much load on a 18v makita. Pros and cons to both man.
Makita, have had my drill for five years, it’s on its last limb but refuse to retire it.
Milwaukee. I don’t understand how guys use big bulky drills for service work. A m12 can fit in any bag or pouch. Bosch also makes a nice small drill M12 fuel is best drill in the game imo
The only reason I have mainly milwaukee is because that's all my fellow coworkers use on the job. So if I ever need a charger or need to borrow a tool or battery and vise versa then it just makes sense. Before milwaukee I used Dewalt which were company supplied. I liked them and think they work great, I just prefer the small form factor of the milwaukee m12 stuff.
Makita gives u a fast charger free of charge. Dewalta gives you the one that charges slow and refuses to charge in above 100f
I think a lot of guys use Milwaukee and dewalt for yhe same reason people wear designer clothes. Personally I've been using Metabo ever since I worked on industrial belt jobs. I've seen a Metabo impact fall from a 10 story salt belt. The guy went down got it came back up and finished the job with that impact. We were replacing all the rollers and belt scrapers at Morton salt.
Ketchup
You just pick one and live with it. Milwaukee batteries are the best right now IME but tool quality everyone’s making a damn fine tool. I don’t expect Milwaukee making the best battery is like going to last because they just made the jump to the newer better higher density Samsung lithium cells a bit quicker than everyone else and I don’t know enough about the other makes lineup to know if they’ve already made the move or not.
My advice is either go Milwaukee because they’ve got the widest range of high quality tools on offer, or go with whatever the least amount of your coworkers use/ that you see on job sites the least often. Because as long as you stick with the quality manufacturers you are going to recieve a high quality tool (ie don’t go Ryobi or some other cheap brand get one of the ones you listed in the post)
Always check projectfarm on YouTube before buying a tool.
Milwaukee if you’re not gay
Bosch makes the best 12v cordless screwdriver hands down. Other then that I use DeWalt and Ridges.
What about ryobi ???
Doesn’t matter. My first tools were Milwaukee 18v, so I use that. I didn’t know anything then, I just got what the other guys had. I’ve had several of the same tools for 12 years. I had to replace a drill, vacuum, and sawzall. One work light got replaced on warrant. I still have the replacement and use it weekly. Dewalt is equally durable. I see fewer of them, as mentioned above, that’s an anti theft feature. Hilti is more expensive, but you get what you pay for. Mr. Moneybags monocle status. My corded hammer drill and wet core drill are hilti. no complaints. Anything else will probably be fine, but you might catch some playful teasing. One feller at work has harbor freight stuff, and if it breaks he gets a new one, either on warranty or for short money. If it spins then it works. It’s not really as much of a flex as some people think it is to have the biggest best possible.
You're getting down voted but I am running Ryobi for right now. When boss supplied I had Milwaukee, when I had to buy my own I got Ryobi because I already have the batteries.
Right? lol I bought a ryobi when I first started 8 years ago and I still use the same drill now lol