2017 milwaukee power tools deal thread

[Fatboy148]

I don't know how this stacks up against the other deals but HD sent out a Pro email today and this 5 piece, $299.00 Milwaukee set was on it:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...Cordless-Combo-Kit-5-Tool-2695-25CX/301113053

Includes: (1) M18 cordless lithium-ion 1/2 in. drill/driver (2606-20), (1) M18 Hackzall one-handed reciprocating saw (2625-20), (1) M18 cordless lithium-ion 6-1/2 in. circular saw (2630-20), (1)M18 1/4 in. hex compact impact driver (2656-20), (1) M18 REDLITHIUM XC extended capacity battery (48-11-1828), (1) M18 REDLITHIUM compact battery (48-11-1815); (1) M18 and M12 multi-voltage charger (48-59-1812), (1)M18 work light (2735-20); (1) 24 tpi 6-1/2 in. circular saw blade; (1) general purpose Sawzall blade and (1) contractor bag

 

[2manytools]

I don't know how this stacks up against the other deals but HD sent out a Pro email today and this 5 piece, $299.00 Milwaukee set was on it:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...Cordless-Combo-Kit-5-Tool-2695-25CX/301113053

Includes: (1) M18 cordless lithium-ion 1/2 in. drill/driver (2606-20), (1) M18 Hackzall one-handed reciprocating saw (2625-20), (1) M18 cordless lithium-ion 6-1/2 in. circular saw (2630-20), (1)M18 1/4 in. hex compact impact driver (2656-20), (1) M18 REDLITHIUM XC extended capacity battery (48-11-1828), (1) M18 REDLITHIUM compact battery (48-11-1815); (1) M18 and M12 multi-voltage charger (48-59-1812), (1)M18 work light (2735-20); (1) 24 tpi 6-1/2 in. circular saw blade; (1) general purpose Sawzall blade and (1) contractor bag

Pretty decent. For the same price during the holidays, there was a similar kit that did not come with the circular saw, the drill was a hammer model, & 2 XC batteries instead of 1 XC/ 1 compact. The only hesitation for me is te 6-1/2" circular saw. Over time, you will save money on blades for a 7-1/4" & have better selection (or at least more immediate availability if you go to a local store).

 

[a52-830]

note that none of these are "current" items. the tools are all non-fuel, the batteries are all older generations (although might still be of recent manufacture). the charger is also the previous generation, which takes longer to charge a given battery..

all this means is that it will take longer to charge the batteries, and the tools will use them up quicker, both because they are less efficient that the FUEL (current generation) tools and their capacity is smaller (current M18 batteries are small 2AH, medium 5AH, large 9AH.)

there is not a M18 FUEL hackzall, although there is a FUEL M12 hackzall. i think all the other tools, as opposed to the light, have FUEL versions available.

all of this might not matter to you. they are still great tools, and buying a FUEL version of this kit would easily cost twice as much. it *is* a good buy . . . .

i just like people to make informed decisions. nothing bothers me more than pulling the trigger on something, only to find there is something i would have been happier with, even for more money, had i known.

 

[2manytools]

note that none of these are "current" items. the tools are all non-fuel, the batteries are all older generations (although might still be of recent manufacture). the charger is also the previous generation, which takes longer to charge a given battery..

all this means is that it will take longer to charge the batteries, and the tools will use them up quicker, both because they are less efficient that the FUEL (current generation) tools and their capacity is smaller (current M18 batteries are small 2AH, medium 5AH, large 9AH.)

there is not a M18 FUEL hackzall, although there is a FUEL M12 hackzall. i think all the other tools, as opposed to the light, have FUEL versions available.

all of this might not matter to you. they are still great tools, and buying a FUEL version of this kit would easily cost twice as much. it *is* a good buy . . . .

i just like people to make informed decisions. nothing bothers me more than pulling the trigger on something, only to find there is something i would have been happier with, even for more money, had i known.

agreed. I only buy Fuel models, but there must be demand for non-Fuel because they keep making them. Still have a 5 year warranty though, and if you are just looking for tools to have tools, then this is pretty good. If you do need more batteries, keep in mind that typically it is most inexpensive to buy batteries with tools. So if you think you will need more or a better battery later on, maybe look into getting 2 kits.

