Made in Japan Makita tools are the benchmark for power tools. Makita has insane specs for their motors. The second best tools out there use rejected Makita parts. But the same isn't true with cordless Makita. Makita just doesn't put the R&D into their cordless stuff. I don't think they put much R&D into the corded tools either. They just made them really good.
Milwaukee is like “RAWR POWER” Makita is the “all day long” Festool is the finesse detail Dewalt is the first decent set you bought Ryobi is the homeowner ride
I too have been building things for 50+ years. When I was young, the Sears Craftsman brand was good quality and better value. Today, my main saws, router, compressor, etc are Craftsman (Ryobi) with a mix of brands in other tools. I take time to tune up and take care of (clean, lube, tighten..) my tools and I find they last for years and years.
Taking care of, maintaining, adjusting, etc. is one reason a tool will or will not last. Abuse and neglect is why most fail, but the people who complain about them failing won't tell you how they treated the tool, its always the tool's fault. I have several Craftsman tools, but all of them are older...I haven't bought anything Craftsman branded in probably 15-20 years. The last Craftsman product I bought was a 7-1/4" circular saw LOL.
This video was bias. You might have a different definition. He prefers Milwaukee and Ryobi tools. So what did he recommend?? Milwaukee and Ryobi . Sounds really unbiased to me
Somewhere in the middle of video I got a feeling that there won't be any particular recommendations at all. Because everyone has different needs, expectations and budget. But I was pleasantly surprised.
@@24revealer You're probably right. For the home worker, they're ideal. Because I work indoors, my tools outlast the battery platforms. I still have DeWalt XRP tools in near perfect condition that are useless because DeWalt changed their batteries. I had to buy more modern stuff. The new stuff is far superior, btw.
One thing with that, is if you buy a tool of a certain brand....especially a cordless one....well now you have the batteries and charger....so you kind of just stick to it because you already have the batteries and charger.... Nothing wrong with Milwaukee at all....although they seem quite a bit more expensive here recently....I've been thinking of getting a couple of the M12 tools because they're more compact and lighter weight for when I'm doing work over my head out in the shop here coming up soon as I start working on finishing the inside of the shop.
Thank you for your thoughts. 1 point that I would like to make. A professional carpenter that is doing framing will consider 1/8" to be adequate accuracy. If he is using a miter saw to cut a board, 1/8" is good enough. 88° is close enough to a square cut. For me, a DIYer, making a cabinet that will be seen in the home 1/32" might not be accurate enough. A square end needs to be right on 90°. So when I am looking at tools, my needs are different then someone else's. I have multiple cordless tool platforms because I look for different things in different tools. Is it a pain having multiple platforms? Yes, but not a big deal. Sometimes I have to walk back to the shop and get a different battery. But I'm not on a timeline. I'm doing these projects for enjoyment, not to make a profit. Sometimes I will help a contractor doing a job at my home. Recently we completed a bathroom remodel. The contractor had almost exclusively DeWalt tools. But he willingly used my tools of other brands. I used some of his tools. Was there a giant difference? Not that I could see. And his comment to me when we were finishing up was telling "Mike, when you die, I would like to have first chance to buy your tools." Thank you for the video. Good luck on building your channel
I've made the same comment many times before, about the difference between what a carpenter needs for accuracy and what a woodworker does. We're literally striving to attain the same level of accuracy that machinists do, with equipment that doesn't have that level of accuracy built into it.
Concerning the job site...I am a free-lance flooring installer who works with several contractors. One is die-hard DeWalt. If they make it, he's got it. But on several jobs with a one time need, or in cases where we both need to 'blow' something out, I'll pack in my Makita's. He is fighting with my nephew for first dibs... The other contractor buys the tool he thinks will best fit his needs. Does he need a cordless trim nailer daily? No? His is Ryobi. Does he need a crown stapler daily? Yes. His is a dedicated pro version that costs more than most contractor (not job site!) tablesaws. Mishmash of tools...four different battery platforms. At the end of the day his jobs look just as professional as the all DeWalt guys do. What really hooked me to this video was your Model 347 circular saw. I have a Model 843 (mirror image...blade on left...with a blade brake) that I've had for 30+ years. Love it. Still use it to break down sheet goods. When you spoke of some manufacturers changing leadership and going for profit rather than build quality, and you glanced down at the 347...I am totally with you there.
I like your input. I have a few different platforms of tools for the same reasons, one tool may be better than another for certain jobs...thus you buy that tool and end up another battery platform....that's not a bad thing, gives you more options for buying bare tools as needed, and you aren't just stuck with buying that one brand just because you have a battery and charger for that color of tool, even though the tool might give you marginal/unacceptable results...buy the tool that you need, that does what you need it to do, accurately for the job you need.
I see Milwaukee, DeWalt and Makita as the top-line pro tools. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, each nudging the others off the "top spot" in one category or another, but all three hovering around the top spot. My personal preference is DeWalt. I can't give a reason, I've used them all, they are all great, I just like DeWalt most.
Makita cordless stuff has fallen by the wayside this past decade. I like DeWalt, too, but they make poor nail guns and their impact drivers are nothing to write home about.
I bought a cheap Titan SDS drill at least 10 years ago, I have absolutely hammered it, and it still works perfectly! 10 years of breaking concrete for £49, I call that a winner!
This is one of those questions that has so many variables. At the end of the day, you use what you like. Most brands these days across the board are pretty good. If you’re someone that wants a new model in 3-4 years then maybe higher end brands ain’t your choice, unless money isn’t an issue. Also if you ain’t in the trades beating on them 24/7, then realistically any brand will far exceed your needs. I personally use Hilti/Milwaukee for HVAC/Plumbing
As a kid growing up, I remember my dad having Ryobi power tools, though he often talked about wanting a DeWalt this or DeWalt that. 25+ years later, still working as a handyman, he now owns multiple DeWalt tools, but he STILL has many Ryobi ones as well. I feel like he also understands the importance of value out of a tool over just its raw performance or features. I understand that Ryobi tools are just fine as home DIY/project tools, and there's really no need to go beyond that. The only difference I do remember is the color schemes Ryobi had 25 years ago versus now.
