Makita Vs Milwaukee Cordless Impact Driver [Full Comparison]

Which is better – Makita or Milwaukee?

It’s a good question. In this world of power tools, these two are heavyweights. In particular, Milwaukee in the past decade or so has really come to be considered as the absolute best of the best when it comes to power tools.

If you want to have an incredible power tool collection, make your colleagues jealous, and blow your mind performance-wise, then choose Milwaukee.

On the other hand, if you want the best, then you obviously you’re paying for the best. That said, Milwaukee tools are probably the priciest of the bunch out there.

In this review, we’ll take a head-to-head look at Makita vs. Milwaukee, discuss a couple of things, and try and comprehend whether or not it’s really worth to spend your hard-earned money on one of them.

Brief Histories between Makita vs. Milwaukee

If you’re one of the people who prefer to support American brands, then Milwaukee is obviously the best pick here.

Milwaukee was established in 1924 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and it began out mainly as an electric tool repair enterprise until they made it big with a small electric hand drill that they originally engineered for Henry Ford.

On the other hand, Makita is a Japanese brand that coincidentally also began as an electric repair company.

They probably ought to be regarded as the biggest developers in the power tool industry since they were the first to introduce cordless power tools even way back in the late 70s. Thus, even though DEWALT may have revolutionized the cordless industry in the early 90’s, they definitely weren’t the first to think of or engineer them.

Presently, both companies are gigantic conglomerates with manufacturing facilities all over the globe. Even though Milwaukee is located in Brookfield,

Wisconsin, the brand is actually owned by Techtronic, which is a massive Hong-Kong based investment company.

Production-wise, as we mentioned, both companies have manufacturing/assembly facilities around the world. The majority of Milwaukee’s manufacturing is outsourced to China, the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, and Japan.

Makita vs. Milwaukee Impact Driver Review

1. Makita XDT13Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Impact Driver

For the most part, the world is in a glorious cycle in terms of power tool development, with cordless tools coming to the market every single week. Try to look hard enough and you’ll surely find a new impact driver in the mix.

All through, the Makita Company has been pushing the envelope and releasing the Makita XDT13Z impact driver. For most brands, new impact drivers normally imply making them more compact or more powerful compared to their last version.

In terms of this model, Makita did make its size smaller a bit further, but they didn’t stop there. On paper, this impact driver from Makita is a bare tool unit that seems very durable.

You must expect up to 3,400 RPM, 3,600 IMP, and 1,500 inches per pound of torque. RPM or revolution per minute on this unit is pretty much high in the ranking and provides you with faster screw driving.

The specs of this model are ideal for fast screw driving. The torque rating offers enough power for handling small lag screws, so you’ll need to decide just how far into the realm of the impact wrench world you expect the power tool to go.

Furthermore, this unit only measures 5 inches long and offers an ergonomic handle as well as rubber over-mold. Its textured design gives it a slightly more secure grip.

The unit only weighs 3.3 lbs. with its battery included providing its users maximal comfort while working overhead.

Aside from that, this impact driver provides you with great power and is a no-frills unit. Compared to other drivers that come with multiple modes for various applications, the XDT13Z provides you with only one.

Its variable speed trigger offers you no slop at all, it is easy to control the driver, and you’ll get the speed you’re looking for along the range of 0-3,400 RPM range.

This impact driver is also incorporated with Star Protection Technology. Makita made the Star Protection Computer Controls system for enhanced and extended battery life.

The tech fitted in this unit lets for communication between it and its battery, exchanging information in real-time while monitoring conditions during use to protect against overloading, over-discharging, and over-heating.  It also comes with 18V LXT compact li-ion batteries which powers and improves its versatility.

Now speaking of battery, battery life on this impact driver is pretty much out of this world as it provides you with constant immense energy for days without even slowing down on its performance.

The battery is engineered to charge very fast, ensuring of consistent use and enabling you to finish your work much faster.

This tool powers up surprisingly fast, and you can use a host of screw heads with it. You’ll also be surprised by how fast it is to unscrew nuts and bolts, even when deeply suppressed into a certain material.

Overall, the Makita XDT13Z impact driver is a powerful tool that will surely suit your needs whether small tasks or heavy-duty projects around your home. Makita is prominent for its brushless motor technology and impact drivers.

Makita XDT13Z is a reflection of these advancements and ensures that it will give you constant power, no matter the application is, without needing to worry about your batteries running out of juice.

PROS:

• Built-in twin LED lights to illuminate the working area
• Soft, rubberized grip increases on-the-job comfort
• Compact and ergonomic design at only 5 inches long
• Convenient ¼ inch one-touch hex chuck making bit changes quick and easy
• Enhanced resistance against water and dust due to its Extreme Protection Technology
• Comes with variable speed brushless motor
• Excellent maximum torque
• Electronically controlled brushless motor for optimized battery use
• Engineered using high-quality steel combined with a unique process of heat hardening

CONS:

• The motor spin seems cheap
• It is lightweight so it might not be that strong for certain users

2. Milwaukee 2656-20 M18 18V 1/4 Inch Lithium Ion Hex Impact Driver with 1,500 Inch Pounds of Torque and LED Lighting Array

Whether you’re a pros contractor, a beginner, or a do-it-yourself enthusiast, power tools have been very beneficial over conventional tools and have been instrumental in completing the work in much lesser time with improved safety. With that said, power tools might be quite pricier tools considering their advanced utilities and features.

That’s why the tools must be selected that would work best for your needs and will add value to the hard-earned money you spent because both overpowered and under-powered tools can provide disastrous for your tasks.

Now, there are various brands that are producing and selling cordless power tools. Milwaukee is one of those leading companies that are manufacturing highly durable and efficient power tools since 1924.

For driving hefty fasteners including thick screws or lag bolts, you must have a powerful impact driver. Milwaukee gives the power you need with a simple, and very compact design that can consistently outperform the competition.

The Milwaukee 2656-20 impact driver has the necessary features that make a successful impact driver. It has a powerful motor, controlled by a variable speed trigger, and creates up to 3,450 IPM, more than enough for a vast variety of Jobsite tasks.

Its LED lighting and textured handle aid you work in dark and slippery conditions without any issue at all, giving you accurate control over an evenly-lit work surface.

The electronic parts in this impact driver communicate with the M18 batteries that power it, minimizing the risk of overheating.

Combine that with its compact size as well as its ambidextrous belt clip and you’re looking at a tool that you can bring to most workspaces and find some utility from. Whatever the job, a Milwaukee by your side can make sure it’s done right.

This impact driver features drive control wherein the consumer has an option to choose any of the two fastening modes depending on the job. The sockets can be altered easily with the help of a friction ring provided with ½ inches anvil of Milwaukee impact wrench

Aside from that, this impact driver comes with two numbers of long-lasting Red Lithium XC4.0 battery packs, a robust carrying case at a reasonable price and a battery charger. This cordless impact wrench comes with an excellent rating online.

PROS:

• Works with the M18 family of lithium-ion batteries
• Comes with REDLINK technology
• Incorporated with variable speed trigger
• Textured handle
• Comes with LED lighting that can make your workstation illuminated at all times
• Super speedy
• Great for removing under-hood engine cover or under-car splash shield

CONS:

• Only comes with one speed

Recommendation

Makita and Milwaukee are two power tool powerhouses, and they don’t only have a vast range of products but few other brands in the market today can actually match their quality.

While the Milwaukee 2656-20 M18 won this roundup, you can’t also go wrong with the Makita XDT13Z since it is actually almost as good.

All in all, both brands have also many other combo kits in the market if these ones don’t really impress you. And so, what you pick between the two must always depend on your certain preferences and needs.