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The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

Crazyjake8493

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Sep 26, 2014
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Location
Upstate NY
I have been thinking about getting a cordless string trimmer, but am having a tough time with how often I will be charging the battery and battery storage. Plus I don't mind gas engines.

The M18 with a 9.0ah battery will run one hour on a full charge, which would be plenty for most homeowners, but not enough for a more than a small mowing business.

I have 3 acres and after 2 hours of mowing, I only have 20-30 minutes of trimming to do each week. My 5.0ah battery would probably suffice for that. If I get the 9.0 I'd just leave it on the charger in the garage until I'm ready to weedwack the following week.
 
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Chromdome35

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Apr 22, 2013
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194
I got the M18 String Trimmer last year and used it all summer. It worked great and I never had any issues with battery capacity. I was able to trim my whole yard (Over 400ft of privacy fence + the house + Edgin driveway, sidewalk and entry walk) and have enough battery left to use the blower to deal with the trimmings.

I also have a Sthil gas powered trimmer which works great, but the Cordless one is way more convenient and lighter.
 

deberly12

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Jun 7, 2017
Messages
383
Location
Lebanon County, PA
Just curious if it bogs down? I have the stardard 25cc poulan pro curved shaft gas trimmer(I bought it for almost nothing). It *****. I can't even stand to use it the min I get into any kind or heavy grass it just bogs down. I am used to running a much better one back on the farm. In fact I picked us a FS120 Stihl that needs a little work. I can't wait to get that thing going. Now that is a string trimmer.

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk
 

DFB

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Sep 7, 2016
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Southern VT/Western Mass
Has anyone tried that m18 pump with fuel? Yes - I know it's not made for that, but I'm thinking a few odd jobs here or there might be fine so long as you flushed it out after.. I'm just wondering..


I think it would work just fine with diesel or fuel oil.

Don't think I would want to do gasoline

But ya...definitely do a video :evil:


As for motor oils maybe it'll work as long as the viscosity was thin enough (warm?) :headscrat

Bit i I remember rigt also they don't recommend pumping hot water either
 

Chromdome35

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Apr 22, 2013
Messages
194
Just curious if it bogs down? I have the stardard 25cc poulan pro curved shaft gas trimmer(I bought it for almost nothing). It *****. I can't even stand to use it the min I get into any kind or heavy grass it just bogs down. I am used to running a much better one back on the farm. In fact I picked us a FS120 Stihl that needs a little work. I can't wait to get that thing going. Now that is a string trimmer.

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk

My Sthil is an FS 130 with handlebars and it's a BEAST. I bought it when we owned a 40acre property out in the country. It would take a couple of hours to truly weedeat the whole place. It is just a bit overkill for our suburban .5 acre home.

I haven't ever used the Milwaukee on knee-high grass/weeds like you get out in the country but around our house, it has handled everything I've thrown at it without a problem.

If I had a large lot with a lot of high grass or if it was going to take more than 30-45 minutes of trimming, I would go with the Sthil every time.
 

DFB

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Southern VT/Western Mass
My #1 is a John Deere it's so lightweight and balanced it's awesome to use. I never understand Deere they get a good thing and drop it. They also had decent rebadged chainsaws too.

Sthil line trimmers are powerful beasts. I have a bottom of the line one for my backup trimmer. It ***** gas twice as fast as the Deere and will empty the tank in half the time :lol:

At this point I look at battery power OPE more as a standby for quicker light jobs an convenient not to have to fuel up and fire up by pull cord choke/primer.

Though for most part that transfer pump has replaced my gasoline powered pump for watering plants all weekend at my offsite flower sales job
 

deberly12

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Jun 7, 2017
Messages
383
Location
Lebanon County, PA
My Sthil is an FS 130 with handlebars and it's a BEAST. I bought it when we owned a 40acre property out in the country. It would take a couple of hours to truly weedeat the whole place. It is just a bit overkill for our suburban .5 acre home.

I haven't ever used the Milwaukee on knee-high grass/weeds like you get out in the country but around our house, it has handled everything I've thrown at it without a problem.

If I had a large lot with a lot of high grass or if it was going to take more than 30-45 minutes of trimming, I would go with the Sthil every time.

My #1 is a John Deere it's so lightweight and balanced it's awesome to use. I never understand Deere they get a good thing and drop it. They also had decent rebadged chainsaws too.

