As an avid DIYer and professional contractor, I‘ve spent countless hours shopping for tools at big box stores like Lowe‘s and Home Depot. When it comes to power tools, few brands have as much name recognition and loyalty as Milwaukee. Known for their bold red branding and innovative features, Milwaukee tools have a well-earned reputation for power, durability, and performance.
But if you‘re a Milwaukee devotee shopping at Lowe‘s, you might be surprised to discover a distinct lack of red on the shelves. In fact, Lowe‘s doesn‘t carry Milwaukee tools at all these days. But it wasn‘t always this way. Here‘s the full story behind Lowe‘s complicated history with the Milwaukee brand.
When Did Lowe‘s Stop Selling Milwaukee Tools?
To understand the current state of affairs between Lowe‘s and Milwaukee, we need to go back to 2008. At that time, Lowe‘s had been carrying Milwaukee tools for many years. But behind the scenes, tensions were brewing between the two companies.
In 2008, Milwaukee abruptly ended its contract with Lowe‘s and pulled its products from the retailer‘s shelves. According to a statement from Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation, the split was due to a dispute over unpaid invoices:
"Lowe‘s owes Milwaukee an estimated $1.2 million in tools they shipped before the end of their contract which they did not receive financial compensation for. Despite our repeated attempts to resolve this matter, Lowe‘s has refused payment and is no longer an authorized Milwaukee dealer."
Lowe‘s, for its part, never publicly commented on the dispute or the end of the partnership. But the impact was clear: Milwaukee tools disappeared from Lowe‘s stores virtually overnight, never to return.
The Home Depot Partnership
Milwaukee wasted no time in finding a new retail partner after cutting ties with Lowe‘s. In fact, the ink was barely dry on the Lowe‘s divorce papers when Milwaukee announced an exclusive partnership with Home Depot.
Starting in 2008, Home Depot became the only big box retailer authorized to sell Milwaukee tools. This was a major coup for Home Depot, as it gave them a significant advantage over Lowe‘s in attracting pros and serious DIYers who demand top-tier tool brands.
The Milwaukee/Home Depot relationship has only grown in the years since. Home Depot is now Milwaukee‘s largest retail partner, with a massive selection of the brand‘s tools both in-store and online. Milwaukee even produces exclusive products just for Home Depot, like the popular PACKOUT modular storage system.
According to Home Depot‘s 2020 annual report, Milwaukee is one of the retailer‘s fastest-growing tool brands, with double-digit sales increases year over year. In fact, Milwaukee accounted for over $1 billion in sales at Home Depot in 2020 alone.
How Lowe‘s Has Responded
Losing Milwaukee was undoubtedly a blow to Lowe‘s tool department. But in the years since 2008, the retailer has focused on building up its own exclusive partnerships and house brands to fill the void.
One of Lowe‘s biggest moves was relaunching the iconic Craftsman tool brand in 2018. Originally owned by Sears, the Craftsman brand was bought by Stanley Black & Decker in 2017 and licensed exclusively to Lowe‘s for retail sales. This gave Lowe‘s a legacy tool brand with huge name recognition to compete with Home Depot‘s Milwaukee offerings.
Lowe‘s has also invested heavily in its own private label tool brands in recent years. The retailer‘s Kobalt line of power tools and hand tools has expanded significantly and now includes everything from 24V max cordless drills to mechanics tool sets. By some estimates, Kobalt now accounts for over $1 billion in annual sales for Lowe‘s.
Here‘s a snapshot of how Lowe‘s tool sales stack up against Home Depot‘s in recent years:
| Retailer | 2019 Tool Sales | 2020 Tool Sales | YoY Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowe‘s | $8.4 billion | $9.5 billion | 13.1% |
| Home Depot | $9.3 billion | $10.3 billion | 10.8% |
Source: Company annual reports
As you can see, while Home Depot still maintains a lead in overall tool sales, Lowe‘s is narrowing the gap and actually posted stronger year-over-year growth in 2020.
How Milwaukee Stacks Up
There‘s a reason why so many tool users are fiercely loyal to the Milwaukee brand. Simply put, Milwaukee tools are some of the best on the market when it comes to power, performance, and durability.
Milwaukee‘s lineup includes all the essential power tools you‘d expect, like drills, saws, sanders, and grinders. But where the brand really shines is in its M18 and M12 cordless systems. These brushless tools pack a serious punch, often outperforming competitors‘ models in head-to-head tests.
For example, here‘s how the top 18V cordless drill models stack up in terms of power and speed:
| Brand & Model | Max Torque | Max RPM | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee 2804-20 | 1,200 in-lbs | 2,000 | $229 |
| DeWalt DCD997 | 820 in-lbs | 2,000 | $219 |
| Makita XFD07 | 1,090 in-lbs | 2,100 | $279 |
| Bosch GSR18V-755C | 755 in-lbs | 1,900 | $244 |
Source: Manufacturer specs and performance testing from Pro Tool Reviews
The Milwaukee 2804-20 beats out popular models from DeWalt, Makita, and Bosch in terms of sheer torque while matching or exceeding their speed specs. This is a prime example of how Milwaukee consistently pushes the boundaries of cordless tool technology.
