The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[Fix Until Broke]

This is from about a year and a half ago - Hopefully the 6HO and 12HO batteries are more up to the challenge than the 5.0's

I bought an M18 right angle hole hawg with an 18" long 1" ships auger bit drilling out tree stumps. I had 2 regular chargers, 3) 5.0's and 2) 2.8's (this was before the 9.0's were out) and I couldn't keep the batteries cool. Started with all 5 charged, ran it until it overheated, put it on the charger so it starts charging as soon as it cools down enough, grab another battery, repeat. I made it through all 5 batteries before the first one finished re-charging. I limped it along and finished a few of the other batteries off that had cooled down some, but realized that it was not the right tool for the job. I took it back and bought a corded model. No complaints about the tool, but the batteries at the time couldn't keep up. I'd bet the 9.0's would do a much better job.

 

[mobiledynamics]

FUB -

Heh, it was on my radar to see if the cordless SH could handle the same amount of work I knew the corded would do. I just did not have the ~time~ should the cordless did not pass muster, only for me to walk back and grab the tool that would do the job

 

[jshillin]

I picked up a few things yesterday...



Don't really need the bigger sawzall, M28 batteries or charger though. Likely going to put it on Craigslist later today.

 

[2manytools]

My Milwaukee has balls with the 12.0 battery.


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Yes, uneccessary Randy Marsh balls.

 

[mikes02ls1]

Yes, uneccessary Randy Marsh balls.

It makes life easier on suspension bolts.


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[Firefighter1406]

M12 impact or the m12 surge? Is the surge true to all the hype? Worth it or will the normal impact be just fine?

 

[Bob Heine]

I'm really late to the party. Years ago I bought battery powered tools that came with Ni-Cad batteries but they changed the battery design every time I turned around. In the 21st century I started buying whatever Lithium-Ion tools were on sale. I have 12V Harbor Freight, Porter Cable, Flex (10V) and Nextec stuff but all of those are no longer supported. I decided to try Milwaukee and started with M12 regular tools but am liking the FUEL ones even more. My go-to battery tools are the 1/4" hex impacts and the 3/8" impacts with the ratchet and drill close behind.

Those six tools hang over the workbench in PVC pipe holders.

Recently I have been doing a fair bit of work outside cutting dimension lumber and fence boards and found the daily run of extension cords made an M12 5-3//8" saw seem like a necessity rather than a luxury. It resides in the saw drawer out in the shed/workshop.

The many roots that need cutting have also made an M12 Hackzall a necessity but it won't arrive until the end of the month. Gives me a few days to cool off.

 

[techieman33]

M12 impact or the m12 surge? Is the surge true to all the hype? Worth it or will the normal impact be just fine?

Depends on how you’ll use it. If your only driving 3” or smaller screws then get the surge. Your ears will thank you. If your going to be driving lots lags or timber screws then you’ll need the normal impact unless you have something else to use for that. And even the regular impact isn’t really well suited for the longer ones.

 

[Firefighter1406]

Depends on how you’ll use it. If your only driving 3” or smaller screws then get the surge. Your ears will thank you. If your going to be driving lots lags or timber screws then you’ll need the normal impact unless you have something else to use for that. And even the regular impact isn’t really well suited for the longer ones.

I would say it will be used for mostly small stuff. I have m18 stuff for the lags and such. I got a pretty good deal on the regular impact. However I heard the next sale is the surge. So I am just trying to figure if I should take the regular one back and wait or what.

 

[BroncoAZ]

M12 impact or the m12 surge? Is the surge true to all the hype? Worth it or will the normal impact be just fine?

I really like the M18 Surge vs the regular impact. The biggest reason to me is that it operates quieter, power and such is an afterthought but it also works great.

 

[blatterjr]

Also picked up a few things. This is getting expensive!!!!

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I had terrible luck with that portable vacuum... felt really underpowered and i ended up selling it. How do you like it? It's possible I got a lemon, but oh well.

 

[signcrafter]

I had terrible luck with that portable vacuum... felt really underpowered and i ended up selling it. How do you like it? It's possible I got a lemon, but oh well.

I like my m18 vac. It's doesn't have the suction of my big corded ones but it's not meant to totally replace corded shop vacs. I use mine for quick clean ups and for detailing the cars. So nice to grab the little vac and not have to drag a cord out. I clean out our car and truck much more now. So nice when I have a hole or two to drill or a quick drywall or wood cut and jut grab the vac and clean up quick.

They will probably come out with a more powerful one sometime since all the other big names are more powerful, think the ridgid is almost twice as powerful if I remember right. But until then I still love mine.

 

[Firefighter1406]

I had terrible luck with that portable vacuum... felt really underpowered and i ended up selling it. How do you like it? It's possible I got a lemon, but oh well.

