The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[LXCam]

Your best deal bill would be the two 5Amp batteries with the impact sockets for $320. If it wasn't for the fact I already had five of the 5'rs I'd have bought that kit. But for me it didn't make sense to pay a buck twenty for two batteries I can live without and a socket set I just don't need. So I bought the $200 deal instead.

 

[Shaners256]

I'm looking to get a mid torque impact wrench, and realize I need at least a 5AH battery. For working on astro Vans and an E350 Ford van.

What's the best way to do this?

I have drills and impact drivers in 12V and 18V, but no bigger batteries than what came with them.

And does the 9AH work in the impact wrench? If so, does it help any with power? Does it become too bulky and unbalanced?

Bill

Yes, all M18 batteries work in all M18 tools. You will get slightly more torque from what I've read, but it's probably negligible over the 5.0 Ah battery (this is in general for the bigger impacts or power hungry tools.) I don't have a midtorque impact yet, so I can't answer on the balance, but I don't mind a 9.0 on the 2763 high torque impact.

 

[cgrutt]

Though the tool can run on a compact battery it really needs a minimum of a 4.0XC to perform well and a 6.0 is even better.

Any of the saws perform best with higher amp hr batteries as does the grinder

Both batteries were the compact ones and not 2.0. The fine print says 16mwH. So in my quest for larger batteries, I bought a Fuel drill/driver combo that came with a 4.0xc and a 2.0 compact. HD was running promotion with another free 2.0 compact. I also bought a 6.0XC. I like the saw, hope the batteries help. Didn't really need a drill or driver, but liked the size of the driver. Hope the battery isn't a problem with these either, worked all day today driving screws with a M18 driver on single battery.

 

[DFB]

I'm looking to get a mid torque impact wrench, and realize I need at least a 5AH battery. For working on astro Vans and an E350 Ford van.

What's the best way to do this?

I have drills and impact drivers in 12V and 18V, but no bigger batteries than what came with them.

And does the 9AH work in the impact wrench? If so, does it help any with power? Does it become too bulky and unbalanced?

Bill

Why do you NEED a 5 AH? :

The 9.0 is a heavy ****** I will weigh some combo's up but a midtorque with 9.0 probably would feel like a high torque in hand!


Power increase are generally negligible between the XC on lot of the tools but you do get longer run times at each stage of the diminishing values as the battery wears down with higher AH batteries.


If you want Bill just for s**ts and giggles I can run a simple test and attempt remove all the lugs on my old truck using the 2.0 compact that came with the new $199 kit I just purchased and see how long the charge last

I've been using 4.0s for years on my impacts they barely wear down on single job.

Just as a note the compacts charge quite fast also.

 

[DerekV]

The cool thing about the midtorque is that it's really pretty compact with the slim batteries, still damn powerful, and well balanced. It's also well balanced with an XC pack. You do get more power with bigger batteries, but the actually difference that it makes depends on the motor/application. You will notice a huge difference in day, the Fuel Sawzall, from a 2.0 to a 9.0. Not as crazy of a difference in the impact driver. Heavier tools also seem more balanced with bigger batteries. The high torque - hell even the M18 Fuel drill - doesn't feel balanced with a 2.0. That is unlike the midtorque. If you can get away just fine with a smaller battery, why not? IMHO of course.

 

[pbon]

The big batteries are nice for flood lights, blowers, grinders and vacuums. You don’t need them for drills and impacts or even saws that are just being used for occasional cuts.

 

[DFB]

I actually find a better balance using the 2731 7 1/4" circ saw and 5.0 than the 9.0 promo battery that came with it.

My 9.0 is generally committed to the water transfer pump a;l summer with 5.0 as a back up and its also my first choice for the wet dry Vac and gawd does that thing ever eat batteries

Though I have always used a 4.0 on compact my 2655B 1/2 impact 3 batteries came with the kit

I tend to put the 2.0 on the Fuel hex driver and 3/8" wrench.

Ya it can definitely be a balance thing as the 2607 drill just feels better in hand for me with a 4.0XC than the compact 1.5ah batteries that came with the kit all those years ago. Though it's all personal preference really

Kind of like with the Gen 1 M12 fuel drill Dang thing generally WON'T stand up for long with compact battery in it though it doesn't really need the XC for most chores.

 

[bczygan]

Thanks for all the advice!

Now to steal (I mean find), the money...

Bill

 

[bczygan]

Why do you NEED a 5 AH? :

The 9.0 is a heavy ****** I will weigh some combo's up but a midtorque with 9.0 probably would feel like a high torque in hand!


