Archived from the Tools In Action forum (Power Tools). This thread is read-only.
I’m a handyman. Involved in some framing, light assembling and miscellaneous home installations.
I know there is two forums already with each pros and cons, i apologize if this is one of those threads everybody hates, but this is driving me crazy, as i cannot decide (between Milwaukee m18 or Dewalt 20v/60v Flexvolt)
I owned a Brushless 20V DeWalt Impact, Hammer Drill, Recip. Saw and a FlexVolt Circular Saw.
Long story short, i lost those tools and while i have used Milwaukee before i had zero complains about DeWalt.
Milwaukee tools look nicer than DeWalt, and many, many people have tried to talk me into switching over, but Flexvolt looks like a game changer for the future. DeWalt is a little bit cheaper, but while money is important, since i am starting over i’d rather take the one that makes me happier, i’d like some feedback on which company should i rebuild my power toolbox.
I like how Milwaukee looks (red is my favorite color), they are the Apple of construction tools. I am kind of tech inclined, and i liked the OneKey system, the performance is usually “lower” than DeWalt, sometimes it makes it even with comfort, torque, convenience (rafter hooks and attention to detail), but something tells me, Milwaukee sooner than later will annouce a new lineup of high voltage tools to compete (with Makita 36, Dewalt 54).
DeWalt is known to be reliable, i like backwards compatibility for flexvolt and 20v and power. I hate the yellow, really.
I would love your input on which to choose, i love Milwaukee attention to detail, i believe Dewalt’s power, if you have experience or own both, i’d love the input, thanks.
That’s the choice of ages right there man, can’t go wrong with either set
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Really the color is the big difference and since you like red, just go with Milwaukee.
Either one bro, red, yellow, blue, teal….
also welcome to the forums.
Hahaha i love how everybody just reaffirm what i already knew, it’s my OCD lol.
Thank you for the fine welcome, i will surely hang around from now on.
From those 2 I’d pick DeWalt for the ‘big’ tools powered by flexvolt.
I would said Milwaukee in an instant just because they had awesome promotions back in the day, but now the promo’s are not as great.
I’m heavily invested in Milwaukee, after years of using nothing but Dewalt. When I invested in a cordless line this last time, Dewalt was caught in a slow transition between their 18V and 20V line and despite what Dewalt reps will tell you, they really dropped the ball on the transition. I didn’t have 2 years to wait on them to get their shit together, so I went with Milwaukee.
That being said, if I were starting over today, I would go with Dewalt if I were primarily looking for higher voltage tools, and Milwaukee if I were going to focus more on 12V tools.
kornomaniac wrote:
6 hours ago, kornomaniac said:From those 2 I’d pick DeWalt for the ‘big’ tools powered by flexvolt.
I would as well, plus they’re at least assembling some of their tools here in the US. Additionally, I like the compatibility of the non-Flexvolt chargers with the almost stagnant 12v Max system. The Bluetooth speaker, USB charger, and ToughSystem radio are nice to run with a 12v battery if needed or desired. When Flexvolt came out, I almost felt as though it was a natural evolution. Granted, none of DeWalt’s lights or power tools are cross-compatible between 12v and 20v, but hopefully you get the idea. That said…
DR99 wrote:
2 hours ago, DR99 said:I would said Milwaukee in an instant just because they had awesome promotions back in the day, but now the promo’s are not as great.
Some of their promos are hard to pass up, though. I picked up the Fuel circular saw when it was bundled with the 9.0Ah battery and quick charger–$225 after military discount. I waited for the Sawzall bundle to drop to $200 before picking it up, getting the 10% discount again. So, a little over $400 for what costs over $900 regularly! Also, if you have a Home Depot that has slow moving holiday promos, you can make the deal that much sweeter. The Rocket light that sells as a bare tool for $199 was bundled with a 5.0Ah battery and charger a while back. Milwaukee is currently running a deal where buying the Rocket nets a free 5.0Ah battery. So, $199 for the light with $258 worth of batteries and charger thrown in? Easy buy.
Conductor562 wrote:
16 minutes ago, Conductor562 said:I’m heavily invested in Milwaukee, after years of using nothing but Dewalt. When I invested in a cordless line this last time, Dewalt was caught in a slow transition between their 18V and 20V line and despite what Dewalt reps will tell you, they really dropped the ball on the transition. I didn’t have 2 years to wait on them to get their shit together, so I went with Milwaukee.
That being said, if I were starting over today, I would go with Dewalt if I were primarily looking for higher voltage tools, and Milwaukee if I were going to focus more on 12V tools.