The best tools for me all have cords. I can replace the cords several times (including labour) than the cost of just one fried battery. I use power tools all the time and put them through the wringer. I would rather string out a cord even when I was in construction than having to haul a charger, extra batteries and I can use it with all my tools. I have had the same 3/8 drill for most jobs for 25 years (replaced the brushes twice way cheaper than a new battery). Cheers.
As a concrete worker that always works outside in rainy Washington, I've had 2 batteries die out of the ~30 Milwaukee/Makita batteries I own in 5 years. Unless you're rotohammering or using a tool that drains battery quickly, a few charged 5 amps will run a double battery saw and impact 8-12 hours too. I love cordless tools lol
I'm a Makita guy, but i love Bosch too, i bought into their power for all with my dust extractor, i like the fact the batteries fit Husqvarna tools. I think Milwaukee make good tools too, Ryobi, Draper and Erbauer are decent, Daewoo are apparently decent aswell
Festool is like the Rolls Royce of tools…I can’t afford them but I had the chance to use some at the School of Visual Arts in NYC and they spoiled me forever. 😅 But I have to say, I do agree with you about Ryobi, and I like that my yard tools can interchange with my power tools - I’m honestly surprised how long my drills have lasted. But the batteries don’t! I have a Milwaukee drill too, and it’s excellent. One bit of advice I would give to women woodworkers or people with smaller hands - buy your tools in person. The fact is, a lot of tools aren’t made for us, and if you can’t comfortably hold the tool it doesn’t matter how GOOD it is, you won’t be able to effectively and safely use it.
You made an excellent point about buying tools in person...the same can be said for hand tools too. Go pick them up and handle them. Don't buy a brand because somebody else says to....that's the mistake that a lot of people make....they buy a brand of tool because of what someone on RUclips says....don't do that, buy what works for you, and that you can hold comfortably.
Great video, buying the right tool makes all the difference. Each brand has great tools. No brand has all the best tools. Don't be afraid to use 3 Brands. Buy them on sale, when you get a free battery, or better yet on clearance. If you buy the best, you will rarely be disappointed. If cost is crucial stay on one platform. If you are a professional, multiple platforms will get you the best tool. Dewalt makes the best recipsaw, Flex makes the best rear handle circular saw, makita makes the best cordless planer, milwaukee makes the best compact hammer drill, bosch makes an awesome 2" compact power planer. Buy what fits your hand. Flex has a 24v 6 1/2 inch belt driven circular saw that you can see the cutline from either side and is whisper quiet! Good luck guys.
A great example is the 3 inch cutoff /grinder that came out a few years ago. DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Bosch all had one. Bosch was too expensive, DeWalt was bulky qnd poorly designed. The 12v Milwaukee Fuel was reversible, compact, powerful and reliable. If I was tied to one platform, I would not have been able to get the best tool. Fuel are Milwaukee's premium tools and higher quality.
If you're a woodworker, and not buying Festool, I'd go with Makita. Makita is an epic brand and has a larger and more diverse array of tools leaning toward carpentry and woodworking, where it seems Milwaukee focuses more attention on electrician and now even auto specialties.
I have grown up with DeWalt as my base tool. every 3 or 4 years somebody gets a free tool. I have 25 years of tools floating around and can't believe it when I see them still running strong . My point is to pick the right tool for the job. Go a size bigger if you want it to last longer.
Rigid ? Lifetime warranty on tool and battery. That has to count for something . Seems like the other brands are 2 to 5 year warranty. From what I have researched Rigid seems to be liked in the sense they fix or replace the tool or battery. Turn around time seems to have improved to like 18 days. Line seems to be expanding filling gaps. So for me 64 eventually fixed income a lifetime warranty on everything sounds like long term security in practicing what I love . Love your videos. ❤
It's not a warranty... it is a service agreement. They are not the same. If a tool breaks rigid, they try to find a reason not to fix it. So what happens? You just waste time trying to get them to fix it. Good luck
I liked your lead in. The question isn't "what's the best brand?" My opinion is there is no singular best. The correct question is "what is the best for me?" And no one can answer that except the person asking it. Take the feedback given, do your own research, and make your decision based on that.
I have a blend of your advice. I indulge in 40V Max Makita for top tools, and 18V & 36V Hikoki medium use tools, but enjoy the bargain for less critical Ryobi tools.
Thanks for your video. I have spent my life in administration. I decided to get my husband some cordless power tools as he does not have any of these newer, rechargeable battery tools. I know he won't use them every month even- but I wanted something that will last and work well when he needs them when I don't really have a clue. At least I have some things to look for. THANKS SO MUCH :)
This guy absolutely nailed it. Pun! But seriously. I have had great experience with DeWalt, but Milwaukee is fantastic. So powerful. But now I’m searching for the best in the world.
Excellent discussion on the meaning of best. Personally I have a few of the often hated on HFT $9.99 grinders. I don't use a grinder much, so they've lasted a long time. And having a few means I can have different wheels on each one.
I've worn out a few of those HTF $9.99 grinders. The key to making them last, is to open up the right-angle gearbox and put a glob of grease in there. They don't put enough in them to keep the gears lubed.
Milwaukee , ridgid and Ryobi are under the same parent company . Unfortunately they decide to starve out ridgid reducing the number of ridgid tools . Ryobi however has expanded their tool library with lots of nifty and good tool . 5 years ago Ridgid discontinued the 12V fuego impact driver line . I bought 5 of them . Because they are small enough , light enough for project and repair for my 23 rentals properties . And wood work. During the covid . Those ridgid 12v impact driver finished 3 basement . The brush on the motor is not replaceable and I fully expect them to die one at a time in the next several years . After that I would have to get Milwaukee 12v compact impact driver . For 20v impact driver I recently bought a DW860 dewalt 1/4 hex impact driver that is rated 200 foot pound . That thing is a beast
I have a few Ridgid and Ryobi tools....I don't really care for Home Depot as I have to go chase down a damn employee if I want to buy anything because all their tools are locked up....I hate that, so I tend to shop elsewhere for tools anymore, and since nobody is at the house all day, I don't care to order online and have stuff shipped to the house since nobody is home to receive it.
