I asked a trick question the other day, via Instagram (follow us at ToolGuyd here).
With the same image as shown above I wrote:
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Dewalt 12V cordless screwdriver vs. Milwaukee Tool M12 multi-head cordless screwdriver.
A) I’d take the Dewalt
B) I’d take the Milwaukee
C) I’d take [other brand]
D) who uses cordless screwdrivers these days??!
And the answer is… E) I really don’t know yet.
I’m sorry if you were expecting a definitive answer, but the truth is that I’m having a very difficult time deciding between these two excellent power tools.
I’ve been using both the Dewalt 12V Max Xtreme Subcompact cordless screwdriver and Milwaukee’s M12 Fuel “installation drill/driver” for quite some time, and you’d think there would be a clear winner by now.
The Dewalt is compact and features a traditional cordless screwdriver design, with variable speed switch, torque-control clutch, and forward/reverse switch.
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Milwaukee’s M12 Fuel installation drill/driver is a multi-functional tool, with modular heads that you can swap back and forth for use in tight, obstructed, or tricky situations.
Here’s my thought dilemma, after using both tools for quite some time, sometimes rotating between them for potential insights:
I can’t pick a favorite. Well… yes I can, if I try hard enough. I suppose it’s more appropriate to say that I can’t determine which of these modern brushless cordless drills are better.
I suppose that the Dewalt Xtreme Subcompact cordless screwdriver is a convenience-type tool, and as such it’s not exactly required. A compact cordless drill could do everything that this cordless screwdriver might be tasked with, could it not?
Despite this, I enjoy using the Dewalt screwdriver, and feel that it’s perfectly tuned for a wide variety of light to medium duty fastening needs, especially small fastener installation and assembly tasks.
Can the Milwaukee M12 Fuel cordless screwdriver do everything the Dewalt could do? Yes. Is the reverse also true? No.
For the sake of this discussion, I’m ignoring the price difference, where the Dewalt kit can be purchased for less than half the price of the Milwaukee kit.
The Milwaukee M12 Fuel installation drill/driver has gotten me out of some tight spots, where a standard drill or driver wouldn’t have fit and I would have had to resort to improvise with other tools.
But here’s the problem – I have grown attached to Dewalt’s cordless screwdriver, and even though I also enjoy using the Milwaukee M12 Fuel, it typically only comes out when it’s a problem solver or frustration eliminator.
I could use the Milwaukee drill/driver for everything, but I don’t think I would be as happy. I might try that next – using it exclusively to see if I get better used to it as my one-and-only cordless screwdriver.
So, which is better?
If you can only get one tool, and are eager to buy into the Milwaukee M12 cordless power tool platform, the M12 Fuel installation drill/driver is an excellent performer and problem-solver.
If you’re in interested in Dewalt’s 12V Max system, the Dewalt is an excellent model, and one I’ve gushed about before.
See Also: Dewalt Xtreme 12V Max Cordless Screwdriver Deserves More Love
I will say that I like Dewalt’s clutch a bit better, but that’s also because my last experience with the M12 Fuel driver involved small screws and soft material where I stripped some holes. Prior to that, the clutch worked as intended, but the Dewalt’s has been a little more consistent for the things I’ve been using it on.
Quite frankly, I’m glad that I don’t have to make the choice – I received both for free, although I see myself buying a personal use copy in the future. I do own a Milwaukee M12 cordless screwdriver that I bought as part of a past Black Friday deal, but it hasn’t seen any use since the Dewalt Xtreme Subcompact and Milwaukee M12 Fuel installation driver both landed in my hands.
The Milwaukee’s electronic forward/reverse switch, which also has a power lock, will be a deal-breaker for some. Yes, it’s non-intuitive at first, and every time I pick it up after a long span between uses, but it doesn’t bother me as much as some potential users seem to worry about.
Which would you pick?
At the time of this posting, the Dewalt kit is $89 – a steal if you ask me – and the Milwaukee M12 Fuel kit is $229, but eligible for a free bonus tool or battery.
The Dewalt kit is a great performer at very aggressively low pricing, and the Milwaukee is a versatile problem-solver. Why can’t I choose between them?
