The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[javyLSU]

I've only used my backpack like 3 times.......

Hose length I suppose is they really meant u to use it with the wand. Suppose CFM loss on extended length

Bought it for the car. I kinda sorta new it was not the right fit but I have a lot of batteries......
Too awkward to use in car.

Packout vac just purrfect - too bad it came it like 2 years later

I don't think I've ever used the backpack functionality, especially after I installed casters on it. My wife, however, loves using it as a backpack for vacuuming the wood floors in the house.

As for the hose length, they do sell a hose that's a bit longer ("9 foot") if that would help...

9 Foot Hose Accessory

Our MILWAUKEE® 9' Accessory Hose works on the M18 FUEL™ 3-in-1 Backpack Vacuum. At 9', it is longer than the stock hose for extended reach in multiple applications

www.milwaukeetool.com

 

[danski0224]

I've got the SDS with the HammerVac

Do have the packout and backpack vac. I was drilling overhead and wishing there was some sort of drill vac that was -universal-.....in form and fitment of the hammervac. Wishful thinking right ?

Although I haven't looked recently, I am pretty sure that a universal style add-on drill vacuum attachment is available in Red, Blue and Yellow.

Not as nice as a dedicated unit, though.

After actually using Blue and Yellow hammer drills with their dedicated vacuum attachments, I have to say that Red *****, and not in a good way.

The Yellow version was much more positionalble and the business end was smaller.

The Blue version has a much nicer depth stop and it is easy to empty.

Unlike Red, both Yellow and Blue made it quite easy to see how much dust was in the container to judge emptying it. Additionally, emptying it was much easier than the Red version.

I do like the Red drill more, but the vacuum attachment isn't the best. The Blue and Yellow drills seem lighter, and not a big fan of the black bits on the Blue tools coming off after a short period of time.

 

[dacan23]

I don't think I've ever used the backpack functionality, especially after I installed casters on it. My wife, however, loves using it as a backpack for vacuuming the wood floors in the house.

As for the hose length, they do sell a hose that's a bit longer ("9 foot") if that would help...

9 Foot Hose Accessory

Our MILWAUKEE® 9' Accessory Hose works on the M18 FUEL™ 3-in-1 Backpack Vacuum. At 9', it is longer than the stock hose for extended reach in multiple applications

www.milwaukeetool.com

Thanks! Didn't know they sold that, wish it just came with it...

 

[mobiledynamics]

Possible to make a 14" Cutoff in a M18 platform. Or the power bank of the MX is what is needed for a full sized cutoff...

Held off getting the cutoff since I have a Husky 14". Bit the bullet and got the 9". Sure wish it was a full size tho

 

[1320]

I've used the pump multiple times now to move gear oil, hydraulic fluid, engine oil, and diesel with great success.

I haven't yet nailed down what the appropriate size hose to use, though. I'm going to try 1/2" on both input and output rather than 1/2" input and 3/8" output like I've been using.

I moved 20 gallons of hydraulic fluid today and it used 1 bar on an 8.0 M18 battery.

 

[javyLSU]

I posted this in the new tools thread, but thought it might be appropriate for this thread as well…

Ever since I started using Snap-on cordless ratchets, I felt they had no equal - there was always some fatal flaw in the others that I hated. With the first Milwaukee Fuel ratchet, it was the head size, and the weight, and how hard it was to operate the switch, especially with gloves on. With the Mac, it was the slow RPM, and unnecessary size.

I had some Home Depot store credit burning a hole in my pocket, and saw a deal for the new high-speed Fuel ratchet with the rubber boot for $189. A 10% off coupon made it $170, so I decided to check it out. This thing is IMPRESSIVE. The head size has been drastically reduced, and now makes the Snap-on look big. The switch is super-easy to operate, even without the “tall shift knob” that I’m planning on installing. It’s also much lighter than my old Fuel ratchet. And the speed… WOW. It’s actually comical how fast this thing is.





The Snap-on still has better ergonomics in my opinion - the body necks down to give a slimmer, more comfortable handle, and I much prefer the push-button over the Milwaukee’s paddle switch.



