The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[chrisnazzy]

Chris Snazzy I hear what your saying on size and power of a full size Sawzall vs the Hackzall obviously the major point is the one handed use and generally lighter weight with these designs. Hold your pipe or board with one hand and still operate the saw.

They do say New M18 Fuel does offer some major refinements over the original brushed version counter balancing less blade chatter and the longest stroke of them all. And the cost isn't really out of line (to me anyhow) especially with a promo discount.

IMO if a person was do mostly wood construction demolition Hackzalls don't really cut it. Smaller chores are much better. I'm on ladder a lot. Light weight is good but having less vibration though would be better. Lot's of people seem happy with the M12 Fuel. Thinking backwards now maybe should have just stepped up a notch when the M12 Fuel deal with the free 6.0 was around

I only posted the pics I saved from NPS. I have the original M18 non-Fuel Hackzall and it has been awesome. I've used it for automotive work, wood with and without nails and even palm tree trimming with a 12" Diablo pruning blade.

I'm definitely getting the new Fuel. To me it doesnt seem that the size difference would be a big deal. Just a little longer but less of a protrusion on top. If they have improved this tool even by a small margin over the original M18 its a win.

On the other note that JamieV mentioned, I've often thought about getting the little M12 Hackzall for if I ever needed to get in somewhere really confined. I would consider that tool as a subcompact reciprocating saw but I've always considered the M18 Hackzall as a sawzall alternative.

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[jcthorne]

Question on M18 batteries. I have a few of the genuine Milwaukee red lithium batteries but in need of buying a few more.

Are there any really decent aftermarket batteries worth buying is is the group wisdom to stick with the Milwaukee genuine batteries? I see lots of chinese batteries on Amazon and ebay but no idea what is any good.

 

[a52-830]

as others have pointed out, there are electronics inside the battery for the M18's. i would be suspicious of buying them, since i would be worried about charging them . . . . there also might be some tools that won't play well with them, especially if milwaukee goes ahead and introduces some dual M18 tools. . . . .

 

[Distrophe]

Question on M18 batteries. I have a few of the genuine Milwaukee red lithium batteries but in need of buying a few more.

Are there any really decent aftermarket batteries worth buying is is the group wisdom to stick with the Milwaukee genuine batteries? I see lots of chinese batteries on Amazon and ebay but no idea what is any good.

With the prices I see I stick with genuine. $50 or so is good for the 5ah. The compacts have too high a price per capacity for me. I just did the Toolup 4pk of 5ah for $199 lol. Up to 11 batteries currently. Im thinking of selling 1 or 2 of em. Not sure what shipping is like though.

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[dacan23]

Just sold some 9s to a guy that bought a fake with "oem" parts off of ebay. Fake 9 was a POS, he showed it to me. He paid more per unit than the real ones I sold him.

Question on M18 batteries. I have a few of the genuine Milwaukee red lithium batteries but in need of buying a few more.

Are there any really decent aftermarket batteries worth buying is is the group wisdom to stick with the Milwaukee genuine batteries? I see lots of chinese batteries on Amazon and ebay but no idea what is any good.

 

[Bighead38]

So the old man has every tool imaginable except modern power tools. He has a 20 year old makita kit that is shot and only has one working battery left. I’ve convinced other family members to work with me and get him a good m12 setup. Not really interested in any wood working tools. Looking for automotive tools. Any suggestions besides what I have listed below? What are the best places to get the following:

Fuel Impact driver and hammer drill or drill
Fuel 3/8 ratchet
Fuel impact- most of his impact sockets are 1/2”. Is the m12 worth it in 1/2” or should we go for the 3/8”
What’s the best m12 flashlight and is it worth it?
Hackzall
Will need a full bit kit which doesn’t have to be Milwaukee. Recommendations?

I have a feeling the Underhood light is too expensive. Any other lights I should look at?

Need charger and batteries. So one purchase will be a kit to get a charger and some batteries. Most likely the driver/drill combo. He doesn’t need a ton of batteries as these won’t be used everyday but will need at least two but prefer 3 or 4 to get him some bigger ones.

Any must have auto tools that I am missing?

