The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[Lump]

Hello gang. Back in 2013 I got a killer bargain at an estate sale on a cordless 18 volt Milwaukee tool set. But now the batteries (#48-11-2200) are drawing their last breaths, and it's time to replace them. Does anyone know for sure, is there any way I can replace the NiCad batteries in this set with Lithium? (I ASSUME not, but it doesn't hurt to ask!).


And, ASSUMING that lithium is out of the question, can you offer any advice on which of the 3 options to choose for replacement batteries (getting my old ones rebuilt, buying new Milwaukee brand units, or buying new aftermarket units).

Thanks!

 

[Kracin]

Hello gang. Back in 2013 I got a killer bargain at an estate sale on a cordless 18 volt Milwaukee tool set. But now the batteries (#48-11-2200) are drawing their last breaths, and it's time to replace them. Does anyone know for sure, is there any way I can replace the NiCad batteries in this set with Lithium? (I ASSUME not, but it doesn't hurt to ask!).


And, ASSUMING that lithium is out of the question, can you offer any advice on which of the 3 options to choose for replacement batteries (getting my old ones rebuilt, buying new Milwaukee brand units, or buying new aftermarket units).

Thanks!

lithium require a little more tech because you cannot overcharge or overdrain them or else they pretty much become bricks. if the tool isnt meant to run lithium, then theres a good chance you'll get one use out of it before overdrawing on the batteries, etc


if you want to keep using it, have the batteries refurbished at an interstate battery or batteries plus. they can be rebuilt with new cells.

 

[Ign]

And, ASSUMING that lithium is out of the question, can you offer any advice on which of the 3 options to choose for replacement batteries (getting my old ones rebuilt, buying new Milwaukee brand units, or buying new aftermarket units).

Thanks!

You might try these guys, I think you'll have to send in your batteries for rebuild:
http://www.currentbatteries.com/index.html

I've not used them but he's provided me some excellent tech and advice and strikes me as very competent.

 

[Ign]

lithium require a little more tech because you cannot overcharge or overdrain them or else they pretty much become bricks. if the tool isnt meant to run lithium, then theres a good chance you'll get one use out of it before overdrawing on the batteries, etc


if you want to keep using it, have the batteries refurbished at an interstate battery or batteries plus. they can be rebuilt with new cells.

Milwaukee's protections are built into the battery for discharge. I'm not exactly sure where the "Redlink" comes into play and the wonderful rapid flashing when the tool freaks out 'cause you're feathering the trigger too much. But I'm not sure any of it matters - or is necessary - beyond discharge protection. Milwaukee batteries are adapted to other things like blood warmers and somewhere here someone posted jaws of life/first responder equipment that looked to use V28/M28 also. I doubt these tools have fancy Milwaukee technology built into them to freak out when it thinks you're pulling the trigger too much or inappropriately (however it defines that).

But yeah, I wouldn't try to use a ni-cad charger to charge a li-ion.

 

[Ign]

Hello gang. Back in 2013 I got a killer bargain at an estate sale on a cordless 18 volt Milwaukee tool set. But now the batteries (#48-11-2200) are drawing their last breaths, and it's time to replace them.

Oh and fun fact: if you choose to stay with that platform you should be able to use the 18V shop vac. It has ports to accept ALL Milwaukee 18V batteries ever (I believe). I don't have batteries other than M18 to confirm but the packaging states it works with all NiCad and li-ion batteries, and there are 2 sets of dovetails within the tool itself.

 

[beamrider]

Is that when the manager digresses?

Nice. Very nice!

 

[MikeF2316]

Just got this today. Man is this thing heavier and way bigger than I was expecting.
...

And you'll like everything about it except those 2 things. It's really too heavy for one hand (at least one of my hands) and you'll have trouble doing some suspension and brake caliper bolts because there's a lot of places on modern cars where there's just not enough room for it.

 

[TK-421]

And you'll like everything about it except those 2 things. It's really too heavy for one hand (at least one of my hands) and you'll have trouble doing some suspension and brake caliper bolts because there's a lot of places on modern cars where there's just not enough room for it.