I do wish the Milwaukee had a grease fitting for easier maintenance, and the light on the Snap-on is far superior. Having said all that, it’s really hard to find any faults with this new Milwaukee, it’s an excellent ratchet. Its so good, it actually has me considering whether I want to sell my CTR861.

 

[mobiledynamics]

Do you RedHeads like your Red Bit. Thinking/cancelling/thinking/considering the packout bit set

I got plenty of preferred bits already sitting in a full size slim packout organizer.
Wera/Wiha on Torx, Real Robertson on Squares, Vessel on PH, and a boatload of duplicates and then some in Apex USA bits.
All generally on a radpidator

There are instances like today where a reduced shaft in 2" would be perfect. This is where I guess is my excuse for looking at Milwaukee. I was driving a phillips within a -recess- in a mount. The bit holder was obviously too fat. End up just breaking out the screwdriver....

Anyhow, it's either down to cheap disposable and probable useful Packout bits. And or I just order up some more 2" bit on PH2 which I don't have in Vessel

 

[ThatSickRip]

I was at HD today and had a 10% coupon and was tempted to get the $199 M18 5.0 kit and a free tool, but they only free tool that I already didnt have or might would need was the jig saw. I passed...I think I may be coming to the end of my Red purchases for a while for a while unless a need pops up. I did grab (gasp) the Ryobi 7 1/4" sliding miter saw. I wanted the Milwaukee, but for the very limited uses I plan on using it for, I couldnt justify over double the price

 

[javyLSU]

My warranty replacement for the M18 “high demand” 9.0 showed up today. The rep told me on the phone that Milwaukee has discontinued the 9.0s and is replacing them with high output 8.0s. No complaints here!

 

[Bogie1632]

My warranty replacement for the M18 “high demand” 9.0 showed up today. The rep told me on the phone that Milwaukee has discontinued the 9.0s and is replacing them with high output 9.0s. No complaints here!

Did they let you know why they sent a HO 8.0 and not a 9?

Just curious.

V/R
Bogie

 

[M635_Guy]

Did they let you know why they sent a HO 8.0 and not a 9?

Just curious.

V/R
Bogie

I think it was a typo on his part. My understanding is the 9.0 is going away and the 8Ah HO is replacing it - slightly less battery density, but higher performance.

 

[Bogie1632]

I think it was a typo on his part. My understanding is the 9.0 is going away and the 8Ah HO is replacing it - slightly less battery density, but higher performance.

Thought so. I get confused easily.

V/R
Bogie

 

[javyLSU]

Yep, sorry guys, typo. As pictured, they sent me a HO 8.0.

 

[javyLSU]

So after a day of using that Milwaukee ratchet, there are a few things I like and dislike about it... First, the positives - it's lighter where it matters. The weight is not that much less than my brushless Snap-on 3/8, but the weight is concentrated in the handle of the Milwaukee. The Snap-on's weight seems to be toward the head, which makes it feel heaver in use. Next - the speed. It's fast. Very fast. But it comes at tradeoff of being loud - noticeably louder than the brushed Snap-on cordless ratchet, and VERY much louder than the Snap-on brushless 3/8. Not a big deal, but worth noting. Also worth noting is that it EATS batteries. The 4.0 I put on it when I unboxed it on Tuesday night is already half drained after a not-so-heavy day of use. The silver lining here is that I have a TON of M12 batteries, so it really doesn't matter.

 

[jonshonda]

^I've got the non fuel ratchet and it's one of my most used tools, but I'm just a home diy type.

I was just pushed over the edge due to a recent M18 vs M12 Surge thread, and the fact you get a free 6.0 battery with the 2551-20 M12 Surge Impact Driver AND the driver is on sale! It will pair well with me M12 drill for smaller work.

