The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[Project_shadow]

I think those are photoshopped too, they don't look quite real.

Can only dream lol

 

[TheGrooveking]

Would be the only cordless model..

Update, DeWalt just released a FLEXVOLT 60V track saw and Festo has had an 18 V for about a year now. Bosch has had a 12 volt track saw for 3 years in Europe.

TheGrooveking

 

[GForceJunky]

So...I've got a dilemma.

I want to buy either the 2754-22 or 2861-22 kits, but not both. It's possible I would consider picking up the one I don't get at some point in the future but it wouldn't be till next winter at earliest, probably, so assume not.

I already have the 2663 and 2763 as well as the earlier gen (non-Fuel) 1/4" Hex Impact as well as Fuel and non-Fuel drills, hammer drills, sawzalls, etc. All M18.

My big gripe with the 2763 is it's size. I don't care about the weight, just it's overall dimensional package. While I tend to be able to make it work in most cases that I really need it, sometimes I can't. I'm mainly doing automotive work and home workshop type stuff - it is not for a trade job. The 2754 seems nice in that it's VERY compact and should have enough power for *most* things on a car. The 2861 has more juice than my old 2663 in a smaller package, which is awesome, and I can definitely see the use in it.

I've looked at pictures in this thread and others, is the 2861 small enough that it's worth getting? Is the extra compactness of the 2754 the better choice despite having way less torque than the 2861, especially for when I'm working in tight areas on cars? I do work on some pretty old (50+ year old) and/or rusty cars sometimes and typically the 2763 fits where I need it to, but not always.

 

[pbon]

2861 will be like the old 2763 in terms of power but more compact and lighter. I just ordered one. I have the old 2763 and its newer bigger brother. I also have the 2753. It will do lug nuts no problem in warm weather. I use it a lot because it is compact. Look into a 1/4 Or 3/8 M12 ratchet if you want something small that does 30-35 lbs. The 2753 is really not much more compact than the hex impact. One advantage of any of the newer tools is adjustability, in contrast to the single speed 2763.

 

[dacan23]

I swear I have noticed a performance difference using a 9.0 vs a 5.0/4.0.

Has anyone used the 2728 blower with standard batteries?
Is it worth saving money on the tool only? Or do I need a 5.0 or 9.0 battery?

Home use only, 20 min use per battery is fine.

 

[DerekV]

So...I've got a dilemma.

I want to buy either the 2754-22 or 2861-22 kits, but not both. It's possible I would consider picking up the one I don't get at some point in the future but it wouldn't be till next winter at earliest, probably, so assume not.

I already have the 2663 and 2763 as well as the earlier gen (non-Fuel) 1/4" Hex Impact as well as Fuel and non-Fuel drills, hammer drills, sawzalls, etc. All M18.

My big gripe with the 2763 is it's size. I don't care about the weight, just it's overall dimensional package. While I tend to be able to make it work in most cases that I really need it, sometimes I can't. I'm mainly doing automotive work and home workshop type stuff - it is not for a trade job. The 2754 seems nice in that it's VERY compact and should have enough power for *most* things on a car. The 2861 has more juice than my old 2663 in a smaller package, which is awesome, and I can definitely see the use in it.

I've looked at pictures in this thread and others, is the 2861 small enough that it's worth getting? Is the extra compactness of the 2754 the better choice despite having way less torque than the 2861, especially for when I'm working in tight areas on cars? I do work on some pretty old (50+ year old) and/or rusty cars sometimes and typically the 2763 fits where I need it to, but not always.

I have the 1/2" version of the 2754 (aka the 2755B). I also have the 2763. I recently had a chance to hold a 2861 in my hands...

Without a shadow of a doubt, forget about the 2754 and get the mid torque. It's barely bigger. Odds are, if you're in a situation where the 2861 won't fit well, the 2754 probably won't fit well either. There has been a number of times where I've had to have my 2755B pegged and rattling away for several seconds before it busted the nut or bolt loose. I'm just a guy from Boston who works on his 2003 VW Jetta. I'm not doing Mac trucks even large SUV work. Just a regular compact car with small-ish (relatively speaking compared to trucks, etc.) fasteners and some rust...nothing wild but far from pristine. The 2755B (again, basically the same thing as the 2754) struggles on enough things and has struggled enough times to piss me off.

