The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)
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MW necklight was a big fail for me. I wanted to like it but back to HD it went this morning. Although it wasn't the bulky battery pack that bothered me the most (for home use, definitely would have been a no go for work), it added to all the things I didn't like about it. I have EZ-RED & Snap-on neckers at work which I'm happy with. I just ordered a Matco to try.
Surprisingly the bulky battery compartment was not really noticeable when wearing it. However it was very noticeable when taking the neck light off my neck. The lights hinges don't have any detents like most of the EZ-RED made ones do & are too loose IMO. Not a bid deal but grabbing the lights to take it off with the floppy hinges & heavy battery pack feels really weird to me, can't really explain it well. I prefer detents.
I like the single button to turn on both lights & the fact it has memory (remembers the last mode it was on), none of the EZ-RED made neck lights have memory which is very annoying. However the lights are too short IMO, I would have liked them to stick out more. The EZ-RED one is just about perfect for me. The Snap-on sticks out a tad bit too much for my liking because of the detachable magnet feature & the neck band is slightly longer than the EZ-RED. This makes a difference when wearing the neck light above my ears. The EZ-RED stays put much better than the Snap-on when wearing it this way. The Snap-on actually falls off my head if I'm laying down or tilting my head sideways. But this may vary depending on one's head size.
Speaking of which, the MW neckband is too narrow, doesn't fit my head well wearing above my ears. I mean it fits but hugging my head that tight will get uncomfortable really quick. That's a deal breaker for me. And this is also when the battery compartment's weight is very noticeable. I suspect they made it that way to hug your neck tighter & not fall off/flop around easy because of the weight of the battery compartment. I don't have a fat neck IMO but I feel like the neck band is too tight. It's also lined with a grippy rubber, again I think this is to help keep it from moving around. I feel like the rubber will feel irritating when hot & sweaty.
It has 2 brightness modes. But the difference between the two is not that much of a difference so IMO the 2 levels are kind of useless. If I had kept it I probably would have only used it on low because of how much longer the runtime would be compared to high.
The newer version Matco I orderd just shipped today. I hope I like it, the damn thing cost more than the Snap-on. If I end up liking it, I'm gonna take the Matco to work, demote the Snap-on to secondary duty, & bring home the EZ-RED for home/garage use. Right now I currently use the Snap-on as primary at work.
I like the single button to turn on both lights & the fact it has memory (remembers the last mode it was on), none of the EZ-RED made neck lights have memory which is very annoying. However the lights are too short IMO, I would have liked them to stick out more. The EZ-RED one is just about perfect for me. The Snap-on sticks out a tad bit too much for my liking because of the detachable magnet feature & the neck band is slightly longer than the EZ-RED. This makes a difference when wearing the neck light above my ears. The EZ-RED stays put much better than the Snap-on when wearing it this way. The Snap-on actually falls off my head if I'm laying down or tilting my head sideways. But this may vary depending on one's head size.
Speaking of which, the MW neckband is too narrow, doesn't fit my head well wearing above my ears. I mean it fits but hugging my head that tight will get uncomfortable really quick. That's a deal breaker for me. And this is also when the battery compartment's weight is very noticeable. I suspect they made it that way to hug your neck tighter & not fall off/flop around easy because of the weight of the battery compartment. I don't have a fat neck IMO but I feel like the neck band is too tight. It's also lined with a grippy rubber, again I think this is to help keep it from moving around. I feel like the rubber will feel irritating when hot & sweaty.
It has 2 brightness modes. But the difference between the two is not that much of a difference so IMO the 2 levels are kind of useless. If I had kept it I probably would have only used it on low because of how much longer the runtime would be compared to high.
The newer version Matco I orderd just shipped today. I hope I like it, the damn thing cost more than the Snap-on. If I end up liking it, I'm gonna take the Matco to work, demote the Snap-on to secondary duty, & bring home the EZ-RED for home/garage use. Right now I currently use the Snap-on as primary at work.
Digital4n6
Well-known member
I don't mind the milwaukee headlamp weight or battery, find that charging both lights at the same time helpful. Also, uses a single button. Ordered the EZRed one as well as a more lightweight, summer one. Got the "Realtree" version that has a red light for camping and for using with my telescope at night.
