The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[DFB]

How does Red compare to the other brands radios on the market, if anyone is familiar. I saw the packout one. Wasn't worth the coin for the output IMO

Who else is offering 10 speaker sound system

Radio are radios for the most part, but really Milwaukee I believe offers the most options.

Nothing extra special about the bread box one (2890) really, not even factory BT.

Is what it is..a jobsite boombox

The M12 2590 (I have one) been around a long, long time now unchanged. I love the drop test video on it Never see that done with the others

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=rm4eUyxXsH8&feature=emb_logo


I fondly remember how some of the newbie helpers I had at work I come back from lunch and they had my M12 radio hanging out the second floor window trying to pull in a far away station...almost experienced my own drop test (In my area portable FM pickup is seriously limited by the surrounding mountains and distance to many big stations) Though on the local there is no drift and sound quality is pretty good along with runtime with an XC battery

Seriously I am really surprised they have not released an upgrade version on M12 after all these years considering there has been 3 M18 radios altogether.

One is pretty much obsolete used to be a lot of problems with internal component failure and no service parts. Don't even know the number any more now. And the big battery charger one 2792-20 does hold its own, been around a long time though still fairly expensive at around $200. Also as it's own built in BT

Both the M18 2890 and M12 2590 you can add an inexpensive dongle receiver if you like...I did.

As for the rest of offerings well the M12 speaker is just so so. And of course I am of the opinion that the 2891 works exceptionally well.. at least for me.

Now most everyone has at least one thing for radio or maybe BT speaker ...even HF Bauer doing a BT radio. Never hear much feed back on most any of the others like Ryobi or Porter Cable and except for a limited amount for Dewalt what do they have 2? Makita also 2 I think and then the Bosch offerings.

One of the Makitas is very compact design IIRC. The Bosch if I remember right had like protective side rails surrounding it. That's a great part of the M12 2590 is how easy it is to hold on too. Its also decently small so stores easy too. Mine was package deal came with the old M12 2410 Drill as combo kit


There was once a very good sound audiophile test video on tube but it is quite dated now with the most of the original offerings

When it comes to cheap BT speakers all kind of tool brands or suppliers like to slap their name on something. I have SUNEX SOCKET Speaker there also a bar speaker too I believe Snap On also has had a socket speaker too. NAPA store had put out a bt as a promo don't think can find it anymore.

I don't quite know who else might have something to offer

 

[alexwang32]

I asked in an individual thread but no one seems to reply...

Which drill would you recommend as a compact drill? The DeWALT XTREME 12V or Miliwaukee M12 FUEL? I happen to have batteries for both of them so I can't decide...

 

[BuffettFan]

View media item 99999

Hi, My name is Buffettfan and I'm a Milwaukeeholic.

 

[alexwang32]

Please don't tell me you need all of that... if I buy from you do I get a discount?

What happens when you run into a DeWALT guy?

 

[BuffettFan]

College shop.
One of Milwaukee's design engineers is an alum. He takes GOOD care of us.

 

[kctyphoon]

I asked in an individual thread but no one seems to reply...

Which drill would you recommend as a compact drill? The DeWALT XTREME 12V or Miliwaukee M12 FUEL? I happen to have batteries for both of them so I can't decide...

Dude, look where you are... ????????

 

[alexwang32]

... the Milwaukee addiction thread? Thing is, many people own tools across different brands so I was hoping for recommendations from them.

Plus, it seems that the scope of this thread has expanded to animals and craiglist listings .... can mentioning dewalt be that bad?

 

[kctyphoon]

A quiet trim compressor can be had for less than $150.00. All of them seem to be made in China, at least in the USA market.

I can buy a trim compressor, small hose and 3 trim guns (16ga, 18ga, pin) for less than 1 Milwaukee cordless trim gun by itself.

You can't get Grex for that price, but you can buy Bostitch... of HF.

The Milwaukee trim gun weighs way more than a Bostitch air tool, without a battery.

