Dewalt 20V and Milwaukee M18

Dewalt and Milwaukee are two of the most well-established tool companies in the world. They have a long history of tool manufacturing, starting in the 1920s. Since then, both companies have been sold and operate under parent companies. For Dewalt, the parent company is Black and Decker, whereas for Milwaukee, it is TTI - Techtronic Industries.

As for the tools offered by these companies, hundreds of tools are included in each of their tool lines. But tool lines are different from the Dewalt 20V and Milwaukee M18. These are the most popular tool lines in the power tool industry, with countless features and capabilities. They suit beginner DIYers and professional contractors working on large and demanding projects.

That said, both companies have been pinned against each other for years. Deciding which company prevails over the other is a challenging task. Still, in today's article, I will analyze the Dewalt 20v vs Milwaukee m18 comparison to help you decide which option is better for your needs. So, let's get right into the guide and discuss these power tools in greater detail!

Battery and Power

The battery is a significant part of these tools as they are cordless power tools, meaning you will rely on the battery to get you through the project. You need a battery that will last long and be quick-charging. That is essential if you want to get back to your project quickly.

Furthermore, the power of any power tool is to be considered. Whether Dewalt drills or Milwaukee miter saws, you must check the power output, torque, and motor type to know whether the tool is right for your project. That said, here is what you need to know about the battery and power of Dewalt vs Milwaukee tools:

Battery Voltage and Amperage

The battery voltage is actually a part of the tool line name. You get a 20V battery with Dewalt, whereas you get an 18V battery with Milwaukee. The amperage is slightly different, with Milwaukee prevailing over Dewalt. The battery amperage on Dewalt batteries can only extend to 15Ah, whereas on Milwaukee batteries, it can vary between 15Ah and 30Ah. It depends on the battery you get.

If you ask me, Milwaukee has the better battery because of the Redlithium technology, a company-specific innovation. This rechargeable, lasting battery you can use on all 18V Milwaukee tools. The same goes for Dewalt, as its 20V battery can be used on any 20V power tool. But Milwaukee was the first to start using lithium batteries and, as such, has had more time to perfect its batteries.

Battery Life and Charging

Any battery with the Dewalt name on it will be a lasting one. Most Dewalt batteries, especially the 20V ones, have countless work hours in them, so they can last for the entirety of all small household projects. The charging time is usually around 8 hours, where Dewalt needs to catch up.

With Milwaukee, you get a lasting battery that only needs 30-60 minutes to charge. That means that even if you use up the battery, you can quickly recharge it and return to the project. That makes Milwaukee the better option for heavy-duty projects.

Power Output and Torque

The power output on the Dewalt 20V tool line is better than on other power tools, as most come with 12V, 16V, or 18V batteries. Milwaukee, for example, has an 18V battery on its best product line, making the products less powerful than Dewalt's.

But here is the catch - the torque is far better on Milwaukee than Dewalt tools. Dewalt claims that its torque goes only up to 700 ft-lbs, which is okay, but also not the best. Milwaukee's torque starts at 700 ft-lbs for some of the smaller tools but piques at 1,100 or even 1,800 ft-lbs for the most powerful tools.

Both tool lines also come with brushless motors, but you should focus on Milwaukee if you want a tool brand with better speed and more power.

Design and Build Quality

There is no denying that Milwaukee and Dewalt have some of the best-looking power tools on the market. Unlike Ryobi and its lime green tools that look mediocre, Milwaukee has gone for a classic red design. Dewalt has kept its black-and-yellow design ever since it started operating. You can tell Milwaukee drills or Dewalt saws from a mile away by seeing the colors.

Of course, other things besides the actual look of the tools must be considered. So, here is a bit more on the design and build quality of these Dewalt vs Milwaukee tools:

Size and Weight

When it comes to size and design, both tool brands have similar designs for their tools in general, regardless if you are focusing on hammer drills, saws, or some other power tool. Both companies have small, compact, portable, yet powerful tools. But where they vary slightly is the weight, with Dewalt's tools weighing a bit less than Milwaukee's.

If you need a powerful, lightweight tool, your safest bet is to go with Dewalt over all other brands.

Durability and Ergonomics

Durability and ergonomics are two more categories in which it is difficult to decide whether Dewalt has the edge over Milwaukee or vice versa. Both brands have powerful, heavy-duty tools that will last for years without any problem. Thanks to their advanced ergonomics, the tools are also very comfortable to use.

I can only mention that Milwaukee has less strenuous tools, as per reports of satisfied customers. Those looking for better ergonomics should focus on Milwaukee tools.

