The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[DFB]

It doesn't smell burnt ... it smells more plastic'y that rises to a level of... hmmm that's different. I'm not one to warranty a tool for a smudge in the chrome or a plastic fart. If i was concerned... it would be on the road to replacement...

My guess is it was manufactured in a different plant with a different lot of materials... that still work as the gen 1 and my other 25 m12 tools.

Dude just unwrapped and powered up my new 2626 Multi Tool

WOW DOES IT EVER STINK....just like you've described

I'm sure the odor will dissipate quickly though

 

[DFB]

After you use a rotary hammer, you'll wonder why they even waste time making a hammer drill. Cleaner holes faster.


SDS Max is for making bigger holes with bigger machines. SDS Plus tool should take all your old SDS bits.

Brad Hammer vs Sledge hammer.

I wouldn't use a Sledgehammer to set a Brad

I wouldn't use my Bosch Rotary to put in a 1/4" Tapcon

I wouldn't use my Hammer drill to install a 4" long 5/8" Weejit anchor

Is there really a discussion of such things?

Soooo is all that a yes or no

WILL the basic M12 SDS tool do a better job than my M18 FUEL hammer drill for the task at hand I've detailed


Shoot I was smokin up a 3/8 M12 hammer drill putting a couple a 1/2" holes for lag shields one day at work.

 

[ChrisLS8]

M12 vs M18 rocket light? Use will be at work usually for larger rooms like a 20x30 or smaller or working on soffits or high walls 90% of the time doing interior. I have about 6x 6.0's for M12 for use since I do not use M12 at work. The price difference has me leaning to the M12 so I guess I'm more looking for opinions on if it sounds suitable for what I need. I'm not looking to light up a whole jobsite but just my immediate area for a few hours

 

[ThatSickRip]

M12 vs M18 rocket light? Use will be at work usually for larger rooms like a 20x30 or smaller or working on soffits or high walls 90% of the time doing interior. I have about 6x 6.0's for M12 for use since I do not use M12 at work. The price difference has me leaning to the M12 so I guess I'm more looking for opinions on if it sounds suitable for what I need. I'm not looking to light up a whole jobsite but just my immediate area for a few hours

I was in the same boat when I found the M12 for $99 and the M18 with 5.0 kit for $199 at HD. I got the M18 because I was able to return the 5.0 kit and it was basically half off. Before I bought, I had also read that the telescoping retention system on the M18 was better.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Damn I've never seen for 199, how often does that pop up?

 

[ThatSickRip]

Damn I've never seen for 199, how often does that pop up?

I assumed you meant this light since you were comparing it to the M12.
I alway see this one for $199, but the current deal with the 5.0 and return makes it the cheapest Ive seen.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M18-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Rocket-Dual-Power-Tower-Light-with-Free-M18-5-0Ah-Battery-and-Charger-2131-20-48-59-1850/305883641

 

[MikeF2316]

Brad Hammer vs Sledge hammer.

I wouldn't use a Sledgehammer to set a Brad

I wouldn't use my Bosch Rotary to put in a 1/4" Tapcon

I wouldn't use my Hammer drill to install a 4" long 5/8" Weejit anchor

Is there really a discussion of such things?

I used my SDS rotary hammer to drill 1/8" holes for Tapcons in a concrete pad my shed sits on. I don't own a hammer drill, the rotary hammer is just so superior.

 

[danski0224]

Okay the smallest M12 SDS is special buy deal right now...$20 less on the bare tool and "free" starter kit with the 4.0xc battery so $129 for all of it.

So quite a bit less than the Fuel Brushless version so now is it really okay for like drilling 20 year old concrete basement walls to mount some stuff with lets say 3/16"-1/4" sized tapcons? I have a shitload of them from some job long ago. I know SDS for concrete drilling is better all the way around. Can it easily outperform my M18 hammer drill for this task?

And lets refresh what is the difference between the MAX and the PLUS on these offerings anyhow

The 20 year old concrete isn't an issue.