Best as in, what bearings are used, what quality plastic compound and moulding is used, what quality is the armature and what is the tolerance / balance / electrical design of it and what is its longevity. What is the electrical design of the motor and what cooling performance is built into it. Are parts readily available... THIS mean best. No good having a tool that outperforms everything else when conditions are perfect, or for 5 minutes before self destructing, or until a minor issue makes it not feasible to fix it when comparing with another tool that rarely needs repairs....
Dewalt mill and ryo are the three I've given the same unprofessional opinion about. I heard from another wood worker that if you're doing precise work you don't need a tool with so much power you need it to be reliable and ryo seems to be that.
Tbh you wanna get the german metabo with there CAS battery (cordless alliance system ) you battery Will work with over 30 diff brands . Plus metabo have a Big pallet of tools
Makita has the best battery technology and great reliabiliry. Flex tools with stacked lithium batteries are awesome. Dewalt makes great tools but their batteries tend to fail. Milwaukee makes great tools but their tools fail at a higher rate than all my other brands. My favorites are: Milwaukee 12v fuel hammer drill Milwaukee 12v 3 inch grinder Flex 24v rear handle circular saw Makita 18v 6 1/2 " left hand circular saw Makita 18v 3 1/4 " power planer Bosch 12v 2" compact power planer Bosch 12v drill with 5 heads for installs Bosch or Flex compact blower Bosch 18v 6 1/2 " rear handle circular saw (Try this one if you have trouble cutting a straight line, $99 at Lowes) Dewalt/Makita/ or Flex high torque hammer drill, 1200 in/lbs or above 3/8 " plywood saw guides in 96", 54", and 42" lengths to break down plywood or to replace a table saw on the jobsite. Makita 36v or 40v earth auger for post holes (these work like a dream), buy a 2"auger and a 6"auger.
My first tools were DeWalt, but as I got older I saw that Milwaukee has a bit more power and durability. But I still have both. It’s ok to try other brands.
10-15-2024 - extremely excellent analysis of the whole question. I appreciate your overview on quality in everything. I hate to spoil your perfect stats of 444 likes ( I'm the 445th), and the nice round 100 comments, (I'm the 101st), but I am compelled to doff my hat to your presentation. thank you, sir.
Thanks for the video. Do you have any thoughts on the new Craftsman RP line? They don’t have a ton of buzz but it seems like they could be a good Ryobi alternative. Just curious about your thoughts?
I’m sorry, but I don’t have any experience with the new Craftsman brand. On the other hand, I have had a lot of Craftsman tool through the years, and they have served me well. Overall, Craftsman, like Ryobi, is a consumer brand, not a professional brand. As such, yes, it would be a good alternative to Ryobi.
thank you so much! excellent video with great points to consider about not only the power tool but also the use to those power tools on your workshop or site of work and details about the components of those tools... great video!
I’m 46. Upping my tool game. Replacing worn out tools. The really hard part is I’ve been wanting more made in the USA tools. So many companies were bought out. Made in China now. People don’t realize stanly/black and decker own craftsmen and dewalt. Gearwrench is mostly China. Channel lock is still American. Crescent is American. Emerson makes motors for ridged. Dewalt tools are manufactured mostly Taiwan. Estwing is still American. Does any of that mean quality of brand. No! Just want to support American jobs. So instead of brands. I try to buy American made. (You can’t do that for everything) I have a mix of tools and I find that to be good too! If everything was yellow dewalt I’d loose the tool in a sea of yellow! Blue channel locks pop out! Easier to find!
I had my Ryobi cordless brushed drill for years used abused and works as new.Never ever an issue.Bought the latest brushless Dewalt Atomic drill DC794 and imminently feels cheap weak and weird rattling noises inside out of box.Lost my confidence on this tool after reading common clutch failures on this model.Had Porter Cable sander Drill and pure work horses never any issue.My point is famous brands have their lemons.Read about the models before buying
Personally, I think Milwaukee is overpriced. Yes, they have a large library of tools, but they don't...specialize...? What I mean is, I go and look at videos from around the world, and the one brand that is universally respected in that they are workhorses over, yes, decades, seems to be Makita. Three years ago I wanted to expand further than Ridgid (Part of the Milwaukee parent company), and I chose Bosch because of their refinement, ergonomics and innovation. But if I were truly a true pro, I would have chosen Makita. They are workhorses, there when it counts. Yes, Milwaukee are good, and getting better, no doubt, but I think they spent too much on flash over substance. Makita hardly advertises, and given that they have a bigger line than even Ryobi, I think they are...the "best".
power tools i go with Bosch. they fit my hand better than the rest. Makita is a close 2nd. if you are using a tool all day fit in the hand makes a lot of difference. for hand tools Tekton just wins. from being a US company with US made tools ( they have been getting out of China for a while though they do make some stuff in Taiwan ) . the warranty is great. just send a photo of broken tool and the new one is shipped out to you. i have tool truck stuff and Tekton. i have had more trouble with the tool truck stuff breaking . i work on boilers and chillers so my job could be called abuse by many. steam galling of bolts is a thing.
Wow, thanks for sharing this. Our viewers could benefit from insights like this, especially when they're based on experience. I also can relate to wanting tools that "fit your hand best". Especially when you'll be using a tool often, grip and comfort can be a dealbreaker.
I have Craftsman ratchets, sockets and wrenches which I bought in the 80's. Hands down the best I could afford back then. Would I buy Craftsman tools today? Nope! Craftsman is NOT the same company it once was. None of those 80's Craftsman tools have given me any problems. The 1/2" Craftsman ratchet would be forgiven many times over if it had failed considering the number of times it was doing the job of a breaker bar with a four foot pipe on it for extra torque. I do have a slight disagreement on one of your views 3:55, if you buy an expensive tool that you know you'll be using in the future, you can't possibly consider it as a one time write off for the job you're on currently. Most governments won't let you write it off that way and in real life it's not even realistic to think that way. If you did, you'd have to charge way less to justify working with no tool costs after the first job.
Craftsman was never a company. Craftsman was a Sears brand. Sears contracted manufacturers to make tools for them. Some of Sears contractors were really good tool manufacturers.
