Makita vs. Milwaukee ?

[Dr.Al]

When I was choosing battery system I spent ages reading reviews of all the various (relatively high end) options, including Dewalt, Makita, Milwaukee and Bosch. The conclusion I came to was they're all good and the choice was largely down to which had a range of tools that most suited the sort of work you did. For me that (at the time) ruled out Bosch (their range was quite limited back then; I'd imagine it has improved since) with Dewalt being a bit behind the other two but not by much.

For me there wasn't much to choose between them so I went with Makita because it's a Japanese company rather than an American one. I've done various modifications to some of the tools (the trim router in particular, which benefits from some extra jigs) and it was nice to know I was buying into a brand that was pretty much guaranteed to use metric threads throughout (the same would be true of Bosch). That makes any modifications far, far easier. It's perfectly possible Dewalt & Milwaukee have also seen the light and gone metric, but I wouldn't want to bet on it.

I've never regretted the decision to go with Makita anyway - all their stuff I've got is superb. I'd imagine the pro Bosch stuff is also excellent and I'm sure that if you don't mind nonsense American threads (e.g. if you're never going to modify anything or make custom add-ons), then you'd be equally happy with Dewalt or Milwaukee.

 

[qwakers]

the biggest upside of makita is the sheer availability of repair parts at very reasonable prices.

 

[Craig-S]

I can only apologise for what i have started, its almost as bad as starting a sharpening thread on a woodworking forum

 

[Craig-SM]

Makita still make a lot in Japan and still some in the UK.

The Okazaki plant in Japan serves as Makita’s technological showcase. This facility focuses on advanced manufacturing techniques, including extensive use of robotics and automated quality control systems. While producing only about 10% of Makita’s total output, Okazaki sets the standard for manufacturing processes implemented across all global facilities.

 

[Craig-SM]

When I was choosing battery system I spent ages reading reviews of all the various (relatively high end) options, including Dewalt, Makita, Milwaukee and Bosch. The conclusion I came to was they're all good and the choice was largely down to which had a range of tools that most suited the sort of work you did. For me that (at the time) ruled out Bosch (their range was quite limited back then; I'd imagine it has improved since) with Dewalt being a bit behind the other two but not by much.

For me there wasn't much to choose between them so I went with Makita because it's a Japanese company rather than an American one. I've done various modifications to some of the tools (the trim router in particular, which benefits from some extra jigs) and it was nice to know I was buying into a brand that was pretty much guaranteed to use metric threads throughout (the same would be true of Bosch). That makes any modifications far, far easier. It's perfectly possible Dewalt & Milwaukee have also seen the light and gone metric, but I wouldn't want to bet on it.

I've never regretted the decision to go with Makita anyway - all their stuff I've got is superb. I'd imagine the pro Bosch stuff is also excellent and I'm sure that if you don't mind nonsense American threads (e.g. if you're never going to modify anything or make custom add-ons), then you'd be equally happy with Dewalt or Milwaukee.

Milwaukee is all metric too but the gauges used on the tools are metric or imperial depending on market but easy enough to change if you still want to use an imperial gauge

 

[Craig-SM]

An article comparing Makita and Milwaukee tools and battery platforms from a multi brand dealer

Makita vs Milwaukee – which brand is better? [2024] | Protrade

Makita vs Milwaukee. Protrade discusses the history of both brands and decides which brand is better out of Makita and Milwaukee.

www.protrade.co.uk

 

[Richiew]

Makita has a UK factory and my recent Makita impact wrench purchase says made in UK.

I have had a look at the circular saw the OP is looking at, and all the pictures and video I've seen say made in China.

I think most points are moot on tool brand preferences. You probably don't really require the last 5% where one tool is slightly better than the other. Makita supposedly has much better scope for repairs but a professional user would simply replace, whereas the weekend warriors are unlikely to wear tools out. I think most advantages for one brand over another are on paper and in people's heads only.

 

[Dr.Al]

Milwaukee is all metric too but the gauges used on the tools are metric or imperial depending on market but easy enough to change if you still want to use an imperial gauge

That's good to know. While I'm convinced that for 99% of people, all of the decent brands are fine and generally speaking Milwaukee is neither worse than nor better than Makita etc, I also have absolutely no doubt that metric is better than imperial in every way

 

[Mark 5]

Still in denial but don’t worry there is cure, just visit your local Milwaukee dealer.

