The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[BearDeXPS]

There's some mis-guided information in this thread regarding the performance output of the compact m18 batteries vs the XC... straight from Milwaukee - there is no difference in performance withstanding duration of charge.

The biggest difference between the batteries is run time. The compact battery has a 1.5 amp hour rating while the XC 5.0 has a 5 amp hour rating. The XC battery has more power to last longer but, really doesn’t do anything for torque capabilities, other than last longer during operation.

 

[BearDeXPS]

Those that have the M18 Compact 3/8" impact (210ft/lbs torque) do you wish you had waited for the Mid-torque M18 Compact 1/2" (450ft/lbs torque)?

I'm a weekend mechanic and I'm trying to decide between them... I can't think of many (if at all) scenario where I'll need over 210ft/lbs of nut busting torque...

 

[ChemE]

I'm in the same boat as Bear. Trying to decide if I should wait for the Mid torque or get the compact torque. This would also be for a DIY wrenching.

It looks like HD still has the 3rd battery for the compact! Also for full disclosure, I already own the 1/2 High Torque Impact. (Mainly for my tractor and truck wrenching).

How often is the third battery deal around?

 

[ChemE]

Haha, Just noticed, YES I am a long time lurker, first time poster!!!!!

 

[cool_as_crap]

Those that have the M18 Compact 3/8" impact (210ft/lbs torque) do you wish you had waited for the Mid-torque M18 Compact 1/2" (450ft/lbs torque)?

I'm a weekend mechanic and I'm trying to decide between them... I can't think of many (if at all) scenario where I'll need over 210ft/lbs of nut busting torque...

I'm also a weekend mechanic, I almost bought the high torque big one. Overkill for automotive jobs, but it would defeat the purpose of buying an impact if I ever ran it to something I couldn't break lose, since I only plan on buying one 1/2" impact.
I'm going to wait for the mid torque since it should deal with anything I'll need on a car or pickup, without being too large. Plus the different modes are ideal for better tq refinement. The high torque model with only two modes, one at 100ft lbs and the other full power, didn't seem like ideal ranges for auto mechanic: either way too much, or not enough for a 1/2" impact.

I'm in the same boat as Bear. Trying to decide if I should wait for the Mid torque or get the compact torque. This would also be for a DIY wrenching.

It looks like HD still has the 3rd battery for the compact! Also for full disclosure, I already own the 1/2 High Torque Impact. (Mainly for my tractor and truck wrenching).

How often is the third battery deal around?

I hope they'll have the same deal eventually for the mid torque. They come out early next month so I'll wait and see myself. The pre-orders at Ohio tools is $400 with 2 batteries, which is at least cheaper than the high torque, if you don't need 3.

 

[DerekV]

Here's the thing: the compact impact wrenches are...compact. They're really nice to use in tight-ish or out-of-position situations (especially with a compact battery) because they usually get the job done without being awkward to handle. However, at least for me, the power isn't what you want it to be. Example: under-the-hood type nuts and bolts, blast off no problem...laughs at them...but those same fasteners could also be handled by an even more compact unit (M12 impact or any of the RA impacts for example). So in my opinion, the smaller/less bulky, the better, so they don't win in that category. Another example: suspension/brake components...obviously depends on the vehicle/age/location/etc....but still, some of those fasteners can be pretty stubborn and they're usually uncomfortably located where (in theory) a powerful compact impact would shine. Well, sometimes they REALLY struggle here, or just don't cut it at all. So time to grab the compact pneumatic or the beastly HTIW with extensions/etc., the latter being pretty cumbersome and unwieldy and the former having an air hose...

To put it simply: there are usually better tools for the job. The compact impacts (in my opinion) are "jacks of all trades but masters of none". They are pretty nice, but what's the point if you can get away with something even more compact or if they can't break something free to begin with? There is no point. You'll find yourself using other tools instead.

The mid torque impacts should provide the needed extra grunt while not being too massive. When I get mine (after selling my 2755B), I'll break it out when the smaller impacts can't cut the mustard. It'll be way more enjoyable to handle than the 2763 (which I'll keep for back up reinforcement [emoji41]).

There you go [emoji322]

 

[Ign]

There's some mis-guided information in this thread regarding the performance output of the compact m18 batteries vs the XC... straight from Milwaukee - there is no difference in performance withstanding duration of charge.

It's only that simple if you assume - incorrectly - that duration of charge is binary, ie 1 or 0, charged or not charged.

Even though the lithium batteries cut out at a preset voltage, they do draw down from fully charged to "off." Thus there is a RANGE. That range is exceedingly narrow on the lower ah batteries.

