The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[2manytools]

as I have said in other threads, the only tool related things I regret are the ones that I didnt buy . . . . .

You also have 90 days to decide if you really need them. And if you come across someone who missed out, I’m sure they would be happy to take them off your hands.

 

[techieman33]

a52,



So there were two of these at my local store in a clearance area on the back aisle.

Like you, I don't need them, but they are within what I would pay.

I only bought one. I had no regrets until I saw your post.

Now I am thinking: do I need to go down there and see if the other one is still there.

Bad influence indeed!

Bruce

I saw one today it was just sitting in the "battery bay" It took a lot of self control but I left it sitting there. I already have 7 of the 2.0s, I bought a pack of the 3.0's at the $99 price. Then in XC I have 4 of the 4.0s and 3 6.0s. I like to leave batteries in most of the tools, but at some point I have to accept that I'm only one guy and already have more batteries that I could possibly need at one time.

 

[stingray1966]

Question about milwaukee fuel string trimmer. i just got it comes with the 9.0 battery and rapid charger. People that have one what is your run time the box say one hour charge one hour run I got ten mins on the 9.0 and 15 mins on one of my 5.0 batteries . Both batteries were fully charged . The 9.0 did not take and hour to charge as it was on the rapid charger. It took 20 mins I have a ton of m12 and m18 milwaukee tool some i use a LOT AND I never had a battery go below two lights. I am a little disported with this. I bought it because I got sick and tired messing with the gas ones but the run time is not what milwaukee advertise

 

[Viper32]

Thats why I stick with EGO brand when it comes to cordless yard tools. I get 45 minutes easily on a battery with it. Home Depot had the combo unit with blower for 249.00 the other week. I love Milwaukee tools but the 18v is not enough for certain jobs.

 

[Handyandy23]

Even the cheap Ryobi 18v trimmer I have will last 30+ mins on a charge. Maybe there's something wrong with it? Seems like it should do a lot better than that.

Edit: that's on a 4ah battery

 

[MikeF2316]

Question about milwaukee fuel string trimmer. i just got it comes with the 9.0 battery and rapid charger. People that have one what is your run time the box say one hour charge one hour run I got ten mins on the 9.0 and 15 mins on one of my 5.0 batteries . Both batteries were fully charged . The 9.0 did not take and hour to charge as it was on the rapid charger. It took 20 mins I have a ton of m12 and m18 milwaukee tool some i use a LOT AND I never had a battery go below two lights. I am a little disported with this. I bought it because I got sick and tired messing with the gas ones but the run time is not what milwaukee advertise

I would say 15 minutes with a 5.0 is about right. There's something wrong with the time on the 9.0. I'd charge it and try again.

 

[stingray1966]

I would say 15 minutes with a 5.0 is about right. There's something wrong with the time on the 9.0. I'd charge it and try again.

That what I going to do if it is the same do you think the battery defective
I did have a lot of problems with the string it would keep snapping off at the base finally I read that you do not bump the head on side Wall Street bump on the lawn also lubed the head with silicon spray and problem went away all I need for my yard is 20 mins I will say because of the verbal speed it’s a hell of a lot safer for sure


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[manwithtools]

The string that comes on the trimmer is ****. Buy some better quality .095 line and the breaking will go away. You should be getting much more run time from the 9.0 battery. I have been getting close to an hour in some very heavy underbrush running on high speed, full throttle.

 

[2manytools]

The string that comes on the trimmer is ****. Buy some better quality .095 line and the breaking will go away. You should be getting much more run time from the 9.0 battery. I have been getting close to an hour in some very heavy underbrush running on high speed, full throttle.

