NOTE: This was an April Fools Day post, 4/1/2021.
For every view to this post, here’s what you would have seen in the posts below:
- 40% chance of Dewalt being the winner in each category
- 40% chance of Milwaukee being the winner in each category
- 20% chance of a giant Wenger Swiss Army Knife being the winner in each category
- 100% chance of seeing the Ryobi recommendation for “everyone else”
Following is what you would have seen in each of the expandable sections below, followed by the text unique to each category. Now that April Fool’s Day is over, I left the Wenger result for each category.
Advertisement
And if you’re wondering which brand is really the best between Dewalt and Milwaukee Tool – I’ll let you know as soon as there’s a clear answer!
The Winner is… Milwaukee Tool!
The Winner is… Dewalt!
The Winner is… Neither!
This is all the cordless tool you’ll ever need!!
Original Post
Dewalt vs. Milwaukee Tool – which is the best cordless power tool brand for you? I get asked this question a lot, and you’d think I’d have a solid answer by now. Both brands have great strengths and weaknesses, and I think I have finally come to a decision!
First, let’s talk about why it’s important.
Choosing a cordless power tool brand is more difficult than ever these days, especially if you’re just starting out. There is also a lot at stake, since users that buy into a cordless system tend to stick with that system.
Once you settle on a cordless power tool brand, buying new tools from that same system tends to make the most economical sense. Sometimes you only need to buy a bare tool, as you already have a working battery and charger from the same platform, and this can save you quite a but of money.
If you find a new tool kit more compelling, you can stretch the value of that kit, since the included battery and charger can be used with your existing tools from the same platform.
Advertisement
There’s also a convenience factor, as it’s far easier to charge and maintain one set of batteries with the same charger. When it’s time to replace your battery packs, as batteries do wear down with age and use, it can be less expensive to replace several batteries from one brand rather than a couple of batteries from all different brands.
We’ve talked about all of the main cordless power tool brands before, so be sure to check out that guide as well:
But here, we’re after one answer. Is Dewalt the best cordless power tool brand for you, or Milwaukee Tool?
This is a tough one.
I know some of you might be asking “what about Makita?,” or “what about Bosch?,” but what about them? Both brands have fallen way behind Dewalt and Milwaukee when it comes to cordless, brushless, and Li-ion tool tech, and although they have come out with some neat innovations, those tools are outclassed by the time they make it to our side of the world, and that’s IF they launch here at all.
I sat down, reflecting on all of the tools I’ve tested and used over the years. There have been so many reader questions that I’ve thought about, and thousands of reader comments.
I have been going back and forth, and have finally come to a decision. The Dewalt vs. Milwaukee debate is finally over!!
Sometimes the best brand for you depends on your typical tasks or needs, and so I’ve broken down my recommendations by user type.
Please let me know in comments whether you agree or disagree!!
The Winner is… Neither!
This is all the cordless tool you’ll ever need!!
Pro tool users tend to be very hard on their tools. Time is money, and you’ve got to get your work done. How’s it going to look if you have to stop for the day because your tool just couldn’t cut it. That’s why this is the brand for you.
The Winner is… Neither!
This is all the cordless tool you’ll ever need!!
If you’re just starting out, you probably have a limited budget and an empty tool box. Good news – this brand offers some value-friendly options alongside premium-featured tools you can upgrade to later if need be. Starting out with this brand might be hard on your wallet, but remember: “buy once, cry once.”
The Winner is… Neither!
This is all the cordless tool you’ll ever need!!
While this brand has quite a few specialty tools, they also have a strong offering of “core” tools that can handle everyday light and medium-duty construction needs with ease.
The Winner is… Neither!
This is all the cordless tool you’ll ever need!!
As an electrician, this brand might not perfectly fit your needs, but they certainly do make a fantastic compact drill and impact driver. You might also appreciate their worklights, which will brighten up basements, attics, or other dimly lit areas you’re bound to come across.
The Winner is… Neither!
This is all the cordless tool you’ll ever need!!
In addition to a strong lineup of core tools to power through your work, this brand has also come out with a couple of specialty plumbing tools that you might have even considered adding to your wishlist.
The Winner is… Neither!
This is all the cordless tool you’ll ever need!!