 

[a52-830]

i agree. the only non-FUEL things i have are a M12 blower, M12 vacuum, and two of the bluetooth speakers.

i have found that the batteries are easier to get on ebay. the best prices seem to be available when you buy more than one at a time, or right after one of these promotional periods, when a lot of people got a tool with an extra battery for free, and they are selling off the battery to recoup some of the cost. when there are 30 5AH battery listings on ebay, an email to one of the sellers with several listed with a lower offer can be attractive. he moves one or two, the listing changes from "10 available" to "2 sold, 8 available", which can cause an uptick in purchasers (who feel more comfortable buying where others have shown confidence). when you make the offer, tell them they can either "make a direct offer" (i dont know how that works, but it has happened to me in these situations), or they can flip the auction to "or best offer" and let you make an offer with an agreed upon price). they can then either flip it back, or leave that alone, and see if it generates any additional interest.

 

[danny_barkley]

i agree. the only non-FUEL things i have are a M12 blower, M12 vacuum, and two of the bluetooth speakers.

i have found that the batteries are easier to get on ebay. the best prices seem to be available when you buy more than one at a time, or right after one of these promotional periods, when a lot of people got a tool with an extra battery for free, and they are selling off the battery to recoup some of the cost. when there are 30 5AH battery listings on ebay, an email to one of the sellers with several listed with a lower offer can be attractive. he moves one or two, the listing changes from "10 available" to "2 sold, 8 available", which can cause an uptick in purchasers (who feel more comfortable buying where others have shown confidence). when you make the offer, tell them they can either "make a direct offer" (i dont know how that works, but it has happened to me in these situations), or they can flip the auction to "or best offer" and let you make an offer with an agreed upon price). they can then either flip it back, or leave that alone, and see if it generates any additional interest.

If you are buying Lithium Batteries off Ebay, you better become an absolute expert in detecting Chinese Fakes.

Otherwise **** goes you Hand, your house, your car, or your truck or even your life.

I have lots of Lithium ION batteries and even though it's painful to buy the good brands that cost many times more money from reputable dealers, it just is what it is.


All Fakes that may kill you:

https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&initiative_id=AS_20170515131050&SearchText=milwaukee+m18+battery

 

[2manytools]

If you are buying Lithium Batteries off Ebay, you better become an absolute expert in detecting Chinese Fakes.

Otherwise **** goes you Hand, your house, your car, or your truck or even your life.

I have lots of Lithium ION batteries and even though it's painful to buy the good brands that cost many times more money from reputable dealers, it just is what it is.


All Fakes that may kill you:

https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&initiative_id=AS_20170515131050&SearchText=milwaukee+m18+battery

It isn't that difficult to figure out the good from the bad. The fakes 90% of the time have different labeling too easy not to tell they aren't genuine, as that is one thing they have not been able to reproduce well.

The more difficult ones would be where someone goes thru the effort of swapping the actual cells out inside of the battery. I think this is happening less & less, as the cost of the cells goes down, it becomes less profitable.
Sometimes, they will have a genuine Milwaukee label on one side for pictures, then some knockoff on the other side where they had to remove the Milwaukee label that became 'voided' after they opened it.

Also look at the sellers history of what they sold, where they are from, how many they are selling. There are a lot of clues to let your know when something isn't right.

 

[Jamie V]

I'm still waiting for my boot from Nick for the mid torque that he said he had in stock but didn't!

Got it today!

 

[DFB]

Got it today!

Nice!

 

[Buckgnarly]

Got it today!

Just ordered one from him... will be my first transaction with him, might start a bad trend for my wallet...

 

[Jamie V]

My only beef with Nick was he said he had both items in stock but didn't. He had them drop shipped and then Milwaukee didn't have the boot in stock.

 

[Cynical]

My only beef with Nick was he said he had both items in stock but didn't. He had them drop shipped and then Milwaukee didn't have the boot in stock.

In fairness, if something is being drop shipped most vendors consider that as "in stock." The order system might even have told him it was available and ready to be shipped, we don't know. I understand the frustration though.