I agree, based on observations here and at other forums and blogs. I’m a relative newcomer to the power tool addiction, but it seems that B&D knows how to alienate people with their transitions. A few years ago all I had were Porter Cable 18v lithium tools, most of which I picked up on clearance (should have seen what was coming with PC 20v Max being out). When they were pulled from shelves at Lowe’s and became a Ni-Cad only platform (which they started as), I wasn’t surprised, but I also wasn’t happy. I did make up my mind that I wasn’t going to merely switch to the new PC platform (a decision that in hindsight was good, given the lack of expansion in that line). I bought a DeWalt drill and impact kit and haven’t looked back. Even so, DeWalt has been slow to release some things, causing me to expand to other systems. Their fan comes out in October, I needed one immediately, so I bought the Ridgid with a great deal.. Their stand light would prove useful in the field, isn’t available yet, so I got the aforementioned Rocket. Also, some of DeWalt’s tools lack features of their competitors’ versions. Even the Flexvolt saws lack a rafter hook, which seems to upset a lot of people.
DR99 wrote:
4 hours ago, DR99 said:I would said Milwaukee in an instant just because they had awesome promotions back in the day, but now the promo’s are not as great.
They’re pushing batteries right now, it will come back around to free tools. I’m pretty happy with the free battery promos, we all need batteries and the m12s have been getting the 6.0Ah batteries instead of the 4.0Ah.
Personally, I’m VERY happy with Milwaukee. Thus far I’ve only been disappointed by the nailers and the m12 OMT. The jigsaws need updating but they still work well. I do wish Milwaukee had a better chuck like Makita or Dewalt but it’s a minor annoyance. The Milwaukee lineup is outstanding, the charger charges m12 and m18 which eliminates the need for multiple chargers(I use multiple but in different areas). Milwaukee is the king of lighting, everyone needs lights. Also the best warranty of the big companies, 5 years compared to 3 years, that’s a pretty big difference.
Makita would be who I’d go with if I wasn’t with Milwaukee. Good lineup, well built and the compact drill is tiny! The X2 platform is genius and continually growing.
Dewalt is a solid choice but it pains me with how many battery platforms they have. No real 12v line, it’s basically dead. I hate the 3-speed transmission on the drill, it always gets stuck and you have to blip the trigger to switch gears. I don’t really have the need for flexvolt for basic power tools, it’s a decent way to push their OPE with the benefit of being able to use the batteries on other tools…but kind of a smack in the face for anyone that bought into the 40v line. That’s not exactly unusual for Dewalt, their 18v platform is still supported but they haven’t dropped the price on those batteries even though NiCad has become dirt cheap. Also they took forever to release an adapter to use the new batteries, basically to help 20v sales.
Of the secondary brands, Ridgid seems solid. Nothing top in the class but continually building the lineup and a lifetime-ish warranty, including batteries.
Kobalt seems to be pushing hard with the 24v lineup. The tools feel a lot better than the previous power tools, cheap batteries with name brand cells. Their history is not promising, lacking support long-term but indications point towards a change. The lineup is pretty darn small but it has most of what an average user would want.
Go for 2 of the major platforms. It’s not twice as good having one, it feels more like 5 times as good picking the best from each. One extra charger and battery doesn’t cost much.
Makita, Dewalt or Milwaukee. If one only, Makita.
I chose Makita and Dewalt. They both seem to have more best in class tools (or close to) and better high power approaches (X2 and Flexvolt) than Milwaukee. Also less expensive.
It’s really great having those two. A blend of the best, and the two platforms that compliment each other the best imo. When you see a new Flexvolt tool or new Makita impact come out, no prob, you can have both!
Good lighting is easily found without needing a tool platform. It’s also far less expensive. Buy corded and 18650 floodlights/flashlights/lanterns with usb or generic battery chargers.
D W makes some good sense. You don’t HAVE to just pick one. In the US, availability is a bigger issue than here. You don’t get nearly the ranges in Bosch, Metabo, Hitachi etc as much of the rest of the world has.
If you have good access to Makita, they’re highly worth considering. I think for working with timber, Makita and Dewalt cordless are top picks because:
Makita – 5″ ROS, Brushless router, jigsaw, planer Recip, circ saw, multi-tool and impact driver.
Dewalt – Framing nailer, finish nailer, BL drills and impacts drivers, BL planer, FV circ saw, FV table saw, FV drop saw.
Milwaukee can keep up with those with excellent drills, impacts, recip and circ saw, but not the others.
As you can see, Makita are tops for finish work, Dewalt are tops for framing. Just my humble opinion.
Thank you everyone, i am looking at Makita right now, and considering going dual platform instead of a single one.
