The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)
- Thread starter JustinsGr8
- Start date
Yeah the Surge is awesome, if I ever get around to rebuilding my deck it will save so much time.
They should feature it in deals more it comes in a combo like the 2897 kit, similar deals would be nice. Last year my fluke Surge deals were Surge kit plus free 2704 and 5.0, Surge kit 20% + 25% off, I have gotten 2 bare tools from my source for $60.
They should feature it in deals more it comes in a combo like the 2897 kit, similar deals would be nice. Last year my fluke Surge deals were Surge kit plus free 2704 and 5.0, Surge kit 20% + 25% off, I have gotten 2 bare tools from my source for $60.
nmcqueen469
Well-known member
Yes, brand new. Wonder if it’s because it was direct from Milwaukee, not from a shop that does service work?
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MikeF2316
Well-known member
Mine was from the Milwaukee service center. Initially they told me there were none in Canada and it would take 2 weeks. This was between Christmas and new years, which as you all know, slows down the best of companies. But it came in faster than they said it would, so perhaps it was a demo that they found.
For some reason I think the 2897 kit in the packout might qualify for the free tool promo that ends in a few days if you did not want the free 9.0 on the new promo. Reason I think that is in the PCA there is not seperate listings for 2897-22 and 2896-22PO, might have same sku and upc, only other lusting is the old 2897-22CX.
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DerekV
Well-known member
DerekV
Well-known member
That's not that bad...still some dough though. Hopefully everything comes with a Packout case moving forward. The blow molded cases are annoying and space wasters.
DerekV
Well-known member
I realize everyone here is a small segment of their tool sales but such a large percentage of people here are requesting the same tools again and again I wonder why they don’t make them.
DerekV
Well-known member
I agree with you. It's somewhat of a mystery.
I feel like they came out with a lot of "asked for" tools in 2017, but many fell short of what people were expecting. Heat gun, soldering iron, M18 Rover, nailers, Fuel ratchets, etc. I'm not saying these are bad by any means, but they're things that have been asked for year after year, and now after coming to fruition, like it or not, they've all seemed to get a solid share of disappointing feedback. I've also noticed that some of the prices for these items are just wacky high (i.e. Packout, some of the lights, etc.). High enough to the point that I've slowed down my Milwaukee acquisitions a bit. I know I can't speak for everyone, but I can't be alone here.
Where I'm going with all this is that I hope they don't get discouraged in "actually listening to what the people want and actually making it happen" due to the aforementioned "good, but damn I thought it'd be better" tools. No doubt sales would've been better if they executed things a little differently. Hopefully they are listening and are just taking their time to totally nail the product function/feature/price-wise (rather than creating a gen 3 blower or Fuel work boots).
Have there been bad or less than favorable reviews of the Ratchets? I was thinking of getting some, but may wait for Gen 2 if they are not good replacement for pneumatics.
manwithtools
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I just took the plunge into the M12 Fuel line up. I have a good bit of the M18 and today decided I needed a lighter Drill and Impact for little / delicate projects. Used Amazon gift cards and Amazon credit card points to score the 2596-22 Gen 2 Drill/Impact kit for $26.73
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DerekV
Well-known member
Some have reported that they're not that powerful/not a true air replacement and also that the power goes down drastically with battery level.
There are also positive reviews though. There are positive reviews for all of the tools I mentioned. But there are a lot of the same criticisms, so it's hard to consider them "one offs"...
I've personally never used the new Fuel ratchets. From what I've heard it seems like they're good/convenient, but the power is a little over hyped. Maybe it is maybe it isn't. I highly doubt there will be gen 2 versions anytime soon.
DFB
Well-known member
I think we do expect a lot from our Milwaukee tools because they are often professionally used and negative feedback or criticisms should be expected so lets hope they really do listen and ramp up the game and not just be a different color alternative
But what I have to wonder is true feedback on "other" so called competitive (if they even exist) tools. Hey most do require a LOT of performance from Milwaukee tools but there is so much smack being tossed around on how some brands are "better" from an economical POP and can compare in stats but where is the feed back from real life hard use after a year or more on the job and not just sitting in a garage tool drawer. You never hear it. Never mind repair or warranty service on the same.
Brand loyalty aside I do think Milwaukee name badging and trying to market every conceivable hand tool and storage type option detracts from the core focus of top quality performing tools.
Just like Harley Davison licensing their name on everything under the sun it means s**t after while
NorteCatorce
Well-known member
just can't express how much I like this 2767. Such a time saver and nothing stops it.