On the original model, they put their good black .095 string on. I was surprised to see them switch to such grab for the 2nd generation, it is after all just one spindle full. And I may be mistaken when they changed to the poorly made red string, and it could have been when they changed to the easy load head in the middle of the Gen1 production. I didn't even use all the red before trashing it and being much more pleased with the tools performance

 

[MikeF2316]

That what I going to do if it is the same do you think the battery defective
I did have a lot of problems with the string it would keep snapping off at the base finally I read that you do not bump the head on side Wall Street bump on the lawn also lubed the head with silicon spray and problem went away all I need for my yard is 20 mins I will say because of the verbal speed it’s a hell of a lot safer for sure


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

Yes. If you get less life from a 9.0 than a 5.0, I don't see how anyone could argue it's not defective.

 

[techieman33]

On the original model, they put their good black .095 string on. I was surprised to see them switch to such grab for the 2nd generation, it is after all just one spindle full. And I may be mistaken when they changed to the poorly made red string, and it could have been when they changed to the easy load head in the middle of the Gen1 production. I didn't even use all the red before trashing it and being much more pleased with the tools performance

It’s a really dumb move from a business perspective. You should want your product to be as good as possible right out of the box. I wonder how many get returned because of the poorer performance, or don’t get recommended to friends and coworkers because they aren’t happy with the performance.

 

[manwithtools]

It’s a really dumb move from a business perspective. You should want your product to be as good as possible right out of the box. I wonder how many get returned because of the poorer performance, or don’t get recommended to friends and coworkers because they aren’t happy with the performance.

My wife said that exactly. They have 5 minutes to make an impression on a new owner. What would it cost, 50 cents to provide a better first time user experience?

It is a dumb move from a marketing prospective... but I've seen Milwaukee do the same thing on other fronts.

 

[Handyandy23]

I jumped into the M12 platform with the 2401 screwdriver and the underhood light (2125 I think it was). The quality of the tools seems to be good, but I had some issues with the XC4.0 battery that came with the underhood light.

Both kits came with what I'd assume is the standard M12 battery charger. Just charges a single M12 battery. Both the 1.5ah batteries that came with the screwdriver charged up fine, although having experience with the DeWalt 20v system, the attachment of the batteries to the charger doesn't really feel that positive or confidence inspiring. No nice "click" feel on engagement.

Anyways, the XC4.0 I plugged into the charger it came with and immediately got simultaneous flashing red and green lights. Tried it in the other charger and same thing. Took the kit back to HD and exchanged it for another assuming the battery was pooched.

Got home with the new one and that 4.0 was doing the same thing. Started comparing the 1.5's in the chargers to the 4.0 and the 4.0 didn't seem to be going as deep. Pushed hard and still wouldn't go more. Pushed hard and wiggled and still no go, just red and green flashing.

I didn't want to look like a nut going back to HD again so I pushed it in and wiggled even harder, like borderline felt like it was going to break, and finally popped in fully and started to charge. Took it in and out a few times and it's still very hard but not quite as hard as the first time.

Not a big issue, but seems like a batch of XC4.0's where the terminals aren't quite right. That plus the lack of positive feedback on actually getting the battery fully in makes me feel a lot less positive about these than I thought I would. The DeWalt 20v batteries clip right into the charger the same was they snap into the tools, and I'm not sure why Milwaukee couldn't have used the small tabs on the sides of the batteries to give a positive engagement into the chargers too. Seems like a corner being cut, but since the tools themselves are nice I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.

 

[soloz2]

I have the original string trimmer, I picked up on clearance this spring and it's fantastic. The red line that came in it isn't too bad, not as nice as the Echo line I have, but not really bad enough to make me swap it out early. I also get quite a bit of time on a charge. I frequently will use it for 2-3 uses around the house and then still get 1/3-1/2 of the rest of my yard as I don't trim everything every week. If I started with a fresh battery I might be able to just barely get everything done on a single charge of the 9ah battery. This is on just over an acre of all well cared for lawn, trimming around the house, garage/shop, both sides of 500' fence, raised bed gardens, and about 100 trees and other obstacles.

 

[MikeF2316]

I jumped into the M12 platform with the 2401 screwdriver and the underhood light (2125 I think it was). The quality of the tools seems to be good, but I had some issues with the XC4.0 battery that came with the underhood light.

