Was helping build a house today and literally had an issue with the M18 Fuel quick release collet someone else brought. I gotta say, despite being an old underdog, my DeWalt 885 has been great and the quick insert collet has no issues. :D

I used to be a nobody until I used a Makita impact driver.

I’ve been on the Makita platform for 10 years as an HVAC professional. And the new Makita XDT16 is by far the best I’ve ever used. The many options on it help to keep me from stripping screws. I don’t need the most powerful, the xdt16 is by far more than enough. Awesome product.

Going on 8 or 9 years with the Makita 18v impact. Still goes hard and has never failed or been serviced yet! Makita is hands down my favorite still!

Thanks Vince from a common DIY/newbie in the power tool world who wants to “experience “ your world for a brief time I appreciate your honesty on the tools you show on your channel. I learn a lot from your channel and from your buddies..”let’s go baby...😊”..it has help me make decisions I would not have known without your help and other tool reviewers. Thanks again..👍👍

Japanese engineers create tools to last, everyone else tries to be the most powerful

Warms my heart. I've been touting Makita for 20+ years. Power isn't everything. Using the tool is what really matters. Love your channel keep up the honest reviews.

I've been through Hitachi and Milwaukee.. both had big issues more with the drill. I'm running Makita and I've put it through hell! It's full of concrete and I can barely twist the drill setting. Still running perfect! The impact driver is by far the most comfortable to use out of those 3 brands I've had experience with.

I absolutely appreciate the overall testing and result sharing of this information. I'm a new home owner and DIYer and the information you'll provide is priceless... Thank You!!

I use makita. Great impact

Vince, Your video also helped a lot of people (Home Owners, Contractors, DIY, New & Older Carpenter) on picking which tools to invest their money into. Thank You

Thx Vince. Appreciate your honest no bs approach and as a Diy’er I value your opinions and experience.

Honestly your tool tests and raw streams are the best. Yeah its great to look at mosfets and engineering but I would rather see the tools drive, drill, hammer and gauge for myself what I think. When watching you guys go head to head and seeing one tool is only .5~1 second faster driving a lag, it puts it into perspective that it might be more important to look at other factors like price, availability, combos or if you already have the battery line. Keep up the good work.

Yeah, being on multiple battery platforms does suck.

Straight and to the point. Milwaukee, are you listening? From this video forward people are going to be reconsidering their purchases/platforms. Man up and address the problem before you lose anymore customers. Had I seen this I would of purchased the Makita.

@VCG Construction. Thanks Vince for your honest opinions on these impacts. Over the years, I've learned that every company makes stuff that's at least works and maybe isn't the best when compared to others. It really depends on our experience. Milwaukee is really trying to innovate and get into the different trades like Dewalt. It's a real shame that Milwaukee hasn't figured out how to fix the collet issue with their GEN3 impact. Hasn't it been about three years so far? I don't have that impact so I haven't had to deal with the problem (I have three different Makita impacts and a Ridgid with no problems). Ridgid made things right replacing the chuck and motor twice on my 12V drill driver (the chuck keeps loosening and dropping bits). And Ridgid made that model drill where the chuck is riveted to the motor. A impact collet can't be that expensive to replace with one with better retention. Hope you and your family stay safe and well.

I bought my first Makita impact drill 8 or 9 years ago and use it every day, all day long . It's still working great although I've gone through several batteries. Makita had a real battery longevity issues with their early LI Ion batteries but the new designs seem to hold up well. I've dropped all my drills multiple time onto hard surfaces from one and two story scaffolding and they have always survived.I just can't seem to kill them. I used Dewalt for years but every one I owned failed due to some switch problem. I see a lot of tradesman with the Milwakees so I know their a great drill, and I think it comes down to these two. Naturally you tend to get locked into a brand of cordless tools once you start buying the more expensive higher amperage batteries. I've found Makita makes a line of cordless tools that are durable and long lasting so I've stuck with them, but truthfully I'm not knocking any other contactor grade brands because I've just stuck with the brand that treats me well.I'm 68 and when I was younger I remember the first cordless drills and I said what a joke ; I just never thought they'd make a significant "impact" on most jobs. Was I wrong.I bought the Makita cordless impact wrench and I can take all the wheels off both my trucks and reinstall with a fully charged 5 amp battery. Amazing.

