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The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

firworks

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So I am unsure whether or not to exchange my M12 Fuel 3/8 impact for a new one.

I got it last month around Xmas when HD was having their buy the M12 kit and get free M12 ratchet deal. The impact "works fine" so far as I can tell but there is a very noticeable change in sound and vibration when you spin it pointing up vs pointing down.

For reference, my M12 Fuel impact driver sounds exactly the same no matter what orientation the tool is used in. Same goes for my M12 hammer drill. But not for my 3/8 impact. The best I can describe it is a "growling" sound. You can also feel more vibration in the tool when it is making the noise. It's kind of like the bearing of the spinning mechanism on the rear of the tool is bad? I don't know exactly how everything is fit together inside but it seems like pointing it up vs down is putting different load on some bearing and that is causing the noise and vibration. It is easily noticeable on speed setting 1 and is more apparent at speed setting 2.

Now I haven't had a chance to really test it under load to see if it is impacting performance, this is mainly just spinning it under no load condition. Like I said I only used it so far to spin off some already loosened lug nuts off my car and I saw no problems, but I figure if this is some kind of manufacturing defect I would rather exchange it through HD now while I am in the return window rather than having to deal with Milwaukee warranty later on if it really fails?

What do you all think?

With no socket on it, if you just run it tipped up it sounds different than tipped down? I can go out and see if mine does the same if that helps.
 
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OSULemon

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Apr 12, 2013
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A hammer drill I would expect to have a lot more runout than a non hammer drill due to the different construction. If you need precision rotary motion, you probably don't want an extra degree of freedom to chowder things up. Not to mention a less solid connection to the chassis of the drill.

Is the runout causing a problem or are you just nitpicking? ;)

Ha. I paid extra for high quality and I expect perfection!

In reality, yes it is noticeable especially with longer spade drills. Much more vibration and wallowing out of the hole then I want. If that's normal for the hammer drill then I guess I'll live with it. If not, I see no reason to put up with it when I could exchange it!
 

firworks

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Here's how mine sounds. I didn't notice any difference up or down. I did all speeds and directions with and without a socket.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZvrvlxR8JkQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 

Ruahrc

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May 17, 2015
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Thanks firworks, that is very helpful and exactly the situation I describe. Yours clearly shows no difference whereas mine does change sound when you tip it up and down like you demonstrate.

Unfortunately I don't have any real capability to record reasonable video but I tried to demonstrate my problem in the below video which is about the best I can do using my laptop's webcam (hence why the Milwaukee is reversed lol).

First I do a test with my impact driver which exhibits no issue (sounds exactly the same no matter the orientation). Then I switch to the 3/8 impact wrench, the audio is not that great, but I think the last test (3/8 impact wrench on slow speed) comes through clearest in the video. Headphones may help. I swear, it is FAR more apparent in reality, it is night and day and audible both on low and high speed. Although I don't demonstrate it socket or no socket it makes no difference.

Impact Driver vs 3/8 Impact
 

kctyphoon

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My m18 "clicked" if you pointed it up I think.. It's was probably the hammer/anvil in the nose.. I returned mine and got another that made no clicking sound.. I had a video posted but I think I deleted it.
 

Ruahrc

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May 17, 2015
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So today I decided to exchange my impact wrench. Figured if I'm posting here and making videos about it, then clearly it is bothering me enough that I should resolve it to my satisfaction. I took it back to Home Depot and told them what was wrong, and asked if I could just exchange it for a replacement, not expecting any more than that. The lady at the return counter checked to see if it was available in the store (I already knew it wasn't, on HD's website it says "online only") and when she saw it was not available she said the easiest way was just to refund me the purchase price of the kit and I could re-order it myself online.

Well, that solution works out to be a bit in my favor, I bought the kit on a sale that included a free M12 ratchet which she did not ask about, so basically I got that for free now? Then when I go to re-order the 3/8 wrench kit it looks like there are still some "buy a kit and get this thing free" deals still available. So I will have ended up somehow with 2 free items from buying the kit.

Now I'm just not quite sure what bundle to get. I would have been interested in the heated hoodie bonus but that seems to be out of stock, otherwise the only thing I really would want and don't already have is the right angle drill. But honestly I don't really have a need and even if I were to get one, I would almost prefer to wait for a revised brushless model or something and get that instead. Already have enough batteries, already have Fuel hackzall, already have fuel drill and impact driver so no need for the brushed ones, etc.

Do these deals ever come back in stock? I may try and just wait for the heated hoodie one to come back in stock, I'm in no real rush to replace the impact wrench at the moment.
 