 

[Buckgnarly]

My only beef with Nick was he said he had both items in stock but didn't. He had them drop shipped and then Milwaukee didn't have the boot in stock.

He just told me he had them.... how long did it take to get it?

 

[a52-830]

can you get all five nuts on all four tires off and back on with that 2AH battery? if not, with a 5AH?

 

[Jamie V]

In fairness, if something is being drop shipped most vendors consider that as "in stock." The order system might even have told him it was available and ready to be shipped, we don't know. I understand the frustration though.

He sent me the wrong one first because he didn't know that the mid torque took a different boot. I knew Milwaukee didn't have them in stock before I ordered from him and that's why I specifically asked if he had them in stock.

He just told me he had them.... how long did it take to get it?

Once he got it in only a day but I'm in NJ just like him.

 

[Jamie V]

can you get all five nuts on all four tires off and back on with that 2AH battery? if not, with a 5AH?

I haven't used it yet (been waiting for the boot so I didn't mess it up). But I can take 20 lugs on/off with my smaller 3/8 fuel gun no problem. I can't see why this one wouldn't.

 

[kbkna]

I used a 2 ah with my 2763 and did a four tire rotation on my excursion no problem. Fully charged when I started and 2 lines left when done

 

[smite]

can you get all five nuts on all four tires off and back on with that 2AH battery? if not, with a 5AH?

I did this a month or so ago with my M12 Fuel 3/8 impact... all 5 lugs on and off on 4 wheels swapping the winters and summers on the ST. Started with 4 bars, finished with 3.

 

[2manytools]

I did this a month or so ago with my M12 Fuel 3/8 impact... all 5 lugs on and off on 4 wheels swapping the winters and summers on the ST. Started with 4 bars, finished with 3.

So it appears I went overkill for for my truck (4runner). I got the 2763-20 Fuel 1/2" high torque bad boy, but sounds like it is way more than I need to do most jobs properly (and more conveniently without that huge body). My purchase was based off using a friends when I had a caliper bolt I was unable to remove by manual methods. I had to put on an pivot adapter, but after 15-20 seconds if impacting it broke free. Saved a trip to the auto shop, so thought the tool was worth it, but seems more like a tool for Big Rigs/ farming equipment.

Any more-automotive geared people care to chime in on their recommendation, & what they do use the 1/2" for?

 

[Foxmxrcer]

So it appears I went overkill for for my truck (4runner). I got the 2763-20 Fuel 1/2" high torque bad boy, but sounds like it is way more than I need to do most jobs properly (and more conveniently without that huge body). My purchase was based off using a friends when I had a caliper bolt I was unable to remove by manual methods. I had to put on an pivot adapter, but after 15-20 seconds if impacting it broke free. Saved a trip to the auto shop, so thought the tool was worth it, but seems more like a tool for Big Rigs/ farming equipment.

Any more-automotive geared people care to chime in on their recommendation, & what they do use the 1/2" for?

I've had lug nuts that my 2763 couldn't get off. Generally it's on the vehicles that come from the local jiffy lube where they just ram the lugs on with impact and over torque them to Oblivion. I've also had a fair amount of other fasteners that it wouldn't break free, but that's generally combined with an extension or swivel.... Which drastically decreases torque.

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[chrisexv6]

I needed the power of my 2763 to break free the bolts holding my gas tank straps on. They were so frozen from rust and dirt I had no choice but snap them and the 2763 was able to do just that.

I bought it originally for removing the dreaded Honda/Acura crank bolt, but ended up paying a shop to do the timing belt for me. I did just use it on the crank bolt of my Frontier and I swear I could hear the 2763 laugh when it zipped the bolt off in about 3 impacts.

 

[csmitty]

So it appears I went overkill for for my truck (4runner). I got the 2763-20 Fuel 1/2" high torque bad boy, but sounds like it is way more than I need to do most jobs properly (and more conveniently without that huge body). My purchase was based off using a friends when I had a caliper bolt I was unable to remove by manual methods. I had to put on an pivot adapter, but after 15-20 seconds if impacting it broke free. Saved a trip to the auto shop, so thought the tool was worth it, but seems more like a tool for Big Rigs/ farming equipment.