My 888 has lasted for years based on your recommendation of not using it as a drill, if I have more than two holes to drill I will get one of my drills. I am grateful for your insights and advice. Thank you Vince (crew)!

I remember seeing that collet issue with the Milwaukee when Vince was facing Nick and the DeWalt. I think it was during the spaddle bit tests.

Drinking game- take a shot everytime he says" the reality is"

Awesome review, I am also a Makita fan myself, that impact driver you talk about did not ever let me down when I used it during deployment in the Middle East, it outshined all the others on our construction job site in a combat environment where weather and other factors played a major part, it performed flawlessly!

Awesome vid VCG, hope Milwaukee is watching, my M12 surge in my go-to impact right now, that could change, but it's up to Milwaukee. Peace.

Fair play to you for bringing this issue up and being honest about a serious issue!

Great vid! For me the platform is more important than a single tool, and I'm not a contractor that needs to have the best of each tool. But yeah I'm on the Makita platform and love this impact driver. Always been impressed by Milwaukee's power in all their tools though and almost went team red, but ultimately the range and quality of Makita's tools won me over. I'm still looking for an excuse to get on team red lol I'm eyeing out the cordless table saw since Makita just doesn't seem like they'll release one.

I was going to purchase the Milwaukee gen 3 Fuel impact driver, but thanks to Vince's several videos demonstrating the shortcomings of the faulty collet and Milwaukee's disinterest in addressing this issue that has been known for several years, I went in a different direction. Thank you Vince for holding Milwaukee accountable.

Vince @vcgconstruction your videos were the catalyst for my first power tool purchase. I went with the Makita Driver over a year ago because of your tests and it’s been nothing but a joy. I love the platform, but I’m smart enough to know that I’m allowed to have other tools too. I keep some Milwaukee and Ryobi, because I like them. They get the job done, they work for my applications, they’re consistent and reliable, and I like them. Your channel is a respected buyers guide for homeowners, subcontractors, and tradesmen. We appreciate your years of service and love supporting you!!

I'm using Skil 12v everyday 7-4 in electrical and irrigation services. It's fantastic and more than enough

Vince, you're fantastic! Some of us humans are asked if "we are the way we are all the time", and personally, and it makes me wonder what it must be like to be boring. You have swayed my decision to buy a Dewalt, thank you for the info! Keep on, keeping on dude 😁

Love the vid. My Friend had Dewalt impact and when i started working construction he said better get Makita and i got one plus he later got one to.

The first time i saw your video i asked myself the same thing, is he always like this? Great energy bro.

Thanks for the information, I received Makita Subcompact set as a gift and will be building on that platform.

Hi Vince l love your tool testing.. I lost my right hand in a job accident. I look at all of your tool testing videos and they have helped me make well informed decisions about with my tool selection keep up the good work...

My Makita impact had trigger capability of running marine-grade stainless fasteners flawlessly. Survived multiple hurricanes. Worked for years and years in a saltwater environment. Dealt with extreme temperatures sand and dirt on a daily basis. Makita for Life 🤓