It's fine for small fasters and for running down brand new nuts/bolts/lags, but other tools can accomplish this too. IF the 2861 is ever overkill and you want something a little smaller, you got your impact driver and socket adapters.

I'm telling you, if the 2861 existed when I was in the market for a "95% of everything" impact, I would've purchased it. Forget the compact, get the mid torque.

 

[DerekV]

2861 will be like the old 2763 in terms of power but more compact and lighter. I just ordered one. I have the old 2763 and its newer bigger brother. I also have the 2753. It will do lug nuts no problem in warm weather. I use it a lot because it is compact. Look into a 1/4 Or 3/8 M12 ratchet if you want something small that does 30-35 lbs. The 2753 is really not much more compact than the hex impact. One advantage of any of the newer tools is adjustability, in contrast to the single speed 2763.

Your model #s are all over the place haha

 

[DerekV]

I swear I have noticed a performance difference using a 9.0 vs a 5.0/4.0.

Definitely. Less overall voltage sag since it's getting juice from more cells = more watts-out

 

[Shaners256]

2861 will be like the old 2763 in terms of power but more compact and lighter. I just ordered one. I have the old 2763 and its newer bigger brother. I also have the 2753. It will do lug nuts no problem in warm weather. I use it a lot because it is compact. Look into a 1/4 Or 3/8 M12 ratchet if you want something small that does 30-35 lbs. The 2753 is really not much more compact than the hex impact. One advantage of any of the newer tools is adjustability, in contrast to the single speed 2763.

Not sure there is a "newer bigger brother" to the 2763 high torque.

 

[GForceJunky]

I have the 1/2" version of the 2754 (aka the 2755B). I also have the 2763. I recently had a chance to hold a 2861 in my hands...

Without a shadow of a doubt, forget about the 2754 and get the mid torque. It's barely bigger. Odds are, if you're in a situation where the 2861 won't fit well, the 2754 probably won't fit well either. There has been a number of times where I've had to have my 2755B pegged and rattling away for several seconds before it busted the nut or bolt loose. I'm just a guy from Boston who works on his 2003 VW Jetta. I'm not doing Mac trucks even large SUV work. Just a regular compact car with small-ish (relatively speaking compared to trucks, etc.) fasteners and some rust...nothing wild but far from pristine. The 2755B (again, basically the same thing as the 2754) struggles on enough things and has struggled enough times to piss me off.

It's fine for small fasters and for running down brand new nuts/bolts/lags, but other tools can accomplish this too. IF the 2861 is ever overkill and you want something a little smaller, you got your impact driver and socket adapters.

I'm telling you, if the 2861 existed when I was in the market for a "95% of everything" impact, I would've purchased it. Forget the compact, get the mid torque.

Thanks for this 'real world' review. I also work on a lot of smaller cars (but also some 1/2-1 ton trucks every now and then). The thing I really like about the 2754 is the 3/8" anvil and the 2861 has a 1/2" anvil (there's no off-the-shelf 'mid-torque' 3/8" gun). There's not often instances where there are bolts that I struggle to get loose that I can't get my 2763 on and 3/8" sockets are typically smaller and shorter which makes fitting into tight places much easier.

I could use a 1/4" Hex to 1/4"|3/8"|1/2" adapter for undoing smaller/lower-torqued items with my old M18 1/4" Hex impact, but adding an adapter just makes it longer, at which point I may as well have/use a 2754 which has way more torque anyways.

Looking at:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6331655&postcount=7438

and

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6331862&postcount=7439

and

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6331907&postcount=7442

shows there is still a reasonable difference in size between the 2754 and 2861, though nowhere near the difference in size between either of those and the 2763. Has anyone put a 3/8" anvil on the 2861?

Your model #s are all over the place haha

Not sure there is a "newer bigger brother" to the 2763 high torque.