Sthil line trimmers are powerful beasts. I have a bottom of the line one for my backup trimmer. It ***** gas twice as fast as the Deere and will empty the tank in half the time :lol:

Haha you nailed it!. The one I grew up running was a JD. I think they are rebadged but anyway. I hate JD because "Reasons" but that this was awesome trimmer. And I think expectations are part of my issue. That JD I could shove into waist high heavy weeds and it wouldn't even hesitate.



I doubt I would be happy with any of M18 OPE but I am not who they are marketed toward. Honestly they probably aren't meant for very many of us on this forum. In my opinion they are intended for Joe Suburbia.

I would like a good Battery Chain saw but it needs to be professional quality. Husquvarna makes a cordless saw the outperforms the Gas saws in it class (pro arborist climing saw) and is significantly lighter. This is what I am looking for from a cordless chainsaw. I already know it wont happen. M18 OPE isn't meant to be professional quality.

It is meant for people that don't need or cant handle gas equipment. Or those of us that are addicted and buy it just because it says Milwaukee. I have no doubt that they love these people but it is such a small group they aren't designing for us. And why would they if we will but it anyway.
 

Jamie V

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Jun 10, 2012
Messages
1,059
Location
Atco, NJ
I just got the boot in for my 2553-20 impact. It seems to fit real nice!

64d4a4f441ea2823a7895b31f837a668.jpg
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ab16232238051b969039cff45c91f5e8.jpg
 

DFB

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Sep 7, 2016
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Southern VT/Western Mass
^^^

Like the compact form

Can hardly wait for a 3/8" anvil version.


Interesting it almost looks like the collet is no farther out than your finger knuckle when your hand is wrapped around the handle

I have to wonder about that, I can put a 1 inch bit my brushed 2462 to drive sheetrock scews sets them dimpled and no deeper.
 

Crazyjake8493

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Joined
Sep 26, 2014
Messages
3,949
Location
Upstate NY
I just got the boot in for my 2553-20 impact. It seems to fit real nice!

That's awesome! I've been looking at that impact and didn't realize they had rubber boots available for any of the impact drivers. I'm still wanting one for my M18 mid-torque impact wrench but can't bring myself to spend the $36. I wish someone made an aftermarket version without the Milwaukee logo for half the price.
 

PeedoPie

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Joined
Nov 16, 2017
Messages
178
Location
NJ
Been looking for a boot for my 2453. I don’t think they make one for the first gen fuels
 

sumday

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Dec 7, 2017
Messages
46
anyone else either have milwaukee inspection cameras 2309-20 ~$90 or 2313-20 ~$120 and disappointed...going to return and maybe try the rigid and ryobi

any recommendations for inspection camera?

the 2311 might be promising but ~$350
 
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a52-830

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May 28, 2016
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4,644
Location
north of boston, massachusetts
i have a local hardware store that is an official milwaukee repair place. they can get things like the boots. they are list price, but there is no shipping (dont know if milwaukee charges you or not) and it is supporting the local guy . . . .
 

Oldgloryfirearms

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Joined
Apr 5, 2015
Messages
298
Location
Southern Maryland
Need some opinions on buying the M12 ratchet 1/4 and 3/8. I am not a professional mechanic at all but I like to wrench on my cars and motorcycles. I have a few m12 tools and would like to pick up 1/4 and 3/8 ratchet.

For a non pro like myself is it really worth the extra money to buy the fuel versions of the ratchets? I know they are more powerful but for the price of 1 fuel ratchet I can buy both non fuel ratchets. Looking for advice from people that have used both ratchets.
 

DFB

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Sep 7, 2016
Messages
5,765
Location
Southern VT/Western Mass
Need some opinions on buying the M12 ratchet 1/4 and 3/8. I am not a professional mechanic at all but I like to wrench on my cars and motorcycles. I have a few m12 tools and would like to pick up 1/4 and 3/8 ratchet.

For a non pro like myself is it really worth the extra money to buy the fuel versions of the ratchets? I know they are more powerful but for the price of 1 fuel ratchet I can buy both non fuel ratchets. Looking for advice from people that have used both ratchets.


Quite honestly the basic ratchet is all one needs for spinning nuts and bolts.

