Dewalt Vs Milwaukee Impact Driver [Important Facts to Know!]

The DEWALT and Milwaukee are two companies that are some of the most credible and best impact driver brands when it comes to manufacturing quality power tools.

These two brands have over the years of continued innovation of tools that remain sturdy while giving consumers the freedom to use their products for various applications.

Thus it is not surprising that a lot of people find it hard to settle on the best tool when they have to pick between the two. This is why a detailed look at DEWALT vs. Milwaukee impact drivers can be the main key to determining which is the ideal power tool for your needs.

We will focus more on the impact driver this time to see how they can compare the two brands. Once you understand what each brand makes, then you would decide knowing it is the right one.

Read on to learn more!

DEWALT vs. Milwaukee Impact Driver Review

1. DEWALT DCF887D2 20V MAX XR Li-ion 2.0 Ah Brushless 0.25″ 3-Speed Impact Driver Kit

If you’re a professional, you mustn’t settle for less than a brushless motor. They are the ideal pick if you want efficiency, power, and durability. Moreover, they tend to last longer, run quieter and cooler, don’t need maintenance, and get more done on a single battery charge.

That said; let’s take a look at the DEWALT DCF887D2 impact driver that is featured in this kit as well as the next tool below.

Plenty Lighter

This impact driver only weighs just 2.65 lbs. without its battery, and only measures 5.3 inches back-to-front. Already, you can see that it is plenty lighter and much smaller compared to a typical impact driver. But remember that its size won’t dictate its power.

More Energy-efficient

The brushless motor puts out an incredible 1825 inches per pound of torque at speeds of up to 3250 RPM with 3600 IPM. It also comes with a 3-speed transmission and a variable speed trigger for accurate results. In fact, if you want serious accuracy, put it in its first gear and take it slow with torque up to 240 inches per pound.

The 2^nd and 3^rd gears range between 0-2800 ROM and 0-3250 RPM, with up to 1500 inches per pound of twisting power in second gear, and 1825 inches per pound in third gear.

On a side note, if you want to sink 3-inch deck screws into a redwood, then no worries because this impact driver can become your favorite power tool when it comes to putting together 2-by-4s and such.

Quick Change Chuck

Moreover, the chuck on this impact driver is a ¼ inches hex chuck so you can only use bits with hex shanks. But on the positive side, changing bits is really effortless. Simply slide back your sleeve, pop in the bit, and voila, you’re done. You can do that with just a single hand. This impact driver will accept bits as short as 1 inch long.

Around its chuck are 3 LED lights. They get rid of shadows where you’re working much better compared to earlier models that only have one LED. These operate on a twenty-second shutoff delay. They run on the same battery pack as the impact driver does.

High Capacity Li‑ion Batteries

Furthermore, the batteries that come in this kit have a 2.0Ah capacity. That doesn’t imply that they’ll run for 2 hours straight. In case you don’t know, 1 Ah means a device using one ampere of current can operate for an hour under perfect conditions.

If your driver requires more than one amp current, it will run for less time. Doubling the amp-hours or capacity of the battery pack doesn’t imply that it will operate for twice as long but it will get about a 30% enhancement.

If you want an impact driver for heavy-duty jobs, then you don’t want to settle for anything that doesn’t come with a brushless motor. That’s why this power tool from DEWALT has just that and a ton more features that make it an incredible hand tool to work with.

It only weighs 2.65 pounds without a battery and measures 5.3 inches from nose to tail. Despite its compact size and lightweight, don’t think that this won’t perform well, because it will actually give you impressive performance.

The brushless motor gives an incredible 1825 inch per pound of torque with optimal speeds of up to 3,250 RPM. Again, it’s much better because it comes with a standard 3-speed transmission and speed trigger that gives exact accuracy when working with various materials.

PROS:

• Made in USA with global materials
• Compact wand lightweight design to fit into tight areas
• One-handed loading ¼ inches hex chuck with easy grip sleeve
• Comes with 3-LED lights with 20 second delay after trigger release
• Precision drive in speed 1 for accurate applications and extra control
• 3 speed settings for optimal application versatility
• Incorporated with brushless motor and XR li-ion batteries

CONS:

• The switch to adjusting the power is quite hard to move
• The battery life is quite short

2. Milwaukee 2753-20 M18 Fuel 1/4 Hex Imp Driver tool Only

The first generation of Milwaukee M18 Fuel Impact drivers is actually a  huge hit. It was time for the manufacturer to build on this success with a new product. This is no easy task given the great expectations. Gladly, their engineers managed to come up with a wonderful package.

Powerful and Reliable Tool

This impact driver won’t disappoint you. All of the good features remained and nifty innovations were all added. To sum it up, the new impact driver is more powerful even though it has a smaller size. This winning amalgamation aids in many real-world settings.