Power increase are generally negligible between the XC on lot of the tools but you do get longer run times at each stage of the diminishing values as the battery wears down with higher AH batteries.


If you want Bill just for s**ts and giggles I can run a simple test and attempt remove all the lugs on my old truck using the 2.0 compact that came with the new $199 kit I just purchased and see how long the charge last

I've been using 4.0s for years on my impacts they barely wear down on single job.

Just as a note the compacts charge quite fast also.

That would be a great test, if you could do it...!

Bill

PS, None of my existing Milwaukee is Fuel. Separate 12V and 18V chargers.

 

[DFB]

That would be a great test, if you could do it...!

Bill

In the morning Bill it's dark now EST

 

[kctyphoon]

2 days ago I didn't "want" to order the m12 polisher.. finally decided that I might as well use this hd gift card and just order it, why not, there's nothing else I need.... "blah - if I use it for the motorcycle it's a good excuse" (I've never once used a machine to polish any of my bikes in like 20 years) . Now that I CANT order it from hd cause it's on backorder - it's driving me ******* crazy.... THAT - is a definite sign of a compulsive shopper..

 

[MikeF2316]

Though the tool can run on a compact battery it really needs a minimum of a 4.0XC to perform well and a 6.0 is even better.

Any of the saws perform best with higher amp hr batteries as does the grinder

I picked up the 5¼" M12 circular saw (tool only) a couple of weeks ago too. I only have several year old 2.0 and 4.0 XC batteries. Using the 2.0s it kept cutting out. Using the 4.0 XCs, it worked great. It's a handy little ******, light and easy to control. I used it to trim my headboard to fit around the large baseboards in my 1950s house, something I've been meaning to do for 15 years! I grabbed a 5½" Diablo blade to use with it.

 

[ThatSickRip]

That would be a great test, if you could do it...!

Bill

PS, None of my existing Milwaukee is Fuel. Separate 12V and 18V chargers.

Get the mid torque, trust me. It had zero issues tearing down the whole front end and rear suspension of my 05 4Runner (UCAs, LCAs, axle nuts, etc.). The factory torque specs on the axle nut is 217 ft/lbs, plus years/rust, and it took them off no problem. 2.0 battery was used too FYI

 

[Bruce Wayne]

I just bit the bullet & ordered the Milwaukee 22oz smooth face hammer. Does anyone have one? What do you think of it?

 

[PeedoPie]

Opinion needed. I’m looking at buying the 2754 3/8 gun soon. HD has the kit with 2x2.0 batteries or 2x 5.0. Only $20 difference. I’m looking to keep the size and weight down for tighter spaces, but don’t want to sacrifice the power either. I have the 2767 for the big stuff already. Which should I go with?

 

[bczygan]

Get the mid torque, trust me. It had zero issues tearing down the whole front end and rear suspension of my 05 4Runner (UCAs, LCAs, axle nuts, etc.). The factory torque specs on the axle nut is 217 ft/lbs, plus years/rust, and it took them off no problem. 2.0 battery was used too FYI

It's sounding better and better...

 

[kctyphoon]

Opinion needed. I’m looking at buying the 2754 3/8 gun soon. HD has the kit with 2x2.0 batteries or 2x 5.0. Only $20 difference. I’m looking to keep the size and weight down for tighter spaces, but don’t want to sacrifice the power either. I have the 2767 for the big stuff already. Which should I go with?

I think you answered your own question.. if you already have a bigger battery, then you're not giving anything up.. sometimes convenience is worth more than "getting more" with your purchase.. the other option - if you don't have bigger batteries already, then maybe get them. 2.0's are cheaper to buy if you still want them afterwards. Just buy on eBay or on here.

 

[MikeF2316]

Opinion needed. I’m looking at buying the 2754 3/8 gun soon. HD has the kit with 2x2.0 batteries or 2x 5.0. Only $20 difference. I’m looking to keep the size and weight down for tighter spaces, but don’t want to sacrifice the power either. I have the 2767 for the big stuff already. Which should I go with?

I'd get the bigger batteries, then scrounge up a small battery for those times when you need the extra "smallness". But if you really want smallness, go with the M12.

 

[DFB]

Seems to me for the small price difference the kit with the bigger XC batteries is more of a deal. Usually it's been a wider price gap between the different offerings.

 

[bczygan]

It's sounding better and better...

Ordered! (The $199 mid torque 1/2" one with the 2.0 battery.

Will get it shipped to home by Tuesday. Still enough time to try it and return and get the bigger battery kit on sale if it doesn't work out.

That one has the "One Key". Is that a useful feature?

