The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[danny_barkley]

Both my lil brothers told me it's sacrilege, I call it blasphemy but whatever. Haha. My Dewalt XRP NiCad drill lives!

I retired this drill like 10+ yrs ago cause it was cheaper to buy a new drill than replacement batteries. Not that I needed the drill but the adapter was only $13. Who knows how long it will last, don't know if I will even remember to use it. I remember this drill feeling more powerful back then but compared to my gen2 Fuel it feels like it's toy.

I got the same drill, just replaced the motor in it.

But... decided to go from yellow to RED. So all the yellow stuff needs to go bye bye. But I had the gooseneck lights that came with the Dewalt combos back in the day that I wanted to keep. So I bought some adapters like that to use my Milwaukee batts in those gooseneck lights like you did. Mine does USB out as well, so I can charge cell phones and whatnot.

The gooseneck lights were originally useless with the 1940's style bulb in them, but I had replaced those with 48 LED flood lights and they are awesome, so I just couldn't part with them.

 

[darkzero]

I got the same drill, just replaced the motor in it.

But... decided to go from yellow to RED. So all the yellow stuff needs to go bye bye. But I had the gooseneck lights that came with the Dewalt combos back in the day that I wanted to keep. So I bought some adapters like that to use my Milwaukee batts in those gooseneck lights like you did. Mine does USB out as well, so I can charge cell phones and whatnot.

The gooseneck lights were originally useless with the 1940's style bulb in them, but I had replaced those with 48 LED flood lights and they are awesome, so I just couldn't part with them.

Nice. Funny how they make all these battery adapters now. Curious what was wrong with your motor, did it completely die? When I fired mine up the brushes sparked like crazy & stunk up the whole garage. I was gonna pull out the brushes & clean the commutator as well but couldn't see where the brush leads attached.

Was late & I didn't feel like messing with it more so Ijust cleaned it out with contact cleaner & put the cover back on. Ran if for like 5 mins & now it only sparks when starting & stopping. IIRC that's what it did when it was new. Not sure if my motor is tired cause it doesn't seem as strong as it used to be. But then again it's been a long time so I could just be remembering wrong.

Yup mine has the USB out too but haven't tried it yet. This one is supposed to accept Dewalt li-ions also. I don't have a Dewalt li-ions anymore thiugh. This is the only XRP tool I have.

When the NiCads died I bought my first li-ion powered drill & impact driver, Dewalt again. The drill, one batt, & the charger got stolen from work and my work offered to replace it. So I sold the impact driver, added a bit of my own money & switch to Red. I'm actually happy my Dewalt got stolen.

 

[danny_barkley]

Nice. Funny how they make all these battery adapters now. Curious what was wrong with your motor, did it completely die? When I fired mine up the brushes sparked like crazy & stunk up the whole garage. I was gonna pull out the brushes & clean the commutator as well but couldn't see where the brush leads attached.

Was late & I didn't feel like messing with it more so Ijust cleaned it out with contact cleaner & put the cover back on. Ran if for like 5 mins & now it only sparks when starting & stopping. IIRC that's what it did when it was new. Not sure if my motor is tired cause it doesn't seem as strong as it used to be. But then again it's been a long time so I could just be remembering wrong.

Yup mine has the USB out too but haven't tried it yet. This one is supposed to accept Dewalt li-ions also. I don't have a Dewalt li-ions anymore thiugh. This is the only XRP tool I have.

When the NiCads died I bought my first li-ion powered drill & impact driver, Dewalt again. The drill, one batt, & the charger got stolen from work and my work offered to replace it. So I sold the impact driver, added a bit of my own money & switch to Red. I'm actually happy my Dewalt got stolen.

I hammer drilled some concrete and it was fine. Next time I used it, it was smoking and sparking, and smelled. I checked the cost and the motor was not much more than the brushes, and my commutator was a little burnt. That drill has a cult following so I figured I could get my $40 or so back. I have been using the dewalt 18v batts in it a long time now. Switched over a long time ago when my NiCads got sick.

p.s. there are youtube videos on how to repair it.

 

[darkzero]

I hammer drilled some concrete and it was fine. Next time I used it, it was smoking and sparking, and smelled. I checked the cost and the motor was not much more than the brushes, and my commutator was a little burnt. That drill has a cult following so I figured I could get my $40 or so back. I have been using the dewalt 18v batts in it a long time now. Switched over a long time ago when my NiCads got sick.

p.s. there are youtube videos on how to repair it.

Thanks. Cult following huh? I had no idea. Maybe I'll try to sell it locally again if it continues to sit around.