Now, if you ever find yourself wanting to get home projects done on your own, then you should invest in a decent and reliable power tool that can help you get your project easily done.

Great Speed

A good option that could absolutely bring the speed and power that you need to finish your general home tasks is the Milwaukee 2753-20 M18. It can give you up to 1,800 inches of torque and no-load speeds of 0-3,000 RPM, and 0-3700 IPM. All these significant features you can get at a really good price.

Furthermore, this impact driver comes with a four-mode drive that might need a little bit of getting used to for those who really can’t gauge how much power to use in each application.

Nevertheless, with just small practice, you’ll be able to see that more mode settings can give you more control.

Keep in mind that this product is a bare tool, thus you’ll need to buy separate chargers and batteries. If you already own other power tools from Milwaukee’s 18V REDLITHIUM line, you can use those.

Workplace Ergonomics

This cordless power tool is only 5.25 inches in length and has 2.1 pounds in weight. Anyone can bring this around a house or workstation while completing a certain task.

Its enhanced ergonomics provide a nice feel in the user’s hands. Its small size implies that it can be utilized in tight spaces and held at odd angles with no issues at all.

POWERSTATE Brushless Motor

Aside from that, its brushless powers-state motor is highly efficient. In fact, it can deliver up to 1,800 inches per pounds of torque in order to make your jobs a breeze.

This makes it the most powerful tool in its category. No project is too small or too big for this compact power tool. You don’t need to reach for larger impact drivers since this can tackle most majorities of any tasks.

4-Mode Drive Control

Switch between tasks effortlessly using its 4-mode drive control. Each setting corresponds with particular output power and speed for extra accuracy. Mode 1 goes from 0-850 RPM, Mode 2 goes from 0-2,100 RPM, and Mode 3, goes from 0-3,000 RPM.

Remember that mode 4 is the most fascinating among them since it is an amalgamation of all these with automatic adjustments. It’s also known as the self-tapping screw setting and is activated in 3 stages. The 1^st stage is a controlled start where the speed ramps up to 3,000 RPM to minimize walking.

The next one is the fast-driving phase where it spins at 3,000 RPM to go through the material immediately. And lastly, it slows down to a controlled finish of up to 750 RPM to reduce the incidence of stripping and breaking.

Fast Repair Turn-around

No, when it comes to maintenance, a regular one is highly suggested. Clean the contacts on the battery pack to guarantee full power during operation. Remove dust from its vents.

Once or twice every year, depending on the frequency of use, take the tool to a Milwaukee service facility for cleaning, inspection, mechanical testing, and of course lubrication. The battery pack and charger must also be taken care for an electrical inspection.

Overall, this impact driver from Milwaukee is the right tool for you if you want something that can handle your day-to-day general applications. On a side note, contractors can also benefit from 2753-20 since it can provide the necessary speed and power that can get their tasks done.

This high-performing power tool is very convenient to use and is very versatile as well as durable. It provides you with a number of speed options for extra control.

Also, this power tool also utilizes advanced battery technology that Milwaukee specially designed to provide you with a better-performing tool that’s worth your hard-earned money.

PROS:

• Comes with a four-drive mode
• Brushes and cordless for more operation time and efficiency
• Very compact at 2.1 pounds in weight and 5.25 inches in length
• Powered by a REDLITHIUM 18 volts battery
• Have no-load speeds of 0-3000 RPM and 0-3700 IPM
• Boasts 1800 inches per pounds of maximum torque
• Excellent warranty offer
• More ergonomic design

CONS:

• Its reverse button might stick
• Bit holder can wear out fast
• Its four-drive mode needs to get a little getting used to

More You Should to Know…

Each time a person wants a top-performance power tool, Milwaukee and DeWalt are easily among the top brands that come to mind.

Considering that these two brands have been making professional-grade tools for decades, it is easy to see why many would want to enjoy more of their tools.

Whether you want tools for commercial use or DIY, both brands will always have something for you.

History Behind DeWalt

DeWalt was founded about a year earlier than Milwaukee in 1923. Ever since the brand has managed to take a lead in the power tools sector. It does not matter what the brand makes as it always gets the exposure that the brand expects.

That is what you get when you make quality tools for the masses.

Going back to its first days, DeWalt’s first product was a radial arm saw. That did not stop the brand from branching out to create different types of products. Right now, the DeWalt product lineup comprises drills, sanders, axes, hammers, nailers, saws, and many other tools and equipment.

Looking at DeWalt’s slogan reads “Guaranteed Tough.” Well, you can never go wrong with a DeWalt power tool. The slogan simply emphasizes that the brand makes the best quality products you would want to own for various applications.

DeWalt has changed ownership to a competitor in the past. Yes, DeWalt was sold to Black + Decker in 1960. Instead of Black + Decker completely absorbing its operations, DeWalt was left to remain independent. That is how DeWalt still remains a formidable brand today.