I'll take the Makita every time. They have been doing cordless longer then any other brand and I have never retired a Makita cordless because it broke. Matter of fact I can probably find most of them still in my shed in working order but I doubt the batteries would hold a charge any more. I recently picked up Makita's brushless 1/2" drill and driver combo to replace the ones I've been using professionally for the last 10 years without a flaw and I was wholly impressed. The drill has some real heft to it and can output some real wrist breaking torque and is likely why it came with a side handle. The impact driver is the best I have ever used and I suspect it will be just as capable 10 years from now. With the 5 amp hour batteries I can go several days some times before having to put them on the charger and I'm building decks. The programmable speed settings on the driver comes in handy because the max setting can be a little much on some work. The LED lights on both are great too. Anyone using these types of tools on a day to day will eventually drop them and we all want to them to survive the impact and I can attests that the Makita's that I have owned have taken dives off second story roof tops to concrete and survived. With my latest purchase I have only one complaint and that is the soft case that it comes with, (AKA: A bag), is to small to fit everything. There is no way to fit the side handle for the drill in the case no matter what angle or direction I may try. The case is to small. I don't even bother trying to zipper it up. Give me a hard case for my tools.

Thanks Vince -- excellent video, and you what you're hitting on is, I think, a critical point for tool evaluation in general. Manufacturers can jack up a particular feature that they know drives sales - but wind up neglecting others that are at least as important but maybe not "hot" features that drive sales. In this case - the XDT16 might not have quite as much high end torque as the Milwaukee, but in real world use it's a great tool for many reasons - AND has a fully functional collet that won't accidentally drop a bit. SO important to consider all the features that are part of real life experience in real jobs, not just the ones that grab marketing headlines.

I have two battery platforms Dewalt and Makita, I take only the best tools from these brands. Thank you very much to your channel for telling the whole truth about tools and warning against unnecessary purchases.

I appreciate you Vince! You’re a great guy that’s really cares about other peoples safety and where the invest there money on tools! Thank you!

I started plumbing 9 years ago. I did some research and decided early on I was gonna choose mikita even though most plumbers either use the yellow or the red brand. Countless job later and 9 years my compact saw all went to heaven last week and today so did my impact. I use it mostly to drill holes with a paddle bit to reroute water and gas lines so this review is perfect for me. I'm really hard on my tools so it's nice not having to buy new tools every other year.

Great video vcg construction I'm hoping milwaukee will do a recall on the gen 3 impact to fix the collar issue to help protect everyone

Great video Vince I've been viewing a while and you care about us and our money we spend. Thank you keep up the great work!!

Just want to say First and foremost that I Love your videos. I find real world testing to be the best & I honestly watch your reviews before purchasing anything Milwaukee. I am on this platform & don’t see myself changing anytime soon. Now I haven’t read many forums on this issue so I can’t speak on the volume of this problem, but 4 of my coworkers & myself have the fuel m18 & we absolutely love it for its power! Only one of my co workers have had issues but it’s been with the trigger not always engaging. He’s now had two Fuels with the same issue. We build Rvs for a living so the amount of screws we run daily in my opinion is unmatched by most. I myself run 1,200 to 2,000 metal screws daily for the rafters on the roofs I build. We do 21 units a day. My partner has the Makita from this video and my driving power is unmatched, he can’t keep up. I’ve had this impact for about 2 years now & have been through many cycles on my batteries with zero issues. That’s real world testing at its finest. Even if I do have a problem I still have 3 years left on the warranty! That in my opinion is a no brainer. Milwaukee all the way!

Being a fan of kobalt. Im just happy they are up there with the big guys. Everyone i work with loves dewalt. I always thought they were over priced for the quality. Whenever they would use my kobalt tools they would be impressed. I also ran a 12v milwaukee line. Kept a 12v impact and 12v wratchet in my tool bag at all times.

Another great and honest video Vince! Im a DIYer and watching you VCG guys the past 2-3 years and really appreciate your work, honesty and willing to bring out the best tool review that will really make sense on the user at any level and field regardless brand favorites. I watched loads of your videos (almost feels like i met you lol) and learn lots of stuff, and also help me take decisions on tool buying...Well done guys, keep up the great work! P.S. regarding m18 collet issue, i really expected millwaukee to provide a proffessional reply/alternative fix or small kit after your reviews/raw videos,recommendations and contact efforts you did the past ~1.5 years.