Buy Now: Dewalt Kit via Acme Tools
Buy Now: Dewalt Kit via Lowe’s
Buy Now: Milwaukee Kit via Tool Nut
Buy Now: Milwaukee Kit via Acme Tools
John
Milwaukee 12V system is excellent, but I would never buy that driver since they put the forward/reverse as a button on top. Total jackassery from a usability standpoint.
Chris
If you palm it like their screwgun (2866-20) it”s actually really good with your thumb.
Kevin
I own the drill gun and at first i didn’t like the forward/reverse switch but once you start using the gun it makes sense why the switch is up there. they designed the gun so that you grip high up on the handle for better control so makes sense that the easiest spot to reach a switch would be up top and using your thumb. With your hand that high up on the grip its really awkward to try and have the switches in the traditional spot…. but its still strange to get used to i will admit. With that said i really like the drill gun. just wish the magnet was alittle stronger every once in awhile bits or drill bits will fly off from drilling or screwing.
Aaron
My understanding is that it is specifically designed to be used this way, as there are grooves on the sides for your index finger to rest. I love mine for door and cabinet hardware. I use my middle finger on the trigger, it doesn’t bruise the web of my hand like a week of heavy impact use does, and I find it easy to press the reverse button with my index finger.
Doug
I’m (almost) with you on that. I really don’t like the way they did the reverse switch on the M12 installer driver – but, it doesn’t work nearly as badly as I expected. Having used it for a while what I hate about the switch on the top is that there is no tactile feedback about the state of the tool, and it’s very hard to see in bright light, and sometimes a tap on the switch just displays the current setting, while other times it reverses. But, yeah. It could be a lot better. It should be a physical switch.
GB
both disposable and simply vehicles to drive battery sales,,, Hilti only remaining brand of discerning quality
Nate
Hilti tools are vehicles to drive their fastener sales. My rep just sent an offer where I would get a cordless drill/driver two batteries and a charger plus a free impact driver if I bought 200 of a certain fastener. But that is their market. Excellent tools though.
Jim Felt
I just saw a Hilti fastener display in a local Home Depot. No tools. Zip.
So they too are feeling the need to branch out from “only at their stores”.
Promit
Lol. Nothing about Hilton is made better than any of the good Milwaukee or Dewalt (or Makita) tools. Maybe worse in fact.
EJ
This M12 4-in-1 kit was $199 today with bonus free tool.
Stuart
Link to Home Depot’s special buy tool deals of the day page.
Darn, I didn’t notice that earlier. I skimmed the deals last night at 4am, some looked decent but not impactful enough to stay up to work out a post, and this morning I had freight deliveries dumped in the driveway, keeping me away from the computer until it was too late.
fred
ToolUp has some sort of deal going on too:
https://www.toolup.com/cyoa-85-m12-fuel-add-on
Chris
Buy the multi head in store and take back the “free” tool to knock the price down to $130ish.
Sal Colon
You can’t do it. When you try, they will charge you full price.
Trust me, I’ve tried. lol
Chris S
Your doing something wrong then.
Any “free” tool is prorated on the receipt and will show a value that they will return it at.
I’ve done it a bunch of times.
Maybe try a different location?…
I’m referring to home depot BTW.
This is also covered on slick deals dozens of times a day, I promise it works.
Doresoom
Not Milwaukee free tools. I’ve done it with Ryobi successfully at HD, but when I tried it with Milwaukee it didn’t work. Their free tool deals show up under the same line item on the receipt.
Big Richard
It depends on whether it is one SKU or two. Some of the HD deals are all one SKU, where its a tool and a bonus tool/battery. Other times it is two separate SKUs where the second item needs to be added to your cart in order to get the discount, at which point it takes a discount off of BOTH, rather than the second actually being “free”
The Special Buy of the Day is usually the former. It is one SKU, you click “add to cart” on only one item, and you cannot return part of it for a discount.
Stephen
I got one of those “free M12 battery with purchase” deals and was able to return just the battery to the store in exchange for the full price of the battery. I returned it to the store without a receipt.
I can’t remember where I got the deal, but the “free” battery came in it’s own separate retail package.