The_Inspector
Well-known member
Any of you guys have experience with the 90 degree die grinder? Is it possible to use it as a Dremel? I know you can put in a 1/8 chuck and use the Dremel/Rotary attachments, but how does it affect precision.
shakenfake
Well-known member
Just ordered a Milwaukee M18/M12 combo charger off eBay. Free one day shipping so that is cool.
May be getting a new job here soon and am looking at the Milwaukee soldering iron as part of the tool kit. Anyone have any experience with that?
May be getting a new job here soon and am looking at the Milwaukee soldering iron as part of the tool kit. Anyone have any experience with that?
IMO, no. I have both the right angle & straight. They are die grinders & IMO different style/use tools than a rotary tool. Difference being the RPMs & the way they are held.
Mikwaukee just came out with an updated M12 rotary tool. Hopefully it's not a fail like the first one (I have no interest in it though).
The_Inspector
Well-known member
I do regular electric soldering and fell for the red brand. I do like it but in my opinion it is no match for a butane powered soldering version. I had the Lexivon butane one before I bought the Milwaukee and I keep returning to it for a number of reasons. The Lexivon warms up quicker, is lighter and because of its size it is easier to get into smaller places.
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shakenfake
Well-known member
@The_Inspector My buddy works there currently and has a butane powered one currently. He said he has struggled to keep it up to temp. Are you working outside?
I have no idea what brand his butane one is but I will certainly keep your suggestion in mind! My fingers are crossed I will need it within the month or so. Thank you.
I have no idea what brand his butane one is but I will certainly keep your suggestion in mind! My fingers are crossed I will need it within the month or so. Thank you.
The_Inspector
Well-known member
Yes I work outside and inside (offshore production Riggs) so sometimes in harsh environments.
shakenfake
Well-known member
@The_Inspector Perfect, I am headed into a similar not so similar industry.
I have one of the m12 soldering irons as well. I swapped from a butane one, not sure the brand RadioShack used to sell them.
I've been very pleased with it though in some instances the size of the butane was an advantage to be sure. The ergonomics of it compared to the smaller butane one I had took some getting used too, but the performance is great the stupid light comes in handy (the led all milwaukee tools have that I swore would be useless is actually very beneficial in dark spaces hence calling it stupid light) and the flex head helps compensate fornthe ergonomic shift.
I like it has that flat spot so you can rest it onna flat surface with no roll and if you use the larger amp hr batteries with the rectangular base it stands freely with ease.
I tend to do a lot of automotive wiring with it and as the small butane units are getting harder to find cheaply this is a great alternative.
Anyone have any thoughts on the quicklock brush attachment for the string trimmer motor?? I have an area in my kids playground that is fake grass that I'm thinking this would be great to sweep loose dirt and such out of. Leaf blower just seems to push it into the grass and manually sweeping it kind of flies all over the place but settles back in.
I've used a shop vac before but I'd like to not do that again
I've been very pleased with it though in some instances the size of the butane was an advantage to be sure. The ergonomics of it compared to the smaller butane one I had took some getting used too, but the performance is great the stupid light comes in handy (the led all milwaukee tools have that I swore would be useless is actually very beneficial in dark spaces hence calling it stupid light) and the flex head helps compensate fornthe ergonomic shift.
I like it has that flat spot so you can rest it onna flat surface with no roll and if you use the larger amp hr batteries with the rectangular base it stands freely with ease.
I tend to do a lot of automotive wiring with it and as the small butane units are getting harder to find cheaply this is a great alternative.
Anyone have any thoughts on the quicklock brush attachment for the string trimmer motor?? I have an area in my kids playground that is fake grass that I'm thinking this would be great to sweep loose dirt and such out of. Leaf blower just seems to push it into the grass and manually sweeping it kind of flies all over the place but settles back in.
I've used a shop vac before but I'd like to not do that again
Crazyjake8493
Well-known member
I've had the original M12 rotary tool for a few years. I've never really heard anything bad about it. The stock collet was junk so I threw it out on Day 1 and put a Dremel brand collet on it, it's been flawless ever since.
Crazyjake8493
Well-known member
I don't own one, but I've used one and was not a fan. Way too big and clunky. A soldering iron should be light and nimble. I use a PowerProbe butane torch for any mobile soldering, as well as for heat shrink tubing and connectors. I would never trade it for a battery iron.