Been running a makita xdt13 for 8 months for hvac and love it sometimes i want to change to Milwaukee because of the batteries but i feel like im just better off teal and stick with one battery setup

Just what I wanted to hear. I have been shopping the Makita tools to replace all my DeWalt. However, I was torn between Milwaukee and Makita. Makita was leading only because my favorite color is Teal green. Now I have an actual reason to go ahead and switch my tool collection over to Makita. Thanks for the video.

Huge Makita guy here, love my tools, never owned the Milwakee. That said, my impact driver has issues with collet retention too after 3 years of moderate to light use.

Project Farms video was strictly testing performance. That is how he does his videos and testing, and it works really good for a lot of things, ex: drill bits, utility knife blades, etc. But for tests with tools, it is something you need to take with a grain of salt because it doesn't always relate to real world performance and potential issues with the tool, ex: milwaukee's quick release issue. That's why I'm subscribed to both VGC and Project Farm. Both channels are thorough in their own way and are looking out for their viewers regarding what products to buy/not buy.

Hi Vince, I’ve mentioned this to you before, in fact several times...I don’t have the bit retention problems with my M18 Fuel Gen 3. The only way I was able to even semi-replicate the collet retention issue is by yanking extremely hard on the driver. But by normal use, just pulling a a 1 1/2” paddle bit out, my bit is retained. Want even more power out of your Gen 3 Impact? Then pair it with the 3, 6 or 8 amp high output batteries! I usually only run the impact with the 3 amp HO batteries, as I still get a reasonably long runtime, along with a nice boost in torque and power. Love the Gen 3 impact! I also enjoy using the Surge, however it isn’t as powerful. Here’s the deal...I fully recommend purchasing the M18 Fuel Gen3 Impact, without a second thought. If you don’t thoroughly love it, then you now have 6 months to return to Home Depot. In addition Milwaukee has customer service second to none, just call 1 (800) SAW-DUST. With a 5 year warranty on your tool, you can’t go wrong!

Great video Vince. I believe you try very hard to let people know what's good and what's junk. You do a great job.

Thanks for this vcg. The bickering over brands is stupid. I run dewalts cause I'm on the batteries but you helped me avoid the 887 which potentially saved me money and time. You guys aren't shilling a brand just giving us information to help us. Have a good holiday season

I trust people who use the tools day in day out. Their experience is priceless. Thanks for the information.

When your bit jumps out of that Milwaukee when you are up 2 stories on a ladder will change your mind about it being the best. I have seen an employee slam it on the ground the second time down the ladder out of frustration.

Thanks for passing on your knowledge and experience to us. Great video as always.

I love my makita tools for 18v, but I also love the Milwaukee M12 line. Both outstanding tools👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼

I feel left out. I purchased the M18 gen3 impact when it came out. Im a commercial sheet metal worker and use this impact everyday. Self tapping screws, concrete anchors, and drilling with a uni bit are what I use it the most for. I’ve never had this issue...

I have theDT04Z with a 2.0 Battery. This from watching Vince do a comparison about 6 months ago. It pushes 1-5/8 & 3" construction screws, 3/8" Timberloks all day as well as Kreg HD pocket screws. For more power the XDT16 is on my shopping list. Vince never lies, and I can't thank him enough for these tool comparisons.

I bought a Milwaukee set with the 2804 hammerdrill and impact driver and one of my first experiences with the impact driver was dropping it from a ladder as I tried to catch it by the bit it just fell right out and hit the concrete with the bit still in hand. Luckily it was barely scuffed! Returned it and got a Makita hammerdrill/impact set for other reasons though.

Wholeheartedly agree...my Makita impact has never failed me. In fact none of my Makita has. All day, everyday,

Am on the m18 platform but i agree with you about makita its the best one of impact drivers. I want to say thank you for professional performance of your tool testing and revieving!

