When it comes to the power tools that you purchase, you obviously want the most bang for your buck, the best tools for the lowest prices. The choice might seem simple, but the fact of the matter is that there are many tool brands to choose from, and that can make your head spin.
Today, we are here to compare two very popular ones, Dremel and Milwaukee, with the aim of helping you figure out which of these two brands is best for you.
A Brief History of Dremel and Milwaukee
Starting off with Dremel, something that we need to make clear here is that Dremel is actually a brand, not just a tool. Yes, when people hear the word Dremel, they automatically think of those small handheld rotary tools. Yes, this is fair, because the rotary tools are the most popular tools from this brand, so much so that the words Dremel and rotary tool have become almost synonymous. However, Dremel is a brand, one that does produce more than just a rotary tool.
Albert J. Dremel, an Austrian immigrant, founded the brand in 1932, in Racine, Wisconsin, where it is still headquartered today. Dremel started off by inventing a wide variety of power tools and electronics, some pretty wacky stuff. The most important invention, the one that is still hugely popular to this day, is the rotary tool.
Dremel sold the company to Emerson Electric in 1972, which then sold it to the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation. Dremel is to this day a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bosch, with an estimated 190 employees and average annual revenues of about $37 million.
Dremel
Milwaukee is an American power tool manufacturer that is currently located in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Milwaukee does produce a wide variety of products, although its power tools are the most popular. The brand was originally founded by Peterson and Albert Siebert in 1923.
The most interesting thing about this brand is that the tools were originally (and in part still are) designed for use by the US Navy, thus being a testament to the relatively high quality of the tools. At this time, it is estimated that Milwaukee has somewhere around 4,000 employees, with estimated annual revenues totaling nearly $4 billion.
In terms of size, Milwaukee is a much larger company when compared to Dremel.
Milwaukee
Dremel vs. Milwaukee: Which Offers Better Quality?
In terms of Dremel, one thing that we can say with absolute certainty is that the level of quality across the board is extremely high. Now, Dremel might not produce all that many tools, not at all, but the ones it does produce are known for being some of the best in the world. If you ask people who have Dremel rotary tools how happy they are with them, the vast majority of people will say that they’re some of the best tools they’ve ever had.
The general consensus about Dremel tools, whether their saws, rotary tools, or multi-tools, is that they are perhaps the best in the world. It is fair to say that Dremel tools are professional quality tools that are super functional and durable. These are tools that are ideal for daily and heavy-duty use. From what we have gathered, most Dremel products are made in the USA, Mexico, and China, with the USA-made tools generally being the best.
In terms of Milwaukee, this brand is known for producing pretty high-quality tools, although maybe not the number one best in the world. Generally speaking, Milwaukee tools are seeing as being very functional, versatile, and easy to use, as well as decently durable too. That said, they may not be the number one most durable or longest-lasting tools on the market.
Most would agree that the majority of Milwaukee tools are fine for basic, lightweight, and occasional use, with the higher-end products being ideal for more constant use. However, what most would also say is that the majority of Milwaukee tools, particularly the lower-end products, probably are not ideal for use on job sites where they will be required to function from morning until night.
That being noted, what does need to be said is that people are generally extremely happy with their Milwaukee tools, mainly because they come in at very good prices. In terms of value for the cost, Milwaukee does provide a lot of it. In terms of production facilities, the majority of products are made in China, with some being made in Europe and the USA. On a positive note, it does appear as though Milwaukee will be expanding its operations in the USA in the near future.
Which Offers a Better Warranty?
Dremel offers a two-year guarantee on all tools used for home use and a one-year guarantee for tools used for professional purposes.
When it comes to the warranties that Milwaukee offers, it does depend on the exact product. However, you can assume that most tools will come with one-, two-, three-, or five-year warranties. Some tools have 30-day money-back guarantees, and some also have limited and limited lifetime warranties.
Dremel vs. Milwaukee: Which Has a Better Product Portfolio?
The simple reality here is that although Dremel is one of the best brands in terms of quality, it is one of the worst in terms of selection. All in all, between the rotary tools, multi-tools, handheld saws, and 3D printers, this brand really only produces a handful of tools, but they are some of the best in the world.
On the other hand, Milwaukee produces hundreds, if not thousands of products. Milwaukee sells power tools and power tool accessories, outdoor power equipment, hand tools, jobsite lighting, safety solutions, jobsite apparel, and more.
Which of the Two Brands Should You Choose?
If you need a top-quality rotary tool, multi-tool, or handheld saw, or even a 3D printer, and you are willing to pay top dollar, then Dremel is the way to go. If you need a very wide selection of relatively affordable power and hand tools, lawn equipment, and more, then Milwaukee is the better choice.
Summary
There you have it folks, the most important differences between Dremel and Milwaukee. Now that you know, you can make an informed decision as to which one is best for you.