The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[DFB]

Is there a thread or YouTube video that explains all the different m18 grinders? Or a general consensus on which is best for light grinding or cut off use. I want to get one but there are so many models and I don’t really have a place that has decent selection to handle them.

There's really not that much

You have the Fuels in the 4 1/2 -5" inch the original slide switch style then the later paddle switch...second gen release of the paddle has the instant braking


Then there is the newer 6"-9" for big work

The original brushed was one of the earliest tools its ok for certain things like general cutoff or wire brush work, grinding will slow it down considerably and with any of them WILL go thru smaller XC batteries fast. Don't even consider using a compact battery.

https://milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Metalworking/Grinders#f:System=[M18]&fowerSource=[Cordless]

Of the course there are other items available like the M18 die grinder, the M12 cutoff tool and now the latest in M12 RA and inline tools

 

[Jamie V]

The heads are interchangeable between the M12 and M18 kits. I have the M18 kit (despite being way more expensive, because I refuse to buy anything M12) and it works well. I used it for my in-floor heating install and will be using it for when I re-plumb the entire house as well (the main reason I bought it).

I plan on ordering the M18 one this weekend there is a rebate for a free heat gun, free 5.0 battery and free organizer with purchase.


https://www.milwaukeetool.com/E-Reb...4/2019-P4-M18-ProPEX-Expansion-Tool-Promotion

 

[kctyphoon]

I think I have a ship about to come in

Oh - and there was a box left on doorstep from acme tools ... Guess my Milwaukee glasses showed up.

 

[BenHilton]

I bought the 3/8” stubby and 3/8” impact sockets (Sunex master set with universals and Astro nano sets). You can use 1/2”, but sometimes the sockets might be too bulky to complement the size of the stubby. The 3/8” sockets are a good match for the capability of the stubby. A 3/8” adapter adds more length, no thanks.

A good set of 3/8” impacts costs around $70, no reason not to have it.

I've heard that the anvil on the 3/8'' protrudes into the hex area of the astro nano impacts. Is this still true? Or did astro change their design?

 

[dacan23]

Pic not showing up for me. Below are the tool only specs, problem is when you put an XC on the M12 it makes it less compact than the M18 with any battery, and the height of the M12 is more w/ XC than M18 with a compact 2.0 or 3.0 which is what most use with the M18 Surge. My buddy did all kinds of comps when he first got it and I was like your full of sh!t, then I went to his house and I was like well that *****.

M12
5.2L
2.2W
6.8H
?? lbs but feels heavier

M18
5.0L
2.38W
7.67H
2.3lbs

For all you claiming the M12 Surge is bigger than the M18 Surge and reading the spec sheets seems to baffle you with the maths, here are some pictures.

I have them lined up with the top even and the back of the motor housing even for reference.

M12 on top of M18 for length and handle size difference. Bottom of M12 handle slightly larger around to accept batteries, but top is narrower. The grip area is also much shorter than the M18.

M12 rear of housing to bit holder slightly longer.

M12 in front to show it's narrower than the M18 behind it.

 

[DFB]

Is there a thread or YouTube video that explains all the different m18 grinders? Or a general consensus on which is best for light grinding or cut off use. I want to get one but there are so many models and I don’t really have a place that has decent selection to handle them.

There's really not that much

You have the Fuels in the 4 1/2 -5" inch the original slide switch style then the later paddle switch...second gen release of the paddle has the instant braking


Then there is the newer 6"-9" for big work

The original brushed was one of the earliest tools its ok for certain things like general cutoff or wire brush work, grinding will slow it down considerably and with any of them WILL go thru smaller XC batteries fast. Don't even consider using a compact battery.

https://milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Metalworking/Grinders#f:System=[M18]&fowerSource=[Cordless]

Of the course there are other items available like the M18 die grinder, the M12 cutoff tool and now the latest in M12 RA and inline tools

I just looked at a TOOLUP Black Friday Email and basically all the grinders are listed in the Milwaukee bare tool section at their website. The prices really seem to dictate the choices considering the old brushed version is $119 but the Gen 1 FUEL paddle is only $139 The new Gen 2 paddle with brake is $229 and the Fuel with lock on switch is $169 and that's a small drop in price from the original list of $179.

