Professional tool reviews for professionals
When you compare Makita and DEWALT, there is no easy answer. Like most of our comparisons, it largely comes down to your personal preferences or needs. Nevertheless, there is still a lot to learn about these two power tool giants, which can help you decide where to spend your hard-earned money, or just let you know more.
Makita's history can be traced back to 1915, when it specialized in motor sales and maintenance. Mosaburo Makita founded this company in Nagoya, Japan.
In 1958, Makita released its first electric tool-a portable electric planer. Later that same year, before the first circular saw and electric drill came out in 1962, the portable slotting machine came out.
Fast forward to 1978 (disturbingly close to the year I was born) and we saw Makita's first wireless tool. The 7.2V cordless drill took 10 years to develop, and by 1987 the production line had 15 compatible tools. The more powerful 9.6V production line has 10 tools.
In 1985, the American Makita Corporation opened a manufacturing and assembly plant in Buford, Georgia.
After entering the millennium, Makita developed the first brushless motor fastening tool for the defense and aerospace industries in 2004. In 2009, Makita had the first brushless impact driver, and in 2015, the 18V LXT ushered in the 100th compatible tool.
In 1924, after Raymond DeWalt invented the radial arm saw, DeWalt Products Company was established in Leola, Pennsylvania (some sources say 1923). His first product was "Wonder Worker"-a saw that can be configured in 9 different ways. He also has a special mortise and seam.
American Machine Foundry acquired DeWalt in 1949 and sold it to Black and Decker in 1960.
In 1992, DeWalt launched the first series of portable power tools for residential contractors and professional woodworkers. Two years later, they launched 30 cordless tools and led the 14.4V power game. During this release, DeWalt also claimed to have the first combination drill/driver/hammer drill.
In 2000, DeWalt acquired Momentum Laser, Inc. and Emglo Compressor Company. In 2010, they launched the first tool with a maximum voltage of 12V and switched to a lithium-ion tool with a maximum voltage of 20V a year later.
In 2013, as DeWalt plans to transfer manufacturing back to the United States, while still using global materials, brushless motors have also joined the product line.
Tool Connect was launched in 2015, followed by FlexVolt multi-voltage technology in 2016.
In short, Makita owns Makita. That's them. Makita acquired Dolmar not long ago, and they have been packaging it under the Makita brand name.
Makita shares are traded on the over-the-counter market.
DeWalt belongs to SBD-Stanley Black and Decker Group. They have a very broad portfolio of brands:
They also own 20% of MTD Products. Stanley Black and Decker is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Makita's global headquarters is located in Anjo, Japan. The American Makita company is located in Buford, Georgia, and is headquartered in La Miranda, California.
They also have a site in Mt. Prospect, Illinois, and Dallas and Wilmer, Texas.
All in all, Makita has 10 factories in 8 different countries including Brazil, China, Mexico, Romania, the United Kingdom, Germany, Dubai, Thailand and the United States.
Stanley Black and Decker and DeWalt are headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland.
There are 7 American manufacturing plants:
Globally, they use parts made in Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, Italy, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Both Makita and DeWalt are major brands in the power tool industry. In the space where we have to compare Makita and DeWalt in each tool category, this is impossible, so we will sample the most popular categories.
In general, compared to DeWalt, Makita is known for improving quality and at a higher price. However, both brands are considered comprehensive professional-level tools.
Both brands provide a 3-year warranty for their cordless tools, and DeWalt added a 90-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year service agreement. Both support their batteries for 3 years.
View DeWalt's full warranty details here and Makita here.
Both Makita and DeWalt have deep diamond series, with excellent choices in 18V/20V Max and 12V levels. DeWalt tends to perform better in our positive tests of flagship models.
In other words, we haven't tested Makita's XPH14, so there is more! The following is the combination of each brand's flagship model:
In terms of features, DeWalt DCD999 is ready for tool connection-if you need this feature, just add a chip. Compared with Makita's 2 speed, it is also a 3 speed drill. One thing to remember is that the best performance can only be achieved with FlexVolt batteries, and these batteries are very powerful. If you want lighter weight, you will have to give up some performance.
In contrast, Makita's XPH14 mainly maintains the same basic feature set and quality design while improving performance over its previous model. If you decide to use a smaller 2.0Ah battery, it will not significantly degrade performance like FlexVolt Advantage.
The table flips in the impact drive, and Makita has an advantage. In our tests, their flagship impact drivers tend to be more compact, lighter, and perform better than DeWalt.
In terms of intelligence, this is a matter of preference. DeWalt utilizes the application-based Tool Connect system to customize control, tracking and viewing diagnostics. Makita has built several auxiliary modes that can be used without an application.