The trim compressors are small and draw around 7 amps, so no issue with popping breakers, and they are quiet.

I don't understand the draw of these overpriced battery powered trim nailers. I'd get a Paslode 16ga angled trimmer first.

Its simple. If it makes someone’s life / job easier, people will want them. The Paslode guns, (unless the new ones are different) use a battery AND a gas cartridge. So theres really no advantage over a cordless. I have 2 of their old ones (haven’t been used in ages) and it was very annoying when your last gas cartridge ran out.

Its not about the tool vs tool cost. Its about the VALUE of convenience, and who is willing to pay for it.

 

[mobiledynamics]

Those paslodes have their own inherent issue.....limp bisuits when too cold, fuel cells, gotta keep things clean or spark issues, doesn't run right with expired fuel cells. Batteries all the way. Can't have everything we want right. Cordless and battery cells that weigh like nothing

 

[kctyphoon]

... the Milwaukee addiction thread? Thing is, many people own tools across different brands so I was hoping for recommendations from them.

Plus, it seems that the scope of this thread has expanded to animals and craiglist listings .... can mentioning dewalt be that bad?

Lol. No. Nobody is saying its bad. My point is do you really think youll get many Dewalt recommendations in here? Watch some videos on YouTube, make the decision you think is better for you.

Or do you want me to make it for you?

 

[kctyphoon]

College shop.
One of Milwaukee's design engineers is an alum. He takes GOOD care of us.

Perfect - tell your Milwaukee design engineer ill trade him info on how Milwaukee can market one of their cheapest, most mismarketed cordless tools if they simple made an accessory for pennies - to a different market theyalready target- in exchange for a some free tools. Ill get him a promotion

It would be the ONLY cordless option available, and cost a fraction of what it would compete with.

 

[nitroracer20]

I just have to say i love my m12 right angle die grinder. Do not Have any any reservations with this purchase if you are considering. Im using the included small batts and get a decent runtime. Carbide burrs on metal. So much nicer than firing up a noisy air compressor and grinder! Smooth! I see larger m12 batts in my future.

larger than a standard right angle air grinder, but not a deal breaker as far as fit in your hand . I Hope tool durability and longevity is there, but right now im happy.

 

[PelicanPines]

I've misplaced TWO 6.0 M12 batteries... I own 8 of those and about 20 smaller amp hour ones.

Anybody keep track like I do... or when you get to 20+ batteries total... is it just a random battery party.

 

[BroncoAZ]

I've misplaced TWO 6.0 M12 batteries... I own 8 of those and about 20 smaller amp hour ones.

Anybody keep track like I do... or when you get to 20+ batteries total... is it just a random battery party.

When I get a new battery I print a label with my last name, phone number, and the month/year I bought it. I used to try and number them, but after 14 or so I lost track so it’s become a battery party.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Perfect - tell your Milwaukee design engineer ill trade him info on how Milwaukee can market one of their cheapest, most mismarketed cordless tools if they simple made an accessory for pennies - to a different market theyalready target- in exchange for a some free tools. Ill get him a promotion

It would be the ONLY cordless option available, and cost a fraction of what it would compete with.

Cordless panini press

 

[jmhinkle]

I asked in an individual thread but no one seems to reply...

Which drill would you recommend as a compact drill? The DeWALT XTREME 12V or Miliwaukee M12 FUEL? I happen to have batteries for both of them so I can't decide...

I'll actually be that guy for you. I love my M12 stuff, but the drill has some chuck wobble as all Milwaukee's have in my experience. I would recommend anything Milwaukee except a drill. I'm not a DeWalt fan at all, but it may be the better option. My brother used to be, but he converted to Rigid at some point. If you are invested in the ECO system for either one, I'd research the DeWalt drill or plan to swap the Milwaukee chuck right away. If I need a drill I still grab my Ryobi brushless first.

