Greg ran into some misfortune and is now facing a tough decision. Should he buy back into Dewalt’s 20V Max cordless power tool lineup, or find what he needs, except smaller, lighter, and less powerful, in Milwaukee’s M12 lineup?
I recently was robbed of a bunch of my Dewalt 20V [Max] cordless tools. Among those stolen: 20V SDS rotary hammer drill, 20V reciprocating saw, and a couple of batteries. Now what I have left are a 20V bandsaw, and a brushless impact, no batteries. I’m trying to decide if I want to make the switch to the M12 tools or buy back Dewalt. What do you suggest?
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Ouch, Greg, I’m really sorry to hear about your losses!
Yours is a tough situation to be in – a near blank-slate scenario. In general, 18V and 20V Max tools are still workhorses. You get more power and more capabilities, compared to smaller voltage tools. M12 and 12V Max tools are getting increasingly powerful and cost less than 18V-class equivalents, but they don’t compare head-to-head with 18V-class tools.
Here’s some recent Dewalt 20V Max news, and Milwaukee M12 news. There’s some great stuff coming to both lineups, and fantastic new additions in recent years.
I’m a big fan of Milwaukee’s M12 lineup, but I don’t know if I could use M12 tools instead of 18V-class tools all the time. Much of the time? Surely. Most of the time? Maybe. All of the time? No. I would still need access to either 18V-class cordless tools, or AC-powered corded ones.
The cost, convenience, and comfort of 12V-class tools make them highly appealing. But sentiments now are going to be the same as they were a couple of years when I asked a similar question, but with in regard to homeowner uses.
12V-class tools can be used in ways that 18V-class tools cannot. Most notably, they’re smaller and lighter. But they are also less powerful, often less featured, and other times they lack the size to get things done.
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I think that most professional users would buy back into the Dewalt 20V Max system.
With 12V-class tools, smaller jobs will be easier and more comfortable. But with heavier jobs, the 18V-class tools would be more capable.
If you only buy into one cordless power tool platform, it should be an 18V-class system. If you have funds leftover, or want to mix things up, go for both 12V-class and 18V-class tools. 18V class heavy-hitters, and 12V class tools that you might never need high power or performance for.
Take Milwaukee’s M12 SDS rotary hammer, for example. Drilling smaller 1/4″, 5/16″, or 3/8″ holes in masonry materials? It’ll do it, and without skipping a beat. But if you need to drill a lot of 1/2″ holes, you’d be pushing the tool to its very limits. Need to drill longer or even larger holes? You’ll wish you had an 18V rotary hammer.
That Milwaukee M12 Hackzall compact reciprocating saw pictured above? It won’t hold a candle to an 18V Sawzall or other brand of reciprocating saw.
I say go for both. But if you have to go one way or the other, 18V is the safer choice.
Nathan
I have to agree using tools like that – heavy use – multiple use
I wouldn’t get 12 volt tools except for smaller things – because you need something smaller.
but recip saw – main drill – impact drivers – etc. an 18 or 20 volt device will always have more power though the day.
Also I’m not a contractor – just a DIY’r and occasionally I get to wrench on a plane in a hangar. I don’t own any cordless 12 volt tools. I see no real need for any – yes some of the milwaukee and bosch devices are smaller and more compact than the dewalt offering. but again the 20v (or 18 in others) compact devices do all I need them to do in the places I need them.
since you have some dewalt stuffs – I’d lean you back that direction – just because I assume you still have a charger or 2 – and the re-acquisition should be lighter on your wallet/insurance check.
but brand wise that’s preference. I was given a few dewalt devices so I leaned that way and kept on.
If on the other hand you want to ditch what you have – depending on where you are and price I might be interested in some of your left overs.
Good Luck
Chris
I recently got some M12 Fuel and M18 Fuel tools, and find myself using the M12 Fuel stuff a lot more. Doing standard in the house stuff or even *above* standard in the house stuff (hanging railings, TV wallmount, etc) the 18V stuff seems like overkill. I know Ill need the 18V power eventually, most likely for outdoor projects, demo of inside rooms, etc. But Im quite surprised at how useful the 12V stuff has turned out to be.
So my opinion kind of echoes the article: there is a place for both compact and full size stuff. If you are interested in Milwaukee, look at the 12V Fuel stuff…. power-wise it compared pretty closely to my old 18V NiCD Ridgid set, but obviously has a huge size and weight advantage. For the bigger demo tools (recip saw, circ saw) stick to 18/20V.
Side note: dying to try the 12V rotary hammer from Milwaukee, but dont use it enough to justify it unless there is a REALLY good sale on it. Hopefully someday.