Really wanted the fuel ratchet but I think this is hard to beat. Might be worth it to just get the standard ratchet and spend the extra money on more tools.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...n-Ratchet-Tool-Only-2597-22-2457-20/205044703

 

[Voi]

Fuel Impact driver and hammer drill or drill
Fuel 3/8 ratchet
Fuel impact- most of his impact sockets are 1/2”. Is the m12 worth it in 1/2” or should we go for the 3/8”
What’s the best m12 flashlight and is it worth it?
Hackzall

Any must have auto tools that I am missing?

Really wanted the fuel ratchet but I think this is hard to beat. Might be worth it to just get the standard ratchet and spend the extra money on more tools.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...n-Ratchet-Tool-Only-2597-22-2457-20/205044703

First thing I thought of when reading through you list was the M12 hex screwdriver. I like my Bosch equivalent for small fasteners but now that I think about it the ratchet on your list along with various torx and allen sockets would probably be more useful overall. You wouldn't have the clutch but it would fit into much tighter spaces.

Speaking of tighter spaces, I think the 2nd gen M12 Fuel impact driver is over an inch shorter than the one in the kit you linked to above. I don't do a lot of automotive work but when I do it I always seem to come across a situation where more compact would be better. Not sure if it has been released yet or when it will be.

[EDIT] A lot of posters here love that M12 grinder/polisher for automotive work.

 

[DonkeyFluffer]

Picked up two of the Kobalt Charging Stations at Lowe's today. $89 with military discount. Just wanted to demonstrate that the 2763 1/2"Impact Wrench fits upside down or otherwise, even with a 9.0 battery. Most other M18s fit both ways even with belt clip, but the 2753 Impact Driver and the 2704 Hammer Drill will need to have either the belt clip or spare bit holder removed to fit upside down.

M12 tools do not fit upside down.

I'm happy because i like my tools right side up and everything fits that i intend to put in there.

The charging station is heavier and sturdier than i expected. I like it. I think i will make it where the chargers are firmly mounted because i like doing things one-handed when possible.

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[kctyphoon]

So the old man has every tool imaginable except modern power tools. He has a 20 year old makita kit that is shot and only has one working battery left. I’ve convinced other family members to work with me and get him a good m12 setup. Not really interested in any wood working tools. Looking for automotive tools. Any suggestions besides what I have listed below? What are the best places to get the following:

Fuel Impact driver and hammer drill or drill
Fuel 3/8 ratchet
Fuel impact- most of his impact sockets are 1/2”. Is the m12 worth it in 1/2” or should we go for the 3/8”
What’s the best m12 flashlight and is it worth it?
Hackzall
Will need a full bit kit which doesn’t have to be Milwaukee. Recommendations?

I have a feeling the Underhood light is too expensive. Any other lights I should look at?

Need charger and batteries. So one purchase will be a kit to get a charger and some batteries. Most likely the driver/drill combo. He doesn’t need a ton of batteries as these won’t be used everyday but will need at least two but prefer 3 or 4 to get him some bigger ones.

Any must have auto tools that I am missing?

Really wanted the fuel ratchet but I think this is hard to beat. Might be worth it to just get the standard ratchet and spend the extra money on more tools.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...n-Ratchet-Tool-Only-2597-22-2457-20/205044703

If your looking for automotive impacts, the m18 line may be a better option. I don't believe the m12 even comes as 1/2" option, and the m12 stuff is nowhere near as powerful as the m18 Fuel. The 12v stuff is good for being 12v but the m18 drill is like 3 or 4 times as powerful. Most of us wind up with both m12 and m18 platforms..

The m12 and m18 stick lights are both good.. if it were me, I'd get the core tools as 18v, and just get The ratchet as a 12v kit, maybe the m12 stick light to go with it..

It's hard to judge not having the things to use before hand, but don't expect the m12 stuff to be "almost" as strong, or 18v replacements.. they are not. The 12v impact wrench is good for small fasteners, but not something your gonna want to tr y and remove wheels with.

