The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[cgrutt]

I have the 1/2 fuel as well. Yeah it was cold and there was blue thread locker on bolt. Not giving up on it was just surprised it didn't take it off.

 

[DFB]

Ya that's often the case what Pbon wrote but wow here in his situation talking just a 10mm hex cap size. that's like the same size battery clamp bolts on my Harley. I almost surprised it didn't snap even with compact wrench. I had first thought it a 10mm bolt which would probably equate to about 14mm hex cap.

Even with an extension something fluked...maybe the gun itself didn't electronically switch and just the light did. I know a few times I had problems for me I "THOUGHT" I was in a different mode until I double checked.

I be dead curious and chuck up some nut and bolt combos in vice torque em up see what ya get. I did do that with my 2754 after I first got it because I didn't think the 1 sec stop feature worked right. There are variables with it though if any movement is detected sometimes it just keeps going for more than that 1 second. You need a good solid stop

 

[2manytools]

Pretty disappointed today with my 3/8 Milwaukee impact. Not sure of model number but it's M18 and a "FUEL" brushless model. Tried to get the 10mm bolt off a Ford F150 power steering rack with no luck. Switched over to a hand ratchet and it came off with no issue. It was set on "2" and then changed it to "3". First time I really used this. Any suggestions?

Extensions or adapters will have more of a power transfer loss than using a compact battery over an XC one. All my impacts perform as I expect with compact batteries on them.

 

[kctyphoon]

$399 - chainsaw kit with free 12.0 battery
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...12-0Ah-Battery-2727-21HD-48-11-1812/306638555

$499
7 tool kit with 4 batteries and packout base
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...Rolling-Tool-Box-2697-26PO-0880-20P/308373202

 

[kctyphoon]

There’s a killer deal with the ryobi brushless set.. i think its down to $259 in store and then you get 2 free tools.

Sorry - $229 now and 2 free tools - so 5 tools in total if you go that route

https://www.homedepot.com/s/Ryobi%20brushless%20combo%20set?NCNI-5

 

[Dentaltec]

Anyone have any real world experience with the M18 heat gun? I want it for shrink wrap I have a corded version thats just a PITA at times

THANKS

 

[kctyphoon]

Anyone have any real world experience with the M18 heat gun? I want it for shrink wrap I have a corded version thats just a PITA at times

THANKS

Pass... you’re not missing anything.. the cordless doesn’t even begin to compare to a corded model. Sad but true.

Edit - unless youre doing really small packages.

 

[manwithtools]

Anyone have any real world experience with the M18 heat gun? I want it for shrink wrap I have a corded version thats just a PITA at times

THANKS

We use them extensively at work. Qualifier: this is mostly to shrink short lengths of heat shrink wire tube labels 1" long or less, 20 - 50 at a time. They work great for this application. I would never use them as a corded replacement.

When you say shrink wrap, I'm not sure how to respond as to their effectiveness.

 

[kctyphoon]

To shrink tape small pieces of wire - yes
To shrink wrap packages - I’d pass

There’s tons of reviews on YouTube. Your best bet really, is watch some videos. What i can tell you for sure is the fan is not very powerful at all. If you want to move a lot of hot air, its not the best tool.

 

[WittHay]

Anyone have any real world experience with the M18 heat gun? I want it for shrink wrap I have a corded version thats just a PITA at times

THANKS

The M18 cordless is a 1 speed and 1 temperature heat gun that works good for shrink tube and weird uses like deicing a lock but is no replacement for a corded gun

A variable temperature and air speed corded would probably work better for your use. As in any other tool heat guns run the range from cheap HF up to some German made Steinel

 

[JettaGetUpandGo]

The M18 heat gun is perfect for heatshrink on wire. I have used it for many in car projects where a cord is a pain in the **** (the M12 soldering iron too). For anything else I still use the corded ad the cordless is not enough.

 

[Dentaltec]

Thanks guys I meant shrink tubes the type with glue inside, I appreciate all the comments i will pick one up

 

[ChevyEFI]

There’s a killer deal with the ryobi brushless set.. i think its down to $259 in store and then you get 2 free tools.

Sorry - $229 now and 2 free tools - so 5 tools in total if you go that route

https://www.homedepot.com/s/Ryobi%20brushless%20combo%20set?NCNI-5

Killer. They even know what size saw to include.

 

[gtsgarage]

Well quite the Christmas haul for me and Milwaukee. Santa and the Mrs. we’re very generous.

There are a couple others including the 1/2 fuel drill and the compact band saw. Can’t wait to try them all out!!!!

 

[kctyphoon]

I have impact envy..

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

$399 - chainsaw kit with free 12.0 battery
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...12-0Ah-Battery-2727-21HD-48-11-1812/306638555

$499
7 tool kit with 4 batteries and packout base
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...Rolling-Tool-Box-2697-26PO-0880-20P/308373202

I followed the HD link but couldn't find when the deal expires.. any idea?

