The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[BMack37]

I'm surprised so many of the guys on here say go for the M18 first.

I have it all. And I LOVE my M12. It does damn near anything. Put it like this, if you (general person) needed M18, you would know it.

The M12 stuff kicks *** and is powerful. But if you want a 4.5" angle grinder you need M18, and then you end up with both platforms like the rest of us!

Agreed, I have a lot of both and almost always grab M12 and the M18 mostly sit unused unit I need ridiculous power.

My M12 Fuel hammer drill is more powerful and faster than the corded drill we had at the shop, it's a monster. M12 stubby impact can do the lugs on my F150 which are torqued to 150 Ft/lbs. M12 Fuel circular saw can easily zip through 3/4" ply and is lightweight. I guess the biggest downside to going just into M12 is the M12 chargers ****.

The only two really weak areas for even an advanced homeowner for M12 is jigsaw and OMT...and tbh, Dewalt and Bosch both beat the M18s in that area.

 

[WTF]

All great feed back. I ended up with the M12 kit for now, comes in on Tuesday. I will get the m18 drill as well, down the road. I still have my ridgid 18 volt set with the 1/4 driver and drill. The drill just has a burnt high rpm clutch.

Good decision!

Unless you're building a deck with screws, or running holesaw / big paddle bits, I reach for the M12 drill & or impact driver more often than not over the 18-20v tools.

My non-fuel M12 impact driver has no problem sinking a 3.5" deck screw, but it wouldn't be the tool I would choose to do it all afternoon with if I had a larger project.

I just used my m12 hackzall for the first time today helping a buddy install in-ceiling speakers throughout his house he's renovating, and that tool was absolutely awesome for the task! Put one on your wish list for sure.

 

[MikeF2316]

It's to mimic a Festool

I had that exact same thought.

 

[Dan8906]

Good decision!

Unless you're building a deck with screws, or running holesaw / big paddle bits, I reach for the M12 drill & or impact driver more often than not over the 18-20v tools.

My non-fuel M12 impact driver has no problem sinking a 3.5" deck screw, but it wouldn't be the tool I would choose to do it all afternoon with if I had a larger project.

I just used my m12 hackzall for the first time today helping a buddy install in-ceiling speakers throughout his house he's renovating, and that tool was absolutely awesome for the task! Put one on your wish list for sure.

The m12 kit I ordered from homedepot included the m12 hackzall!!

 

[kctyphoon]

I'm surprised so many of the guys on here say go for the M18 first.

I have it all. And I LOVE my M12. It does damn near anything. Put it like this, if you (general person) needed M18, you would know it.

The M12 stuff kicks *** and is powerful. But if you want a 4.5" angle grinder you need M18, and then you end up with both platforms like the rest of us!

It all depends what "home owner" type work they do. The minute you consider wanting to build a deck or a shed (the most common bigger type work) it pays to go M18. The saws are far superior for one, and the bigger type tools fall in that platform. Depending what packs you run, there isn't much of a size difference between an M18 with a 2.0 and an M12 with a 4.0. Also, my feeling is it's always better to run a more powerful tool through easier work then it is to always ask alot of smaller tools. You'll drain the batteries much quicker asking an M12 to struggle. Lastly - The most common first purchase is gonna be a drill or drill combo. Going with the M18 you can stay with the brushed tools if you don't need killer power or wanna save money. Batteries are the same regardless. Then if u ever wanna get something specifically Fuel - like the 1/2" impact , where it does matter - you can.

If your a guy who's biggest projects are gonna be putting some shelves up, and you KNOW ur not gonna do big work - then yea - M12

 

[mobiledynamics]

My 1st M12 tool was a decision on the caulk/adhesive gun. I wanted the lighter tool for finesse, so I went M12. For size issues, I also went with the M12 on other speciality tools....


