DEWALT VS MILWAUKEE
It’s a heated debate… Which is better, DeWalt or Milwaukee? Let’s break down some of the most common cordless power tools for DIY auto mechanics from both brands to see who’s the best.
Before we dive into the raw specs, we polled our YouTube audience. Out of 91 votes, Milwaukee came in at 69% as the crowd favorite, compared to DeWalt at 31%.
DeWalt did much better than our Ryobi vs. Milwaukee poll, but surprisingly, DeWalt was much less favored than RED.
CORDLESS BATTERY DIFFERENCES
Milwaukee offers two main lines of cordless power tools: the M12 and M18. The M12 system operates on a 12-volt battery, while the M18 line uses an 18-volt battery. Each battery type has different amp-hour ratings and comes with battery indicators. It's important to note that M12 and M18 batteries are not compatible. However, Milwaukee does provide a sequential charger that can charge both M12 and M18 batteries.
DeWalt also offers two main battery systems: the 12V MAX system designed for their sub-compact series and the 20V MAX battery system. These two systems are not interchangeable. However, DeWalt provides a charger that can charge either a 12V or a 20V battery. Additionally, they have multi-charger stations available as well.
But DeWalt has another trick up their sleeve. Their higher 60v power tool batteries work with 20v MAX power tools. These are know as the FLEXVOLT 20v/60v batteries. They are expensive, but are a great combo if you plan on purchasing any DeWalt 60V tools.
DeWalt used to make an 18v cordless tool lineup, but the beloved 18v cordless tools started to be phased out in 2021 by the 20v MAX.
We won’t spend time on the higher voltage tools that both DeWalt and Milwaukee produce, but it is still good to know that DeWalt’s larger voltage batteries are compatible with the 20V DeWalt power tools.
CORDLESS TOOL MOTORS
Both DeWalt and Milwaukee have different variations of brushed and brushless DC motor tools. Brushed motors have parts that can wear out quicker compared to brushless motors. Brushless also tends to have better torque and speed specifications.
We’ll stick to comparing the brushless versions of DeWalt and Milwaukee cordless tools to keep things even.
DEWALT VS MILWAUKEE CORDLESS IMPACT WRENCH
Let’s start by comparing the Milwaukee 2962-20 M18 FUEL™ Mid Torque ½” Impact Wrench vs the 20V MAX XR 1/2 in. Mid-Range Impact Wrench. Both DeWalt and Milwaukee make tons of different size impact wrenches, but these two are very similar in category and price.
| ½" Impact Wrench | DeWalt | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Model | DCF891B | 2962-20 Mid Torque |
| Avg. Price (no battery) |
$159 | $150 |
| Motor | Brushless 20V | Brushless 18V |
| RPM Range | 0-2,000 RPM | 0-2,575 RPM |
| Nut-Busting Torque | 800 ft-lbs | 650 ft-lbs |
| Fastening Torque | 600 ft-lbs | 550 ft-lbs |
| Drive Ctrl. | 4 Modes w/Precision Mode |
4 Modes w/Auto Off at 35 ft-lbs |
| Weight (no battery) |
3.7 lbs. | 5.1 lbs. |
| Battery | 1.5 - 15 AH | 1.5 - 12 AH |
| Warranty | 3 Yr. Limited | 5 Yr. Limited |
| LEDs | 1 | 3 |
| Purchase | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
“SPECIAL IMPACT MODES”
DeWalts precision mode on the DCF891B torques up to 600 ft-lbs, but will fasten at 2000 RPM until impact starts. The DCF891B will then pause for 0.5 seconds before continuing to impact at a rate of 3250 IPM. The Milwaukee 2962-20 on the other hand has an “auto off” mode that will stop torque at 35 ft-lbs.
DEWALT VS MILWAUKEE CORDLESS RATCHET
You might think a cordless ratchet isn’t necessary, until you start tearing down a project car. Using a high-speed cordless ratchet can save you tons of time and can reach into places an impact wrench can’t.
Let’s compare the DeWalt Atomic Compact Series 20V MAX Brushless 3/8 in. Ratchet vs the Milwaukee M12 FUEL™ 3/8" High Speed Ratchet.
| High Speed Ratchet | DeWalt | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Model | DCF512B | 2558-20 |
| Avg. Price (no battery) |
$199.00 | $199.99 |
| Motor | Brushless 20V | Brushless 12V |
| RPM Range | 0-250 RPM | 0-175 RPM |
| Torque | 70 ft-lbs | 60 ft-lbs |
| Weight (no battery) |
2.6 lbs. | 2.7 lbs. |
| Battery | 1.5 - 12 AH | 2 - 6 AH |
| Warranty | 3 Yr. Limited | 5 Yr. Limited |
| LEDs | 1 | 1 |
| Purchase | Home Depot | Home Depot |
DEWALT VS MILWAUKEE CORDLESS POLISHER
If you’re into detailing your ride, then a cordless polisher will save you from long extension cords laying across your garage. Here’s a comparison between the 20V MAX XR 7 in. Cordless Variable-Speed Rotary Polisher vs the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7” Variable Speed Polisher
| Cordless Polisher | DeWalt | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Model | DCM849B | 2738-20 |
| Price (no battery) |
Avg. $250 | Avg. $219 |
| Motor | Brushless 20V | Brushless 18V |
| Max RPM | 800 - 2,200 RPM | 0 - 2,200 RPM |
| Speed Ctrl. | Variable Speed | Variable Speed |
| Weight (no battery) |
6.4 lbs. | 6 lbs. |
| Battery | 1.5 - 12 AH | 2 - 6 AH |
| Warranty | 3 Yr. Limited | 5 Yr. Limited |
| LEDs | none | none |
| Purchase | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
FINAL VERDICT
Pricing is neck and neck between similar Milwaukee and DeWalt cordless tools. Milwaukee has the advantage of a two-year longer limited lifetime warranty, but the DeWalt has slightly better spec’s in specific areas vs Milwaukee with similar pricing.
The DeWalt also has the ability to use its 60v batteries in the 20v lineup if you end up getting 60v DeWalt tools too. You can also use the same charging station for the DeWalt 12v and 20v instead of having two completely different charging ports compared to the M12 and M18 Milwaukee batteries.
Also, it depends on what color you prefer. Some love red over yellow any day.
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