The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[p90puma]

Is that the extended reach 1/4? The head looks smaller than the normal fuel ratchet.

Yes.

The extended 3/8 is massive, no thanks.

 

[mobiledynamics]

Yeah, fenix lights are my defacto carry on light. Remember the great northeast blackout. I walked from upper east side back all the way to dyker heights. Since that day, I've alway have some level of a flashlight on me, headlamps - I like fenix and petzl

 

[DFB]

Compared to the other corded/cordless multi tools that i have used, i like the Milwaukee M18 the best compared to an actual Fein tool. It performs almost as well as a corded Fein (not the Super Cut model).

The M18 can **** down a battery pretty quickly, so the M12 must be lighter duty and/or ***** down batteries faster.

Ya on some other Milwaukee forums the M18 unit gets great feedback from many that use it on their jobs. I heard the M12 is just so so, but better than nothing in a situation where one needs a multi tool.

Honestly in all my time I have never had one or really wanted one, always making due with some other optional choice to get the job done (could probably count on a couple of finger the times I actually wished I had one in my hand, the #1 time for cutting out a fitted base board on a bathroom renovation job, and for doing the door trim/and casing too and probably on the same job too.

I've have used a flush cut offset handle fine tooth trim handsaw saw for that door trim for years and years and has done what needed.

My pal had one out at the Motorcycle shop the other day a corded Makita one.

I always razz him about all his non cordless stuff he got me back by telling me how surprised he was that was one of the tools I didn't have


I think I will try score the Home Depot deal Friday. I will have call ahead though to find out if they really will have any in the store, I do have two home desperates within a full hour's drive from where I live but they **** soo bad I hate going there ALWAYS

 

[DFB]

I have the M12 I got it as part of Father’s Day deal it seems useful but you need an Allen wrench to change blades. It’s not super powerful but I never used an oscillating saw before so I have to experience to compare. The M12 is a lot more compact than the M18 which seems to be a huge plus for times I used it. The only downside is that it kills 1.5 batteries in 10 minutes

M12 multi tool is super weak. it's way better than nothing, though. I haven't used the m18 but in quantitative reviews it's weaker and slower than most other brands' multitools.

Ya thanks for both of those M12 reviews.

They way I see its the tools there if ya need it. I really couldn't say how much work anyone really intends to do with either tool outside of a quick cutoff of a nail or screw (was my bud's major use) or to get that fine cutoff without major damage on trim work I'd looking for lets say.

Some installers/renovators say they shine on certain sheetrock cutouts too They also the M12 cutoff tool does too (I have that tool already)

 

[techieman33]

Got some more FENIX lights on order for some holiday presents....and went shopping for batteries as well. I don't by that many 18650 but I know roughly what good panny/sanyolg/samsungs run for.

I've never done the math until last night. But when I ran the #'s of the cells per battery pack in a M12 9ah, costwise, it's more or less the same as if I was buying standalone cells for other -electronic goodies-. I can now see other will buy it just for the batts....

Fenix makes good headlamps, I generally prefer my Armytek Wizzard Pro though. One thing to remember when your buying those generic Milwaukee packs is that the cells are probably low quality Chinese cells. And they may not even be 3000mah like they claim. I've always preferred to just buy known cells from a legit seller so I know exactly what I'm getting.

I saw an ad on YouTube for a Fenix headlamp.. i have to admit i am intrigued..

I have like 4 laying around, but that hasn’t stopped me yet.

NEWB... I have 5 headlamps all in the 1000-2300 lumen range. And then probably another 15+ 18650 flashlights in the 1000-4000 lumen range. And another 10 or so lights that take regular alkaline batteries. And my collection is tiny compared to some of the enthusiasts out there.

 

[danny_barkley]

You headlamp guys should look at Zebralight as well. I have Fenix and Elzetta for Flashlights and Zebralights for Headlamps.

Ohh, and buy good batteries that won't burn your house down...

 

[techieman33]

You headlamp guys should look at Zebralight as well. I have Fenix and Elzetta for Flashlights and Zebralights for Headlamps.

Ohh, and buy good batteries that won't burn your house down...

Zebralight is good stuff. I was considering buying one but then the Wizzard Pro's went on sale for $45 and I went that route instead.