It was confusing at first but I made sense of what he was saying and appreciate his feedback.

 

[DerekV]

Thanks for this 'real world' review. I also work on a lot of smaller cars (but also some 1/2-1 ton trucks every now and then). The thing I really like about the 2754 is the 3/8" anvil and the 2861 has a 1/2" anvil (there's no off-the-shelf 'mid-torque' 3/8" gun). There's not often instances where there are bolts that I struggle to get loose that I can't get my 2763 on and 3/8" sockets are typically smaller and shorter which makes fitting into tight places much easier.



I could use a 1/4" Hex to 1/4"|3/8"|1/2" adapter for undoing smaller/lower-torqued items with my old M18 1/4" Hex impact, but adding an adapter just makes it longer, at which point I may as well have/use a 2754 which has way more torque anyways.



Looking at:



http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6331655&postcount=7438



and



http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6331862&postcount=7439



and



http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6331907&postcount=7442



shows there is still a reasonable difference in size between the 2754 and 2861, though nowhere near the difference in size between either of those and the 2763. Has anyone put a 3/8" anvil on the 2861?















It was confusing at first but I made sense of what he was saying and appreciate his feedback.

No problem glad I could help. I will also add that I think the compact wrench torque figures are very very fluffy. In reality, the power difference between the compact wrenches and compact drivers (Fuel wise at least) is truly pretty dang marginal. The wrenches do have a slightly larger impact assembly, however the anvils appear to be the same size on the "smacking end", so it's likely a slightly stiffer/bigger spring and a slightly higher gear reduction to suit. Same exact motor.

I wouldn't be so quick to discount your non-fuel impact driver. It's no wimp.

And lastly in terms of size...it's NOT big! Go to HD this weekend and see if you can feel a mid torque. My store has the pin detent model. I'm telling you...seeing/feeling is believing haha

 

[kctyphoon]

Anyone brave enough to find out it a 3/8 anvil would / could fit on the 1/2" mid torque? Or is that what you guys are discussing. I'm too lazy to read.. got issues today..

 

[GForceJunky]

No problem glad I could help. I will also add that I think the compact wrench torque figures are very very fluffy. In reality, the power difference between the compact wrenches and compact drivers (Fuel wise at least) is truly pretty dang marginal. The wrenches do have a slightly larger impact assembly, however the anvils appear to be the same size on the "smacking end", so it's likely a slightly stiffer/bigger spring and a slightly higher gear reduction to suit. Same exact motor.

I wouldn't be so quick to discount your non-fuel impact driver. It's no wimp.

And lastly in terms of size...it's NOT big! Go to HD this weekend and see if you can feel a mid torque. My store has the pin detent model. I'm telling you...seeing/feeling is believing haha

Thanks again for more feedback. I guess I'll have to go tomorrow and check some out - hopefully my store or one somewhat locally has them to play with. I'll be back in Canada for the weekend and they don't tend to have as big a selection as the stores here in Michigan do.

I also have to consider the added price of going with the 2861-22 vs a 2754-22 or especially a 2754-22CT. Not huge (but still noticeable) between the 2 '22' versions but definitely no small difference between the 2861-22 and the 2754-22CT. I have plenty of 3/4/5.0 batteries and the consensus seems to be these smaller ones are really nice to use with the 2.0's, so it is a nice option

Anyone brave enough to find out it a 3/8 anvil would / could fit on the 1/2" mid torque? Or is that what you guys are discussing. I'm too lazy to read.. got issues today..

I asked if anyone had done it - don't know if anyone has, but if I get the 2861 I'd be willing to test it out. I'd just need some help tracking down the right parts to swap in.

 

[pbon]

Your model #s are all over the place haha

You are right. I was typing on my phone, which usually results in compromises. I was confusing the 2763 with the older 2663. I checked and the ones I have are the 2754, 2753, 2763, 2663, 2456. I agree with you that the 2861 is powerful enough to do most jobs while being compact and light -- I ordered one and it should arrive any day.

