DeWalt vs Makita

[504]

I just bought a DeWalt 20volt driver/drill combo set, it came with 3 batteries and was cheaper than the 18v set. Used a Makita 18v all day Sat, one battery, used my new set Monday and used 4 batteries doing half of the work. What has everyone else found with the 20v stuff? I used the tools to build a shed to put tractors in!

 

[scotc]

The amp-hour rating could be a lot lower on the 20V.

My dad was told that the 19V Crapsman impact wouldn't last long and he needed to get a 24V impact to get any torque and run time. So he bought a cheap one. He got what he paid for, about 5 minutes or four really tight bolts. And no source for spare batteries.

I think I'd complain, DeWalt is pretty proud of their tools and for good reason. They may not always get the 'best value' award on Popular Mechanics' tool tests, but they usually get the "editor's choice".

PM tested a DeWalt circular saw blade this month that made over 300 yards of cut through OSB, then to finish it off they sandwiched 1 1/2 inches of shingles between two layers of OSB, laced it with nails, and started cutting. It went a lot farther than I thought it would, but can't remember just how far. There is another blade that's supposed to last longer than normal that they tested, but it only went about a third as far as the DeWalt did in the shingles.

 

[Fawteen]

DeWalt vs. Makita?

No contest. Makita hands down and pulling away. I've replaced all my DeWalt battery tools for just that reason.

Went to Milwaukee because I get a deal on them at work, but I'd have the Makitas in a heartbeat.

 

[Ultradog MN]

Makita is the superior tool.

 

[Stephen Newell]

I've never had a Makita cordless. I had a electric model one time. I was thankful when it burned up so I could get rid of it. It needed to be worked on all the time. The first cordless drill I bought was Porter-Cable. It didn't last long with the plastic gears. I then started buying Harbor Freight drills. They didn't last long either but they were cheap. My son bought me a Dewalt DCD940 18V cordless drill 3 or 4 years ago and it works great. I can use it all day long installing cabinets pushing 3" screws with only one battery. I've dropped it at least twice from a six foot ladder to a concrete floor and it has only cracked the case on one of the batteries.

 

[John A.]

504,Not to be rude here it is a "No Brain-er" ....Makita!,...All I own. But I am sure there are a few who feel the same a bout Dewalt. But Makita is far superior.
Later,
John A.

 

[evilboweivel]

havn't tried the NEW 20 volt DeWalts yet
happy with the DeWalt 14.4 drills and 18v DeWalt saws
have the 18v Lion DeWalt at work like it even better
Makita on the other hand I got disgusted with early on, 80's and never really tried them again

 

[Bryan inIowa]

I bought a Hitachi drill , 1/4 hex driver and light combo 18 v ..wow ..use it hard and keeps impressing me ,2 buddies bought same kits and use the tar out of theirs too . Framing , deck screws sheet rock , nice lil compact driver handles it all .

 

[Inno]

Started buying DeWalt tools a few years ago and I have been very happy with them. I don't buy the high end stuff either, the "consumer" line. Having said that, I only own one Makita item, an old 7.2V cordless drill and I have to say it is VERY well built. I've had it probably 20 years now.........haven't used it much in the past 10 or so but I know it would still work well for me.
Being a 7.2 it doesn't have the power or battery time I need but it's good for small jobs around the house.
The 18V DeWalt drill I have, as well as the 18V impact driver have been bulletproof and perform very well. Have 2 batteries for each which are interchangeable and I am never waiting for one to charge, by the time I kill one the other one is ready. I think part of the key to liking your cordless tools is finding one brand with batteries that are ALL compatible and stick with it. I hate having two or more different batts. and chargers. That way I take one charger and all my tools.

 

[farmer boy]

That 20V Dewalt crap is bull. If you read the fine print it says 18 volt nominal voltage. The only thing different is the sticker. I have a Makita 14.4V li-ion 3.0AH that has really good battery life. I don't normally use it for 5 hours at a time so I can't really tell you how long it lasts but it lasts a long time.

 

[Ky Hauler]

Dewalt is made by Black and Decker.

 

[smallercrawler]

Bryan, also have Hitachi like your's-excellent tool, good battery life, fast recharge, very strong performance-lag bolts to sheet metal screws.

 

[Steven-Id]

I myself personally own and like the Makitas. I however use the Dewalt 18 volt at work(company owned). It is a nice drill also. I do like the way they switch it from drill mode to driver mode. The thing I like best about the Dewalt is that I have a charger that plugs into the cigarette lighter so as I go from job to job I always have charged batteries.

Steven

 

[MKinOntario]

Had a DeWalt once a few years back. It was number 3 beside 2 14V Makitas. No one (4 people used em) wanted to use the DeWalt, always preferred the Makitas. The DeWalt was out of balance, hard to hold on to and the direction control button was positioned such that your hand would always accidentally switch it part way and not work in either direction. Battery strength, longevity seemed on par. It also seemed heavier. Finally just chucked it and bought another Makita. Everyone was happy.