Both kits came with what I'd assume is the standard M12 battery charger. Just charges a single M12 battery. Both the 1.5ah batteries that came with the screwdriver charged up fine, although having experience with the DeWalt 20v system, the attachment of the batteries to the charger doesn't really feel that positive or confidence inspiring. No nice "click" feel on engagement.

Anyways, the XC4.0 I plugged into the charger it came with and immediately got simultaneous flashing red and green lights. Tried it in the other charger and same thing. Took the kit back to HD and exchanged it for another assuming the battery was pooched.

Got home with the new one and that 4.0 was doing the same thing. Started comparing the 1.5's in the chargers to the 4.0 and the 4.0 didn't seem to be going as deep. Pushed hard and still wouldn't go more. Pushed hard and wiggled and still no go, just red and green flashing.

I didn't want to look like a nut going back to HD again so I pushed it in and wiggled even harder, like borderline felt like it was going to break, and finally popped in fully and started to charge. Took it in and out a few times and it's still very hard but not quite as hard as the first time.

Not a big issue, but seems like a batch of XC4.0's where the terminals aren't quite right. That plus the lack of positive feedback on actually getting the battery fully in makes me feel a lot less positive about these than I thought I would. The DeWalt 20v batteries clip right into the charger the same was they snap into the tools, and I'm not sure why Milwaukee couldn't have used the small tabs on the sides of the batteries to give a positive engagement into the chargers too. Seems like a corner being cut, but since the tools themselves are nice I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.

Not that this helps your situation, but the M18s snap in. I have both, I can tell when my M12s are in the chargers properly.

 

[Handyandy23]

Not that this helps your situation, but the M18s snap in. I have both, I can tell when my M12s are in the chargers properly.

I think now that I've slammmed it in a few times I "know" when it's all the way down too. Just not really a positive visual cue, more of a feel thing you have to get used to.

 

[dacan23]

Yeah after my second good use I was wondering why it wasnt wacking as good as my old model and realized it was the crappy string it came with. When time allows I will toss it and load the good stuff.

On the original model, they put their good black .095 string on. I was surprised to see them switch to such grab for the 2nd generation, it is after all just one spindle full. And I may be mistaken when they changed to the poorly made red string, and it could have been when they changed to the easy load head in the middle of the Gen1 production. I didn't even use all the red before trashing it and being much more pleased with the tools performance

 

[javyLSU]

I jumped into the M12 platform with the 2401 screwdriver and the underhood light (2125 I think it was). The quality of the tools seems to be good, but I had some issues with the XC4.0 battery that came with the underhood light.

Both kits came with what I'd assume is the standard M12 battery charger. Just charges a single M12 battery. Both the 1.5ah batteries that came with the screwdriver charged up fine, although having experience with the DeWalt 20v system, the attachment of the batteries to the charger doesn't really feel that positive or confidence inspiring. No nice "click" feel on engagement.

Anyways, the XC4.0 I plugged into the charger it came with and immediately got simultaneous flashing red and green lights. Tried it in the other charger and same thing. Took the kit back to HD and exchanged it for another assuming the battery was pooched.

Got home with the new one and that 4.0 was doing the same thing. Started comparing the 1.5's in the chargers to the 4.0 and the 4.0 didn't seem to be going as deep. Pushed hard and still wouldn't go more. Pushed hard and wiggled and still no go, just red and green flashing.

I didn't want to look like a nut going back to HD again so I pushed it in and wiggled even harder, like borderline felt like it was going to break, and finally popped in fully and started to charge. Took it in and out a few times and it's still very hard but not quite as hard as the first time.

Not a big issue, but seems like a batch of XC4.0's where the terminals aren't quite right. That plus the lack of positive feedback on actually getting the battery fully in makes me feel a lot less positive about these than I thought I would. The DeWalt 20v batteries clip right into the charger the same was they snap into the tools, and I'm not sure why Milwaukee couldn't have used the small tabs on the sides of the batteries to give a positive engagement into the chargers too. Seems like a corner being cut, but since the tools themselves are nice I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.