Will be my first cordless impact wrench. Kind of excited!

Bill

 

[DFB]

That would be a great test, if you could do it...!

Bill

PS, None of my existing Milwaukee is Fuel. Separate 12V and 18V chargers.

Allright Bill that didn't take long at all...though I'll bet you won't move as fast as I do


So elapsed time to loosen all 20 lugs on Dodge 1/2 ton was like 2 minutes and that included all the time to walk around the truck too

Seriously impressive the Mid Torque was. I used a 3/4 deep 1/2 CrV Klutch impact socket and I can truly say I don't think it took even up to 5 sec on any one.


So the real proof in the pudding was using the compact 2.0 M18 battery. I had put on the charger and brought it up to a full 4 bar charge as it had been delivered showing only one bar.

After removing all the lugs it easily showed all 4 bars when I checked. Then I immediately after and tightened them all back up it showed 3 bars, but by the time I walked back into the garage a checked again it was back to 4 lights. Batteries do recover a bit like that.

Now I also did some weights

The High Torque 2763 with 2.0, 4.0. 5.0 and 9.0 respectively weighed

6.88, 7.48, 7.54, and 8.34

The Mid Torque 2861 same 2.0, 4.0, 5.0, and 9.0

4.70, 5.29, 5.36, and 6.16

So a 9.0 on the Mid Torque is almost as much a High Torque with a 2.0 compact



And hey for the other guy a 2754 with a 2.0 weighs 3.44

and 4.10 with a 5.0 XC

 

[bczygan]

Allright Bill that didn't take long at all...though I'll bet you won't move as fast as I do


So elapsed time to loosen all 20 lugs on Dodge 1/2 ton was like 2 minutes and that included all the time to walk around the truck too

Seriously impressive the Mid Torque was. I used a 3/4 deep 1/2 CrV Klutch impact socket and I can truly say I don't think it took even up to 5 sec on any one.


So the real proof in the pudding was using the compact 2.0 M18 battery. I had put on the charger and brought it up to a full 4 bar charge as it had been delivered showing only one bar.

After removing all the lugs it easily showed all 4 bars when I checked. Then I immediately after and tightened them all back up it showed 3 bars, but by the time I walked back into the garage a checked again it was back to 4 lights. Batteries do recover a bit like that.

Now I also did some weights

The High Torque 2763 with 2.0, 4.0. 5.0 and 9.0 respectively weighed

6.88, 7.48, 7.54, and 8.34

The Mid Torque 2861 same 2.0, 4.0, 5.0, and 9.0

4.70, 5.29, 5.36, and 6.16

So a 9.0 on the Mid Torque is almost as much a High Torque with a 2.0 compact



And hey for the other guy a 2754 with a 2.0 weighs 3.44

and 4.10 with a 5.0 XC

Wow!

Thank you so much for all the work and analysis!

As posted above, I've ordered the mid-torque kit you have with the 2.0.

Sounds excellent.

The Harbor Freight air impact I've been using weighs 6 pounds.

And I have a test for it myself. First, an E350 Econoline van that hasn't had the lug nuts off for 5 years, and then a military trailer that hasn't had the nuts off for who knows how long, maybe the 70's.

Bill

 

[DFB]

PS, None of my existing Milwaukee is Fuel. Separate 12V and 18V chargers.

Bill I am not quite following this quote of yours

Fuel tools use the same batteries and the rest of M18 and M12 tools. And the the M18 tools come with the dual voltage type chargers.

There is "new" Rapid Charger and especially intended for the 9.0 AH battery guess it cools the batteries better. But you can use it on any battery I believe, and most have that lightning bolt logo now too to show that.

 

[bczygan]

Bill I am not quite following this quote of yours

Fuel tools use the same batteries and the rest of M18 and M12 tools. And the the M18 tools come with the dual voltage type chargers.

There is "new" Rapid Charger and especially intended for the 9.0 AH battery guess it cools the batteries better. But you can use it on any battery I believe, and most have that lightning bolt logo now too to show that.

When I bought my kits, they were a 1/4" hex impact and a drill in each kit with a charger that only worked for that voltage. Black Friday deals.

I know all the batteries work for each voltage.

Bill

 

[DFB]

When I bought my kits, they were a 1/4" hex impact and a drill in each kit with a charger that only worked for that voltage. Black Friday deals.

I know all the batteries work for each voltage.

Bill

Well I'll be Bill, I admit I have never seen that charger before

Dang your SOO old school!

 

[icu2tsx]

 

[fivespdcat]

Well I'll be Bill, I admit I have never seen that charger before

Dang your SOO old school!