Brian M
It works in-store, not if purchased online. Some stores might not honor the online promotion in-store.
Big Richard
I’ve done it with online purchases. DeWalt had a $100 off select three OPE tools. I bought 3 online, got the discount, and returned 1, still keeping the discount on the other two.
As I mentioned above, it depends on the promo. If it is a promo that involves separate SKUS, it’s all good. If it is a promo like most of the Special Buy of the Day, it is just one SKU and it will not work.
MoogleMan3
Bosch GSR12V-300HXN. Amazing size/weight to power ratio. Incredibly compact. They basically did what I did with my GSR12V-300 and swapped the drill chuck for a hex chuck. My most used driver.
EJ
I have the M12 but if I were to choose again it will probably be the Bosch. The electronic forward/reverse switch doesn’t feel very durable and the drill is too front-heavy.
TonyT
That’s my dream driver, too. But I’m sticking with my still very usable brushed Flexi-Click until I win the lottery or something. (And still love my PS21, too).
Scott
Bosch PS21 is nearly perfect
MoogleMan3
Yep. That was my previous favorite until I swapped the chuck/gearbox with my GSR12V-300.
Michael Quinlan
The DeWalt had much better lighting than any Milwaukee tool. Their 3 light design eliminates shadows and is very much appreciated when used inside things where lighting is otherwise poor. I say this as a Milwaukee owner who sold all his DeWalt tools years ago, including the 12V Max screwdriver. I can use a separate light, and having a single battery platform is more important to me than the occasional appreciation of better built in lighting. That said, if I had to buy one of these, if go with the DeWalt. Milwaukee’s installation driver with all its pieces is simply too bulky to carry.
Paul
Can someone explain the practical reason for the hand guard on Milwaukee? I know Festool does the same as well. Is it really to prevent knuckle busting, balance or what? I’ve never used one personally but I’ve never thought that was a feature I would want. I’ve never seen anyone do anything with it so I am really wondering what purpose it really serves.
Chris
Probably mostly a packaging issue. With the location of the M12 battery they have to house the electronics module somewhere.
Steve
I have not used either of the two tools reviewed, but I have used Bosch 12v drill/drivers that I have been very happy with. Perhaps a 3 way race is needed
EJ
The only reason I can think of is placement of the light. Yeah it’s a weak reason I know. Without the D handle, the light can only be placed under the head like the Bosch, but then it will cast a huge shadow of the attachments. Bosch has an additional light on the attachment to avoid this.
Andy Hong
The “guard” is a magnetic bit and fastener holder. Personally, I think it’s flat-out stupid, and it gets in the way. Plus, if you have any stuff magnetically stuck to it, that stuff also gets in the way, and gets easily knocked off.
I have Milwaukee M12 tools in one house, and Bosch 12V Max in the other. I almost never use my Milwaukee installation tool. On the other hand, I often use my Bosch multi-head
equivalent. It’s better balanced than the Milwaukee, and it doesn’t have the stupid “guard” thingie to get in the way when I’m trying to finesse a fastener in a tight corner.
Chris S
It also houses some of the electronics per this.
https://toolguyd.com/new-milwaukee-m12-fuel-cordless-installation-drill-driver/
Doresoom
They moved the control board to the hand guard in order to slim down the body of the tool. Take a look at the difference between the body of the M12 Gen 2 FUEL drill, and the size difference is pretty apparent.
PTBRULES
Milwaukee has said it only there to house the electronics, they tried to insert them into the handle, but there was not enough room.
I’m sure it will be gone in the 2nd/3rd gen, that being said, it hasn’t gotten in the way yet for me.
They added the Flashlight/Bit Holder there, as along as its still apart of the tool, use the space.
Paul
Thank you all for clarifying about the electronics. All things considered, I’m not a fan of the guard aestheticly but at least I understand the design rational. It’s a moot point since I don’t own that platform.
PTBRULES
Milwaukee has said it only there to house the electronics, they tried to insert them into the handle, but there was not enough room.
They added the Flashlight/Bit Holder there, as along as its still apart of the tool, use the space.