If you really want battery, get a TS100 and run it off an M12 or M18 battery pack.
What about just using a
That being said I've always favored my plug-in electric soldering irons over gas ones because of the temp control I get. I've got a nicer Weller iron and there is no comparing. If I was going to go battery powered, I'd probably go with one that can run off a USB-C power bank that is digitally controlled. I've seen some setups that are interesting but since I have my Weller, I've never bothered to pull the trigger because I've never needed to be mobile for soldering. Plus I'm usually doing finer work like a power connector on a motherboard or something like that. For larger gauge wire, it wouldn't matter at all.
Not saying that battery irons are better or that the Milwaukee ones are good, haven't used them at all. There are situations that make life easier with electric irons, some environments prohibit a flame from being made without a permit from facilities or other additional paperwork. In those kind of environments, an electric iron would probably just make life easier because you could bypass a lot of red tape.
That being said I've always favored my plug-in electric soldering irons over gas ones because of the temp control I get. I've got a nicer Weller iron and there is no comparing. If I was going to go battery powered, I'd probably go with one that can run off a USB-C power bank that is digitally controlled. I've seen some setups that are interesting but since I have my Weller, I've never bothered to pull the trigger because I've never needed to be mobile for soldering. Plus I'm usually doing finer work like a power connector on a motherboard or something like that. For larger gauge wire, it wouldn't matter at all.
logixjock
Well-known member
I've been using my Weller with a M18 Topoff, best of both worlds.
Odd-job
Well-known member
Really liking the M18 mower more and more. May get rid of my 8 hp Billy goat that never wants to start. The mower with the high lift setting and together with setting the blade low does a decent job sucking leaves off the driveway and sidewalk. Doesn't make me wear dust like the Billy goat, not as loud, and the bag isn't like wrestling with a sumo wrestler to empty into my green bin.
Interesting, I feel like the bag is a bit small for my taste. I feel like I could fit more in my Craftsman eager 1 bag than the Milwaukee bag. Maybe it is just perception though.
In other news, I finally got around to check out my Milwaukee breaker's switch. The switch itself is just fine, its just the stub that broke off. I Shockingly, I don't have the correct torx bit to take the cover off and investigate replacing the broken switch but putting a dowel pin in place should work just fine for the time being. I have the right size torx socket but some of the fasteners on the cover are recessed further down than the socket has the length for. I may just say screw it, put a dowel in there and be done with it. The good news is that the breaker is functional and I should be able to go to town with it. I will need to finish my kitchen remodel before I even think about starting on the driveway but at least my tools are mostly in order now.
In other news, I finally got around to check out my Milwaukee breaker's switch. The switch itself is just fine, its just the stub that broke off. I Shockingly, I don't have the correct torx bit to take the cover off and investigate replacing the broken switch but putting a dowel pin in place should work just fine for the time being. I have the right size torx socket but some of the fasteners on the cover are recessed further down than the socket has the length for. I may just say screw it, put a dowel in there and be done with it. The good news is that the breaker is functional and I should be able to go to town with it. I will need to finish my kitchen remodel before I even think about starting on the driveway but at least my tools are mostly in order now.
I've been a big Milwaukee power tool fan for 65 years. Back in the early days they were called Hole Shooters. A 1/2” D-handle or for that matter the pistol grip drill needed a secondary handle or it would twist right out of your hands. They were industrial versions made without plastic and not targeted to the home owner. When Milwaukee saw the numbers of home enthusiasts purchasing power tools, they focused on making cheaper models. And today Milwaukee make a huge variety, maybe more than any other.
I presently have 38 cordless Milwaukee power tools for my personal use,, from all types drills, circular saws, reciprocating saw, sanders, portable tire infiltrators, lights, inspection scopes, impact wrenches, nail guns, blowers, and chain saws... They may not be the best made; but sure cannot go wrong with Milwaukee.. Most are hung up here and in different cabinets.
You'll notice you'll never see a battery attached to any of my tools when not in use. I store all the lithium batteries in a fire proof safe that rated at 1800 degrees for two hours... The six station (three 18 Volt and three 12 Volt) fast charger is has a timer mounted outside.
