The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[jumpdrive]

So how is the Packout combo $100 better than the Ridgid which goes on for $98 every BF - - and is in the HD BF ad again? I guess just 'cause of more potential modularity, ie a greater variety of Milwaukee-branded things that'll clip in?

I've got the Ridgid and love it.

I bought them because they are stronger overall. In a real pinch I could stand on one/them if I really had to.
There is a nicer overall feel to these boxes. There is no flimsy feel at all.

I like the IP65 rating. That matters to me. If I am using a truck with an open bed and it rains or snows, I don't need to care. Yeah, DW and Ridgid are probably okay too, but I feel more confident with these.

I like the bigger wheels. They matter.

The handle feels stronger. Under load, I don't want any sort of flexing or squishy feeling and wondering if $1000+ and/or a big mess is soon to be in a heap at the bottom of the steps. That alone is nowhere near worth "saving" $100.
Lose the load one time and put it through a customer's wall or have the combination crush something valuable, what does that cost?

The padlock hole is larger and reinforced.
Yeah they will steal the box, yadda yadda...
But, I don't need the locking bar and the larger hole allows me to use the multiple existing locks I already own and are keyed how I like. The lock is there to keep your drill, other tools, or electronic components from walking off via prying fingers, or keep another person from seeing confidential things.

I think the latches are awesome.
The crack of that snap leaves no room for ambiguity as to whether it's closed or not. The DeWalt latches are thin and if you drop a box on it's front when open they are bending for sure. I don't like all that metal hanging out there.

Lastly, yeah, the compatibility and how they interlock.
(That actually was last on my list)

I think the open tote bags and small parts boxes are ridiculously over priced.
The bags seem to be well built, but geez Louise...
I might buy one bag, maybe, maybe... but I will not buy two.

I do think the set is overpriced, but I also think trucks are insanely priced for what they are these days. I would rather have a fully restored 70's truck to work out of than the aluminum foil, jacked up to the sky, electronic sh** out the wazoo I have to endure now. I also think the truck engineers/designers need a thorough beating, and be made to work out of what they push on us.
But that's for another thread.

Anyway, Ridgid was my second choice.
My cordless tools are Ridgid. I am not a Milwaukee fanboy and automatically buy things because they are red. I have the Hole Hawg and other heavy drills, but my SDS stuff is Bosch. If it's good I will buy it, and these boxes are pretty darn good. Pricey yes, but really nice.

 

[rmsg0040]

Debating whether or not to keep the M12 rover

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[kctyphoon]

Let me know how you like that jacket.. I have 2 of the old ones, bought the new model last year when it first came out (2 actually) and returned them cause the arms get really cold. I think the softshell jackets are much better, but maybe they made a change.. the hat is pretty good, about the same as a carhartt.

You have to wear less clothes to benefit from the heated jackets. A lot of people don't get that, and then write bad reviews.. my usual dress is tank top, long sleeve carhartt shirt, and heated jacket with a carhartt hat. Did that a few years working outside everyday with only having a couple days I needed to add my other jacket over the heated Milwaukee. Invest in 2.0 or compact 3.0 batteries..

 

[DFB]

Debating whether or not to keep the M12 rover

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The M12 rover is my new favorite light .I use it so much more than the older M18 2361 and I have two of them. They just mostly sit around now but was thinking about getting a second M12 rover.

With me its all the battery platform I use M12 wherever I can.
.
Though I admit I like both the M18 flashlight and stick light a bit more than my original M12 versions. Just because they standup easier with bigger heavy battery as a base, the M12 versions are handier though and travel better for me, They store well in my tool bags

 

[dacan23]

I have 2 Rigid sets, my biggest gripe with the is you cant open the lid all the way on top unit when stacked and barely open lid on middle piece. Packout you can open lids when stacked. Didnt play with them after getting home, will check them out more tonight when I start filling them.

So how is the Packout combo $100 better than the Ridgid which goes on for $98 every BF - - and is in the HD BF ad again? I guess just 'cause of more potential modularity, ie a greater variety of Milwaukee-branded things that'll clip in?

I've got the Ridgid and love it.

 

[1TMF]

Why not just grab a magnetizer and use your current ones?

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

Tried that...the magnetization is pretty weak and doesn't seem to last.

 

[rmsg0040]

I remember seeing the softshells when they came out a few years ago, wasn't to impressed, this new model is better. It is true to size. It is cut better. Feels like better material. I got it from a guy locally for $120, showed up paid him and he gave me $20 back, sold the charger for $10.