What an awesome community we have here!
I have Bosch and Makita. Two platforms are great. I wouldn’t say Makita is cheaper. In fact I would say they are probably the most expensive. They have an excellent range of tools though and I am happy with them. Bosch definitely has a smaller line of tools but there is just something about them that I like. I supplement with Makita what I can’t get with Bosch.
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I’m DeWalt and Ryobi, DeWalt for “real” tools ie drills, impacts, saws and Ryobi for “supplemental” tools ie light, glue and caulk guns, brad nailer, fan, OPE and the oddballs. Between the two any cordless tool I’ll ever need is available.
rrich1 wrote:
1 hour ago, rrich1 said:I have Bosch and Makita. Two platforms are great. I wouldn’t say Makita is cheaper. In fact I would say they are probably the most expensive. They have an excellent range of tools though and I am happy with them. Bosch definitely has a smaller line of tools but there is just something about them that I like. I supplement with Makita what I can’t get with Bosch.
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Bosch is fine is you know you only need certain tools and don’t want anything specialty.
Yup. It’s disappointing really.DR99 wrote:
Bosch is fine is you know you only need certain tools and don’t want anything specialty.
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They need some new blood in Bosch tools NA. Hitachi is killing Bosch now in tool offerings!!
I’ve recently heavily invested in both red, yellow and blue. Yellow is proving disappointing in tolerances, there’s too much wobble in the 887 and the 323. The M28 is just stunning, but sadly looks like it’s about to be dropped altogether. Haven’t had the chance to really push the blue offerings yet.
As said previously, no harm in having different platforms. Milwaukee are quite rightly criticised for trying to do everything from one voltage, if they do drop their 28 Volt range, I’ll probably drop them.
If you use cordless nailguns much, go yellow.
I have the framer, 15 ha, 18 ha, 18 ha stapler. Quite happy with them
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After much consideration, i am going Yellow.
I was much seduced by the Red’s attention to detail, but since most of my job involves demolition and framing, the 60V circular saw, the recip. saw and the (well 20v) nailguns made it for me.
Makita was in consideration, but to match the circular saw power i would have to get two battery packs, i have some dewalt stuff left from the tools that i lost, so i guess that FlexVolt won this for me.
FlexVolt, in my humble opinion, is the next cordless generation, and others will follow to match corded power on the cordless platform.
At least i would be in a current platform, and not waiting for the next generation of say, Milwaukee, and then hate myself because i will be kind of stuck on m18, i know they have the fading m28 series, but although i am not an expert, they will follow the competition, FlexVolt is turning a lot of heads, not perfect, but power wise can only get better.
Thanks everybody for your input, it truly helped.
Good choice 👌🏻
I don’t have the FV circular saw because I prefer blade left.
If you prefer blade left, get the 20v saw and put a FV battery on it. It makes a world of difference.
Also, make sure to pick up the oscillating tool. Super handy for finishing cuts the circular saw can’t.
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Mordekyle wrote:
8 minutes ago, Mordekyle said:Also, make sure to pick up the oscillating tool. Super handy for finishing cuts the circular saw can’t.
And EVERYTHING else! The oscillator is my favorite tool, I actually enjoy using it, the DCF887 is my most used tool, I like it alot but using it (almost) feels like work lolololol.
@Satorikn It’s an excellent time to buy too, with Labor day deals popping up constantly on a lot of the core 20v stuff.
Going to loudly recommend you stay away from Milwaukee and Dewalt both.
Just bought a bunch of Milwaukee tools myself, including the One-Key hammer drill and impact. Nothing but disappointments. Both the drill and impact have bad chuck wobble. Tolerable on the impact, but absolutely unacceptable on the drill, which I’ve replaced twice, and all three chucks had wobble that was bad enough to break even 3/8″ bits if you’re running into harder materials.
Judging from other people’s reports, and the date codes on the tools, every 2706 One-Key drill that’s been manufactured in the last couple months of 2016 and first half of 2017 has the same defects in the chuck. It’s just garbage.
So alright. I’m not helpless. I know how to change a drill chuck. I picked up a nice Rohm chuck and was all excited to upgrade my tool. But I can’t. The shaft on the 2706 isn’t the industry standard 1/2-20, it’s a 14mm, just to screw with you. There’s no reason to make it a 14mm shaft other than to make sure the user can’t service their own tool.
You can’t buy replacement parts at all for the 2706, 2757 or any of the One-Key tools. Their top of the line products are also the least durable, in this sense, because any tool that you can replace parts on will last longer. The people who’re paying the most are getting the least for their money.