 

[ca90ss]

I don't believe the m12 even comes as 1/2" option

It does but it isn't any more powerful than the 3/8" version.
http://toolsonline.com/Product/TB-MILM12BIW120

 

[bcradio]

It does but it isn't any more powerful than the 3/8" version.
http://toolsonline.com/Product/TB-MILM12BIW120

Probably not worth getting Euro versions of tools unless you live there

 

[Jamie V]

So the old man has every tool imaginable except modern power tools. He has a 20 year old makita kit that is shot and only has one working battery left. I’ve convinced other family members to work with me and get him a good m12 setup. Not really interested in any wood working tools. Looking for automotive tools. Any suggestions besides what I have listed below? What are the best places to get the following:

Fuel Impact driver and hammer drill or drill
Fuel 3/8 ratchet
Fuel impact- most of his impact sockets are 1/2”. Is the m12 worth it in 1/2” or should we go for the 3/8”
What’s the best m12 flashlight and is it worth it?
Hackzall
Will need a full bit kit which doesn’t have to be Milwaukee. Recommendations?

I have a feeling the Underhood light is too expensive. Any other lights I should look at?

Need charger and batteries. So one purchase will be a kit to get a charger and some batteries. Most likely the driver/drill combo. He doesn’t need a ton of batteries as these won’t be used everyday but will need at least two but prefer 3 or 4 to get him some bigger ones.

Any must have auto tools that I am missing?

Really wanted the fuel ratchet but I think this is hard to beat. Might be worth it to just get the standard ratchet and spend the extra money on more tools.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...n-Ratchet-Tool-Only-2597-22-2457-20/205044703

I’m an “automotive first” type of tool owner also but I do have a wide variety of tools also.

In my garage I have a few different go to tools.

My favorite impact is my M18 3/8 impact with a 2.0 compact battery & boot.



My 2nd favorite impact is my M18 1/2 mid torque with a 2.0 compact battery and boot



I have others but those 2 will cover 95% of what your dad does I’m sure.

My next favorite item is my M12 underhood Light. I use it all the time. I was just vacuuming out the inside of my wife’s explorer a couple weeks ago and I had it across the roof inside to help see the dirt!





As far as ratchets go I have both of the first gen M12 units (1/4” & 3/8”) and I just got the new fuel 3/8” and it really depends what your looking to do with it to know what to recommend. If your looking to just run stuff in and out quick but then get a regular ratchet to tighten/break free then get the non fuel ones. If you looking to use the ratchet to break bolts free and crank them tight get the fuel.



The big M18 batteries are great for saws and lights but for impacts and such the compact 2.0’s are perfect.

M12 ratchets any compact battery is fine. The underhood light you’ll want a M12 4.0 (6.0 is perfect)

 

[nmcqueen469]

Finally pulled the trigger on the string trimmer kit and my first 9.0 battery.






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[plc268]

If your looking for automotive impacts, the m18 line may be a better option. I don't believe the m12 even comes as 1/2" option, and the m12 stuff is nowhere near as powerful as the m18 Fuel. The 12v stuff is good for being 12v but the m18 drill is like 3 or 4 times as powerful. Most of us wind up with both m12 and m18 platforms..

Yea, that m12 fuel 3/8 impact is pretty weak. It's a great impact because of its size and weight, but it's not going to take tires off or bust loose any suspension bolts. You'll need a 1/2" impact companion.

I use my m12 3/8 impact mostly for stuff I know doesn't need to take a ton of force to remove, and I use it for reassembly. Zip the bolts/nuts back and you know you aren't going to over-torque, then come back with a torque wrench later.

 

[Rickss96]

If your looking for automotive impacts, the m18 line may be a better option. I don't believe the m12 even comes as 1/2" option, and the m12 stuff is nowhere near as powerful as the m18 Fuel. The 12v stuff is good for being 12v but the m18 drill is like 3 or 4 times as powerful. Most of us wind up with both m12 and m18 platforms..

I agree with the others on this, especially the torque wrench. If "automotive" includes lug nuts on passenger cars & trucks, overhauling rear ends, removing harmonic balancers, etc. then you will need one of the high torque M18 wrenches. I have the 2763-20 and it hasn't met anything yet that it won't take off. Also has a low-torque setting so you won't shear off the smaller bolts. Have a friend who is a pro auto mechanic and he owns just about every air-powered tool. He has borrowed my M18 torque wrench to use at home (when his air compressor broke down) and he approves of its capability.