Maintenance, Repair, and Operations professionals tackle a little bit of everything – and so has this tool brand! With a strong selection of core power tools and specialty options, this is the best brand for you.
The Winner is… Neither!
This is all the cordless tool you’ll ever need!!
This brand has turned their attention to the automotive tools market and wants a bigger piece of market share. That’s a win for the brand, and a win for users like you.
The Winner is… Neither!
This is all the cordless tool you’ll ever need!!
While most cordless power tool brands have focused the bulk of their attention on construction-related tasks, this brand has taken the time and attention to develop some neat options for fabricators that work with a variety of materials. If you’ve got a multi-material workshop, this might be the best brand for you.
The Winner is… Neither!
This is all the cordless tool you’ll ever need!!
Let’s face it – enthusiasts don’t necessarily need the best, but you demand it. Even if you might not earn a living with your tools, you have demanding needs and your time is too precious to waste on sub-par performance. Good tools don’t guarantee excellent work, but bad tools will often hinder you.
The Winner is… Ryobi???
If you can’t decide between Dewalt or Milwaukee, how about Ryobi? If you don’t need top performance all the time, save some money where you can.
Feedback?
So, what do you think? Do you agree or disagree?
And if you don’t like my pick, try again later, maybe the answer will change yet again.
Kentucky fan
Flawless April fools victory.
PW
Agreed. Very well played.
Stuart
Hehe – April Fool’s!
The answer changes based on the last digit of the current time in seconds. If you reload the page, there’s a 60% chance you’ll see a different “winner”.
As this time there are (3) different answers. =)
2 out of 5 readers will see MILWAUKEE as the answer.
2 out of 5 readers will see DEWALT as the answer.
1 out of 5 readers will see a special surprise answer.
Plus, I set Ryobi as the “for everyone else” answer” to help prevent things from being taken too seriously.
Matt J.
Oh man…finally got the mysterious answer. Classic. Well played, sir!
A W
I had to refresh several times to get the bonus answer. I like it.
Jon98
Got it first time and was scratching my head.
Geoff
Nicely played. A good zing for the morning.
Need more coffee.
Adam
This article is drivel. No real comparisons made or pros and cons discussed. This page takes a further slide…
Sorry, it’s not personal but I am not really seeing much here but a shout-out from someone who feels milwaukee was the best choice for them, and not a lot of discussion of the reasons for that other then they think they made a good choice. As a professional user who pays my bills with my tools this article is really lacking any real pro and con discussion.
Adam
Ok it is april fool’s and you got me hook line and sinker, I need coffee.
Mat
LOL
Got me, too. I only figured it out after looking at all of the categories.
Lance
DeWalt vs. Milwaukee
Winner?
Makita
🙂
Eric
Hilti
Joel
Happy April fools!
Dave P
I sold several truck’s worth of sh*tty Milwaukee and replaced it with Hart. Much, much better.
Aaron
If you were a real pro you would still using power tools entirely and move to a hammers only loadout.
Paul
Typical bias. Did you even consider Ikea?
https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/fixa-screwdriver-lithium-ion-60196103/
Stuart
Ooh, that might have been good!
Honestly, I couldn’t figure out a good enough text plan for brands that weren’t full cordless systems. It might worked better if I was able to easily swap text for all of the different options, but I was on time constraints. Figuring out the coding for what I wanted to do took way more time than I would have liked, but the benefit is that I can use it elsewhere on the site if/where appropriate.
Pink porkchop
But what do you use to put it together?
fred
I like to choose alphabetically, so it would be Dewalt (D comes before M). But what a quandary since R (as in red) comes before Y (as in yellow). Then considering the parent company I’m even more worried since S (as in SBD) comes before T (as in Techtronic) But maybe I should add in the company management and L (as in SBD’s James Loree) comes after G (as in Joseph Galli).
I’m confused – so can you suggest an algebraic formula to figure this out or do I need a Laplace Transform calculator or need to use Schrödinger equations?
Aaron
You could move to the much simpler “reverse chronological vertical sort” system. It’s how I’ve organized my desk for years and maybe it could help you!
Andy H
OMG to seriously crying with laughter!
Gordon
I only buy tools made in China because C comes before T (Taiwan) and U (USA).
