The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[Bighead38]

I have the standard 3 piece set, a full size deep parts organizer, full size slim, half size deep, and one of the totes now..

No idea what I’m gonna put in it all yet. Lol

I put cordless tools in the big bottom, middle has some hand tools and random stuff, top one has foam insert so I didn’t add anything yet. I want to utilize the foam but sure how yet. I want to add my small mobile automotive box and was thinking about putting sockets and ratchets in that box. But was also thing putting screwdrivers and pliers in that one and getting another box for sockets and ratchets. Radio sits on top for now.

 

[thin_concrete]

I have the standard 3 piece set, a full size deep parts organizer, full size slim, half size deep, and one of the totes now..

No idea what I’m gonna put in it all yet. Lol

I put cased socket sets and older backup wrenches in the lowest bin; go-to sockets, wrenches, and specialty tools in the middle full sized box; and daily tools in the top half-sized case.

 

[mc4life27]

I was surprised to see some of the new hart stuff at my local Walmart. It seems way nicer than I expected.

I got the light and air pump. Not impressed at all. They feel super cheap and tool for ever to fill up some trailer tires to 50 psi.


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[M635_Guy]

I went to HD last night and got the Red Helix 'Special Buy" titanium drill bit set:

Then I noticed three different "ShockWave" impact bit sets, all just under $25:
50-piece: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...r-Steel-Bit-Set-50-Piece-48-32-4024/301024189
106-piece: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...Driver-Bit-Set-106-Piece-48-32-4078/309992513
145 piece: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...Driver-Bit-Set-145-Piece-48-32-4079/310149301

I almost feel like I want to go back and exchange the 145-piece I bought for the 50-piece since the hex and torx bits aren't a bit deal for me, but anyone see a glaring miss in the 50-piece?

 

[DFB]

I went to HD last night and got the Red Helix 'Special Buy" titanium drill bit set:

Then I noticed three different "ShockWave" impact bit sets, all just under $25:
50-piece: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...r-Steel-Bit-Set-50-Piece-48-32-4024/301024189
106-piece: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...Driver-Bit-Set-106-Piece-48-32-4078/309992513
145 piece: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...Driver-Bit-Set-145-Piece-48-32-4079/310149301

I almost feel like I want to go back and exchange the 145-piece I bought for the 50-piece since the hex and torx bits aren't a bit deal for me, but anyone see a glaring miss in the 50-piece?

Well not quite sure what you want us to guess at...

But if your talking about the metric sized hex bits which is the only big difference I noticed right away, though nice to have... historically very few kits ever seemed to have had them included. Always was just standard hex sizing

Though looking at all 3 sets to me the 106pc IMO has probably the best amount of the most useful SIZED bits for construction trades... 20 PH2, 12 SQ2, 8 T20 & 14 T25 in the 1 inch insert and 4PH2 and 3 SQ2, 2 T20, 4 T25 in the 2 inch.

So many of the others seldom get used. Especially with the smaller ph, hex and especially Torx as many times a screw is often recessed deep in a hole like on electronics and often I like to use my M12 screwdriver for that kind of work. And I have some long and narrow 3" insert bits though not Milwaukee brand that I do use.

Interesting to note Shockwave bits don't seem to be very popular with many users based on responses I often read especially here on TGJ

I bough a Shockwave kit once when they first come out and have not considered buying another, though the case is great

But I do really like most all the other Milwaukee Shockwave accessories a lot... bit holders, I have both a short one (2 3/8") which is my daily bit holder and the longer one 6" spins so true (hard to find that in long bit holder) and the 1/4" socket adapters I have all 3 sizes are just best IMO. And the magnetic nut setters are tough as can be though the slightly longer notched 1/4 shank hex ones that will lock into a collet are far superior to just the insert ones the old kits used to come with.

 

[dodge610]

Well not quite sure what you want us to guess at...

But if your talking about the metric sized hex bits which is the only big difference I noticed right away, though nice to have... historically very few kits ever seemed to have had them included. Always was just standard hex sizing

Though looking at all 3 sets to me the 106pc IMO has probably the best amount of the most useful SIZED bits for construction trades... 20 PH2, 12 SQ2, 8 T20 & 14 T25 in the 1 inch insert and 4PH2 and 3 SQ2, 2 T20, 4 T25 in the 2 inch.