Michael
As a dewalt 20v owner and a milwaukee m12 owner I’ll take nither! The best battery powered screwdriver on the market is the dewalt 8v. Can’t improve on perfection!
Bonson
No question, M12 all the way for me. Driving screws and drilling with this grip style gives much more control. Easier starts and screw heads are more level with the surface when finished. Will not consider another cordless screwdriver for that reason alone.
I only pull out the impact driver when this thing doesn’t have enough torque. Which surprisingly, is not as often as I thought it’d be.
John Blair
My most used one is the Bosch Flexi-Click. I find it nearly perfect and reach for it before any of my other drill drivers. I have the M12 4 in 1 that I brought back from the UK and I don’t find it nearly as convenient. My work often involves switching between drilling and driving. So I keep the drill bit on the chuck head and the screw driving bit on the stubby hex head. I switch back and forth between them all the time. I find its actually easier than using a hex shank drill bit and swapping between them on the 1/4 hex head. From time to time I will use the offset or right angle attachments but even without those gimmicks, I love the Bosch Flexi-Click. I have the full range of Bosch 12v tools and Milwaukee tools, and it is the only Bosch tool I use daily. For impact I use the M12 Surge, so I am really not a Bosch fanatic but for drilling and driving… Bosch Flexi-Click for the win for me.
Tim E.
I have the exact same experience of finding it easier on a multi-head driver to just change the head rather than change the bit. Did a ton of 1/4×20 bolts that needed holes chased and then the bolt tightened. Put the hex shank drill bit in the drill head, and the nut driver in the hex head, and never took them out, just kept swapping the heads.
If I’m at home doing that though (like doing a pilot hole then a screw, then a pilot hole then a screw, and so on), I almost always instead grab two “spinny” tools of whatever kinds, and use the one most suited to drilling for the pilot holes and the one most suited to driving for the screws. Sometimes one of those is the flexiclick or the installation driver I have, but I still won’t do the head change in that instance, I’ll still grab and use a second tool for either the drilling or the driving half.
Tim E.
Having in this category of 12V drill/driver type devices: Bosch (PS21, PS31, and brushed flexiclick in this category), M12(current and previous gen fuel drills, fuel screwdriver, installation driver mentioned here), CXT (brushed drill and brushed screwdriver), and had an older style DeWalt 12V (a brushed drill I don’t remember the model of and no longer own), I have similar indecision on which would be a favorite, nor could tell you which I’d buy first if I lost all these type 12V tools and had to buy just one to get back going with…
I guess let’s consider the multi-head versus the fixed hex head first. Sounds like multi-head would be a no brainer, and maybe, but maybe not. The flexiclick I have has a clutch issue going into drill mode from the top of drive mode, and the ps21 and PS31, bought at different times, both also have the same behavior. Sometimes I have to spin the motor a bit to get them to go into drill mode from drive. Figured they’d loosen up over time, but no dice. I just drill most things with the flexiclick on the strongest drive setting now and move on with life, only use drill mode when I have to, no huge deal. Kind of stops it from being a favorite though. The M12 installation driver I don’t mind the handle design, though the front guard has occasionally gotten in the way of something, or I’ve hit it on stuff and left marks somehow and don’t even know because it shouldn’t be in the way much if you’re drilling straight… I think the heads on the M12 attach more robustly than the flexiclick, but they also are harder for me to swap out than the flexiclick heads, even after extended use (again hoped they’d loosen up just a touch). Ultimately I prefer the flexiclick to the M12, but it’s very close, both have likes and dislikes.