Been watching your vids for a lil over a month or so and this video is the one that gave you my sub. It felt honest and reliable. To me the best way to find the best tools is to go to a job site and look at what the old heads are using and then make a decision on what you should get. I want to thank you for this information I been looking into getting a personal impact for my tow truck but also I want to be able to use around the house ( buffing wheels to shine what needs to shine screw what needs screwing drill on what needs drilling well u get the jist right) so for an all around impact what would be your first go to impact if you could only get one. The cheapest bang for the buck from lugs to wall hanging a picture.please give some idea

This video is the reason why I have been watching your videos and continue to watch. Thank you.

Ive got a Makita Impact. Its awesome. Its not the one in this vid, its a step down, but it's still brushless and has the variable speed trigger AND I picked it up WITH a 3 amp hour battery for 80 bucks, thats a bargain.

I haven’t had an issue with my gen 3, 2 years now pretty solid

love the video, at home i love the dewalt cordless tools. they work perfect for the DIY. i use the Milwaukee at work and we have constant problems with the battery connections. sometimes have to give it a good hit.... keep up with the awesome reviews.

I’ve got a Porter Cable 20V impact driver that I’ve been using for two years everyday for remodels, decks, carpentry and a lot of other rough work. The the multi tool and drill driver aren’t as strong and shouldn’t be compared to the top brands, but the impact is surprisingly much different. I’d like to see a review put to test against the Porter Cable Impact VS some of the top brands. The impact definitely is the best out of all the porter Cable 20v tools.

The issue with the Gen 3 is what pushed me to get the surge and honestly its like a Milwaukee with a Makita feel.

I started on Milwaukee’s platform from watching you. Then I jumped on makita when they had those killer saw deals recently. Then I found myself picking up the xtd16 and I have the gen 3 impact and m12 fuel impacts but when I need an impact I grab my makita xtd16 every time. If I ever have to drill lag after lag then I might grab gen 3 but you can control the makita and use different settings for whatever your drilling. It is definitely the best impact on the market

Hey Vince...Over here in the UK...I've got a Hoop tunnel to construct, some dahlia beds to make up, greenhouse benching, and a few other jobs around the house to do, so needed to replace my old cheapo power tools...Over the last 2 weeks I've been doing my research, and honestly don't think I would have been as able to make anywhere near the right buying decision, without the help and advice your vids have given me...So just wanted to say a big thank you! Keep up the great work buddy....

Am a joiner from Edinburgh Scotland and bought the makita one cause of your review. It brilliant, never had any issues and it runs like a dream. Cheers bud.

I appreciate the honesty good job bro

My XTR driver is my 1st impact. I don’t know if I’m missing anything but it’s changed my life.

Been watching you’re channel for a long time and been looking for a replacement for my Dewalt. Was looking into the m18 since most of my tools are but now I will be buying the Makita as my new impact driver.

NOTHING beats years of real-life experience. Thanks for your honest review! No need to justify your recommendations. People who want a more "scientific" review can go to those channels. Thanks man!

Thanks for calling them out, I’ve been using a brushless and for about two years I’ve been wanting to upgrade but I’ve been waiting for an update from Milwaukee but I guess another year

Couldn't agree more with this video. Put the tools in contractors hands and you will find out the flaws real quick.

I appreciate your video...simple insights of your experience with these tools, lead to smart buying choices for us, the viewers. I'm am looking to add an impact driver to my arsenal of DIY tools. I have and love Makita drivers, but the above mentioned is a bit pricey for me. Is there an affordable makita model you would still have high praise for?

New subscriber here, love your vids. There’s a tool company here in Australia called “SP tools” they do an impact driver I really wish you could review , as I’ve had mine for years and it’s been bullet proof. But I don’t think they are available in USA. Nonetheless, great vid and review once again, look forward to seeing more videos from you....

All of the tests and reviews that I've seen came to the same conclusion that you did, Vince- the Makita XTD16 is the best impact on the market. I guess somebody either ignored, or wasn't paying attention to, the collet on the FUEL Gen 3.

makita is the best!!! it’s like toyota doesn’t have much power like ford mustang 5.0 GT but run longer with no problem

Smoked my Dewalt and upgraded to Metabo HPT triple hammer. Very impressive in my non-professional opinion. Would love to see how it stands up to these four. Keep up the great work!