Yes, that M12 rotary hammer will be just fine for 3/16 and 1/4 Tapcon fasteners. Tool of choice for electricians for conduit hangers and straps, mounting boxes to concrete. Lightweight, but no on board vacuum system.

And yes, the M12 rotary hammer will absolutely smoke the M18 hammer drill in this application. The "hammer" part of a regular drill has almost always sucked and it makes more noise than anything else. I would rather use a carbide bit made to be used in a regular drill for concrete than a hammer drill.

 

[MikeF2316]

I believe I've read every post in this thread, I've not seen mention of the packout radio. Kind of spendy, I don't want it, but some might.

https://www.atlas-machinery.com/milwaukee/2950-20/

 

[DFB]

M12 vs M18 rocket light? Use will be at work usually for larger rooms like a 20x30 or smaller or working on soffits or high walls 90% of the time doing interior. I have about 6x 6.0's for M12 for use since I do not use M12 at work. The price difference has me leaning to the M12 so I guess I'm more looking for opinions on if it sounds suitable for what I need. I'm not looking to light up a whole jobsite but just my immediate area for a few hours

Good thing you have all those 6.0 batteries you will need them

My recommendation go with the bigger M18 rocket. I have 2130 the Gen I with no AC option 2000L output on HIGH and really I wish it was just a bit brighter. Of course after I bought they released the 2131 adding 500 more lumen output on HIGH, plus the convenience of using AC power, but that's not why I bought a cordless light...to plug it in

Now the M18 is like 7 ft when extended vs the 5'8" on the M12. So being taller you can direct it OVER your head better, whether pointing it up or angling down.

The M12 on HIGH is only 100 lumen brighter than my M18 2130 is on the MEDIUM setting which IMO is barely enough if you are used to halogen. With a 5.0 medium gives approx. a 6hr runtime. No where do I see it listed exactly how long the M12 on HIGH will last with the 6.0 although that 10 hrs max they promote is surely for the LOW setting just like it is on the M18. Low on the M12 is also a slightly lower lumen than the M18 700 vs 850 and that's not much of work light at all

Room ambiance is more like it

Consider a M12 Rover output that's 4.5hr run @ 1000L, 10 hr @ 500l and 20hrs @ 250l. My M12 stick light is 250l

2135 with 5.0 battery is a fair deal. I paid $149 the 2130 on an ACME promo.

Of course the biggie light is the 2135 at 3000l but the 2360 swivel work light is also 3000l has the cord option too and that was being offered as a freebie with some of the Black Friday promos. Blaines was one of them

 

[DFB]

I believe I've read every post in this thread, I've not seen mention of the packout radio. Kind of spendy, I don't want it, but some might.

https://www.atlas-machinery.com/milwaukee/2950-20/

Just come out for shipping really, been a preorder for months

Loving it Maybe my Christmas present

 

[juddspaintballs]

The M18 has come highly recommended in various posts an threads over the M12 (although that's better than nothing) in the past week alone simply because of that $99 deal

I just now opened up my box with the tool (was delivered 2 day ago) and was going to make a post about on it when I read this one.

FYI just on first impressions I am very glad I purchased the M18 over the M12 unit though I am a BIG M12 fan and have numerous tools in that line.

Just for the size and weight alone.

I also did get the $149 offer included the $75 set of 9 mixed blades as I never had a multitool before

There's now a M18 multi-tool sitting on the floor in the room I'm putting laminate floors in today. That thing is indispensable for cutting the bottom of door trim for sliding the flooring underneath.

 

[danny_barkley]

I used my SDS rotary hammer to drill 1/8" holes for Tapcons in a concrete pad my shed sits on. I don't own a hammer drill, the rotary hammer is just so superior.

You're right...

I just went out in the Garage and set some Brads with my Sledgehammer!

What the hell was I thinkin'!

 

[Bolster]

I just went & smelled all of mine, no weird smells.

I have a kink called tooleolfaction voyeurism. Could you guys please post some photos of yourselves smelling your tools? I would really enjoy that.