JettaGetUpandGo

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So today I decided to exchange my impact wrench. Figured if I'm posting here and making videos about it, then clearly it is bothering me enough that I should resolve it to my satisfaction. I took it back to Home Depot and told them what was wrong, and asked if I could just exchange it for a replacement, not expecting any more than that. The lady at the return counter checked to see if it was available in the store (I already knew it wasn't, on HD's website it says "online only") and when she saw it was not available she said the easiest way was just to refund me the purchase price of the kit and I could re-order it myself online.

Well, that solution works out to be a bit in my favor, I bought the kit on a sale that included a free M12 ratchet which she did not ask about, so basically I got that for free now? Then when I go to re-order the 3/8 wrench kit it looks like there are still some "buy a kit and get this thing free" deals still available. So I will have ended up somehow with 2 free items from buying the kit.

Now I'm just not quite sure what bundle to get. I would have been interested in the heated hoodie bonus but that seems to be out of stock, otherwise the only thing I really would want and don't already have is the right angle drill. But honestly I don't really have a need and even if I were to get one, I would almost prefer to wait for a revised brushless model or something and get that instead. Already have enough batteries, already have Fuel hackzall, already have fuel drill and impact driver so no need for the brushed ones, etc.

Do these deals ever come back in stock? I may try and just wait for the heated hoodie one to come back in stock, I'm in no real rush to replace the impact wrench at the moment.

You ****.

I have the right angle drill. Honestly, I don't use it very often, but it it very nice in tighter places like inside of a cabinet.

It's also been nice to use just an an extra drill/driver. On a project I had a drill bit in my fuel drill, countersink bit in the right angle drill, and a driver bit in the impact driver. Granted that could easily be solved with a set of drill bits with the built in countersink, but using what I have it made the project more convenient.

I wouldn't anticipate the deals coming back in stock, especially on the hoodies. I'm pretty sure it's just a limited time promotion as quantities last. The heated gear they do one big run early fall and if Milwaukee runs out they don't do another batch until the following year (at least that's how they've done it previous years).
 

firworks

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The right-angle drill was on Amazon a month or two ago for under 40$ so I wouldn't waste a bundle on that. Just keep an eye on the Amazon Warehouse Deals thread and I suspect it will come up again.

If you want to keep the price the same I'd probably go for the Hackzall bundle. However, since you're getting the 1/4" ratchet for free, why not get the 3/8" ratchet kit as well? 299$ is a bit steep for the impact and one ratchet, but for the impact and two ratchets it's a pretty good price.
 

Dennis Leigh Henry

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Apr 8, 2013
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Finally got around to posting mine (and a few of my son's) Milwaukee tools... For a while, I travelled quite a bit to Milwaukee for work (Motor Castings Company in West Allis)and frequented the Milwaukee Factory Store there...

Sorry for the length.. Now, I need to plow backwards thru this thread and absorb all the addiction...

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JettaGetUpandGo

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Finally got around to posting mine (and a few of my son's) Milwaukee tools... For a while, I travelled quite a bit to Milwaukee for work (Motor Castings Company in West Allis)and frequented the Milwaukee Factory Store there...

Do they sell out of their headquarters in Brookfield? I've lived 5-10 miles from there my whole life and never knew that... only driven by.
 

Ign

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Jul 7, 2006
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Butte Peak ND
So the light uses a 2-stage telescoping system that has these handy flip locks. Problem is the lower collar seems poorly sized to the tube. When I got it it was doing nothing. There's a Phillips head screw under the lever you can adjust, but I had to adjust it such that the lever is very difficult to flip in order to make it do anything, and even then you can push it down pretty easily by hand. The ID of the whole collar should be a bit smaller, or you just wind up trying to crush an oval around a circle.

It does work now, just not well, but I'm gonna leave it.

Quoting myself regarding the 2130-20 LED stand light.

This clamp has only gotten worse, seems slightly worse in the cold. It'll allow the whole tube to slowly slide down. It's a small complaint but it should work, period. Plus it's a simple mechanism.

I decided I was going to return for warranty after contacting Milwaukee weeks ago - inquiring if maybe they could just send me a new clamp collar - with no response.

Turns out this light is not eligible for E-service, meaning they pay return shipping. I thought that was kind of lame, esp since it's not specifically listed on their list of products exempt from E-service (they just need to update their list), but once you input 2130-20 on the form it doesn't let you proceed.

I called Milwaukee and I can send it directly to a service center on my dime. The shipping isn't that much, but I fear the repair tech might just snug down the screw some more (it's already incredibly tight) and call it good enough, after it all it mostly-kinda-sorta-usually-maybe won't slide down, most of the time, probably. Not to mention the stress placed on the plastic parts having to clamp it so tight for mediocre results.