Dewalt is barely any better when it comes to replacement parts. Parts for their top of the line tools typically can only be purchased directly from them, and the price is hyper-inflated. Trigger burn out on your DCD996? Sorry, can’t just replace the trigger, you’ve got to buy the entire electronic assembly for $145 and oh… It so happens that you can buy the tool itself for $140… Less during a sale…
But what really gets me about Dewalt is their penchant for treating consumers like they’re idiots with their marketing. Competition has 18v batteries? WE’VE got 20! (All 18v lithium batteries are 20v max) Competition has 1000 in. lbs of torque and we’ve only got 950? We just won’t publish that spec, ever. Competition has 1800 in lbs of torque and we’ve got 1825? We’re not going to shut up about that 1.3% advantage. Ever. You know what’s better than 20v? SIXTY.
Nothing but marketing spooge. Volts only very slightly increase the efficiency of an electric motor until you get into the 100+ range. Amperage is what gives you power and run-time. You only hear a peep here and there about their $160 9.0Ah battery though. 60 is bigger than 9.0, 20 and 18, and moar numbers is moar better, so we’ve got to print that as large as possible all over the box.
You only get to treat me like I’m an idiot once.
You only get to dip into my wallet like it’s your personal piggy bank once.
Dewalt will be switching battery platforms again shortly after their switch to 60v in their undying pursuit for moar numbers for moar better. I don’t intend to be sitting on half a dozen of them when that happens.
I’m going to be sticking with german/european manufacturers from now on with a smattering of Makita. Makita’s angle grinders are a close second to Metabo for half the price and they make a very respectable hypoid circular saw. Everything else I’m getting from across the Atlantic.
I’ve had enough.
I may spend twice as much, but at least I’ll be satisfied and won’t feel like I sat on the narrow end of a long flagpole 3 months after my purchase.
@Satorikn I just so happen to be selling a flex circ saw w/ 2 batteries, a dcf887, and a dcd996 if you are interested. all new in box.
heres a link to my listing. /forum/topic/13045-no-longer-available-but-look-at-new-post-thanks/
If you buy the DeWALT red laser you could kinda say you own some red.
I’ve been thru similar frustrations with Milwaukee but u can buy replacement chucks online. With dewalt tho there’s no screw in the chuck, it’s some sort of pin and I’m not sure how or if it’s even possible to remove.
ive also noticed that milwaukee chucks just seem real finicky. I can put a drill bit in and it’ll wobble, then I’ll slightly loosen and re tighten and it runs true. I think it’s just how the teeth bite.
Gnomish Delight wrote:
12 minutes ago, Gnomish Delight said:Trigger burn out on your DCD996? Sorry, can’t just replace the trigger, you’ve got to buy the entire electronic assembly for $145 and oh… It so happens that you can buy the tool itself for $140… Less during a sale…
Or you can just 1) get warranty service since even the oldest ones are 1 1/2 old out of a 3 year warranty or 2) over the counter exchange at many retailers.
Gnomish Delight wrote:
18 minutes ago, Gnomish Delight said:
But what really gets me about Dewalt is their penchant for treating consumers like they’re idiots with their marketing. Competition has 18v batteries? WE’VE got 20! (All 18v lithium batteries are 20v max)
Or how about EVERY company with 10.8v tools, oh wait they are ALL called 12v….
AnonymousJoe wrote:
12 minutes ago, AnonymousJoe said:I’ve been thru similar frustrations with Milwaukee but u can buy replacement chucks online. With dewalt tho there’s no screw in the chuck, it’s some sort of pin and I’m not sure how or if it’s even possible to remove.
ive also noticed that milwaukee chucks just seem real finicky. I can put a drill bit in and it’ll wobble, then I’ll slightly loosen and re tighten and it runs true. I think it’s just how the teeth bite.
I had a 2611 and the chuck worked great after one good smack with a 2 lb hammer to loosen up one side of it. I know the finicky side of Milwaukee’s tools.
There’s nothing you can do about a chuck with a 14mm shaft though, because there is only one chuck with a 14mm shaft in existence. Milwaukee makes it, and it’s one of the worst chucks I’ve ever used by default. It’s not even a matter of playing the lottery until you get a good one, they’re all defective.
I’d buy a replacement chuck from Milwaukee to see if it somehow gets damaged during assembly, but they won’t sell it to me. You can only buy a replacement chuck for the 2704 and hope it’s the same shaft, because no one lists the specs on it.
I’m done throwing more money after money poorly spent though. The drill will be used until I get sick of wobbled out holes, and then it’ll be replaced, and not a single tear will be shed.
