The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[LXCam]

I picked up three of these today and tried one out with two fresh 6amp batteries. It does ok but it sure isn’t anywhere the equal of a $100 rigid.

Also I was surprised that after maybe ten minutes of run time it sucked down both batteries to two bars

So with that said it did seem to be starved for air meaning the 1-7/8” hose seemed and sounded like a restriction. Has anyone here tried it out with a larger hose and wands?

 

[pbon]

I could have told you that. 6ah is not worth using. You want 12ah. Run time is still limited on high but you can get 20+ minutes of work done without plugging in. I bought the plug in top as well and use that when plugs are nearby. Would be ideal if they made a hybrid top — battery or plug in. I am pretty sure I use the 1 7/8” standard hose but will double check and post if not.

 

[LXCam]

I could have told you that. 6ah is not worth using. You want 12ah. Run time is still limited on high but you can get 20+ minutes of work done without plugging in. I bought the plug in top as well and use that when plugs are nearby. Would be ideal if they made a hybrid top — battery or plug in. I am pretty sure I use the 1 7/8” standard hose but will double check and post if not.

I never read the run times until a little bit ago. Now I wish I’d have bought the kits with the 12amp batteries but I’m sure we’ll be fine.

But I might buy a couple of the power adapters as a back up plan. Thanks for that info, I wasn’t aware those were offered.

I’m going to fab an adapter to run a larger hose and see how that pans out.

 

[pbon]

I don’t have power adapters. I have a 120V head for my 9 gallon vac. So I have 2 heads,

 

[danski0224]

Any thoughts on the Milwaukee M18 rocket lights? Looking for something for the shop; lighting isn't great and I shoot video in there fairly often, too. I'm thinking the 2131-20 is the one that I want. Thoughts?

I have a bunch of magnetic lights and lights that attach directly to the batteries, so I'm good there.

Nothing about the Milwaukee product, but the lights may produce banding on a picture or video due to how the LED's are driven, and shutter speed.

You want continuous lighting that's specifically made for video.

 

[Odd-job]

1 7/8” standard hose

Pretty sure the standard hose handicaps the vac... not sure why Milwaukee didn't spec with the larger hose other than wanting to sell extra hoses. Would get the larger hose and then would be curious how it compares with the Rigid.

Still running my corded Nilfisk and Craftsman shop vacs with the m18 power supply. Waiting for a great deal on the dual battery vac to pop up.

 

[Rusty67]

I have yet to see a great deal on the dual battery shop vac and I'm also waiting for Milwaukee to release an M18 that also has a 120v plug in like the rocket lights do. If they ever release one like that, I might finally buy one. Otherwise I'll just stick to my 0880 and drag out a chorded vac when I need that.

 

[Newell33]

I realize that this is a Milwaukee thread, but I have the HF Bauer battery powered vacuum. With their new 12.0 battery it actually works quite well and has plenty of run time for me. Might be an alternative for those that don't want to spend the money on the Milwaukee.

 

[Odd-job]

I have yet to see a great deal on the dual battery shop vac and I'm also waiting for Milwaukee to release an M18 that also has a 120v plug in like the rocket lights do. If they ever release one like that, I might finally buy one. Otherwise I'll just stick to my 0880 and drag out a chorded vac when I need that.

Here's you go... minus ~$600 to Rusty67's wallet....

M18 FUEL™ 9 Gallon Dual Battery Dust Extractor w/ PACKOUT™ Compatibility and VACLINK™ Kit | Milwaukee Tool

The M18 FUEL™ 9 Gallon Dual Battery Dust Extractor w/ PACKOUT™ Compatibility and VACLINK™ Kit offers unmatched versatility, performance, automatic filter cleaning, & VACLINK™ technology.

www.milwaukeetool.com

Personally I am choking on the fact that to get more suction it requires 120v in which case I'll leave my power supply on top for mobility purposes which is the same thing I do with my corded Nilfisk. So maybe I'll stick with the Nilfisk and get a wider hose. Thank goodness there hasn't been a deal on the dual battery vac yet...

 

[Odd-job]

I realize that this is a Milwaukee thread, but I have the HF Bauer battery powered vacuum. With their new 12.0 battery it actually works quite well and has plenty of run time for me. Might be an alternative for those that don't want to spend the money on the Milwaukee.