 

[Lu-Max]

I've had the Milwaukee 2505-20 M12 FUEL Installation Drill/Driver in and out of my shopping basket about a half dozen times, still undecided.
Opinions? Buy it or pass
(FWIW I have 8 other various MW drills/drivers)

 

[mobiledynamics]

I can't think of any reason on the install drill driver unless you are working with cabinetry and there is a use for the offset driver. In said instances though, doesn't one don't want to put a fastener so close to the edge anyhow, as it my -split- the wood ?

 

[DFB]

I've had the Milwaukee 2505-20 M12 FUEL

Depending on what other tools you have its probably a redundancy. I'm in a similar situation as I already have various drills/ impact drivers both pistol Installation Drill/Driver in and out of my shopping basket about a half dozen times, still undecided.
Opinions? Buy it or pass

(FWIW I have 8 other various MW drills/drivers)

I'm in a similar situation as I already own various drill and impacts both pistol grip and RA style.

So I don't really see it.


If I didn't have any tools and was looking for an all around kit, or had the time to keep changing heads as needed. Just stopping to change bits as it is a PITA sometimes or maybe simply was doing like specialized installation and wanted a neater compact kit I'd say sure.

It's certainly small and lightweight


But I don't much understand the point of front handle/protective guard

 

[dacan23]

My plumber buddy really wants one and says it will be really helpful, some electricians think so also. I just warn them that I hope the power is good enough for their imaginable needs.

I can't think of any reason on the install drill driver unless you are working with cabinetry and there is a use for the offset driver. In said instances though, doesn't one don't want to put a fastener so close to the edge anyhow, as it my -split- the wood ?

 

[48548]

I've had the Milwaukee 2505-20 M12 FUEL Installation Drill/Driver in and out of my shopping basket about a half dozen times, still undecided.
Opinions? Buy it or pass
(FWIW I have 8 other various MW drills/drivers)

I like it... like the size and used it to build an ho train layout...

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

 

[kctyphoon]

Both my lil brothers told me it's sacrilege, I call it blasphemy but whatever. Haha. My Dewalt XRP NiCad drill lives!

I retired this drill like 10+ yrs ago cause it was cheaper to buy a new drill than replacement batteries. Not that I needed the drill but the adapter was only $13. Who knows how long it will last, don't know if I will even remember to use it. I remember this drill feeling more powerful back then but compared to my gen2 Fuel it feels like it's toy.

“CLACK!!” “CLACK!!!” “CLACK!!!”
The good old familiar sound of Dewalt transmission gears slamming to a sudden halt..

I have 18v Bosch Nicad tools if anyone wants to buy em for their Milwaukee batteries.. My 12v dewalt stuff is gonna be banished to Florida soon.

 

[DFB]

My Makita 6347D 1/2" Drill Driver.

Another obsolete cordless tool


Its a sweet drill but really...never use it anymore and it's almost like new as it was a replacement for the one that got stolen of my job one day and was purchased right on the cusp of everyone starting to switch over to Li-On tools. I remember when I went looking Makita's first offering were those White 'n Black tools. That's what thru me over to Milwaukee I went for a 12v Impact driver and chose the Milwaukee 2462 for fit and feel over the Makita DT101 (called them 10.8V then at the time IIRC. Was no turning back after THAT

And I think that Dewalt looks really weird with that adapter (if you don't mind me sayin' )

Personally I don't get the battery problem with buying Dewalt Ni Cad replacements but to be honest I don't look at them.

I do know aftermarket replacement Ni Cad batteries for my Makita 18V are like only $30 each and I can tell you they work great

 

[M635_Guy]

These:

got these:

so now they look like this:

I actually have one for the High Torque too

 

[manwithtools]

I've had the Milwaukee 2505-20 M12 FUEL Installation Drill/Driver in and out of my shopping basket about a half dozen times, still undecided.
Opinions? Buy it or pass
(FWIW I have 8 other various MW drills/drivers)

I like it so far, 6 - 8 weeks of ownership with limited use...

 

[danski0224]

I've had the Milwaukee 2505-20 M12 FUEL Installation Drill/Driver in and out of my shopping basket about a half dozen times, still undecided.
Opinions? Buy it or pass
(FWIW I have 8 other various MW drills/drivers)

I got it, and for the most part, like it.

I am not sure that it has the balls of the Festool 12v version. The Festool will also maintain speed/torque as the fastener is driven, not sure if the Milwaukee does this. The Milwaukee batteries are much lighter (in this case, the Festool batteries are NiMh).

The pushbutton, top mounted direction switch takes some getting used to.

I sort of wish that it was an impact driver instead of a drill, but that may have drawbacks when using it as a drill.

The 90 adapter is awesome.

I like the offset adapter. For some assembly work, this is a godsend.