QuoteOr you can just 1) get warranty service since even the oldest ones are 1 1/2 old out of a 3 year warranty or 2) over the counter exchange at many retailers.
Another good point. I’m tired of buying tools that I replace more often than my cellphone. Having a warranty doesn’t do me any good when I’m 2 hours from nowhere and the tool craps out 2 hours into a 12 hour work day.
+1 Dewalt OMT
So they won’t sell u a chuck for the 2706? That’s weird. My 2704 does have the larger hole chuck I know that much. I don’t understand why they can’t just admit it’s the same drill and sell u parts. Did u look at other online part stores?
Either way I won’t defend them too much. I think I’ve gone thru 4-5 drills and 2 impacts in 2 years all for weird glitchy reasons but as an electrician they sell all the right stuff so I just keep going along with it.
I know I use my tools for their intended purpose. I don’t baby them, and don’t abuse them too bad.
Do they break down? Yes, eventually. In three years, I’ve had a framing nailer break, an OMT go bad, and a couple batteries go bad.
I had the nailgun fixed, OMT was replaced, and I sold the bad batteries on eBay.
It’s just a part of doing business. We replace blades and bits frequently, and bigger tools periodically.
No sense complaining about occasional breakage or bad batches of drills. It’s only $150 or less. Sell it or throw it away.
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Mordekyle wrote:
3 hours ago, Mordekyle said:I don’t have the FV circular saw because I prefer blade left.
If you prefer blade left, get the 20v saw and put a FV battery on it. It makes a world of difference.
Also, make sure to pick up the oscillating tool. Super handy for finishing cuts the circular saw can’t.
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That will be cool next year.
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Gnomish Delight wrote:
Going to loudly recommend you stay away from Milwaukee and Dewalt both.
Just bought a bunch of Milwaukee tools myself, including the One-Key hammer drill and impact. Nothing but disappointments. Both the drill and impact have bad chuck wobble. Tolerable on the impact, but absolutely unacceptable on the drill, which I’ve replaced twice, and all three chucks had wobble that was bad enough to break even 3/8″ bits if you’re running into harder materials.
Judging from other people’s reports, and the date codes on the tools, every 2706 One-Key drill that’s been manufactured in the last couple months of 2016 and first half of 2017 has the same defects in the chuck. It’s just garbage.
So alright. I’m not helpless. I know how to change a drill chuck. I picked up a nice Rohm chuck and was all excited to upgrade my tool. But I can’t. The shaft on the 2706 isn’t the industry standard 1/2-20, it’s a 14mm, just to screw with you. There’s no reason to make it a 14mm shaft other than to make sure the user can’t service their own tool.
You can’t buy replacement parts at all for the 2706, 2757 or any of the One-Key tools. Their top of the line products are also the least durable, in this sense, because any tool that you can replace parts on will last longer. The people who’re paying the most are getting the least for their money.
Dewalt is barely any better when it comes to replacement parts. Parts for their top of the line tools typically can only be purchased directly from them, and the price is hyper-inflated. Trigger burn out on your DCD996? Sorry, can’t just replace the trigger, you’ve got to buy the entire electronic assembly for $145 and oh… It so happens that you can buy the tool itself for $140… Less during a sale…
But what really gets me about Dewalt is their penchant for treating consumers like they’re idiots with their marketing. Competition has 18v batteries? WE’VE got 20! (All 18v lithium batteries are 20v max) Competition has 1000 in. lbs of torque and we’ve only got 950? We just won’t publish that spec, ever. Competition has 1800 in lbs of torque and we’ve got 1825? We’re not going to shut up about that 1.3% advantage. Ever. You know what’s better than 20v? SIXTY.
Nothing but marketing spooge. Volts only very slightly increase the efficiency of an electric motor until you get into the 100+ range. Amperage is what gives you power and run-time. You only hear a peep here and there about their $160 9.0Ah battery though. 60 is bigger than 9.0, 20 and 18, and moar numbers is moar better, so we’ve got to print that as large as possible all over the box.
You only get to treat me like I’m an idiot once.
You only get to dip into my wallet like it’s your personal piggy bank once.
Dewalt will be switching battery platforms again shortly after their switch to 60v in their undying pursuit for moar numbers for moar better. I don’t intend to be sitting on half a dozen of them when that happens.
I’m going to be sticking with german/european manufacturers from now on with a smattering of Makita. Makita’s angle grinders are a close second to Metabo for half the price and they make a very respectable hypoid circular saw. Everything else I’m getting from across the Atlantic.
I’ve had enough.