The deals thread may put you on to better prices with secondary sellers like thru EBAY etc,

https://www.toolup.com/milwaukee/bare-tools

 

[jmhinkle]

Pic not showing up for me. Below are the tool only specs, problem is when you put an XC on the M12 it makes it less compact than the M18 with any battery, and the height of the M12 is more w/ XC than M18 with a compact 2.0 or 3.0 which is what most use with the M18 Surge. My buddy did all kinds of comps when he first got it and I was like your full of sh!t, then I went to his house and I was like well that *****.

M12
5.2L
2.2W
6.8H
?? lbs but feels heavier

M18
5.0L
2.38W
7.67H
2.3lbs

1) Pics are showing up on your quote as well as my post no matter what device I use.

2) "problem is when you put an XC on the M12 it makes it less compact than the M18 with any battery" is a false statement and also contradicts your own statement of "and the height of the M12 is more w/ XC than M18 with a compact 2.0 or 3.0 which is what most use with the M18 Surge"

Which is it? Any battery or only the M18 compact 2 and 3? I can take a pic of the M12 with the XC6.0 vs the M18 with the HO6.0 (smallest battery I have) and show you that the M12 is clearly shorter. Maybe the XC6 vs M18 2.0 would be close, but I don't have one to compare and the XC6 is clearly smaller in dimensions than the M18 2.0 housing so the M18 is not more compact.

3) M12 doesn't feel heavier, it feels more top heavy because it has a much shorter handle and no giant battery mount on bottom. The M18 feels more balanced with no battery, but feels heavier in general. I can weigh them both on my mailing scale for data.

 

[Tduby]

I just looked at a TOOLUP Black Friday Email and basically all the grinders are listed in the Milwaukee bare tool section at their website. The prices really seem to dictate the choices considering the old brushed version is $119 but the Gen 1 FUEL paddle is only $139 The new Gen 2 paddle with brake is $229 and the Fuel with lock on switch is $169 and that's a small drop in price from the original list of $179.

The deals thread may put you on to better prices with secondary sellers like thru EBAY etc,

https://www.toolup.com/milwaukee/bare-tools

I ended up getting the 2980-21 kit at cpo for 219 hopefully I can pick up some 8.0 or 12.0 for a good price seems like that grinder needs the bigger batteries according to Milwaukee

 

[DFB]

I ended up getting the 2980-21 kit at cpo for 219 hopefully I can pick up some 8.0 or 12.0 for a good price seems like that grinder needs the bigger batteries according to Milwaukee

Pretty good price with the 6.0 battery

 

[eljay]

My red fever started with the M12 3/8" stubby, which is fantastic!
Then I added rotary, multi-tool, hammer drill and imoact driver.
I'd love to see an M12 circular saw and angle grinder offered and that woukd complete my current needs.... I think.

 

[Tduby]

Yeah my dad likes the bags maybe someone will need a charger I know because I sure don’t need another damn charger. I’ll probably pick up the 12 and 8 for 199 this weekend and hopefully get the 11% rebate match. Just need to score a deal on the backpack vacuum and I’ll be done spending money.

 

[jmhinkle]

My red fever started with the M12 3/8" stubby, which is fantastic!
Then I added rotary, multi-tool, hammer drill and imoact driver.
I'd love to see an M12 circular saw and angle grinder offered and that woukd complete my current needs.... I think.

"I'd love to see an M12 circular saw and angle grinder offered and that woukd complete my current needs"

Meaning you don't like the current offerings or aren't aware of them?

 

[techieman33]

My red fever started with the M12 3/8" stubby, which is fantastic!
Then I added rotary, multi-tool, hammer drill and imoact driver.
I'd love to see an M12 circular saw and angle grinder offered and that woukd complete my current needs.... I think.