I've said this before and apparently no one understands: go try to start your car with an M12 battery (for the sake argument assume briefly the M12 is truly 12 and not 10.8 - if you don't like that then just string enough AA's together in series until you have 12V). It doesn't start my car you say? Why? No capacity.

Likewise diesels use 2 batteries in parallel to start. They're not doubling voltage, they're just doubling capacity.

Here's another way to look at it: you're an Olympic diver. Most of the time you're diving from a height of 6' - let's say that makes you a cordless drill. You can happily dive all day long with a pool X deep. Now you raise the board to 12' - let's say that makes you the 10" miter saw. You need a deeper pool (more capacity).

The larger batteries provide a deeper well to dig deep before hitting bottom. Likewise a vehicle starter digs deep, esp on cold mornings.

Not all tools will benefit, but many will and it's not just high draw stuff. The 2438 sander/polisher suffers noticeably at half charge (2 of 4 bars). By using the new M12 6.0 XC's I have much more USEABLE time before getting to that half charge state. The tool continues to work within its FULL "duration of charge," it just doesn't work as well within that entire "duration" as defined by Milwaukee from 4 dots to zero dots.

 

[BearDeXPS]

Here's the thing: the compact impact wrenches are...compact. They're really nice to use in tight-ish or out-of-position situations (especially with a compact battery) because they usually get the job done without being awkward to handle. However, at least for me, the power isn't what you want it to be. Example: under-the-hood type nuts and bolts, blast off no problem...laughs at them...but those same fasteners could also be handled by an even more compact unit (M12 impact or any of the RA impacts for example). So in my opinion, the smaller/less bulky, the better, so they don't win in that category. Another example: suspension/brake components...obviously depends on the vehicle/age/location/etc....but still, some of those fasteners can be pretty stubborn and they're usually uncomfortably located where (in theory) a powerful compact impact would shine. Well, sometimes they REALLY struggle here, or just don't cut it at all. So time to grab the compact pneumatic or the beastly HTIW with extensions/etc., the latter being pretty cumbersome and unwieldy and the former having an air hose...

To put it simply: there are usually better tools for the job. The compact impacts (in my opinion) are "jacks of all trades but masters of none". They are pretty nice, but what's the point if you can get away with something even more compact or if they can't break something free to begin with? There is no point. You'll find yourself using other tools instead.

The mid torque impacts should provide the needed extra grunt while not being too massive. When I get mine (after selling my 2755B), I'll break it out when the smaller impacts can't cut the mustard. It'll be way more enjoyable to handle than the 2763 (which I'll keep for back up reinforcement [emoji41]).

There you go [emoji322]

Really great response! I'm thinking, for my situation, the 3/8 210ft-lbs compact will work 99% of the time... but you're right, that one time it doesn't work kinda defeats the purpose of purchase.

For that situation, when the time comes... I just assume I'll purchase a small HF pancake compressor to get the job done on those single situations. Maybe I'll regret this entirely but we'll see.

That's what I was wondering on the coming soon mid torque 1/2 450ft-lbs compact... it's almost all or nothing... so I'm thinking this is overkill for a majority of situations I'll find myself in. May even do more harm then good on the light duty work...

I borrowed a friend of mines Makita compact impact to assist in replacing and input shaft differential seal... this involved removing the exhaust, driveshaft, locking nuts, drain plugs, etc... and while I had his tool I decided now as a good opportunity to remove my rear wheel hubs and make an adjustment to my e-brake/horns.

I loved having that tool! IIRC it was only <150ft-lbs and thought it would be perfect if it had just a little bit *more*... found these M18 fuels at 210ft-lbs and they just seem perfect for me... but dang that 450ft-lbs (or 600ft-lbs rather) for that one time might make me regret it.

As said... not one tool seems to be perfect but this 3/8 210ft-lbs seems like the best jack of all trades

It's only that simple if you assume - incorrectly - that duration of charge is binary, ie 1 or 0, charged or not charged.

Even though the lithium batteries cut out at a preset voltage, they do draw down from fully charged to "off." Thus there is a RANGE. That range is exceedingly narrow on the lower ah batteries.

I've said this before and apparently no one understands: go try to start your car with an M12 battery (for the sake argument assume briefly the M12 is truly 12 and not 10.8 - if you don't like that then just string enough AA's together in series until you have 12V). It doesn't start my car you say? Why? No capacity.

Likewise diesels use 2 batteries in parallel to start. They're not doubling voltage, they're just doubling capacity.