DeWalt focuses more on the professional tools sector while Black + Decker makes consumer related tools and equipment for home use.

Although there might be brands that cost less than DeWalt tools, people are always willing to spend more to get DeWalt to build quality, performance, and durability.

History Behind Milwaukee

Milwaukee Electric Tool Company was established in 1924 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin just as the name suggests.

Even in the early years of the brand, it liked to differentiate itself from other brands by being more innovative and creating quality tools. The company’s first product was a hand shooter, which was the first one of its kind.

Right now, the company is over 90 years old and edging towards the century mark. Over the decades, the brand has managed to come up with different products in various niches. Every best power tool that you can imagine, Milwaukee will have it.

Milwaukee’s product portfolio includes drills, outdoor equipment, hand tools, construction, saws, and more.

The company has also been part of the many firsts in its field. A great example is when Milwaukee was the first brand to have lithium-ion batteries in its power tools. Ever since the brand has had a reputation for having long-lasting and powerful batteries.

Looking at its slogan, it reads “Nothing but Heavy Duty.” There is no doubt it speaks volumes about what the brand and products are all about. It is why most of the products are geared towards the heavy-duty and professional users.

Even if you want to work on some simple home projects, do not worry as Milwaukee will also have tools for you. Because of the strong reputation of the brand, it is easy to find Milwaukee dealers in many countries promoting such quality tools.

Key Features to Look for When Purchasing A Drill

The Type of Drill Drivers

Before you can choose the right drill, you have to understand what you need. This will determine the type of drill that you finally settle on in the end.

So, what are some of the common types of drills you can get in the market? The common types are pocket screwdrivers, drill drivers, combi drills, impact drivers, hammer drills, SDS hammer drills, and breakers & demolition drills.

Each of the type of drill mentioned above will have an area where best you can use it. So, ensure that you understand what each type is about before making that decision.

Corded vs Cordless

In the world of drills, you are likely to get them categorized as either corded or cordless. This sometimes can make it hard for some people to make up their minds about which one would be best for them.

Corded drills main advantages include having more power, speed or RPM, and better endurance to handle tough applications.

Depending on the model, the corded drills will have a power of around 3 to 7 amps. Having a higher amp rating means it is more powerful. As for the speed, it would be anywhere from 400 to 3000RPM controlled by a trigger switch.

The downside is that you always have to be close to an electrical outlet to power it. If the electrical outlet is not near, extension cords might be necessary.

As for the cordless models, the biggest advantage is mobility. Since you are not bound to the power cord, you will experience more flexibility and versatility when using a cordless drill.

Also, the cordless drills will have a speed selector. This allows you to effectively control the drill better. The speed of such drills will be from 400 to 1500 RPM depending on the unit.

As much as the battery might be its greatest advantage, a weak battery can be its downside. You might have to recharge it a lot more often to keep using the drill.

It might be why many people like to have two batteries so that when one is recharging you are still working on a project.

Speed

The drill speed determines which materials it would be able to drill into. The speed is measured in terms of revolutions per minute or RPM. The manufacturers will proudly display this value so that you can buy knowing the speed you are getting.

Depending on the drill type, some are designed to have adjustable speed options. This means that you can increase or decrease the speed depending on your needs.

It is best to go for a model with more operating speed so that you can handle as many materials as possible.

The Power Rating

The power of a drill can either be in volts or amps. The power rating determines the amount of power you will have at your disposal at any time when working on a project.

When you have to handle thick materials, then you need the power to be higher so that you can go through the materials with ease.

If it is a cordless drill, the battery should be of high capacity. The high-capacity batteries will give you an endless power supply so that you can achieve the ultimate project goals.

Size and Weight

We cannot forget to mention the size and weight of the drill as key considerations. These two are always going to affect the ease of use and strain on your hands.

DeWalt and Milwaukee make drills of varying weights and sizes. You can choose the class of drill expecting it to weigh a certain weight and be of a certain size.

A lightweight drill can be good for reducing the strain on your hands, but can it be powerful just as you want? Those are some of the things to ask yourself when buying a drill.

Recommendation

Before picking any of these two impact drivers, it is actually wise to consider the objective for which you’re purchasing these tools. The DEWALT impact driver is pretty impressive in terms of weight and size but loses out to the Milwaukee impact driver in terms of pricing.

On the other hand, in terms of warranty, the Milwaukee impact driver is a much better pick since it covers 5 years while the DEWALT impact driver only covers a period of 3 years.

Both of these impact drivers can give excellent power, which implies that you can get the job done within just a short amount of time.

Furthermore, their handles and other grip features are designed almost to perfection. It is worth remembering that both of these impact drivers are able to live up to the trend that they’re well given.