I hate Milwaukee. I just want a good drill for every days use in my welding shop. Work supplies Dewalt but the batteries don't last. I want Milwaukee's fuel brushless drill with the metal chuck but I'm unwilling to buy a combo kit because I have no use for the other tool/s included. The "tool only" model is way too expensive because I then have to buy a battery and charger separately.
You cannot get the best of all tools sticking to one brand only. Example I own almost every major tool brand and I wouldn’t say I’d pick one for all tools. Hikoki/metabo HPT is my biggest collection of tools. they are great especially the 36v gear and their nailers are amazing. Bosch 3x360 laser kills all other lasers in its class with the rm3 base. Milwaukee tyre inflatior and stapler are small yet powerful AEG makes some pretty good stuff, little hit and miss of a brand Makita XGT line up is good, LXT not so much. Festool kapex 120EB is hands down best saw I’ve owned. Have a Bosch cordless for smaller works it’s decent not a kapex but still good for general works. Dewalt, framing square is all I own 😅 Paslode, hard pass on those misfires, metabo HPT/Hikoki any day
When a company always replace your tools and not fix them, you know its a DIY brand that sells powerful, but disposable tools, but use their fame back when they werent owned by Chinese and actually made proper tools. I wont use their name, cause Americans love them.
Find out who the parent company is and where they are made. You might think you have something special and find out it’s Stanley or Black and Decker. Craftsman is a usedtacould brand. Now, meh. If a tool serves you right for the job, there ya go. A proper tool makes a big difference in the long run.
Unfortunately Milwaukee now are built to fail! Cheap on the inside and you can’t buy separate parts,if a switch go you need to buy a motor switch and controller, uneconomical. Makita sell most parts individually ,I’ve got makita from the late 80s still going strong with heavy use,I’ve got some Milwaukee but the quality is not the same as Makita!
Well with 50 years of experience you would not be picking Milwaukee Better dead than red the Never wear out even if it is brush or brushless because the switch blows up way before that ever happens I've had the key to for years And I've had the dead red ones I still have the blue ones I have a garbage pile full of red ones you're better off if you're looking for a budget to go with Bosh or dewalt but do not pick red it's garbage Matter of fact I know the owner of the company and he's not much better than the product he makes
I would argue and say that Nikita is better than the wall in Milwaukee. Because one power isn't everything. And that's something that I hate about tool vs tool is They think that all because it has more power. It's better which is not the case. In a reason why I say mikita is better because one it has good power. Number 2 is you never hear anything negative or any Issues come out of Milwaukee tools. For an example, for the longest time Milwaukee have a caller issue with their impacts. In dewalt had it issued before with impact drivers And how their motors were blow And go up and smoke. And Makita is the only other professional tool company that still makes their tools where they were originally made. They're still made in Japan. Milwaukee is made in Taiwan and China. Dwelt is made in Taiwan and China.
Makita make very few of their tools in Japan, the other are made in China. That doesn't mean that they are bad quality, as you said, they are way better than Milwaukee and DeWalt in term of reliability. HiKoki (metabo HPT) is also a very good brand in reliability, and in fact they are even better than Makita because the sell more spare parts.
He did say that power isn't the top priority for everyone. And I hate to break it to you, my dude, but unless you live in Japan, the large majority of your makita tools, if not all of them, are most likely manufactured in china
Fault Milwaukee are still made in America, they branch out to Asia because they want to market world wide. So their marketing base is out of Hong Kong TTI. Today Milwaukee HQ moved to new location in city Milwaukee state Wisconsin. They have manufactured all over the world, USA, China, Vietnam, and few other European country. Milwaukee CEO use to be the head engineer for Dewalt. The engineers in Milwaukee tools way better than Makita.
High torque tools tend to rip themselves apart . I'd rather have Makita than Milwaukee or dewalt. Built by a company that cares about their product not a conglomerate stamping the same tool with different names
DeWalt last pretty long time but they don't sell as much spare parts as Bosch, Makita, HiKoki/Metabo HPT. Milwaukee tools don't last a very long time compared to the other mentionned earlier in the comment and they sell so few spare parts that they are generally not worth fixing when they are broken, what a shame.
@fancraft1266 That's because they don't need to by the time they break you need a new tool anyway, Milwaukee is by far the worst I see guys on the jobsite with their shiny new Milwaukees and two months later they're being sent back to get fixed and it ain't as fast as they do for You Tubers who promote their Chinese garbage
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I have a brushed makita drill from the seventies, still works and is used to this day, never changed the brushes ever.
That's awesome. Some of my tools have been obsolete for a long time now, and I still use them up to this day.
Made in Japan Makita tools are the benchmark for power tools. Makita has insane specs for their motors. The second best tools out there use rejected Makita parts. But the same isn't true with cordless Makita. Makita just doesn't put the R&D into their cordless stuff. I don't think they put much R&D into the corded tools either. They just made them really good.
Milwaukee is like “RAWR POWER”
Makita is the “all day long”
Festool is the finesse detail
Dewalt is the first decent set you bought
Ryobi is the homeowner ride
Couldn't have said it any better. Thanks for the summary ;)
Get one of makita or dewalt but not with blind eyes some items would not to be the best or not serve you good
I too have been building things for 50+ years. When I was young, the Sears Craftsman brand was good quality and better value. Today, my main saws, router, compressor, etc are Craftsman (Ryobi) with a mix of brands in other tools. I take time to tune up and take care of (clean, lube, tighten..) my tools and I find they last for years and years.
Taking care of, maintaining, adjusting, etc. is one reason a tool will or will not last. Abuse and neglect is why most fail, but the people who complain about them failing won't tell you how they treated the tool, its always the tool's fault.
I have several Craftsman tools, but all of them are older...I haven't bought anything Craftsman branded in probably 15-20 years. The last Craftsman product I bought was a 7-1/4" circular saw LOL.
Thank you for an unbiased assessment. Too many craft RUclipsrs devolve into brand-sponsored infotainment.
Thanks! The main goal is to make woodworking simpler for everyone, and not support a specific brand or something. :)
This video was bias. You might have a different definition. He prefers Milwaukee and Ryobi tools. So what did he recommend??