Tyler
I have to agree. Start to buy back into what you already have. It’s not much, but at least you have a start. In this type of scenario it’s better to buy bigger and have more than needed than to buy small and not quite have enough some of the time. With the array of 20v options (including brushless) weight is becoming less and less of an issue when coupled with Li-Ion batteries. If you have the funds and the desire, then buy into the smaller tools. That’s what I did with the Bosch 18v and 12v lineups. I don’t regret it.
SteveR
Greg–You didn’t tell us what you do, but I’ll guess that you’re a contractor that lost his tools off his truck. You should probably stay with the 20V platform; what you had before sounds like demolition-type work that would require the 20V or even corded-power to get the job done. If you were an electrician, you might need a 12-volt drill to get into tight spaces; a carpenter might need one to relieve the weight of a 20V drill that he’s using frequently, particularly for finish work.
As an aside, you need a secure lock-box for your equipment. I’d look for something welded together using 1/8″ -3/16″ steel. You might even go to a welding shop with your needs and have them make one for you. Be sure to spec two combination or key locks on it, which will slow a thief down, if not deter him. And while there’s a temptation to set both locks with the same key or combination for convenience, all I can tell you is: Don’t.
We all get careless or rushed while doing a job, whether at home or at a site, forgetting to secure our tools. My advice is, don’t permit yourself to be rushed; make sure everything is locked up before you walk away from your vehicle. If questioned, explain the situation to the client; he or she will understand.
rx9
Why not m18 or makita 18v? I own 10 m12 tools, and they are great compact tools, but sometimes you just need the 18/20v power. That’s why I also have several m18 tools and a few 18v tools from Dewalt and hitachi as well. Sometimes even more power is needed (landscaping), which is why I have some 40v ryobi tools. If you need a workhorse sds, get it in 18v. If you want to switch systems, ebay is a good place to liquidate your Dewalt stuff.
Changing subject, stealing a man’s tools is a real scumbag move, as you are cutting his income off too. At least if the tv set got jacked, the victim might lose a few pounds and spend more time outside, but with tool theft, there’s no upside.
Christopher Trafnik
I agree I have a 20vmax dewalt drill/impact kit(brushless) to back up My Ryobi 18 volt 6 tool kit. I use my m12 brushed drill/impact more for work.
Pete
The m12 tools have replaced my 18v tools for every day use. I can actually keep both a m12 drill and impact In my tool bag. The m12 will still drill 3/4″ holes in 1/4″ steel. Yes I have to use the #1 speed but it actually saves my drill bits and keeps me from ruining my bits faster.
These are the brushed m12 units by the way. I love them, I keep the 18v tools in the toolbox for only heavy duty jobs.
Jerry
Tough decision, but considering he has a SDS rotary hammer, band saw, brushless impact, plus other tools I’m sure not mentioned makes me think he uses his tools quite a bit, and probably heavy use (you don’t buy a cordless SDS rotary hammer drill for giggles).
Going with that line of thought, I’d have to lean towards the 18V/20 MAx platform. However, if DW doesn’t offer what you want in their lineup, but Milwaukee does, now might be a good time to switch over.
My experiences are that as I age, I prefer to use the smallest, lightest tool that can comfortably handle the job, but I also have found that some of the compact 18/20V stuff, with a compact battery is dang near as small and light as a 12V tool of the same capability, and can use bigger batteries when you need more runtime. If buying into only one platform, I’d lean strongly towards the 18/20V platform. However, if the 12 volt Fuel line has enough performance for all that he foresees doing, they are cheaper, and where max performance is not needed, can be downright tiny in the compact version, and still be usable. As time goes by, I only foresee more performance in the 12V lines, as battery and motor technology improves. If you noticed, the better 12V tools of today seem to have close to the performance of the better 18V tools from just a few years ago.
BikerDad
(you don’t buy a cordless SDS rotary hammer drill for giggles).
Sure you do, it’s just that one must work a ways into one’s S&G (s**ts and giggles) List to get to it. I know I would. 😀
Christopher Trafnik
My 20v DeWalt impact driver is smaller than my m12 brushed.
Joe
Always go loaded for grizzly even though your going for squirrel better to be overgunned than undergunned so go 20v
BikerDad
Actually, your hyperbolic answer demonstrates precisely why two tools is the key. If you’re looking for squirrel, then you load for squirrel. And carry a backup loaded for grizzly. Those not aware of this nuance will go forth loaded for grizzly, and there ain’t gonna be nothin’ left of the squirrel. Makes for a rather pallid squirrel stew.
Tyler
There might not be much left, but one would have to admit that what remains of the squirrel would be tenderized quite nicely.
BikerDad
Ditto. Both.
For the 12v (10.8v actually, but everybody here is marketing it as 12v) stuff, I’d go with M12 Fuel, but I’d probably only get the drill/driver and impact driver to start, then other tools as an actual need occurred.