 

[M635_Guy]

So after a day of using that Milwaukee ratchet, there are a few things I like and dislike about it... First, the positives - it's lighter where it matters. The weight is not that much less than my brushless Snap-on 3/8, but the weight is concentrated in the handle of the Milwaukee. The Snap-on's weight seems to be toward the head, which makes it feel heaver in use. Next - the speed. It's fast. Very fast. But it comes at tradeoff of being loud - noticeably louder than the brushed Snap-on cordless ratchet, and VERY much louder than the Snap-on brushless 3/8. Not a big deal, but worth noting. Also worth noting is that it EATS batteries. The 4.0 I put on it when I unboxed it on Tuesday night is already half drained after a not-so-heavy day of use. The silver lining here is that I have a TON of M12 batteries, so it really doesn't matter.

Interesting. I have the original FUEL ratchet (bigger head, slower) and I've always been pretty amazed at how long a regular 2.0Ah battery lasts on that thing. I guess speed kills (batteries). Probably the biggest project I've used it on was doing the oil filter housing gasket on my kids car. I didn't realize until right before the job that it involved removing a bunch of ****, including the radiator fan, the power steering reservoir, the alternator and a 13" chunk of aluminum bolted to the block (which is where the gasket is...). I also did the CCV and other stuff "while I was in there" too. Across all of that work and a lot of fasteners in and out, I only used a couple bars of a 2.0 battery. For me the head size hasn't been a big deal in any situation I've used it in, and I'm not on a clock, so have been pretty happy with the ratchet. I've been watching for reactions since the new one came out, but nobody is giving me justifications...

 

[javyLSU]

Interesting. I have the original FUEL ratchet (bigger head, slower) and I've always been pretty amazed at how long a regular 2.0Ah battery lasts on that thing. I guess speed kills (batteries). Probably the biggest project I've used it on was doing the oil filter housing gasket on my kids car. I didn't realize until right before the job that it involved removing a bunch of ****, including the radiator fan, the power steering reservoir, the alternator and a 13" chunk of aluminum bolted to the block (which is where the gasket is...). I also did the CCV and other stuff "while I was in there" too. Across all of that work and a lot of fasteners in and out, I only used a couple bars of a 2.0 battery. For me the head size hasn't been a big deal in any situation I've used it in, and I'm not on a clock, so have been pretty happy with the ratchet. I've been watching for reactions since the new one came out, but nobody is giving me justifications...

I couldn't get rid of that ratchet fast enough when I had it. The speed wasn't such an issue for me as the size, weight, and that godforsaken switch were.

As for the battery, I have no doubt whatsoever that the speed at which this ratchet runs is tearing through pixies. I'm telling you, the first time I pulled the trigger on this thing I literally laughed out loud. To your earlier point, I wouldn't hesitate to upgrade to this ratchet from yours. It addresses every single complaint I had with the 1st gen Fuel, and now that I think about it I did use it a lot yesterday, just not on anything that I would consider a heavy load - they were all smaller fasteners, 13mm and under.

 

[greyghost18t]

Alright guys.. I know I asked a while ago but I need to ask again. What is your opinion on what I should get for doing some basic car and motorcycle work, mostly for changing wheels from summer to winter and vice versa. I have a non fuel drill and impact combo that I got a while ago, but I know that impact won't take care of this. The wheels that would be touched are basically a VW, a dodge 1500, honda cb750k, ATV, rider lawnmower...and in the future maybe a small farm tractor. I am up in the air and confused on what I need to get. Also confused on 1/2 or 3/4. I appreciate all the feedback on this.

 

[M635_Guy]

I couldn't get rid of that ratchet fast enough when I had it. The speed wasn't such an issue for me as the size, weight, and that godforsaken switch were.

As for the battery, I have no doubt whatsoever that the speed at which this ratchet runs is tearing through pixies. I'm telling you, the first time I pulled the trigger on this thing I literally laughed out loud. To your earlier point, I wouldn't hesitate to upgrade to this ratchet from yours. It addresses every single complaint I had with the 1st gen Fuel, and now that I think about it I did use it a lot yesterday, just not on anything that I would consider a heavy load - they were all smaller fasteners, 13mm and under.

Funny - I've got zero complaints about my ratchet I guess that's what makes the world go 'round.

I do occasionally wonder about getting wonder about getting one of the long-reach models, but just can't justify it.

