DeWalt Vs. Milwaukee: Which Brand Has The Superior Cordless Drill?

A cordless drill is one of the tools every homeowner should have. They make it a breeze to tackle everything from putting up shelves and assembling furniture to drilling through stud or drywall for cable runs and switch boxes. If you're a keen DIY enthusiast prepared to invest in quality, then two of the biggest names in the game are DeWalt and Milwaukee. But which brand has the superior cordless drill? It's time to take a closer look.

The first thing a lot of people might check is voltage. Most DeWalt cordless drills are 20 volt, whereas the majority of Milwaukee cordless drills are 18 volt. So DeWalt has the edge on power, right? Well, no. It might sound confusing, but they are effectively the same. Twenty volts is the maximum the battery is capable of producing with no load. Eighteen volts is called the nominal voltage, in effect the normal working output. DeWalt is one of several brands that chooses to quote the higher figure, but it doesn't mean their batteries aren't any more powerful.

Both brands also produce compact 12 volt models, general-purpose drill drivers, hammer drills for masonry, and heavy-duty SDS drill and demolition tools. Each is technically a cordless drill, but they can be very different. In this article we're taking a general view of whether one brand is superior to the other, but if precise specifications are key issues for you, it will be necessary to compare competing models head-to-head.

Many features of DeWalt and Milwaukee cordless drills, such as the rpm, torque, chuck size, and weight are very similar. Both brands have an excellent reputation for reliability, durability, and the development of innovative battery technology.

Although it's highly subjective, feedback from independent reviews suggests that DeWalt produces cordless drills popular with both enthusiastic DIYers and a variety of tradespeople. While DeWalt cordless drills are seldom cheap, they can be more affordable than their Milwaukee counterparts. One example is the DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Drill/Driver Kit, which comes with two batteries, charger, and a carry bag for just $99. It's a great deal, but the drill uses the older-style brush motor. It's a reliable, proven unit, but it's not as efficient or durable as the brushless motors found in the best cordless drills. DeWalt produces these more modern versions as well, but the price rises to around $170. DeWalt cordless drills come with a 3-year warranty, so you can rest assured that you'll be able to get a refund or replacement if you face any issues. There are also a wide range of other handy DeWalt products to consider, so they're a great option if you want to build a collection of items from the same brand.

If there's one overriding impression you get when searching reviews about Milwaukee cordless drills, it's that these are the tools that are often chosen by professionals. Although once again it's somewhat subjective, Milwaukee drills are viewed as the rugged, high-performance option. That said, they have all the user-friendly features DIYers need, and there's no reason why they shouldn't be the power tool you'll want for your next home project. Milwaukee also has an excellent range of compact 12 volt cordless drills, offering noticeably greater choice than DeWalt.

Choosing between DeWalt and Milwaukee cordless drills is made no easier by comparing prices. Milwaukee's M18 18V Lithium-Ion 1/2 Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Compact Kit is around $180, which is only about 10 bucks more expensive than the equivalent DeWalt model. Both have similar specifications. However, the Milwaukee comes with just one battery whereas the DeWalt has two. On the other hand, Milwaukee's warranty is 5 years rather than 3, reflecting the brand's outstanding reputation for the toughness of its products.

In truth, there are no bad choices here. While a particular DeWalt model might suit you better than its Milwaukee rival or vice versa, both brands produce some of the best cordless drills on the market. It's unlikely you'll be disappointed whichever you choose.