Bosch v Milwaukee

[BluePhase]

Hello all,

Need to replace my combi drill and impact driver. Been looking at Bosch professional and Milwaukee kit, anyone got any thoughts/opinions/advice on how they compare to each other?

Would be looking at the 18v range with a budget of around £250/300. Usage wise, I would say light trade, not just diy but not used on site everyday either. Old kit is all ni-cad so I don't need to stick to a certain brand due the batteries.

Thanks for any help offered.

 

[aptsys]

If you're starting from scratch, I would look at the Bosch stuff - There's a distinct reduction of quality in Milwaukee gear as of late, probably due to more cost reduction by the Chinese. I think Bosch did move some production to the far east, but so far everything I've purchased is Germany or Switzerland.

GSB 18 VE-2-LI or GSB 18 V-85 C
GDR 18 V-LI

 

[Roger928]

Milwaukee impact drivers deliver the biggest punch.
We drive about 7000 screws per roof and Milwaukee always drives home first in front of metabo, bosch, makita and Panasonic.

 

[SammyInnit]

Milwaukee impact drivers deliver the biggest punch.
We drive about 7000 screws per roof and Milwaukee always drives home first in front of metabo, bosch, makita and Panasonic.

Depends what models. Makitas flagship drivers are unquestioned by many, but they'll cost bare what a lot of kits cost. I believe the TD170 is around £240.

I've used Milwankee tools. Batteries offer good value for money. I have some of their site lighting options which are second to none. Got their job speaker last month and thats cracking.

As for the question at hand, I don't think I'd ever buy another Bosch cordless drill. Last one I had went back within a day. Felt cheap and lacked power. I've known quite a few people have to send Milwaukee tools back for repair. Faulty triggers is often a cause. Completely failed electronics is another I've heard a few times.

I suppose what I'm saying is I wouldn't buy either as far as a drill and driver goes.

 

[Roger928]

Depends what models.

I'm pretty sure no 1/4" hex drive impact driver crosses 200 Nm. The delivery torque of my metabo SSD 18 LTX200 is 150Nm.
My LTX 400 impact wrench with 1/2" Sq drive to 1/4" hex adaptor I find is a lot more efficient for bigger stuff.

 

[SammyInnit]

I'm pretty sure no 1/4" hex drive impact driver crosses 200 Nm. Which is the delivery torque of my metabo LTX200. Being used a lot its about half that now as I compared it with a new one recently.
My LTX 400 impact wrench with 1/2" Sq drive to 1/4" hex adaptor I find is a lot more efficient for bigger stuff.

I find the Metabo Product coding to be very awkward and confusing. I'm talking specifically impact driver so 1/4" hex; Makitas latest driver is advertised at 180nm, the 154/170 at 175nm and their 1/2" DTW285 280nm/ DTW1002 1000nm (all brushless). I'm hoping Makita bring something out around the 4-600nm mark this year, otherwise I'll end up buying the Milwaukee M18 FMTIWF12 which is about 610 I believe.

Personal opinion but I've found metabo to be needlessly expensive and in the hand heavy, I'll put it down to build quality. Milwaukee M12 isn't very ergonomic like the Makita CXT 10.8v stuff is. The M18/LXT 18v is about on a par for ergonomics.

But anyway, back to OP, on a basis of Bias I would recommend Makita, if not then DeWalt (well price and there's some good brushless and lithium gear out), then Milwaukee (seem to be making new producs and updating products all the time).

 

[big-all]

keep in mind nicads will now be very tired probably 30-40% down on top end as batteries drop in volts[power] and amps[fuel capacity]with age
so even a new nicad would be turbo charged put on top the extra li-ion efficiency is supercharged
in general higher nm are a compromise slowing down the overall performance so iff you have done well with the present level dont go for the highest level as it may spend far more time slow ratcheting as opposed to fast driving

 

[Roger928]

I'm hoping Makita bring something out around the 4-600nm

That won't happen as 600 Nm with 1/4" hex will shear everything in sight.

Metabo have just launched the SSD 18 LTX 200 BL - 1/4 hex which boasts 200Nm.
And weighs in at just 1.4kg including the battery pack.

 

[Roger928]

in general higher nm are a compromise slowing down the overall performance

That depends on what you are driving in.

 

[big-all]

That depends on what you are driving in.

yes i agree
but higher nm needs the same power but lower speed or more power and a bit lower speed or lots more power and the same speed or a mixture off everything with possibly progressive speed reduction
and often greater capacity without speed reduction requires greater weight and mass with the greater mass needing more energy
but off course so many variable but was worth mentioning there can be compromises and payoffs for the extremes you may never use

 

[aptsys]

Depends what models. ...

As for the question at hand, I don't think I'd ever buy another Bosch cordless drill. Last one I had went back within a day. Felt cheap and lacked power.

Same thing really - did you buy from from the Robust line? The Dynamic and Lightweight series are cheaper and not rated for the same duty.

 

[SammyInnit]

Same thing really - did you buy from from the Robust line? The Dynamic and Lightweight series are cheaper and not rated for the same duty.

Everything I buy for work is top spec regardless of brand.

 

[aptsys]

Everything I buy for work is top spec regardless of brand.

Which model was the drill?

 

[SammyInnit]

Which model was the drill?

I forget it was a while back but either way it went back.

I can hand on heart tell you I'm not making it up. I have a few Bosch drills (none of them corded) and I've had plenty of other Bosch tools corded and cordless, their cordless drills are crap.

 

[big-all]

are you reffering to green diy or blue trade bosch drills??