Milwaukee and Ryobi .
Sounds really unbiased to me
Somewhere in the middle of video I got a feeling that there won't be any particular recommendations at all. Because everyone has different needs, expectations and budget. But I was pleasantly surprised.
Corded tools are an investment. Cordless battery platforms ones change too much.
@@24revealer
You're probably right. For the home worker, they're ideal. Because I work indoors, my tools outlast the battery platforms. I still have DeWalt XRP tools in near perfect condition that are useless because DeWalt changed their batteries. I had to buy more modern stuff. The new stuff is far superior, btw.
I’m a Milwaukee guy, but being honest the other brands get the job done as well. Just friendly jobs site banter.
"the other brands get the job done as well" - Totally agree with this!
One thing with that, is if you buy a tool of a certain brand....especially a cordless one....well now you have the batteries and charger....so you kind of just stick to it because you already have the batteries and charger....
Nothing wrong with Milwaukee at all....although they seem quite a bit more expensive here recently....I've been thinking of getting a couple of the M12 tools because they're more compact and lighter weight for when I'm doing work over my head out in the shop here coming up soon as I start working on finishing the inside of the shop.
Thank you for your thoughts. 1 point that I would like to make. A professional carpenter that is doing framing will consider 1/8" to be adequate accuracy. If he is using a miter saw to cut a board, 1/8" is good enough. 88° is close enough to a square cut. For me, a DIYer, making a cabinet that will be seen in the home 1/32" might not be accurate enough. A square end needs to be right on 90°.
So when I am looking at tools, my needs are different then someone else's. I have multiple cordless tool platforms because I look for different things in different tools. Is it a pain having multiple platforms? Yes, but not a big deal. Sometimes I have to walk back to the shop and get a different battery. But I'm not on a timeline. I'm doing these projects for enjoyment, not to make a profit.
Sometimes I will help a contractor doing a job at my home. Recently we completed a bathroom remodel. The contractor had almost exclusively DeWalt tools. But he willingly used my tools of other brands. I used some of his tools. Was there a giant difference? Not that I could see. And his comment to me when we were finishing up was telling "Mike, when you die, I would like to have first chance to buy your tools."
Thank you for the video. Good luck on building your channel
I've made the same comment many times before, about the difference between what a carpenter needs for accuracy and what a woodworker does. We're literally striving to attain the same level of accuracy that machinists do, with equipment that doesn't have that level of accuracy built into it.
Concerning the job site...I am a free-lance flooring installer who works with several contractors. One is die-hard DeWalt. If they make it, he's got it. But on several jobs with a one time need, or in cases where we both need to 'blow' something out, I'll pack in my Makita's. He is fighting with my nephew for first dibs...
The other contractor buys the tool he thinks will best fit his needs. Does he need a cordless trim nailer daily? No? His is Ryobi. Does he need a crown stapler daily? Yes. His is a dedicated pro version that costs more than most contractor (not job site!) tablesaws. Mishmash of tools...four different battery platforms. At the end of the day his jobs look just as professional as the all DeWalt guys do.
What really hooked me to this video was your Model 347 circular saw. I have a Model 843 (mirror image...blade on left...with a blade brake) that I've had for 30+ years. Love it. Still use it to break down sheet goods. When you spoke of some manufacturers changing leadership and going for profit rather than build quality, and you glanced down at the 347...I am totally with you there.
I like your input. I have a few different platforms of tools for the same reasons, one tool may be better than another for certain jobs...thus you buy that tool and end up another battery platform....that's not a bad thing, gives you more options for buying bare tools as needed, and you aren't just stuck with buying that one brand just because you have a battery and charger for that color of tool, even though the tool might give you marginal/unacceptable results...buy the tool that you need, that does what you need it to do, accurately for the job you need.
I see Milwaukee, DeWalt and Makita as the top-line pro tools. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, each nudging the others off the "top spot" in one category or another, but all three hovering around the top spot.
My personal preference is DeWalt. I can't give a reason, I've used them all, they are all great, I just like DeWalt most.
Makita cordless stuff has fallen by the wayside this past decade. I like DeWalt, too, but they make poor nail guns and their impact drivers are nothing to write home about.
I bought a cheap Titan SDS drill at least 10 years ago, I have absolutely hammered it, and it still works perfectly! 10 years of breaking concrete for £49, I call that a winner!
As long as you continue doing videos that aren’t influenced by an unrelenting desire to stay relevant, you always will be. Goodluck!
This is one of those questions that has so many variables. At the end of the day, you use what you like. Most brands these days across the board are pretty good. If you’re someone that wants a new model in 3-4 years then maybe higher end brands ain’t your choice, unless money isn’t an issue. Also if you ain’t in the trades beating on them 24/7, then realistically any brand will
far exceed your needs. I personally use Hilti/Milwaukee for HVAC/Plumbing
As a kid growing up, I remember my dad having Ryobi power tools, though he often talked about wanting a DeWalt this or DeWalt that. 25+ years later, still working as a handyman, he now owns multiple DeWalt tools, but he STILL has many Ryobi ones as well. I feel like he also understands the importance of value out of a tool over just its raw performance or features. I understand that Ryobi tools are just fine as home DIY/project tools, and there's really no need to go beyond that. The only difference I do remember is the color schemes Ryobi had 25 years ago versus now.
The best tools for me all have cords. I can replace the cords several times (including labour) than the cost of just one fried battery. I use power tools all the time and put them through the wringer. I would rather string out a cord even when I was in construction than having to haul a charger, extra batteries and I can use it with all my tools. I have had the same 3/8 drill for most jobs for 25 years (replaced the brushes twice way cheaper than a new battery). Cheers.
As a concrete worker that always works outside in rainy Washington, I've had 2 batteries die out of the ~30 Milwaukee/Makita batteries I own in 5 years. Unless you're rotohammering or using a tool that drains battery quickly, a few charged 5 amps will run a double battery saw and impact 8-12 hours too. I love cordless tools lol
I'm a Makita guy, but i love Bosch too, i bought into their power for all with my dust extractor, i like the fact the batteries fit Husqvarna tools.