Breaking down the feature set, both of these are 4-speed models with electronic control. DeWalt's Tool Connect allows you to customize each of these settings, and provides "last seen" tracking through the app, as well as a wealth of diagnostic information.
Makita maintains its intelligence through two self-tapping screw modes and a slow start assist mode. There is also a reverse rotation automatic stop mode. The button directly below the LED light is programmable, allowing you to quickly switch between the two modes you like. If you choose not to program it, it will only cycle between the four standard modes.
Makita has developed a series of cordless impact wrenches a bit more than DeWalt, although DeWalt covers a similar range. Although Makita does not have any pneumatic impact wrenches, DeWalt maintains the smallest production line.
Makita’s cordless products range from compact to 3/4-inch, 1250-foot-pound beasts, and 7/16-inch hexagons for utility workers.
The DeWalt's body size is also very compact, only 3/4 inches, but it stops a bit short at a weight of 1200 ft-lbs on its largest model. Like Makita, they have a 7/16 inch hexagon for utility work.
For smart control, DeWalt has a mid-torque model with Tool Connect enabled, and Makita expands its assist mode technology to multiple options.
The following is a quick comparison of the most advanced mid-torque models of each brand:
As we saw in the Tool Connect impact driver, DeWalt's smart impact wrench has customizable settings (3 instead of 4 this time), tracking and diagnostics. The Precision Wrench and Precision Tap assist modes help control and cut threads.
Makita has 4 standard speed modes, which can be matched with 3 forward assist modes and 3 reverse assist modes.
Both Makita and DeWalt have deep wire cordless circular saws to choose from, with a rear handle and side roll style on the top. They also have some of the most popular wired models.
In addition, both brands offer corded and cordless track saws. If you don't need a complete track saw, Makita will use a rail-compatible rattlesnake to go a little deeper.
Thanks to FlexVolt, DeWalt's latest generation of cordless circular saws cut faster than Makita's 18V X2 in our tests. However, this performance comes at a price, and Makita enjoys lower weight and performance, which of course will not slacken off.
Makita saws also tend to operate more smoothly than DeWalt, and their Max Efficiency blades provide a better stock of blades. If you need more capacity, Makita has a 9 1/4 inch cordless model and a 10 1/4 inch corded model.
DeWalt has several smart saws. Their Power Detect model uses a maximum 20V, 8.0Ah battery to provide more power, and when you use a FlexVolt battery, their FlexVolt Advantage can also provide the same function. There are still tool connections ready to be sawed out.
Makita pioneered AWS-automatic activation of wireless systems. Using compatible cordless tools and vacuum cleaners, pulling the tool trigger will automatically start the vacuum cleaner, so you don’t need to strike it manually.
DeWalt provides a remote control-based system for their cordless FlexVolt vacuum cleaner and wireless tool control system, although no circular saws have been activated yet.
Here is the stacking method for the best cordless rattlesnake saw:
Although DeWalt has launched a cordless circular saw that supports Tool Connect, the DCS578 model is not one of them. However, the FlexVolt Advantage model does.
On the other hand, if dust control is important to you, then XSH07 is Makita’s AWS Rattlesnake. If you don't need this feature, there is also a non-AWS model (XSH06).
DeWalt miter saws are some of the most popular saws, and they are the first to offer us a complete 12-inch cordless model on their FlexVolt series. From the basic model to the double bevel sliding compound miter saw, DeWalt's product lineup is impressive.
Makita also offers an impressive range of corded and cordless options. It is characterized by a direct drive system, which runs more smoothly than belt-driven saws, such as DeWalt's (and almost all other companies).
Let's take a look at these two flagship cordless miter saws:
The advantage of DeWalt is that if you want, they can make a 120V adapter to run their saw on AC power.
Makita includes AWS and automatic transmission on this model to help maintain consistent blade speeds.
DeWalt has a wide range of compressors, from 1-gallon decorative models to 80-gallon stationary compressors. There are many choices in between. They also have a 2-gallon cordless FlexVolt model, which is one of the best cordless compressors.
Makita's air compressor production line is not deep, but what they have is indeed very developed. Their flagship 5.5 HP Big Bore wheelbarrow uses a V-shaped double pump design and is equipped with some of the quietest compressors for indoor work.
OPE is a big business, and both Makita and DeWalt have invested a lot of money in this area. Stanley Black and Decker has a wider range of products in the Craftsman product line, but DeWalt provides contractors and small lawns with 20V Max tools and a more confident FlexVolt 60V Max series. They have a 40V Max range for several years, but they seem to have fallen behind FlexVolt.
