DeWalt vs Makita 18V Drill: Which One is Worth It?

Hey folks, I'm looking to upgrade my old cordless drill. I've narrowed it down to two: DeWalt DCD791D2 and Makita XFD131. I do mostly framing and deck work, but also some DIY at home. I've heard Makita has better ergonomics but DeWalt hits harder. Anyone got experience with both? I'm leaning Makita but want to hear what others think. Also, I always wear safety glasses and use the side handle – don't want any kickback surprises!

Tim, I've used both extensively. The DeWalt definitely has more torque, but the Makita is smoother and the clutch is more precise. For framing, you might like the DeWalt's brute force, but for all-day use, the Makita's lighter and better balanced. Safety-wise, both have electronic brakes that stop fast. But remember, always check the chuck tightness before heavy drilling. I've seen fly-offs cause injuries. My vote: Makita for comfort, DeWalt for power.

I restore old furniture and occasionally do light construction. I own both brands. The Makita XFD131 has a 1/2" chuck that grips better than DeWalt's, which can slip with smooth shank bits. The variable speed on Makita is smoother for delicate work like driving screws into antique wood without stripping. However, DeWalt's hammer drill mode is better if you ever drill into masonry. For your use, I'd say Makita – the reduced vibration helps a ton. Also, their 5.0Ah batteries last forever. But hey, invest in a good impact driver too – you'll thank me later.

Can't add much to the drill debate, but as a safety guy, whatever you pick, make sure you're using the right drill bit for the material. And please, don't use the hammer function on concrete without hearing protection. Also, check that your bits are sharp – dull bits cause more torque and can snap. I've seen too many injuries from that. Between the two, I'd go Makita because their trigger speed control is more responsive, which helps prevent accidental starts. Stay safe!