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I think the biggest hinderance to me is the ridiculous price on some things it wasn’t till the rocket 2 was down to 288 that I wanted to buy one now they are all out of stock at the home depot I have looked at so obviously that was a price people can deal with.
Milwaukee has me hooked, at least on the 12v stuff (at this moment I would guess my total receipts from various places is in the several thousand dollar mark). I don't have any of the specialty stuff (other than the pex expansion tool) or new stuff as of mid year 2017 but I have a lot of everything else including duplicates when needed.
For the 18v line I only have 3 of the Fuel impacts (3/8, 1/2, and 3/4 drive). I think I'll pick up more on the horizon when I see either interesting stuff or stupid to pass up clearance deals at the local Home Depot.
For me though Makita has been solidly my go to for 18v tools. I hate to say it but they have an edge on Milwaukee as far as build quality and amount of tools (especially now with the black sub compact stuff and the 36v x2 systems).
I really wanted to get the M18 Miter saw but the local Home Depot last summer was clearancing out both the Dewalt 20v 7 1/4" miter saw and the Flexvolt 12" Sliding Miter saw. I nabbed the compact one for $169.00 plus tax which was stupid not to buy. The Flexvolt was an even better deal. It was the package with the two 6.0 Flexvolt batteries, the starter blade, and the 120v plug in adapter. On top of this they were still running the free miter saw stand of your choice (either the rolling folding one or the classic style with the fold down legs) if you purchased the Flexvolt package. I got the rolling fold up stand and the saw package for $399 out the door (The saw package alone still goes for $799 I think plus the $199 for the rolling stand). So unless the compact 20v dies anytime soon I don't think I need anymore miter saws.
I'd love to see any one of the companies come out with a hybrid metal chop saw. If Milwaukee came out with it I'd buy it in a heart beat (guessing it would use the 9.0ah).
I think I'll probably have a mix of Makita 18v, Milwaukee 12v, and Dewalt Flexvolt for the big tools which is fine by me.
For the 18v line I only have 3 of the Fuel impacts (3/8, 1/2, and 3/4 drive). I think I'll pick up more on the horizon when I see either interesting stuff or stupid to pass up clearance deals at the local Home Depot.
For me though Makita has been solidly my go to for 18v tools. I hate to say it but they have an edge on Milwaukee as far as build quality and amount of tools (especially now with the black sub compact stuff and the 36v x2 systems).
I really wanted to get the M18 Miter saw but the local Home Depot last summer was clearancing out both the Dewalt 20v 7 1/4" miter saw and the Flexvolt 12" Sliding Miter saw. I nabbed the compact one for $169.00 plus tax which was stupid not to buy. The Flexvolt was an even better deal. It was the package with the two 6.0 Flexvolt batteries, the starter blade, and the 120v plug in adapter. On top of this they were still running the free miter saw stand of your choice (either the rolling folding one or the classic style with the fold down legs) if you purchased the Flexvolt package. I got the rolling fold up stand and the saw package for $399 out the door (The saw package alone still goes for $799 I think plus the $199 for the rolling stand). So unless the compact 20v dies anytime soon I don't think I need anymore miter saws.
I'd love to see any one of the companies come out with a hybrid metal chop saw. If Milwaukee came out with it I'd buy it in a heart beat (guessing it would use the 9.0ah).
I think I'll probably have a mix of Makita 18v, Milwaukee 12v, and Dewalt Flexvolt for the big tools which is fine by me.
DerekV
Well-known member
Yeah I hear that. Branding wise, its one thing if the tool actually performs well if not better than much of the immediate competition (i.e. their locking pliers/clamps), but yes logo slapping can be downward spiral that's hard to bounce back from. Good points too about the warranty/customer service. I've NEVER had an issue with either, but very recently (sort of ironically since I tout these so much) one of my locking c clamps (11" w/swivel pads) broke at the weld where the "Torque Lock[emoji769]" (lol) but threads in to. Wasn't even giving it the beans, just snapped and let go under barely any tightening. Sent it in a month ago thinking I'd have a new clamp in 2 weeks, and I've been jumping through flaming hoops trying to get my damn clamp (spoiler: still don't have it...had to provide proof of purchase [?!?!?!] to them...we'll see)! I don't know what the hell is/has been going on in Milwaukee land, but I hope they get their CS/R&D/Product MGT/Pricing acts together immediately.
Yeah the lighting was the beginning of this trend in my eyes. I was pretty pumped at the features of the AC/DC charging 3 head rocket light, but that price...it's kept me away. Fortunately they have cheaper lights that are good enough to get by with but if that light was cheaper, I'd have one right now. It's almost like their intentionally trying to price out avid DIY users. Commercial operations don't seem to care that much about price (operating expense).