 

[5.9Jon]

Hey guys, this is kinda off topic but is there any way to trade up batteries? Through the years I have mostly bought bare tools as they are cheaper with a few kits and batteries when I can find deals on them. Only issue is that I have quite a few xc batteries and only one 4ah and one 5ah. I do notice that the 4ah/5ah have longer runtime and maybe more power. It would be nice to get rid of most of my xc and get bigger/better ones. Does any else have a similar conundrum?

Thanks, Jon

 

[danielbuck]

Thanks guys I meant shrink tubes the type with glue inside, I appreciate all the comments i will pick one up

adhesive lined shrink tubing for wires, yea it works just fine. I generally use adhesive lined tubing for all of my automotive wiring, and appliance power cable lengthening, shortening & splicing in the house.

I love having it in the truck/jeep for wiring stuff (even when I'm at home), no more reaching for a lighter, and no need to drag a power cable out. And also I like that it stands up on it's own on the battery, I don't have to look around for a suitable place to set it down like with the corded heat gun. (I've melted a few things unintentionally before...)

Even when I'm inside the house, no problem setting it down on the hardwood floor or carpet, stands up nicely on the battery. I've only used my corded heat gun a few times since I got the battery one, when I needed more heat for melting things (intentionally melting...), or for light-duty pre-heating metal parts for welding when I didn't want to torch it.

 

[Badger 13]

When you guys are using your heat gun on connectors, heat shrink wrap or tubing, are you using any attachments to direct the heat ? I like the idea of using it for automotive wiring in lieu of a micro torch.

 

[DFB]

I haven't bought them yet although I do want to get them (just need to justify the price ) but Milwaukee does offers a kit of mixed nozzles


Heat Gun Accessory Assortment 49-80-0300

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Produ...pplicator-and-Heat-Gun-Accessories/49-80-0300

Looking online Tool Barn list them for the cheapest I have found using the Milwaukee dealer search. And listing for $10 less than the same kit thru the ACME Tool website right now...go figure Though I believe ACME will do a price match.

They also sell just the Air Reducer Nozzle 49-80-0297 by itself. Its the round piece if you look at 4 pc set. Tool Nut has it the cheapest I seen at $12.99 before any shipping charges. Toolup has it for $15.14 and from my own personal experiences using toolup shipping charges will be about the same amount.



I really like the piece with backing plate for heat shrink

 

[AngryBeaver]

the snap on guys heads are spinning... not much room left...

 

[protegeV]

yeeeeeeeeah. I like that drawer

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Yeah, that drawer is amazing! Life Goals!

 

[PelicanPines]

You are missing a battery on what appears to be a M12 stubby... please fix that ...

 

[gtsgarage]

You are missing a battery on what appears to be a M12 stubby... please fix that ...

It’s sitting above the ratchet! Very nice drawer.

 

[kctyphoon]

I still haven’t even taken the stapler out of the box yet. I honestly only bought it cause it was an opportunity to get it for $75 instead of $100..

Now all the prices will probably drop since Christmas is over.

 

[kctyphoon]

the snap on guys heads are spinning... not much room left...

This drawer is like a clown car.. how many friggin things are in there?? I have a whole HF locker filled top to bottom and i still dont have enough room at home. That is a pretty awesome organizer though.

 

[2manytools]

I still haven’t even taken the stapler out of the box yet. I honestly only bought it cause it was an opportunity to get it for $75 instead of $100..

Now all the prices will probably drop since Christmas is over.

I've been eyeing the stapler too. For ~$67 at HD, I will probably pick it up. Really hoping for a Menards 11% to make it even sweeter.

With the tariffs, I am doubting any price drops. Many tools are scheduled to go up after holiday promotions, according to someone from one of the tool retailers. The other information he provided me was spot on, so I have no reason to doubt it.

Business articles have suggested HD & Lowe's will be hit pretty hard this coming quarter if nothing is done with the tariffs.

 

[kctyphoon]

Honestly - i wont even complain about it if it does.. places like Home Depot and lowes have been used as a vessel to put American industry out of business. I was amazed when i read about the “attack” on the US Quartz industry...

 

[manwithtools]

the snap on guys heads are spinning... not much room left...

The holders for the impacts are interesting. Did you buy or make them? If you made them, I'd love to hear the details.

 

[1320]

Anybody have a size comparison photo between the M18 3/8" impact and the M18 1/2" or 3/8" mid torque?

I am wondering if Milwaukee is going to make a 2854 Gen 3 M18 Compact Impact Wrench. I guess the role is essentially filled by the M12 3/8" stubby and 3/8" mid torque.

 

[mackiiN]

Got my first milwaukee tool few weeks ago, the 3/8 stubby and i love it so far.