I had a major shop fire that started from a four year old laptop that spread to my lithium batteries.. I learned the hard way. Even though it's one in ten thousand that a laptop would spontaneously ignite. When you're that one, its disastrous... If and when I purchase an EV,, it'll be parked 100 feet from my house or garages... They say EV's don't catch fire more often the gas vehicles. But they're fatal. Over the past two years I have seen three Tesla's engulfed into flames. With six or more fire trucks 100 feet away just watching them incinerate...
I presently have 38 cordless Milwaukee power tools for my personal use,, from all types drills, circular saws, reciprocating saw, sanders, portable tire infiltrators, lights, inspection scopes, impact wrenches, nail guns, blowers, and chain saws... They may not be the best made; but sure cannot go wrong with Milwaukee.. Most are hung up here and in different cabinets.
You'll notice you'll never see a battery attached to any of my tools when not in use. I store all the lithium batteries in a fire proof safe that rated at 1800 degrees for two hours... The six station (three 18 Volt and three 12 Volt) fast charger is has a timer mounted outside.
I had a major shop fire that started from a four year old laptop that spread to my lithium batteries.. I learned the hard way. Even though it's one in ten thousand that a laptop would spontaneously ignite. When you're that one, its disastrous... If and when I purchase an EV,, it'll be parked 100 feet from my house or garages... They say EV's don't catch fire more often the gas vehicles. But they're fatal. Over the past two years I have seen three Tesla's engulfed into flames. With six or more fire trucks 100 feet away just watching them incinerate...
I like the safe for the batteries, even if it only slows down the fire (I've seen a wide variety of estimates of temperatures reached in a lithium ion fire, some well exceeding the safe's rating).
How do you pass the wire into the safe when it's closed?
Mike
How do you pass the wire into the safe when it's closed?
Mike
The safe that I purchased came equipped with an outlet strip mounted on the inside with the cord that passes through a small hole to the rear side... It was not produced for Lithium battery storage. One would cost $10,000.00 or more. But it was my effort to curb the hazard of a Lithium Battery fire. Follow Lithium Battery safety practices: Always purchase OEM batteries. Always use OEM chargers. Never overcharge, use a timed charge cycle. Locate batteries away from other hazards.
I understand Lithium battery fires can reach as high of 3,000 F. Flooding with water will produce Hydrogen gas that is extremely hazardous and increases the veracity of the fire. No need trying starving of oxygen. As Lithium batteries have builtin oxidant. Just like solid-propellant rocket fuel. Additionally these batteries are made of many tiny cells encased in metal. That spit molten particles that spread the fire. If that's not enough, Lithium fires produce massing amount of extremely toxic gasses. So Tesla's response to fighting a battery fire is to keep your distance and allow it to burn out. That may take 24 hours..
Right...
I'd seen a special report on TV a year or two ago, as those e-vehichle fires really started making the news, and catching FDs off guard.
The report said that they were considering building special semi trailers that they could somehow get a burning car into (with a front end loader?), and bury it inside the trailer with sand to put it out, or at least contain it.
For a billion reasons, it seems like they've dropped that idea.
Mike
I'd seen a special report on TV a year or two ago, as those e-vehichle fires really started making the news, and catching FDs off guard.
The report said that they were considering building special semi trailers that they could somehow get a burning car into (with a front end loader?), and bury it inside the trailer with sand to put it out, or at least contain it.
For a billion reasons, it seems like they've dropped that idea.
Mike
Used my M18 transfer pump for the first time yesterday. Ran it off an 8.0 battery. It runs a bit slower than I had expected it to but it did the job just fine. Not sure if I'd want to use it over a sump pump in a flood though.
Following up on my own post here in case anyone else finds it useful. I had a need for a battery-powered blower, so went ahead and grabbed the 3017 at full price. My main use-case is cleaning out the garage and driveway, plus a small porch, sidewalk, etc. For that use-case, the 3017 seems great. It had no problem moving all the debris out of my garage, was light weight (even with the 12Ah battery), and was quiet enough to run in the garage without any ear protection.
I noticed the older 450CFM version is on sale now, but didn't have a chance to compare the two to see if the newer one is worth it.
Chuckster in NJ
Well-known member
Has anyone seen any "deals" on the M18 chain saws?……… Looking for a 14” with batteries.