The circular saw has been around for a long time
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...th-6-0Ah-Battery-2530-20-48-11-2460/301547292

And there are a couple of grinderish options. But unless there is a big jump in technology I doubt we'll see a 4.5" grinder on M12. Even with an XC battery it wouldn't have enough power to do any heavy work. And even with light work the batteries would drain in a few minutes.

There is a 3" cut off tool though.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...dless-Cut-Off-Saw-Tool-Only-2522-20/305663849

And the new die grinder, there's a straight one coming in the spring if you'd rather have that.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...Angle-Die-Grinder-Tool-Only-2485-20/310152871

 

[Yarpo]

I love all my Milwaukee tools, but I got shown up today

I usually use my mid torque to remove lug nuts (bolts) but had a car that I couldn't get the rr or lr tire off of. No big deal, I'll move up to the high torque, it's never struggled before. Before I got around to that, the matco guy walks in and was trying to sell hats with speakers in them...and an impact with 1600 ft pounds of reverse torque. I was still using my mid torque, but was about to grab my high torque when he offered to let me use his gun. Figured what the heck, throw the socket on and remove the lug nuts, no surprise, it removed all of them from the lr wheel, as I figured my high torque would do as well. I told him it was pretty cool or whatever and exchanged pleasantry's before i continued around to the other side of the car, still with my mid torque. Mid torque failed again, and I went and grabbed my high torque. The matco guy was already headed out to the truck to run something for somebody else at this point, so with high torque in hand I was ready to get this rr wheel off. My high torque failed on two lug bolts (3/4 battery) and I was pissed. Figured worse case scenario I grab a full battery and try again, let it rattle and I removed 1 of the 2 stuck lug bolts. The last one...wouldn't budge. No dice. I was going to have to throw the wheels on and drop the car... as the matco guy walks by. Told him my gun failed (which its never done) and that I'd gladly see if his was up to the task. Sure enough, removed it like nothing. Not sure who the **** torqued those lug bolts, or what the actual torque specs are for any of these electric impacts, but there's no way people are torquing things to 1600 ft pounds...but I'm sad. No way should the high torque EVER fail to remove a lug nut on a passenger vehicle (2017 GLS450 with 13k miles)

Its worth noting that my mid torque has failed repeatedly on cars that are to be torqued at 150nm. Maybe my batteries or tools are getting old and worn out, but the mid torque has only been used daily for 1 year (+/-) and the high torque 3 or 4 months (+/-)

Whats the solution here? Do I really need a 3/4 gun? An air impact? A matco/snap on whatever...?

 

[jmhinkle]

Plenty of videos showing the High Torque and the stubby removing their claimed ratings without issue. Might be a battery issue if they are getting older. The Fuel tools will take advantage of the power offered in the new HO batteries with bigger cells.

 

[DFB]

I love all my Milwaukee tools, but I got shown up today

I usually use my mid torque to remove lug nuts (bolts) but had a car that I couldn't get the rr or lr tire off of. No big deal, I'll move up to the high torque, it's never struggled before. Before I got around to that, the matco guy walks in and was trying to sell hats with speakers in them...and an impact with 1600 ft pounds of reverse torque. I was still using my mid torque, but was about to grab my high torque when he offered to let me use his gun. Figured what the heck, throw the socket on and remove the lug nuts, no surprise, it removed all of them from the lr wheel, as I figured my high torque would do as well. I told him it was pretty cool or whatever and exchanged pleasantry's before i continued around to the other side of the car, still with my mid torque. Mid torque failed again, and I went and grabbed my high torque. The matco guy was already headed out to the truck to run something for somebody else at this point, so with high torque in hand I was ready to get this rr wheel off. My high torque failed on two lug bolts (3/4 battery) and I was pissed. Figured worse case scenario I grab a full battery and try again, let it rattle and I removed 1 of the 2 stuck lug bolts. The last one...wouldn't budge. No dice. I was going to have to throw the wheels on and drop the car... as the matco guy walks by. Told him my gun failed (which its never done) and that I'd gladly see if his was up to the task. Sure enough, removed it like nothing. Not sure who the **** torqued those lug bolts, or what the actual torque specs are for any of these electric impacts, but there's no way people are torquing things to 1600 ft pounds...but I'm sad. No way should the high torque EVER fail to remove a lug nut on a passenger vehicle (2017 GLS450 with 13k miles)