However, if given the -blind- option if I had to choose for impact/drivers/saws, it would be a no brainer IMO to go M18. Better to have overhead than to not IMO. Weight on the battery is not even a consideration for me when using said tools in the applications it requires. For overhead work, the 2ah M18 seems is just right...

 

[mobiledynamics]

March is 1 week away. Cmon bring on the Framer.

Wishful thinking but I would totally -buy- a M18 14" cutoff

 

[BlueBomb]

Few new additions. Got the cutoff for 415 out the door at HD. Right angle die grinder is gonna come in handy and the impact was a FB marketplace deal for 200 with the boot.

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[Dan8906]

Well my m12 drill combo set and hackzall tools came in. So did a group shot with my other milwaukee stuff. Lots of m18 vs m12 debates going on! Which I enjoy reading the responses and I asked the question so thanks! For me my choice to go m12 first is, I don’t have any large plans coming up soon and I think the m12 will be plenty to do the small things on my list. I think it’s nice to have the option tho. And will get the m18 drill combo as well later just not in a huge rush.

 

[kctyphoon]

Well my m12 drill combo set and hackzall tools came in. So did a group shot with my other milwaukee stuff. Lots of m18 vs m12 debates going on! Which I enjoy reading the responses and I asked the question so thanks! For me my choice to go m12 first is, I don’t have any large plans coming up soon and I think the m12 will be plenty to do the small things on my list. I think it’s nice to have the option tho. And will get the m18 drill combo as well later just not in a huge rush.

I have all those too.. i have the cheaper m12 brushed stuff at home for the quick little projects, and m18 fuel for anything I else i might need to do.. sooner or later I’m gonna have to bite the bullet and replace my shed....

 

[Black300zx]

So after spending the last 11 days on vacation snowboarding, I've got to say that I love the M12 usb charger/power supply. With a CP3.0 battery it will charge my Samsung GS7 about twice from dead. It supplies enough juice to enable quick charge, which allows me to pack on 30-40% over the course of a couple beers at the bar. It even caught the attention of a few strangers who asked "is that a drill battery?? That's sweet!"

Only negative comment is that it takes a stout usb port to recharge it. Plugging it into my hotel clock radio only netted a 25% charge over night.

 

[Tbird22]

I remember hearing that although the stubbys have the same internals, the 1/2 can deliver the power better than the 3/8. Anyone know if the same is true with the fuel ratchets? Thinking about picking one of em up


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[kctyphoon]

So after spending the last 11 days on vacation snowboarding, I've got to say that I love the M12 usb charger/power supply. With a CP3.0 battery it will charge my Samsung GS7 about twice from dead. It supplies enough juice to enable quick charge, which allows me to pack on 30-40% over the course of a couple beers at the bar. It even caught the attention of a few strangers who asked "is that a drill battery?? That's sweet!"

Only negative comment is that it takes a stout usb port to recharge it. Plugging it into my hotel clock radio only netted a 25% charge over night.

Sometimes the cable can have a big effect on that, esp a long one.
I keep an XC 3.0 in mine. This way i can lay it on its side, stand it up, and it wont roll around all over the place.

 

[M635_Guy]

I remember hearing that although the stubbys have the same internals, the 1/2 can deliver the power better than the 3/8. Anyone know if the same is true with the fuel ratchets? Thinking about picking one of em up


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My understanding about the Stubby discussion is that the additional delivery is due to the mass of the 1/2" anvil and the bits. I doubt that's a benefit with the ratchet, even if the motors were rated the same (they're 55 ft. lb vs. 40).

For me, the 3/8" was the easy choice. It offers the range of bits I need, and for 1/4" nuts/hose clamps/etc. I'm using a swivel ratchet in a fair number of cases.

I got the FUEL model because it's a lot beefier and can be used like a regular ratchet (to an extent) for cracking the fastener. The "regular" 3/8" isn't nearly as beefy based on what I saw in the AvE teardown. For the 1/4", I don't think it matters as much - if I decided to get a 1/4" I'd go with whatever I could get the best deal on. It's not not like there's a ton of torque to deal with on really small fasteners.

