Half the internet says Milwaukee tools are overpriced, overhyped junk. The other half swears they're the G.O.A.T. of power tools. So what’s the real story?

If you’re a woodworker, a home DIYer, or just someone who loves a good tool, you’ve probably felt the pull of the red brand. But is it worth buying into, especially if you’re already committed to another battery platform?

In this post, we’re gonna deep dive into the good, the bad, and the ugly of Milwaukee tools. We’ll look at some of the most common complaints, shine a light on why so many people are die-hard fans, and break down five tools I think every woodworker should consider for their shop, no matter what color tool you prefer.

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Watch The Full YouTube Video Here: 5 Milwaukee Tools That Are On Another Level!

The Haters' Guide to Milwaukee: Common Complaints

Before we get to the good stuff, let's address some of the reasons why folks have a bone to pick with Team Red.

1. They’re Overpriced. This is probably the number one complaint you hear about Milwaukee tools. And I get it. A sander for $300? That'll make a fella think twice. While some of the tools do come with a hefty price tag, don’t let that be the only reason you turn away. Milwaukee has sales regularly, and if you’re patient and keep an eye out for deals, you can find some pretty deep discounts.

2. Overhyped Marketing. If you're on social media, you see Milwaukee everywhere. They have a huge presence on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Some people see this as overhyping a brand that’s just average. The truth is, I’ve bought every single one of these tools myself. I’ve never been sponsored by Milwaukee, and I'm just a fan of what they’ve done since I bought my first M12 set.

3. The Platform is Confusing. If you're new to the brand, terms like M18, M12, Brushless, and FUEL can get your head spinning. Here’s a quick breakdown to clear things up:

M18/M12: These are your standard brushed motor tools.
Brushless: These tools have a brushless motor, which means more power and efficiency.
FUEL: This is Milwaukee’s top-tier line. It means the tool has a brushless motor and Redlink technology. This technology allows the tool to communicate with the battery, protecting it from damage and optimizing performance.

Why So Many Woodworkers Love Milwaukee

For every hater, there's a fanatic waiting to defend their favorite tools. Here's why so many of us are willing to pay a little extra to get our hands on the red tools.

1. Great Warranty & Quality You Can Trust Milwaukee offers a five-year warranty on their cordless tools. For a tool that gets used and abused in the shop, that's a pretty solid guarantee. A lot of folks, myself included, have used these tools for years with zero issues. When you buy a Milwaukee tool, you can trust that it’s going to do what you need it to do.

2. A Ton of Options From the compact M12 line to the heavy-duty M18 tools, Milwaukee has a massive catalog of tools. They’ve got track saws, sanders, drills, drivers, and a whole bunch of storage solutions. When you buy into this battery platform, you know you’ll probably be able to get the tool you need for the job.

3. The PACKOUT Storage System I used to be one of those guys who looked at PACKOUT and thought, "It's just a plastic box." I was wrong. The PACKOUT system is next level. Not only are the boxes rugged and well-made, but the entire system is designed for shop and job site compatibility. You can get rolling toolboxes, wall mounts, and even battery organizers to keep your space tidy and your tools protected. The best part? The fan support for PACKOUT is incredible. You can find ready-made inserts or 3D print files to customize your storage for every tool you own.

5 Milwaukee Tools Every Woodworker Should Consider

Even if you’ve sworn off Team Red for life, these five tools are worth taking a second look at.

1. Milwaukee M18 FUEL Track Saw When Milwaukee finally released a track saw, I was a little disappointed there wasn’t a lot of innovation. But the more I’ve used it, the more I’ve come to love it. This thing is a powerhouse and one of the best track saws on the market. With fantastic depth and bevel adjustments, great dust collection, and plenty of power to break down sheet goods or cut hardwoods, it’s a tool that will make your life easier.

Check out the Milwaukee M18 Track Saw Combo Kit here

2. Milwaukee M12 FUEL Installation Driver This is a small, compact, and super versatile drill that’s perfect for the shop. It comes with four different attachments, including a drill chuck, a quarter-inch drive, and my two favorites: the offset attachment for getting into tight spaces and the 90-degree attachment for ultimate access. It's a fantastic little tool for building cabinets or any project where you need to get into a tough spot.

3. Milwaukee Sanders Milwaukee has a fantastic lineup of sanders, from the new M12 6-inch random orbital sanders to the M12 detail sander.

The M12 6-inch sanders are incredibly smooth with almost no vibration. The 5mm orbit is perfect for most woodworking projects like tabletops and cutting boards.
The M12 detail sander is shaped like a home plate, which makes it perfect for getting into corners and tight spaces. It’s an orbital sander, so you won’t get those dreaded swirl marks when you apply a finish.
Check out the Milwaukee M12 6" Sander (2.5mm Orbit)
And the Milwaukee M12 6" Sander (5mm Orbit)
The Milwaukee M12 Orbital Detail Sander is here
Need a PACKOUT insert for your detail sander? Get the 3D print file here
Or buy the pre-printed insert here

4. Milwaukee Trim Router This is, without a doubt, my favorite trim router. It fits in your hand perfectly, has plenty of power, and the depth adjustment is fantastic. There's been some chatter about the base slipping, but all you have to do is tighten a small bolt, and you're good to go. It’s a great tool for any shop.

5. Milwaukee M12 Drill and Impact Driver Combo These were my first Milwaukee tools, and they're still my go-to for most things in my shop. They’re small, lightweight, and have plenty of power for drilling holes and driving screws. Unless you need a massive, heavy-duty drill, this set is the perfect choice for most woodworking operations.

Grab the Milwaukee M12 Drill & Impact Combo here

The Hard Truth About Tools

A lot of woodworkers get stuck with one brand because of platform loyalty. Your dad used DeWalt, so you use DeWalt. Your first drill was Ryobi, so you're "stuck" with them. But the truth is, if you need a specific tool to get the job done, like a detail sander, and your platform doesn’t offer it, it might be time to step outside your comfort zone.

Another truth is that every brand makes solid gold tools, and every brand makes some junk. Not every tool in a brand's lineup is going to be a winner. Don’t let a bad experience with one tool turn you away from a whole brand that might have some gems you’re missing out on.

Ultimately, the best advice I can give you is to buy the tool that gets the job done for you. It doesn't matter what color it is or what others think. If you enjoy using it, it makes you money, and it works, that’s all that matters.

Pro-Tip: No matter what tool you’re using, always remember to prioritize safety. Keep your guards on, wear your safety glasses and hearing protection, and never get complacent.

Wrapping Up

Whether you’re a die-hard Milwaukee fan or a dedicated hater, there’s no denying the brand is here to stay. They make quality tools that get the job done, and they have an extensive system that can improve your shop organization. If you've been on the fence, maybe it's time to check out some of these tools for yourself.

Thanks for reading, and be sure to check out more of my posts below!

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