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 a lot to learn about these two power tool giants. They can help you decide where to spend your hard-earned money, or just become more informed.
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 cordless 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, Raymond DeWalt founded DeWalt Products Company in Leola, Pennsylvania (some sources say 1923) after inventing the radial arm saw. His first product was “Wonder Worker”-a saw that can be configured in 9 different ways. He also has a special mortise and seam.
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 took the lead in 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 of 12V and switched to a lithium-ion tool with a maximum of 20V a year later.
In 2013, as DeWalt moved manufacturing back to the United States while still using global materials, brushless motors joined the lineup.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 drives tend to be more compact, lighter, and perform better than DeWalt.
In terms of intelligence, this is a matter of preference. DeWalt utilizes an 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 and a wealth of diagnostic information through the app.
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.
DeWalt’s size is also compact to 3/4 inch, but it stops a bit short at a weight of 1200 foot-pounds 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, while Makita has expanded its assist mode technology to multiple options.
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.
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 saw blades provide better saw 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 has the same effect. There are still tool connections ready to be sawed out.
Makita pioneered AWS-automatic activation of wireless systems. Use compatible cordless tools and vacuum cleaners, and pull the tool trigger to 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.
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 wired and wireless options. It is characterized by a direct drive system that runs more smoothly than belt-driven saws, such as DeWalt’s (and almost all other companies).
Makita includes AWS and automatic transmission on this model to help maintain consistent blade speeds.
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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 available.
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 has 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 broader product line in the Craftsman product line, but DeWalt provides contractors and small lawns with 20V Max tools and a more confident FlexVolt 60V Max series. For several years, their maximum voltage range is 40V, but it seems 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.
The reason why Makita’s cordless OPE is 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 solutions for everyone from those who care for small lawns to commercial lawn caregivers.
Post time: Sep-01-2021