The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[pancholasvegas]

Hi All -

Recently smoked not one, but two Ryobi cordless drills working on a project in the garage. Upset, obviously, as I was pretty happy with the Ryobi system, but then realized that maybe I was asking too much out of the tools.

Always hearing good things about going Red, and the other Milwaukee products that I have, I'm pretty satisfied with - So I made the choice to head to the HD, and picked up the Brushless Drill / Driver Combo W/ Charger & 2 Batteries for $189.00. Threw a wire-wheel in the drill and got to work. Was really impressed with the power and features, but the battery life was shocking. Is this because I have the 2.0 AH batteries? If that's all it takes, I'll wait until a sale and pickup some more batteries that are a bit bigger.

Other than that, is there anything else that I should immediately be looking at from the M18 line? Hobby Motorcycle / Fabrication Shop.

 

[pbon]

2ah is not a good choice for continuous heavy work like sawing, grinding, vacuuming, brushing, etc.

 

[Odd-job]

is there anything else that I should immediately be looking at from the M18 line?

Lot's of things to buy if you need help

• Lights - I use my rover a lot
• Fuel angle grinder
• Mid and High Impacts
• Leaf blower for blowing out the shop
• Cordless inflator
• Vacuums

​

 

[pancholasvegas]

Lot's of things to buy if you need help

• Lights - I use my rover a lot
• Fuel angle grinder
• Mid and High Impacts
• Leaf blower for blowing out the shop
• Cordless inflator
• Vacuums

​

Cool suggestion on the lights, something I wouldn’t have thought of. Anything to consider in terms of stuff like electric die grinders and fab equipment? I’ve got angle grinders and bandsaw already, but thinking stuff like my little handheld belt sander would be nice in a M18 if available (or worth the price of admission)?

 

[1320]

There was recent discussion of the Milwaukee inkzall markers - I, like others, really like them.

Are the gold and silver markers from Milwaukee worthwhile? I have read good and bad.

 

[AJHD]

I haven't seen the silver or gold Milwaukee in a long time. I used the **** out of the silver ones. I liked them.

 

[BrandonV]

Left my Panduit equipment in the wrong truck this morning. +1 to the Milwaukee modular crimper for data jacks. Much more consistent crimps than Klein.

 

[Odd-job]

+++ on the Silver Inkzalls - I just wish I could find them in bulk packs like the black ones since they are a good compliment on dark surfaces.

Edit: So you can get a silver and gold for $4 at Home Depot which is $2 per vs a $1 for just black. Not sure why I am getting so hung up on the unit economics when Milwaukee gets so much of my $.

 

[Odd-job]

Cool suggestion on the lights, something I wouldn’t have thought of. Anything to consider in terms of stuff like electric die grinders and fab equipment? I’ve got angle grinders and bandsaw already, but thinking stuff like my little handheld belt sander would be nice in a M18 if available (or worth the price of admission)?

I actually don't have enough of the Milwaukee fab stuff to personally comment on things outside the grinders and bandsaw so am hoping another addict can comment. Just for the record I have drills, deep cut bandsaw, a 4.5 grinder and 7/9 inch grinder which probably qualify as fabrication oriented stuff. I would say though if your grinders are all corded it is nice to have some cordless stuff in the mix.

The belt sander and die grinders sound good, but you didn't say you were ready to start an M12 addiction Personally I am still stuck on pneumatics only because Milwaukee more recently came out with these tools and the deals haven't been good enough for me to give up my beer spilling air hose.

 

[mobiledynamics]

I think I’m going to get the low profile light…..granted the battery is not a m12:replaceable,,,,,
I do like functionally how it works.

 

[Rusty67]

Have you thought about going with a headlamp? They have swappable/rechargeable batteries.

 

[mobiledynamics]

I have one already.....been awhile since I needed...used it.
My use case for yesterday was just that - bad lighting, tight spot, needed some LUMENS

Left the batteries inside in the unit since the last time I used it........my fault..

Did an overnight paper towel vinegar mild soak to clean it up....new batteries no go.

 

[Rusty67]

Is your headlamp the one that uses AA batteries or the one with the single rechargeable 18650 cell? I don't use the headlamps that take AAs.

 

[mobiledynamics]

It's a older Fenix before 18650 that uses 4 AA
Plenty of lumens for my use case on a headlight

Before the slew of Milwaukee lights that came out, the headlamp was my primary light source
I've got the M12 and M18 Rocket Lights, M18 Rover, M18 Flood

85% of the time I use the M18 Flood and when I need something offset in height, I tend to grab the M12 Tower. Why the M12 vs 18Tower. The M18 is so heavy and big....and the M12 does the job most of the time in that format.

Never have bought anything Milwaukee for tight spaces as the *headlamp* was my preferred lighting for this option.....with this now bad headlamp, it's giving me an excuse ...

- Sidenote, I do have plenty of handhelp 18650 and 21700. My main go to is the Fenix PD35 (I think) mainly as it has the USB recharge port on it versus my TK series that does not

 

[Odd-job]

I like Milwaukee, I really do, but their lighting options outside anything that takes an M12 or M18 battery just don't do it for me.