I may spend twice as much, but at least I’ll be satisfied and won’t feel like I sat on the narrow end of a long flagpole 3 months after my purchase.
Ha ha this is gold dude spot on with dewalt
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AnonymousJoe wrote:
7 hours ago, AnonymousJoe said:So they won’t sell u a chuck for the 2706? That’s weird. My 2704 does have the larger hole chuck I know that much. I don’t understand why they can’t just admit it’s the same drill and sell u parts. Did u look at other online part stores?
They won’t sell you or any retailer anything for the One-Key tools. “No user serviceable parts. All maintenance has to be done by a factory certified technician.”
And it gets even better. Not all factory certified technicians are allowed to work on One-Key tools. I sent my first 2706 to a local shop I found through Milwaukee’s website for the warranty work, figured I’d help their personal economy a little. After it sat on their shelf for a week because they were busy they called me up and said “Sorry about this, but according to Milwaukee we’re not allowed to do warranty service repairs on this model of tool. We’re going to have to send it in to the factory to get it fixed.”
So it seems like even authorized repair shops aren’t allowed to buy parts for them. You can’t even get around their shenanigans by chatting up the guy at the local shop and asking for a favor now and then.
Just about every tool in the world is listed on Amazon, (by the way, buy your Milwaukee tools from Amazon and Milwaukee won’t honor the warranty) Hilti, Metabo, Bosch’s european line of tools, Fein, etc… are all just as easy to buy now as Black and Decker. I see no compelling reason to keep bending over for corporations that aren’t content with just all of the moneys, but also want you to abandon your sense of reason in the name of brand loyalty and maybe take out a second mortgage too.
Some very interesting reading in this thread! Do carry on, as long as the OP doesn’t mind?
Gnomish Delight wrote:
3 hours ago, Gnomish Delight said:
They won’t sell you or any retailer anything for the One-Key tools. “No user serviceable parts. All maintenance has to be done by a factory certified technician.”
And it gets even better. Not all factory certified technicians are allowed to work on One-Key tools. I sent my first 2706 to a local shop I found through Milwaukee’s website for the warranty work, figured I’d help their personal economy a little. After it sat on their shelf for a week because they were busy they called me up and said “Sorry about this, but according to Milwaukee we’re not allowed to do warranty service repairs on this model of tool. We’re going to have to send it in to the factory to get it fixed.”
So it seems like even authorized repair shops aren’t allowed to buy parts for them. You can’t even get around their shenanigans by chatting up the guy at the local shop and asking for a favor now and then.
Just about every tool in the world is listed on Amazon, (by the way, buy your Milwaukee tools from Amazon and Milwaukee won’t honor the warranty) Hilti, Metabo, Bosch’s european line of tools, Fein, etc… are all just as easy to buy now as Black and Decker. I see no compelling reason to keep bending over for corporations that aren’t content with just all of the moneys, but also want you to abandon your sense of reason in the name of brand loyalty and maybe take out a second mortgage too.
Yeah that’s because Milwaukee has one of the best warranties in the industry. If it’s sent in and done by them it doesn’t void the warranty. Sounds like they were all new tools and should be under warranty. We’ve sent Milwaukee tool in for stuff as small as a loose direction selector switch or a touchy trigger and the ones they couldn’t fix they sent back with an upgraded model for free. It isn’t costing you anything so I don’t see the reason for the hate. Really you think some tools from Europe are going to be easier and cheaper to service? In one block I can go get stuff for a Milwaukee or DeWalt tool at four or five separate places. You know how many places will sell you a blade for a Metabo porta-band? Zero. You have to order them online or have them made and welded for you which takes a while as no one does it in house. Would you expect Ford to just send you a bunch of engine parts for a new F150 that’s under warranty? No because even if you know your shit the majority of the world doesn’t know dick and so for them to continue to honor the warranty it has to be done by someone who is certified. That’s the same across the board with every automobile manufacturer anywhere. Why would your drill be any different?
I’m not saying they aren’t after your money. Just about each and every corporation would do anything to get another dime out of you because that’s what they’re supposed to do, but they do it more strategically. Apple doesn’t let you repair their devices, John Deere doesn’t let you modify their software, and the list goes on and on because companies can’t honor warranties when some jackhoff did who knows what to it already and they can’t have us regular jackhoffs doing work on them because it is too interlinked with their reputation. If they have dozens of drills breaking on the job site because people screwed up their repairs they’ll lose customers and potential customers because all they are seeing is broken drills. If they have handfuls of broken drills because of shotty QC in China but guys see that they are quickly warrantied for no cost it won’t hurt them as much.