From the Deals thread...
Please include batteries used, battery life (number of cuts, size / type of branches cut per battery / charge, etc. I too saw one of these in the store the other day, was floored at how big it was.
Mike
I've been eyeballing the M12 12V Cordless Brushless Pruner Shears and this deal popped up on my radar. I needed another battery and been wanting the pruner as the old lopper is getting long in the tooth.... pulled trigger on this deal today....
Please include batteries used, battery life (number of cuts, size / type of branches cut per battery / charge, etc. I too saw one of these in the store the other day, was floored at how big it was.
Mike
assassin10000
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A few size comparison pics of the xc 5.0 vs forge 6.0; my HO 6.0 my brother in law is borrowing or I'd throw it in there.
The forge is not quite as long has the HO, which is a good thing. I do wish it had the same footprint as the xc.
The forge is not quite as long has the HO, which is a good thing. I do wish it had the same footprint as the xc.
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Odd-job
Well-known member
Thanks for sharing. I haven't seen a forge in person yet. Does the Forge have some noticeable extra heft vs the 5.0?
assassin10000
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I didn't pay attention. I'll check tomorrow.
assassin10000
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- Joined
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Checked today, it does have some extra heft but not significantly more.
OK, so I spent some more quality time with my mower this weekend. I have to say I'm not as happy with it as I thought I'd be, but I'm still happy with it overall. The mower spins the blade speed up and down based on some kind of feedback loop/monitoring of the motor. I really wish I could adjust that setting or just have it not spin down so quick. It tends to spin down by the time I've got it lined up for my next cut, its already spun down. It also had to manually clear the blade from clumps of grass when I was mowing really thick/tall stuff and stalled it out a few times. My grass was WAY over grown this time around so it would probably have stalled my old gas mower too but I was hoping this thing would have enough torque to not care. When you go from the highest 2 heights directly to the lowest height, the mower has trouble and I was moving fairly slow, speed 3. Also I wasn't able to mow the entire backyard on 2 pairs of batteries
one was already at 75% or lower but I had to go back and charge my 12.0 pairs up. It took 1/2 of a 3rd set of 12.0 batteries to finish up. Granted this was overgrown quite a bit and I had to empty the bag several times. The bag is a little smaller than the bag on my gas mower but its not so much smaller that it ruins my life.
I would never pay the retail price on this thing but being that I got the kit on sale and then I should be getting another 250 rebate on it, I'm happy with it at that price.
one was already at 75% or lower but I had to go back and charge my 12.0 pairs up. It took 1/2 of a 3rd set of 12.0 batteries to finish up. Granted this was overgrown quite a bit and I had to empty the bag several times. The bag is a little smaller than the bag on my gas mower but its not so much smaller that it ruins my life.
I would never pay the retail price on this thing but being that I got the kit on sale and then I should be getting another 250 rebate on it, I'm happy with it at that price.
Odd-job
Well-known member
high lift mode didn't help it at all? Mowed some pretty tall grass and didn't experience any stalling issues. I pretty much try to leave mine on the high lift mode at all times. Find it slightly annoying if I leave it off by emptying the bag it resets itself to normal/economy mode.
Odd-job
Well-known member
Have been using the M18 single battery power supply more and more to bump charge my laptop (LG Gram). The USB-C has a power output of 45w vs the 65w needed to power and charge the laptop. 65w would be nice to see in V2. Kind of reluctant to use the laptop power adapter and inverter due to the drop in efficiency.
I also have the 4 battery power supply. That seems to require always powering on the inverter which will eventually **** the batteries down even with no load.
I also have the 4 battery power supply. That seems to require always powering on the inverter which will eventually **** the batteries down even with no load.
I haven't tried it out in high lift mode, I haven't needed it before but I think that would have really helped.
As far as battery power is concerned for other devices, I'm using Omnicharge products and I've been very happy with them. I think Milwaukee will catch up in v2 or v3 but until then I'm fully stocked to run things like laptops for like 8 hours+ with the stuff I've got.
As far as battery power is concerned for other devices, I'm using Omnicharge products and I've been very happy with them. I think Milwaukee will catch up in v2 or v3 but until then I'm fully stocked to run things like laptops for like 8 hours+ with the stuff I've got.