 

[nmk_61802]

March is 1 week away. Cmon bring on the Framer.

Wishful thinking but I would totally -buy- a M18 14" cutoff

All signs point to a July release on the Frame Nailer now.

 

[mobiledynamics]

I just google priced the USB charger . $60 ? or has it been on sales...

I'd rather have a typical 10,000 , 20,000 MAH charger that has a USB and USB C (C being the keyword doing PD) if I'm spending anything north of $40 IMO. I'm a mobile nomad, so being able to charge phones, ipads, or laptops on the fly with these are a godsend

 

[loganb]

Courtesy of the recent orange box sale and FedEx being super prompt!

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[techieman33]

I just google priced the USB charger . $60 ? or has it been on sales...

I'd rather have a typical 10,000 , 20,000 MAH charger that has a USB and USB C (C being the keyword doing PD) if I'm spending anything north of $40 IMO. I'm a mobile nomad, so being able to charge phones, ipads, or laptops on the fly with these are a godsend

It's usually closer to around $40. A lot of us have them because they come with the M12 heated gear. They've also bundled them in with things like the M12 inflator recently.

 

[kctyphoon]

I have all 3 versions of the m12 power source at this point.. probably 5 in total.. they multiply like rabbits.

 

[PelicanPines]

I have several M12 power source things... to power my nebulizer... my doctors think I should build my rig for others.

 

[Bighead38]

When is NPS 2020? Any guesses what will they come out with?

 

[techieman33]

When is NPS 2020? Any guesses what will they come out with?

The past couple years at least it's been in May or June. And it's usually only a week or two before the event that I've seen any firm info about it. As far as what we'll see it's anyones guess. But updated oscillating tools with tooless blade change better be among them. They're long overdue. I also really want to see an M18 air compressor.

 

[buddylee1998]

The past couple years at least it's been in May or June. And it's usually only a week or two before the event that I've seen any firm info about it. As far as what we'll see it's anyones guess. But updated oscillating tools with tooless blade change better be among them. They're long overdue. I also really want to see an M18 air compressor.

My m12 OMT is a toolless blade change

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[mobiledynamics]

Thinking cap on.

For Me, Big Red is overdue on stuff I would like/want in M18

Updated OMT to be just as good or better than my Fein's
Updated small M18 wet/dry vac that is DC and AC like my Dewalt

I feel like I'll be good unless they really fulfill my wishful thinking list and make a M18 14" Cutoff. I would buy that in a heartbeat

 

[Bolster]

Submit:

Updated angle drill.
Updated nation of manufacture.


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[Black300zx]

I just google priced the USB charger . $60 ? or has it been on sales...

I'd rather have a typical 10,000 , 20,000 MAH charger that has a USB and USB C (C being the keyword doing PD) if I'm spending anything north of $40 IMO. I'm a mobile nomad, so being able to charge phones, ipads, or laptops on the fly with these are a godsend

I got mine as part of the black friday inflator/CP2.0/charger package deal. $100 for the kit IIRC.

 

[TLGriff]

I've been accumulating some of the M18 stuff, but I lose sleep over how long it will be before the battery packs become obsolete. You know it's only a matter of time and then all of those tools will become pretty much be useless. I suppose you could always invest in a battery tab spot welder and rebuild the packs, but that doesn't sound like a fun project.

Tom

 

[nmk_61802]

I've been accumulating some of the M18 stuff, but I lose sleep over how long it will be before the battery packs become obsolete. You know it's only a matter of time and then all of those tools will become pretty much be useless. I suppose you could always invest in a battery tab spot welder and rebuild the packs, but that doesn't sound like a fun project.

Tom

I wouldn't worry about it too much...All battery powered tools eventually go obsolete. Milwaukee has been more vocal than most that they intend to support the M18 line for the long haul, and so far they have backed that claim.