That doesn't surprise me in the least with the size of it. Fortunately I'm a tool ***** and I'm going to get the 3/8" M18 Fuel impact here soon, and I'll eventually get 3/8" and 1/2" impacts from Ingersoll Rand, and I'm sure I'll get that new mini 3/8" impact they just came out with. Hopefully between all of those I'll be able to have at least one that works in any given situation. And, if not, it will give me an excuse to get another one.

 

[Caparris]

The M18 and M12 3/8" impacts are really nice. I use the M12 most of the time now. M18 is definitely stronger but M12 is surprisingly strong for the size/weight.

 

[TK-421]

So for people who use the 3/8" M18 Fuel impact, what battery should I get? Will it work okay with the 5.0 batteries, or will it be too big with the 5.0, and I should pick up some 2.0 or 3.0 batteries instead? I'd like to be able to use it in semi-tight confines, so that's why I'm thinking a 5.0 might not be the best idea. However, I'm also of the bigger is better mentality, so if 5.0 batteries will work just fine then I'd feel kind of silly for buying a 2.0 when I could have had a 5.0 instead.

 

[danski0224]

Hello gang. Back in 2013 I got a killer bargain at an estate sale on a cordless 18 volt Milwaukee tool set. But now the batteries (#48-11-2200) are drawing their last breaths, and it's time to replace them. Does anyone know for sure, is there any way I can replace the NiCad batteries in this set with Lithium? (I ASSUME not, but it doesn't hurt to ask!).

And, ASSUMING that lithium is out of the question, can you offer any advice on which of the 3 options to choose for replacement batteries (getting my old ones rebuilt, buying new Milwaukee brand units, or buying new aftermarket units).

Thanks!

Yes to lithium, if you want it. Milwaukee V-18 batteries, and you will need a different charger. I had some of those batteries, and I thought that they sucked. They do not compare to the M-18 LiIon batteries at all- unless the V series has been re-designed within the last few years.

You can get 3.0 Ah capacity 18V NiCd aftermarket batteries all day long on that big auction webpage relatively inexpensively- much less than less Ah capacity OEM batteries and probably less than paying someone else to do it.

 

[jumbojak]

I recently embarked on my Milwaukee tool addiction when an M12 impact driver was just too good of a deal to pass up. With a socket adapter I found it extremely handy on cars. Not for breaking bolts loose, but it sure saves time running them in and out to be finished off with a ratchet. The driver whetted my appetite enough that I bought an M12 drill, handy little devil that one, and I'm considering an M12 impact wrench. That's assuming a Hackzall doesn't find its way into my posession first. I had a chance to hold on in Ace last week and that little saw seems like it could be really useful!

 

[joeysh03]

Toolup has the new m12 flashlight in stock, released early it looks like $99
http://www.toolup.com/Milwaukee-2355-20-M12-LED-Metal-Flashlight-Bare-Tool

 

[TK-421]

Home Depot has 20% off select m18 fuel kits until the end of tomorrow if anybody was thinking about getting one soon. Great timing for me because I'll order my 3/8 impact today and save a **** load of money.

 

[whitetailhntr]

Home Depot has 20% off select m18 fuel kits until the end of tomorrow if anybody was thinking about getting one soon. Great timing for me because I'll order my 3/8 impact today and save a **** load of money.

Kits only?

 

[asxy_80]

Hello everyone.
I have a question for Milwaukee fuel owners...
I have 1/2 inch fuel high torque impact and 3/8 impact. When i am switching between mode 1 and mode 2 i have to press and hold mode button for like 1 second while on 3/8 impact modes change as soon as i press the button . just wanted to see if yours 1/2 inch impact does the same thing.For me It takes more effort to switch modes on 1/2 inch.
Can someone please compare their 1/2 and 3/8 fuel please.
Thanks.

 

[whitetailhntr]

Kits only?

Never mind looks like you will save around 65$

 

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

What is the point of a cordless impact wrench? I thought the idea was to make them as powerful as possible? I don't get them I guess.

 

[TK-421]

Kits only?

Yeah, kits only. My 3/8 impact all by itself is still $159, but for an extra $104 I get two 5.0 batteries, a charger and the case.