If you get an M18 kit, the battery charger handles both M18 and M12 batteries. Then you can get m12 bare tools if you like. I prefer the M12 tools for the ratchet, drills, hex drivers and other tools because they are somewhat smaller and lighter weight. A couple of extra M12 batteries is nice to have so you can always keep one charged up.

 

[fordgasm]

Was at a Home Depot (not my usual one) and decided to take a peek at their Milwaukee wet/dry vacuums. To my surprise the one on display was the new updated version. They had 2 updated ones and 2 older ones in stock. Since I asked my wife to get me the newer one for Christmas I called my wife and she was like yea, grab it (happy wife happy life). My local HD has the older ones in stock. Super nice, love it. Even takes the 9Ah battery.

 

[bcradio]

I agree with the others on this, especially the torque wrench. If "automotive" includes lug nuts on passenger cars & trucks, overhauling rear ends, removing harmonic balancers, etc. then you will need one of the high torque M18 wrenches. I have the 2763-20 and it hasn't met anything yet that it won't take off. Also has a low-torque setting so you won't shear off the smaller bolts. Have a friend who is a pro auto mechanic and he owns just about every air-powered tool. He has borrowed my M18 torque wrench to use at home (when his air compressor broke down) and he approves of its capability.

If you get an M18 kit, the battery charger handles both M18 and M12 batteries. Then you can get m12 bare tools if you like. I prefer the M12 tools for the ratchet, drills, hex drivers and other tools because they are somewhat smaller and lighter weight. A couple of extra M12 batteries is nice to have so you can always keep one charged up.

Do you have a model number on this?

 

[Distrophe]

Do you have a model number on this?

I'm pretty sure they meant to type "Impact" wrench.
Milwaukee doesn't seem to make a "Torque Wrench"
Old M18 Impact is 2663-20 newer ones are 2763-20 , 2767-20 & 2861-20 for the mid-torque.
The mid-torque matches the torque of my old 2663 while being lighter and smaller.
Wow, HD still sells the 2663 for $170. Only $20 less than the new mid-torque
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...ith-Friction-Ring-Tool-Only-2663-20/202196562

 

[dacan23]

M12 Fuel 3/8 will easily take off properly torqued lugs on a car. Heck I even once used M18 Fuel hex impact with 3/8 adapter and extension just to test and it removed lugs on my properly torqued wheels.

No impact will help with lugs slammed on by a shop monster air gun. Just last night my mid torque failed to remove a few on my new SUV which had been rebalanced by the dealer last month. My 2763 has even failed at a few over the years.

Yea, that m12 fuel 3/8 impact is pretty weak. It's a great impact because of its size and weight, but it's not going to take tires off or bust loose any suspension bolts. You'll need a 1/2" impact companion.

I use my m12 3/8 impact mostly for stuff I know doesn't need to take a ton of force to remove, and I use it for reassembly. Zip the bolts/nuts back and you know you aren't going to over-torque, then come back with a torque wrench later.

 

[kctyphoon]

Finally pulled the trigger on the string trimmer kit and my first 9.0 battery.






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Please tell us you got a kit that came with a free blower or hedge trimmer too.. someone else (from the thread) turned me onto an online deal that came with the trimmer kit, free blower, and free Milwaukee cooler too - for $299.. I sent that link right over to Santa (my father) and said "if you want a gift idea, here ya go"

 

[kctyphoon]

I'm pretty sure they meant to type "Impact" wrench.
Milwaukee doesn't seem to make a "Torque Wrench"
Old M18 Impact is 2663-20 newer ones are 2763-20 , 2767-20 & 2861-20 for the mid-torque.
The mid-torque matches the torque of my old 2663 while being lighter and smaller.
Wow, HD still sells the 2663 for $170. Only $20 less than the new mid-torque
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...ith-Friction-Ring-Tool-Only-2663-20/202196562