Thanks, but am really trying to limit the number of battery platforms I am on. Wishing one day we'll have some standardization like USB-C for batteries...

 

[LXCam]

I have yet to see a great deal on the dual battery shop vac and I'm also waiting for Milwaukee to release an M18 that also has a 120v plug in like the rocket lights do. If they ever release one like that, I might finally buy one. Otherwise I'll just stick to my 0880 and drag out a chorded vac when I need that.

These weren’t bad at $229 but as I says, unless you really need cordless I wouldn’t suggest them.

I realize that this is a Milwaukee thread, but I have the HF Bauer battery powered vacuum. With their new 12.0 battery it actually works quite well and has plenty of run time for me. Might be an alternative for those that don't want to spend the money on the Milwaukee.

That’s not a bad suggestion but I’m deep into the 18v Milwaukee platform. Mixing and matching took a couple years to move away from.

Here's you go... minus ~$600 to Rusty67's wallet....

M18 FUEL™ 9 Gallon Dual Battery Dust Extractor w/ PACKOUT™ Compatibility and VACLINK™ Kit | Milwaukee Tool

The M18 FUEL™ 9 Gallon Dual Battery Dust Extractor w/ PACKOUT™ Compatibility and VACLINK™ Kit offers unmatched versatility, performance, automatic filter cleaning, & VACLINK™ technology.

www.milwaukeetool.com

Personally I am choking on the fact that to get more suction it requires 120v in which case I'll leave my power supply on top for mobility purposes which is the same thing I do with my corded Nilfisk. So maybe I'll stick with the Nilfisk and get a wider hose. Thank goodness there hasn't been a deal on the dual battery vac yet...

Damn, that one never popped up in my searches and I don’t even want to know how much those bad boys are. Luckily when air quality gets serious I have two hepa Hilti’s that fill that roll.

Thanks, but am really trying to limit the number of battery platforms I am on. Wishing one day we'll have some standardization like USB-C for batteries...

Exactly.

 

[Rusty67]

My wallet is currently taking a beating from my garage upgrade project so unless a screaming deal comes in on something I need I'm not spending money on tool at all right now. This new header LVL beam is going in across the underside of the existing roof ridge beam tomorrow:

Is there an M18 powered construction jack yet?

Hopefully this Sunday I'll be able to assemble my new 4 post lift.

Houses are like project cars, only WAY more expensive and way more comfortable to sleep in...

 

[Loud Lyle]

My wallet is currently taking a beating from my garage upgrade project so unless a screaming deal comes in on something I need I'm not spending money on tool at all right now. This new header LVL beam is going in across the underside of the existing roof ridge beam tomorrow:

Is there an M18 powered construction jack yet?

Hopefully this Sunday I'll be able to assemble my new 4 post lift.

Houses are like project cars, only WAY more expensive and way more comfortable to sleep in...

Here you go

 

[Rusty67]

LOL

My wrestling coach used to tell us to change out the climbing ropes that he would climb to the top with the new one in his teeth, grab the steel beam at the top and unclip the old one. Then he'd clip the new one on and climb down. That is exactly where my mind goes with this. Use the existing roof and 2 of these guys to haul the beam up on each side and then slide the supports in 1 at a time while Indiana Jonesing the hoist out.

 

[Odd-job]

Looks like I am reviving the Milwaukee addiction zombie thread.

Thanks to some deals mixed in with the prospect of tariffs I've been on sort of a Milwaukee and other stuff binge.

First expanding the capability of the 1 X M18 power supply with a USB-C 100W strip to charge all the bike electronic stuff (I know its ridiculous that there are literally 5 things to charge on a bike) in one shot while minimizing more cords to trip over. Need to figure out a more eloquent solution than zip tying the strip to the hook if anyone has any ideas. 3D printing something is probably the way to go.



Will slowly unpack the rest of the stuff - cultivator, packout dust separator, pruning shears, grinder, and track saw later. Will try to leave feedback on some of the stuff that's not mentioned as much in this thread.



Also didn't realize the track saw doesn't come with a blade. Is this what I get for buying a refurb? Luckily I have a Diablo blade on the way figuring there will be tariffs with the EU.

 

[JettaGetUpandGo]

Also didn't realize the track saw doesn't come with a blade. Is this what I get for buying a refurb? Luckily I have a Diablo blade on the way figuring there will be tariffs with the EU.

