Milwaukee vs Makita vs DeWalt – Which Drill Wins for Tradies?
The cordless drill is the first tool in every tradie's bag — and the clearest test of a battery platform. Get this decision right and you're locked into a good ecosystem for the next decade. Get it wrong and you're lugging around four different chargers and none of your batteries are interchangeable. Here's what to buy, and more importantly, why.
By Benjy @ Tradie Scaler
Top 3 Cordless Drills at a Glance
Best Cordless Drills — Quick Comparison
| Drill | Approx. Price (AUD) | Max Torque | Weight (bare) | Platform | Warranty | Buy It |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee M18 Fuel | ~$349 | 135 Nm | 1.87 kg | M18 | 5 years | Total Tools → |
| Makita DHP484 | ~$219 | 54 Nm | 1.5 kg | 18V LXT | 3 years | Total Tools → |
| DeWalt DCD796 | ~$279 | 70 Nm | 1.65 kg | XR 18V | 3 years | Tool Kit Depot → |
| Bosch GSB 18V-55 | ~$249 | 55 Nm | 1.6 kg | 18V Bosch | 3 years | Tool Kit Depot → |
| Hikoki DS18DBSL2 | ~$199 | 62 Nm | 1.45 kg | 18V MultiVolt | 3 years | Tool Kit Depot → |
Prices are approximate RRP AUD. Verified April 2026 — check with retailers for current pricing and kit deals.
The 5 Best Cordless Drills for Australian Tradies — Reviewed
If you work in a demanding trade — electrical, plumbing, structural carpentry — the Milwaukee M18 Fuel is the drill you want. The POWERSTATE brushless motor is class-leading for 18V tools, delivering genuine 135 Nm of torque without hesitation. It handles stainless screws, 100mm bolts, and repeat runs all day without bogging down or getting hot.
The build quality is exceptional. Milwaukee builds these tools to survive drops, dust, and the kind of treatment that would kill a cheaper drill in six months. The 5-year trade warranty backs that up — and Milwaukee Australia honours it without drama. The REDLINK PLUS electronics protect the motor and battery from overload, which translates to longer tool life in the real world.
The ecosystem is the biggest selling point. M18 runs over 200 tools — grinders, circular saws, SDS hammers, reciprocating saws, vacuum, heated gear — all on the same batteries. If you invest in this platform, you only need to buy batteries once. The trade-off: M18 tools and batteries cost more. A 5.0Ah battery is ~$120. But you buy the best once, not the budget option twice.
Pros
- Highest power output in 18V class
- Exceptional build quality and durability
- 5-year warranty with great AU support
- 200+ M18 tools on same battery
- REDLINK PLUS electronics protect investment
Cons
- Heavier than Makita and Hikoki
- Premium price — tools and batteries cost more
- Overkill if you only drill occasional holes
The Makita DHP484 is the best-selling cordless drill in Australia for good reason. It's light (1.5 kg), compact, and the 18V LXT platform gives you access to over 200 tools — the broadest range of any 18V ecosystem. For carpenters, tilers, and finishing trades where you're drilling and screwing all day, the lighter weight genuinely matters for your wrist and elbow by 3 pm.
The DHP484 isn't the most powerful drill at 54 Nm, but for 90% of day-to-day drilling tasks — timber framing, screwdriving, drilling through plasterboard — it's more than sufficient. The 2-speed gearbox and 21-position torque clutch give good control. Makita's brushless motor is efficient and reliable, and the 3-year warranty covers standard trade use.
The 18V LXT batteries are widely available and competitively priced. Bunnings, Total Tools, and Tool Kit Depot all stock them. If you're a sole trader who doesn't need maximum torque, or a finishing tradie who wants a light-weight tool with broad platform support, this is the one to buy.
Pros
- Lightest option — great for all-day use
- 200+ LXT tools — broadest platform range
- Competitive pricing on tools and batteries
- Widely stocked across Australian retailers
- Reliable, proven brushless motor
Cons
- Lower max torque than Milwaukee or DeWalt
- 3-year warranty (vs Milwaukee's 5)
- Not the choice for heavy structural work
DeWalt's DCD796 sits squarely in the middle — more powerful than the Makita DHP484 at 70 Nm, lighter than the Milwaukee, and priced between the two. The XR 18V/20V Max platform is well-supported in Australia with a strong product range covering most trade needs. The compact, lightweight design makes it comfortable for overhead work and tight spaces.