I haven’t used mine yet. However I replaced some windows at a friends house and I used his. It is a power sucker, probably will run my 12ah in to for sure but it worked great for the drywall/spray foam mess I was making with the windows. I have a corded Rigid vac that I use for when I am cutting in a basement or something but I was very pleased with the Little Milwaukee. I purchased a 1 1/4 shop vac brush for it that I think will make it better as the floor piece that comes with it leaves a little to be desired.

 

[dacan23]

My packout dollies finally shipped. Still haven't started building my own, prolly not till September when I might have free time for that.

 

[Firefighter1406]

My packout dollies finally shipped. Still haven't started building my own, prolly not till September when I might have free time for that.

I really want one of those too. I was thinking of just wanting for the mounting plates and then screwing that to a harbor freight dolly. We shall see I guess.

 

[Crabman]

I like my m18 vac. It's doesn't have the suction of my big corded ones but it's not meant to totally replace corded shop vacs. I use mine for quick clean ups and for detailing the cars. So nice to grab the little vac and not have to drag a cord out. I clean out our car and truck much more now. So nice when I have a hole or two to drill or a quick drywall or wood cut and jut grab the vac and clean up quick.

I feel the same way about the vac and use it for similar tasks. It is also wet dry so good for smaller spills.

I also see the fan in firefighters haul. I use mine all the time. I was just at a big family reunion with a lot of older folks (80-90 yo) in the big heat wave. I brought the fan to the big picnic and kept them cooler. I think Milwaukee is going to see some fan sales from it.

Also a shout out to KCtyphoon, who got me looking at the workskin shirts. I bought a couple from Acme. I like them a lot.

Bruce

 

[Firefighter1406]

I agree with the fan. My mom just had a 15 year anniversary party for my wife and I. It was quite warm. Between my fan and my dad 2 fans it was nice and breezy in the shade.

When we just had a hot spell of 105 degree index I also used it in the front seat of the ladder truck I am assigned to since the air never seems to work. Any air movement is better then none.

 

[BroncoAZ]

I like my m18 vac. It's doesn't have the suction of my big corded ones but it's not meant to totally replace corded shop vacs. I use mine for quick clean ups and for detailing the cars. So nice to grab the little vac and not have to drag a cord out. I clean out our car and truck much more now. So nice when I have a hole or two to drill or a quick drywall or wood cut and jut grab the vac and clean up quick.

They will probably come out with a more powerful one sometime since all the other big names are more powerful, think the ridgid is almost twice as powerful if I remember right. But until then I still love mine.

My thoughts on the M18 vac. It works well for smaller cleanups where I don’t want to drag out a corded vac, but not a complete replacement.

 

[visiter555]

I use mine for small jobs, car cleanup, and the occasional “I am not digging out the shop vac” as it’s a PITA.

Works what is intended for and it is not a shop vac, so ... it has a purpose and does it well.

 

[Alexbn921]

How hard is it to make a brushless vacuum? It seem like the perfect application of a fuel product and would give corded power plus longer battery life.

 

[MikeF2316]

I use mine for small jobs, car cleanup, and the occasional “I am not digging out the shop vac” as it’s a PITA.

Works what is intended for and it is not a shop vac, so ... it has a purpose and does it well.

This exactly. It takes 2 seconds to deploy, unlike a shop or normal house vacuum. That's assuming I can find where my wife last used mine...

 

[rick carpenter]

Those six tools hang over the workbench in PVC pipe holders.

Tell me how you find those pvc holders working for you please. I want to do this with my M12 impact driver & drill and my Ryobi stuff but the direction selectors seem to be inconvenient for those holders. Do you waller out the slot where the direction selectors are?

 

[mobiledynamics]

Just thinking outloud about what Red tool I don't have....that I would want. Cutoff Saw comes to mind. Typical 14" saw get's you 5 inches of depth. Me wonders is big red doing some sorta special arbor or the like to get some depth on their 9" cutoff. Off to youtube I go

 

[techieman33]

Just thinking outloud about what Red tool I don't have....that I would want. Cutoff Saw comes to mind. Typical 14" saw get's you 5 inches of depth. Me wonders is big red doing some sorta special arbor or the like to get some depth on their 9" cutoff. Off to youtube I go

The 9" saw will only do 3.4"

 

[mobiledynamics]

Thanks tech man. Maybe I just really should wait for their gen 2 14" one...

 

[delsolcharlie]

Well P2 Milwaukee promotions are almost over. http://synergynwrep.com/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/milwaukee-tool-flyer.pdf

Does anyone have the 2019 P3 Promotions?