I live in metro Detroit if you want a rapid charger I work in Rochester. We can meet and I'll give you an extra. Unfortunately I don't have much time for lunch so it would have to be close to me.

 

[Pitalplace]

I would like to thank the member that said that the 6232-20 (deep cut band saw) did not come with any blades. I ordered some when I order this saw. It arrived Thursday but I will not get to play for a few days due to a blizzard here in NE.
The info here is invaluable

 

[nyy845]

I picked up the Milwaukee 2471-20 Copper Tubing Cutter with an ebay coupon a while ago.

I just used it today to fix a pipe that burst; and I have to say it worked great and didn't need too much clearance to use. Definitely a good tool that I hope I don't have to use that often...

 

[DFB]

We should have thread...tools in action (or tools inaction as the case may be )

I took my little tractor out to dig gravel in bed near my house so I could patch the driveway ruts. And forgot to check a slow leaker fron tire I had so after I dug a full bucket of wet heavy grave and started back the added weight caused tire to break the bead. After hiking back to house and garage and getting some equipment my 6 gal pancake compressor my cased Klutch socket set and the High Torque Anyhow thought I was going to have to pull the wheel. Luckily I did reseat it in the gravel bed with what little air I had only to find out by the time I drobve back that the rim was messed up and was losing air fast. Pounded on the rim with few hammers when back to garage

Its holding air now

 

[topp64]

We should have thread...tools in action (or tools inaction as the case may be )

I took my little tractor out to dig gravel in bed near my house so I could patch the driveway ruts. And forgot to check a slow leaker fron tire I had so after I dug a full bucket of wet heavy grave and started back the added weight caused tire to break the bead. After hiking back to house and garage and getting some equipment my 6 gal pancake compressor my cased Klutch socket set and the High Torque Anyhow thought I was going to have to pull the wheel. Luckily I did reseat it in the gravel bed with what little air I had only to find out by the time I drobve back that the rim was messed up and was losing air fast. Pounded on the rim with few hammers when back to garage

Its holding air now

Are you thinking about buying the M12 tire inflator when they come out? I have a small compressor but if it's needed anywhere other than the garage, it's a real pain in the ***. I preordered an inflator and if it's as good as what I've been seeing, my compressor won't see much use. Not only that, the inflator gave me a reason to add the M12 platform into my inventory of Milwaukee tools and batteries.

 

[DFB]

Are you thinking about buying the M12 tire inflator when they come out? I have a small compressor but if it's needed anywhere other than the garage, it's a real pain in the ***. I preordered an inflator and if it's as good as what I've been seeing, my compressor won't see much use. Not only that, the inflator gave me a reason to add the M12 platform into my inventory of Milwaukee tools and batteries.

I do have it on preorder. And kind of surprised they haven't started shipping yet


It looks to work ok from the one video I seen with it in actual use (Workshop Addict)

I have burned up of few mostly auto 12v ones over the years. THE KEY is to let it cool down understand it has a duty cycle procedure so long ON so long OFF for longevity

Had I not lost the bead seal I'm sure it would aired my R4 8.50 x12 front tire just fine. Not much pressure in them about 25lbs I run. *Just as note my own tractor is pretty small the rears are the same size as the fronts on a Case 580


Amazingly I have good luck with my little contractor Craftsman Industrial 6 gal pancake compressor over the years seating beads and the tractor was actually easier to pop than my 16" Harley motorcycle tires.

I have never had more than that for garage air. I'm really glad for cordless battery tools like impact wrenches. I would like to see a 3" cutoff tool and love the die grinder but wow does it cost.

Still I want the tank style compressor like the twin battery Ridgid 18v

 

[topp64]

I do have it on preorder. And kind of surprised they haven't started shipping yet


It looks to work ok from the one video I seen with it in actual use (Workshop Addict)

I have burned up of few mostly auto 12v ones over the years. THE KEY is to let it cool down understand it has a duty cycle procedure so long ON so long OFF for longevity

Had I not lost the bead seal I'm sure it would aired my R4 8.50 x12 front tire just fine. Not much pressure in them about 25lbs I run. *Just as note my own tractor is pretty small the rears are the same size as the fronts on a Case 580


Amazingly I have good luck with my little contractor Craftsman Industrial 6 gal pancake compressor over the years seating beads and the tractor was actually easier to pop than my 16" Harley motorcycle tires.

I have never had more than that for garage air. I'm really glad for cordless battery tools like impact wrenches. I would like to see a 3" cutoff tool and love the die grinder but wow does it cost.