Here's another way to look at it: you're an Olympic diver. Most of the time you're diving from a height of 6' - let's say that makes you a cordless drill. You can happily dive all day long with a pool X deep. Now you raise the board to 12' - let's say that makes you the 10" miter saw. You need a deeper pool (more capacity).

The larger batteries provide a deeper well to dig deep before hitting bottom. Likewise a vehicle starter digs deep, esp on cold mornings.

Not all tools will benefit, but many will and it's not just high draw stuff. The 2438 sander/polisher suffers noticeably at half charge (2 of 4 bars). By using the new M12 6.0 XC's I have much more USEABLE time before getting to that half charge state. The tool continues to work within its FULL "duration of charge," it just doesn't work as well within that entire "duration" as defined by Milwaukee from 4 dots to zero dots.

That was a proper well wrote and really helps a NOOB like me understand! So these packages come with 2 batteries... if I'm someone who's religious about swapping batteries and putting the spent one on the charger I'm guessing, for the most part, it's maximum usable range will be constantly offset

 

[BearDeXPS]

I wonder what the "nut busting" torque is on the compact 3/8 210ft-lbs....

 

[dacan23]

No, I have 6 M18 M12 Fuel impacts, including both the 2763 and 2754. I will be getting the Mid Torque 2861 as soon as the first deal appears. The 2754 is great with the 4 modes but may not provide the needed power for some circumstances, the 2763 is a big awesome heavy monster but only has 2 modes with the lower setting being somewhere around 150lbs I think. The 2861 Mid with its 4 modes is perfect. Now on most of my car jobs I will have the M12 3/8 & 1/4 ratchets there with the M18 3/8 and M18 1/2 Mid. Only will have to pull out the 2763 on needed occasions.

Those that have the M18 Compact 3/8" impact (210ft/lbs torque) do you wish you had waited for the Mid-torque M18 Compact 1/2" (450ft/lbs torque)?

I'm a weekend mechanic and I'm trying to decide between them... I can't think of many (if at all) scenario where I'll need over 210ft/lbs of nut busting torque...

 

[dacan23]

No shipping notice or charges to my cards for either the blower or wacker. Was expecting it a few days before the est 1/10 and now we are a week past. Was hoping the blower could get the frozen leaves off the lawn while theres no snow...

Anyone get their M18 string trimmer or blower shipped out by ACME yet?

 

[DerekV]

I wonder what the "nut busting" torque is on the compact 3/8 210ft-lbs....

Probably 210 lb/ft. They're really (yes, really) not that powerful.

 

[Frontierajl]

No shipping notice or charges to my cards for either the blower or wacker. Was expecting it a few days before the est 1/10 and now we are a week past. Was hoping the blower could get the frozen leaves off the lawn while theres no snow...

Same here. I was saving my leaves up to try it out but there were just to many yesterday so I gave in and got rid of them.


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[stretchride]

Decided that it was time to upgrade to brushless. After $250 in gift cards, and selling my brushed impact kit, it only cost me about $30 out of pocket.

By the way, anyone have any tips on picking up a bigger battery and a grinder? Hoping to find a good deal.

This reminded me that I have the m18 2680-20 grinder/cut-off that I've been meaning to post up for sale/trade.
It's new, never unwrapped, part of the 6 tool kit I bought recently.
I had recently bought a new corded grinder that I think will serve me well as I rarely use one.
Was looking into the vacuum or another battery maybe...
Anyway, lemme know if anyone's interested...

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[BearDeXPS]

I wonder what the "nut busting" torque is on the compact 3/8 210ft-lbs....

Probably 210 lb/ft. They're really (yes, really) not that powerful.

Their official response:

The 2654-22CT is discontinued and the 2754-22 is the current model of the 2654-22. The removal torque of the 2754-22 impact wrench is 75 – 80% of the 210 ft-lbs fastening torque. There is no “ nut busting “ torque rating for this impact but, using the 75-80% rule, that equates to between 158 – 168 ft-lbs of removal torque.

That kinda ***** the compact battery option is going away....

^^^EDIT - ignore my assumption of the compact battery option going away; see post #6823 below

 

[BearDeXPS]

^^^I was expecting more torque on removal... not less. This all just became really disappointing to me.

 

[DFB]

I wonder what the "nut busting" torque is on the compact 3/8 210ft-lbs....

Probably 210 lb/ft. They're really (yes, really) not that powerful.