So many of the others seldom get used. Especially with the smaller ph, hex and especially Torx as many times a screw is often recessed deep in a hole like on electronics and often I like to use my M12 screwdriver for that kind of work. And I have some long and narrow 3" insert bits though not Milwaukee brand that I do use.

Interesting to note Shockwave bits don't seem to be very popular with many users based on responses I often read especially here on TGJ

I bough a Shockwave kit once when they first come out and have not considered buying another, though the case is great

But I do really like most all the other Milwaukee Shockwave accessories a lot... bit holders, I have both a short one (2 3/8") which is my daily bit holder and the longer one 6" spins so true (hard to find that in long bit holder) and the 1/4" socket adapters I have all 3 sizes are just best IMO. And the magnetic nut setters are tough as can be though the slightly longer notched 1/4 shank hex ones that will lock into a collet are far superior to just the insert ones the old kits used to come with.

Are these milwaukee titanium drill bits that much better and can they be re sharpened in a drill doctor looking for a good set of bits that dont walk all over the place when drilling thanks.

 

[Black300zx]

Regarding the shockwave bit kits and the drill bit sets above, does anyone know if there is a place to buy just the hinged plastic rails that the bits snap into? I'd like to snap another rail into a couple of my cases to make them better fit my needs.

Also, I got the M12 underhood light for Christmas from my wife, and I severely underestimated how useful it would be for non-automotive work. I've been using this Holiday break to do some electrical work on the house and it's been indispensable.

While wiring in two new outlet drops in the garage i found that the bracket nicely spans 5 rafters, allowing the light to slide back and forth as needed:

Today, while troubleshooting a gfci issue in the bathroom, it let me work hands free with good light.

Maybe someday I'll actually use it under the hood

 

[DFB]

Are these milwaukee titanium drill bits that much better and can they be re sharpened in a drill doctor looking for a good set of bits that dont walk all over the place when drilling thanks.

I have no experience with Milwaukee branded drill bits though they do have several options from black oxide to Titanium coated.

Believe it or not I purchased a small set of the Bauer labeled bits as they were on a special sale price during the Summer months and they come in a nice locking hard case (it's red too lol!)

I found them to be very good bits sharp and didn't walk. (far better quality than any of their drillmaster bit sets) I just recently broke one was pissed wasn't even drilling anything was driving thru the orchard with some gear in the bucket the bit was in the M12 Fuel drill chuck as I was using it steady but bounced hard when I hit a big hole snapped right off in the chuck

I never been a big fan of 1/4 shank drill bits though easy to use with a 1/4" collet tool like an impact driver many times they seem to break easier not quite sure why...

 

[Lyt]

I used the M12 Surge to hang some garage cabinets last night for the SIL (incidentally, the Seville Classics stuff is surprisingly nice, seriously) and was impressed.

I've had the M18 Surge for awhile but recently had to warranty it 'cause it would frequently just be underpowered at random.

For the price, Seville cabinets are tough to beat. The 36" cabinets come with castors and adjustable shelves (option to buy more) compared to the equivalent Gladiator cabinets with fixed shelves.

The only con about them is amount of screws they use. That is why I bought the M12 screwdriver.

 

[kctyphoon]

 

[PelicanPines]

KC... boy could I use that...


I got my M18 fan with free charger and 3.0 battery. AND
M12 4 in 1 kit with 2 2.0 batteries and a free 6.0...

Cut all the Velcro straps out of the bag...

 

[danski0224]

I've looked at the Packout cases, and they are really expensive for what they are.

Not as bad as Festool Systainers (which are not made in China), but still...

 

[DFB]

Just seen these non OEM boots for the RA die grinder

Liking the red A LOT over the black

Less money too!

Be nice if there were alternatives for other tools also

 

[kctyphoon]

Just seen these non OEM boots for the RA die grinder

Liking the red A LOT over the black

Less money too!

Be nice if there were alternatives for other tools also

Why they dont offer a boot for every tool is beyond me. People would buy them.
You should see what that underground cable cutter looks like after lending it out. Its not even red anymore. The ENTIRE thing is covered in mud.