 

[darkzero]

I've misplaced TWO 6.0 M12 batteries... I own 8 of those and about 20 smaller amp hour ones.

Anybody keep track like I do... or when you get to 20+ batteries total... is it just a random battery party.

I don't put my name on batteries as I don't need to with the people I work with. I do however label each battery I get with what number of them I have for each same battery type/capacity (most of mine are 5.0s) & the month/year I got them. I also label my tools in the battery compartment with the month/year that I got them.

 

[PelicanPines]

I record the Serial# in a spread sheet and sharpie a count # on the battery. I if any body sees #2 or #6... tell them to go home now.

 

[kctyphoon]

^thats not abnormal at all.. lol

 

[danny_barkley]

I'll actually be that guy for you. I love my M12 stuff, but the drill has some chuck wobble as all Milwaukee's have in my experience. I would recommend anything Milwaukee except a drill. I'm not a DeWalt fan at all, but it may be the better option. My brother used to be, but he converted to Rigid at some point. If you are invested in the ECO system for either one, I'd research the DeWalt drill or plan to swap the Milwaukee chuck right away. If I need a drill I still grab my Ryobi brushless first.

I just got a M18 2804 HammerDrill in Nov. Chucked up a Large long bit and spun it slow and fast and it looks straight as an arrow. Does that mean I'm good? Haven't used it yet though.

 

[visiter555]

Which Rohm did you put on your 2504?

I have been trying to find the mount spec to match it with (so far) varying luck. That means I have three different mounts from three different sites. lol

One drawback of the Rohms is they're longer.

Left is the 2504 with a Rohm installed. Far left is its original chuck. Right is my 2407 BEFORE I put a 1/2" capacity Rohm on it

 

[pbon]

I have an older M18 that loosens up too easily and would replace if I knew the spec to use. My newer one works pretty well so I am inclined to leave it for now.

 

[jmhinkle]

I just got a M18 2804 HammerDrill in Nov. Chucked up a Large long bit and spun it slow and fast and it looks straight as an arrow. Does that mean I'm good? Haven't used it yet though.

I'll never believe they exist, but if you think its straight run with it. I bought 5 in Oct and all had wobble visible without a drill bit in them. With a drill bit it was down right frightening. The worst looked like a 3/8" bit pretending to be a 1" hole saw.

My M12 isn't visible until you put a bit in and then you see it. Definitely not for use on anything that requires precise drilling.

I just ordered that Rohm to try on my 2504. I wish there was a shorter option with the Rohm quality.

 

[jmhinkle]

Which Rohm did you put on your 2504?

I have been trying to find the mount spec to match it with (so far) varying luck. That means I have three different mounts from three different sites. lol

2504 takes the 893352. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DD7KS5O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[M635_Guy]

I haven't run any drill bits on my 2801, so I'm going to eyeball it today. Kinda like the idea of a beefy chuck, though I agree with the other comment that a more compact Rohm option would be good...

 

[DFB]

A handheld cordless drill with no VS lock on switch and "precise drilling"...somehow to me those two things just really don't go together

 

[jmhinkle]

For some of us precise drilling means making a hole the size of the bit. You won't get that done with a Milwaukee drill is my point. If losing a 1/16 or 1/8 to wobbling bits doesn't bother you then have at it.

 

[thin_concrete]

I just got a M18 2804 HammerDrill in Nov. Chucked up a Large long bit and spun it slow and fast and it looks straight as an arrow. Does that mean I'm good? Haven't used it yet though.

I picked up a new 2804 in December, and based on my reading (so take that for what it’s worth), if the chuck has the red stripe on it, you’re good to go and have the newer, higher quality chuck, that may or may not be a Rohm component.

Mine cycles smoothly without wobble, and has the red line.

 

[DFB]

For some of us precise drilling means making a hole the size of the bit. You won't get that done with a Milwaukee drill is my point. If losing a 1/16 or 1/8 to wobbling bits doesn't bother you then have at it.

