As a major home improvement retailer, Lowe’s offers a wide selection of power tools and hardware for DIYers and professionals. But notably absent from their shelves since 2008 has been Milwaukee power tools.
So does Lowe‘s sell Milwaukee tools in 2024? The short answer is no. If you‘re looking for Milwaukee power tools, you won‘t find them at any Lowe‘s retail locations or on their website.
This naturally leads to the question – why doesn‘t Lowe‘s stock Milwaukee products anymore? What led to the end of their retail partnership? And where can you buy Milwaukee tools if not at Lowe‘s?
In this detailed guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about Lowe’s and Milwaukee tools including:
- The history behind Milwaukee Tool company
- Why Lowe’s and Milwaukee parted ways in 2008
- What other major tool brands Lowe’s offers instead
- Where you can buy Milwaukee tools in 2024
- Milwaukee’s most popular tools and innovations
- How Milwaukee compares to other brands at Lowe’s
- Tips for finding Milwaukee tool deals without Lowe’s
Let’s start with some background on the Milwaukee brand and their history in power tools.
All About the Milwaukee Tool Brand
Founded in 1924, Milwaukee Tool is one of the oldest and largest producers of heavy-duty power tools in the world. The company pioneered the first lightweight, compact portable drill over 90 years ago and continues to be an industry leader in power tool technology today.
Based in Brookfield, Wisconsin, Milwaukee controls over 25% of the professional power tool market share in North America alone. They produce a wide array of corded and cordless power tools, hand tools, accessories, and storage solutions used across the construction, manufacturing, maintenance, automotive and utility industries.
Some quick facts about Milwaukee Tool:
- Founded in 1924, headquartered in Brookfield, WI
- Largest producers of professional-grade power tools globally
- Estimated annual revenue over $2.4 billion
- Over 500 types of power tools and 3,500 accessories
- Up to 300 new products introduced every year
- Major manufacturing facilities in USA, Europe and China
It’s clear Milwaukee dominates the power tool industry along with other major players like DeWalt, Makita and Bosch. But how exactly did they lose retailer Lowe’s as a distribution partner back in 2008?
The Dispute That Ended Milwaukee‘s Partnership with Lowe‘s
For years, Lowe’s carried Milwaukee power tools both online and in their retail stores as a trusted supplier. But in 2008, a major dispute erupted between the two companies resulting in the severing of their relationship.
According to Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp, Lowe’s owed around $1.2 million in payments for tool shipments delivered prior to the end of their vendor contract. However, Lowe’s disputed they owed this amount to Milwaukee.
With both companies at an impasse over this unpaid invoice debt, Milwaukee opted not to renew their supplier contract with Lowe’s in 2008. They instead signed an exclusive retail partnership with Home Depot, Lowe’s biggest competitor.
Ever since, Milwaukee tools and accessories have only been available for purchase at The Home Depot, not Lowe’s. This surprising split shocked many consumers used to relying on Lowe’s for their Milwaukee needs.
What Tool Brands Does Lowe’s Offer Instead?
Though they parted ways with Milwaukee over a decade ago, Lowe’s continues to offer high-quality power tools from other major manufacturers:
-
DeWalt – One of Lowe’s most prominent brands, known for durability and reliability. Top-selling tools include drills, drivers, saws, planers, and more.
-
Craftsman – Iconic American tool brand carried exclusively at Lowe’s as of 2017. Offers wide range of hand tools, storage and power tools.
-
Kobalt – Lowe’s own proprietary brand designed for DIYers and homeowners. Features budget-friendly power tools, hand tools and outdoor equipment.
-
Bosch – For advanced German engineering. Carry specialty measuring tools, hammer drills, saws, routers, more.
-
Porter Cable – Known for dependable, affordable tools like sanders, nailers, routers, saws perfect for most applications.
-
Flex – Brushless power tools made for everyday use around the house. Includes drivers, wrenches, oscillating tools, vacuums.
-
Metabo HPT – Professional-grade drills, saws, rotary hammers, more for heavy-duty use.
As you can see, Lowe’s has chosen to focus on other major power tool brands rather than Milwaukee. But Milwaukee still maintains a strong retail presence.
Where to Buy Milwaukee Tools in 2024 Since Not Lowe’s
Wondering where you can purchase Milwaukee power tools, accessories and storage solutions since they severed ties with Lowe’s? Here are the top options in 2024:
Buy Milwaukee at Home Depot
As Milwaukee’s exclusive partner, Home Depot stocks the full line of Milwaukee tools both online and in stores. You’ll find all the latest cordless kits, hand tools, outdoor equipment, and more.
Purchase Milwaukee from Amazon
Amazon carries a vast selection of Milwaukee power tools and combo kits. Browse for specific tools or shop convenient Milwaukee-branded stores. Amazon often has better availability for timely delivery.
Order Direct from Milwaukee Tool Website
The official Milwaukee Tool website lets you buy tools directly from the manufacturer. Shop individual tools or bundled sets and take advantage of limited-time promotions.