It's very lightweight. Excellent for panel screw removal and light duty self tapping screws. I can take any of the chucks off and stick a 1/4 hex head screw right into the tool, so it can be very compact (Festool version is similar).

The Festool is awesome for cabinet installation- especially with the constant speed feature. Don't know when I will be able to do a comparison with the red version.

 

[mobiledynamics]

Festool one has been out for years. Off to you-tube video to see how one would use such a driver/tool in what applications.....for my wiki.

 

[mobiledynamics]

---Silent Upgrades----

For those that keep track of every release, what tools have gotten silent upgrades with NO change in model #, etc. Whether it be a tool, a light, etc...

I can name 2 that I'm aware

The original floody got a lumen bump from 900 to 1100 lumens.

On the original M18 10 Ton Knock Out Kit, they also include the new 3/4 Rapid Reset Draw Stud in the kit (new draw stud was released post original launch)

 

[MikeF2316]

I can't think of any reason on the install drill driver unless you are working with cabinetry and there is a use for the offset driver. In said instances though, doesn't one don't want to put a fastener so close to the edge anyhow, as it my -split- the wood ?

I bought it, just for that purpose. When you're connecting cabinets together, you have the backing in a dado providing spacing from the edge. You want your fastener as close to the backing as possible. (Or at least I do.)

 

[pizza]

i'm also strongly considering buying the 2505 Installation Drill/Driver.

despite having a nice impact driver and drill (dewalt DCF887 and DCD996), i find that they're kind of on the heavy side for my everyday around the house use like drilling occasional holes or screwing/unscrewing fasteners.

i find that i'm usually reaching for my milwaukee 2401 screwdriver. just more useful to me than an impact driver for everyday stuff, and i like having a clutch for more delicate things.

but i still gotta grab the drill when i want to make holes, obviously.

then i saw the 2505 Installation Drill/Driver and thought it would make sense for my main toolbox. i think it could cover most of my drilling and driving use cases. nice to just have one lighter duty tool, and i guess being able to drill holes at 90° and stuff is an added bonus, but that's rare for me.

the other option is to just get some light duty drill with a clutch since i can put driver bits in the chuck for driving fasteners.

thoughts on the 2505 as a do-it-all everyday driver/driller?

 

[kctyphoon]

i'm also strongly considering buying the 2505 Installation Drill/Driver.

despite having a nice impact driver and drill (dewalt DCF887 and DCD996), i find that they're kind of on the heavy side for my everyday around the house use like drilling occasional holes or screwing/unscrewing fasteners.

i find that i'm usually reaching for my milwaukee 2401 screwdriver. just more useful to me than an impact driver for everyday stuff, and i like having a clutch for more delicate things.

but i still gotta grab the drill when i want to make holes, obviously.

then i saw the 2505 Installation Drill/Driver and thought it would make sense for my main toolbox. i think it could cover most of my drilling and driving use cases. nice to just have one lighter duty tool, and i guess being able to drill holes at 90° and stuff is an added bonus, but that's rare for me.

the other option is to just get some light duty drill with a clutch since i can put driver bits in the chuck for driving fasteners.

thoughts on the 2505 as a do-it-all everyday driver/driller?

For non pro use, if i already had m12 drill/impact - i wouldnt get that thing.. i think I would lean more m12 screwdriver for the small house stuff.. or even the little 4v screwdriver depending how light your “light duty” stuff is..

If i had just 18/20v tools - then ehh.. maybe.. its a tough call.. my understanding is its not a great drill, not very powerful,ect.. and then what? Instead of switching bits, now youre switching heads?? I think I’d rather just get a basic cheap brushed m12 drill & impact, or drill and screwdriver instead.. i mean, we buy extra batteries cause even swapping a battery back and forth is annoying these days . I’d really have to sit down and compare prices.. i means, wheres the advantage for the average guy? That offset or right angle head? Does average joe really need that? I dont.. but if its just a “i want that” purchase - then who cares, go get it.

 

[darkzero]

“CLACK!!” “CLACK!!!” “CLACK!!!”
The good old familiar sound of Dewalt transmission gears slamming to a sudden halt..

Haha yup. Was quickly reminded of that. And the gears not always meshing when changing speeds. Have to jog the motor a bit. At least on mine anyway.

And I think that Dewalt looks really weird with that adapter (if you don't mind me sayin' )

Personally I don't get the battery problem with buying Dewalt Ni Cad replacements but to be honest I don't look at them.

I think it looks funny as hell, especially with the Milwaukee battery on a Dewalt. At least it's better than the Dewalt adapter. The Dewalt adapter sits at an angle so you can't really stand the drill on the battery well. This one is straight so it stands up on the battery.