Astro mag/work lights and an Olight Perun Mini would be my choice for a headlamp.

 

[Rusty67]

What is it about their headlamps you don't like? My main gripe is no USB-C charging. Overall I really like them.

 

[Odd-job]

I think its their Redlithium system that bothers me the most or rubs me the wrong way. Almost like another battery system when they could have used a more standard USB-C 18650 or an 18650. Most flashlight (and vaping) nerds were already invested in 18650's. I guess Milwaukee just wanted to sell more batteries.

Also want to note the Redlithium system seems to be catered to someone who might burn through multiple batteries in a shift. Whereas a DIYer who might be taking a lot of breaks popping the light on a mag charger is a little bit more hassle free than yanking a battery and then plugging a usb cable into the battery.

Anyways I guess I don't have much an issue with the headlamp itself (haven't lived with one day to day either), but more the proprietary battery platform they created likely just because of a commercial reason IMHO.

 

[shakenfake]

I like the Matco LED strip headlamp. Battery life is excellent and it is very bright. I had an Amazon knock off (which was $30 for two whereas Matco is $50 for one) and it died within a couple months. It is a plug in device though so it may not be what you are looking for.

 

[Rusty67]

The Milwaukee headlamps have an interchangeable battery and can be plugged into usb directly to charge so you don't have to remove the battery to charge it. I actually really like the swap function and I have 3 lights that take those batteries so I can basically always be charging 1. I don't like that there is no charger that charges that battery AND the other M18/M12 batteries so you either charge the battery in a device or in a dedicated charger. I think that is my biggest complaint. The battery life is a bit low even for me as a more DIY type. I can usually burn through 2 batteries before I'm done working but I almost always run at full intensity. Overall I really like my headlamps but I'd be willing to try another brand too.

The light I haven't tried that I want to try is the neck lamp. The snapon one seems awesome but I've heard the Milwaukee version is a poor copy.

 

[Odd-job]

Not having to remove the battery, might get me over the hump. Realistically, I don't remove the batteries in my Olights either. I just swap for a new headlight and rotate on the mag chargers. Same for most of my Astro lights.

The charging port might be an issue if things are prone to take an occasional accidental bath in some unknown liquid, but that's nitpicking and hopefully doesn't happen too often with a headlamp.

 

[mobiledynamics]

On my rechargable Fenix....I don't use the built in charger unless I really need to, which rare but nice to have. I prefer to slow charge them on a dedicated 18650/21700 charger.

I find the built in charger...the casing runs quite warm--->hot....heat is not friendly to batteries in general

 

[Odd-job]

On my rechargable Fenix....I don't use the built in charger unless I really need to, which rare but nice to have. I prefer to slow charge them on a dedicated 18650/21700 charger.

I find the built in charger...the casing runs....heat is not friendly to batteries in general

That's definitely the right way to do it as dedicated chargers are gentler on batteries. I admittedly have lower standards and just rely on the crappy onboard charger. I do at least let the lights and batteries rest for 20 min or so to the extent I try not charging something that just discharged and is super hot.

Also the Olight magnetic charger helps keep things nice and water tight. Not taking the battery out eliminates having to clean flashlight as often as screwing and unscrewing the caps leads to dirt contamination no matter how hard I try.

 

[gearhead1960]

I'm sure it's been discussed before, and I'm too lazy to search, but what is everyone's opinion on any of the M18 shop vacs? Also, 2 gallon or the 2.5 gallon?

 

[Tom Sestito]

I'm sure it's been discussed before, and I'm too lazy to search, but what is everyone's opinion on any of the M18 shop vacs? Also, 2 gallon or the 2.5 gallon?

They ****

 

[danski0224]

They ****

That can be good... or bad...

 

[shakenfake]

I'm sure it's been discussed before, and I'm too lazy to search, but what is everyone's opinion on any of the M18 shop vacs? Also, 2 gallon or the 2.5 gallon?

Not a shop vac but here at work we are using the backpack vacuum. Not sure what the general consensus is on it though. Looks nice at least lol

 

[Odd-job]

The 6.0 gallon fuel with wheels with a free 8.0 at HD for $220 looks like a great deal even though I am holding out for a good deal on the dual battery version.

The 2.0 non fuel has been great, but it doesn't **** enough. 50-60 CFM vs 87 CFM of suckage for the that 6.0 gallon. 130CFM for the dual m18.

 

[Rusty67]

I'm also holding out for a dual battery shop vac deal.

 

[pbon]

I got the 9 gallon dual battery for $225 a while ago. It is big and bulky and uses up 12ah batteries pretty quickly on high, but is close to electric shop vac performance apart from runtime. I have 2 of the little M18 box vacs are they are fine for light cleanup of very small areas. Loud, not much power and also eats batteries. The pack out fuel version is slightly quieter and slightly more powerful but more expensive.

 

[bulletpruf]

Hi, my name is Scott and I have a Milwaukee problem...