 

[DerekV]

Anyone brave enough to find out it a 3/8 anvil would / could fit on the 1/2" mid torque? Or is that what you guys are discussing. I'm too lazy to read.. got issues today..

The 2861 uses the older square type anvil, so none of the Gen. 2 anvils would work since they're teardrop shaped. Perhaps the 2654 Gen. 1 CPIW or regular brushed CPIW anvils will fit...

I doubt it honestly. Totally different gear case (bigger on the mid torque)

Maybe someone can mill a 1/2" down to 3/8" and re-heat treat it or something

 

[DerekV]

Thanks again for more feedback. I guess I'll have to go tomorrow and check some out - hopefully my store or one somewhat locally has them to play with. I'll be back in Canada for the weekend and they don't tend to have as big a selection as the stores here in Michigan do.



I also have to consider the added price of going with the 2861-22 vs a 2754-22 or especially a 2754-22CT. Not huge (but still noticeable) between the 2 '22' versions but definitely no small difference between the 2861-22 and the 2754-22CT. I have plenty of 3/4/5.0 batteries and the consensus seems to be these smaller ones are really nice to use with the 2.0's, so it is a nice option

I'm gonna rock 2.0's on my mid torque when I get it, even if it permits a small dip in power. Still more power than the 275x models and I want it as small/light as possible

 

[DerekV]

You are right. I was typing on my phone, which usually results in compromises. I was confusing the 2763 with the older 2663. I checked and the ones I have are the 2754, 2753, 2763, 2663, 2456. I agree with you that the 2861 is powerful enough to do most jobs while being compact and light -- I ordered one and it should arrive any day.

[emoji106]

 

[DFB]

Your model #s are all over the place haha

\

It was confusing at first but I made sense of what he was saying and appreciate his feedback.

You are right. I was typing on my phone, which usually results in compromises. I was confusing the 2763 with the older 2663. I checked and the ones I have are the 2754, 2753, 2763, 2663, 2456. I agree with you that the 2861 is powerful enough to do most jobs while being compact and light -- I ordered one and it should arrive any day.

Took me a bit to sort through it too but guessing those in the know did know!

 

[chrisnazzy]

I'm gonna rock 2.0's on my mid torque when I get it, even if it permits a small dip in power. Still more power than the 275x models and I want it as small/light as possible

I'm sure they will be fine. I still have (2) 1.5AH compacts from my 1st M18 combo kit. I use them on everything but my blower and vac and they are still going strong after 8 years!

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

[DFB]

Thanks again for more feedback. I guess I'll have to go tomorrow and check some out - hopefully my store or one somewhat locally has them to play with. I'll be back in Canada for the weekend and they don't tend to have as big a selection as the stores here in Michigan do.

I also have to consider the added price of going with the 2861-22 vs a 2754-22 or especially a 2754-22CT. Not huge (but still noticeable) between the 2 '22' versions but definitely no small difference between the 2861-22 and the 2754-22CT. I have plenty of 3/4/5.0 batteries and the consensus seems to be these smaller ones are really nice to use with the 2.0's, so it is a nice option



I asked if anyone had done it - don't know if anyone has, but if I get the 2861 I'd be willing to test it out. I'd just need some help tracking down the right parts to swap in.

My opinion buying a mid torque is simply buying a replacement for your older 26 series high torque

You have to ask yourself do I need or want a smaller lighter cordless sq drive socket wrench for routine chores. I really don't see the hex driver being an actual replacement for having one but simply just a comprise plus you are always going to be longer with adapter and have some torque loss.

On the other hand I was generally happy with a 1/2 compact and really like the M12 for 3/8" though over time I have acquired the 2754. A lot of people want to make the argument that the a 3/8 is better because if they both produce similar torque levels the overall size of the sockets are smaller and I do see first hand the difference averages about up to a 1/2" in overall socket length but experiences seem to play out that using a larger slightly heavier socket sometimes gives a slight advantage in the loosening force though.

And maybe its just out of habit but I grab the 2655B first (over the 2754) and when I am wanting to use a 3/8 drive socket the 2454 M12 Fuel is what I most often grab next and most often fits the application nicely.

