Why does Dewalt have a 20V line when everyone else is only an 18V line?  Is Dewalt just that better?  Well some would say Dewalt is the best manufacture around.  Dewalt has been one of the best selling brands and there are over 63 million NiCd and Lithium-ion Dewalt batteries in use.  Each year Dewalt makes a new tool or new battery, they are compatible with the previous version.  Well not anymore.  While they still will continue to support that older platform, they needed to differentiate the new platform from their old platform and this is how they do it.  There is still no more power to the 20V over the 18V, its the same.  Dewalt just uses peak output of the 20V.  So in reality, Dewalt just wanted to make sure their users know these are different and will not work with their current tools, plus I am sure a little but of marketing inserted into the new line up.

Don’t worry about throwing your old tools away because Dewalt said they will still support their old lines for at least a decade.  They sell so many batteries, they can not afford to support this line anymore.  In fact i believe the Dewalt batteries are on of their biggest money makers.

The 20V line is new and they have some great tools out such as the Drill, Saw, Impact Driver, Right Angle, Reciprocating saw and more.  As time goes on, I am sure Dewalt will have everything they have in their old line up, in their new line, plus more.  I hope they make a killer radio.  One cool thing about Dewalt’s radio is their charging system.  Besides Bosch, Dewalt is the only other radio that can charge a battery while playing music.  Why, its because they have the patient.

Here is a list of some of the Combo Kits they have for sale – Dewalt Combo Kits

Well the race is on.  Dewalt and Milwaukee have both been pushing out a boat load of hand tools.  You may be wondering who is better?  Well that’s a good question.  Both have introduced their hand tool line up around the same time and while they have some same tools, should say same type of tools, they look like they are geared towards a different audience.

When Dewalt first introduced their line up, I have to admit, I was not very excited.  I thought they would just be Black and Decker tools with the Dewalt name on them.  Of course, built a little better because of who they are targeting.  Once the tools did come out, I could see I was wrong.  The new line of tools have really impressed me.  Some of them are very innovative.  Lets take the saw for instance.

A saw is just a saw, right?  That’s what I though.  I ended up buying this saw at  .  It was the DWHT20547 which is the 5 in 1 tools.  I am always a huge fan of any tool that can do multiple things.  This means I have to carry less around and save my knees.  The 5 in 1 is a hack saw which is high tension and low profile, but also a jab saw, and tight to reach saw with the hacksaw blade and reciprocating saw blade.  One thing I like is that the reciprocating saw blade will fit nicely in the top of the handle for storage.  One thing I did notice is that when I switched to the long extension saw, I did have to use a screw driver.  Not a big deal because I carry one on me at all times.  Well not when I am in the shower.

OK lets get back to who makes better hand tools, Dewalt or Milwaukee.  Again they are geared towards different people or at least that is the way it seems to be.  Milwaukee seems to be geared towards the contractor as their pliers are innovative, their screwdrivers are geared towards the electricians because of the multi use.  Dewalt seems to be geared towards the carpenter and wood worker.  Primarily because of their hammer, saw and tape measure.  Well I think you know where I am going with this.  So if you are a carpentry, the Dewalt gives you a better line up.  If you are a contractor such as an electrician, the Milwaukee might be the saw to go.  Both have a lifetime warranty.