Summary
There are certain brands that you should seek out when you’re building out your tool inventory at home. There are well-known brands that have amassed a sizable following for good reasons, either for great quality for the price or for how premium the tools are. You should base your decision on what tools to get on what you’re looking for and what you’re going to be using the tools for.
For people doing light housework and DIY projects, options from Ryobi or Warrior are good choices. For more premium options that professional workers might use, look at Milwaukee, DeWalt and Makita for solid choices. However, before you go buying a ton of tools from Milwaukee or these other brands, you should know that the price tag carries a lot of weight. You can save some money on some of the tools rather than just buying them because they have Milwaukee on the side.
Milwaukee tools are some of the most reliable on the market
These are premium tools with a well-known upside
Milwaukee’s red label and white lettering is easily recognizable in any hardware store. It’s sold widely and is easily accessible for anyone who wants quality tools. You can get both corded or cordless tools from Milwaukee, but the manufacturer is best known for its premium line of cordless tools.
From drills to grinders to the iconic reciprocating saw, the Sawzall, Milwaukee has been used by tradesmen all over. The casing and the construction of the tools is high quality and you can find tools for specific use cases as well as ones for versatile play. You can snag ones for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and more. The only thing Milwaukee is largely missing is a large quantity of outdoor tools.
The toolmaker features the REDLITHIUM battery system, which uses lithium-ion batteries to last long and run cooler. These batteries can be swapped in and out of the cordless tools in many of the lineups, including the well-used M12 and M18 systems.
There are also smart tools that fall into the REDLINK Plus Intelligence line. This system runs with built-in computers that let the tools’ batteries, motors, and chargers communicate with each other. Think of them as Thread for smart tools.
You can save money on the non-Fuel line
If it doesn’t have that, it’s not worth it
You might come across some tools in the Milwaukee M12 or M18 lines that aren’t worth your time or money. Tools in that line should have a Fuel sticker on them, as those are the most up-to-date versions of the tools you can find.
The Milwaukee Fuel line is the most advanced version of tools that the manufacturer produces, as it features a brushless motor in every one. The non-Fuel tools might have brushless motors, but others use regular motors that aren’t going to run as efficiently. These motors will run hotter and drain batteries faster, making more work for you in the long run.
If you’re spending the money, you might as well get something that’s going to be working in your favor when it comes to battery efficiency. Having your battery die in the middle of a job because you have an older model is less than ideal.
The Fuel line features intuitive technology that can recognize when your power can be saved and it will switch to a lower usage mode. This line also has higher RPMs and better torque, making it better for heavier duty tasks. The non-Fuel line can be used for daily household tasks, but it may stall or struggle to complete larger picture duties.
Skip the basic tool that you can get anywhere
You don’t need a Milwaukee tape measure
You can buy a 25-foot Milwaukee tape measure for 19 on a tape measure? You can get two Kobalt tape measures for less than that at Lowe’s.
Milwaukee makes great standard tools like levels and pliers that you can purchase to fill out your inventory. However, there isn’t anything that makes these special to Milwaukee, as pretty much any manufacturer makes these tools.
Having your battery die in the middle of a job because you have an older model is less than ideal.
Utilize Milwaukee for its great lineup of cordless tools that pack power and punch. You don’t have to use Milwaukee for a hammer because you can undoubtedly find cheaper options that will work just as well for your tasks.
You can even buy a job site radio from Milwaukee. If it were up to me, I’d just use my phone and one of my streaming apps to listen to music or podcasts while working. I understand the completist mindset of wanting everything to look pretty in red and black in your toolbox or on a shelf. But it’s perfectly fine to mix and match to avoid paying a premium.
You should focus on tools that are worth the price with Milwaukee
Milwaukee is one of the best tool manufacturers on the market. Not many people will argue that, as the quality and construction are well-recognized. However, unless you want a full set of tools from the same company, it’s okay to pick other brands for some of the more common tools. For job-specific tools that rely on heavy-duty work, Milwaukee is a good bet. But for basic jobs, you can give your wallet a break.
Milwaukee Sawzall Reciprocating Saw
A Milwaukee Sawzall is a reciprocating saw that can cut through all kinds of materials. It can tackle wood, metal, pipe, and more. This can be used for all kinds of jobs around the house.