I think Milwaukee make good tools too, Ryobi, Draper and Erbauer are decent, Daewoo are apparently decent aswell
Festool is like the Rolls Royce of tools…I can’t afford them but I had the chance to use some at the School of Visual Arts in NYC and they spoiled me forever. 😅 But I have to say, I do agree with you about Ryobi, and I like that my yard tools can interchange with my power tools - I’m honestly surprised how long my drills have lasted. But the batteries don’t! I have a Milwaukee drill too, and it’s excellent.
One bit of advice I would give to women woodworkers or people with smaller hands - buy your tools in person. The fact is, a lot of tools aren’t made for us, and if you can’t comfortably hold the tool it doesn’t matter how GOOD it is, you won’t be able to effectively and safely use it.
Yeah, but you wouldn't drive a Rolls Royce on a dirt track anymore than you'd use Festools on a construction site.
@@Mark-l9k9q who was saying that you would? Kind of a non-sequitur.
You made an excellent point about buying tools in person...the same can be said for hand tools too. Go pick them up and handle them. Don't buy a brand because somebody else says to....that's the mistake that a lot of people make....they buy a brand of tool because of what someone on RUclips says....don't do that, buy what works for you, and that you can hold comfortably.
Great video, buying the right tool makes all the difference. Each brand has great tools. No brand has all the best tools. Don't be afraid to use 3 Brands. Buy them on sale, when you get a free battery, or better yet on clearance. If you buy the best, you will rarely be disappointed. If cost is crucial stay on one platform. If you are a professional, multiple platforms will get you the best tool. Dewalt makes the best recipsaw, Flex makes the best rear handle circular saw, makita makes the best cordless planer, milwaukee makes the best compact hammer drill, bosch makes an awesome 2" compact power planer. Buy what fits your hand. Flex has a 24v 6 1/2 inch belt driven circular saw that you can see the cutline from either side and is whisper quiet! Good luck guys.
What do you mean by "best" when you say dewalt makes the best recip and dkex makes the best circ, etc?
A great example is the 3 inch cutoff /grinder that came out a few years ago. DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Bosch all had one. Bosch was too expensive, DeWalt was bulky qnd poorly designed. The 12v Milwaukee Fuel was reversible, compact, powerful and reliable. If I was tied to one platform, I would not have been able to get the best tool. Fuel are Milwaukee's premium tools and higher quality.
Not really, hate carrying 3 different charges and 3 sets batteries cos one sds have 50 more torque then other.
If you're a woodworker, and not buying Festool, I'd go with Makita. Makita is an epic brand and has a larger and more diverse array of tools leaning toward carpentry and woodworking, where it seems Milwaukee focuses more attention on electrician and now even auto specialties.
I have grown up with DeWalt as my base tool. every 3 or 4 years somebody gets a free tool. I have 25 years of tools floating around and can't believe it when I see them still running strong . My point is to pick the right tool for the job. Go a size bigger if you want it to last longer.
Totally agree. There is always the right tool from the right brand for every job.
Rigid ? Lifetime warranty on tool and battery. That has to count for something . Seems like the other brands are 2 to 5 year warranty. From what I have researched Rigid seems to be liked in the sense they fix or replace the tool or battery. Turn around time seems to have improved to like 18 days. Line seems to be expanding filling gaps. So for me 64 eventually fixed income a lifetime warranty on everything sounds like long term security in practicing what I love . Love your videos. ❤
Yes, warranty! That's a really great point. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Glad you like the videos, too. I'll keep 'em coming :)
It's not a warranty... it is a service agreement. They are not the same. If a tool breaks rigid, they try to find a reason not to fix it. So what happens? You just waste time trying to get them to fix it. Good luck
I liked your lead in. The question isn't "what's the best brand?" My opinion is there is no singular best.
The correct question is "what is the best for me?" And no one can answer that except the person asking it. Take the feedback given, do your own research, and make your decision based on that.
Great insight. I absolutely agree!
I have a blend of your advice. I indulge in 40V Max Makita for top tools, and 18V & 36V Hikoki medium use tools, but enjoy the bargain for less critical Ryobi tools.
about "You get what you pay for": I prefer "You don't get what you don't pay for". Just because something's expensive doesn't mean it's better
Thanks for your video. I have spent my life in administration. I decided to get my husband some cordless power tools as he does not have any of these newer, rechargeable battery tools. I know he won't use them every month even- but I wanted something that will last and work well when he needs them when I don't really have a clue. At least I have some things to look for. THANKS SO MUCH :)
This guy absolutely nailed it. Pun! But seriously. I have had great experience with DeWalt, but Milwaukee is fantastic. So powerful. But now I’m searching for the best in the world.
Excellent discussion on the meaning of best. Personally I have a few of the often hated on HFT $9.99 grinders. I don't use a grinder much, so they've lasted a long time. And having a few means I can have different wheels on each one.
I've worn out a few of those HTF $9.99 grinders. The key to making them last, is to open up the right-angle gearbox and put a glob of grease in there. They don't put enough in them to keep the gears lubed.
@@sawinery-woodworkingGood to know. Thanks for the tip.
Your the best common sense video online! Thank you 🙂
Milwaukee , ridgid and Ryobi are under the same parent company .
Unfortunately they decide to starve out ridgid reducing the number of ridgid tools .
Ryobi however has expanded their tool library with lots of nifty and good tool .
5 years ago Ridgid discontinued the 12V fuego impact driver line .
I bought 5 of them . Because they are small enough , light enough for project and repair for my 23 rentals properties . And wood work.
During the covid . Those ridgid 12v impact driver finished 3 basement .
The brush on the motor is not replaceable and I fully expect them to die one at a time in the next several years .
After that I would have to get Milwaukee 12v compact impact driver .
For 20v impact driver I recently bought a DW860 dewalt 1/4 hex impact driver that is rated 200 foot pound .
That thing is a beast
I have a few Ridgid and Ryobi tools....I don't really care for Home Depot as I have to go chase down a damn employee if I want to buy anything because all their tools are locked up....I hate that, so I tend to shop elsewhere for tools anymore, and since nobody is at the house all day, I don't care to order online and have stuff shipped to the house since nobody is home to receive it.