To sweeten the pot, I will trade you photos of myself, smelling my PB Swiss screwdriver handles.

 

[DFB]

You're right...

I just went out in the Garage and set some Brads with my Sledgehammer!

What the hell was I thinkin'!

Ya but what size sledgehammer did ya use

A 12 pounder or just a 2-1/2 lb baby sledge

 

[Kreeker]

Is there any reason to worry about the longevity of a hydraulic Surge vs a Fuel Impact driver?

I recently bought an M12 Surge Combo as my first Milwaukee, but I am having buyers remorse and wondering if I should have just went with the M12 Fuel Hammer Drill / Impact Driver combo instead... For the longevity reason, as well as having a drill in addition to an impact driver.

 

[jmhinkle]

I prefer the surge to the regular and haven't even thought about there being a longevity issue.

I'm confused where you said you bought the combo, but you don't have a drill?

 

[Bighead38]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...a70juSCGrlXop_4at9oaApq2EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

$100 less than link above. I really want one with the 3 piece pack out box set.

 

[kctyphoon]

Is there any reason to worry about the longevity of a hydraulic Surge vs a Fuel Impact driver?

I recently bought an M12 Surge Combo as my first Milwaukee, but I am having buyers remorse and wondering if I should have just went with the M12 Fuel Hammer Drill / Impact Driver combo instead... For the longevity reason, as well as having a drill in addition to an impact driver.

I dont have any of the surges, but i think youre worried about nothing.. the surge is an oil pulse driver. Its really nothing new - they have been around for years. Your not losing any power, maybe gaining if anything. And you have a solid 5 yr warranty on the thing. You’ll likely wind up collecting tools over a long period of time anyway. Nobody says you cant add a regular impact driver down the road if you really want one. Milwaukee, Ridgid, Ryobi - ALL have their own version of oil pulse drivers. There hasn’t seemed to be an issues with any of them.

If itll make you feel better - watch some YouTube videos comparing the two. Most people would actually prefer to have a surge, esp the m12 model.

 

[kctyphoon]

I have a kink called tooleolfaction voyeurism. Could you guys please post some photos of yourselves smelling your tools? I would really enjoy that.

To sweeten the pot, I will trade you photos of myself, smelling my PB Swiss screwdriver handles.

This is a joke right?? Lol

 

[darkzero]

I have a kink called tooleolfaction voyeurism. Could you guys please post some photos of yourselves smelling your tools? I would really enjoy that.

To sweeten the pot, I will trade you photos of myself, smelling my PB Swiss screwdriver handles.

Uh... yeah, that ain't gonna happen.

 

[danny_barkley]

I have a kink called tooleolfaction voyeurism. Could you guys please post some photos of yourselves smelling your tools? I would really enjoy that.

To sweeten the pot, I will trade you photos of myself, smelling my PB Swiss screwdriver handles.

I'll start...

 

[danski0224]

That packout radio better have Bose speakers in it for that price... and crank even louder than the M18 radio...

Insane price on that thing.

 

[jmhinkle]

That packout radio better have Bose speakers in it for that price... and crank even louder than the M18 radio...

Insane price on that thing.

It better not have Blows speakers. Very well known that Blows uses cheap speakers and tunes the boxes to make them sound decent so they can overcharge on their name.

 

[Mgnu]

Anybody try out the switch sprayer yet? Thinking it would be useful at the cabin for pesticide vs. monthly service. Looking for real world feedback.....

 

[dsimatt]

There's now a M18 multi-tool sitting on the floor in the room I'm putting laminate floors in today. That thing is indispensable for cutting the bottom of door trim for sliding the flooring underneath.

Yeah mine got a lot of use when we did our flooring, it's a tool that sits around a lot but when you need it it's dam nice to have.

 

[Kreeker]

I dont have any of the surges, but i think youre worried about nothing.. the surge is an oil pulse driver. Its really nothing new - they have been around for years. Your not losing any power, maybe gaining if anything. And you have a solid 5 yr warranty on the thing. You’ll likely wind up collecting tools over a long period of time anyway. Nobody says you cant add a regular impact driver down the road if you really want one. Milwaukee, Ridgid, Ryobi - ALL have their own version of oil pulse drivers. There hasn’t seemed to be an issues with any of them.

