Milwaukee Cordless Drill Issues

[CJM8515]

Im not quite sure why exactly, but I was using my new cordless drill/hammer drill M18 non fuel to redo my headlights on my truck using that 3M restoring setup. As Im using the drill as a buffer basically Im holding down the trigger about 1/2 way on the highest speed (2) and the highest torque (18 maybe?) with the selector set to the little screw symbol.

All of the sudden maybe after like 2 mins of buffing the drill just quits. Hmm, check battery no issue 2 bars left. Swap to another battery (I checked it has 3 bars), same issue a few mins later. Each time after it quit and I released and hit the trigger again no issue drill came on.

What gives? Some sorta thermal protection or something? I used the same drill to drill thru 1/8" steel no issues a few weeks ago.

 

[Fcvapor05]

Im not quite sure why exactly, but I was using my new cordless drill/hammer drill M18 non fuel to redo my headlights on my truck using that 3M restoring setup. As Im using the drill as a buffer basically Im holding down the trigger about 1/2 way on the highest speed (2) and the highest torque (18 maybe?) with the selector set to the little screw symbol.

All of the sudden maybe after like 2 mins of buffing the drill just quits. Hmm, check battery no issue 2 bars left. Swap to another battery (I checked it has 3 bars), same issue a few mins later. Each time after it quit and I released and hit the trigger again no issue drill came on.

What gives? Some sorta thermal protection or something? I used the same drill to drill thru 1/8" steel no issues a few weeks ago.

Most cordless drills aren't going to handle hi torque for long periods of time. They aren't really designed for 100% duty cycle.

 

[CJM8515]

Really? My old porter cable never had this issue

 

[willhollin]

Stops the battery overheating I guess to protect it.

 

[LB-1911]

Im not quite sure why exactly, but I was using my new cordless drill/hammer drill M18 non fuel to redo my headlights on my truck using that 3M restoring setup. As Im using the drill as a buffer basically Im holding down the trigger about 1/2 way on the highest speed (2) and the highest torque (18 maybe?) with the selector set to the little screw symbol.

All of the sudden maybe after like 2 mins of buffing the drill just quits. Hmm, check battery no issue 2 bars left. Swap to another battery (I checked it has 3 bars), same issue a few mins later. Each time after it quit and I released and hit the trigger again no issue drill came on.

What gives? Some sorta thermal protection or something? I used the same drill to drill thru 1/8" steel no issues a few weeks ago.

Was your Porter Cable drill Ni Cd or Lithium Ion?

Your M18 is functioning as designed, You may want to refer to page 5 of the Operator's Manual -

Battery Pack Protection

To protect itself from damage and extend its life, the battery pack’s intelligent circuit monitors current draw and temperature.

In extremely high torque, binding, stalling, and short circuit situations, the battery pack will turn OFF the tool if the current draw becomes too high.

All the fuel gauge lights will flash.

Release the trigger and restart.

Under extreme circumstances, the internal temperature of the battery could become to high.

If this happens, the fuel gauge lights will flash in an alternating pattern and the tool will not run.

Allow the battery to cool down.


OPERATOR'S MANUAL
http://documents.milwaukeetool.com/58-14-1801d8.pdf

 

[CJM8515]

Porter cable is lith ion. Thanks LB 1911 I figured that was sorta the case, so it is normal. Wonder why it didn't do it When I was drilling they steel plate

 

[franzdom]

I think you need to have a corded drill in the arsenal.

 

[tbaggz]

Did it start working again?mine didn't had to buy another and swapped it out.

 

[CJM8515]

It started working again each time like it reset . I'm gonna call Milwaukee this week see what they say.

I have a corded Milwaukee already just didn't think I needed that to do such a small job

 

[LB-1911]

Porter cable is lith ion. Thanks LB 1911 I figured that was sorta the case, so it is normal. Wonder why it didn't do it When I was drilling they steel plate

Was the drill in constant use for the same length of time as when you were buffing your headlights?

Which batteries are you using?
1.5 Amp hour -
2.0 Amp hour -
3.0 Amp hour -
4.0 Amp hour -

 

[truckdriver]

Sounds to me like the thermal overload switch is malfunctioning. Get ahold of Milwaukee and send it in. They have fantastic customer service.

 

[Dust Devil]

LOL listen to the excuses fly!!!

He is trying to buff out a headlight lens, it is not asing a lot of the drill.

My Makita Li-ion stuff NEVER does that.

 

[bcradio]

The issue could be holding the trigger halfway down for extended length of time causing the cutout to come into play. I have read in almost all of my Dewalt manuals the following excerpt:

"NOTE: Continuous use in variable speed range is not recommended. It may damage the switch and should be avoided."