As for the M12, I just purchased a Fenix HL55, where I move my head there is light. I played with the M12 trying out different scenarios, its seems like wherever I position it there is some glares on the side of my eyes. Also to aim the light you have to move the whole body. I am looking at the M18 as it has the folding, rotating head. If the M12 had that feature it would be awesome.

 

[dacan23]

Acme has the M12 special packout bundle, guess its not a HD exclusive.

 

[ocloc24]

Debating whether or not to keep the M12 rover

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The m12 rover is my favorite as well. It's an amazing light and for the money you can't beat it

 

[rmsg0040]

I tried to emulate using the M12 rover on working on my car, I have the quickjack 5000, having it on the floor and pointed to a wheelwell, I can catch some glare on the corner on my eyes. I am very particular when it comes to lighting. I ended up returning it. The new M18 looks more promising with the articulating head.

 

[firworks]

Got some good use out of the USB Rover flood this weekend. Was out at a mega bonfire at my GF's parent's place and their tractor died and needed a jump. I stuck the USB Rover to the ROPS and it threw a ton of light right where needed. We got the panel pulled and got it jumped off a car and away it went.

View media item 76851
A little later her brother was racing around the bonfire and party on a dirt bike giving people rides. That dirt bike has no headlight. So one of the times he was racing around the pasture with someone's aunt on the back her hat flew off and was lost somewhere in the trails. I handed him the Flood and he clipped the belt clip on the back to the front number plate and took off into the woods to find it. It worked perfectly as a headlight.

There was some food laid out on a picnic table there and someone broke out the original M18 flood (the octagon shaped one) and put it on a truck bed aimed in the direction of the table. It didn't really do a great job lighting up the area. I then on a whim went over and held the USB flood right next to it and turned it on and I swear it was brighter than the M18 one! I'm not sure how old that light was or if it maybe dimmed with age or something but it sure looked that way to me.

Then the following day I was over at my Brother's condo late at night trying to fix the bottom of his garage door where somebody bashed it in with a snowplow. Magnetted it onto the door and the tracks and all over and I could have a ton of light wherever needed. I wasn't initially sold but I'm very happy with it now. Everyone knows I've got "That insane light" on me whenever we're out working on something in the dark.

 

[dacan23]

Someone needs to test if the M12 1.5 battery two pack rings free with the M12 2494-22 $99 pro BF kit or the non fuel hackzall M12 kit.

 

[kctyphoon]

No, someone NEEDS to test the new 3/8" Fuel ratchet against the HF version... that will be an inexcusable loss if Milwaukee doesn't win that one,,

Only issue I have with that little rover is the runtime.. it's only 2 hours on high, but like 11 on low I think.. why is there no 5 hour medium setting..

 

[kctyphoon]

I remember seeing the softshells when they came out a few years ago, wasn't to impressed, this new model is better. It is true to size. It is cut better. Feels like better material. I got it from a guy locally for $120, showed up paid him and he gave me $20 back, sold the charger for $10.

As for the M12, I just purchased a Fenix HL55, where I move my head there is light. I played with the M12 trying out different scenarios, its seems like wherever I position it there is some glares on the side of my eyes. Also to aim the light you have to move the whole body. I am looking at the M18 as it has the folding, rotating head. If the M12 had that feature it would be awesome.

As far as the jackets, lol, I completely disagree.. after owning both ( I think I have 3 jackets and 3 hoodies now), I couldn't even talk myself into keeping it. They completely changed the sizing compared to the old, and the softshells are just warmer.. I tried to find an excuse to keep the newer ones, but ultimately it's suppose to keep you warm, and it didn't compared to the old models.. I wore both to work, one day after the next in the same temp weather.. I took the new one off in 20 minutes cause my carhartt hoodies was warmer than the new jacket. That stiff material conducts the cold though all the non heated parts..

 

[roguegts]

Someone needs to test if the M12 1.5 battery two pack rings free with the M12 2494-22 $99 pro BF kit or the non fuel hackzall M12 kit.

It's a 2407-22, not a 2494-22 on the BF sale. Says it comes with two batteries in a
packout style case.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk

 

[rmsg0040]

As far as the jackets, lol, I completely disagree.. after owning both ( I think I have 3 jackets and 3 hoodies now), I couldn't even talk myself into keeping it. They completely changed the sizing compared to the old, and the softshells are just warmer.. I tried to find an excuse to keep the newer ones, but ultimately it's suppose to keep you warm, and it didn't compared to the old models.. I wore both to work, one day after the next in the same temp weather.. I took the new one off in 20 minutes cause my carhartt hoodies was warmer than the new jacket. That stiff material conducts the cold though all the non heated parts..