You think TE won’t sell a copalum crimper because they have a hard on for money and will only rent it out to certified users because they are money hungry? No they could very well make more money selling the crimpers, but because they only let certified technicians handle it, copalum crimps are the ONLY way to do a pigtail fix on aluminum wiring currently on the market that hasn’t resulted in a house fire. They aren’t about to let an asshole like me or any homeowner who watches too many YouTube videos go out and start doing a shit job and getting their houses burned down because then people will start to think that the product fails and not the installer.
I’m not saying you don’t know how to fix your tools. I’m sure you can with no problems. I’m just saying a lot of people can’t. For what it’s worth I also think Milwaukee chucks are shit. It’s not like fein is any less American than Milwaukee. It’s all made in the same place so I really couldn’t care less about which tools you prefer. Just feel like going on a solid rant every now and then.
Tug wrote:
3 hours ago, Tug said:Some very interesting reading in this thread! Do carry on, as long as the OP doesn’t mind?
I don’t mind at all, i keep reading and learning from other people’s experiences, thank you everyone.
Some heated arguments here 😛
For what’s it’s worth…. From Makita you buy all parts separate if you want to replace anything 😛
Well enjoyed reading this thread first of all. Second I’m getting ready to replace my Porter Cable 20v max tools they have served me well and will be passed on to my step dad or sister whoever wants them more lol. But I am going with Ridgid and Makita both make some really nice tools and cover every need that I have plus some.. plus the colors are awesome on both, but going with just one brand now days seems about impossible just my 2 pennies
@Satorikn you at all interested in what DeWALT stuff I am selling? I would be willing to negotiate on a deal if you are interested.
Stercorarius wrote:
7 hours ago, Stercorarius said:Yeah that’s because Milwaukee has one of the best warranties in the industry. If it’s sent in and done by them it doesn’t void the warranty. Sounds like they were all new tools and should be under warranty. We’ve sent Milwaukee tool in for stuff as small as a loose direction selector switch or a touchy trigger and the ones they couldn’t fix they sent back with an upgraded model for free. It isn’t costing you anything so I don’t see the reason for the hate. Really you think some tools from Europe are going to be easier and cheaper to service? In one block I can go get stuff for a Milwaukee or DeWalt tool at four or five separate places. You know how many places will sell you a blade for a Metabo porta-band? Zero. You have to order them online or have them made and welded for you which takes a while as no one does it in house. Would you expect Ford to just send you a bunch of engine parts for a new F150 that’s under warranty? No because even if you know your shit the majority of the world doesn’t know dick and so for them to continue to honor the warranty it has to be done by someone who is certified. That’s the same across the board with every automobile manufacturer anywhere. Why would your drill be any different?
I’m not saying they aren’t after your money. Just about each and every corporation would do anything to get another dime out of you because that’s what they’re supposed to do, but they do it more strategically. Apple doesn’t let you repair their devices, John Deere doesn’t let you modify their software, and the list goes on and on because companies can’t honor warranties when some jackhoff did who knows what to it already and they can’t have us regular jackhoffs doing work on them because it is too interlinked with their reputation. If they have dozens of drills breaking on the job site because people screwed up their repairs they’ll lose customers and potential customers because all they are seeing is broken drills. If they have handfuls of broken drills because of shotty QC in China but guys see that they are quickly warrantied for no cost it won’t hurt them as much.
You think TE won’t sell a copalum crimper because they have a hard on for money and will only rent it out to certified users because they are money hungry? No they could very well make more money selling the crimpers, but because they only let certified technicians handle it, copalum crimps are the ONLY way to do a pigtail fix on aluminum wiring currently on the market that hasn’t resulted in a house fire. They aren’t about to let an asshole like me or any homeowner who watches too many YouTube videos go out and start doing a shit job and getting their houses burned down because then people will start to think that the product fails and not the installer.
I’m not saying you don’t know how to fix your tools. I’m sure you can with no problems. I’m just saying a lot of people can’t. For what it’s worth I also think Milwaukee chucks are shit. It’s not like fein is any less American than Milwaukee. It’s all made in the same place so I really couldn’t care less about which tools you prefer. Just feel like going on a solid rant every now and then.
Milwaukee does have a good warranty. Never disputed that.
Why are you going to have someone listed on your website as a certified repair center, recommend them to your customers to take their faulty products to, and PAY those people to do your warranty service for you if they can’t do the job correctly?
Take a 2704 to the same shop, or any non-one-key tool, and they’ll fix it for you without a problem.
You know what the difference between a 2704 and a 2706 is? I’ve had both of them apart. A bluetooth transmitter, a button cell battery, and a couple extra bits on the circuit board (which is completely potted, so no one is repairing that, not even Milwaukee themselves).