Its worth noting that my mid torque has failed repeatedly on cars that are to be torqued at 150nm. Maybe my batteries or tools are getting old and worn out, but the mid torque has only been used daily for 1 year (+/-) and the high torque 3 or 4 months (+/-)

Whats the solution here? Do I really need a 3/4 gun? An air impact? A matco/snap on whatever...?

Very surprising on the High Torque indeed, usually it spins things off so fast it scary

I used my Mid Torque recently removing a wagon wheel and it did the job but not as quick as I anticipated and that gave me pause Turned out I was only in the #2 mode.

What are the other variables involved. What size Amp Hr batteries were you using. And just for my own curiosty is the MidTorque a 3/8" anvil or is it the 1/2"?

I personally don't know how one tests the battery load draw. Most XC do have 3 year warranties though

 

[Yarpo]

Very surprising on the High Torque indeed, usually it spins things off so fast it scary

I used my Mid Torque recently removing a wagon wheel and it did the job but not as quick as I anticipated and that gave me pause Turned out I was only in the #2 mode.

What are the other variables involved. What size Amp Hr batteries were you using. And just for my own curiosty is the MidTorque a 3/8" anvil or is it the 1/2"?

I personally don't know how one tests the battery load draw. Most XC do have 3 year warranties though

The mid torque is a beast when the operator has it on the right setting

My batteries are 5.0 XC batteries, official Milwaukee batteries from 1-3 years old, obtained from many of the promo deals. The mid torque is 1/2" pin detent, high torque 1/2" ring. Since coming to work here I've noticed my mid torque failing on more cars, like once a week I have to use the high torque. At my last job the gun removed every lug nut or bolt it encountered. Makes me believe the tools are getting old and worn possibly. That said I could go for an HO battery but not sure that should be a requirement to get close to the advertised torque. I'm also using a sleeved lug nut socket, which I guess is thinner than a typical impact so less mass and less force being applied. Still tho, the matco gun did it no problem with a similar battery and my very same socket. Love my Milwaukee tools, just a little dissapointed after that played out haha.

PS Here's my first Milwaukee fuel tool, the original 1/2" compact. Love this gun

 

[danny_barkley]

The mid torque is a beast when the operator has it on the right setting

My batteries are 5.0 XC batteries, official Milwaukee batteries from 1-3 years old, obtained from many of the promo deals. The mid torque is 1/2" pin detent, high torque 1/2" ring. Since coming to work here I've noticed my mid torque failing on more cars, like once a week I have to use the high torque. At my last job the gun removed every lug nut or bolt it encountered. Makes me believe the tools are getting old and worn possibly. That said I could go for an HO battery but not sure that should be a requirement to get close to the advertised torque. I'm also using a sleeved lug nut socket, which I guess is thinner than a typical impact so less mass and less force being applied. Still tho, the matco gun did it no problem with a similar battery and my very same socket. Love my Milwaukee tools, just a little dissapointed after that played out haha.

PS Here's my first Milwaukee fuel tool, the original 1/2" compact. Love this gun

If you think they are not delivering the TQ, bet they would refurbish them if they are still under warranty. Or if not under warranty, may do for free or a nominal cost.

Dremel just replaced a tool for me that was well past warranty. All I did was call to ask a troubleshooting question. Got a new Dremel 8220 and battery out of the deal.

I would think the Mid TQ should bang off all Lugnuts on passenger cars or small pickups with ease.

 

[steve stone]

Anyone know if International tools is an authorized MIlwaukee reseller? THey have good prices., but I have a problem with them.

 

[Bighead38]

Wore out the wire wheel so I ran to Home Depot. They only had this cup and a small straight one so I got both. Was disappointed both were so small. Then I used it and changed my mind. This wire cup is awesome.