DerekV
Well-known member
All excellent points. Makita's 18x2 line is brilliant IMO as well as the subcompact line---Milwaukee should follow their lead. Dewalt...man the Flexvolt thing is pretty damn slick too. LOTS of untapped opportunity with that design and overall their pricing isn't outrageous (i.e. see their new Milwaukee knock off tower light). Flame suit on...I'm actually strongly considering picking up some of their grinders. The 60v grinder is comfortable and actually powerful. The M18 Fuel grinder has the power of a 7 amp grinder, useable but slightly sad. The new 20v die grinder has an insane light, 3 speeds, and a VS trigger...grand slam execution. M18 Fuel die grinder = "oh hey let's save a buck and reuse 92% of our angle grinder, slap a new business end on and call it good"...might've been fine if they spent 5 extra design minutes to put a speed dial on, but they didn't.
I don't know man haha. WAKE UP MILWAUKEE!
Finance Guy
Well-known member
You've actually brought up a few points that I've been trying to wrestle with myself. I am under the impression that Milwaukee is 1) sticking with M18, and 2) reluctant to move into x2 battery platforms (i.e., M36). Even if they move towards 21700 batteries with bigger amp hours, they will still deliver the same current (albeit with higher voltage surge - right?).
I acknowledge that Milwaukee knows more about this than I ever will, but I just don't see how M18 (even M18 x2) will ever be able to compete with Flexvolt. Their refusal to deviate from the M18 platform has led to some rather sad performers like the 10" miter saw and the angle grinder.
I invested in the M18 platform last year, but in December I bought the Flexvolt 12" sliding miter saw. It's still in the box, and I'm trying to decide if I want to keep it, or wait to see what Milwaukee comes out with this year. But the comments I've read to date are not encouraging.
[Side question, definitely the wrong thread ... does it seem like Dewalt is trying to clearance their Flexvolt miter saws? 12" sliding miter saw + 120 volts + good reviews ... are they coming out with something better?]
DerekV
Well-known member
Re: The Milwaukee addiction thread! 
Yeah I agree with you. Two different beasts. IMO for what it is I think the M18 10" MS is great. Only thing I'd change would be the rail design but it just works and does it with 1 battery.
Yeah I agree with you. Two different beasts. IMO for what it is I think the M18 10" MS is great. Only thing I'd change would be the rail design but it just works and does it with 1 battery.
manwithtools
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Re: The Milwaukee addiction thread!
Agreed, I'm more than happy with the performance - coming from a DeWalt 12" corded version.
Agreed, I'm more than happy with the performance - coming from a DeWalt 12" corded version.
DerekV
Well-known member
Two things:
1) the bigger 21700 batteries have less voltage sag at high current loads. They can also handle more current. That said, amp for amp, they don't get as hot. All of these things together make them have longer runtime and last longer, assuming the pack is designed well physically and electronically. Not sure what you mean by voltage surge.
2) I disagree with your 18x2 statement. The tool world has proven that you can have near corded power with just 18v, and actually usable runtime in decently demanding applications with XC packs. Doubling that situation should be more than enough to provide corded power for usable runtimes. That's the beauty of an 18x2 36v tool...an extremely smart way to work with what ya got rather than reinvent the wheel. Also two 18v XC batteries have 20 cells vs. 15 of one of the Flexvolts. That definitely matters.
Can a 9Ah 18v tool outperform a 3Ah 54v tool? 99% of the time, no. An 18v motor can only handle so much current efficiently. It can get the job done, which is fine for some things and definitely convenient (1 battery), but ultimate power is always compromised. Now how about a 6Ah 36v? IMHO, definitely. At the very least be damn close, but be a clear winner runtime-wise.
Should be an interesting next couple of years that's for sure.
kctyphoon
Banned
I wanna say that I read somewhere, or saw a video stating that the fuel motors Milwaukee uses are actually 60v AC motors - but don't hold me to that. I've looked for that again in the past with no results.
What would be interesting is if it's possible for Milwaukee to create a two battery adapter that would enable some things like the rotary hammers to operate with two M18 packs. I'd bet that if Milwaukee ever makes 36v tools, that will be the route they go - just like Makita did. It's good because it keeps people within the M18 platform without needing to invest into anything but new dedicated 36v tools.
Trying to decide what my next Milwaukee purchase might be for personal use. Just ordered 4 more of the new shockwave auger bits for work, and gonna pick up some 2 & 9/16" masonry core bits in sds plus.