Instead I ordered another light from HD.com and, if it's better, will return this one. Some people will scream scam, but there's no scam at all. I'm ordering a replacement product and returning a product which is still within the return period (I believe HD allows 90 days and my invoice is 11/24/15).

Seems like a lot of trouble for a small problem with a product, but this is the easiest way; I don't have to box up and ship anything, just return one of the lights at my local store.
 

Ruahrc

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May 17, 2015
Messages
69
If anyone's been watching and waiting, I see the M12 Fuel 3/8" impact/M12 3/8" ratchet combo kit has dropped from $299 to $199: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M12-FUEL-12-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-3-8-in-Cordless-Impact-Wrench-Kit-with-M12-3-8-in-Ratchet-Tool-Only-2454-22-2457-20/205044520

Oh man the timing on that could not have been better!!! :willy_nil That was the kit I originally wanted but I waited a day too long and the price jumped from $199 to $299 (which is not a deal at all, it's $1 more expensive than buying both items separately!). Then I waited and got the 1/4" ratchet deal instead.

This time I learned my lesson and immediately jumped on this. Now I can return the M12 3/8" ratchet I bought separately on impulse last month and get it for free with my 3/8 impact wrench ;)
 

Dennis Leigh Henry

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Do they sell out of their headquarters in Brookfield? I've lived 5-10 miles from there my whole life and never knew that... only driven by.

The last time I was in Milwaukee must have been in the 2004-2005 timeframe, so I don't recall exactly where the outlet store was (maybe coupled with the service center in Brookfield), but again I don't recall exactly. I do know that was the general area I spent my time, so it probably was there.... Let us know if you get a chance to drive by and drop in......
 

TXBDan

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Jul 13, 2015
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MA
Can anyone say if the 3/8" Fuel M12 Impact can reliably break lug nuts (torqued to 85ftlbs)? At 117ftlbs rated torque I'm skeptical. Not much better than my impact driver.

I want a 3/8" impact for mechanic and track (wheel change) use, but I'm not sure this is the one.
 

Tenex

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May 11, 2015
Messages
455
Can anyone say if the 3/8" Fuel M12 Impact can reliably break lug nuts (torqued to 85ftlbs)? At 117ftlbs rated torque I'm skeptical. Not much better than my impact driver.

I want a 3/8" impact for mechanic and track (wheel change) use, but I'm not sure this is the one.

I'm in the same boat. Someone please help. I can't decide if I should go M12 or M18. For me it's riding on whether or not the M12 impact wrench is powerful enough for most automotive work including lugs. I want to hear what job someone was trying to perform but couldn't due to size or power.
 
Last edited:

dacan23

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If no one responds by this evening I can test. Heck I'm interested to know the results. Usually I use my M18s on lugs lately. Plus it gives me an excuse to use my new M12 Fuel 3/8.

I'm in the same boat. Someone please help
 
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Caparris

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I expect it will be close.. the M18 3/8" one takes them off no problem but the m12 is a little weaker

I think I'm going to order that kit.. I had been holding off because I wanted the 3/8" ratchet instead of the 1/4" one . I guess they heard me, lol

The m18 specs say 200 ft*lbs
The m12 specs say ~120 ft*lbs

So it will be close.. I'm interested in hearing experiences too if anyone has any!
 

tt350z

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Minot, ND
Can anyone say if the 3/8" Fuel M12 Impact can reliably break lug nuts (torqued to 85ftlbs)? At 117ftlbs rated torque I'm skeptical. Not much better than my impact driver.

I want a 3/8" impact for mechanic and track (wheel change) use, but I'm not sure this is the one.

I'm in the same boat. Someone please help

Is the 18v version an option for you? That has no problems with my trucks lugnuts.
 

TXBDan

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The M18 3/8 would be perfect. It's actually shorter than the M12 version too.

Only prob for me is I'm in the Dewalt 20V family and they haven't released a brushless 3/8 impact yet. I feel like getting another brand 18v would be redundant. Hah maybe I should just get over it and have both. I've been waiting for the Dewalt version so far.

Getting into the M12 line would not be redundant (in my mind) and has lots of gadgets so id be cool with that
 

morgantm

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The M18 3/8 would be perfect. It's actually shorter than the M12 version too.

Only prob for me is I'm in the Dewalt 20V family and they haven't released a brushless 3/8 impact yet. I feel like getting another brand 18v would be redundant. Hah maybe I should just get over it and have both. I've been waiting for the Dewalt version so far.

Getting into the M12 line would not be redundant (in my mind) and has lots of gadgets so id be cool with that

I was in the same place you were a couple of months ago, I was invested in Dewalts 20v line and couldn't really justify getting into the M18 line as well.