That's interesting, I had the same experience with the DeWalt chargers/batteries - which is why I wound up going Milwaukee over the Dewalt system. I found myself pushing REALLY hard getting the batteries to engage with the chargers. I didn't like that, returned the DeWalt stuff I bought, and went red. I haven't had the experience you had with any of my Milwaukee stuff, and I now own 5 chargers and 10 batteries between m12 and m18 stuff. I think you may have gotten a bad charger, not a batch of bad batteries.

 

[akatsuki]

I just jumped into M12 and am overall reasonably happy - mine seem to snap in just fine. But I wish they were a bit less greedy on chargers. Also, other systems can use the same charging slots for both 12 and 18/20 which is pretty great. Frankly I wish they would all just use something generic like USB-C.

The other thing I wish they had was a set of laser levels. They have a better selection of tools than Bosch (the other system I was considering), but I'd really like some 3-axis laser levels that use M12 batteries.

My final complaint is that when you get a tool in a case, that case's insert should be usable with packout.

Anyway - now to just wait for a deal on a soldering iron.

 

[techieman33]

I just jumped into M12 and am overall reasonably happy - mine seem to snap in just fine. But I wish they were a bit less greedy on chargers. Also, other systems can use the same charging slots for both 12 and 18/20 which is pretty great. Frankly I wish they would all just use something generic like USB-C.

The other thing I wish they had was a set of laser levels. They have a better selection of tools than Bosch (the other system I was considering), but I'd really like some 3-axis laser levels that use M12 batteries.

My final complaint is that when you get a tool in a case, that case's insert should be usable with packout.

Anyway - now to just wait for a deal on a soldering iron.

It’s weird the M18 chargers come with a spot for M12 batteries. But the M12 come with an M12 only charger. My only guess is that it’s an attempt to keep the overall M12 footprint as small as possible.

 

[a52-830]

It’s weird the M18 chargers come with a spot for M12 batteries. But the M12 come with an M12 only charger. My only guess is that it’s an attempt to keep the overall M12 footprint as small as possible.

I bet their marketing showed that while there were a significant number of M12 only users, most M18 users also had a few M12 tools.

what surprises me is that there is no "rapid" M12 only charger. . . . . . although, again, their marketing has probably shown that M12 users dont find recharge speed to be an issue. . . . . .

 

[techieman33]

At least some Home Depot store have M12 surge kits in stock. None of the bare tool only though. The kit doesn't look to bad for the price. For the extra $50 you get 2 2.0 batteries, a charger, and one of the little briefcase style bags.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/M12-FUE...Kit-w-2-2-0Ah-Batteries-Bag-2551-22/309098738

 

[Tbird22]

hey folks,
i remember this being discussed before but i couldnt find it on the search, so excuse me for what i think is a repetitive question. i currently have the snap on ct8810 3/8 impact wrench. a friend of mine may buy it and im looking to replace it. i narrowed it down to the 2852 mid torque 3/8 or the 2554 m12 stubby. Im having a bit of difficulty seeing where the 2852 would fit in a lineup, i already have a 1/2 impact wrench so anything that needs more power i would use that. i know the 2554 wont cover everything, but the size is killer. any thoughts on if the 2852 has room in an arsenal of 1/2 impact and the m12 stubby?

 

[techieman33]

I would go for the stubby myself. But only you know what your power requirements are. It should be similar power wise to your current ct8810, just in a much smaller package. It should be fine for lugnuts on cars and light trucks, suspension parts, etc. It seems to be the "go to" gun for most people. And if that fails to break a fastener free then they'll step up to something bigger like the mid torque.

 

[javyLSU]

Agree with @techieman33... My 2555 1/2 stubby gets 99% of all the fasteners off - for the remaining 1%, I break out my 2767 1/2 impact, and that gun ends any and all disputes with fasteners.