The guy who can repair the 2704 with one hand while snoggin’ on his donut and coffee with the other can’t repair a 2706, but this shmuck behind this keyboard can?
Come on….
Milwaukee’s warranty is fine. The problem is that you have to use the warranty on a regular basis to get a tool that works like it should have out of the box until the day you wear it out.
Why am I going to buy tools that I constantly have to turn in under warranty? I own a couple Metabo tools. I own a Hilti SDS. I’ve owned several more over-the-pond tools over the years. No complaints about Makita either. I own Bosch’s 5.5 amp contractor grade oscillating tool. I’ve used that poor bastard to probe the darkest depths of Satan’s back-end and stomped on it with all of my weight to get it there for over a year and it runs like new. Reliable. That’s a word. Remember that word?
Not a single issue with any of them until I was ready to replace them just due to general wear and tear. No finicky BS, no quirks, no electrical tape to keep that twitchy bit from shaking loose. Nothing.
I want my tool to work from the moment I pick it up in my hand to the moment I set it down, and I don’t want to think about it in between those periods. People seem to have forgotten that this is not only possible, but it is what we call a “Good Product” which is what I set out to buy every time I open my wallet, and is what every consumer should expect when they buy anything.
You’re a hop and a skip away from several parts stores. Great. You know what happens when I hop and skip out to find something to fix my tools that’re supposed to be doing the fixing? I fall face-first in the damn swamp. There’s nothing out here. I only need one place to get everything I need and that’s in front of my computer monitor though. I get it cheap, I get it delivered in 2-3 days (Even Metabo parts), and I keep backups. I don’t run out of porta-band blades, because not having a blade handy costs me exponentially more than ordering another 6-pack when I get down to a dozen or so.
Working off of the cuff of your sleeve with your materials and tools may work for you but it’s too expensive for my tastes, and even if I were in the middle of a large city where I could walk down the block and get anything I need I’d still operate the way I do because I don’t get paid to leave the jobsite for an hour to grab another drill, and in my personal time I’m not going make a trip down to the corner and come back to a warm beer.
Forget the fact that I like to keep all of those pennies to spend them on more tools that don’t fall to pieces when I walk in the room at the mere thought of work. I just don’t want the friggin’ hassle.
Jscott wrote:
3 hours ago, Jscott said:but going with just one brand now days seems about impossible just my 2 pennies
I have 18V platforms in Makita, Milwaukee, Bosch, Hitachi, Dewalt, Metabo, Hilti and AEG/Ridgid. Plus 12V platforms in Bosch and Milwaukee, 36V platforms in Hilti and Bosch and also Flexvolt.
BUT …. I’m almost ready to buy a Ryobi kit cause I really want their glue gun and compressor ;);)
dwain wrote:
46 minutes ago, dwain said:
BUT …. I’m almost ready to buy a Ryobi kit cause I really want their glue gun and compressor ;);)
The glue gun is awesome!!!!!…… Wait what’s this compressor you speak of???? Aus only?
Cr8ondt wrote:
31 minutes ago, Cr8ondt said:The glue gun is awesome!!!!!…… Wait what’s this compressor you speak of???? Aus only?
Sick. sorry, I meant the inflator/deflator. https://www.protoolreviews.com/tools/power/cordless/ryobi-18v-cordless-inflator-deflator/28209/
Whether we like it or not I think the reality is that we live in a throw away society. Could we have better quality tools? Yes but it would cost us a lot more at least up front. Those tools are out there but most people just cant justify the cost. Most people can get by with a lower quality tool and just plan on upgrading every few years. My company has both milwaukee and dewalt and they both have their faults but I personally think they hold up pretty well for the abuse they take.
Have to agree with @Gnomish Delight in that Milwaukee has a wonderful, nay, unbelievable warranty. Problem with my experience I’ve had to use it several times and I even sold a brand spanking new Milwaukee tool to a forum member that immediately went t1ts up resulting in a warranty claim. The truth is, we do live in a toss away world. Having a mixed bag for DIYers and pros alike is the name of the game now. Naturally, being a snob the lion share of my cordless and corded tools are made in Germany with only one issue to date, (one of my tracks for my HKC broke) but God knows I pay for them.
Going back to the original posting, Dewalt makes awesome tools. I have a bunch of 20v and a few Flexvolt tools and they are great. I use Makita too and LOVE every one of those tools. Milwaukee has the broadest range of tools and a member eluded to liking the colors of certain brands….for the most part I think that about sums it up. What is your favorite color. Personally I like brunettes but…