It may be the fact that it's a refurbished tool. I didn't see the refurbished option from FAO on eBay and just ordered the bare tool new. It should be here tomorrow. Home Depot says the bare tool includes 1 blade. Assuming it was the general purpose blade I also ordered the fine finish blade with the 20% off, so I will be covered either way.

 

[Odd-job]

It may be the fact that it's a refurbished tool. I didn't see the refurbished option from FAO on eBay and just ordered the bare tool new. It should be here tomorrow. Home Depot says the bare tool includes 1 blade. Assuming it was the general purpose blade I also ordered the fine finish blade with the 20% off, so I will be covered either way.

Thanks. Let me double check the box. Think I am also missing the splinter guard.

 

[Odd-job]

Got a knock off m12 power supply - Dsanky from Amazon. $17 vs $64 for the real deal. Seems to do its job of a more compact power supply to charge devices. Also can apparently be used with heated gear. The real deal is expensive when you can get a m12 rover for less IMHO. I have to double check that it doesn't over drain batteries.



Has less girth though than the m12 Rover.

 

[Odd-job]

The surprise buy was the pruning shears. I didn't realize how badly I needed these. Was looking for a one handed tool to help cut up small branch stuff that the hackzall with a pruning blade would just vibrate. Was originally holding out for hedge trimmers but alas no deal. These are quiet and also pretty easy on the batteries.



The wrist strap kind of makes sense so as not to drop the tool, but I am thinking this holster I stole from my kids nerf gun collection will work better.



edit: Also the instructions for closing the pruner are kind of lame. Holding the trigger closes the shears. Just hit the power button while holding the trigger (after unlocking it) to turn it off in the closed position. For some reason the instructions omit hitting the power button at all.

 

[budo55]

The surprise buy was the pruning shears. I didn't realize how badly I needed these. Was looking for a one handed tool to help cut up small branch stuff that the hackzall with a pruning blade would just vibrate. Was originally holding out for hedge trimmers but alas no deal. These are quiet and also pretty easy on the batteries.



The wrist strap kind of makes sense so as not to drop the tool, but I am thinking this holster I stole from my kids nerf gun collection will work better.

I love my pruner!

 

[RonnieC]

he would climb to the top with the new one in his teeth, grab the steel beam at the top and unclip the old one. Then he'd clip the new one on and climb down.

My immediate thought was “what if the clip hadn’t been crimped to the rope strongly enough.”

 

[ThatSickRip]

Whats yall experience with the M12 RA 3/8" impact? Ive read some reviews saying it severely underpowered.

 

[Rusty67]

I love the RA impacts but they don't have near the juice as the other impacts. I was able to talk the crank bolt off of my 4.6L v8 with it but just barely. Made that job a LOT easier.

 

[ThatSickRip]

Thanks! Im going to be doing some mods and maintenance to a 2011 Grand Cherokee I just recently got, and I think Im just looking for a reason to get a new tool since its been so long

 

[assassin10000]

Thanks! Im going to be doing some mods and maintenance to a 2011 Grand Cherokee I just recently got, and I think Im just looking for a reason to get a new tool since its been so long

Sounds like you need to get it and report back here.

For science!

 

[pbon]

I am in therapy now.

 

[mikeinri]

I am HAPPY now.

FIFY...

Mike

 

[Odd-job]

Dust separator is finally setup on my flex vacuum. Its definitely much lower profile than a 5 gallon bucket with a separator mounted on top. I couldn't get the provided hose to work with the vacuum. I think I need two additional adapters as the separator only came with one. Luckily I had an extra, albeit a little too long, Centec hose laying around. The top has a nice recessed spot to throw vacuum accessories and nozzles. I also am going to experiment if the wider hose off the Craftsman vac will work off the dust separator. Lastly, need to figure out how to better secure these items together as its still a little tipsy



Got to play with the cultivator as well. Made quick work of the packaging that it came in.




Ivy kind of jams it up:

 

[Odd-job]

New Milwaukee stubby stubbies (sub compact) in 3/8 and 1/4. Guess longer isn't better

June 2025 release date.