I'm not sure it's denial, I still own and use Corded Milwaukee especially my diamond core drill, never let me down, goes through anything and I have had that some 16 years.

But Milwaukee cordless, they are 3-4 year tools, goes wrong, not economical to repair--if they can be.

Can't say that about Makita, some might not be economical to repair but most are and can be.

 

[Craig-S]

That's good to know. While I'm convinced that for 99% of people, all of the decent brands are fine and generally speaking Milwaukee is neither worse than nor better than Makita etc, I also have absolutely no doubt that metric is better than imperial in every way

does the Makita cut aluminum?

sorry, couldnt resist

 

[Mark 5]

I've never regretted the decision to go with Makita anyway - all their stuff I've got is superb. I'd imagine the pro Bosch stuff is also excellent---

They are.

 

[Stuartg1]

Im makita...20 plus tools, lots of batteries... very little has gone wrong in probably 10 years with the exception of the multitool, they've been in for repair once... yes I have two as they get used/abused everyday.. im on my second grinder purely because everything is brushless.
my mate has dewalt, not as abused as my stuff, hes had a couple of failures too

 

[MetalMonkey]

I must say - my shop was always DeWALT heavy - and we very seldom had a problem with any of their tools. They especially OWN the nail gun pneumatics market.

Hitachi are usually the brand associated with traditional pneumatic air nailers, can't say I think of DeWalt as the first choice? Their cordless flywheel nailer is certainly subpar compared to the Hikoki and Milwaukee and most recently Makita cordless air spring nailers. Not knocking on DeWalt, as they have some great tools as well.

 

[Dr.Al]

does the Makita cut aluminum?

sorry, couldn't resist

Wash your mouth out with soapy water young man!

 

[Kram]

Both are generally made in china, however Japanese design beats US or Euro, nicer to use.

But then teal make a 136mm version which is over £100 less than the red tool which may have the oomph to do what I'm asking for.

The small one is an old style brushed motor I believe, while it should steel be decent, brushless motors do have significant advantages and are generally far more durable.

 

[Craig-S]

Both are generally made in china, however Japanese design beats US or Euro, nicer to use.


The small one is an old style brushed motor I believe, while it should steel be decent, brushless motors do have significant advantages and are generally far more durable.

in my typical fashion of being impatient, I ordered the 150mm saw from screwfix which ill collect tomorrow

 

[Kayos]

There was a marketing push a few (probably many) years ago with Milwaukee

I know a few trades who switched, big box of goodies at the end of the tax year

Some stuck, some changed. I only changed because I needed tools and found an offer

Those who say there is no difference, only preference, (imo) do not use the tools daily. You will have to prise my Metabo core drill from my cold dead fingers before I use another, but everything else is and always a will be Makita

I like how they are not part of a big group, not sure it makes them better but the fact you can choose the features to suit your needs is brilliant. I have the top spec SDS and grinder but a basic circular saw as it's only used for butchering floorboards, let's you spend where needed

 

[Craig-S]

There was a marketing push a few (probably many) years ago with Milwaukee

I know a few trades who switched, big box of goodies at the end of the tax year

Some stuck, some changed. I only changed because I needed tools and found an offer

Those who say there is no difference, only preference, (imo) do not use the tools daily. You will have to prise my Metabo core drill from my cold dead fingers before I use another, but everything else is and always a will be Makita

I like how they are not part of a big group, not sure it makes them better but the fact you can choose the features to suit your needs is brilliant. I have the top spec SDS and grinder but a basic circular saw as it's only used for butchering floorboards, let's you spend where needed

There is definitely a social media push by Milwaukee, they are all over the "influencers", normally free tools for favourable reviews.

I am also a big fan of the fact that Makita arent owned by conglomocorp TTI or equivalent. but all my other powertools are Festool and regardless of what some might say, they are fantastic and the only companies that come close in some products are Mafell and Metabo (the good ones).

 

[Welderpaul]

I have Dewalt for home stuff and Makita for the other stuff I do. The Makita gets a harder life than the Dewalt but there’s little to choose between the two in every day usage. I was put off Dewalt when they wouldn’t replace a faulty grinder.

 

[MattF]

Those who say there is no difference, only preference, (imo) do not use the tools daily.

There is obviously difference. However, it still mainly boils down to user choice & preference.