Alright guys.. I know I asked a while ago but I need to ask again. What is your opinion on what I should get for doing some basic car and motorcycle work, mostly for changing wheels from summer to winter and vice versa. I have a non fuel drill and impact combo that I got a while ago, but I know that impact won't take care of this. The wheels that would be touched are basically a VW, a dodge 1500, honda cb750k, ATV, rider lawnmower...and in the future maybe a small farm tractor. I am up in the air and confused on what I need to get. Also confused on 1/2 or 3/4. I appreciate all the feedback on this.

I'd recommend the Fuel Mid-Torque Gen2 to anyone. Get a 6Ah HO battery and a 3.0 HO battery and you'll have a great setup for small spaces and full power. The ratchets are all good IMHO - even the non-fuel is better than a regular ratchet when you're trying to cruise through jobs.

As far as 1/2" vs. 3/8" (you don't need 3/4" unless you're working on big rigs), I'd go with whatever you have already for impact sockets. I went 1/2" since I was going to get a new set and wanted access to the big sockets for hub nuts, etc.

Those two tools make short work of a lot of things IMHO.

 

[Bolster]

Milwaukee: I need an 18v B-B gun. Pretty please?

 

[GTO]

Alright guys.. I know I asked a while ago but I need to ask again. What is your opinion on what I should get for doing some basic car and motorcycle work, mostly for changing wheels from summer to winter and vice versa. I have a non fuel drill and impact combo that I got a while ago, but I know that impact won't take care of this. The wheels that would be touched are basically a VW, a dodge 1500, honda cb750k, ATV, rider lawnmower...and in the future maybe a small farm tractor. I am up in the air and confused on what I need to get. Also confused on 1/2 or 3/4. I appreciate all the feedback on this.

Get the Stubby M12 1/2"

 

[Rusty67]

When it comes to working on motorcycles I think you are going to find that the only time you need a 1/2" drive is when you are changing the wheels. Even then you can just do the work with a regular torque wrench and breaker bar. For motorcycle work I'd say get the most compact thing you can. Car and truck work is a different story. I'm going to go a different route than most people here. I'd say get the 1/2" mid toque that was suggested above but also get yourself the 3/8" drive right angle impact driver. I have both the RA impacts and while they don't hit too hard compared to an actual regular impact, they are basically ratchets and impacts all in one. You can use them in really right spaces because the heads are a bit too big for that but they are AWESOME for tearing stuff down. I did an engine swap on my Mustang recently and those little guys got into some tight spots and made getting some of the crusty fasteners off a snap (bad choice of words, no bolts or nuts were snapped or sheered off) where my regular impact wouldn't even fit.

 

[logixjock]

Alright guys.. I know I asked a while ago but I need to ask again. What is your opinion on what I should get for doing some basic car and motorcycle work, mostly for changing wheels from summer to winter and vice versa. I have a non fuel drill and impact combo that I got a while ago, but I know that impact won't take care of this. The wheels that would be touched are basically a VW, a dodge 1500, honda cb750k, ATV, rider lawnmower...and in the future maybe a small farm tractor. I am up in the air and confused on what I need to get. Also confused on 1/2 or 3/4. I appreciate all the feedback on this.

Get the M18 mid-torque, stay away from the M12 stubby. Automotive wheels are just too much for it.

 

[jonshonda]

Free batteries made me spend monies!

 

[ThatSickRip]

I'd recommend the Fuel Mid-Torque Gen2 to anyone. Get a 6Ah HO battery and a 3.0 HO battery and you'll have a great setup for small spaces and full power. The ratchets are all good IMHO - even the non-fuel is better than a regular ratchet when you're trying to cruise through jobs.

As far as 1/2" vs. 3/8" (you don't need 3/4" unless you're working on big rigs), I'd go with whatever you have already for impact sockets. I went 1/2" since I was going to get a new set and wanted access to the big sockets for hub nuts, etc.

Those two tools make short work of a lot of things IMHO.

This. Go with the Mid Torque. I recently got the M12 stubby and not impressed after all the rave reviews here

 

[Odd-job]

Free batteries made me spend monies!

Which retailer had the surge on sale? I’ll break my red tool drought for that.

