Greetings… looking to restore Milwaukee power tools as a retirement pastime. Looking for likeminded restorers for advice, parts sources, pictures of restored tools, etc. I have a passion for taking the last kid picked kind of Milwaukee tools and bringing them back to life cosmetically and mechanically.
Restoring Milwaukee Power Tools?
- Thread starter Lightyear
- Start date
You know, I've been thinking along similar lines! Taking things like ratchets, Makita drills, and A/C gauges and restoring them to use. We're gonna need new mechanics coming into the field, and they're gonna need tools. And can't (or won't) go into 100k hock on a tool truck.
Don't have any advice for you. I'm beating the bushes locally to see if there's a demand.
Don't have any advice for you. I'm beating the bushes locally to see if there's a demand.
Roberts210
Well-known member
Milwaukee stopped making spare parts for the excellent corded tools they made in the 1980-'90's. You can still find some switches online tho. Milwaukee made the finest corded tools in the 1980's and early '90's, but went broke doing so, because too many guys bought cheap Asian **** instead of quality American tools. I still have all mine. Wouldn't trade 'em for anything.
Mintgrun
Well-known member
I picked this saw up at the Habitat store for $15. I believe it is from the 1980s.
The plate-aluminum base had been bent, but a bunch of whacks with a dead blow hammer flattened it back out. I bought it because I thought the single-knob height-adjustment feature was cool and thought maybe I'd make a super-compact portable table-saw out of it. Then I found one of those classic dark green Makita table saws for the same price and decided it was a silly idea.
Don't tell OSHA, but I often find that the blade guard gets in my way, so I added a feature to deal with that problem.
It was the awesome Milwaukee motor that sold me on this one; plus, it appears to have been very lightly used. Maybe it got set aside after the base was bent. That plate aluminum is very stiff and wasn't easy to flatten. The motor sounds especially impressive with the blade removed.
I have more circular saws than I need, so I listed this one on FB marketplace and CL several times at $25 and then $20, with no nibbles, aside from one scammer. I think the kids nowadays all want battery powered cordless tools and see these classics like corded telephones.
I also have an older all-metal worm-drive Milwaukee 8" saw that is probably more like what the OP wants to restore. It's similar to this one (online image) only the next size larger. I'm not selling that one anytime soon.
And an all metal worm drive saw is what turns me on. Granted, your analogy regarding corded vs. battery is perfect. I think that’s why the vintage power tool market is upside down. Sellers want big bucks on eBay for vintage tools but buyers won’t pay or just don’t want them. I restore to keep and make me happy 
Model A Fan
Well-known member
Not knowing the market, that seems very high for a used, older drill. And I'm not talking about in comparison to battery operated modern drills. That's just expensive overall. You'd probably find one of those at a Habitat for Humanity type store for $10-$15 or so. Probably garage sales too.Damn!!!
genog
Well-known member
My Milwaukee 3/8" 0222-1 that I bought in the 1980's has proved to be quite a workhorse for me, and by far, my favorite drill
I couldn't resist buying this ole Sawzall even though my Super Sawzall has served me well since the 90's
Love that cool lightning bolt!
I couldn't resist buying this ole Sawzall even though my Super Sawzall has served me well since the 90's
Love that cool lightning bolt!
designer485
Well-known member
I have a few in the que to work on. Everything works, they just need some cleanup.
You, sir, make me envious!!! That’s quite a stable you got there. I’m torn between these the cake all metal frames and the metal and red plastic models. Being the Milwaukee fanboy, that lightning bolt takes the cake! Did you hunt garage sales mostly? I’m coming up empty in this rural part of Vermont.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Most power tools that have been used by a pro have been beat to death TWICE !
Looks matter when selling used and restoring to a "lightly used" condition can get expensive FAST.
Having said that, Hole Hogs will always sell !
Looks matter when selling used and restoring to a "lightly used" condition can get expensive FAST.
Having said that, Hole Hogs will always sell !
From browsing ebay for all used vintage drills, I see your point to be correct. Since I’m not restoring to resell, it’s more of a passion thing. I’m also planning on a display wall when I’m finished with my first resto. Right now, it’s a money thing, between the drill and shipping, anything worth restoring is around $100 on eBay. I’m hoping to find something locally this summer at yard sales that’s only been beat to death once 
JHuston
Well-known member
I focus on Porter-Cable tools, but I've worked on plenty of Milwaukee products from the early '40s to the present, especially circular saws, sawzalls, and drills. I buy a lot of parts from Eurton Electric; most older tools used off- the-shelf switches and easily sourced brushes.
Feel free to get in touch if I can ever help. I have access to hundreds of Milwaukee breakdowns and a lot of experience ( former power tool repairman).