 

[TK-421]

What is the point of a cordless impact wrench? I thought the idea was to make them as powerful as possible? I don't get them I guess.

No need to turn on your air compressor, no need to listen to your air compressor, no need to drag out an air hose, no need to have something hanging off the end of your impact that you can trip over. You just grab it and go, which is quite handy.

Same point of corded vs cordless drills. Used to be all you ever saw was corded drills, now how often do you see people dragging out extension cords when they want to put a hole into a 2x4?

 

[whitetailhntr]

What is the point of a cordless impact wrench? I thought the idea was to make them as powerful as possible? I don't get them I guess.

Sounds like the cordless impacts are very powerful now

 

[AndeiH]

What is the point of a cordless impact wrench? I thought the idea was to make them as powerful as possible? I don't get them I guess.

some folks install fasteners with the impact wrench, the lower settings keep you from over torquing.

 

[CooperS7777]

What is the point of a cordless impact wrench? I thought the idea was to make them as powerful as possible? I don't get them I guess.

Work in remote locations IE at the track, in a boat, changing a wheel on the side of the road etc. I find myself using my cordless impacts much more frequently than my air tools.

 

[firworks]

For an average DIYer with a small air compressor they can hit harder for longer as well. I've got a CAT 5510SE for size and volume in my tiny garage. It does just fine filling up tires, running an air brad nailer or using a blow gun, but if running an impact it would probably have to recharge after each wheel. M18 FUEL Impact will just go and go, and when it stops I grab another battery off the charger and it's ready to rock some more. Add to that that my air impact is a fairly lame one (~450 ft/lbs) and I don't really have any reason to use it anymore. I'm hoping to snag a Milwaukee brad nailer to rely on air even less. Just waiting for the price to drop into the realm of sanity.

 

[TK-421]

For an average DIYer with a small air compressor they can hit harder for longer as well. I've got a CAT 5510SE for size and volume in my tiny garage. It does just fine filling up tires, running an air brad nailer or using a blow gun, but if running an impact it would probably have to recharge after each wheel. M18 FUEL Impact will just go and go, and when it stops I grab another battery off the charger and it's ready to rock some more. Add to that that my air impact is a fairly lame one (~450 ft/lbs) and I don't really have any reason to use it anymore. I'm hoping to snag a Milwaukee brad nailer to rely on air even less. Just waiting for the price to drop into the realm of sanity.

Lucky you, wish I had a compressor that good. All I have is the tiny pancake compressor from harbor freight, but I have issues with loud noises so I despise using it because of how stupidly loud it is. Really need to get a new compressor that can handle impacts, but a Milwaukee impact and a few batteries is cheaper by far than an Ingersoll rand impact and a good compressor, so that's the route I took since I need impacts now and not later.

Guess that's another reason to go electric vs air, cost when starting from nothing.

 

[Ign]

No need to turn on your air compressor, no need to listen to your air compressor, no need to drag out an air hose, no need to have something hanging off the end of your impact that you can trip over. You just grab it and go, which is quite handy.

Same point of corded vs cordless drills. Used to be all you ever saw was corded drills, now how often do you see people dragging out extension cords when they want to put a hole into a 2x4?

All of this. The only corded tool I use in my shop now (not including machine tools) is grinders, and even those are about 70% corded / 30% cordless M18 Fuel ---- with slide switch, beware the crappy paddle switches on these!!!!

 

[Ign]

Lucky you, wish I had a compressor that good. All I have is the tiny pancake compressor from harbor freight, but I have issues with loud noises so I despise using it because of how stupidly loud it is. Really need to get a new compressor that can handle impacts, but a Milwaukee impact and a few batteries is cheaper by far than an Ingersoll rand impact and a good compressor, so that's the route I took since I need impacts now and not later.

Guess that's another reason to go electric vs air, cost when starting from nothing.

Not only that but the only air system I'll accept has a filter, regulator, cooling wall to let water drop out and multiple drops with hose reels.......plumbing and installing an air system the right way is costly and time consuming. Plus I shove the compressor out in a shed so that's more expense. It's an investment if you're gonna be there awhile, waste of $$ if you're moving around. And no matter what it's a lot of time to get it set up right.