 

[chipper]

My m12 hacksaw does the same thing after being ran for a while...I always assumed it was to prevent overheating I give it a rest for about 45 sec. and its fine

 

[Skin]

I've done a few sets with my DeWalt 12V MAX drill. It gets pretty hot towards the end (takes about an hour a light) but never triggers any thermal protection.

 

[CJM8515]

See the thing was the drill wasnt getting hot at all really, warm maybe but thats SOP for doing such a task.

I just emailed customer service so we will see what happens. Ive heard of several milwaukee products having problems with the trigger however.

 

[Fcvapor05]

See the thing was the drill wasnt getting hot at all really, warm maybe but thats SOP for doing such a task.

I just emailed customer service so we will see what happens. Ive heard of several milwaukee products having problems with the trigger however.

Might just be some issue with your particular drill then. From what I've heard and experienced first hand of Milwaukee's customer service, they'll make it right.

 

[CJM8515]

Might just be some issue with your particular drill then. From what I've heard and experienced first hand of Milwaukee's customer service, they'll make it right.

Yea Im hoping they do. Stinks I gotta send it to them most likely Im sure, but I dont need it for work so its not a huge deal. I will say im very impressed by the drill overall and ESPECIALLY the impact driver, impact driver isnt much stronger spec wise than my porter cable one but it can yank off all kinds of stuff my porter cable cant and never could even new.

 

[Fcvapor05]

Yea Im hoping they do. Stinks I gotta send it to them most likely Im sure, but I dont need it for work so its not a huge deal. I will say im very impressed by the drill overall and ESPECIALLY the impact driver, impact driver isnt much stronger spec wise than my porter cable one but it can yank off all kinds of stuff my porter cable cant and never could even new.

You should see if there's a Milwaukee service location near you- if so it'll save you the shipping cost, and if you're lucky enough for them to have the same drill in stock you should be able to walk out with it.

 

[CJM8515]

You should see if there's a Milwaukee service location near you- if so it'll save you the shipping cost, and if you're lucky enough for them to have the same drill in stock you should be able to walk out with it.

Good idea I'll have to see. thank you

 

[franzdom]

If it's under warranty they will ship both ways for free...

 

[CJM8515]

If it's under warranty they will ship both ways for free...

That's very cool. Real stand up company if that's the case.

 

[CJM8515]

Well got my answer, not really what I was hoping for. My pos porter cable must not have thermal overload protection I guess. I was expecting more from a pro tool such as a milwaukee honestly. Still happy either way however.

XXXX,

Thank you for contacting us about our product. The problem you are experiencing with your drill cutting off is normal. The switch is kicking into overload protection from feathering the switch to adjust the speed and using a 3 inch diameter pad when the tool is only rated for 2-1/8. If we can be of any further service please let me know.



Rory Hatch – After-Sales Service — Technical Support

 

[Dust Devil]

Milwaukee is not a pro level tool then.

 

[retfr8flyr]

Milwaukee is not a pro level tool then.

Yes Mr. Mikita it is a pro level tool. It's a pro level that's designed to protect itself, instead of burning up. Running at partial trigger is very hard on a tool because it's not running at the speed at which it was designed to operated for long periods. I would much rather have a tool that stops and lets me restart, then one that continues and burns itself, or the battery, up but that's just me.

 

[CJM8515]

Yea I mean it was annoying but eh. It is possible on power setting 1 it might have worked fine, who knows. Jobs done cant check it again. I find it funny they claim a 2 1/8" buffing pad is all it can handle. 2 1/8" is SMALL.

Maybe I shoulda bought the fuel version, too late now. I didnt b/c of the price tag 100 bucks more and 100 is ALOT of money. I already have the milwaukee hammer/VSR corded drill and that sucker is NICE.

I will say again the impact driver in this set has some torque. I was using it to mount my shocks on my atv the other day-EASILY tightened the bolts down as hard as my hands would do it and then some.

 

[Dust Devil]

Yes Mr. Mikita it is a pro level tool. It's a pro level that's designed to protect itself, instead of burning up. Running at partial trigger is very hard on a tool because it's not running at the speed at which it was designed to operated for long periods. I would much rather have a tool that stops and lets me restart, then one that continues and burns itself, or the battery, up but that's just me.

LOL

The excuses keep coming....

The milwaukee fanboys are getting rabid.

 

[truckdriver]

LOL listen to the excuses fly!!!

He is trying to buff out a headlight lens, it is not asing a lot of the drill.

My Makita Li-ion stuff NEVER does that.

Nah, Makitas are famous for letting out the magic smoke and burning up instead.