Jumped into the M12 line and I have been super pleased. I did end up getting the M18 Fuel 1/2 and 3/8 impacts and have been contemplating ditching the Dewalt stuff and moving over to Milwaukee all the way.
 

Frontierajl

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Can anyone say if the 3/8" Fuel M12 Impact can reliably break lug nuts (torqued to 85ftlbs)? At 117ftlbs rated torque I'm skeptical. Not much better than my impact driver.

I want a 3/8" impact for mechanic and track (wheel change) use, but I'm not sure this is the one.


That's too close for comfort in a track setting I would think. All it takes is some crud or an over tightened one and your sitting there pissed off the M12 version didn't work. For that scenario I would do an 18 volt.

In general though, it will take my lug nuts off when torqued to 85 ft lbs when tried right after they were applied. After being on there for a while though? I'm not sure yet.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

ngk22r

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I'm in the same boat. Someone please help. I can't decide if I should go M12 or M18. For me it's riding on whether or not the M12 impact wrench is powerful enough for most automotive work including lugs. I want to hear what job someone was trying to perform but couldn't due to size or power.

Go with the M18 Fuel 3/8 you will be happier in the long run that you did especially if your using it on lug nuts.

The M12 is great, I have the impact driver and use it for interior work and use the M18 for larger stronger components
 

Caparris

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I saw this.. 17 minute mark. It's the "driver" version instead of 3/8 and it still managed to pull lug nuts off.. I still say that is right at the limit though and would go with the M18 version if you're only going to have one
 

j p smith

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May 22, 2013
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Glendale, Arizona
Crazy question, I have a M18 kit I bought that came with the storage bag. I would like to have the plastic case that holds both pieces, the charger and batteries. I cannot find the right number for the kit case. I have the 2602-20 1/2" Hammer Drill & the 2650-20 1/4" Impact Driver........ Does anyone know the correct number of the blow mold plastic case? Or have one to sell? I see the cases on ebay and amazon but don't know which one to buy. I bought this kit last year but I think the Fuel series and the brushless series have replaced the ones I bought. Thanks for any help
 

Frontierajl

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Northern California
Crazy question, I have a M18 kit I bought that came with the storage bag. I would like to have the plastic case that holds both pieces, the charger and batteries. I cannot find the right number for the kit case. I have the 2602-20 1/2" Hammer Drill & the 2650-20 1/4" Impact Driver........ Does anyone know the correct number of the blow mold plastic case? Or have one to sell? I see the cases on ebay and amazon but don't know which one to buy. I bought this kit last year but I think the Fuel series and the brushless series have replaced the ones I bought. Thanks for any help


Should be the case for 2797-22


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Frontierajl

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Oct 31, 2015
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Northern California
I disagree. My 2797-22 kit came with the 2604 drill and 2653 impact.


Sorry, I should have given details. The 2650 will fit right in but the 2602 you will have to trim a small bit of plastic to make it fit. The case for the 2797-22 is the one you want if you want to carry them both in the same case. Other than that you can get the hard case for the individual drill and impact then walk around with two separate cases. As far as I can tell they didn't have a hard case made to specifically fit both models at once. So the 2797 case is your best bet. If you have found one that works better please let him know but that's the best I could do in my quick research.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

dacan23

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Apr 15, 2014
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RI
Yeah be careful getting a case you may not be sure fits. I flipped a 2621 set and thought my Fuel 2720 sawzall would fit in that case, nope it does not.

I have a case from the 2704/2753 combo, dont know if it would fit 2602/2650, but its not economical to ship to AZ...
 

MikeF2316

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Thornhill, ON
Go with the M18 Fuel 3/8 you will be happier in the long run that you did especially if your using it on lug nuts.

The M12 is great, I have the impact driver and use it for interior work and use the M18 for larger stronger components

I have the big boy 2763, which is what I bought for use on my lug nuts - well actually lug bolts. I just tried my 2454 M12 fuel 3/8" impact on the lug bolts that I torqued less than a month ago to 80 ft-lbs.

No go. It wouldn't budge them. :(

I rechecked the tightness by hand just to make sure.
 

Tenex

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May 11, 2015
Messages
455
I have the big boy 2763, which is what I bought for use on my lug nuts - well actually lug bolts. I just tried my 2454 M12 fuel 3/8" impact on the lug bolts that I torqued less than a month ago to 80 ft-lbs.



No go. It wouldn't budge them. :(



I rechecked the tightness by hand just to make sure.


Good to know. I'll be on the lookout for the 2754-22CT kit.
 

firworks

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It wouldn't do 80ft/lbs? That's strange... I've been waiting for the weather to improve some to test mine out. Maybe I'll break down and do it tonight.
 

paulsomlo

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