 

[mobiledynamics]

techieman -

I think you misread my reply. I did not state any reference to any generice M18 batteries.
I was stating when comparing the cost of the LG/Sanyo-Panasonic/Samsung etc, per cell and the QTY of cells in a M19 9AH, the cost for the 9AH is pretty much reasonable for what was --inside-- it.

 

[techieman33]

techieman -

I think you misread my reply. I did not state any reference to any generice M18 batteries.
I was stating when comparing the cost of the LG/Sanyo-Panasonic/Samsung etc, per cell and the QTY of cells in a M19 9AH, the cost for the 9AH is pretty much reasonable for what was --inside-- it.

Ah ok, your post says M12 battery, and the only 9.0 batteries for M12 are knockoffs. Even with a legit M18 pack I wouldn't tear apart a new one just for bare cells unless I was desperate and needed some that day and I couldn't find any at a vape shop. You can get Samsung 30Q's for $4 each if you catch them on sale. I doubt you'll find a 9.0 for less that $60. Then you have to consider your time, and potentially damaging cells when you break it down.

 

[danski0224]

Ya thanks for both of those M12 reviews.

They way I see its the tools there if ya need it. I really couldn't say how much work anyone really intends to do with either tool outside of a quick cutoff of a nail or screw (was my bud's major use) or to get that fine cutoff without major damage on trim work I'd looking for lets say.

Some installers/renovators say they shine on certain sheetrock cutouts too They also the M12 cutoff tool does too (I have that tool already)

I use my M18 a lot, wouldn't want to be without it.

If/when it breaks, I'd buy another right away.

The only reason I haven't picked up a cordless Fein is because I don't have but 1 other cordless Fein tool, and I don't want the additional battery type. If the M18 version sucked, I'd feel differently.

For what i use it for, I'd probably be better off with the Fein Supercut.

I do wish that Milwaukee would update it to a Fuel version, especially with all of the updates elsewhere on the Fuel product line.

 

[f121]

I really wish Milwaukee would come out with a better m12 handheld light.. either a mini version of the underhood, or something long and thin with a flexible head. Like the Astro or HF models.

+1

Lighting is the reason I bought m12, the uhl and rover are excellent, but I miss having a magnet flex light like the so 14.4 one

 

[mobiledynamics]

I need a proof-reader on my phones browser techie. Re: the schucking for batteries. Not for me. I recall it was either here or someone else, where someone did post that many bought the M18 batts/M12 just to schuck them. It never did register to my why bother when singles are easily available. I suppose high quality cells at a cheaper shucked cost (not necessarily on the 9ah, I just happened to run the math on the cells on the 9ah).

 

[z0r]

I do wish that Milwaukee would update it to a Fuel version, especially with all of the updates elsewhere on the Fuel product line.

if they do an m18 fuel multitool I'd be in for one for me plus multiple gifts. I agree it's a big hole for them

if my math is right the non-fuel should be $74.46 after getting it with the $199 4.0 starter kit and returning the kit. it's been less than that on eBay with a 15% coupon so nothing amazing. but still ok

 

[danny_barkley]

I need a proof-reader on my phones browser techie. Re: the schucking for batteries. Not for me. I recall it was either here or someone else, where someone did post that many bought the M18 batts/M12 just to schuck them. It never did register to my why bother when singles are easily available. I suppose high quality cells at a cheaper shucked cost (not necessarily on the 9ah, I just happened to run the math on the cells on the 9ah).

If you guys are talking about taking a Milwaukee battery apart to harvest the cells. Remember they don't have protection circuits like most other cells you would buy for a Flashlight.

 

[HondaCBMan]

Is the BF M12 4 pack battery set a good deal? 2 CP2.0s and 2 XC4.0s for $149.

 

[dacan23]

Yeah its a good value, once higher AH batteries become popular the others people lose interest in. I have a bunch of 2.0s but will only take compact 3.0s now and all my XC's are 6.0s. I probably have 6 2.0s, 6 3.0s, and 10 6.0s. Can never have enough M12 batteries.

Is the BF M12 4 pack battery set a good deal? 2 CP2.0s and 2 XC4.0s for $149.

 

[HondaCBMan]

Yeah if it were a CP3.0 in that kit, it would be a no question buy. I do need XC4.0s too though.