That is a great lesson , That for sharing. I had dewalt , and moved to milwaukee.
Best as in, what bearings are used, what quality plastic compound and moulding is used, what quality is the armature and what is the tolerance / balance / electrical design of it and what is its longevity. What is the electrical design of the motor and what cooling performance is built into it. Are parts readily available... THIS mean best. No good having a tool that outperforms everything else when conditions are perfect, or for 5 minutes before self destructing, or until a minor issue makes it not feasible to fix it when comparing with another tool that rarely needs repairs....
Dewalt mill and ryo are the three I've given the same unprofessional opinion about. I heard from another wood worker that if you're doing precise work you don't need a tool with so much power you need it to be reliable and ryo seems to be that.
Tbh you wanna get the german metabo with there CAS battery (cordless alliance system ) you battery Will work with over 30 diff brands .
Plus metabo have a Big pallet of tools
Thanks for the tip! What Metabo tools do you have?
Makita has the best battery technology and great reliabiliry. Flex tools with stacked lithium batteries are awesome. Dewalt makes great tools but their batteries tend to fail. Milwaukee makes great tools but their tools fail at a higher rate than all my other brands.
My favorites are:
Milwaukee 12v fuel hammer drill
Milwaukee 12v 3 inch grinder
Flex 24v rear handle circular saw
Makita 18v 6 1/2 " left hand circular saw
Makita 18v 3 1/4 " power planer
Bosch 12v 2" compact power planer
Bosch 12v drill with 5 heads for installs
Bosch or Flex compact blower
Bosch 18v 6 1/2 " rear handle circular saw
(Try this one if you have trouble cutting a straight line, $99 at Lowes)
Dewalt/Makita/ or Flex high torque hammer drill, 1200 in/lbs or above
3/8 " plywood saw guides in 96", 54", and 42" lengths to break down plywood or to replace a table saw on the jobsite.
Makita 36v or 40v earth auger for post holes (these work like a dream), buy a 2"auger and a 6"auger.
My first tools were DeWalt, but as I got older I saw that Milwaukee has a bit more power and durability. But I still have both. It’s ok to try other brands.
Excellent review! Thank you
10-15-2024 - extremely excellent analysis of the whole question. I appreciate your overview on quality in everything. I hate to spoil your perfect stats of 444 likes ( I'm the 445th), and the nice round 100 comments, (I'm the 101st), but I am compelled to doff my hat to your presentation. thank you, sir.
Thanks for the video. Do you have any thoughts on the new Craftsman RP line? They don’t have a ton of buzz but it seems like they could be a good Ryobi alternative. Just curious about your thoughts?
I’m sorry, but I don’t have any experience with the new Craftsman brand. On the other hand, I have had a lot of Craftsman tool through the years, and they have served me well. Overall, Craftsman, like Ryobi, is a consumer brand, not a professional brand. As such, yes, it would be a good alternative to Ryobi.
thank you so much! excellent video with great points to consider about not only the power tool but also the use to those power tools on your workshop or site of work and details about the components of those tools... great video!
Appreciate the feedback!
Makita. The answer is Makita...
I’m 46. Upping my tool game. Replacing worn out tools. The really hard part is I’ve been wanting more made in the USA tools. So many companies were bought out. Made in China now. People don’t realize stanly/black and decker own craftsmen and dewalt. Gearwrench is mostly China. Channel lock is still American. Crescent is American. Emerson makes motors for ridged. Dewalt tools are manufactured mostly Taiwan. Estwing is still American. Does any of that mean quality of brand. No! Just want to support American jobs. So instead of brands. I try to buy American made. (You can’t do that for everything) I have a mix of tools and I find that to be good too! If everything was yellow dewalt I’d loose the tool in a sea of yellow! Blue channel locks pop out! Easier to find!
I had my Ryobi cordless brushed drill for years used abused and works as new.Never ever an issue.Bought the latest brushless Dewalt Atomic drill DC794 and imminently feels cheap weak and weird rattling noises inside out of box.Lost my confidence on this tool after reading common clutch failures on this model.Had Porter Cable sander Drill and pure work horses never any issue.My point is famous brands have their lemons.Read about the models before buying
Deep respect, great break down
Agreed, very valid points.
Personally, I think Milwaukee is overpriced. Yes, they have a large library of tools, but they don't...specialize...? What I mean is, I go and look at videos from around the world, and the one brand that is universally respected in that they are workhorses over, yes, decades, seems to be Makita. Three years ago I wanted to expand further than Ridgid (Part of the Milwaukee parent company), and I chose Bosch because of their refinement, ergonomics and innovation. But if I were truly a true pro, I would have chosen Makita. They are workhorses, there when it counts. Yes, Milwaukee are good, and getting better, no doubt, but I think they spent too much on flash over substance. Makita hardly advertises, and given that they have a bigger line than even Ryobi, I think they are...the "best".
Im an apprentice electrician i have makita and i think they are good just wosh they started making more spraky based stuff
Milwaukee is overprice ? What you going to say about Festool ? Any sds, hoover or impact driver is 3 times over Milwaukee price.
power tools i go with Bosch. they fit my hand better than the rest. Makita is a close 2nd. if you are using a tool all day fit in the hand makes a lot of difference.
for hand tools Tekton just wins. from being a US company with US made tools ( they have been getting out of China for a while though they do make some stuff in Taiwan ) . the warranty is great. just send a photo of broken tool and the new one is shipped out to you. i have tool truck stuff and Tekton. i have had more trouble with the tool truck stuff breaking .
i work on boilers and chillers so my job could be called abuse by many. steam galling of bolts is a thing.
Wow, thanks for sharing this. Our viewers could benefit from insights like this, especially when they're based on experience. I also can relate to wanting tools that "fit your hand best". Especially when you'll be using a tool often, grip and comfort can be a dealbreaker.
I´m a Bosch guy as well
I have Craftsman ratchets, sockets and wrenches which I bought in the 80's. Hands down the best I could afford back then. Would I buy Craftsman tools today? Nope! Craftsman is NOT the same company it once was. None of those 80's Craftsman tools have given me any problems. The 1/2" Craftsman ratchet would be forgiven many times over if it had failed considering the number of times it was doing the job of a breaker bar with a four foot pipe on it for extra torque.