Dedicated tools are usually smaller and shorter than multi-head tools, and you don’t have to store, carry, or worry about losing the extra heads. The hex-only chuck on the screwdrivers is nice for quick change, but I’ve had occasional issues with every one I’ve owned that with some random bits, they have more slop in them than is acceptable. Probably more so with hex shank drill bits, sometimes I’ll just find one that wobbles quite a bit in the hex screwdriver type chuck. Having the drill-style chuck on the multi-head drivers helps with that immensely, and I actually leave the drill chuck on my flexiclick 90% of the time, and it’s my current leave-out-for-daily-use drill/driver. But then a regular 12V drill would seem a better choice, since it’s smaller than the multi-head usually, but loses the versatility of the multiple heads, or the ease of the screwdriver quick change hex. I can’t definitively give the category to a multi-head, mostly because none of the mainstream current ones are perfect. And their draw is really in their versatility, which isn’t necessarily as much of a draw for everyone. A dedicated head tool will save on size and weight as mentioned, and typically is cheaper, sometimes much more so. You could at times get a PS21 and 31 kit for the same price as a flexiclick. That’s two tools instead of one, best of both worlds! Kind of. Not quite the same versatility (no offset head), but two whole tools… Decisions indecision’s…
Then there’s brand to consider. I’m pretty battery agnostic, so this plays in less on a brand/battery loyalty front for me, and more on what the wider implications of going with a brand are. Milwaukee’s M12 has a much wider range of tools than Bosch’s 12V. Yet I prefer the brushed flexiclick over the M12 installation driver. Makita’s CXT tools have the “better” ergonomics that come with slide style batteries, and while I do enjoy the handle feel of the CXT slightly more than M12, it also isn’t a big consideration for me since I don’t have a problem with the M12, so not really a determining factor in my case. CXT is more limited in tool selection than M12, but better than both Bosch and a DeWalt at the moment, though all the lines have their strengths and weaknesses. Only Bosch and Milwaukee make official 6Ah 12V batteries that I’m aware of.
I halfway think if either Makita or DeWalt made a 12V multi-head driver that was on par with either the Bosch or the Milwaukee, that would probably be my favorite just because of the multi-head versatility, hopefully more traditional design than the M12, slide style battery packs and not the plastic clips of the M12 or Bosch, and not the quirks of the flexiclick. But I also get out my dedicated 12V tools a lot even with the flexiclick out for everyday use, because sometimes I don’t want to deal with the interchangeable heads or whatnot, and just want a plain regular solid drill or driver. I built a workbench and cabinet thing with the CXT screwdriver rather than any of the other options, couldn’t tell you why but it’s what I grabbed and I would 98% do so again (should have grabbed both the drill and the driver and had two tools, one for drilling, one for driving, oh well. Somehow didn’t warrant me ever rectifying that oversight. And no, one multi-head tool wouldn’t have replaced having two separate discrete tools in this instance. I would have gone multi-head with the hex quick change chuck, and the dedicated drill in that case, likely, still doing two tools). For robotics competitions, I like to take the M12 installation driver out of all the options, because sometimes the extra power is worthwhile, I can use it fairly dedicatedly as a driver, it’s unique so easy to find if somebody thinks it’s cool and tries to walk off with it, and sometimes the “funky“ heads fix “funky” problems, which is always fun with student teams. For working regularly not at competitions with a robotics team, I usually take a standard M12 fuel drill. It gets fine enough to drive smaller screws in control boards, and is confident enough to drill larger holes in aluminum and Lexan, particularly using hole saws in lexan for openings for things and such. Even being brushless, the installation driver just sometimes lacks the power to tackle those heavier tasks confidently. For some people, or like I do at home, the better option there is secret option number 3, also carry or have that 18V drill for heavier tasks. Doesn’t work for me carrying that much stuff to team meetings though. The flexiclick as mentioned sits out as my “daily driver”, so obviously it’s doing something right to have held that spot for a good long time now.
Both tools have their place, I think as evidenced by your indecision as well, sometimes you reach for one, sometimes you reach for the other, and like both. Maybe we’re just lucky and have multiple tools to pair the right tool to the situation, making both equally valuable at different times. But that also makes picking a single one all the harder.
Plain grainy
I just use regular hand screwdrivers! Bah Humbug!
Sean
? this comment ?
RobTR8
I have the Dewalt 12v. I never use it. The Dewalt 12v impact set on “Precision Drive” works much better. Once you get used to the pause.
Clay
I found this to be true as well.
Tom D
I have the Milwaukee pictured there, and the similar Festool- but I seem to reach for the Surge every time.
The surge is probably the perfect tool right now for me. Maybe if I was doing ONLY screw assembly or something.
Between the Milwaukee and the Festool I feel the Festool is better.
Big Richard
Apples to oranges. One is a screwdriver and one is a multi-head tool. Not really a comparison.