It all started out with an M18 2663 impact. And from there I added the following M18 tools:
Sawzall
Grinder
Blower (one for home, one for the shop)
String trimmer (got rid of my Stihl gas powered string trimmer)
Wet/dry vacuum
Fluid transfer pump
Circular saw
Drill
Multi-tool (still trying to figure out when to use this and what for)
Work Light
Gen 2 mid-torque 1/2" impact
Full torque 1/2" impact (2967?)
Hedge trimmer
Heat gun (probably the only M18 tool that I'm disappointed in)
Hackzall

And then I discovered the M12 line:
3/8 Impact
Die grinder 90 degree
Die grinder - straight
Drill/hammer drill

I've got them spread out between my house garage and my shop, and I can't remember how long it's been since I've used any air powered tools.

I think I'm going to get a pair of 1/4 hex drivers next; one for home and one for the shop.

 

[mobiledynamics]

Left my Panduit equipment in the wrong truck this morning. +1 to the Milwaukee modular crimper for data jacks. Much more consistent crimps than Klein.

LV Installer by trade ?

Just curious.....For Patch Panels, are you doing 110 styles or has the trend veered towards *inserts*

 

[BrandonV]

LV Installer by trade ?

Just curious.....For Patch Panels, are you doing 110 styles or has the trend veered towards *inserts*

By trade all sorts of things but yes I do a lot of LV these days.

We do inserts. Leviton QuickPorts.

 

[mobiledynamics]

Always done wiring in our homes.
This is the Milwaukee thread after all....so here goes, discussing a Milwaukee product

I'm an old skool Harris Guy - D914 with Eversharp blades but Milwaukee has replaced it for me. No real use as I generally do insert patches for my resi home networking . is more mix of regular data, some shield and even some coax....I use the Quickport *gun* for most and the shielded is generally using a 110

The Milwaukee has replaced the D914. I like the lights + the rounded bottom handle is so much nicer to hold

 

[Odd-job]

Hi, my name is Scott and I have a Milwaukee problem...

It all started out with an M18 2663 impact. And from there I added the following M18 tools:
Sawzall
Grinder
Blower (one for home, one for the shop)
String trimmer (got rid of my Stihl gas powered string trimmer)
Wet/dry vacuum
Fluid transfer pump
Circular saw
Drill
Multi-tool (still trying to figure out when to use this and what for)
Work Light
Gen 2 mid-torque 1/2" impact
Full torque 1/2" impact (2967?)
Hedge trimmer
Heat gun (probably the only M18 tool that I'm disappointed in)
Hackzall

And then I discovered the M12 line:
3/8 Impact
Die grinder 90 degree
Die grinder - straight
Drill/hammer drill

I've got them spread out between my house garage and my shop, and I can't remember how long it's been since I've used any air powered tools.

I think I'm going to get a pair of 1/4 hex drivers next; one for home and one for the shop.

Surge 1/4 is nice.

What no ratchets? Maybe the new 500 ft lb m12 stubby?

 

[sp73]

Here’s my crackhouse, not pictured is my m12 fuel ratchet which I use a ton and the pole saw/string trimmer. Seriously thinking about getting the new m12 stubby 3/8 next month. Talk me out of it. Or into it

Weekend warrior, hobbyist.

2826 1/2 impact
2880 angle grinder
2420 hackzall
2621 sawzall
2850 hex impact driver
2902 hammer drill
2556 ratchet
Pole Saw // String Trimmer system

 

[Odd-job]

I'm hoping my old stubby dies by a freak unintentional accident. That new stubby sounds like it could give my Astro pneumatic a run for its money.

 

[Rusty67]

Or you could just sell your current one and use that to fund the purchase of the new one?

 

[bulletpruf]

Surge 1/4 is nice.

Ok, so a 2551-20? https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-MLW2551-20/dp/B07VYL728J/?tag=atomicindus08-20

What no ratchets?

No ratchets yet. I'd love to have an excuse to buy more Milwaukee tools, but what's the utility of having an M12 or M18 ratchet when I can just use a regular ratchet? The only thing that I can think of is it would be very handy when you're in tight area and there's no room to move the handle on a regular ratchet.

Maybe the new 500 ft lb m12 stubby?

I'm planning on picking one up. I don't think they're available yet.

 

[Odd-job]

Or you could just sell your current one and use that to fund the purchase of the new one?

maybe, just maybe, if my nephew is a good boy, the old M12 stubby will be rehomed to him. He's been losing too many tools lately though. My favorite M12 screwdriver is MIA and he was suspect #1, until he admitted leaving it commingled with his robotics team tools

Ok, so a 2551-20?

That's the one. FYI - picked up a Surge with 2 batteries for $127 from an HD special deal a couple of years ago. They do go on sale from time to time.

what's the utility of having an M12 or M18 ratchet

Really handy as a nut runner and dealing with those annoying body fasteners especially in fender wells (with tires installed) where a impact doesn't fit. Only downside is I don't get to use all the fancy ratchets I bought because of GJ.

 

[mikeinri]

Don't most people here say not to use a M12 ratchet as anything but a nut runner? Meaning, they're not strong enough to loosen stuck fasteners, or do final tightening?

I've only used mine a few times, absolutely love it.

Mike