You could be very well right, I only use the softshell on the weekends on my days off. Most of that time I am in the car. For the price I paid for it, $100 for the whole kit, I am happy with it. Couldn't see myself spending more than that especially when I can get a free winter jacket every year from work if I wanted to. My hooded carhartt jacket is what I use at work.

 

[dacan23]

Ah thought it was the 2494, but the $99 hackzall kit may get the 2 free batteries.

It's a 2407-22, not a 2494-22 on the BF sale. Says it comes with two batteries in a
packout style case.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk

 

[bcradio]

I finally opened the new m18 rover light and i can also say i am not very impressed with it (and i am usually fairly easily impressed). It does however excel at lighting up the ground instead of the work area. I guess if you set it upside down it will rotate to the work area fine. I will have to use it a bit more to see if it grows on me.

 

[dacan23]

Yeah I was thinkimg if you lay it upside down or stand it on the back it can be useful, but clamped or mag it might as well not be a swivel face. So I guess the manufacturing facility built it backwards from the plan.

How dumbfounded were you with the handle with a battery in the light? I have gotten my fingers stick a few times already.

I finally opened the new m18 rover light and i can also say i am not very impressed with it (and i am usually fairly easily impressed). It does however excel at lighting up the ground instead of the work area. I guess if you set it upside down it will rotate to the work area fine. I will have to use it a bit more to see if it grows on me.

 

[Mute]

Debating whether or not to keep the M12 rover

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I have the m12 rover. I like it, though there will be times when the magnet isn't strong enough. I was trying to demonstrate it to my friend by attaching it to his Matco box, but it fell on the floor. Currently I am using it inside my side cabinet and on my tool cart lid.

 

[Kaane]

Obsession continues.

Latest additions, new High Torque 1/2 Fuel Impact, Fuel 3/8 ratchet and Leaf Blower.

 

[BB70Chevelle]

My milwaukee collection is growing, just ordered a 2112-12 pocket rover floodlight and a m12 heated hoodie which also has a free rebate for a m12 battery.

 

[Tduby]

Is selling kits in pack out boxes going to become a regular thing? I have a rigid set that I like though to be fare I haven’t seen the Milwaukee in person. Right no I still have mostly ni-cad battery tools right now so it would be awesome to get new tools in the pack out boxes from the factory instead of doing custom boxes.

 

[deberly12]

Wow we found the dinosaurs!!!! The ni-cad tools!!! Hahaha jkjk

I am with you that the packout cases are great... I have a bunch of cases ( red and not) that I can't bring myself to burn but haven't found a good use for either....I actually prefer a bag to a custom case but the packout is even better!!!

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk

 

[RSO117]

I have a question about M12 batteries. Only recently did I add to my M18 collection with M12 skins and batteries.
I purchased the M12 3/8 ratchet and M12 torch first then added the small brushless impact driver as a set with two 3Ah batteries. I took note to number the batteries. Batteries 1 & 2 were purchased off the shelf and batteries 3 & 4 came in set with the impact driver.
The problem seems to be the two batteries that came in the set. they don't fit well.
Has anyone else had this problem?

 

[bcradio]

Yeah I was thinkimg if you lay it upside down or stand it on the back it can be useful, but clamped or mag it might as well not be a swivel face. So I guess the manufacturing facility built it backwards from the plan.

How dumbfounded were you with the handle with a battery in the light? I have gotten my fingers stick a few times already.

It must have been the intern department that designed this light as there are so many odd design decisions made on it. You can't really utilize all of the features on this light together. You can either use the articulating joint to angle the light OR you can use the clamp/magnet on it. I don't see very many scenarios where you can utilize both at the same time.

I did notice how poorly the handle was designed as well. It is virtually useless with a 9.0 in it.

 

[PelicanPines]

I have a question about M12 batteries. ...

Has anyone else had this problem?

I actually had the issue with an M12 tool. I got the M12 Fuel screwdriver... as a set with 2 batteries and a case and all... the handle didn't look right with the battery in it... almost exactly like your picture.

Long story short... that screwdriver had intermittent issues and had to be warrantied ... Milwaukee sent me a new tool via fedex after about two weeks. All fit perfect with the new one.