Thinking about picking up the m12 hammer drill and driver kit 2598-22. Going to use the drill for some light metal drilling and wire wheeling.

Will the drill have enough power or should i go 18v?

 

[techieman33]

Got my first milwaukee tool few weeks ago, the 3/8 stubby and i love it so far.

Thinking about picking up the m12 hammer drill and driver kit 2598-22. Going to use the drill for some light metal drilling and wire wheeling.

Will the drill have enough power or should i go 18v?

I drilled 4 1/2" holes in some 3/4" mild steel. Started with 1/8" went to 1/4", then 3/8" and finally 1/2". I used some bosch cobalt bits, and XC batteries. It got pretty warm and sucked the batteries down pretty quickly but it did the job.

 

[2manytools]

Got my first milwaukee tool few weeks ago, the 3/8 stubby and i love it so far.

Thinking about picking up the m12 hammer drill and driver kit 2598-22. Going to use the drill for some light metal drilling and wire wheeling.

Will the drill have enough power or should i go 18v?

You should go 30v (18 + 12) . My 1st gen 12v Fuel has handled everything I thought it could just fine, but I had some large 3/4 in" holes in 3/4" thick steel for our tractor, and immediately went to my 18v Fuel hammer drill.

I could see going either way for a wire wheel. It's nice to have an auxiliary handle on the 18v, but probably could accomplish what you need in 12v.

 

[mackiiN]

You should go 30v (18 + 12) . My 1st gen 12v Fuel has handled everything I thought it could just fine, but I had some large 3/4 in" holes in 3/4" thick steel for our tractor, and immediately went to my 18v Fuel hammer drill.

I could see going either way for a wire wheel. It's nice to have an auxiliary handle on the 18v, but probably could accomplish what you need in 12v.

I will probably end up with both at somepoint
Mostly buying the kit to get the impact driver, but feels stupid to buy tool only when i can get the kit for few bucks more.

Hopefully the 12v drill be enough for a while, going replace my old tired 18v brushed AEG drill

 

[MikeF2316]

Got my first milwaukee tool few weeks ago, the 3/8 stubby and i love it so far.

Thinking about picking up the m12 hammer drill and driver kit 2598-22. Going to use the drill for some light metal drilling and wire wheeling.

Will the drill have enough power or should i go 18v?

I find with wire wheeling, a drill, any drill doesn't have enough speed. Wire wheels on 10,000 rpm grinders are what get the job done.

As far as drills go, I only have M12 in Milwaukee. I have a proper rotary hammer for concrete, and an older Ridgid 18 volt (I know, sacrilege) or my old corded drill in the unlikely event I need more power. Interestingly the Ridgid has an automatic transmission, it will downshift if you're running it at high speed and it starts to bog down.

 

[DFB]

Anybody have a size comparison photo between the M18 3/8" impact and the M18 1/2" or 3/8" mid torque?

I am wondering if Milwaukee is going to make a 2854 Gen 3 M18 Compact Impact Wrench. I guess the role is essentially filled by the M12 3/8" stubby and 3/8" mid torque.

Hows this

To be fair the 2861 MidTorque does have an XC battery on it and the 2754 compact well...has a compact battery

 

[AngryBeaver]

You are missing a battery on what appears to be a M12 stubby... please fix that ...

I apologize. I should have known to stage a pic....

The holders for the impacts are interesting. Did you buy or make them? If you made them, I'd love to hear the details.

its a snap on power tool holder from a KMP1163 tool box. I bought it on FB marketplace. I have a pic somewhere, I'll see if I can find it (with the part number)

Anybody have a size comparison photo between the M18 3/8" impact and the M18 1/2" or 3/8" mid torque?

I am wondering if Milwaukee is going to make a 2854 Gen 3 M18 Compact Impact Wrench. I guess the role is essentially filled by the M12 3/8" stubby and 3/8" mid torque.

I bought the big ******* when it first came out... broke a bunch of ****... so I bought the 3/8 fuel. great little gun. then this past summer I decided to get the m12 3/8.... a month later I found out they were coming out with the stubby.. so then I bought the mid tq 1/2" (mid tq 3/8 and 1/2" are the same size). so a month or so ago I bought the stubby..

the stubby is badass.. so is the mid tq. I don't touch the 3.8 M18 or regular m12 3/8 anymore. I only use the big 1/2 for flange bolts at work.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

the snap on guys heads are spinning... not much room left...

That's a sweet looking drawer!

 

[kctyphoon]

Anybody have a size comparison photo between the M18 3/8" impact and the M18 1/2" or 3/8" mid torque?

I am wondering if Milwaukee is going to make a 2854 Gen 3 M18 Compact Impact Wrench. I guess the role is essentially filled by the M12 3/8" stubby and 3/8" mid torque.

Gen1 high torque and 3/8