 

[2manytools]

Well P2 Milwaukee promotions are almost over. http://synergynwrep.com/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/milwaukee-tool-flyer.pdf

Does anyone have the 2019 P3 Promotions?

at HD at least

Buy M12 jigsaw, stapler, cut-off tool, band-saw, rocket-light, two different fuel ratchets, or the Fuel Surge Kit, get a 'free' 2.0 compact battery

Buy M18 Rover light, brushless circular saw (2631-20), fuel grinder, Compact Brushless Kit (2892-22ct), Fuel HTIW, Fuel Gen3 Combo Kit (2997-22), 6-piece combo kit (2696-22), get a 'free' 5.0ah battery

 

[mobiledynamics]

I have not used many POLE trimmers ( no Kombi, etc)....but the M18 lock/hedge, maybe it's just me, but compared to my Dewalt 40 extending pole....the M18 has a bit of ~flex~ on it when using it via the hedge trimmer.

 

[X1 Mike]

I got my humble collection together for a family photo.


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[jshillin]

I got my humble collection together for a family photo.


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That's a good start!

 

[X1 Mike]

That's a good start!

I know, I'm slackin and have to get on the ball.

 

[Firefighter1406]

Who has the m12 Jigsaw? Been looking at the m18 one but it’s expensive for something I don’t use all the time.

 

[X1 Mike]

Who has the m12 Jigsaw? Been looking at the m18 one but it’s expensive for something I don’t use all the time.

If you scroll up 2 posts it's at the top of my table. Haven't used it a ton but it's super handy.

 

[PelicanPines]

I have the m12 jigsaw. I only used it on two jobs... coping base molding and to make a curved base replacement for a bathroom cabinet.

Its well balanced and comfortable in my hand... I let the blades do the work... so... I never forced it to do something it did not want to do.

 

[Firefighter1406]

I appreciate the responses. I like the size of the jigsaw. I feel like it would be a good fit.

 

[X1 Mike]

I let the blades do the work... so... I never forced it to do something it did not want to do.

Yep, what he said. The M12 will teach you how to use a saw. It is not a powerhouse by any means so you have to let the saw cut. If you try hammering through you will stall it out.

 

[jshillin]

Who has the m12 Jigsaw? Been looking at the m18 one but it’s expensive for something I don’t use all the time.

It's OK... I've used mine several times, you just have to realize it has limited use and it's fine. It's one of the tools that I've bought that I don't think I'd buy again if it came up missing though.

 

[1320]

at HD at least

Buy M12 jigsaw, stapler, cut-off tool, band-saw, rocket-light, two different fuel ratchets, or the Fuel Surge Kit, get a 'free' 2.0 compact battery

Buy M18 Rover light, brushless circular saw (2631-20), fuel grinder, Compact Brushless Kit (2892-22ct), Fuel HTIW, Fuel Gen3 Combo Kit (2997-22), 6-piece combo kit (2696-22), get a 'free' 5.0ah battery

Do you know if the M12 Surge kit that's part of the deal is going to be the Surge and 2 batteries/charger or the Surge/drill/batteries/charger kit?

 

[kctyphoon]

KC - I would like to see a picture of the vending machine. I heard of them but have not seen them. How do they work ? Company ID to get gloves, hardhats, etc?

Finally remembered to post.
This one is just like a regular candy machine. Pick what you want, it dispenses.

These just have doors like locker doors. U pick what cabinet, the door pops open, take, close, and u enter the quantity after. They have all different sized doors. These are the medium ones. Smaller ones like half the size, and bigger ones 1/2 the height of the machine (so 3 of those) for like traffic cones and whatever else.

These are similar to above. There's actually a scale in each one that detects how many you take. I think there's 2 similar sized medium style cabinets.

The "idea" is they save money on "theft" (what we heard) although its kinda dumb cause u could never track what someone actually uses themselves cause lineman work in groups, unless like DOZENS of something disappear every day for the same guy. So now the company gets the pay Fastenal to come like every day to restock what was taken. It's the dumbest thing ever. We have like 2 full walls of these stupid machines. My guess is they just want better track of what get used weekly cause stock room guys are only as good as they wanna be. Saving on theft makes no sense since they offer stuff we never stocked normally, and now the more important things like safety items are always on hand. Nobody is really gonna hoard like 10 pairs of gloves now..

I think the only US made hand tool is a Vaughn hammer, and it's not even the right hammer we use. I imagine half the building has a "similar" hammer at home by now.

And no - there's no Milwaukee stuff in them..
BUT - they just swapped out our boss.. so I'm getting access back to my tool smuggling vendor again .
I can already smell that new Milwaukee 7/16 hex drive impact.
From what I hear they are no longer buying corded tools.

Oh - in case anyone was wondering. This is a pretty good sized building (with the indoor parking considering). Maybe 10 offices, indoor mechanics Bay, and like 50 Indoor parking spots. 2 sets of garage doors (2 in, 2 out) like 13' tall, and a HUGE generator building outside, that has never worked in the 10-15 years I've been working in or around this shop. Makes perfect sense.

 

[2manytools]

Do you know if the M12 Surge kit that's part of the deal is going to be the Surge and 2 batteries/charger or the Surge/drill/batteries/charger kit?

It is the M12 Surge Kit, no drill. 2 batteries come in the kit, then 1 'free.' It's the only surge kit being carried in stores.