Its like comparing the B+D mouse detail sander to a OMT with a detail sanding head.
Now, this DeWalt 12v screwdriver vs. the Milwaukee M12 2402-20 screwdriver would be an appropriate comparison.
Frank D
On the merits of the device size / compactness, weight, ability to get in tight and super tight recessed places … hands down Bosch, the regular 12v drill and the flexi click.
Of course the number of 12v tools Bosch carries in NA vs EU is a bit limited, but that’s far from as bad as brands with just 2 12v tools , or some dedicated third party tool with built-in battery.
MtnRanch
I’ve had the Bosch 12v screwdriver, drill, impact driver, and right-angle driver for at least six years and during that time I’ve never wished for anything else. My 18/20v stuff is all DeWalt and I’ve worn out several DeWalt drills but they get used and abused a lot. Most of my DeWalt was bought in 2004, has built a couple of houses, and is still going strong using their 20v lithium ion battery adapters.
The surprising this about the Bosch is that I’m still on the original batteries and they still hold a substantial if not full charge.
I’ve looked at the Bosch 12v competition but find the Bosch to not only be more compact but to still fit my XXL hands.
Nathan
At this point given the question I would reach for the dewalt if only because I’m already in the 20V system. as much as I like the milwaukee ideas I would probably prefer and buy the Bosch version. As much as I like the “problem solver” aspect ofthem I would also use it as a primary screw driver.
Thing is I’ve been thinking about the dewalt for a while now due to the price and that it would be quite handy but I currently use the 3sd premium impact driver for most of that now. Example I built a hutch this weekend using the impact drivers for number 6 screws into ply. on speed 2 – which knocks down the torque and speed. I’ve used it on number 4 screws on speed 1 with decent results as a test.
SO I don’t “need one” but I like the idea. Which again leads to more toward the bosch.
Interesting. side question is there a plan for a dewalt atomic 20V version of the same screw driver?
Stuart
I don’t think so – most brands don’t offer 18V/20V Max cordless screwdrivers, presumably because drills and impact drivers are so popular. Cordless screwdrivers are typically used for smaller fasteners, perfect for 4V to 12V Max sized tools, less so for full-sized 18V platforms.
But, you never know.
Stephen
I have the new Milwaukee M12 model. Overall it’s a very good design with my only gripes being:
1) there is a button on the top of the body for drive direction and lock, instead of a traditional sliding switch
2) single LED
3) the usefulness of the recessed magnet on the hand guard is hit-or-miss
4) there is no arrow or mark to indicate the selected clutch setting, and no mark for the “1” position
The things I like about it:
1) the very comfortable grip on the top of the tool, similar to a drywall screwgun
2) it can be used with drive bits without any attachments on the head
3) it can stand straight up without falling over
I haven’t used any other 12V drivers, so can’t comment on those.
Flotsam
I already have M12 so i should be inclined to get the Milwaukeed, but what is up with this design??
That big piece under the trigger seems like it would be VERY obstrusive. So i would go with the DeWalt design, but i only have DeWalt 20v max so i won’t be buying either!
PTBRULES
Literally Electronics, I saw a Milwaukee video and they said they couldn’t get the chip to fit into the Handle, so they added the guard.
Bill
Like others have posted, I find these two clutched screwdrivers to be very different animals with different task capabilities. I own both of these and would choose which one is best suited for the task at hand. For the general, standard needs of driving light to medium screws I would choose the Dewalt. In cases where I might need a right angle or offset driver, I would obviously choose the Milwaukee. Then for even light driving needs I would retrieve my Dewalt 8volt max gyroscopic screwdriver.
That’s the beauty of having so many choices. I can choose the right tool for the job at hand.
Bill
Oops, “for even light” should be, ‘for even lighter’
chip hershberger
My comment on IG is still my same opinion .
I won the instalation driver in contest on Instagram.
The switch makes it almost unusable when you need to move a screw inside a tight space.
I would never pay $130 ish from the HD promo ,by returning the( ratchet is best return value) for the dumbest design.
Wouldn’t buy Makita,or Dewalt because of thelack of selection in their lineup of other tools .