Am somewhat sad they neutered the 1/4 to 100 ft/lbs. Guess they don't feel like warrantying the anvil or couldn't design one to withstand repeated blasts of 225 ft lbs. Assuming the same form factor I guess that means the 3/8 version is the way to go with a short 1/4 adapter.

I am trying to figure out if I am in the market for this if a good deal comes up in a year or so. My time working on cars has been limited with a new job and life plus I have so many other options to remove fasteners at this point.

 

[dmittz]

I recently picked up one of the new Gen 2 Milwaukee fuel quick-loc string trimmers (single battery). It came with an 8ah Forge battery.



I've used it twice, its a an excellent string timmer, plenty of power and I can run it pretty hard for about 1 hour with the 8ah Forge battery or about 1.5hours on a 12ah H.O battery. I'm very happy with it.

 

[autobon7]

The surprise buy was the pruning shears. I didn't realize how badly I needed these. Was looking for a one handed tool to help cut up small branch stuff that the hackzall with a pruning blade would just vibrate. Was originally holding out for hedge trimmers but alas no deal. These are quiet and also pretty easy on the batteries.



The wrist strap kind of makes sense so as not to drop the tool, but I am thinking this holster I stole from my kids nerf gun collection will work better.



edit: Also the instructions for closing the pruner are kind of lame. Holding the trigger closes the shears. Just hit the power button while holding the trigger (after unlocking it) to turn it off in the closed position. For some reason the instructions omit hitting the power button at all.

Whats the biggest diameter it can cut?

 

[jar944]

I recently picked up one of the new Gen 2 Milwaukee fuel quick-loc string trimmers (single battery). It came with an 8ah Forge battery.



I've used it twice, its a an excellent string timmer, plenty of power and I can run it pretty hard for about 1 hour with the 8ah Forge battery or about 1.5hours on a 12ah H.O battery. I'm very happy with it.

I picked one up as well since they were on sale. Decent deal with the free attachment and the 8ah forge.

 

[Odd-job]

Whats the biggest diameter it can cut?

I would say it can do 1 1/2 of hard wood if you are willing to do at least a double tap. It is more comfortable with 1 inch and below with a single trigger pull on the widest setting. I kind of just leave it on the widest setting all the time.

 

[Odd-job]

excellent string timmer

I love mine as well. Still trying to use up the last of my .80 spool so I can try .90. Also have been meaning to do an RPM test vs gen 1. THe quick lok version seems to spin a little slower although could be because I removed the guard on the gen 1 and probably am running the line a little longer.

 

[dmittz]

I picked one up as well since they were on sale. Decent deal with the free attachment and the 8ah forge.

Ya it was a decent dela with the forge battery. Was the hedge trimmer included in thr deal you got?
They did not include one with mine, just the string trimmer.

 

[jar944]

Ya it was a decent dela with the forge battery. Was the hedge trimmer included in thr deal you got?
They did not include one with mine, just the string trimmer.

Yes, trimmer included for $299

 

[assassin10000]

New Milwaukee stubby stubbies (sub compact) in 3/8 and 1/4. Guess longer isn't better

June 2025 release date.

Am somewhat sad they neutered the 1/4 to 100 ft/lbs. Guess they don't feel like warrantying the anvil or couldn't design one to withstand repeated blasts of 225 ft lbs. Assuming the same form factor I guess that means the 3/8 version is the way to go with a short 1/4 adapter.

I am trying to figure out if I am in the market for this if a good deal comes up in a year or so. My time working on cars has been limited with a new job and life plus I have so many other options to remove fasteners at this point.

Finally an extra compact 3/8. I guess I could retire my modified 3453 if necessary.

 

[dsimatt]

I recently picked up one of the new Gen 2 Milwaukee fuel quick-loc string trimmers (single battery). It came with an 8ah Forge battery.



I've used it twice, its a an excellent string timmer, plenty of power and I can run it pretty hard for about 1 hour with the 8ah Forge battery or about 1.5hours on a 12ah H.O battery. I'm very happy with it.

My wife is not happy I saw your post, been kicking around the idea of getting a trimmer for quite awhile. Got that combo and added the free brush cutter and also bought the cultivator since it’s on sale.

 

[dmittz]

Thought i'd try out the milwaukee packout wall system for my yard equipment.

 

[LXCam]

Thought i'd try out the milwaukee packout wall system for my yard equipment.

So what’s your initial thoughts?