They were never meant to break loose fasteners under power load, though many people WANT them too. The redesigned FUEL tool may give you better chance of doing that if that is how you want to try to use your tool. Cost much more and is a larger form overall.

I have the 3/8 does what I need for now I may get a 1/2" drive Fuel someday for my farm maintenance job as I do often work with larger fasteners and use 1/2" more.
 

DFB

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Sep 7, 2016
Messages
5,765
Location
Southern VT/Western Mass
anyone else either have milwaukee inspection cameras 2309-20 ~$90 or 2313-20 ~$120 and disappointed...going to return and maybe try the rigid and ryobi

any recommendations for inspection camera?

the 2311 might be promising but ~$350


I have 2313 it works like it is intended too. It's not a camera and cant capture what your looking at nor is the screen detachable but in general the light is bright and the picture is very clear. And it is the shorter flex cable is enough for me The end fits a sparkplug hole. There is an optional 9 ft cable version too but has a larger camera end I believe.

Using just the tools lighting alone you do have to be quite close maybe 2 inches and under to get a view. But adding an artificial light source enhances the distance you can view such in wall cavity

So what seems to be the problem you are having with it?

I would sue like one with more features but I cant see the money not for my general needs.

Go for the others I'd be curious how they compare. If you go into the general forums and search most people non committed to tool platform will tell you to get a limp noodle cable and an APP for smart phone or computer/tablet.

I'm not really interested in that.
 

sumday

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Joined
Dec 7, 2017
Messages
46
the cable isnt detachable to swap between different lengths. i thought by "360" the actual camera head turns, not just the screen. tried turning the camera in a tight spot and impossible. the attachments are impossible to get off, annoying.
 

sumday

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Joined
Dec 7, 2017
Messages
46
Need some opinions on buying the M12 ratchet 1/4 and 3/8. I am not a professional mechanic at all but I like to wrench on my cars and motorcycles. I have a few m12 tools and would like to pick up 1/4 and 3/8 ratchet.

For a non pro like myself is it really worth the extra money to buy the fuel versions of the ratchets? I know they are more powerful but for the price of 1 fuel ratchet I can buy both non fuel ratchets. Looking for advice from people that have used both ratchets.

i have the 3/8, light and compact. pretty much can only loosen screws and have to loosen by hand. not terrible but annoying when it almost never breaks a bolt loose on its own. the new fuel is heavier and longer but will smash/twist/break your hand if your not prepared and loosen many bolts. someone said the non fuel heads can be swapped out between 1/4 and 3/8 easily by removing the snap ring. havent tried. so buy the 3/8 35# vs 1/4 30# and a 1/4 head ~$20 and it would be like having both ratchets

returned the fuel 1/2, it only has 5 lbs more torque and can use an adaptor if needed on 3/8 to 1/2
 
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jshillin

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Joined
Nov 9, 2008
Messages
5,593
Location
PA
Need some opinions on buying the M12 ratchet 1/4 and 3/8. I am not a professional mechanic at all but I like to wrench on my cars and motorcycles. I have a few m12 tools and would like to pick up 1/4 and 3/8 ratchet.

For a non pro like myself is it really worth the extra money to buy the fuel versions of the ratchets? I know they are more powerful but for the price of 1 fuel ratchet I can buy both non fuel ratchets. Looking for advice from people that have used both ratchets.

To me it is... I had the Non-Fuel 3/8" for a while, but bought the 1/4" Fuel as soon as it came out. I don't think I've grabbed the 3/8" out of my toolbox since I got it. The Fuel ratchets are faster and more powerful. Worth a little more money in my opinion. Watch for a coupon or sale, you can get them for a decent price. I paid right at $135 for the 1/4" Bare tool.
 

DFB

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Sep 7, 2016
Messages
5,765
Location
Southern VT/Western Mass
returned the fuel 1/2, it only has 5 lbs more torque and can use an adaptor if needed on 3/8 to 1/2

Ya looking at them online I think that maybe the best choice

between the max torque rating and overall length that's not much difference and the 3/8" is $20 less list price too. :thumbup:
 

jcthorne

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Apr 20, 2016
Messages
96
Location
Houston, TX
I had the 1/4 and 3/8 non fuel ratchets. Still have the 1/4 but replaced the 3/8 with fuel version. Liked the improvement enough that I bought the 1/2 inch Fuel. There is a BIG difference between them. But for the 1/4 size, the regular one is fine and the smaller head works well on the smaller sockets. I sold the 3/8 non fuel for most of what I paid for it 2 yrs ago so not much loss.
 

jcthorne

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Joined
Apr 20, 2016
Messages
96
Location
Houston, TX
Any word on if or when Milwaukee is going to release a smaller M12 version Surge hydraulic impact? Love my M18 but would really like a smaller M12 version for tighter spaces and easier maneuverability.
 

dacan23

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Apr 15, 2014
Messages
2,804
Location
RI
The RPMs on the Fuel ratchets is actually lower than the old ones.