 

[TK-421]

Not only that but the only air system I'll accept has a filter, regulator, cooling wall to let water drop out and multiple drops with hose reels.......plumbing and installing an air system the right way is costly and time consuming. Plus I shove the compressor out in a shed so that's more expense. It's an investment if you're gonna be there awhile, waste of $$ if you're moving around. And no matter what it's a lot of time to get it set up right.

Touche.

Fortunately for me, or unfortunately depending on how you look at it, I'm still living at home, and we're renting the place, so I couldn't build an air system even if I wanted to, which saves on the expense somewhat. However, once I do get my own place, I'm going balls to the wall and building a shouse, and having the whole shop plumbed for air, and the wood area plumbed for both air and dust collection.

But, until then, I get the relatively inexpensive luxury of buying a standalone compressor unit, and probably a portable one, rather than being able to plumb in an entire system.

 

[6pony6]

Can someone explain to me the Milwaukee tool part # system? I've searched and didn't turn up any answers. For example, I thought I found a good deal on a kit the other day. The first 4 numbers were the same, but one was part # xxxx-20 and the other was xxxx-22. with vastly different prices. Thanks for any info.

 

[TK-421]

Can someone explain to me the Milwaukee tool part # system? I've searched and didn't turn up any answers. For example, I thought I found a good deal on a kit the other day. The first 4 numbers were the same, but one was part # xxxx-20 and the other was xxxx-22. with vastly different prices. Thanks for any info.

The 20 means it's a bare tool, where you get the tool inside a cardboard box, and that's it. The 22 means it comes with 2 batteries, a charger, and a blow molded case. If you ever see 21 then that means it comes with one battery and a charger, and I think it still comes in a blow molded case, pretty sure the cardboard box is reserved for only the 20.

Take the 2763 for example:

20:

22:

ETA: What I do, is I try and buy the bare tool either at Home Depot with a Harbor Freight 20% off coupon, or on eBay, whichever is cheaper, and then go to eBay and buy two batteries and a charger from someone who buys kits and then splits the items up. Saved me about $120-ish from buying the complete kit when I got my 2763-20. The impact cost me about $189 with the coupon, and then I picked up two batteries and a charger for $160 from eBay.

Now, as is typical it seems, the 2763-22 went on sale the next day for 20% off, but fortunately it added up to about what I spent. Granted, I lose out on the plastic case which would've been nice to have, but I'm hoping someone here will clean shop and get tired of having empty cases laying around and will give it to me for the cost of shipping just so they're not tripping over it anymore.

 

[asxy_80]

The 20 means it's a bare tool, where you get the tool inside a cardboard box, and that's it. The 22 means it comes with 2 batteries, a charger, and a blow molded case. If you ever see 21 then that means it comes with one battery and a charger, and I think it still comes in a blow molded case, pretty sure the cardboard box is reserved for only the 20.

Take the 2763 for example:

20:

22:

ETA: What I do, is I try and buy the bare tool either at Home Depot with a Harbor Freight 20% off coupon, or on eBay, whichever is cheaper, and then go to eBay and buy two batteries and a charger from someone who buys kits and then splits the items up. Saved me about $120-ish from buying the complete kit when I got my 2763-20. The impact cost me about $189 with the coupon, and then I picked up two batteries and a charger for $160 from eBay.

Now, as is typical it seems, the 2763-22 went on sale the next day for 20% off, but fortunately it added up to about what I spent. Granted, I lose out on the plastic case which would've been nice to have, but I'm hoping someone here will clean shop and get tired of having empty cases laying around and will give it to me for the cost of shipping just so they're not tripping over it anymore.

Hello TK-421 i got the same 1/2 inch fuel impact a few days ago and also the compact version... Would you mind checking the drive mode button and telling me if when you depress on it if it instantly switches between mode 1 and 2?
When i depress that button and release it quickly it just clicks like computer mouse would click and nothing happens... If i press and hold for a second then it works like it should.
The compact version button switches between all 4 modes instantaneously no matter how fast i press the button.
Thanks

 

[chrisexv6]

some folks install fasteners with the impact wrench, the lower settings keep you from over torquing.