Bob
First I thought it was going to be one of those non answer, answers. Ie. “what’s the best tool? Its the tool thats right for your needs.”
Then I was like really Stuart really likes team yellow? Huh didn’t see that comming. In every catagory? Nah. Then Ryobi……Wait a second. I’ve been had!
Roller coaster of emotions right now. Haha well player sir. Well played!
Mark
Ha this was a good one Stuart, you definitely had me going. I also like the change to see differences in comments. When originally posted he had Dewalt sweeping all the categories and now Milwaukee wins them all with generic write ups for each.
Aaron
Hopefully it either randomizes for each reader or flips multiple times throughout the day!
Nathan
TO be fair at first I was thinking gee that’s a rather strong statement for a posting. I’m going to tell you the only tools you should be buying. that’s a little over the end for this place.
but then I remembered what day it was.
Then again I also expected you to put up a brace and bit, with a set of wood handled screw drivers and a few hand saws. since you know everything was cordless in the 1800’s.
fred
I beg to differ – many foot treadle lathes were corded (as in the rope that was use to turn the work piece.)
Getting away from the theme of the day (4/1) – the Fein drill (1895) is often credited as the first electrically powered hand tool
Andy Ringsmuth
Nicely done, Stuart. Nicely done.
Knowing today’s date, I more than half-expected all the answers to be Chicago Electric or DrillMaster.
fred
I think “Warrior” should be in the mix – gets 4.8 out of 5 star ratings and if you can still find a 20% off coupon you can buy their cordless drill for $16:
https://www.harborfreight.com/12v-lithium-ion-38-in-cordless-drilldriver-57366.html
Stuart
I considered throwing Harbor Freight Hercules in there, but thought there was too strong a chance of it being taken too seriously.
A W
Wise move.
John Blair
The problem is if you did Hercules you would have ended up in their next advertisement. “Leading tool blog picks Hercules above Dewalt and Milwaukee”. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve seen companies quote “theonion.com” before quietly realizing they were being mocked.
Jared
Well done. I should know better.
I immediately thought “Geez, this is so unlike Stuart”, and yet you had enough rationale that I was confused.
CountyCork
Good one!
Peter Fox
I do appreciate the humor and the potential ensuing confusion/brand war discussion.
The article definitely reads and feels like a typical content engine generated useless article. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery or os it the other way around?
However I found the funniest part was the subtle shade thrown and Makita and especially Bosch regarding the great tools that never make it to the north american market.
John Robbins
This troll was fantastic and well appreciated! I was sucked in so fast thinking Stuart was going to actually tell us his favorite brand. Well played sir, well played!
A-A-Ron
Porter-Cable is the most innovative, dynamic, and forward-thinking cordless tool platform out there. Like, fer shur.
Jack
Very well done, Stuart. The surprise tool resulted in a laugh and deeper appreciation of your creativity.
Joe H
I sold every tool I own and now I just kept the 2 things I need to fix anything. A sledgehammer and a propane torch. If I cant fix it with a sledgehammer then I just set it on fire and walk away. Its not broke if its not there anymore and people no longer pester me to fix anything for them either. Win win.
Mac
You’re hired
Rob
*Checks the calendar*
Ah.
Matt J.
You forgot the Tool Snobs category:
And the winner is… FESTOOL!
Tool snobs want everyone to know their tools are the best, and nothing says that like an inflated price tag and the bragging rights that come with it. FESTOOL tools might not always be the best in a given category, but that’s ok…their press releases will happily help you find obscure points you can still brag about and use to throw other tool brands under the bus!
(For the record, I love me some Festool but we’ve all met the above person, right?)
PETE
APRIL FOOLS! but….. is it? lol
Steve
Right on Stuart!
I knew it!
Wait . . . it’s a joke!?!?
and here I thought it was the most sensible thing you’ve posted in a long time, but I might have a lot of yellow
Paul M. Pomilla
Sorry, sir. I disagree
Stuart
Alrighty, how about now?
Will
Nice fools day 😂the salty comments are the best
Scott K
This is great- well played! The drop-down layout is really cool, too. This could be a nice addition to longer posts with multiple sections.
Chris
Holy Crap you got me. If I hadn’t come down to read disgust in the comments I might have unsubscribed before I figured it out.