Among all major power tool brands, Makita is the most capable and comprehensive in OPE. They have a wide range of tools on the 18V and 18V X2 platforms and professional-grade gas equipment using MM4 four-stroke technology.
What makes Makita's cordless OPE so impressive is that they intend to occupy the market. For example, they have more lawn mowers and cord cutters than most people. The goal is to provide a solution for every user, from those caring for small lawns to commercial lawn caregivers.
There are a good range of Makita 12V tools, but their biggest focus is 18V. They have 2.0Ah, 3.0Ah, 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah and 6.0Ah batteries, of which 2.0Ah and 5.0Ah are in the leading position in most kits.
Makita strengthened their power with 18V X2 cable. Using two 18V batteries and connecting them in series to the tool, they can generate 36V power without having to purchase another battery system. So far, Makita still insists on using 18650 batteries in their batteries, and has not followed the crowd to use larger 21700 batteries.
They also plan to launch XGT 40V tools in the near future.
Makita tends to use Rapid Optimum Charger to package their kits. These fan-cooled chargers can charge a 5.0Ah battery from dead to fully charged in just 45 minutes, and are available in single-port and dual-port models.
DeWalt has an emerging 12V product line that has recently been rejuvenated by brushless motors. However, their main driving force is the 20V Max and 60V Max FlexVolt series.
20V Max batteries are available in 1.5Ah, 2.0Ah, 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah, 6.0Ah, 8.0Ah and 10Ah varieties. 2.0Ah and 5.0Ah battery packs dominate the kit, while the 8.0Ah battery highlights the 20V maximum power detection line, and the 10.0Ah battery pack appears with lawn care products.
The FlexVolt battery can be switched between 20V Max and 60V Max according to the tool you insert. They are available in 2.0/6.0Ah, 3.0/9.0Ah and 4.0/12.0Ah sizes. They need to run the FlexVolt tool, and the FlexVolt Advantage tool has been greatly improved from it.
Most kits come with a standard single-port charger. Available upgrades include a dual-port standard charger, several single-port fast chargers, and a four-port fast charger. DeWalt also has a four-port power station that can charge the battery when you plug it in.
Although there is a lot of debate on the forum, 18V and 20V Max batteries are fundamentally the same. A fully charged battery records 20 volts. But when you start using it, the voltage will quickly drop to its nominal 18 volt reading.
Similarly, the maximum voltage of a 12V battery is 12 volts, and once it drops to its nominal state, it is 10.8 volts.
Read more details about how it works here.
The debate between Makita and DeWalt is undoubtedly an interesting debate, and there are good reasons to choose. What will happen then?
Tell us in the comments below which brand you think is better and why.
On the clock, Kenny deeply explores the practical limitations of various tools and compares the differences. After get off work, his faith and love for his family is his top priority. You will usually be in the kitchen, ride a bicycle (he is a triathlon) or take people out for a day fishing in Tampa Bay.
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Makita power tools are my favorite.
This peeing game is stupid. Junior (Mak. Mil, DeW) leads the other teams by a long way. Everyone is doing what they intend to do. These extreme YouTube tests are again stupid, because you require a tool to do things that it is not suitable for. 1/4 impact driver on vehicle lugs...?? Although a brand may actually do this or do it faster, no one should use this tool to do the job... (for example) I said that no matter which company has the most suitable series of cordless tools for "you" and easy-to-use batteries, you should buy it. For example, Brand A does not...read more »
Now you can see many young technicians working with Dewalt-they look very fashionable. I bought the quality of the Makita brand before cordless, so I invested in them in the batter series, and my entire cordless series is Makita. In the past 10 years, no equipment, including batteries, has experienced any failures. I think that once you have invested in many tools and have a few chargers and a bag of batteries, it is difficult to change brands. Great business model. By the way, praise.
I chose Makita and they did not disappoint me because the Dewalt tools heat up faster and I burned them out. As the article said, the 2.0 battery works well on the tools, unlike the 2.0 Dewalt battery, when I need one When it comes to light support, even many people disagree that I really like the 2x 18v platform, which saves more money than buying flexvolt batteries and their 8.0s. Although Dewalt has a powerful circular saw, makita feels smoother and lighter, which you will notice when working on the roof.
Over the years, I have been using these two brands. Recently I bought a DeWalt cordless drill with a three-speed gearbox and two 5ah batteries with a 3-year warranty. Four weeks later, and the workload is not large, it sounds like a gearbox. It's about to be eliminated. DeWalt customer service does not exist in the UK. I will never waste my money on another DeWalt product. A costly mistake.
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Professional tool reviews for professionals
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