Can’t say it enough VCG is awesome . I’ve always been a DeWalt good quality tools never needed a reason to buy anything else. With that being said after watching your channel and many videos and so on . I bought the Makita combo set and I’m very happy thanks for all the info you guys are great

I appreciate this video and i appreciate that you didn't call out any channels. Keep up the good work

I fixed my deck with my 20v dewalt impact driver when they were brand new. Actually i used it to screw underwater that was 6 years ago and its still working today. I actually had it underwater. I bought a replacement set 2 years ago on sale... the new ones dont work anymore...and they were a lot less abused then the old ones.

I just bought the Makita DTD171, I'm loving it. Had this video came out before my purchase, it would have made me buy it that much faster!

"The Reality is" drinking game.. Vince, you definitely have a verbal tick.

As an engineer, I strive to design parts to be robust and durable. Sometimes the testing of prototype parts can be difficult because of the way the end user will handle the part but that's where the scientific theory comes in to play. I appreciate hearing from users of products that are designed with the user in mind. It gives great feedback and helps to influence future designs and even improve existing designs. I'm not a tradesman, I'm a homeowner/diy type of guy and although I don't use the tools nearly as often, but I do admire a good tool that's dependable and one that can be passed down to my kid. That's why I appreciate the videos from VCG Construction.

I use the Surge as my go to and the Gen 2 as a backup. I have a peeve with the noise and I luv how nimble the Surge is. No issues with either except a trigger smoke up on the Surge a while back. Replaced under warranty no problem.

Was really looking to try a different impact driver because I’ve been using makita for years and it has never failed me just wanted to try something new but after this review I guess I’m back to my Makita thanks for the review!

that damn Collit lol, you da man Vince

I still love my milwaukee gen 3 baby ftw ❤ and use it everyday 💪🔥

“Experience is the best teacher" You remind me so much of my Dad. He has years & years of experience. Sometimes he gives me some advices, and all of them come from the same place, his experience all over the years. He's 57 years old and as far as I know, he has been into this business since he was 15 (more or less) It nice to see the scientific test & all of that but at the end of the day, we can only determine the reliability of our tools in one way: Using them in the real world

I am finding the batteries are as important to me as the tools. Yes I like the high outputs but I like the Bosch batteries best, I think maybe dewalt even has a similar size 4ah compact 21700 battery. That’s important to me, small but powerful. Might go skil too at those prices I can just replace them when they break

I like Makita for being lightweight and durable. Even though I know it doesn’t have as much torque as the other big brands. Plus it always seems to stay cool and the battery lasts longer.

I'll take real world on the job experience working with a tool over an n-lab scientific test any day of the week. Thank you for this video, I was on the fence but it helped me make my mind up on the Makita. It's coming home.

Well said, On point. I feel like I'll thank you five years later after my xdt 16 makita purchase, n not majita

Major team Red here but the collet is a VERY AGGRIVATING issue. Seems to happen at the worst moments as well.

Damm i know Vince loves his milwaukee tools. To say Makita is the best speaks volumes. Love your honesty Vince Awesome keep up the hard work VCG love you

More info is always better, scientifically testing and real world experience. Great video, I have that Gen 3 Milwaukee but I dont use it nearly as hard as you would so I haven't experienced that collet issue yet but I can see through repeated use how it could become warn out and lose bits.

My dad bought one of the first Makita 9000 drills back in 1970/80, I remember looking at it thinking it was just a toy ( it wasn’t and kept going, he used it every day as a house electrician drilling flat bits through joists until about 2000) when he retired and I bought my first Dewalt, the Dewalt didn’t last as long although it was a good tool and certainly a step up from the 9000, the 9000 was still going when my retired and he used it for DIY. Well I’m back to Makita and probably more for nostalgia purposes.

After watching your videos I went with the makita xdt16, really nice piece of tool. Thanks.