As a cabinet installer I must have a comparable tool.
I will either import the European version, or buy the Bosch
Dave the tool
I don’t believe this is a fair comparison ie Dewalts Brushless Screwdriver vs a multi-tool from Milwaukee. Milwaukee has a brushless Fuel screwdriver that would be a more accurate comparison model #2402-20. I have this tool and love it! Had the brushless model previously and switched up to the Fuel within a month! 2 speeds, clutch and great power. I have also owned the Dewalt brushed screwdriver many years ago and lived it! Lightweight and felt awesome in your hand. Because Dewalt quit producing more tools for their 12v line back then I switched to the M12 lineup and I am fully engaged now with many M12 tools! The Dewalt 12v screwdriver is the best tool in the 12v Dewalt lineup! Nuff said.
C_Andrews
Love my little DeWalt 12v.
I have the DeWalt 20v brushless drivers for other stuff, but this little guy gets plenty of use time.
Matt
I used to dismiss the small cordless screwdrivers until I got one. I have an Milwaukee 12v driver with the 1/4 collet. And I use it constantly. It’s awesome for assembly jobs. I’ve had my eye on the Milwaukee assembly driver, having multiple heads would be awesome.
Wayne R.
Depends on the screws, right?
For deck screws, any good impact driver.
For smaller machine screws, a Bosch 12v little impact driver (mine’s 10.8v, too)
For switchplate screws, etc., a Klein Rapi-Driv.
Ed Ski
Just at Lowes, picking up some mortar items, and saw display for Dewalt drivers, with this one (DCF601F2 kit w/bag, 2-12v batteries, charger and driver @$89). I didn’t need impact version, as I don’t need impact when putting screws in through foamboard. Plus, I have a 18V Dewalt drill/driver/hammerdrill, along with Panasonic Drill and Impact driver set.
Since I don’t own any Milwaukee tools (not yet anyway, but don’t count me out), it was no brainer for the Dewalt (I have another 12v saw+charger) but the thing I wish Dewalt would stop with is the cheap bags. I don’t need or use them. I prefer (eg. Festool) a systainer or (eg. Makita) a hard-shell box. I even have a Dewalt flooring nailer and they don’t even have a case or system to fit it (I have some of toolcases Dewalt puts out, but to add, its not cost effective. Festool has it right.
Sorry, I diverted from the decision: which ever driver (non-impact) works for you. I prefer the Dewalt, and while using in attic (installing foam insulation boards), the bright LEDs, compact size, comfortable fit, …it just works.
GM
Bosch 18v Flexiclick.
Leonard
Since I’ve already invested in Dewalt, that’s the way I would go. I have an older 18V jig saw that the NiCad batteries had died. I found out that they made an adapter for the 20V MAX batteries. I got that and the small blower. Which has become my most used cordless tool. It’s powerful enough to clear leaves from the entry and patio. I blow the water out of the trim after I wash the car and dust out the shop with it. This has nothing to do with which is better but it’s what I’ve invested in. I also have the 12 inch chainsaw. Again a amazing time saver.
I have Bosch 12MAX tools which are my got to drivers but I could use a more powerful drill/driver. I’d go with Dewalt.
MikeIt
I’m still rockin’ my Craftsman 7.2v cordless screw driver from way back when. I used it to break down racks the other day. I’m pretty sure it’s based a B&D design. It can bend in the middle so you can hold it like a “gun” or just use it straight. It has an orange LED you turn on manually, no need to waste battery automatically turning on an LED in broad daylight. It has a rocker switch with forward and reverse. No flipping another switch to change direction, just hit a different end of the switch. It has plenty of torque with an adjustable clutch and even a drill mode. And the nicad battery is still going strong after all these years. I never felt it was lacking in any way so I’ve never bothered to look for a replacement. Sometimes, the old ways are the best!
Kizzle
Bosch Flexiclick. Multi head function is amazing. The Bosch clutch is much better than Milwaukee’s crap e-clutch.
Jeff
You never said why the dewalt can’t do everything the Milwaukee can. I have the dewalt and I use it more than I could have dreamed, but it’s a ¼” screwdriver and that’s all I use it for.