Use the 18v (20v Max in DeWalt’s market-speak) for the big stuff. I’ve found plenty of situations where my 12v tools just don’t have the oomph necessary to do the job, and I’m only a DIY/woodworker.
Chris Fyfe
I have both M12 and M18 . The 12’s see more use , especially the M12 Fuel impact . I also have the six station , M12 and 18 charger .
Chris
Mark
I’ve managed to stay true to two platforms. Ryobi, which I’ve been into for years since before I was a professional and now Milwaukee as a professional. I’m a Facilities Manager by trade. I own both M12 and M18 Fuel and non Fuel tools. Ryobi, which I contiue to buy to this day are great for lending out to the ever present neighbor, family member , etc. Stings a little less when you don’t get it back in the same condition as it left. My Milwaukee kit does not get lent out to anyone. While my company will buy what we need if I request it, those tools end up being shared among different departments and are never taken care of. Long story short, my guys carry their own personal tools and currently we all carry Milwaukee M12/M18. We walk A LOT an out bags tend to get heavy. We try to carry the smallest example of everything we need i.e. small pipe wrench, 6 in 1 electrical pliers, etc. It’s for this exact reason
Mark
. . . sorry jumped the gun on the reply button.
At any rate it’s for this exact reason I carry an M12 Fuel Hammer Drill. My building is on slab and of course has block walls. The M12 allows me to drill at least up to 1/2″ holes for Tapcons or other anchors or holes for door stops. Obviously it’s light weight as well. That and an M12 magnetic flash light are the only cordless tools I actually carry in my bag. The other side of the coin is that I have two Milwaukee job boxes that carry a charger in each and an M18 Fuel hammer drill, M18 impact driver, M12 multi-tool, M12 right angle drill, M12 band saw, M12 scope, M18 job light and worklight, and the M18 Fuel 7 1/4 circ saw. We never know what we are going to get called to do so having a little everything works but the M12 is my go to tools from 95% MRO type work.
Lloyd
First I suggest that U only consider brushless where they are available. UR never regret it. I had the same dilemma. It’s not D20 vs M12 (or other manufacturer), it’s really the D Ecosystem (for U D20) vs the M Ecosystem comprised of the M12 & M18 platforms. For me M12/M18 work together and complement each other, a comprehensive system of tools supporting my needs. They work together. I have a number of M Fuel’s (and focus on the Fuels here). I find the M12F’s handle 90+% of my work. They are powerful, the drill’s are ½”, and the M12F Hackzall & new M12F Circular Saw are great. The M18F is for the other times. I use the lighter and better balanced M12F because it does the job with less fatigue and chance of injury. I use M12F for more detailed and delicate work. I don’t want to be on a ladder or in other precarious positions if the M18F kicks back and I lose my balance, not mentioning hand, wrist, and increasing repetitive workplace injuries. But I know the M18F is there when I need it. This is the best for me, and I apply this concept when I have to buy into other manufactures systems. BTW, my favorite cordless tool is the (not an M) Dewalt DCF680 Gyro screwdriver. Once I got used t it, I can’t live without it. A gem in my opinion. 🙂
glenn
The decision needs to be based upon your work requirements.
I bought into the M12 line (including the brushed SDS drill) based on the fact that they had almost all of the tools I needed/wanted and so far I have not been disappointed. In fact I have sold off the majority of my 18v tools as I was no longer using them.
We do aircon installs and the only 18v tools we now use are the M18 rotary hammer drill and angle grinder. And when Milwaukee release an M12 angle grinder that will replace the M18 grinder as well.
However, bear in mind our work does not require heavy continuous use, so everything we use is more than adequate in power and run time.
If you do need the extra power the 18v tools offer, might I suggest you also take a look at Makita and Milwaukee as the both offer a huge range of tools.
Mark
I would agree 100%. I have three impact drivers. 1 Ryobi 18v, 1 Milwaukee 12v, and 1 Milwaukee 18v. None of them are brushless. Why? I bought them all on sale and have never lacked for power. The truth, my favorite is the M12. I’d love to have a matching Fuel M12 impact to go with my hammer drill but simply don’t need it. My mom owns a daycare. We recently put together one of those $2000.00 all wooden playsets. I used the M12 non fuel impact driver to driver nearly every screw only switching out M12 2.0 and 1.2 amp hour batteries. It never missed a beat.
glenn
Mark, good point, all my M12 gear is brushed and they are all well up to my needs and I have never regretted my decision to not buy the brushless versions.
I take 2 x 1.5ah and 2 x3.0ah batteries with me every work day and that is well and truly enough.
glenn
Also don’t discount Ryobi 18v tools if you are on a budget. They are far better than a lot of people give them credit for. I bought into the the One+ line when it was first released and still own a few tools that I cant yet replace in the M12 line.