DeWalt has a strong following in the building and cabinet-making trades. The tool itself is well-made, the LED work light is genuinely useful, and the included belt hook is solid. Where DeWalt loses a fraction of a point: the AU service network is slightly thinner than Makita or Milwaukee in regional areas, and the 3-year warranty is standard rather than exceptional.
Pros
- Good balance of power and weight
- Compact design for tight spaces
- Strong XR 18V platform range
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Thinner AU service network in regional areas
- Platform depth doesn't match Milwaukee or Makita
- Batteries on the pricier side
Bosch makes solid tools and the GSB 18V-55 is no exception — brushless motor, 55 Nm, solid build. The 18V Professional platform has reasonable range. The honest assessment: Bosch sits slightly below Milwaukee and Makita in the heavy trades. Where it excels is for maintenance and property tradies who don't need maximum power output and appreciate the Bosch brand's reputation for precision engineering.
If you're already on the Bosch Professional platform with other tools, the GSB 18V-55 is a natural fit. If you're starting from scratch, Milwaukee or Makita give you better long-term value and a wider ecosystem.
Pros
- Reliable brushless motor
- Solid build and good ergonomics
- Reputable brand with good AU presence
Cons
- Smaller platform range vs Milwaukee/Makita
- Not the power leader at this price point
- Weaker for heavy structural work
Hikoki (formerly Hitachi) doesn't get the credit it deserves. The DS18DBSL2 delivers 62 Nm from a lightweight 1.45 kg body, making it the best power-to-weight ratio on this list. The 18V MultiVolt platform is genuinely interesting — the same battery works in 36V tools at reduced capacity, giving you genuine flexibility as you add tools. Hikoki has a strong Australian service network and the tools punch above their price point.
The reason Hikoki isn't ranked higher: brand equity and resale value. In terms of actual tool performance and build quality, it's closer to Makita than many tradies expect. If you're budget-conscious and open-minded about brand, this is worth serious consideration.
Pros
- Best price-to-performance ratio on the list
- Lightest drill reviewed (1.45 kg)
- MultiVolt platform gives future flexibility
- Strong AU service network
Cons
- Lower brand recognition — matters for resale
- Smaller platform range than Milwaukee/Makita
- Less common in trade supply stores
The Real Question: What Platform Are Your Other Tools On?
Here's the thing nobody mentions enough: a cordless drill is not a standalone purchase decision. It's an entry point to a battery ecosystem. Every tool you buy after this — circular saw, grinder, SDS hammer, reciprocating saw, torch — ideally runs on the same batteries.
If you're starting from scratch: pick Milwaukee or Makita and stick with it. Milwaukee if you're in a high-demand trade (electrical, plumbing, construction). Makita if you're in carpentry, finishing, or want maximum platform breadth at mid-range cost.
If you're already invested in a platform: stay there. A slightly inferior drill on your existing platform beats a "better" drill that means buying separate batteries and chargers. Don't let someone in a tool shop talk you into switching — unless you're genuinely replacing your entire kit.
Buying new tools? Finance them with your ABN.
Tool kit purchases over $2,000 can often be financed through equipment finance or a business loan — keeping cash in the business and potentially maximising tax deductions. See our equipment finance guide.
Compare Equipment Finance Options →Frequently Asked Questions
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel is the top pick for demanding trades — electricians, plumbers, builders — where power and durability under daily abuse matter most. For value and battery range, the Makita DHP484 on the 18V LXT platform is hard to beat. The best choice ultimately depends on what battery platform your other tools are on — don't buy a drill from a different ecosystem.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel offers higher power output and is preferred in demanding trades. Makita 18V LXT has a broader tool range (200+ tools), is lighter, and offers better mid-range value. Both have strong Australian dealer networks. The key factor is which platform you're already invested in — batteries aren't cross-compatible. See our Milwaukee vs Makita full comparison for more detail.
For a tradie's drill-driver, look for: brushless motor (longer life, more efficient), 13mm chuck (handles larger bits), at least 60 Nm torque for structural work, a two-speed gearbox, a belt clip, and battery compatibility with your existing platform. Percussion mode is useful for masonry but a dedicated hammer drill is better for serious concrete work.
If you're new to a platform, buy the kit — you'll pay significantly less per battery than buying them separately. If you're already on the platform and have 2+ batteries, the bare tool is usually better value. Always check whether the included batteries are compact or high-capacity — a 2.0Ah battery in a kit is worth less than a 5.0Ah battery.