Whether you are a pro or a DIYer, you need power tools as they are the heart of any workshop. And you must purchase them from a reputable brand. When it comes to selecting your preferred power tool, you are most likely going to find yourself in the dilemma of Milwaukee vs. Makita. Both brands are power tools powerhouses, and thousands of experts and DIYers use their tools daily.
The two brands are often competing for a similar market. While you would be okay with either brand regardless of what you choose, it is always a great idea to know what each has to offer. Today, this piece will provide an overview of their histories, quality of tools, and more. The guide will help you decide whether or not either of the two is worthy of your hard-earned money.
Milwaukee vs. Makita Power Tools Basic Comparison
Let’s precede the detailed overview by presenting a general comparison between Milwaukee and Makita power tools. Whereas the specific features and models available may vary, here’s a basic comparison table for some common factors when choosing power tools from these two brands:
| Factor | Milwaukee | Makita |
| Fame & History | Established in 1924, known for its durability | Founded in 1915, popular for reliability |
| Product Range | Wide range of corded and cordless tools | A comprehensive selection of power tools |
| Cordless Power Tools | Popular for their M18 & M12 systems | Offers the LXT platform for cordless tools |
| Impact Drivers and Drills | Offers a variety of impact drivers/drills | Known for reliable impact drivers/drills |
| Circular Saws | Good selection of circular saws | Provides quality cordless circular saws |
| Reciprocating Saws | Offers reciprocating saws for various tasks | Features reliable reciprocating saws |
| Grinders and Sanders | Has a range of grinders and sanders | Offers a selection of grinders and sanders |
| Best for | Heavy-duty construction, demolition | Carpentry, woodworking, finish work |
| Battery voltage | 18V | 18V |
| Battery Technology | Uses REDLITHIUM batteries | Utilizes LXT Lithium-Ion batteries |
| Motor Technology | Many tools equipped with brushless motors | Brushless technology in various tools |
| Warranty & Support | Typically offers a 5-year warranty | Provides limited warranty(1-3 years) depending on model |
| Price Range | Generally mid to high-end price range | Varies based on the tool type and model |
Milwaukee Tools
The Milwaukee vs. Makita Reddit debate is always a heated one because both brands are colossal conglomerates with numerous manufacturing industries all over the world. Milwaukee company has its headquarters based in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Milwaukee is owned by Techtronic – a huge Hong-Kong-based investment enterprise.
Milwaukee’s story began in 1918 when the Second World War was ending, and the renowned Ford, an American automobile brand, was rapidly expanding. Ford features Milwaukee’s story because Henry Ford led to the development of the very first Milwaukee’s first power tool. He approached A.H Petersen, a young Wisconsin manufacturer, to come up with a version as well as a compact tool of the 1/4-inch power drill version.
Petersen agreed to do so and was commissioned to come up with what came to be known as the Hole-Shooter. This was a revolutionary tool that weighed only about 5 pounds. Petersen, with the help of his friend Albert F. Siebert, continued to make and perfect the Hole Shooter until 1924, when a colossal tragedy hit and destroyed the company’s manufacturing facility. Siebert then came to buy the company from his friend, and he renamed it the Makita Electrical Tool Corporation.
Milwaukee is an American-origin company. Siebert’s main aim was just to perfect the Hole Shooter’s design to realize its full sales potential, but Milwaukee’s story did not end here. In the early 1930s, they started focusing more finances on manufacturing. They made tools such as a single horse-power grinder/sander and the ¾-inch electric hammer drill, which achieved a lot of market success.
In 1949, they designed the very first ½-inch right angle drill and later took their grinder/sanders to an advanced level by adding a spring clutch that enhanced efficiency while the tool was running. The company also achieved a more significant milestone in 1951 when it unveiled its first Sawzall reciprocating saw. Other notable achievements include the development of miter saws lines, an 18-volt contractor cordless power tool in the 90s.
In 2005, the company became the first to use lithium-ion battery technology, and it also introduced the M12 and M18 tools line in 2008, which, to date, makes use of this technology. It currently prides itself on having a product line that has more than 500 tools as well as 3,500 accessories, mostly designed for professional use. They also have a global presence presently and a variety of manufacturing plants in the USA. Most of Milwaukee’s manufacturing is outsourced to China.
Certain features help define Milwaukee tools. Some of these features include a 4 Mode Drive Control, power-state Brushless Motor, Red-link Plus Intelligence, Professional grade construction, and Red-lithium Battery Technology.
All these features come together to make Milwaukee a huge preference for a lot of professionals. Some of the tools manufactured are hammer drills, impact drivers, reciprocating saws, circular saws, Angle Grinders, and more. The company also produces combo kits that use the same battery for different tools that, save you a lot of money.
Read Also: Top 10 Best Toolbox For Mechanics Reviews
Makita Tools
Makita is a famous Japanese brand that also began coincidentally as a company for electric repairs. Some experts refer to it as one of the largest developers in the power tools industry, as they were the first to come up with cordless power tools even in the later ’70s. Thus even though people compare Makita vs. Dewalt, the later may have revolutionized the cordless industry in the early 90s, but they were not the first to engineer or think of them.
Makita may not have started in the USA, but the tool manufacturing company is still a significant household name that is very popular in the USA. The company’s founder is Masaburo Makita, who started it as a store for selling and repairing lighting equipment, and electric motors transformers.