Check Local Hardware Stores
Some independent hardware stores and tool retailers may carry select Milwaukee products and accessories in-store. Call ahead to ask about Milwaukee inventory.
Use Milwaukee’s Dealer Locator
To find nearby stores carrying Milwaukee tools, check their dealer locator. Search by zip code and see authorized local retailers, distributors and service centers.
Now that you know where to buy them, let’s look at some of Milwaukee Tool’s most innovative products and why they are a favorite of professionals.
Most Popular Milwaukee Tool Systems
M18 FUEL
The M18 FUEL system is Milwaukee’s most advanced line of cordless tools. They feature brushless motors, RedLithium batteries and POWERSTATE electronics for the ultimate in power, run time and durability. The M18 FUEL drill driver is one of their best-sellers.
M12 FUEL
For compact 12V cordless tools, M12 FUEL adds the same brushless, lithium-ion upgrades but in a smaller form factor perfect for tight spaces. Top tools include the M12 FUEL hackzall and cordless ratchet.
PACKOUT Modular Storage
Milwaukee’s PACKOUT system revolutionized tool storage with its durable stacking containers, rolling tool carts and tote bags. Customize your portable toolbox with PACKOUT modular components.
ONE-KEY Technology
Milwaukee ONE-KEY tools allow customize controls, track usage and security, and manage inventory via Bluetooth connectivity. ONE-KEY integration takes tool optimization to the next level.
Lighting Solutions
From pocket LED worklights to tower stand lights, Milwaukee‘s professional jobsite lighting solutions deliver shadow-free illumination needed on any work site.
It‘s these advanced technologies combined with sturdy, reliable construction that makes Milwaukee a favorite of professional contractors. But how exactly do they compare to Lowe‘s other leading brands?
Milwaukee vs Other Lowe‘s Brands
Milwaukee caters to professional users who depend on power tools day in and day out for heavy-duty applications. This gives Milwaukee an advantage over many of Lowe’s tool brands geared for homeowners and hobbyists. Let‘s compare:
-
vs Kobalt: Milwaukee offers superior power, performance and durability thanks to brushless motors and lithium batteries. But Kobalt provides adequate quality for most basic DIY tasks at a lower price point.
-
vs Craftsman: Long reputation for reliability, but Craftsman tools are designed for home use, not abusive job site conditions. Milwaukee edges out with better torque and runtime.
-
vs DeWalt: Close competitor known for rugged dependability. But Milwaukee wins out with more cutting-edge technology like FUEL, PACKOUT and ONE-KEY integration.
The one downside to Milwaukee is the higher cost. But professionals find the investment worthwhile for tools that can withstand heavy daily use. Battery systems like M18 and M12 also provide versatile, cordless convenience.
So while Milwaukee costs more upfront, contractors report the tools pay for themselves through years of durability on jobsites. Now let‘s look at tips for finding Milwaukee tools at a discount.
Finding Milwaukee Tool Deals Without Lowe‘s
Since Milwaukee products command a premium price, it helps to shop smart if you want to save money on Milwaukee power tools and accessories without Lowe’s. Here are some tips:
-
Check Home Depot‘s weekly flyer for Milwaukee promotions and discount bundle deals. Sign up for email alerts.
-
Watch for seasonal and holiday sales on Milwaukee at retailers like Acme Tools and Tool Nut. Fourth of July and Black Friday often have major discounts.
-
Sign up for Milwaukee‘s newsletters for exclusive access to limited-time offers. Buy direct during a site-wide sale for the biggest savings.
-
Buy reconditioned or refurbished Milwaukee tools directly from their Trade counter or through Amazon Renewed for like-new quality at reduced prices.
-
Join the Milwaukee ONE-KEY system for free to gain access to exclusive member-only promotions and personalized tool discounts.
-
Consider buying bare tools without batteries or chargers to save money upfront, then invest in batteries separately.
With strategic shopping methods like these, you can save money on Milwaukee tools despite their premium pricing compared to Lowe‘s brands.
Conclusion
In summary, Lowe’s and Milwaukee parted ways back in 2008 following a vendor dispute, leading to an exclusive deal between Milwaukee and rival Home Depot instead.
Today, Milwaukee continues to establish itself as an industry leader in cordless power tools thanks to next-gen innovations not found at Lowe’s. However, you can still purchase Milwaukee‘s professional-grade tools at retailers like Home Depot, Amazon, directly from their website, or local dealers.
With strategic shopping, you can land great Milwaukee deals even without Lowe’s. Investing in Milwaukee means paying more upfront but gaining tools built to last through years of daily professional use. For most homeowners doing occasional DIY repairs, Lowe’s roster of brands like Kobalt and Craftsman offer sufficient quality at lower prices.
So while Milwaukee won’t be found walking the aisles at Lowe’s, their pioneering spirit lives on in the form of advanced FUEL brushless tools you can buy elsewhere. Milwaukee relentlessly innovates to build the most durable, hardest working tools for the toughest job site demands.