I have been after Real Tool Reviews to do the numbers these Milwaukee compact wrenches on his two test machines for a while now but sadly I don't think were going to see it, and I would almost bet that we may see the new mid impact run before them, plus he is much too busy at the moment comparing a Snap On screwdriver to one that cost half as much (his newest video)

Anyhow if enough of us ask him over on his FB page possibly he would test them. Maybe even do all 3 models mid and the two compacts at the same time...that would be cool.


So this video (2 parts) is really the only one I can find doing some seat of the pants numbers on compacts impacts that includes a current Milwaukee compact impact wrench. Its the overseas version of the 2755B but supposed to be the same specs of 220 ft. lbs and has the 4 mode settings according to Milwaukee

https://www.milwaukeetools.com.au/power-tools/cordless/m18fiwf12-0

Now obviously this cant speak specifically for the 3/8 model (that was the one inquired about) but maybe it's performance might be somewhat comparable.

So for you guys that don't want to take the time to watch, it did perform over the factory number of 300nm (220 ft lbs) by a 105nm or 77.4 ft.lbs for a max of 295ftlbs (but that's only as far as they went too) Still a good amount.

As usual these tools do seem show a certain performance with clean bolts recently torqued to spec. In the real world YMMV

 

[ptgarcia]

I have a comment with regards to battery capacity and its relationship to a tools power. A XC battery constructed of cells with a certain C rating will be able to deliver more current than a battery of lesser capacity constructed with the same C-rated cells. If the tool can make use of that available current it will deliver more power to the business end.

 

[DFB]

Interesting to note too is how Milwaukee themselves will advertise higher torque numbers on certain XC kits over CT versions of the same tool.

 

[asxy_80]

I have the 3/8 fuel impact and its almost perfect for taking off brake calipers, brackets and some smaller suspension bolts, sway bar links, etc... It fits in places where upcoming mid torque probably won't be able to fit but i still might buy mid torque to go along with 3/8 and 1/2 high torque.

 

[DerekV]

That kinda ***** the compact battery option is going away....

Who said it was going away? The 2654 is the gen 1 3/8" compact impact. It has been discontinued and replaced by 2754 (the gen 2 version). The "-20", "-21", and "-22" at the end of each model # indicates whether it's a bare tool, a tool/1 battery/charger/case, or a tool/2 batteries/charger/case, respectively. Models with a "CT" following the "-2X" indicate that compact batteries are included.

That said, you can get the 2754 with compact batteries. It's model 2754-22CT.

 

[BearDeXPS]

Interesting to note too is how Milwaukee themselves will advertise higher torque numbers on certain XC kits over CT versions of the same tool.

...noticed that too

I have the 3/8 fuel impact and its almost perfect for taking off brake calipers, brackets and some smaller suspension bolts, sway bar links, etc... It fits in places where upcoming mid torque probably won't be able to fit but i still might buy mid torque to go along with 3/8 and 1/2 high torque.

it's less then an inch longer... still very VERY compact

Length 6.77"
Weight 5.3 lbs

vs

Length 5.9"
Weight 3.3 lbs

Who said it was going away? The 2654 is the gen 1 3/8" compact impact. It has been discontinued and replaced by 2754 (the gen 2 version). The "-20", "-21", and "-22" at the end of each model # indicates whether it's a bare tool, a tool/1 battery/charger/case, or a tool/2 batteries/charger/case, respectively. Models with a "CT" following the "-2X" indicate that compact batteries are included.

That said, you can get the 2754 with compact batteries. It's model 2754-22CT.

Dan Cronce – Customer Experience Technical Support Advisor
Milwaukee Tool

^^^that's who responded to my email. I guess I read his msg wrong... my original question was basically asking what the "nut breaking" torque of the two where - the one being a CT and the other being CP because I noticed that the listed torque between the two on the same tool appeared to be slightly different (as DFB also noted above). My ignorance and his literal just confused each other.

Thanks for clearing that up.

 

[DerekV]

I have a comment with regards to battery capacity and its relationship to a tools power. A XC battery constructed of cells with a certain C rating will be able to deliver more current than a battery of lesser capacity constructed with the same C-rated cells. If the tool can make use of that available current it will deliver more power to the business end.

Correct. It's important to remember that not all motors need a ton of juice to make full power (i.e. smaller motors), so a bigger battery may only increase run time (and bulkiness). With a powerful cordless tool, a bigger battery allows the current to be spread out among more cells, so there's less voltage sag under load (and thus more watts-out) and consequently less stress on the cells. This generally means less heat, even longer run times, and even longer battery life (hence the 2 years for CT and 3 years for XC packs)...

Interesting to note too is how Milwaukee themselves will advertise higher torque numbers on certain XC kits over CT versions of the same tool.