 

[DFB]

Anyone know if International tools is an authorized MIlwaukee reseller? THey have good prices., but I have a problem with them.

They certainly seems that way to be offering the discounts and the free item promos.

Based in Florida free shipping only after $149

Looks like a $9.99 flat rate under that

What's your issue with them

 

[techieman33]

Anyone know if International tools is an authorized MIlwaukee reseller? THey have good prices., but I have a problem with them.

I would say yes. If you go to Milwaukee's site and look at a tool it has a "where to buy" link. International tool is one of the sites they list. I doubt they would send you to someone who wasn't authorized.

 

[darkzero]

Hey fellas. Need advice, what would you do & which would be the better battery?

I want a M18 12.0 battery for my M18 Fuel blower. I'm using a 9.0 on it now. I'm gonna pick up the 12.0 + free 8.0 battery deal from HD. Was planning to return the 8.0 battery. Now I'm having second thoughts.

So the 12.0 will go on my blower. Was planning to use the 9.0 battery with my angle grinder. Which would be the better battery, 9.0 or 8.0 HO? Basically 18650 vs 21700. What would you do, keep the 8.0 HO & sell the 9.0 or vise versa? I know I know, keep both but I don't need both.

 

[Bighead38]

But another tool so that you have a need to keep both.

 

[darkzero]

I knew someone would say that! I have no plans for another M18 tool & definitely not a power hungry one. The angle grinder & blower are the only ones I have that need big batteries. I have plenty of 5.0 batteries for now.

Only other tool I'm looking to buy is the M12 straight die grinder when it comes out.

 

[Craigmcfarlane]

Can someone point me in the direction of the M18 gen3 1/2 impact? There’s that many and I’m unsure what one is the latest and best to buy. Is it the one with one key technology? Thanks

 

[KWtech90]

Can someone point me in the direction of the M18 gen3 1/2 impact? There’s that many and I’m unsure what one is the latest and best to buy. Is it the one with one key technology? Thanks

You're going to want model # 2767-20

 

[On-Wheel]

Got a bunch of sawzaw blades in various flavors waiting on saw to arrive.
I need some other deal now!
What’s the fix? Lmao

 

[Craigmcfarlane]

You're going to want model # 2767-20

Thanks man, the part numbers in the uk seem to be different that’s what’s causing the confusion I think!

 

[Craigmcfarlane]

You're going to want model # 2767-20[/https://www.ukplanettools.co.uk/Products/milwaukee-impact-wrenches/milwaukee-m18onefhiwf12-0-18v-m18-1-2in-fuel-one-key-impact-wrench-body-with-case/m18onefhiwf12-0?gclid=CjwKCAiAzuPuBRAIEiwAkkmOSCFpblRE_70WRzZSu9lc0B-jWq30KM3qKVFUgHsWfk3TI8ijDzaStRoCuYcQAvD_BwE

This seems to pop up when I google 2767-20, is this correct?

 

[Bolster]

I just ordered the 2313-21 inspection camera new for $99. Couldn't pass it up. Hopefully I'm not disappointed.

Suzuki: What's your verdict?

 

[jmhinkle]

I knew someone would say that! I have no plans for another M18 tool & definitely not a power hungry one. The angle grinder & blower are the only ones I have that need big batteries. I have plenty of 5.0 batteries for now.

Only other tool I'm looking to buy is the M12 straight die grinder when it comes out.

Decide when you get the 8.0 in hand. I can tell you that the 6.0 HO is the size of the 9.0 HD so I imagine the 8.0 HO being even bigger. Granted the HO are better batteries that supply more power, but they are significantly larger almost comically larger. I posted pics a few pages back of the 6 vs 9. If you don't want to deal with the massive size of the HO regularly you'll get longer run times from the 9HD.

 

[darkzero]

Thanks for the input.

I just got back from HD. I ended returning the 8.0, purchased & walked right back in to return. The only 8.0 they had in stock had slight damage to it, probably just cosmetic but still. I measured the 8.0 before returning it. They're basically the same size except the 8.0 is wider & the 9.0 is like a 1/4" taller.