If itll make you feel better - watch some YouTube videos comparing the two. Most people would actually prefer to have a surge, esp the m12 model.

Most of my use case is for light DIY automotive work, so I'd be using it for small fasteners on the inside and outside of my car. I think I've read that the Surge is better for stuff like that because it's easier to control, so you're probably right. I'm eventually going to pick up a Stubby and a ratchet.

I was just wondering in terms of $, if starting out with the Hammer Drill / Impact Wrench kit is a better value. I'll eventually need a drill, but I guess I could just pick one up when I need it.

 

[GForceJunky]

I assumed you meant this light since you were comparing it to the M12.
I alway see this one for $199, but the current deal with the 5.0 and return makes it the cheapest Ive seen.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M18-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Rocket-Dual-Power-Tower-Light-with-Free-M18-5-0Ah-Battery-and-Charger-2131-20-48-59-1850/305883641

Solid deal. It's not showing in stock anywhere but that it can be ordered for pickup or free delivery. Can you do the return if you don't buy it in store? I though I remember reading that you need a legit printed out receipt from the store or something?

 

[dylanmitchell]

Well, it happened to another innocent victim. I'm now on the M18 platform. Got the M18 FUEL 1/2 in. Hammer Drill (2804-20) and the M18 Surge (2760-20) but want something that won't overdrive small screws and works for flat-packed furniture assembly.

How does the non-fuel M18 compact brushless drill driver (2801-20) compare to the M12 Fuel drill driver (2503-20) for delicate work? 2801-20 is going for a Benjamin and the 2503-20 kit with 2.0 and 4.0 ah battery is about 50 percent more. And is it worth getting an M18 brushless kit with the single-speed impact (2850-20) if I already have an M18 Surge? M18 compact brushless looks to have more torque than Surge.

I do basic handyman level maintenance repair in our garage, house, and rental property but like quality contractor grade tools.

M12 fuel is electronic clutch 1700 RPMs and 350 in./lbs. torque M18 brushless compact is mechanical clutch is 6.5 in. length 500 in. - lbs. of torque, 500-1800 RPM.

 

[DFB]

Well, it happened to another innocent victim. I'm now on the M18 platform. Got the M18 FUEL 1/2 in. Hammer Drill (2804-20) and the M18 Surge (2760-20) but want something that won't overdrive small screws and works for flat-packed furniture assembly.

How does the non-fuel M18 compact brushless drill driver (2801-20) compare to the M12 Fuel drill driver (2503-20) for delicate work? 2801-20 is going for a Benjamin and the 2503-20 kit with 2.0 and 4.0 ah battery is about 50 percent more. And is it worth getting an M18 brushless kit with the single-speed impact (2850-20) if I already have an M18 Surge? M18 compact brushless looks to have more torque than Surge.

I do basic handyman level maintenance repair in our garage, house, and rental property but like quality contractor grade tools.

M12 fuel is electronic clutch 1700 RPMs and 350 in./lbs. torque M18 brushless compact is mechanical clutch is 6.5 in. length 500 in. - lbs. of torque, 500-1800 RPM.

Ha I just happened to be in the basement cleaning up my tools after my work season has ended so I took a photo for your comparison.

A M12 FUEL and an M18 2607 brushed drill, working specs are virtually identical to the later brusheless versions.

IMO not a real big difference with overall size or weight in the 2 drills to add the M12 Fuel Drill for what you wanting to do...lightly drive screws with a smaller more easily handling clutched/non impacting tool

So I would seriously recommend ONE of the Hex Screwdrivers.

There are 3 models to choose from, and one is the 2402 2 speed FUEL like seen in pic on the lower left. Much smaller than the FUEL drill without the ratcheting 3 jaw chuck but still the same body/motor. A lighter and much more balanced tool all the way around.