Any more-automotive geared people care to chime in on their recommendation, & what they do use the 1/2" for?

I honestly use my 2654 for most everything. It will even take off the lugs on my 2500 that I torque to 145ftlbs with no problem. It might impact for a sec or two. The 2763 takes them off quicker. The 2654 will break most anything loose on a car you'll need and be able to get in tighter spots than the 2763. With the 2763 you have to have a large berth to get to the fastener. I'll probably need to get some regular length 1/2 impact sockets vs just the deep I have. I have deep and std in the 3/8s. So yea, my 2763 I use mainly for lugs, or suspension components if I can get to them, or larger equipment, but it was also only $100 tool only. If you need to use some extensions then the 2763 is probably good for that as you start loosing alot of torque. My 2654 will get the majority of use, but its nice to have the larger option. The IR 2135Ti barely gets used anymore now.

 

[bcradio]

So it appears I went overkill for for my truck (4runner). I got the 2763-20 Fuel 1/2" high torque bad boy, but sounds like it is way more than I need to do most jobs properly (and more conveniently without that huge body). My purchase was based off using a friends when I had a caliper bolt I was unable to remove by manual methods. I had to put on an pivot adapter, but after 15-20 seconds if impacting it broke free. Saved a trip to the auto shop, so thought the tool was worth it, but seems more like a tool for Big Rigs/ farming equipment.

Any more-automotive geared people care to chime in on their recommendation, & what they do use the 1/2" for?

Yes, the mid torque is a much better general use impact and it can handle most things. The high torque is more of a specialty tool for the times when you need the power.

 

[2manytools]

but it was also only $100 tool only. If you need to use some extensions then the 2763 is probably good for that as you start loosing alot of torque. My 2654 will get the majority of use, but its nice to have the larger option. The IR 2135Ti barely gets used anymore now.

same here, ~$100. I know I can always sell and get my money back + some, but I won't have my tool I did have a swivel adapter & 12" extension to get what I needed off. A compact model would have taken care of the need for the adapters, but it's what I had that night.

I think I'm going to sell the 2763 & get the 2654. Much more likely to keep the 3/8 in the car just in case, rather than the beast.

 

[csmitty]

same here, ~$100. I know I can always sell and get my money back + some, but I won't have my tool I did have a swivel adapter & 12" extension to get what I needed off. A compact model would have taken care of the need for the adapters, but it's what I had that night.

I think I'm going to sell the 2763 & get the 2654. Much more likely to keep the 3/8 in the car just in case, rather than the beast.

Have a look at the 2754 then. Its the 2nd gen to the 2654. Slightly more power and from I hear better ergonomics and slightly more compact.

 

[2manytools]

Have a look at the 2754 then. Its the 2nd gen to the 2654. Slightly more power and from I hear better ergonomics and slightly more compact.

Then that's what I meant. Too many 2xxx-20 models to keep track of.

 

[paulsomlo]

Any more-automotive geared people care to chime in on their recommendation, & what they do use the 1/2" for?

Hang onto it - you may need to remove a crankshaft pulley bolt someday.

 

[2manytools]

Hang onto it - you may need to remove a crankshaft pulley bolt someday.

Doubt it, cause I don't even know what the heck that is, aside from a car part.

I will probably keep it anyway. I bought the 1/2" to 1/4" hex adapter, so I can still use it for tasks that really don't need it. Like putting in deck screws... all the way thru the deck. Maybe I'll throw in a Bosch Daredevil bit & see what that results in

 

[csmitty]

Doubt it, cause I don't even know what the heck that is, aside from a car part.

I will probably keep it anyway. I bought the 1/2" to 1/4" hex adapter, so I can still use it for tasks that really don't need it. Like putting in deck screws... all the way thru the deck. Maybe I'll throw in a Bosch Daredevil bit & see what that results in

Yea, I would not drive screws with that, lag bolts sure, but deck screws you will either strip it out or snap them off when it bites hard. Could go to down with drill bits though, just still have the awkwardness factor.

 

[2manytools]

Yea, I would not drive screws with that, lag bolts sure, but deck screws you will either strip it out or snap them off when it bites hard. Could go to down with drill bits though, just still have the awkwardness factor.