My first HO battery was the CP3.0HO. I didn't like the longer length & width compared to regular XC batteries. Width not so much a big deal but didn't like the extended length forward of the latch when used on impact guns or impact drivers. But whatever I'd probably get used to it. I did have to change the clips on the tools that I use the HO batteries with.

To my understanding the old 6.0HD & 9.0 are the same size, both 15 cells but the 9.0 just uses higher mah cells. Same for the 6.0HO & 8.0HO, same size, 10 cells, higher capacity cells for the 8.0. But I've never had all these packs in hand side by side out of the packaging so not for sure.

8.0s can be had on ebay for $75-$80 so the return value from HD was worth more to me. Plus the 9.0 should have slightly more runtime. I knew the 12.0 was huge but damn it seems even bigger when on a tool. But whatever, for $108 after returning the 8.0 I'm happy.

 

[jmhinkle]

I didn't realize the 8HO was higher mah cells of the 6HO so that makes sense why they are the same size as each other and as the 9HD as I stated earlier. I with you on the size difference of the HO. I love the idea, but they are just too big in practice. Really makes me appreciate the sizing of my Ryobi tools. Even the 9AH doesn't seem awkardly large in those.

 

[darkzero]

I hear ya, great solution with the HO but the extra heft in size *****. Not many ways around that though I guess. Glad I'm not the only one that feels that way. That's why I like the 5.0 batteries & is what I have the most of. Up until today 9.0 was the biggest battery I owned & I have only one. For what I use my tools for I would rather just use the 5.0s & swap them out. But I can understand the need for the bigger packs. Glad I don't really have power hungry tools, not yet anyway.

 

[pbon]

The big 8-12ah batteries are good for blowers, vacuums, tower lights, table/miter saw, pump, etc. I would not choose to use one on a drill or impact or hacksall.

 

[BroncoAZ]

I hear ya, great solution with the HO but the extra heft in size *****. Not many ways around that though I guess. Glad I'm not the only one that feels that way. That's why I like the 5.0 batteries & is what I have the most of. Up until today 9.0 was the biggest battery I owned & I have only one. For what I use my tools for I would rather just use the 5.0s & swap them out. But I can understand the need for the bigger packs. Glad I don't really have power hungry tools, not yet anyway.

I just got a pair of 8.0 and a pair of 6.0 batteries, I was surprised that they are exactly the same size. My plan was to sell off my 1 year old 5.0’s and replace them with 6.0, but having seen the size I think I’ll keep the 8.0 for my blower, vacuum, and grinder leaving me selling the pair of 6.0. My M18 battery collection will end up like this:

Two 2.0 - surge, drill, mid torque
Three 5.0 - high torque, circular saw, sawzall
Two 8.0 - grinder, vac, blower
Two 9.0 - blower

For M12 I have a bunch of 1.5 and 2.0, a couple new 4.0, and at least four 6.0. I probably could sell off the new pair of 4.0 and a new pair of 6.0.

 

[Bolster]

Asking this out of compleat ignorance, not trying to be more clever than Milwaukee. Milwaukee has 12v, 18v, and now 72v. In the "lot of work for an 18v but overpowered if 72v" range (vacuums, blowers, table saw) why is there no provision for using TWO 18v batteries simultaneously? If connected in series, then 36v; if in parallel then twice the Ah. I'm sure part of the issue must be the problems you encounter with mismatched batteries, when one battery is more depleted than another, but there must be an electrical solution to that, such as cutting the power when the voltage differential gets too great between two batteries. There are probably other reasons the "two battery" solution isn't used, what would they be? I'm looking for some edumacation here...

 

[Bighead38]

It’s definitely possible because other brands have tools that use 2 batteries.

 

[steve stone]

They certainly seems that way to be offering the discounts and the free item promos.

Based in Florida free shipping only after $149

Looks like a $9.99 flat rate under that

What's your issue with them

I got batteries with a date code of 2014. waiting to hear back.