...and likewise, a powerful cordless tool with good electronics can adjust power output based on important variables such as available current (CT vs. XC) and battery temperature (CT getting hotter quicker than an XC battery).

 

[BearDeXPS]

Interesting to note too is how Milwaukee themselves will advertise higher torque numbers on certain XC kits over CT versions of the same tool.

I accidentally looked at this wrong too... at least the one's I've looked at they're still the same torque - ig:

3/8 2754-22 XC (210ft-lbs)
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2754-22

vs

3/8 2754-22CT (210ft-lbs)
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2754-22ct

 

[DFB]

IIRC just been some of the drill models I have seen different numbers listed between XC and CT kits

 

[Project_shadow]

This reminded me that I have the m18 2680-20 grinder/cut-off that I've been meaning to post up for sale/trade.
It's new, never unwrapped, part of the 6 tool kit I bought recently.
I had recently bought a new corded grinder that I think will serve me well as I rarely use one.
Was looking into the vacuum or another battery maybe...
Anyway, lemme know if anyone's interested...

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I would be interested


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[Dan_s_young]

I ordered the 1/4" ratchet and 3.0 ah (compact) battery today. The addiction is real, I've probably spent around $1100 (CDN) on Milwaukee products in the last 6 months. But I must say the tools offer really good value (especially when compared to snap-on....).

 

[stretchride]

I would be interested


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Msg sent

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[Ktmrider83]

I wonder why they are not including the OneKey option on the brand new mid torque wrench. I was looking forward to setting up power in 4 different modes... it seems there are 3 preset modes.

 

[DFB]

Anyone have any idea how popular ONE Key has been in the impact wrench lineup? I had pretty much forgot about the 2758 and 2759 wrench options out there already seems nobody has posted much if anything about them that I can recall.

Maybe there will be a future One Key option to follow with the Mid dunno

 

[bigtim1985]

I sent an e-mail to Milwaukee asking when they would start shipping the new blower, string trimmer, and hedge trimmer. I got a response back saying they would start shipping to distributors mid to late February.

 

[Frontierajl]

I sent an e-mail to Milwaukee asking when they would start shipping the new blower, string trimmer, and hedge trimmer. I got a response back saying they would start shipping to distributors mid to late February.

Well that *****.


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[isuhunter]

Thought I bought a portable band saw 6232-21 but ebay seller canceled the transaction.

 

[icu2tsx]

I sent an e-mail to Milwaukee asking when they would start shipping the new blower, string trimmer, and hedge trimmer. I got a response back saying they would start shipping to distributors mid to late February.

Was chatting up local Milwaukee rep at Home Depot. He said he won't see any lawn equipment till end of February. That's when he said he is schedule to go to a huge Milwaukee meeting/gathering and that's when they will be introduce to the equipment and that Home Depot won't stock them up till late March or early April. HD website shows line trimmer and hedger already too but no option of purchase.

Will see what Acme tools does regarding our estimated shipping dates

 

[bigtim1985]

Yea I'm in no rush, but the false hope that they were supposed to be in stock at ACME kinda *****, totally out of their control though. The blower is the only thing I would have used before the spring anyway.

 

[dacan23]

Well HD didnt get the Miter saw in store until 4-6 weeks after online retailers starting shipping it.

Was chatting up local Milwaukee rep at Home Depot. He said he won't see any lawn equipment till end of February. That's when he said he is schedule to go to a huge Milwaukee meeting/gathering and that's when they will be introduce to the equipment and that Home Depot won't stock them up till late March or early April. HD website shows line trimmer and hedger already too but no option of purchase.

Will see what Acme tools does regarding our estimated shipping dates

 

[FigureItOut]

The availability status for the string trimmer has changed. I think it did say "acquiring stock", and now it's "arriving soon." I have no idea if that means anything, but it changed within the last day or two.

I'm far too eager to get my trimmer considering I have no use for it for at least a couple months. The 9AH battery will be nice to have though.

 

[ABSTIFFGS]

The availability status for the string trimmer has changed. I think it did say "acquiring stock", and now it's "arriving soon." I have no idea if that means anything, but it changed within the last day or two.

I'm far too eager to get my trimmer considering I have no use for it for at least a couple months. The 9AH battery will be nice to have though.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[JimDon]

In the meantime buy the wet/dry vac and enjoy the 9.0 battery

 

[FigureItOut]

In the meantime buy the wet/dry vac and enjoy the 9.0 battery

Have it, love it, and when my 9AH arrives, that's where it's going.