Milwaukee is also known for packing its tools with innovative features that boost productivity on the job site. One standout is the ONE-KEY digital platform, which lets users wirelessly customize, track, and manage their tools through a mobile app. The RedLithium USB charging system is another Milwaukee signature, allowing users to quickly charge devices and batteries on the go.
Of course, all this cutting-edge technology comes at a price. Milwaukee tools consistently rank among the most expensive on the market, with its flagship M18 drill kit retailing for $229 or more. But for many pros and serious DIYers, the difference in quality and performance is well worth the premium.
Where to Buy Milwaukee Tools
Just because Lowe‘s doesn‘t carry Milwaukee tools doesn‘t mean they‘re hard to find. In fact, Milwaukee has one of the widest distribution networks of any tool brand. Here are some of the best places to buy Milwaukee tools:
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Home Depot: As Milwaukee‘s exclusive big box partner, Home Depot carries a massive selection of the brand‘s tools both in-store and online. You‘ll find everything from basic drill/driver kits to specialized plumbing and electrical tools. Home Depot also offers free shipping on most Milwaukee orders over $45.
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Acme Tools: This online retailer specializes in power tools and has a huge selection of Milwaukee products, including exclusive combo kits and free gifts with purchase. Acme also has a robust rewards program that earns you points on every Milwaukee purchase.
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Ohio Power Tool: Another online specialist retailer, Ohio Power Tool offers a wide range of Milwaukee tools and accessories with free shipping on most orders. They also have a knowledgeable sales team that can help you find the right Milwaukee tools for your needs.
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Farm & Fleet: This regional retailer has over 40 locations across the Midwest and carries a surprisingly deep bench of Milwaukee tools. Prices are often slightly lower than Home Depot, and you can find some great deals on Milwaukee combo kits around the holidays.
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CPO Milwaukee: For the best deals on factory reconditioned tools, check out CPO Milwaukee. This is Milwaukee‘s official online outlet, offering discounts of up to 50% on refurbished tools that are backed by a full manufacturer‘s warranty. Selection is limited and always changing, but the savings can be substantial.
Of course, you can also buy Milwaukee tools directly from the brand‘s website. Milwaukee offers free shipping on all orders over $199, as well as exclusive limited-edition tools and combo kits. However, prices tend to be higher than other retailers.
Pro Tips for Buying Milwaukee Tools
As someone who has spent way too much time and money on tools over the years, I‘ve learned a few things about how to get the best deal on Milwaukee tools. Here are my top tips for picky shoppers:
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Look for combo kits: Buying bare tools is almost always more expensive than getting a kit with batteries and a charger included. Check out Milwaukee‘s combo kit offerings to get the most bang for your buck.
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Wait for seasonal sales: Power tool prices tend to fluctuate throughout the year, with the best deals happening around Father‘s Day, Black Friday, and the holiday season. Time your Milwaukee purchases accordingly.
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Consider buying reconditioned: If you don‘t mind a little cosmetic wear, buying reconditioned Milwaukee tools can save you up to 50% compared to buying new. Just make sure you‘re getting a full warranty and return policy.
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Join a loyalty program: If you buy Milwaukee tools frequently, it pays to join a loyalty or rewards program. Home Depot‘s Pro Xtra program, for example, gives you exclusive discounts and perks on Milwaukee purchases.
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Invest in the M18 platform: If you‘re just starting your Milwaukee collection, go with the M18 battery platform. These 18V tools offer the best combination of power and versatility, and the batteries are compatible with over 200 Milwaukee tools.
The Bottom Line
While it‘s unfortunate that Lowe‘s no longer carries Milwaukee tools, it‘s clear that the brand has only gotten stronger since ending that partnership. Thanks to its ongoing relationship with Home Depot and its expanded distribution network, Milwaukee is now more widely available than ever before.
Lowe‘s, for its part, has adapted admirably to the loss of Milwaukee by doubling down on its own house brands and exclusive partnerships. With popular lines like Kobalt and Craftsman, Lowe‘s remains a top destination for tool shoppers.
Ultimately, the decision of where to buy tools comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you‘re a die-hard Milwaukee fan, Home Depot is probably your best bet. But if you‘re open to other brands and more concerned with price and selection, Lowe‘s is still a solid choice.
The most important thing is to do your research, read reviews, and choose tools that meet your specific needs and budget. Whether you‘re shopping at Lowe‘s, Home Depot, or somewhere else entirely, investing in quality tools will always pay off in the long run.