Tool Compatibility and Versatility

Well, I cannot go any further without mentioning all the different tools the Dewalt 20V and Milwaukee M18 lines consist of. That said, I will also dive into the compatibility, versatility of the tools, and ease of switching between them. So, here is a bit more on the topic:

Types of Tools

The first thing I must mention is that both companies have impressed me with how many different tools they have been able to come up with. The Dewalt 20V comprises over 300 tools, whereas Milwaukee M18 comes second with 260+ tools. But the types of tools included in these lines are not to be overlooked.

Namely, Dewalt's 20V line features Dewalt drills, impact drivers, wrenches, grinders, nailers, lasers, hammers, other instruments, batteries, and chargers. Milwaukee's M18 has Milwaukee drills, drivers, impact wrenches, hammers, saws, plumbing tools, electrical tools, power supplies, batteries, chargers, hand tools, and various accessories. That makes the Milwaukee M18 line more versatile and a better choice for people looking for a seriously packed line of tools.

Compatibility and Versatility

Now, I established that Milwaukee offers better versatility regarding the types of tools it has included in its M18 line. That is not to say that Dewalt is not versatile enough, but it definitely comes in second place.

As for compatibility, both these companies have outdone themselves. Both offer the same battery that can be used interchangeably between tools, so buying a separate battery for each is not mandatory. The same charger works with all 20V or 18V batteries, so buying more than one charger is also unnecessary.

Switching Between Tools and Battery Systems

Switching between Dewalt and Milwaukee tools is possible. In contrast, the battery systems can only be switched between the tools in their own line. Suppose you still decide whether you want to go with Milwaukee or Dewalt. In that case, I recommend further researching and deciding on one company. It is better to focus on one company and buy most of its tools than to switch between tools from both companies.

Price and Value

The price and value do not vary significantly between Milwaukee vs Dewalt tools. You can decide which tool line you want to get based on your skills and budget, but you must also consider how often you need to use the tools.

Regarding price, Milwaukee takes center stage as its tools are a bit more affordable. There is no clear winner in value because both companies have some of the best tools on the market and offer the best value for money I have ever seen. But when it comes to your needs, you must take a minute and really consider what you are looking for before making your final purchase decision.

Warranty

The warranty of both Dewalt and Milwaukee tools varies depending on the specific tool in question. In general, Milwaukee has the better warranty on cordless tools, extending for over five years for most tools. There is a 1-3 year warranty on the batteries as well. You can find more information on the specifics on the company's official website, where you must also register your tools so that the warranty covers them.

As for Dewalt, it usually gives a 3-year warranty on cordless tools. There is a 90-day money-back guarantee on all tools and 1-year free service. So, if you get a Dewalt brushless hammer drill or saw, you can have it serviced at Dewalt for a year free of charge.

Customer Support

Both companies have good customer support. There is a live chat option on the website, a contact form, and email support you can contact at any time. The good thing about Milwaukee is that it also has an eService center you can contact in case of a problem with your tools. For example, suppose you find that the brushless motor is not working as it used to. In that case, you can contact said center to get information on what could be causing the problem. Similarly, there are physical service centers all over the US where you can take your tool and have it repaired.

Pros and Cons

In this detailed guide, I will briefly review the pros and cons of the Dewalt 20V line and Milwaukee M18 tools. Here is a bit more on what you can expect from them:

Dewalt 20V: Pros

• There is a quality brushless motor on all tools
• Compact and lightweight tools
• More beginner-friendly tools
• Comfortable to use due to ergonomic design

Dewalt 20V: Cons

• A bit more expensive when compared to Milwaukee and other leading tool brands
• Falls behind Milwaukee in terms of the torque output
• Not suitable for working on sturdier materials

Milwaukee M18: Pros

• An amazing tool line for professionals
• Reliable tools that can last for years without any sign of deterioration
• Better torque across the entire line when compared to Dewalt 20V
• Offer high-speed drilling on all hammer, impact, rotary, and regular power drills
• An amazing fit for working on tougher materials and challenging projects
• Suitable for working in all kinds of weather

Milwaukee M18: Cons

• Not as lightweight as most tools from the Dewalt 20V line
• Not entirely oriented toward beginners

Wrap-Up

Thank you for reading this detailed guide on Dewalt 20V vs Milwaukee M18 tool lines. After reading this guide, I hope you have a clear idea of how these tool lines compare, the shortcomings and advantages of each one, and which is the best tool line for you.

You can get it anywhere if you are looking for a powerful tool. But Milwaukee and Dewalt give you more than that - they give you an entire experience tailored to your needs, filled with the best tools you can find on the market. Milwaukee has a slight advantage over Dewalt because it seems more versatile, detail-oriented, and innovation-oriented.

Still, which tools you get comes down to your needs, preferences, and budget. Once you decide, please tell me all about it in the comments below. If you have any experience with any of these companies or tools, please share it. I would love to know your opinion on the Milwaukee vs Dewalt debate, so do not hesitate to share a few words on it.