So now I also use the hex driver instead of sq. drive especially when I need long extensions bars to access a fastener where you cant get in close with the tools. I have the all sizes 1/4"- 1/2" in both 6 inch and 12 inch there (plus shorter 2- and 3 " ones of course) and I just find that style setup to give a better retention at the tool end for me.

I do have some cheap 3/8" and 1/2 extension bars and they totally **** to stay tight on the tools with hog ring anvils (and another vote for my "B" pin model there!

Compacts don't often break loose a lot of old rusty fasteners at least without a lot of effort. Of course most everbody wants to see an immediate response zip and the fastener comes loose and does often seem some aren't comfortable to let their tool pound away.

I have worked my "B" hard maybe more than I should but its still fine. I also like the 3 torque modes on that vs the new 4th mode on the 3/8. I find that pretty much useless.

2 modes on the M12 has been ok for most part though sometimes I think I like some range setting in between but I really wish my high torque had more settings than just the two modes though it could be much more useful for assembly dang it powerful if your not careful fighting something!

How many power modes on a mid torque and what are they?

 

[DFB]

I am soo looking forward to the new underhood light. I had to go on tool spree at HF my boss give me blank check to enhance my summer flea mkt tool table with items he doesn't normally get at his wholesale source but that people want. Trailer tow hitches, steel chain and other heavy stuff plus socket sets, breaker bars and lot of hex key stuff along with other odds and ends like drill bits, saw blades and air fittings.

So I just to had to see first hand how terrible that under hood is I read the reviews over and over and listened to the feed back on here on the different underhood light options.

His dime it was the first thing I opened when I got home last night and since it was already dark I was able to put it right to use. It had a charge in it

It is pretty pathetic though. I mean it works fine and the build quality of the tool itself seems pretty good not flimsy at all and does seems to give a shadow less white light (actually makes my trueview stick lights look yellow against it) but overall is severely lacking in both brightness and area of dispersion. Just as the critics have said.

I keep looking for a third power setting

Still sure somebody will buy it off my table though

Does seem the higher it placed the more are it lights up.


Until we get a true Milwaukee hood light the M12 Rover works quite well in a similar situation

 

[DerekV]

I'm sure they will be fine. I still have (2) 1.5AH compacts from my 1st M18 combo kit. I use them on everything but my blower and vac and they are still going strong after 8 years!

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

Wow that's impressive!

 

[dacan23]

Milwaukee Miter Saw Stand is $99.99 over at Rural King with free ship! So glad I was lazy and held out getting a new stand. Ordered one immediately, sorry no link as I am mobile right now. If they bring the Milwaukee gravity rise one to USA I am gonna be less pissed at this price.

 

[johndeereman]

I picked up a m18 vacuum for the service truck and man do i love it. for quick little clean up task's it is great really powerful a bit LOUD but still nice and i grabed a 9.0ah battery off of amazon should have it Tuesday to test.

 

[retfr8flyr]

I have to redo all the PVC piping on my pool because I am adding an SWG and a new VS pump. I always look for excuses to get new tools, so this was the perfect reason to get the M12 2470 pipe shear tool



Haven't used it yet, except to try some test cuts. It works great on the test cuts and I am looking forward to it making the job much easier.

 

[Chris_the_wrench]

Howdy

I just made the switch to the Milwaukee 18v platform. I picked up the fuel drill/driver a couple weeks ago when Homedepot had them on sale. WOW. So much better than the 18v rigid I was using.

Anyways I need a variable speed polisher to run a 6" and maybe a 4" Osborn brush for some wood finishing on my house/deck. It's used to surface the wood after stripping with chemical/pressure washer to prepare the wood for a fresh stain/sealant and knock down any fuzz.

Are any of you guys using the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Polisher? If so how's it working for you vs a corded version you may have used? If anyone is using it for wood finishing I'd really like to hear your experiences. I'm abit concerned about run time and power. I can't find any horsepower or other power numbers for the 18v product to compare vs the corded versions.

