Makita 18V vs. Milwaukee 18V Cordless Drill Driver [Must-Read]

Makita is a Japanese company that started out as an electric repair company way back in 1915.

On the other hand, Milwaukee is an American-born company that started in 1924 primarily as an electric tool repair business. Both have been around for so long that they have already expanded into more than just electric repair businesses.

Nowadays, both brands are highly regarded power tool innovators and manufacturers that pros and non-pros alike trust and love.

Let us look at two drill driver kits each made by these two companies side by side, so you can determine which one would be perfect for your needs.

Makita XPH012 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Driver Drill Kit

The Makita XPH012 is a monster that has both hammer drill and driver functions. You can easily shift from hammer drill to driver mode and guarantees perfection in performing both these functions.

It is absolutely everything you would want in a cordless drill. It drills, screws, and hammer drills, a range not a lot of other tools can rival.

This product uses a four-pole motor that is capable of delivering 480 in. lbs. of maximum torque that allows you to work on concrete and masonry.

It has two-speed transmissions that give you low speeds of up to 400 RPM and high speeds of up to 1,500 RPM, exactly what every worker needs for most of drilling jobs.

It is ergonomically designed to be lightweight and compact. Weighing 9.7 pounds and measuring 8 1/8 inches long, it fits your hand like a glove and lets you work on super tight spaces and overhead angles comfortably.

You can even endure longer periods without the drill causing strain or fatigue on your arm and wrist.

Working with the Makita XPH012 is made simpler and even more convenient with the built-in LED light that keeps your work area well-lit.

It runs on a long-lasting 18V lithium-ion battery that can be recharged in just 30 minutes. Its light weight also adds to its overall versatility.

Pros: This tool is ideal for drilling through hard surfaces such as concrete, steel, and wood surfaces with the power offered by its torque.

Its speeds are suited for most household and commercial drilling jobs. This is perfect for those looking for an affordable and reliable tool.

• Uses a four-pole motor
• Has a high-power torque
• Has a two-speed gear design
• Lightweight and versatile
• Great value for money

Cons: Surprisingly, this drill driver does not have any major drawbacks. However, some users think it is not powerful enough for concrete bathroom slab drilling and other similar tasks.

Other users also claim that this drill requires extra attention to avoid untoward damage. Regardless of these comments, just holding the tool allows you to feel the workmanship involved in making it. It is undoubtedly made of high quality.

• Some users complain of low power
• High maintenance

Milwaukee 2606-22CT M18 Drill Driver Kit

If you are faced with demanding work that needs to be done quickly and easily, then the Milwaukee 2606-22CT is what you need.

It is equipped with Milwaukee’s RedLink Intelligence that protects your tool and its battery from overheating—a great safety feature, no doubt. You will not have to worry about burning the motor for any reason.

This drill driver is built to last and perform under the toughest work conditions. It uses a four-pole motor that can reach up to 500 in. lbs. of torque.

Its two-speed transmission offers low speeds of up to 400 RPM and high ranges of up to 1,800 RPM. You can drill just about all sizes of screws into different types of materials.

The ½-inch all-metal ratcheting chuck the tool uses lets you get a tight grip on both round and hex shank bits. It is compatible with a wide variety of accessories including sanding pads, hole saws, and wire brushes.

Weighing just 9.3 pounds, it is very light for an 18V cordless drill. You can even work in cramped spaces like the insides of a cabinet or a drawer.

It has a built-in LED light that is very convenient to use for poorly lit work surfaces and offers you illumination should you find yourself having to work at night.

The drill has a metal gear case that is durable to withstand drops. The handle has a comfortable design and a non-slip texture, which allows you to work bare-handedly.

Included in this kit are two lithium-ion batteries that can fully charge in just 30 minutes. Each battery has a fuel gauge that lets you know if it is time for a recharge. If you own other power tools, the charger can refill both 12V and 18V batteries.

Pros: One of the fastest drills around, this can easily drive 3.5-inch #10 screws with no problem. Driving small screws or drilling into soft materials would prove to be a breeze with this drill driver.

• Comes with Milwaukee’s RedLink Intelligence
• Uses a four-pole frameless motor
• Quick charging battery
• Powerful torque
• Has 16+1 clutch settings

Cons: This tool does not have a hammer drill feature, so if you are working with masonry projects, then this is not recommended for use.

• No bit holder or belt hook
• Does not have a hammer drill option

Makita vs. Milwaukee 18V Cordless Drill Comparison

The Ma7kita XPH012 and the Milwaukee 2606-22CT are both workhorses and can perfectly manage almost all drilling and driving needs of professionals and homeowners alike. Both these kits come at a very affordable price.

It is evident in their features that, of the two, the Milwaukee 2606-22CT has more power and speed than the Makita XPH012. However, if you want a tool that lets you go further, the latter comes with a hammer drill feature that the former lacks.

Recommendation

Whether you are building a house or you want a tool to take with you to the job site, then Makita XPH012 would be your best bet. Because of its hammer drill feature, it opens you up to work on more demanding projects.

For the purposes of probably 90% of homeowners and the average DIYers, the Milwaukee 2606-22CT is highly recommended. It can provide you with more than enough features that are perfect for your variety of needs.