 

[techieman33]

If you guys are talking about taking a Milwaukee battery apart to harvest the cells. Remember they don't have protection circuits like most other cells you would buy for a Flashlight.

Most of us enthusiast avoid cells with protection circuits. Some of the high end lights use direct drive to get the most light possible out of the light. Something like the emisar d4v2 might draw 20amps off of a single 18650 in turbo mode. And even the best protection circuits on a single cell are only good for 10amps. So it would trip the protection, and could possibly even hurt the light. The other problem is that a lot of lights are built to be as small as possible and a protected battery won't even fit.

So while I do own a couple of protected cells, I never use them unless maybe to put into a light that I'm loaning to someone if they don't know how to handle unprotected cells.

 

[kctyphoon]

Milwaukee fuel 12” miter saw

Makita has some cool stuff coming out too.

 

[thetable]

Got some more FENIX lights on order for some holiday presents....and went shopping for batteries as well. I don't by that many 18650 but I know roughly what good panny/sanyolg/samsungs run for.

I've never done the math until last night. But when I ran the #'s of the cells per battery pack in a M12 9ah, costwise, it's more or less the same as if I was buying standalone cells for other -electronic goodies-. I can now see other will buy it just for the batts....

Then you may be buying cells from the wrong place. Sony VTC6, LG HG2, and Samsung 30Q are all easily had from reputable vendors for less than $6/cell. Those are the most likely cells in the M12 6Ah pack. 6 cells, for well less than $36. M18 9Ah battery is 15 cells, so less than $90, (right now, less than $60 for 15xHG2s from my preferred vendor.)

 

[z0r]

genuine m12 batteries are a ripoff on a $-per-cell basis

genuine M18 batteries do dip as low as $6/cell at times. and the M18 12.0 selling for $108 right now is probably the best price you'll find for samsung 40T batteries

edit - ok, 40T with shipping is going to come to slightly less than the M18 12.0 price from some vendors, and you don't have to break the spot welds

 

[aventino68]

I though the use of the word "addiction" was sarcasm but after reading the last hundred pages I'm not so sure

 

[kctyphoon]

Woo-hoo!
We reached page 1000.. and almost 20,000 posts !

 

[darkzero]

Man, you guys really have issues!

Well techincally I do too but I know I have a red problem so it's not an issue.

 

[thetable]

Man, you guys really have issues!

I'd say it's more of a subscription.

 

[HondaCBMan]

Would Homedepot price match a place like InternationalTool? The latter currently has the M12 Stubby for $159 when added to cart.

 

[DFB]

I'd probably guess many of the "ADDICTS" wouldn't be interested in this kit but I think its a sweet little deal for someone that doesn't need FUEL power or price especially for engine projects, outdoor power equipment maintenance or basic mechanical assembly chores. Its very small and lightweight. Quieter running motor than a Fuel tool too.

I had bought one to assemble High Tunnel type greenhouse pipe frames where I work, speeds up assembling all those fasteners, attaching skirt boards etc. Fuel was just an infant then

They say that little metric socket set is something like $69 list alone...way overpriced Milwaukee

And or the longest time since it was released that brushed 3/8" was $149 list bare tool. (Was $199 for the -22 kit)

I did fanagle mine, a bare tool by stacking some holiday discount on top for about $112 way back when, IIRC

So ya with battery/charger and tool bag too $99 is a real good price

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...Metric-Socket-Set-12-Piece-2463-21P/302740149

 

[kctyphoon]

Add a cheap Amazon led flood light to the top - got yourself a nice small portable light.

 

[DFB]

Add a cheap Amazon led flood light to the top - got yourself a nice small portable light.

So what?!!

Ya and why not just like build a fan too

 

[04chase]

just added a second gridiron jacket combo for work . now i have the rain cover and hd work cover . figure i will use the extra inside heated jacket for not so heavy work use.

i will say the new heated stuff with the "dual heat" are much quicker to heat up and i prefer them to the hand heater style jacket i have had for 2 years. though it is a more formal jacket i use when not working.

i also like the new heated jacket battery holder is the charger also. just plug a usb into it and it now charges the battery as well as having a usb out to charge other items as well.


ordered the newer 450 lumen head lamp to try out also. between my snap on rechargeable head lamp and neck light . i should be able to make it though a full night on these now.