- James Huston
Feel free to get in touch if I can ever help. I have access to hundreds of Milwaukee breakdowns and a lot of experience ( former power tool repairman).
- James Huston
Hallelujah!!! You are exactly the person I was hoping to locate, James. I appreciate the offer of knowledge and sourcing parts and such. Porter-Cable is a well respected brand and your experience bringing them back to life must be rewarding. I’m in the process of finding my first project from eBay because rural Vermont lacks plentiful sources of vintage power tools. I’ll check out Eurton too. Again, thanks for your generous offer of time and expertise. 
Paul
Paulbought the same saw, brand new in 97I picked this saw up at the Habitat store for $15. I believe it is from the 1980s.
The plate-aluminum base had been bent, but a bunch of whacks with a dead blow hammer flattened it back out. I bought it because I thought the single-knob height-adjustment feature was cool and thought maybe I'd make a super-compact portable table-saw out of it.
Mintgrun
Well-known member
I saw this drill on FB marketplace and it made me think of this thread. $60 asking price, listed two weeks ago. Might fit in a flat rate box, with the side handle removed. (NMNA)
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Roberts210
Well-known member
That would be real sweet all polished up.
That’s exactly what I’m looking for locally and nationally through eBay. Living in a rural area has its advantages but not in trying to find vintage tools as large Goodwill type stores are non existent. I’m learning tha when you add the word vintage or antique in front of anything, the price increases sometimes more than the item is worth. The search continues for this Milwaukee fanman!
Greetings! What is your preferred method of cleaning up the red plastic parts. I’m currently searching for all metal tools butI have a few in the que to work on. Everything works, they just need some cleanup.
Mr. Wonderful
Well-known member
Does anyone here know a good paint match for the Milwaukee gray? I have a similar hole hawg that I'm working on. Any input would be great!
designer485
Well-known member
In this case, I just scrub them clean with soap / de-greaser and a stiff brush. I would consider replacement if the plastic parts are still available (I have done that with quite a few DeWalt products).Greetings! What is your preferred method of cleaning up the red plastic parts. I’m currently searching for all metal tools but
I've had good luck with this on-line company concerning power tool parts.
ereplacementparts.com
Good phone assistance, fast ship, quality parts. Plus they have internal views of most tools - great for reference!
They don't have everything for 30 year old power tools but they do have alot.
Genuine Replacement Parts | Fast Shipping | Huge Selection | eReplacement Parts
Fix your equipment today - We offer repair parts, appliance parts, tool parts, diagrams, and repair advice for all major brands to make your repairs easy.
ereplacementparts.com
Good phone assistance, fast ship, quality parts. Plus they have internal views of most tools - great for reference!
They don't have everything for 30 year old power tools but they do have alot.
I use odorless kerosene to de-grease the internals of drills, etc. For the outsides I've used mild abrasives to clean them up. Toothpaste and TurtleWax polishing compound are my go-to's.Greetings! What is your preferred method of cleaning up the red plastic parts. I’m currently searching for all metal tools but
For metal cases I use TurtleWax Chrome cleaner mostly, might try valve grinding compound on my next "bad" restoration. FWIW
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Excellent suggestion especially over the phone humanity! And the diagrams are really valuable. ThanksI've had good luck with this on-line company concerning power tool parts.
Genuine Replacement Parts | Fast Shipping | Huge Selection | eReplacement Parts
Fix your equipment today - We offer repair parts, appliance parts, tool parts, diagrams, and repair advice for all major brands to make your repairs easy.
Good phone assistance, fast ship, quality parts. Plus they have internal views of most tools - great for reference!
They don't have everything for 30 year old power tools but they do have alot.
I’ve never considered a tube of Aqua Fresh for my workshop but it makes perfect sense. A mild abrasive would like valve grinding compound sounds equally valuable. I’m really liking how this thread is uncovering all kinds of great information.
Though I did try it once on glazed headlights and it didn't do anything.yhprum
Well-known member
You may or may not find this useful.
Maybe this method can be used to rejuvenate the plastic with red dye?
Maybe this method can be used to rejuvenate the plastic with red dye?
Milwaukee has the most extensive and robust archive of service manuals available on their website, and it has have restoring their tools that much more enjoyable. As a general tip to anyone looking to rejuvenate the aluminum body of pre-1970’s era power tools, scotchbrite ultra fine pads and ZEP 505 work wonders.
What has everyone been working on?
What has everyone been working on?
Attachments
Roberts210
Well-known member
In regards to the "plastic" handles Milwaukee used on their corded tools, it is reinforced with fiberglas fibers and is the toughest "plastic" of any hand tool I've ever come across. I've cleaned mine with lacquer thinner and a stiff brush, but also used other methods.