I have 4 of the 5 ratchets, Fuel 1/4 being only one I dont have.

I wish the Fuel ones had 2 power/speeds. The Fuel ones are best for disassembling I think while the regular for reassemble. The power increase can easily make trouble on smaller bolts.

I will never get rid of the regular ones, even have a 3/8 NIB backup as mine is 4-5yrs old.

If Fuel V2s have multiple modes perhaps they will be only ones I use, better yet One Key. But I want a low torque high rpm and high torque low rpm settings which isnt typical.

To me it is... I had the Non-Fuel 3/8" for a while, but bought the 1/4" Fuel as soon as it came out. I don't think I've grabbed the 3/8" out of my toolbox since I got it. The Fuel ratchets are faster and more powerful. Worth a little more money in my opinion. Watch for a coupon or sale, you can get them for a decent price. I paid right at $135 for the 1/4" Bare tool.
 

DerekV

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Oct 12, 2016
Messages
1,070
Location
Central TX
A couple weeks ago I noticed one of my 9.0s acting "different"...felt a little warmer than normal (using the Fuel blower maxed out) and the runtime noticeably lower (only 14 mins on the blower). It strangely charged up faster than any of my other 9.0s, from literally dead to green in 1.5 hours on a non-rapid charger, and the final voltage read 20.31v whereas all of my other batteries finish at 20.6+v. Strange, but I dismissed it. "I take care of my batteries and this is my newest one (11/2016 date code)".

Fast forward to yesterday and after 11 mins of Fuel blowin' I was at 1 bar. WTH. Decided to pop the cover off and scope things out. I checked voltage on every cell and lo and behold, the 3rd one down the line in all 3 rows was showing lower voltage. The others were all exactly 3.65v each, and these stragglers were merely 3.3v each. Bad cells! I'm kind of amazed, I mean I use the things but not day-in, day-out 100% charge/deplete/repeat. I guess it happens.

This theoretically shouldn't be a problem warranty-wise, but we'll see. I really hope it's a painless swap. I recently warrantied one of my locking c-clamps and it was far from smooth/painless.

Follow up: wrote into Milwaukee around this time yesterday, got a response this morning to call this dedicated 9.0 phone number since mailing used ones that aren't in clamshells require special ceramic shipping boxes. I finally had a second to call and it was painless. Took my information and they'll be sending the label and special box right away. The person I spoke with told me they'll be sending a brand new battery.

Now THAT'S what I'm talking about! :rocker:
 

sumday

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Joined
Dec 7, 2017
Messages
46
The RPMs on the Fuel ratchets is actually lower than the old ones.

I have 4 of the 5 ratchets, Fuel 1/4 being only one I dont have.

I wish the Fuel ones had 2 power/speeds. The Fuel ones are best for disassembling I think while the regular for reassemble. The power increase can easily make trouble on smaller bolts.

I will never get rid of the regular ones, even have a 3/8 NIB backup as mine is 4-5yrs old.

If Fuel V2s have multiple modes perhaps they will be only ones I use, better yet One Key. But I want a low torque high rpm and high torque low rpm settings which isnt typical.

i would like a rocker forward/reverse type switch, sometimes its hard to turn the dial to switch directions and use another hand
 

kctyphoon

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Joined
Jun 9, 2014
Messages
9,102
Location
Jersey/Staten Island
Kc, did you see my post on the M18 battery to Ryobi tools adapter made by plc268? They kick ***.

I was expecting you to the intrigued by that...

Yea, but I still don't have any Ryobi stuff.. I just bought their impact wrench kit for $80 on clearance and gave it to the warehouse guy at work. For the price of the battery you can get the entire kit right now if u can find them.
 
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