 

[deltaphisig]

Still debating Makita vs Milwaukee, but trying to settle before the holiday sales are over. I know the Milwaukee trigger control was not as good as the Makita, as in went 0-full power with little modulation. Have they fixed that with the newer tools. Primarily looking at drill and impact driver, but wil add other things along the way.

 

[kctyphoon]

Still debating Makita vs Milwaukee, but trying to settle before the holiday sales are over. I know the Milwaukee trigger control was not as good as the Makita, as in went 0-full power with little modulation. Have they fixed that with the newer tools. Primarily looking at drill and impact driver, but wil add other things along the way.

Consider the entire platform of tools you want or MIGHT want later. Not just your first purchase. Milwaukee does seem to offer more sales and promos, heated gear, lighting, mechanic targeted tools.

Ill concede that Makita does have a few items that seem to have better build quality but not many. (Cordless miter saw, router). Battery options, lighting, impacts, and TWO huge platforms that MOST Milwaukee guys find themselves buying. The 12v market seriously only has one real contender. (Milwaukee). The m18 fuel line is very impressive - and their is not much you could possibly want that they dont offer, in multiple versions at this point.

 

[Tbird22]

Itching to get a vacuum. I saw a deal on the “red tea pot”. I’m pretty much going to use it for my car so I was wondering what you think about it?
I can’t justify paying the backpack one-which I would only get because better suction-so it would either be the red tea pot or the 2 gallon shop vacuum


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[darkzero]

I've never had a cordless vac before so I don't know much about the Compact/"tea pot" one. I got the 2 gal vac a few days ago. Got it mainly cause of the price, $62 was hard to pass up & I like the stackable design & inside accessory storage for easy storage.


Got it to use for the car & light duty quick cleanups where it would take longer fumbling with the cord than actual use. I have a full size shop vac for other uses so I'm pretty happy with the 2 gal.

 

[kctyphoon]

I would get the little wet dry vac. I've had both that your mentioning, and if I had to pick one it would be the wet dry. I think the suction was much better on that one also. Plus it holds alot more. I think right now my wet dry is completely filled with dog hair from brushing out my German Shepherd.

You can get wands and a floor attachment for it also. I have that old hand held / shoulder strap oreck and the wands fit from from that. Pretty sure the small wands/accessories at HD fit too. The accessory size should be listed in the specs ..

 

[Jamie V]

My wife uses the tea pot one around the house especially with the wands and floor attachment. For the car or shop I’d get the wet/dry one.

 

[pbon]

I have the teapot and box. I don’t really like the teapot but it would be fine for a car. The box is pretty good and would be my recommendation.

 

[RKA]

I would think the teapot would be a pita cleaning foot wells since the body is attached to the wand? Don’t know.

 

[1TMF]

Speaking of lighting, I think I need to stop wasting my time with cheap work lights and just get some sort of Milwaukee light. I'm looking for something that can light up underneath the car, light up a wheel well, and perhaps even light up a small work area in the dark (corner of a room, etc...like a replacement for a plug-in halogen work light). Looks like the M12 rover might be a perfect fit for this. Small, sits at an angle, long run time, etc. Any others I should consider? I'm more partial to M12 vs M18 options since I have the most M12 batteries.

This looks like a decent deal on the M12 Rover ($54.99 bare tool):
https://www.cpomilwaukee.com/milwau...pact-flood-light--tool-only-/miln2364-20.html

 

[DFB]

I cannot reiterate just how much I hate trying to buy ANYTHING from TOOLUP

The 2554 3/8" Stubby bare tool is on sale $141.11. theres a MIL25 Promo code for $25 off which brings it down to 116.11 a pretty good bare tool price...

Now I go to checkout and the web page adds $16.12 shipping and $9.43 for sales tax! My state sales and use tax is only 6% WTF here... it should be just $6.96

Even on a slight chance that tax was applied BEFORE the MIL25 discount it still only be $8.46



I absolutely hate Toolup. No sale is ever really a sale with them. It ended more than the original purchase price

In my 6 years or so years of buying M12 & M18 Red Lithium Milwaukee cordless I have struggled thru only 2 purchases from them though I easily have over two dozen tools

BLACK FRIDAY RANT