Last Updated on August 9, 2023 by Barry Gray
Makita vs. Porter Cable; which brand is better? It is incredible to live in a time where power tools are easily accessible. With such a variety of products to choose from, it is sometimes hard to decide which is best for you. Today we will compare two companies that provide similar and different products ranges.
Makita power tools are top-of-the-line instruments with hundreds of professional-grade options. Their three cordless ranges can handle any job you throw at them. Porter-Cable caters to the mid-level semi-professional searching for high-quality tools at a reasonable price.
Looking into two great companies, Makita and Porter-Cable, we will explore where they started in the power tool game, some of their best ranges on offer, and what their warranties cover.
Makita Corporation Background
Makita is one of the true leaders in the power tool industry. Makita Corporation, founded in 1915 Japan as an electric motor and repair company, started producing its first power tools in 1958.
Since the beginning, they have constantly been innovating and priced as one of the most innovative brands on the market. Makita produces excellent power tools aimed at professional contractors and artisans.
Makita developed the first brushless motor for the defense and aerospace industries, and in 2009 the first 18V brushless impact driver came to the market aimed at contractors.
Within ten years in 2015, Makita hit a milestone of 100 cordless power tools in their LXT range. The 18V Lithium-Ion range is one of the industry’s fastest charging batteries.
Makita Cordless Power Tool Ranges
Makita offers three cordless power tool ranges:
- XGT is Makita’s highest cordless power solution, with over 50 products in this range. 40V max and 80V max (40V x 2) deliver power for heavier load applications. Batteries range includes 2.5ah, 4.0ah, and 5.0ah.
- LXT is Makita’s most extensive cordless range, with over 275 products. The world’s largest 18V and 36V(18V x 2) lithium-Ion cordless power tool range. Battery range include 2.0ah, 3.0ah, 4.0ah, 5.0ah and 6.0ah.
- CXT is Makita’s compact and ergonomic range, bosting over 70 products in this range. The 12V max batteries power this range.
Porter-Cable Background
Porter-Cable, founded in 1906, America rose to fame and early dominance of the power tool industry, producing the first portable belt sander in 1926. Their authority until the early 1960s came to an end when the company was bought by Rockwell incorporated.
Rockwell’s vision to compete with ultra-affordable brands sold in department stores caused Porter-Cable tools to lose market share.
In the 1980s, Pentair bought Porter-Cable and started manufacturing professional-grade power tools again. Porter-Cable never recovered its place in the professional scene and was later bought by Stanley Black and Decker and forms part of the “prosumer” range between entry and professional.
Although Porter-Cable power tools are better priced and of decent quality, it does not compare with the top lines in the industry.
Porter-Cable Cordless Power Tool Ranges
- Porter-Cable offers a 20V max range, including over 40 power tools, including impact drivers, impact wrenches, saws, oscillating tools, nailers-and-staplers, and a variety of combo kits. Their battery range includes a 2.0ah and a 4.0ah.
Makita And Porter-Cable Power Tools Warranty
Makita’s lithium-ion batteries and tools come with a 3-year limited guarantee, while their emission-related items come with a 2-year warranty. A 30-day return or replacement guarantee also covers defective products. These deals have limits and exclusions.
Porter-Cable offers a 3-year limited warranty on their tools. They also provide a 1-year free service for maintenance and replacement of worn parts. The 1-year offer is only for everyday use. Compared to Makita, Porter-Cable offers a 90-day money-back guarantee making this a great offer.
After-sales service and repairs are also important when deciding what power tool range you will collect. Makita has outlets in more than 50 countries worldwide, whereas Stanley Black & Decker and its partners cover the Globe with a few exceptions. Both companies pride themselves on client service and go the extra mile for their customers.
The Price Difference Between Makita And Porter-Cable
Makita power tools focus more on the professional artisan industry. In contrast, Porter-Cable focuses on the DIY homeowner who wants a little better product than the entry-level power tools available.
With that said, you can find Makita products ranging from $30 up to hundreds of dollars. Porter-Cable is a little more cost-effective and better priced for the average Joe.
Many authorized retailers sell both Makita and Porter-Cable products. Big box stores like Lowe’s and The Home Depot sell Porter-Cable power tools. On Porter-Cable’s website, you will find about 18 retailers offering their products. Makita products are on offer at more than 20 authorized dealers.
Brushed Vs. Brushless Power Tools
Power tools on the market today are far superior to the models for the 20th Century. For many years power tools worked with brushed motors to power the device, and it worked well until the invention of brushless motors.
The market first thought this was just a gimmick to sell the same tool at a higher price point, but artisans soon realized the difference in performance between brush and brushless motors.
What are the differences between brush and brushless motors?
Carbon Brushes directly contact the commutator, a motor component mounted to the motor shaft. The commutator is responsible for transferring electric current from the carbon brushes to the armature, also connected to the motor shaft. Friction and heat created between these components cause power loss and inefficiencies.
Brushless motors have more magnets and are arranged differently than brushed motors, with no physical contact between the moving parts and hence no friction. Brushless power tools are more efficient and produce more power output on the same battery charge. Professionals consider paying a premium for improved performance and efficiency is justified.
Conclusion
Comparing Makita and Porter-Cable power tools, I found that Makita is superior in its offerings. They have hundreds of products in their cordless ranges covering virtually every job requirement you can face. Porter-Cable offers a smaller range of cordless products aimed at semi-professional people who have a limited budget but don’t want to settle for entry-level power tools.
Both companies offer excellent after-sales and service with warranties to back their products. Both companies provide brush and brushless products. If you need a more comprehensive range of professional-level power tools, I suggest Makita. Still, if you are a homeowner or semi-professional DIYer with a limited budget, Porter-Cable products are a great fit.