———————————————————————————————————————————

Dont get me wrong - i love the packout stuff. But for me at this point its overkill. Thats why I bought another locker for my HF tool box instead of buying the packout stuff.. and i bought a HF tool cart that’s sitting in my living room cause i was so sick of going down to the basement to get mechanics tools when i had to mess with the car or truck outside. (no garage. Dont ever buy a house without a garage). So iM not sure what to do with the boxes yet. It would **** for them to just wind up as shelves for me. Its not even like i can say ‘**** it’ ill use em at work - cause all i do is work next to utility trucks, so they’d NEVER get used.

I guess ill. Throw some basics in there, and hopefully i work up the nerve to build a new shed springtime. .. what really ***** is after a trip to Florida to visit my mother, and Christmas both hitting my wallet - now my water heater is leaking.. coulda really used some HD gift cards. But who knew..

I seriously - SERIOUSLY - need to start getting rid of stuff.. like tools I KNOW I’m never gonna use again. The amount of stuff i have is just stupid at this point.

 

[crrcoal]

I've looked at the Packout cases, and they are really expensive for what they are.

Not as bad as Festool Systainers (which are not made in China), but still...

I was looking at the Packout system at Home Depot and they had tags on them that said Made in Israel. Never seen that before. HD wanted 279 for the set. I ended up ordering it for 179 online. I had looked at the Craftsman version at Lowes which was way cheaper but the Packout seemed a lot more robust.

 

[darkzero]

I was looking at the Packout system at Home Depot and they had tags on them that said Made in Israel. Never seen that before.

Yep, so are the Ridgids & most of the Dewalt Toughsystem. I know the Ridgids are made by Keter since Keter sells the same set under their name. Some people say that they are all made by the same manufacturer but I don't know. Just cause they are all made in Isreal doesn't mean they are all made by Keter but possible.

 

[danski0224]

I have some of the Ridgid boxes, and they are well made.

The Milwaukee ones are a little bigger and seem to have more usable space inside- the Ridgid box I use the most has a double wall lid to keep the small box inserts in place, which I don't use.

 

[kctyphoon]

And someone explain to me why Milwaukee didnt include a hanging loop on the worlds most expensive rain shell????

 

[pwschuh]

OK, I'm ready to dive into the Milwaukee life, starting with the 1/2" Mid-Torque friction ring set (2861-22). No one has on the shelf locally. Checked about 7 on-line sources and they all have the exact same price: $399. Is that the best I'm likely to do until Father's Day sales?

 

[darkzero]

Any authorized Milwaukee dealer will pretty much have the same price as you have figured out. Gotta wait for a promo/sale to get it cheaper or keep an eye on ebay.

Promos are random, not necessarily during holidays or special days.

 

[techieman33]

OK, I'm ready to dive into the Milwaukee life, starting with the 1/2" Mid-Torque friction ring set (2861-22). No one has on the shelf locally. Checked about 7 on-line sources and they all have the exact same price: $399. Is that the best I'm likely to do until Father's Day sales?

I would buy the bare tool:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...h-W-Friction-Ring-Tool-Only-2861-20/300955651

Then buy one of the free tool with battery purchase promos: https://www.homedepot.com/collectio...ry-Promotion/Family-312137322?omsid=310726452

If you buy in store you can then return the free tool if you don't want it and pick up the pair of batteries and charger for around $120 depending on the tool you choose.

That gets you the tool, 2 4.0 batteries instead of the 5.0's and a charger for $300 or less.

The other option for batteries is ebay. Here's a pair of 5.0's and a charger for $127. https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-New-OEM-...605605?hash=item288ba606e5:g:~D0AAOSw~oFXHgFB

And that's just one example. You can pick up chargers there for $30 or less and batteries are much cheaper their than retail. Most of them will be from people parting out kits or deals like the free tool with battery purchase I posted above. Just make sure your buying from a seller with good feedback and that they're real Milwaukee batteries.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Yep I get the 5.0 pairs on eBay for 108 shipped all day

 

[ovilla]

Just seen these non OEM boots for the RA die grinder



Liking the red A LOT over the black



Less money too!



Be nice if there were alternatives for other tools also

Where can I order one of these boots?