We are also seeing generic versions of the batteries making great headway, and suspect they will continue on if Milwaukee does not.

Short answer is, if you see a M18/ M12 tool we need/ want, I see no reason not to purchase.

 

[mobiledynamics]

Submit:

Updated nation of manufacture.


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I gave up on the COO quite a looong time ago. Sure hand tools you can be picky about. But in the realm of cordless tools, good luck.......

 

[Tbird22]

Do you think Milwaukee will lower there prices to pre-trade war era or once they saw people still buying, they will never go back?


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[Plastikosmd]

After years of service the chuck started slipping. Time to change it out

Some tips:
1) my chuck retaining screw was T-40 ( not Phillips like in some demos online)
2) it is reverse thread, mine was tight! M18 hex impact- no go, 1/2 impact no problem but had to make a Rube Goldberg combination as my 3/8 t-40 were too short/fat to go into chuck
3) chuck is standard thread, I tightened mine on a thick allen wrench so I could break it free

 

[chickenfarmer]

Do you think Milwaukee will lower there prices to pre-trade war era or once they saw people still buying, they will never go back?


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Does anybody ever go back?

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[kctyphoon]

Seems like I’m getting suckered into making some new laminate tops for a couple old dressers at my fathers house.. i suggested the m18 router might be a good birthday gift for me..

 

[PelicanPines]

Seems like I’m getting suckered into making some new laminate tops for a couple old dressers at my fathers house.. i suggested the m18 router might be a good birthday gift for me..

Get two... so you dont have to change bits as often.

 

[Rickster]

Just installed a Cree LED into my 12v flashlight. Great upgrade, way brighter. Got it off eBay for around $13.

 

[logixjock]

Just installed a Cree LED into my 12v flashlight. Great upgrade, way brighter. Got it off eBay for around $13.

P/N please?

 

[Bighead38]

Here’s what’s usually in my pack out radio. If I forget to take off my watch before working I throw it in here. I’m still thinking about modifying the door. I wonder if I could get just the door from Milwaukee.

It’s pretty deep.

 

[kctyphoon]

Just picked up the middle model of the Milwaukee sunglasses I didn’t have. While i was at HD i picked up the cheapest model headlamp they make.. i was surprised comparing it to the other, that the rated Lumens on the high flood setting it either the same, or almost the same as all the others.. wanted something small and cheap that just ran off regular batteries to keep at work with the USB model.. i dont use it enough these days to keep up on checking to make sure the usb battery pack hasn’t drained.

I was even gonna buy a Milwaukee hard hat - but they only stock one model on the shelves and it was vented so i cant use those..


Just fyi - EVERY dust mask was GONE at HD. The shelves were literally bare where the N95 rated masks usually are - with a sign that read “limit 10 per customer”.. people starting to worry..

 

[Rickster]

I looked It up in my emails, turns out I got the more expensive 5w bulb, $17 with tax, ship free. LED for Milwaukee M12 upgrade to Cree 1,3,&5w. XPG3 LED

 

[Bighead38]

Just picked up the middle model of the Milwaukee sunglasses I didn’t have. While i was at HD i picked up the cheapest model headlamp they make.. i was surprised comparing it to the other, that the rated Lumens on the high flood setting it either the same, or almost the same as all the others.. wanted something small and cheap that just ran off regular batteries to keep at work with the USB model.. i dont use it enough these days to keep up on checking to make sure the usb battery pack hasn’t drained.

I was even gonna buy a Milwaukee hard hat - but they only stock one model on the shelves and it was vented so i cant use those..


Just fyi - EVERY dust mask was GONE at HD. The shelves were literally bare where the N95 rated masks usually are - with a sign that read “limit 10 per customer”.. people starting to worry..

I bought a 3 pack a few weeks ago for a really dusty sanding project. Wore them out and was going to get more last week but they didn’t have any. I got a single mask with a rubber seal. It works way better so it all worked out.