Ya, I was kidding on those deck screws. I'd use the camo system anyway, which might be a little awkward with that tool.

I am thinking about taking a very large impact socket, and modifying it so I could drive eye-bolt anchors into the ground. Our current method involves a long steel bar, 2 people, and patience. I thought that would be the perfect job if I could come up with an attachment piece. Suggestions well appreciated

 

[ruffryder]

I am thinking about taking a very large impact socket, and modifying it so I could drive eye-bolt anchors into the ground. Our current method involves a long steel bar, 2 people, and patience. I thought that would be the perfect job if I could come up with an attachment piece. Suggestions well appreciated

Just use a large square socket?

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Just a heads up for anyone who got in on the ACME $299 M18 string trimmer w/free hedge trimmer, I got my string trimmer Monday and assumed the hedge trimmer was inside the 6+ft long box but to my surprise, not! After further review, the hedge trimmer is on back order per the packing slip and listed as p/n 2726-20F, assume "F" means Free? but they DO have stock of the 2726-20, go figure?

 

[ishiboo]

Just a heads up for anyone who got in on the ACME $299 M18 string trimmer w/free hedge trimmer, I got my string trimmer Monday and assumed the hedge trimmer was inside the 6+ft long box but to my surprise, not! After further review, the hedge trimmer is on back order per the packing slip and listed as p/n 2726-20F, assume "F" means Free? but they DO have stock of the 2726-20, go figure?

A lot of these promos use different stock for the free items. GearWrench works the same way, as does HDs online promo.

 

[isuhunter]

If a guy doesn't have Facebook, how can you see Nick's deals? Do I need to create an account?


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[2manytools]

If a guy doesn't have Facebook, how can you see Nick's deals? Do I need to create an account?


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unfortunately, yes. it is a "private" group and must be accepted by one of the admins. my account was created only for couponing years ago, and surprisingly hasn't been shut down by FB. I messaged Nick, explained to him I was real, and didn't feel like shouting my name out to the world. Now the only reasons I use FB are for him, a local BBQ place & Hydroponics store, but the latter 2 still show their specials without needing an account.

But now that I am a part of this group, FB is advertising other local groups to me which I may have to consider making a more legitimate account to sign up. Mainly garage sale groups, which sort of need to be real because of the nature of meeting up in person & they ban bad sellers/buyers

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Just ordered one from him... will be my first transaction with him, might start a bad trend for my wallet...

Anyone know what the p/n is for the mid torque boot?
EDIT: never mind https://www.toolbarn.com/milwaukee-...JiBf3n_pcrid_90615788774_pkw_PLA_pmt_b_pdv_c_

 

[Sh40674]

Check out the eBay deals thread for a 20 percent off coupon. Ordered a fuel sawzall from tools plus outlet for 114 shipped.

 

[GForceJunky]

So is the consensus that it's worth getting the 2754 (3/8" impact) even if I already have the old (2663) and new (2763) 1/2" Hi-Torque impacts as well as the hex impact and numerous other M18 drills/saws/etc.?

The main appeal for me is the extra compactness - does anyone have a side by side picture of them both? I don't mind the weight of the 2663/2763...but it is bulky and is hard to use for some of the more restricted areas of the things I work on.

 

[DonkeyFluffer]

So is the consensus that it's worth getting the 2754 (3/8" impact) even if I already have the old (2663) and new (2763) 1/2" Hi-Torque impacts as well as the hex impact and numerous other M18 drills/saws/etc.?

The main appeal for me is the extra compactness - does anyone have a side by side picture of them both? I don't mind the weight of the 2663/2763...but it is bulky and is hard to use for some of the more restricted areas of the things I work on.

2452 1/4", 2754 3/8", 2763 1/2"

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[GForceJunky]

2452 1/4", 2754 3/8", 2763 1/2"

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Wow...that's a HUGE difference - thanks for the comparison shot, it was exactly what I was looking for.

I think this settles it for me...time to shell out more cash. The 20% off on eBay should make it a decent deal. $209 for the 2754-22CT kit, all-in. Would have liked the 2754-22 kit (has the 5.0 batteries) but the price difference is way too big to make it worth it.