 

[darkzero]

Where can I order one of these boots?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Milwaukee-...233665?hash=item3b3f7d19c1:g:I5wAAOSwuOZeC21B

$25 ain't that cheap compared to the OEM ones but then again the OEM ones aren't available yet. Who else sells em? I have an OEM on order but maybe I'll try one.

Edit: N/M, I'll wait for the OEM, they look like they don't have cut outs for the front vents (fan). They look like vinyl, I think I'd rather have the rubber. They also look like they don't fit that well, I like that the OEM ones fit very well. Good to see someone started making aftermarket boots, hopefully others will follow. Some of the OEM ones are way over priced.

That seller has em for the Stubbies, Mid Torque, & High Torque also.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Milwaukee-...hash=item3b3ef28cd0:m:mx_UAe7eDZ3srWGbAeG04zg

 

[plewlandsbob]

Can anyone give a simple, clear explanation, of the different M18 battery types, high output, extra capacity , etc, as compared to a standard 5 Ah battery ,for example running a grinder.

 

[darkzero]

Says JDTco on the boot....

Jersey Discount Tool Company.

I'm not a facebook user so I couldn't find more info through fb. Apparently they have a phone app for shopping or something?

 

[darkzero]

I have some of the Ridgid boxes, and they are well made.

The Milwaukee ones are a little bigger and seem to have more usable space inside- the Ridgid box I use the most has a double wall lid to keep the small box inserts in place, which I don't use.

I just got the Ridgids this past BF. I think the Packouts are much better but I like the Ridgids too especially for the price. They're good boxes. I'm not using mine for tool storage though so I couldn't justify the $199 for the Packouts. I paid $71 for the Ridgid set & that was well worth it. I would have been happy paying the $98.

 

[DFB]

Where can I order one of these boots?

Nick Morello has em for sale on his FB/Jersey tool site $22 ea.

 

[Rusty67]

If you buy it from acmetools today and use the promo code peaceout2019 you can save almost 50 bucks on the kit. Acme does charge tax though so you will lose some of the savings.

 

[DFB]

Says JDTco on the boot....

Jersey Discount Tool Company.

I'm not a facebook user so I couldn't find more info through fb. Apparently they have a phone app for shopping or something?

If you never dealt with these guys before and your looking for more info

Here is the phone app link...

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.newjerseydiscounttoolco&hl=en_US

Q.do you have a website?

A. Yes, its jerseydiscounttoolco.com, hang on to your *** though, its packed harder than a gay man in the gerbil section of the pet store....16,000 plus items, all for you....

Online catalog

https://issuu.com/meagles/docs/1219_njdt?fr=sNzY4YzMyNDUwNQ

Send via PayPal goods and services put items in comments, send it
Or better, call the order in at 1- 833-JSENDIT


Most direct way to buy is thru PAYPAL

PayPal is [email protected] goods and services, leave the item(s) in Paypal comments

The die grinder boot is $22

 

[ChrisLS8]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Milwaukee-...233665?hash=item3b3f7d19c1:g:I5wAAOSwuOZeC21B

$25 ain't that cheap compared to the OEM ones but then again the OEM ones aren't available yet. Who else sells em? I have an OEM on order but maybe I'll try one.

Edit: N/M, I'll wait for the OEM, they look like they don't have cut outs for the front vents (fan). They look like vinyl, I think I'd rather have the rubber. They also look like they don't fit that well, I like that the OEM ones fit very well. Good to see someone started making aftermarket boots, hopefully others will follow. Some of the OEM ones are way over priced.

That seller has em for the Stubbies, Mid Torque, & High Torque also.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Milwaukee-...hash=item3b3ef28cd0:m:mx_UAe7eDZ3srWGbAeG04zg

The eBay special cheap looking vinyl ones for the stubby are like 6 bucks more than the actual Milwaukee boot from HD

 

[pwschuh]

Thanks guys for the recommendations. I'm in. Ordered using the acme tools code (thanks Rusty67) and picked up a few bare tools, a supercharger, and a packout box. Then picked up two OEM batteries on E-Bay.

 

[kctyphoon]

I dont think that supercharger does anything for you over a regular rapid charger unless you have the newer style 21700 cell type batteries. The ones that say HD or High Output on them..