Still I want the tank style compressor like the twin battery Ridgid 18v

If I remember right, Acme Tool was showing sometime around 1st of May to start shipping out the inflator. I missed the part about your tire losing the bead, the inflator wouldn't have worked for you in that situation.

I really like the die grinder too, but yeah decided it was too costly considering I wouldn't use it very often. I did order the M18 Fuel metal circular saw from Acme. I'll use it fairly often and, with a 20% off coupon, it was a good deal. Should be showing up tomorrow.

 

[mobiledynamics]

Off topic, but do you think there are some *brains* in the Red Battery, similar to computers, where you can read how many charge cycles it has had, etc.

 

[a52-830]

Off topic, but do you think there are some *brains* in the Red Battery, similar to computers, where you can read how many charge cycles it has had, etc.

m18, yes. m12, no. this is part of the reason you can read the charge directly on the m18, while you need a tool for the m12.

while i haven't, i would consider getting m12 third part batteries, but not m18. . . . . .

 

[DFB]

Off topic, but do you think there are some *brains* in the Red Battery, similar to computers, where you can read how many charge cycles it has had, etc.

People always say that and of course there could easily be a memory chip to record discharge cycles.

From my understanding of reading the warranty charge cycles for warranty service apply to a certain group of early batteries so there must be some way to know how many times. How it actually defines a charge/discharge cycle anyone's best guess.


I routinely top off my batteries In fact very seldom do I ever run one down in a tool until it quits on me, though that will happen often on the vacuums, radios, speakers etc. for me.

All my batteries by serial number fall under the latest 2 and 3 year warranties and say nothing about charge cycles


So this is what they say in the owners manual of the charger.



https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Support/Warranty

LIMITED WARRANTY

Every MILWAUKEE Battery Pack (sold with cordless product and/or as a replacement battery pack) is warranted to the original purchaser only to be free from defects in material and workmanship. Subject to certain exceptions, MILWAUKEE will repair or replace a battery pack which, after examination, is determined by MILWAUKEE to be defective in material or workmanship for the stated warranty period from date of purchase. Return of the battery pack to a MILWAUKEE factory Service Center location or MILWAUKEE Authorized Service Station, freight prepaid and insured, is required. For the proper shipping procedure of battery packs, contact 1.800.SAWDUST (1.800.729.3878), or go to www.milwaukeetool.com. A copy of the proof of purchase should be included with the return product. This warranty does not apply to damage that MILWAUKEE determines to be from repairs made or attempted by anyone other than MILWAUKEE authorized personnel, misuse, alterations, abuse, normal wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or accidents.



The warranty period for MILWAUKEE M18™ 48-11-1828 (with the serial number prefix "B41D" and earlier), V18™48-11-1830 (with the serial number prefix “A95”), and V28™ 48-11-2830 (with the serial number prefix "A71") is five (5) years / 2000 charges from the date of purchase, whichever first occurs. The first 1000 charges or 2 years of the warranty, whichever first occurs, are covered through free replacement of the defective battery. This means that for the earlier of the first 1000 charges or two (2) years from the date of purchase/first charge, a replacement battery will be provided to the customer for any defective battery free of charge. Thereafter, the remaining charges up to a total of 2000 or the remainder of the five (5) year period from the date of purchase, whichever first occurs, will be covered on a pro rata basis. This means that every customer gets an additional 1000 charges or three (3) years of pro rata warranty on the these battery packs, depending upon the amount of use. MILWAUKEE M18™ 48-11-1828 (with the serial number prefix "B41E" and later), V18™48-11-1830 (with the serial number prefix “E95”), and M28™ 48-11-2830 (with the serial number prefix "C71") have different warranty periods, as listed.

 

[mobiledynamics]

Ahh interesting DFB. Just short of the 3/5 warranty, I never knew in the T&C, they explicitly called out charge cycles.

 

[DFB]

Ha! You know what's funny I wrote that above response almost 2 hrs ago and while I was the residential electric service here went down and I could not post it then as I had lost my internet connection.

So in the meantime I had the M12 radio going, my phone charging on the lantern's usb port.

What I need I guess is a M18 power supply as a upc to run my router

 

[Distrophe]

....
So in the meantime I had the M12 radio going, my phone charging on the lantern's usb port. [emoji38]

What I need I guess is a M18 power supply as a upc to run my router

Yeah! The big radio charges batteries when plugged in so being able to run some 110v stuff off battery power would be awesome. The 9ah could run a modem for days.

 

[DFB]

Yeah! The big radio charges batteries when plugged in so being able to run some 110v stuff off battery power would be awesome. The 9ah could run a modem for days.

Oh Man I really LIKE that idea!