 

[jonshonda]

Which retailer had the surge on sale? I’ll break my red tool drought for that.

Blaines farm and fleet!

 

[banjopete]

This. Go with the Mid Torque. I recently got the M12 stubby and not impressed after all the rave reviews here

I'm one of the fans. Home guy here myself and I probably do 80% of my impact work with a hard working stubby, the rest with a mid torque job. Both have their spots but the size of the little guy is usually the decider. I don't expect it to be able to cover everything and couldn't say whether it actually hits the 250ftlbs it claims but it sure does a lot of work for me.

Regardless of which one, a small big hitting impact will get a lot of use. If I could only have one it may be the little guy for how much use it gets.

 

[48548]

I just want the mower and another grinder deal in the blow mold case to replace my stolen one....

 

[Rusty67]

A deal on a grinder isn't so hard to find, a deal on one with the blow molded case is usually a bit tougher. You might try to just buy the blow molded case second hand. I think most people don't really like them that much.

 

[48548]

A deal on a grinder isn't so hard to find, a deal on one with the blow molded case is usually a bit tougher. You might try to just buy the blow molded case second hand. I think most people don't really like them that much.

Thank you.... still bitter... I have 2 fuels but missing the cut off guard.... so I need the case and guard.... at least they got no batteries.... assholes....

 

[Bolster]

I just want the mower and another grinder deal in the blow mold case to replace my stolen one....

I like the blow molded cases for their protection, but I wish they'd let me put a 3.0 high output battery on, and still close the case! Sorry to hear about the theft. For my grinder I make do with one of those Milwaukee red and white canvas zip bags. At least they're labeled "Fuel" so...bragging rights, yeah?

 

[Odd-job]

Blaines farm and fleet!

Thank you. Must have fallen asleep at the wheel on the hot deals.

 

[greyghost18t]

This. Go with the Mid Torque. I recently got the M12 stubby and not impressed after all the rave reviews here

Is this a good deal on the mid torque?

 

[ThatSickRip]

Is this a good deal on the mid torque?

Theres been some better deals recently. HD had the Mid Torque and a 5.0 battery for $199. Not sure if any other sites have any deals going

 

[ptgarcia]

Alright guys.. I know I asked a while ago but I need to ask again. What is your opinion on what I should get for doing some basic car and motorcycle work, mostly for changing wheels from summer to winter and vice versa. I have a non fuel drill and impact combo that I got a while ago, but I know that impact won't take care of this. The wheels that would be touched are basically a VW, a dodge 1500, honda cb750k, ATV, rider lawnmower...and in the future maybe a small farm tractor. I am up in the air and confused on what I need to get. Also confused on 1/2 or 3/4. I appreciate all the feedback on this.

I just went through this myself, needing an impact to work on dirt bikes and adventure bikes as well as my cars and 1-ton Ram. I ended up with the M18 Gen 2 mid-torque and a non-fuel 3/8" M12 ratchet. This combo has been perfect so far. I really don't need an impact for motorcycles but the ratchet is fantastic for them. I do use an M18 impact driver for the motorcycles when needed but this isn't very often. I prefer to use a 24" long breaker bar to loosen axle nuts and other high torque nuts/bolts on the bikes.

 

[mobiledynamics]

yassss. Finally a Gen 2 Finish Nailer. That should complete my set

 

[humpty]

yassss. Finally a Gen 2 Finish Nailer. That should complete my set

What is this complete you speak of? Never heard of such a thing.

 

[mobiledynamics]

Their Finish Nailer - which was one of their 1st nailers that came out got so-so reviews. I've added their framer, brand and recently pinner to my stash. Been wondering when a Gen 2 of their -finish nailer- would surface. Today was the day

 

[tarmy]

Their Finish Nailer - which was one of their 1st nailers that came out got so-so reviews. I've added their framer, brand and recently pinner to my stash. Been wondering when a Gen 2 of their -finish nailer- would surface. Today was the day

Are you serious?

I just ordered one yesterday from HD…they had them for 250…betting, know that I know this, that they are dumping on hand supply. ****.