 

[MikeF2316]

Another vote for stubby. Now that I have a stubby, the only other one that comes out of my toolbox is the big boy 2763. The 2454 3/8 impact may come out if I'm taking something apart that has lots of screws and I don't want to swap bits/sockets. I find if the stubby won't do it, the mid-torque won't either.

 

[MikeF2316]

I just jumped into M12 and am overall reasonably happy - mine seem to snap in just fine. But I wish they were a bit less greedy on chargers. Also, other systems can use the same charging slots for both 12 and 18/20 which is pretty great. Frankly I wish they would all just use something generic like USB-C.

...

USB-C maxes out at 100 watts. I don't have a Rapid Charger to look at, and specs seem difficult to find, but judging from battery recharge times people are reporting, I'd bet on 300 watts. But it would be nice to have a USB-C charger as well, for when no other charger is available.

 

[techieman33]

USB-C maxes out at 100 watts. I don't have a Rapid Charger to look at, and specs seem difficult to find, but judging from battery recharge times people are reporting, I'd bet on 300 watts. But it would be nice to have a USB-C charger as well, for when no other charger is available.

The M12 power source that already has USB charging could at least be switched to USB C.

 

[Tbird22]

Another vote for stubby. Now that I have a stubby, the only other one that comes out of my toolbox is the big boy 2763. The 2454 3/8 impact may come out if I'm taking something apart that has lots of screws and I don't want to swap bits/sockets. I find if the stubby won't do it, the mid-torque won't either.

I think this I the first time I’m getting convinced to NOT buy a tool. What happened to you guys? Lol. Ordered the 3/8 2554 off acme and got the 10% off. Haven’t seen any better deal the last few months. Should get my hands on it next tues. Thanks everyone who contributed to my decision


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[dacan23]

HD finally getting serious about theft.

 

[toolmanmark]

When will Milwaukee come out with a M18 air inflater?
Seems like a no brainer.

 

[DFB]

Small Milwaukee blower 0884-20 doubles as an air inflator and comes with 3 different nozzle tips to fit different inflatable products if that's what your after

 

[Odd-job]

HD finally getting serious about theft.

That doesn’t stop us Milwaukee addicts.

 

[Luciferi]

HD finally getting serious about theft.

Did they take down the obnoxious ding dong cameras that are every four feet? Those annoy me so much I don’t bother with that aisle unless I am desperate for a tool.

 

[Firefighter1406]

Did they take down the obnoxious ding dong cameras that are every four feet? Those annoy me so much I don’t bother with that aisle unless I am desperate for a tool.

Very true. Extremely annoying. Nothing like feeling like a crook walking down the aisle.

 

[manwithtools]

Did they take down the obnoxious ding dong cameras that are every four feet? Those annoy me so much I don’t bother with that aisle unless I am desperate for a tool.

Very true. Extremely annoying. Nothing like feeling like a crook walking down the aisle.

Could not agree more, it's insulting to the honest customers.

 

[toolmanmark]

Small Milwaukee blower 0884-20 doubles as an air inflator and comes with 3 different nozzle tips to fit different inflatable products if that's what your after

No,I meant air compressor.I think Milwaukee calls their M12 air inflator.

 

[Fly YX]

Could not agree more, it's insulting to the honest customers.

Every time I go down the aisles that have that I got pissed.

 

[DFB]

No,I meant air compressor.I think Milwaukee calls their M12 air inflator.

Ya I have been waiting a seriously looong time for a Milwaukee version of a cordless tank style compressor like the Ridgid. Especially for a small air nailer.

About given up on that idea though, guess they figure cordless nail guns are the only direction they want there. Happy with my angled 16 ga finish nail gun, looking forward to the new revised 18 ga brad nailer

IMO the M12 compact inflator is sufficient enough in its own right and a 4.0 battery last a long time since it has limited duty cycle for cool down purposes 10min. Works well for my purposes and quite handy

 

[crucible]

Could not agree more, it's insulting to the honest customers.

Agree 1000%!