There is also similar 2 speed brushed model version, the 2406 and the very basic VSR 2401 which has recently been a steal of deal as kit for less than $70 (and the original 2401 is also in the photo). The newest ones have had a facelift and more match the looks of the the rest of the brushed M12 offerings

If you really do want a smaller light jaw chucked drill though, the 2407 or 2408 is also more in line with your needs ...a lot different than the Fuel.

 

[DFB]

Oh man that's sweet

Just tried out my new M18 oscillating tool made a few notch cuts in 3/4 pine. Cut amazingly fast I was really quite surprised actually

 

[Hammer1963]

Yeah mine got a lot of use when we did our flooring, it's a tool that sits around a lot but when you need it it's dam nice to have.

I have found all kinds of uses for this tool. Cutting sheet metal panels on cars, sanding (I bought a 5" round pad and use the triangle) cutting PVC, trim, removing grout, stuff I would never imagined.

 

[dylanmitchell]

DFB thanks for sharing the photos and info. Really like that 2402 1/4 in. Hex 2-Speed. The clutched impact would work great for what I need. How long doe the 2.0 AH batteries or 1.5 AH last for you?

I happened to be at the tool store this morning and looked at the M12 fuel drill and M18 compact brushll drill. Surprisingly similar size and weight with the 4.0 AH battery on the M12 display. Also saw 2401 you mentioned but they didn't have the 2402.

 

[Locker537]

Any holiday deals on the new die grinder?

Acme has $25 off $150. Anything better out there?

 

[ThatSickRip]

Solid deal. It's not showing in stock anywhere but that it can be ordered for pickup or free delivery. Can you do the return if you don't buy it in store? I though I remember reading that you need a legit printed out receipt from the store or something?

I bought my Dad the Milwaukee heated vest with the free 2.0 battery, and the online receipt shows the 2 prices. Not sure about returns that way, maybe someone here can chime in.

 

[DFB]

DFB thanks for sharing the photos and info. Really like that 2402 1/4 in. Hex 2-Speed. The clutched impact would work great for what I need. How long doe the 2.0 AH batteries or 1.5 AH last for you?

I happened to be at the tool store this morning and looked at the M12 fuel drill and M18 compact brushll drill. Surprisingly similar size and weight with the 4.0 AH battery on the M12 display. Also saw 2401 you mentioned but they didn't have the 2402.

They are pretty easy on the battery so 2.0 compact is just fine for the Fuel.

It can easily drive 3" screws like nothing.

2401 is a little more mellow...makes a great bench tool for small assembly jobs.

I can't really say I've seen a 2406 2 speed either except for online

Just so we're clear these don't impact just a clutch dial and a drill mode

 

[RKA]

Any holiday deals on the new die grinder?

Acme has $25 off $150. Anything better out there?

Not that I've found. I did Acme's 15% earlier in the week which nets out almost the same. I don't think you'll see anything better until next May/June.

 

[MikeF2316]

You're right...

I just went out in the Garage and set some Brads with my Sledgehammer!

What the hell was I thinkin'!

Well, "they" make a 1/8" SDS drill bit, so there must be some others drilling small holes with their rotary hammers!

 

[DFB]

Well, "they" make a 1/8" SDS drill bit, so there must be some others drilling small holes with their rotary hammers!

Honestly isn't that what these little M12 SDS Rotary hammers are really for?

I been watching some of the videos on them, even though they rate them up 5/8" they pretty much shine at 3/8" and under


The biggest adantage being the bits WILL easily bust thru a piece stone aggregate in your concrete and even cut thru screen/rebar too.

That sure ain't happening with most hammer drill bits

 

[techieman33]

Well, "they" make a 1/8" SDS drill bit, so there must be some others drilling small holes with their rotary hammers!

I drill small holes like that all the time for tap cons and such. I’ll use my hammer drill if the SDS plus isn’t nearby, but it’s not my preference. Hammer drills are only good for homeowners that don’t have a rotary hammer, and can’t justify the cost for a couple holes a year.