That's called sarcasm, just FYI.. lol

As far as what impacts will remove lugs, and I'm not claiming to be a mechanic, but I've never actually seen anyone use a torque wrench to put wheels on, let alone expect a shop to take the time( most are just different levels of shady in my book, cause 9 out of 10 of these guys are just looking to milk people).The safe bet is to always have a larger (or stronger) impact to deal with big fasteners. If the small guy manages it a few times, that's good, but for most people it's asking a lot of a 12v. Even the mid torque falls short on items you wouldn't think it would. I mean, it doesn't take much to hit bolts with ain't seize either, but we all know that NEVER happens unless you do it yourself.

 

[nmcqueen469]

Please tell us you got a kit that came with a free blower or hedge trimmer too.. someone else (from the thread) turned me onto an online deal that came with the trimmer kit, free blower, and free Milwaukee cooler too - for $299.. I sent that link right over to Santa (my father) and said "if you want a gift idea, here ya go"

Got it through Home Depot online the week after thanksgiving. Shipped to my door.


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[1TMF]

That's called sarcasm, just FYI.. lol

As far as what impacts will remove lugs, and I'm not claiming to be a mechanic, but I've never actually seen anyone use a torque wrench to put wheels on, let alone expect a shop to take the time( most are just different levels of shady in my book, cause 9 out of 10 of these guys are just looking to milk people).The safe bet is to always have a larger (or stronger) impact to deal with big fasteners. If the small guy manages it a few times, that's good, but for most people it's asking a lot of a 12v. Even the mid torque falls short on items you wouldn't think it would. I mean, it doesn't take much to hit bolts with ain't seize either, but we all know that NEVER happens unless you do it yourself.

I've been using my M18 Fuel 3/8 impact (it's the older version with 200 ft-lbs) on lug nuts for my autox cars and DD's for the last almost 3 years, and I've only had it fail to take off 3 lug nuts. On all 3 of those, the lug nut was seized and I had to snap the wheel stud to remove the nut. Granted I always torque my lug nuts to 90 ft-lbs, and no shop ever touches those lug nuts. I've been extremely happy with the M18 Fuel 3/8's.

I've also used the 3/8's on various suspension components, and I believe even an axle nut once, and it has always surprised me at how well it just works. There have been a small handful of times that it didn't have enough power (keep in mind that I'm just a weekend DIY'er), most recently the caliper bracket bolts on my wife's (somewhat rusty) 90k mile Outback.

So with all of the deals going on, I decided to get the new M18 Fuel 1/2 mid torque. I used it last night for the first time to remove lug nuts...holy poop! Removes them with ease, even on the mid torque setting. One potential downside though, is that the low torque setting is almost too low, and the mid torque setting is too high for putting lug nuts on. With the 3/8's, I could set it to the mid torque setting and hammer on the lug nuts. Then it would be about a 1/4-1/2 turn to 90 ft-lbs with the torque wrench. I'll need to figure out a new process with the M18 fuel mid torque (maybe a torque stick?), or keep the 3/8 around.

 

[one9gt]

The first gen 1/2" fuel impact wrench is currently on clearance ...$168.06 at my HD. It should drop again to 03 pricing in the next couple weeks


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[dacan23]

With tightening using the mid torque on low, I find it gets it to about 80+ lbs if you let it impact a few times.

I've been using my M18 Fuel 3/8 impact (it's the older version with 200 ft-lbs) on lug nuts for my autox cars and DD's for the last almost 3 years, and I've only had it fail to take off 3 lug nuts. On all 3 of those, the lug nut was seized and I had to snap the wheel stud to remove the nut. Granted I always torque my lug nuts to 90 ft-lbs, and no shop ever touches those lug nuts. I've been extremely happy with the M18 Fuel 3/8's.

I've also used the 3/8's on various suspension components, and I believe even an axle nut once, and it has always surprised me at how well it just works. There have been a small handful of times that it didn't have enough power (keep in mind that I'm just a weekend DIY'er), most recently the caliper bracket bolts on my wife's (somewhat rusty) 90k mile Outback.