I probably couldn't hold it that straight by hand anyhow

Ya have at it



Actually to tell the truth right now I just went and drilled a series of holes with my M18 2604 hammer drill AND with the worlds cheapest drill bits a $9.99 HF 29pc set.

So used an 11/32", a 3/8" and 31/64" bit and then tried to insert the next fractional size up on each (23/64" 25/64 and 1/2") none would fit thru in any of the holes I drilled.

I must have got a good one is all I can say

Carry on guys

 

[M635_Guy]

Welp - I was doing a search on HD and noticed they have the M18 Fuel Mid-Torque impact for a strange (and awesome) price: $165.55
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...h-W-Friction-Ring-Tool-Only-2861-20/300955651

I entered a Chat session to verify it wasn't an open-box or something and he confirmed it was just the price. They don't have any in-stock close by, and so I ordered it for ship-to-store. I chatted w/ Northern Tool (who does have it in-stock locally, but a ~45 min. trip each way) and they said I'd have to ask the manager in the store and also commented that was close to cost.

So I just ordered it, knowing I could return it after I did-some soul-searching (see below). Heads up for any of y'all searching for a mid-torque and want to have one with an authorized-seller receipt (vs. eBay or Amazon...).


Now I just need to figure out if I really need it (stupid, I know). I have the M12 1/2" Stubby (which I love) and the M18 high-torque that I got on Cyber Monday. Good price, but haven't used it yet and some videos I've watched make me wonder if I'd live better w/ the Mid. - I've got two old BMW's - one crusty and one pristine, plus three other more modern cars I do DIY work on. Got the High anticipating some suspension work on the crusty one, but the Mid looks to be awfully capable and smaller...

I got the High for $199, so I could probably get all the money out of it if I can't return it to Amazon. I'd hate to sit $200 on a shelf for the few times when the Mid can't do whatever, but I'd guess there might be times when that will completely save my ***.

Entering the self-flagellating zone...

 

[AMD[H]unter]

I picked up a 2462-20, XC4AH and a charger today at the pawn shop for $40. Not too bad, I think.

 

[Firefighter1406]

Its simple. If it makes someone’s life / job easier, people will want them. The Paslode guns, (unless the new ones are different) use a battery AND a gas cartridge. So theres really no advantage over a cordless. I have 2 of their old ones (haven’t been used in ages) and it was very annoying when your last gas cartridge ran out.

Its not about the tool vs tool cost. Its about the VALUE of convenience, and who is willing to pay for it.

Those paslodes have their own inherent issue.....limp bisuits when too cold, fuel cells, gotta keep things clean or spark issues, doesn't run right with expired fuel cells. Batteries all the way. Can't have everything we want right. Cordless and battery cells that weigh like nothing

I agree, they do have there issues. However I also feel it’s a to each their own. I have had Paslode guns for many years. I would agreed my older style ones had a bit of issues, larger size, **** ni cad batteries, etc. However the newer styles with the Lithium ion batteries, smaller fuel cells and different fuel mixture work very seamless in my opinion. The gas mixture has helped a lot for cold weather operation. I personally don’t care for the DeWalt/Milwaukee nailers. I feel they are too bulky and heavy especially with the battery packs. The customer pays for my fuel cells so that doesn’t bother me at all. Paslode has been in the business for a long time and feel they have done a very nice job working out the bugs. Another issue I think that frustrates people is they clean them too much. From my experience run them until they stop and then clean. Has worked for my for 10+ years.


I am interested in seeing the Milwaukee framing nailer in action, however highly doubt I will be changing anytime soon.

 

[M635_Guy]

Maybe I don't know what I'm looking for, but both my 1/2" and 1/8" bits seemed very stable in my M18 2801 1/2" drill. (shown with the C3 it replaced)

 

[scarittagle]

Which Rohm did you put on your 2504?