Thanks
-Chris

 

[dacan23]

I have the Fuel polisher but havent used it yet. Friend has one too and he polished one of his cars with it, was doing some spots on another the other day. He says its great and is as powerful than corded ones he has used. Its pretty easy to use and can do a whole car on a 5.0. Sorry dont have any details how it would work on wood.

Are any of you guys using the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Polisher? If so how's it working for you vs a corded version you may have used? If anyone is using it for wood finishing I'd really like to hear your experiences. I'm abit concerned about run time and power. I can't find any horsepower or other power numbers for the 18v product to compare vs the corded versions.

 

[Bighead38]

Milwaukee doing work.

 

[Overlord66]

Just picked up the 18v Drill and Impact set and both batteries rattle when fitted to the tools. Is this normal? I expected a solid lockup with these. It feels cheap.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Just picked up the 18v Drill and Impact set and both batteries rattle when fitted to the tools. Is this normal? I expected a solid lockup with these. It feels cheap.

Nope, not normal. They lock in solid.

 

[Fix Until Broke]

Milwaukee doing work.

I think you missed a spot with the Caution tape

 

[Distrophe]

Nope, not normal. They lock in solid.

mine have a small amount of play. no biggie.


Sent from tablet on Tapatalk

 

[bcradio]

Just picked up the 18v Drill and Impact set and both batteries rattle when fitted to the tools. Is this normal? I expected a solid lockup with these. It feels cheap.

Yes this is normal. Hasn't caused any issues for me.

 

[Bighead38]

I think you missed a spot with the Caution tape

We poured concrete the other day. As we were screeding it a local teen stepped in the wet concrete. His excuse was "well there's no caution tape up". I didn't think people could be so stupid. Between idiots like that, the Hasidic population, and the fact the boss has been sued in the past there's not enough caution tape in the world imo. True story boss was sued because he had put up a single strand of caution tape, it got twisted in the wind so you couldn't read the word caution. Person went past it and tripped, then tried to sue my boss using the excuse that the word caution wasn't visible.

 

[takai]

I eventually picked up a M12 combo kit, drill and impact driver. Very cheap on tax sales down here. Should do well alongside all the 18v gear. Nice and much more compact.

 

[DFB]

Just picked up the 18v Drill and Impact set and both batteries rattle when fitted to the tools. Is this normal? I expected a solid lockup with these. It feels cheap.

I have to admit there is more pronounced battery movement on certain tools than others. My Gen 1 drill and impact both have a looser fitment than do any of my impact wrenches or other M18 products. The internal plug on the impact moves slightly but I think it is designed that way but on the hammer drill I eventually put two tiny overlapping strips of electrical on the back edge of the handle bottom which snugged up the battery enough to satisfy me Though without it was probably ok anyhow and any movement shouldn't hurt nothing

I totally agree I also felt it cheap fitment for a $400 tool set.

Funny thing with tools though is once you start using them for awhile you forget all about the little stuff.

Kinda like getting the first scratch in your new car

 

[DFB]

Speaking of that my buddy is ham fisted general contractor and we used to borrow stuff back and forth all the time but with all my new Milwaukee stuff I have got to point I wont loan him some of them anymore. They often come back scratched up even sometimes a rubber boot ripped like with my hackzall. So we have go rounds I say WTF and he goes tools are meant to be used and I say ya USED not abused.

So when ever he asks for something I direct him right to the new Harbor Freight store now

An I say that's good enough for you!

Like Bill Murray and Chevy Chase in CaddyShack

Murray: "Your place got a pool?"

Chase: "We have a pond in the back. We have a pool and a pond... the Pond would be good for you."

 

[04chase]

Anticipating the m12 underhood light, i jumped into the m12 world. I have about 15 m18 tooks and added these from hd for near 50% off.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Mid Torque arrived. Got frustrated wrestling the heavy high torque around doing a 4runner clutch in the driveway.

 

[Jamie V]

Mid Torque arrived. Got frustrated wrestling the heavy high torque around doing a 4runner clutch in the driveway.

Get the protective boot for it. It makes it a lot easier to clean and doesn't beat it up.