The company indulged in manufacturing as the business began to grow. In September 1935, the company exported its first electric generators and motors to the Soviet Union. In December 1938, the proprietorship was incorporated, and this led to the development of Makita Electric Works, Inc.
Makita company currently produces new and unique tools almost every new year. However, it was not always that way as some critical milestones have highlighted its growth and expansion process.
The company started in 1958 when they manufactured and marketed the first 1000 electric hand planer in Japan. Come 1978, they officially launched the 6010D 10mm rechargeable drill, their pioneer nickel-cadmium battery tool.
The company continued improving on its expanding catalog of power tools as well as expanding its presence in other countries. In February 1981, they launched the AC6001 air compressor and the AN5000 pneumatic nailer, which were their very first air tools.
In the ’80s, it was a good decade for Makita because it also launched three different power tools: a drill, grinder, and a circular saw that was first introduced in 1989. In the 1990s, I was mostly about expansion. They opened branches in several countries, such as China, Mexico, Poland, and New Zealand. In 1997, they unveiled their 6213D, a rechargeable driver drill, at the Chicago Hardware Show. It was the first nickel-hydride battery tool they ever designed.
A more remarkable milestone in the company’s century-long history is such as the launch of a TTD130 drill, which was their first li-ion battery-powered tool (2005), as well as the TD133D in 2010 cordless impact driver and their first brushless motor tool.
Makita is always increasing its power tools portfolio, and they currently have more than a hundred cordless power tools that work on their 18V li-ion batteries and lots of accessories. Some of the tools manufactured are hammer drills, impact drivers, reciprocating saws, circular saws, Angle Grinders, and more. The company also produces combo kits that use the same battery for different tools that, save you a lot of money.
A star protection technology, LXT Brushless Motor, LXT Lithium-Ion Battery Technology, and affordable prices are some of the features that make Makita unique and likable.
Milwaukee vs. Makita (FAQs)
Q: What’s better, Milwaukee or Makita?
The better brand between Makita vs. Milwaukee 2020 all depends on the tool as well as various other considerations, such as your preference. For instance, while Makita XFD10R delivers four hundred inch pounds of torque, Milwaukee, on the other hand, produces 725-inch pounds. As such, Milwaukee is the more powerful of the two.
For impact drivers, Milwaukee is better due to higher torque, compact as well as lightweight construction, and higher control speed. When you consider reciprocating saws, Makita takes the lead due to a loner stroke length that enables fast cutting. Always review specific tools before buying but not a brand in general.
Q: Are Makita and Milwaukee the same company?
No, they are not. The two are two different brands, one from America, while the other is of Japanese origin. Both companies nonetheless started as only electronic repair shops. It is not all brands that are owned by the parent companies are usually in the rectangle – just the popularly known ones.
Makita and Hilti only sell tools in their names. It is often surprising when you find out who owns and make well-known brands such as Milwaukee, DE WALT, Ridgid, and Craftsman. Just like Makita vs. Dewalt are two different brands, the same applies to Makita and Milwaukee.
Q: Is Makita DE WALT better than Milwaukee?
All three brands are worth the money because you will find a lot of applications for all their tools. Milwaukee has a record for little failure and exceptional performance. For Dewalt, it is still up there in terms of quality, and they are an excellent option for those looking to save some bucks.
Generally, Milwaukee is better for cordless tools. Makita company currently produces new and unique tools for almost every new year. When you look at Makita vs. DeWalt, the two are relatively similar. They are all designed to provide the best possible service to their users.
Q: Is Makita still a good brand?
Drills produced by Makita have been great since the launch of their Star Protection system. They deliver the best motors consistently in the market, saving a few of the tools made by other manufacturers. They have an 18v lineup that is easily available from big box stores such as HD and other online suppliers like Amazon.
Some experts refer to it as one of the largest developers in the power tools industry, as they were the first to come up with cordless power tools even in the later ’70s. Thus even though people compare Makita vs. Dewalt, the later may have revolutionized the cordless industry in the early 90s, but they were not the first to engineer or think of them.
Q: Are Milwaukee tools worth it?
Milwaukee is a good tool brand for your hard-earned money. Their tools work very well and get the job done. If their tools have any issues, you can always contact them. They have a global presence presently and a variety of manufacturing plants in the USA. Most of Milwaukee’s manufacturing is outsourced to China.
Certain features help define Milwaukee tools. Some of these features include a 4 Mode Drive Control, power-state Brushless Motor, Red-link Plus Intelligence, Professional grade construction, and Red-lithium Battery Technology.
Q: What brand of cordless tools is best?
Taking into consideration power ergonomics, tool reliability, batteries, and the number of cordless tools, several brands are great, but only one can be the best. While most experts will say Dewalt is the best for cordless tools, Milwaukee and Makita, among others, follow in closely.
Each brand has unique characteristics that give it an edge over the other. You have to consider the individual characteristics of each tool that you would want to buy before coming your hard-earned money into tools that are unlikely to fulfill your needs.
Conclusion
Both Makita and Milwaukee are great power tool powerhouses. They have a wide range of products, and only a few brands can match up to their quality. Milwaukee vs. Makita also has numerous combo kits and lots of other options to choose from. They are the number one brands recommended for experts.
Whatever you choose, however, you should always rely on your special needs and preferences to avoid going for something that would not serve you as you would want. For the average DIYer, Makita tools are recommended, but for a professional, Milwaukee and far and away from the better option.
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