ALSO... i bought 2 additional 3rd party batteries off Amazon... the look is identical to Milwaukee's batteries but obviously no logo or serial numbers... and they FIT PERFECT... work fine.

I wonder if you got a bad batch of batteries when the molds were getting tired.

 

[Tduby]

Wow we found the dinosaurs!!!! The ni-cad tools!!! Hahaha jkjk

I am with you that the packout cases are great... I have a bunch of cases ( red and not) that I can't bring myself to burn but haven't found a good use for either....I actually prefer a bag to a custom case but the packout is even better!!!

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk

I have a surge and fuel drill but my circular saw and hatchet work so good but eventually I see fuel tools replacing everything.

 

[dsimatt]

So with black Friday coming up what sites are best to look at for deals, I'm thinking about switching over my cordless tools at work and don't really want to spend a fortune if I don't have to.

 

[heffneil]

My Zoro 25% off haul



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[dacan23]

Acmetools.com is best
Toolup.com
Cpomilwaukee.com
Zoro.com for bare tools with 25-30% off and hand tools
Toolbarn.com
International.com

So with black Friday coming up what sites are best to look at for deals, I'm thinking about switching over my cordless tools at work and don't really want to spend a fortune if I don't have to.

 

[dsimatt]

Acmetools.com is best
Toolup.com
Cpomilwaukee.com
Zoro.com for bare tools with 25-30% off and hand tools
Toolbarn.com
International.com

Thanks I'll have to check out those sites, I might hit the local HD and see what they have that morning.

 

[BB70Chevelle]

Anyone happen to know if they will let you into an NFL stadium with a m12 heated hoodie?

 

[jrp458]

Finally got to play around with the pack out at HD today. I've got to own one.

 

[JettaGetUpandGo]

Anyone happen to know if they will let you into an NFL stadium with a m12 heated hoodie?

I attended a Packers game with my heated jacket as well as a Bucks game. When you're in the security line just pull out the battery/adapter and drop it in the bin with your keys/wallet/phone. I had someone ask me what it was and when I told them they were fine with it.



On another note, any chance someone has an extra M12 charger lying around before I buy one on eBay? I used to have 5-6 of them, but gave them all away to friends/family because I had enough M12/M18 combo chargers. I thought I kept one to bring to the office for my jacket, but did not...

 

[dacan23]

I have a bunch of new ones, $5 plus shipping.

On another note, any chance someone has an extra M12 charger lying around before I buy one on eBay? I used to have 5-6 of them, but gave them all away to friends/family because I had enough M12/M18 combo chargers. I thought I kept one to bring to the office for my jacket, but did not...

 

[pl_silverado]

I attended a Packers game with my heated jacket as well as a Bucks game. When you're in the security line just pull out the battery/adapter and drop it in the bin with your keys/wallet/phone. I had someone ask me what it was and when I told them they were fine with it.



On another note, any chance someone has an extra M12 charger lying around before I buy one on eBay? I used to have 5-6 of them, but gave them all away to friends/family because I had enough M12/M18 combo chargers. I thought I kept one to bring to the office for my jacket, but did not...

Send me $ 7.50 for shipping and you can have one. lol

 

[Ign]

I got a 311B sweatshirt the other day. I am really impressed. I see how it could actually provide protection similar to a jacket in a sweatshirt.

The material isn’t very stretchy, though, so this can affect sizing. I’m 5’10”/160 and a small would actually be fine if it stretched at all. But in actual use (just driving etc) it’s a bit too tight in the shoulders and the arms are just barely a tiny bit short. I’m going to exchange for a medium.

Build quality seems great and the zipper is nice.

 

[Ign]

Acmetools.com is best
Toolup.com
Cpomilwaukee.com
Zoro.com for bare tools with 25-30% off and hand tools
Toolbarn.com
International.com

If you’re shopping for Milwaukee you’ll have more success at internationalTOOL.com

 

[ishiboo]

I attended a Packers game with my heated jacket as well as a Bucks game. When you're in the security line just pull out the battery/adapter and drop it in the bin with your keys/wallet/phone. I had someone ask me what it was and when I told them they were fine with it.



On another note, any chance someone has an extra M12 charger lying around before I buy one on eBay? I used to have 5-6 of them, but gave them all away to friends/family because I had enough M12/M18 combo chargers. I thought I kept one to bring to the office for my jacket, but did not...

I have a bunch you can have a few for free. I'll be down in Milwaukee sometime before the end of this month, or you can pay to ship them.