I do have a slight disagreement on one of your views 3:55, if you buy an expensive tool that you know you'll be using in the future, you can't possibly consider it as a one time write off for the job you're on currently. Most governments won't let you write it off that way and in real life it's not even realistic to think that way. If you did, you'd have to charge way less to justify working with no tool costs after the first job.
Craftsman was never a company. Craftsman was a Sears brand. Sears contracted manufacturers to make tools for them. Some of Sears contractors were really good tool manufacturers.
Do you have any experience with Flex cordless tools?
No, sorry, I’ve never used them.
Porter-Cable before Stanley Black & Decker.
What about FLEX tools?
I hate Milwaukee. I just want a good drill for every days use in my welding shop. Work supplies Dewalt but the batteries don't last. I want Milwaukee's fuel brushless drill with the metal chuck but I'm unwilling to buy a combo kit because I have no use for the other tool/s included. The "tool only" model is way too expensive because I then have to buy a battery and charger separately.
For my job as a life safety service man. I'll take makita over all of those.
Thank you. Very helpful
You cannot get the best of all tools sticking to one brand only.
Example I own almost every major tool brand and I wouldn’t say I’d pick one for all tools. Hikoki/metabo HPT is my biggest collection of tools. they are great especially the 36v gear and their nailers are amazing. Bosch 3x360 laser kills all other lasers in its class with the rm3 base. Milwaukee tyre inflatior and stapler are small yet powerful
AEG makes some pretty good stuff, little hit and miss of a brand
Makita XGT line up is good, LXT not so much.
Festool kapex 120EB is hands down best saw I’ve owned. Have a Bosch cordless for smaller works it’s decent not a kapex but still good for general works.
Dewalt, framing square is all I own 😅
Paslode, hard pass on those misfires, metabo HPT/Hikoki any day
12:25.. not more than FLEX.. FLEX routinely beats Milwaukee power...
I don't like Craftsman: I had a chainsaw that overheated and died, and a 2-yr-old air compressor that failed
People sure have low standards these days. Milwaukee a good brand? Then again its subjective.
When a company always replace your tools and not fix them, you know its a DIY brand that sells powerful, but disposable tools, but use their fame back when they werent owned by Chinese and actually made proper tools.
I wont use their name, cause Americans love them.
Find out who the parent company is and where they are made. You might think you have something special and find out it’s Stanley or Black and Decker. Craftsman is a usedtacould brand. Now, meh. If a tool serves you right for the job, there ya go. A proper tool makes a big difference in the long run.
Unfortunately Milwaukee now are built to fail! Cheap on the inside and you can’t buy separate parts,if a switch go you need to buy a motor switch and controller, uneconomical. Makita sell most parts individually ,I’ve got makita from the late 80s still going strong with heavy use,I’ve got some Milwaukee but the quality is not the same as Makita!
nice video
Well with 50 years of experience you would not be picking Milwaukee Better dead than red the Never wear out even if it is brush or brushless because the switch blows up way before that ever happens I've had the key to for years And I've had the dead red ones I still have the blue ones I have a garbage pile full of red ones you're better off if you're looking for a budget to go with Bosh or dewalt but do not pick red it's garbage Matter of fact I know the owner of the company and he's not much better than the product he makes
I would argue and say that Nikita is better than the wall in Milwaukee. Because one power isn't everything. And that's something that I hate about tool vs tool is They think that all because it has more power. It's better which is not the case. In a reason why I say mikita is better because one it has good power. Number 2 is you never hear anything negative or any Issues come out of Milwaukee tools. For an example, for the longest time Milwaukee have a caller issue with their impacts. In dewalt had it issued before with impact drivers And how their motors were blow And go up and smoke. And Makita is the only other professional tool company that still makes their tools where they were originally made. They're still made in Japan. Milwaukee is made in Taiwan and China. Dwelt is made in Taiwan and China.
Makita make very few of their tools in Japan, the other are made in China. That doesn't mean that they are bad quality, as you said, they are way better than Milwaukee and DeWalt in term of reliability. HiKoki (metabo HPT) is also a very good brand in reliability, and in fact they are even better than Makita because the sell more spare parts.
He did say that power isn't the top priority for everyone. And I hate to break it to you, my dude, but unless you live in Japan, the large majority of your makita tools, if not all of them, are most likely manufactured in china
Fault Milwaukee are still made in America, they branch out to Asia because they want to market world wide. So their marketing base is out of Hong Kong TTI. Today Milwaukee HQ moved to new location in city Milwaukee state Wisconsin. They have manufactured all over the world, USA, China, Vietnam, and few other European country. Milwaukee CEO use to be the head engineer for Dewalt. The engineers in Milwaukee tools way better than Makita.
DeWalt is made in USA with global components
Milwaukee is not a state mr trump
Brand doesn't mean anything now.
Makita or nothin
Dewalt battery powered circular saw drains a full battery in 10 minutes. Garbage
watch torque test channel facts not an americans biased opinion
Meh. Torque tests aren't the end all be all. You completely missed the intro, didn't you?
High torque tools tend to rip themselves apart . I'd rather have Makita than Milwaukee or dewalt. Built by a company that cares about their product not a conglomerate stamping the same tool with different names
@@misterhat5823 I'd say they missed the entire point of the video.
There's only two tool company that last the longest is Dewalt and Bosch
DeWalt last pretty long time but they don't sell as much spare parts as Bosch, Makita, HiKoki/Metabo HPT. Milwaukee tools don't last a very long time compared to the other mentionned earlier in the comment and they sell so few spare parts that they are generally not worth fixing when they are broken, what a shame.
@fancraft1266 That's because they don't need to by the time they break you need a new tool anyway, Milwaukee is by far the worst I see guys on the jobsite with their shiny new Milwaukees and two months later they're being sent back to get fixed and it ain't as fast as they do for You Tubers who promote their Chinese garbage
@@loucifer4205 Yes that's shameful
@@loucifer4205 In my opinion power tools should last decades like the old ones and be easily repairable