So with all of the deals going on, I decided to get the new M18 Fuel 1/2 mid torque. I used it last night for the first time to remove lug nuts...holy poop! Removes them with ease, even on the mid torque setting. One potential downside though, is that the low torque setting is almost too low, and the mid torque setting is too high for putting lug nuts on. With the 3/8's, I could set it to the mid torque setting and hammer on the lug nuts. Then it would be about a 1/4-1/2 turn to 90 ft-lbs with the torque wrench. I'll need to figure out a new process with the M18 fuel mid torque (maybe a torque stick?), or keep the 3/8 around.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

With tightening using the mid torque on low, I find it gets it to about 80+ lbs if you let it impact a few times.

I've been meaning to do a proper check on settings 1-2 on my mid-torque, but I know when I put my mower blade spindle nuts back on and then torque them with a wrench to 90ft/lbs, the wrench just goes a little bit more so I'd say 80ft/lbs is about right.

 

[1TMF]

With tightening using the mid torque on low, I find it gets it to about 80+ lbs if you let it impact a few times.

I did try it on low on the first wheel and I let impact for a while (it turns pretty slow) and it wasn't anywhere near 80 ft-lbs....maybe I didn't let it hammer long enough? If it takes that long, I'd rather just leave it on the middle setting and just hammer it on quick and stop before it impacts for too long.

I have another set of wheels that I need to swap anyway...moar testing!

 

[signcrafter]

Not sure if it has been posted or not but was in home Depot today and they had the newer rocket light, the one with the three heads, on clearance for 288. Almost thought about taking my 199 old style rocket ldight back and upgrading since the new has 3000 lumens. But mine came with free battery so will just keep it for now. If it would have been 288 a month ago when I bought mine I would have got the newer style.

 

[dacan23]

I am only talking a few seconds of impact. I of course install lugs in a star and I hit the first 2 again. If I dont then it might be 70lbs.

I did try it on low on the first wheel and I let impact for a while (it turns pretty slow) and it wasn't anywhere near 80 ft-lbs....maybe I didn't let it hammer long enough? If it takes that long, I'd rather just leave it on the middle setting and just hammer it on quick and stop before it impacts for too long.

I have another set of wheels that I need to swap anyway...moar testing!

 

[Jamie V]

Not sure if it has been posted or not but was in home Depot today and they had the newer rocket light, the one with the three heads, on clearance for 288.

Where are you from? These things NEVER go on clearance in southern NJ where I’m from!

 

[signcrafter]

Where are you from? These things NEVER go on clearance in southern NJ where I’m from!

This was at the Ankeny, IA store today. I was surprised also.

 

[6-Speed]

Just received the M12 soldering iron from Home Depot ... very nice.

 

[dacan23]

Didnt know there was a hard case for the M12 hackzall. Wish there was one for the M12 Fuel. This is that kit which was on special BF CM with 2 batteries.

 

[hbabler]

Got a recon 2783-20 kit from CPOtools ordered today. 2 5.0 batteries, charger and the grinder. I got it for $242 shipped. Hopefully I like the grinder, I’ve wanted one for a while, how do you guys like them?

 

[deberly12]

The grinder is awesome for general use it will keep up with a corded. Oh you are getting the trigger one. I like switch better. It as far as performance goes I'm sure they are similar.

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[dacan23]

The new 46 box dropped again, to 798. Just got back $100 from HD. Now delivered I am at $762!!!

 

[Jamie V]

I just picked up a 2653-20 impact gun and I’m trying to find a protective boot for it. Anyone know what part number boot fits it?

 

[DerekV]

The new 46 box dropped again, to 798. Just got back $100 from HD. Now delivered I am at $762!!!

Mad man!

 

[DerekV]

I just picked up a 2653-20 impact gun and I’m trying to find a protective boot for it. Anyone know what part number boot fits it?

If there isn't one in the parts PDF then they don't make one. I have one on my 2753 (gen 2 driver)...had to call Milwaukee directly to get it though

 

[Jamie V]

I have a 2753 also (with a boot) but I couldn’t find the boot for the 2653. I called Milwaukee and after a little investigating was told they don’t offer a boot for it. Bummer!