That’s twice today. Holly Performance got me earlier with their “Moonshot” nitrous kit on Instagram.
Sincerely from a born sucker…
-Chris
Frank D
After I hit a couple (+) … staring at all that yellow and short generic paragraphs, I knew it couldn’t be right, that something had to be wrong.
Fooled me!
Cheers.
Corey Moore
That was good lol Obvious April fool’s title, followed by a thouroughly convincing misdirect, and a well deserved sincere moment of ” damnit, he got me!” Good show
Keith Allen
My first time through cam up all Milwaukee. So seemed right on for me.
Flotsam
The original topic had me a little skeptical considering it was April Fools day.
However we are quite serious people and do not joke about Tools!
.
.
.
.
enjoy your day!
Farmerguy
Good one. I think that layout with expandable headers is a nice feature with potential. It could be used to add to an article or give full specs or add material you want to add but worry about article length. The exact layout here with a serious dialog could be great for your overview articles.
Adam
I’d say happy April fools day, but the Milwaukee loaded for me. No joke there. 😀
Diego
This question has been asked so many times. This video has the best breakdown by far. It shows the pros and cons to levels I hadn’t even thought of. It made my decision to go red so much easier.
https://youtu.be/oHg5SJYRHA0
W00dy
Best answer in years! Finally an end to this debate.
Chris
I didn’t think I would be got this April fools day. I’ve been very cautious looking at things online, especially tool related. I let my guard down. Well done Stuart. You got me.
Elmer J. Fudd
Hook, Line, and Sphincter! Well played!
Seriously though, I have an issue with any/all “MAX” battery systems. I have spoken to several people who think the 20V Max is superior to 18V when they are the same. If the tool marketing is trying to mislead us on the battery, what else are they misleading us on?
Mac
Price Point
Corey Moore
12v…
Corey Moore
To be fair, I get what you’re saying. But the 20v’s are better than the 18’s at this point just for tech alone. I agree the marketing is misleading as well, but it does still say *nominal on everything that says 20v.
Mac
What technology benefits? Do they run cooler, longer, faster? I’m not aware of such claims. 18v is nominal too. Not to fanboy, but as far as I know, milwaukee is the battery technology leader and devotes a significant portion of its r&d to battery improvement. Dewalt just slapped the 20v max on batteries to be different. The max part is a big red flag, and higher voltage just reduces required current and the difference between 18v and 20v current is insignificant unless the draw is significant
Mac
I want that swiss army knife. Link please
Stuart
Can’t find it anymore.
Super early preview post: https://toolguyd.com/what-would-you-do-with-this-giant-wenger-swiss-army-knife/
Mac
Makes sense one would need deep pockets for such a knife. Guess it’ll remain a fantasy, but one I now have
Joatman
My line-up consists of mainly Dewalt and Milwaukee…..if I ever doubt whether I made the right choice in my purchase, I’ll refer back to this post………….then wait 3 seconds, then refer back again.
X lu
April Fools jokes. Funny in the 3rd grade. Why do grown adults trade in this stuff? Wasn’t the Volkswagen debacle enough to alert people to stop? Obviously not.
Corey Moore
You must be new here lol
A-A-Ron
You must be a lot of fun at parties.
Patrick
Play, you had me going for a bit. Nice work!
Eugenio
I got Dewalt from the website and I’m team Dewalt. I knew something was going on but it was confirmed when I saw that automotive went to a dewalt. Some categories before than one should’ve arguably gone to Milwaukee but there is no way in hell that automotive could’ve gone to them over Milwaukee.
Todd
I have a set of both dewalt and milwaukee cordless. I use my cordless tools every day at work being a carpenter. I say my dewalt cordless are superior to milwaukee. I think milwaukee put their product out to quick without much testing . I dont think they are built as well as dewalt. Dewalt cordless has been the model for every other brand cordless and they are always playing catch up to Dewalt PERIOD.
Dan Boyd
I’m heavily invested in Milwaukee tools and have had bit set literally explode. The tape measures clock spring break. My M12 dremel tool dead. My Fuel 10” miter is stalling under no load AFTER it was returned from warranty repair. Their wire strippers handles. Slide off.