I had to resort to the 2763 to remove some bolts holding my truck's gas tank brackets in. Full RPM would have snapped the rusty old buggers, but I hit them for 45 seconds with low speed and you could hear the pitch of the impact change. Changed to high speed and they zipped right out without snapping.

The 3/8" M18 FUEL impact wouldnt budge them at ANY setting. I got that sucker HOT too, hopefully didnt hurt it (it never shut down)

 

[TK-421]

Hello TK-421 i got the same 1/2 inch fuel impact a few days ago and also the compact version... Would you mind checking the drive mode button and telling me if when you depress on it if it instantly switches between mode 1 and 2?
When i depress that button and release it quickly it just clicks like computer mouse would click and nothing happens... If i press and hold for a second then it works like it should.
The compact version button switches between all 4 modes instantaneously no matter how fast i press the button.
Thanks

I won't be able to tell you until tomorrow on the 1/2", I picked up the bare tool from Home Depot and my batteries from eBay won't be here until tomorrow, but I'll definitely plug one in and let you know what mine does. The 3/8" impact won't be here until sometime next week, their best guess is sometime between the 13th and 15th.

 

[asxy_80]

I won't be able to tell you until tomorrow on the 1/2", I picked up the bare tool from Home Depot and my batteries from eBay won't be here until tomorrow, but I'll definitely plug one in and let you know what mine does. The 3/8" impact won't be here until sometime next week, their best guess is sometime between the 13th and 15th.

Thank you i appreciate that.

 

[firworks]

Hello TK-421 i got the same 1/2 inch fuel impact a few days ago and also the compact version... Would you mind checking the drive mode button and telling me if when you depress on it if it instantly switches between mode 1 and 2?
When i depress that button and release it quickly it just clicks like computer mouse would click and nothing happens... If i press and hold for a second then it works like it should.
The compact version button switches between all 4 modes instantaneously no matter how fast i press the button.
Thanks

The mode switch is the worst thing on that tool. I love it overall and it is super useful but I hate switching modes especially with gloves on. It's really like... spongy. It takes several tries pushing it in to get it to switch.

 

[TK-421]

Anybody got any good reasons to not own both the 3/8" and 1/2" compact impact wrenches along with the high torque 1/2" impact wrench? Already have the high torque and the 3/8", but the 1/2" compact is a whopping $159 now that I'll already have two chargers and four batteries, and so I was kicking around the idea of picking up the compact 1/2" as well. It's the tool ***** in me.

 

[asxy_80]

The mode switch is the worst thing on that tool. I love it overall and it is super useful but I hate switching modes especially with gloves on. It's really like... spongy. It takes several tries pushing it in to get it to switch.

Yeah thats how button on my impact feels , if you just press and release quickly it doesn't do anything. I have to press and hold before it switches between modes.

 

[kctyphoon]

Dammit when is that search light coming out????!!! I'm in withdrawal..

 

[asxy_80]

Anybody got any good reasons to not own both the 3/8" and 1/2" compact impact wrenches along with the high torque 1/2" impact wrench? Already have the high torque and the 3/8", but the 1/2" compact is a whopping $159 now that I'll already have two chargers and four batteries, and so I was kicking around the idea of picking up the compact 1/2" as well. It's the tool ***** in me.

I was thinking about getting it also but having 1/2 high torque 3/8 should cover any job that I might do on my cars. These tools are addictive

 

[az45]

Anybody got any good reasons to not own both the 3/8" and 1/2" compact impact wrenches along with the high torque 1/2" impact wrench? Already have the high torque and the 3/8", but the 1/2" compact is a whopping $159 now that I'll already have two chargers and four batteries, and so I was kicking around the idea of picking up the compact 1/2" as well. It's the tool ***** in me.

The 3/8 M18 is pretty close to the same torque spec as the 1/2 compact, depending on which 3/8 you have its actually more.

I have both and grab the 3/8 for almost everything, the torque 1/2 have is almost too much for anything that's not stuck on in my world...and its heavier than sh*t.

It may not be a bad addition, but there's other stuff on my list before that.