I just watched a video where a guy compared 4 different masonry bits cause he had 40 holes to drill. He used Milwaukee, DeWalt, Irwin, and an unbranded Chinese bit. He says the Irwin was actually the fastest and most consistent bit. I had my money on the DeWalt cause I believe theirs are German made. Woulda been nice to see Bosch in that lineup.
What would be interesting is if it's possible for Milwaukee to create a two battery adapter that would enable some things like the rotary hammers to operate with two M18 packs. I'd bet that if Milwaukee ever makes 36v tools, that will be the route they go - just like Makita did. It's good because it keeps people within the M18 platform without needing to invest into anything but new dedicated 36v tools.
Trying to decide what my next Milwaukee purchase might be for personal use. Just ordered 4 more of the new shockwave auger bits for work, and gonna pick up some 2 & 9/16" masonry core bits in sds plus.
I just watched a video where a guy compared 4 different masonry bits cause he had 40 holes to drill. He used Milwaukee, DeWalt, Irwin, and an unbranded Chinese bit. He says the Irwin was actually the fastest and most consistent bit. I had my money on the DeWalt cause I believe theirs are German made. Woulda been nice to see Bosch in that lineup.
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ABSTIFFGS
Well-known member
Just picked up a 2453-20 1/4" FUEL impact on Anazon for $52. I almost had too. I know it's the gen 1 but it should do what I need just fine.
a52-830
Well-known member
I've had mine for a year now, not a single complaint.
DerekV
Well-known member
The Milwaukee MX4 bits are German made and fly through whatever I'm drilling, even granite (their awesome haha). Supposedly good for rebar but I've never hit any in my somewhat limited non-professional use. I've use Bosch and their good too. The Harbor Freight ones are total garbage. Never tried Dewalt or Irwin though.
DerekV
Well-known member
kctyphoon
Banned
Lol good searching but that wasn't what I saw.
kctyphoon
Banned
I just bought $700 in masonry bits at home Depot about 4 hours ago. Doesnt get ya as much as you'd think.. All Bosch and some Milwaukee cause that's all they had in the store. I did notice the Milwaukee being made in Germany. Think the Bosch stuff is also.
DerekV
Well-known member
DFB
Well-known member
Just seen the "new" Makita 18v sub compact 3/8 impact wrench @130 ft lbs
I would like to see the Milwaukee M12 Fuel 3/8" go up against it. We really need a Gen 2 on that one
https://www.makitatools.com/product...il&utm_term=0_653957b024-b646fad590-204917749
I would like to see the Milwaukee M12 Fuel 3/8" go up against it. We really need a Gen 2 on that one
https://www.makitatools.com/product...il&utm_term=0_653957b024-b646fad590-204917749
bcradio
Well-known member
Just seen the "new" Makita 18v sub compact 3/8 impact wrench @130 ft lbs
I would like to see the Milwaukee M12 Fuel 3/8" go up against it. We really need a Gen 2 on that one
https://www.makitatools.com/product...il&utm_term=0_653957b024-b646fad590-204917749
Agree... wish list:
-180 to 220 ft-lbs
-shorter length
-4 modes
tonyciambrone
Well-known member
Limited sizes/ varieties but try CripeDistributing first next time. They have some serious values on SDS bits
Voi
Well-known member
Would've liked to see them put a 3/8" anvil on the same platform as their XWT11z 1/2". Same length and a lot more torque but at the expense of an extra pound of weight. Not sure I'd worry about the pound that much, but I'm not an all day user either.
I've read more than once from people wishing Makita would put a 3/8" anvil on that super compact impact driver they have. I think it's 4 5/8" long with 125 foot pounds of torque.
kctyphoon
Banned
For the record, it's not my money... So I'm happy to spend it.. my bosses just bought a NASCAR team a few months ago, and are already looking to expand out of their new building they just had completely renovated like 2 years ago. They are growing fast. A few masonry bits won't kill em.. lol
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Distrophe
Well-known member
130 * 12 = 1560 In-Lb's, right? I know drivers are different, but even just the 2753 Impact Driver is spec'd higher.Just seen the "new" Makita 18v sub compact 3/8 impact wrench @130 ft lbs
I would like to see the Milwaukee M12 Fuel 3/8" go up against it. We really need a Gen 2 on that one
18V batteries seem to be priced much better than 12V in regards to watt-hours per $$.
18V 5AH for $50-55 or a 12V 4AH for $40+. I'm not sure how total battery life compares.
I'm still itching to get the newest 12V Fuel kit though. The driver isnt much smaller, but the drill is.