That charger is really meant for the BIG batteries like the 12.0 / 9.0
I think the charge rate is exactly the same as the rapid charger for batteries like the 5.0. I COULD be mistaken, but i dont think i am.

So yea - lol - theres also 3 different type of chargers.. (did i leave that out last time?)
Standard , Rapid , and now a super...
then theres the multi bay chargers...
or the lights and radio that have chargers built in....
Having fun yet?

 

[Mohawk Dave]

is there a way to see all the M12 tools on the Milwaukee website? And all the M18 tools?

I can only see them in separate categories. Am I totally missing something?

Edit: you can click on POWER TOOLS and then FILTER to M12 or M18 etc....but still doesn't show everything, as LIGHTING is in a different category...I just want to browse everything without jumping around the website.

 

[DFB]

is there a way to see all the M12 tools on the Milwaukee website? And all the M18 tools?

I can only see them in separate categories. Am I totally missing something?

Edit: you can click on POWER TOOLS and then FILTER to M12 or M18 etc....but still doesn't show everything, as LIGHTING is in a different category...I just want to browse everything without jumping around the website.

Just in the M12 Family Shot photo

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Innovations/M12

 

[darkzero]

I dont think that supercharger does anything for you over a regular rapid charger unless you have the newer style 21700 cell type batteries. The ones that say HD or High Output on them..

That charger is really meant for the BIG batteries like the 12.0 / 9.0
I think the charge rate is exactly the same as the rapid charger for batteries like the 5.0. I COULD be mistaken, but i dont think i am.

So yea - lol - theres also 3 different type of chargers.. (did i leave that out last time?)
Standard , Rapid , and now a super...
then theres the multi bay chargers...
or the lights and radio that have chargers built in....
Having fun yet?

Yep, that's how I understand it too. Super Charger is only faster than the Rapid Charger for HO/21700 batteries and not really faster than the Rapid Charger for the 3.0 HO or 9.0 HD (18650) batteries.

I was gonna get a Rapid Charger but I'm just a DIY guy & don't own that many of the big batteries. Plus I hear of problems where some are noisy & run hot. I don't like to fast charge lithium batteries where they get hot on a regular basis. Can shorten the life of cells. I don't really need quick charging times.

 

[darkzero]

is there a way to see all the M12 tools on the Milwaukee website? And all the M18 tools?

I can only see them in separate categories. Am I totally missing something?

Edit: you can click on POWER TOOLS and then FILTER to M12 or M18 etc....but still doesn't show everything, as LIGHTING is in a different category...I just want to browse everything without jumping around the website.

Try browsing an authorized Milwauke seller? They might catagorize them by battery platform instead of tool types. May not show older models but not likely you'd be buying an old no longer manufactured model anyway.

 

[soloz2]

Yep, that's how I understand it too. Super Charger is only faster than the Rapid Charger for HO/21700 batteries and not really faster than the Rapid Charger for the 3.0 HO or 9.0 HD (18650) batteries.

I was gonna get a Rapid Charger but I'm just a DIY guy & don't own that many of the big batteries. Plus I hear of problems where some are noisy & run hot. I don't like to fast charge lithium batteries where they get hot on a regular basis. Can shorten the life of cells. I don't really need quick charging times.

I have one of the rapid chargers that came with my string trimmer. I only really use it when I'm in a rush, otherwise everything gets put on the regular charger. Slow charge will hopefully make the batteries last longer.


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[Farmall450]

I have one of the rapid chargers that came with my string trimmer. I only really use it when I'm in a rush, otherwise everything gets put on the regular charger. Slow charge will hopefully make the batteries last longer.


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I've wondered that too. I do use my fast charger after draining a battery quickly b/c it is fan cooled.

 

[DFB]

I have one of the rapid chargers that came with my string trimmer. I only really use it when I'm in a rush, otherwise everything gets put on the regular charger. Slow charge will hopefully make the batteries last longer.


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I kind of think the same way wondering if the fast charge could possibly heat up the smaller batteries more


I have a Rapid Charger that came with the 9.0 starter kit. The 9.0 is pretty much the only battery I do charge on it. It doesn't really take any longer to do a 9.0 on that than a 5.0 on the regular charger, but put the 9.0 on the regular charger wow does that takes a long time.