I have been trying to find the mount spec to match it with (so far) varying luck. That means I have three different mounts from three different sites. lol

wow, I was not aware of the chunk is replaceable with the high-end ones until I see this thread.

 

[danny_barkley]

I picked up a new 2804 in December, and based on my reading (so take that for what it’s worth), if the chuck has the red stripe on it, you’re good to go and have the newer, higher quality chuck, that may or may not be a Rohm component.

Mine cycles smoothly without wobble, and has the red line.

That's the drill I got and it's dead on straight.

 

[MikeF2316]

That's the drill I got and it's dead on straight.

There are lots of Milwaukee chucks without wobble. I have a M12 Fuel drill/driver and a M12 right angle, both have chucks that don't wobble. I bought one the M12 drill drivers for my brother as well, that one also doesn't wobble.

In fact in my experience (3!) no Milwaukee chucks wobble!

 

[DFB]

Welp - I was doing a search on HD and noticed they have the M18 Fuel Mid-Torque impact for a strange (and awesome) price: $165.55
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...h-W-Friction-Ring-Tool-Only-2861-20/300955651

I entered a Chat session to verify it wasn't an open-box or something and he confirmed it was just the price. They don't have any in-stock close by, and so I ordered it for ship-to-store. I chatted w/ Northern Tool (who does have it in-stock locally, but a ~45 min. trip each way) and they said I'd have to ask the manager in the store and also commented that was close to cost.

So I just ordered it, knowing I could return it after I did-some soul-searching (see below). Heads up for any of y'all searching for a mid-torque and want to have one with an authorized-seller receipt (vs. eBay or Amazon...).


Now I just need to figure out if I really need it (stupid, I know). I have the M12 1/2" Stubby (which I love) and the M18 high-torque that I got on Cyber Monday. Good price, but haven't used it yet and some videos I've watched make me wonder if I'd live better w/ the Mid. - I've got two old BMW's - one crusty and one pristine, plus three other more modern cars I do DIY work on. Got the High anticipating some suspension work on the crusty one, but the Mid looks to be awfully capable and smaller...

I got the High for $199, so I could probably get all the money out of it if I can't return it to Amazon. I'd hate to sit $200 on a shelf for the few times when the Mid can't do whatever, but I'd guess there might be times when that will completely save my ***.

Entering the self-flagellating zone...

I really like my Mid Torque. Have it for about two years now. It was purchased as promo kit with a single 2.0 battery for like $199 so your $165 price is well in line for a bare tool option. And it is what I grab first over the beast of a High Torque I own (the Gen 1 2763).

I recently bought a 3/8" Stubby but don't see myself trying to substitute it on jobs I would normally use the 2861 Mid Torque on. Though have 3/8" 2754 I will be grabbing the stubby over that one hands down. Honestly in total retrospect that one has to be my least used impact wrench...and really I use the small 2 mode M12 2454 even more than that M18 compact

ENJOY IMO no need to beat yourself up over your decison. There will be plenty of times that High Torque will be the one you'll want to use still

 

[PelicanPines]

Found my missing M12 6.0 batteries... call off the Amber alert... no ransom was paid.

1 was plugged into the band saw... in its case.
The other was in my upstairs go bag...

 

[DFB]

I picked up a 2462-20, XC4AH and a charger today at the pawn shop for $40. Not too bad, I think.

Nice little impact and with the XC battery for the $40 too a real steal.

Neat little trick you might want to try with that impact...by putting just a 1 inch PH2 bit in the collet (don't worry it wont get stuck) it will countersink with a nice dimple a drywall screw in sheetrock.

 

[mobiledynamics]

ARE Milwaukee tools expensive or are we paying for the R&D ;-)
Or to rephrase, are the specialty Red tools expensive. They are priced inline with all other competitors so I guess not. I answered my own question ;-)

Was just looking at particular M18 speciality tool - M18 Pro Press.
Different animal I suppose, but I was saying to myself, dang I paid half of that for the M18 KO kit