They are well built and in my experience tough and reliable. Granted they are not quite as powerful or as well built as the pro brands but they could serve as an inexpensive interim replacement for you.
sloth
I’ve used most of the tools on the market at work and the M12 Fuel stuff has relegated my Makita 18v stuff to home use as an electrician. The small size and light weight of the M12 has been a godsend when it comes to lugging stuff around a jobsite or on service calls. 95% of the time I don’t need the extra power from the bigger tools and if I do, I’ll break out a corded tool.
JT
Just throwing out my opinion, I would switch over to M12 (preferably fuel). Smaller package with plenty of power. I own both m12 and m18 stuff, but now I am switching over to 100% m12. Just got the m12 fuel circular saw, its easier to handle with matching (if not more) power than my old m18 (previous generation non-fuel).
Btw, you can find plenty of m12 stuff on sale, which is how I built up my collection so fast.
We will get to a point where m12 fuel will catch up to the m18 (at least previous generation non-fuel).
JT
Forgot to mention, but the m12 hackzall has plenty of power! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s89BsZuesGM
Dwain (OZ Tool Talk)
I like 18V tools because i find them comfier, despite their greater size and weight. The thickness of the handle contributes to comfort just as much as weight does, and the battery style of most 12V lines makes their handles thick. Many compact 18v are just as short anyway:
Example:
M12 FUEL – Torque: 350 in-lbs – Weight 2.9lbs – Tool Length: 7.6”
M18 Compact – Torque: 500 in-lbs – Weight 3.9lbs – Tool Length: 7.7”
The M18 compact is more comfortable to me despite the extra lb.
Blythe M
I have the m18 fuel stuff and Bosch 12v stuff, and most of the time I carry the 12v because it is adequate for most remodel/light framing work that I do. Repetitive work(deck boards and such), all day framing, and demo work then the big stuff comes out. Not that the Bosch stuff can’t handle it but the tools start to get hot and then the battery life suffers
Blythe M
One more thought, my only regret it not getting the m12 stuff, mostly because it would eliminate having to carry 2 different chargers
Chaz R Krueger
The M12 batteries and fuel set will outlast the lowest end Dewalt 18v all day. The new stuff from Milwaukee is crazy. All the internal parts in Milwaukee tools are metal whereas the parts in Dewey’s are plastic. The big reason Dewalt is in the same class as milwaukee is one word – marketing. Some of their tools are good, but I’ve used the majority of both and milwaukee is just so much more solid.
Dave
If you can swing the $$. I’d buy an M-18 hammer drill and an m-18 circular saw, (definately go “fuel” on the saw) and then go deeper into the M-12 lineup as they’ll do 90% or more of what most people do and are smaller, lighter, handier and cheaper.
OnTheWeb
I just built a 12×24′ deck with M12 Fuel 5-3/8″ circular saw. It cut the 2×8’s, 2×10’s for fascias, and 4×4’s without too much trouble. It’s a good little beast with a sharp blade on it and I do use a cutting square faithfully which helps eliminate binding. Kind of fun to use a ‘little’ saw to do big stuff. It was nice to use for trimming the siding up like you have to for deck ledgers.
That said, if you are doing paying work or can only have one saw you need the 18v. While the M12 can do the tasks in a pinch and basic homeowner stuff, I felt like it was in the ‘just being able to do it range,’ at least with treated lumber stuff. So, I would be perfectly fine going out to do a miscellaneous job with the M12 Fuel, but if I were going out to do any sizeable project with anything bigger than 2×6’s I would want the M18.
Brian M
I’m planning to buy into both 12’s and 18’s. Right now I need a hammer drill, and even though I love the 12v line, I can’t justify spending more for the 12v fuel hammer drill when the 18v is cheaper with more power. On the other hand I do not need a 18v impact driver, the 12v will be perfect for me. There are too many determining factors when buying a tool. You can’t just say that you’ll only buy 18v or only buy 12v, because as a previous poster said,” You can’t go squirrel hunting with a grizzly gun.” Get what you think will work for you. That’s why I love Milwaukee tools. For every 18v tool there is a 12v little brother, or its just around the corner.
OnTheWeb
For a hammerdrill class, I would definitely go 18v unless you very rarely need it.
Drilling concrete with the 12v the thing gets hot fairly quickly and even though it’s gutsy for a 12v it just seems like the wrong tool for doing that. You can spend $70 and get a corded B&D hammerdrill to handle the concrete stuff and won’t cry if you burn it up.
12v stuff is great for indoor work, it’s lighter and easier to carry around all day or if you do overhead work. The 12v fuel impact has dual modes for light or heavy work, too.
Steve
I bought the m12 fuel drill and driver set…they’re nearly the same size as the 18v when you use the larger batteries. Stick with the 18v or 20v in either brand. I will say that the Dewalts feel a lot better in hand to me, much more ergonomic.