Back then when my NiCads died, both of them died within a couple of months of each other, replacement batteries were like $130ea. Never looked at generics. Instead of buying 2 new batteries, it was cheaper to buy a new drill & impact driver combo w/ li-ion batteries. Brushed, brushless had came out a few months after I made that purchase.

I'm sure generic replacement batteries are cheap now but I'm fully invested in Red now. Makes no sense for me to buy batteries for that Dewalt. $13 for the adapter was worth a try.

 

[Lu-Max]

Thanks guys, I'll most likely buy the 2505-20 as soon as I can find it on sale.

 

[Farmall450]

I see Farm & Fleet is offering a free M18 vac/omt/3/8 fuel impact/rover light w/ purchase of the two pack of 5.0 M18s.

https://www.farmandfleet.com/promo-deal/?pn=7705&dn=9004

 

[RKA]

@pizza I have M12, M18 and 18V Festool drills and impacts. My CXS is the one I reach for around the house. I love how light and compact it is. It can do a lot more than you would think and the 90 degree chuck is a life saver when you need it. Would I replace the larger drills with it...no. But in addition to...sure. Last summer I was helping my neighbor build out his deck with it. Every screw he didn’t have room to drive with his 12v impact was left to the CXS in addition to every screw holding his stairs together.

I have no experience with the 2505, but conceptually it’s the same. I think you might be surprised how how you’ll choose to use it vs. one of the bigger drills.

 

[dacan23]

The original M18 rocket that got the new height clamps.

The original flood you mentioned 2361 was updated at the same time to accept a 9.0.

The original radius (2145) being modified to fit a 12.0 battery, but not sure if they still sell the original one, I think maybe.

The spool change on the V1 string trimmer.

I feel like there are other little stupid things I can't think of.

---Silent Upgrades----

For those that keep track of every release, what tools have gotten silent upgrades with NO change in model #, etc. Whether it be a tool, a light, etc...

I can name 2 that I'm aware

The original floody got a lumen bump from 900 to 1100 lumens.

On the original M18 10 Ton Knock Out Kit, they also include the new 3/4 Rapid Reset Draw Stud in the kit (new draw stud was released post original launch)

 

[dacan23]

Every time I have played with the install driver at HD. I find it to be awkward to hold and not very balanced feel.

 

[DFB]

Toolbox Buzz gave the #1 slot to the Milwaukee 2719 Hackzall after a series of overall tests based on a equal balance of weighing performance (40%) and ergonomics (also 40%). Price value (tool cost) considerations only amounted to 20% of the ranking decision.


https://www.toolboxbuzz.com/cordles...WgYt3izGVcJUi8DkCiFVClANROscvtXwXX1J59yfBI3vU

 

[Bolster]

https://www.toolboxbuzz.com/cordles...WgYt3izGVcJUi8DkCiFVClANROscvtXwXX1J59yfBI3vU

Thanks for the link! Interesting article.

 

[toddoky]

Every time I have played with the install driver at HD. I find it to be awkward to hold and not very balanced feel.

The handle design, switch position on top of tool and the price all were deal breakers for me and caused me to look elsewhere even though I'm heavily invested in both the M12 and M18 lines. I picked up the Bosch 12V Flexiclick for just over a hunded bucks on sale and am quite satisfied with it.

 

[mobiledynamics]

I love all my Festool....track, miter, the laundry list of corded tools. Never would have had any interest in -investing- in any of their cordless platforms though. It was more a - battery platform decision- than anything...


Dacan - I'm having a brain fart but the 9 fits the floody just fine with the rear handle. It's the 12..

I don't keep up on -every response in this thread, LOL- , but sure wish these -silent running changes- was disclosed on Milwaukees site somewhere

 

[mobiledynamics]

The original M18 rocket that got the new height clamps.

The original flood you mentioned 2361 was updated at the same time to accept a 9.0.

The original radius (2145) being modified to fit a 12.0 battery, but not sure if they still sell the original one, I think maybe.

The spool change on the V1 string trimmer.

I feel like there are other little stupid things I can't think of.

I have quick lok trimmer. I guess the new quick change is on the older one.....


I have the retrofit for the original flood. I opted to not MOD the light. It removed the back hanging bar. I hold it by the bar arout 20% of the time and have a screw in a stud to hang it as well...

 

[mobiledynamics]

Time to get new MM leads...or I just bandaid it. None of my Fluke leads will fit into the battery slots so I can take a meter reading

 

[APG12]

Anyone else have an issue with the collet getting stuck on their M12 die grinder? This is as far as it will unscrew and I can’t get the bit out.




Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[Cc_windsurfer]

Tap, tap, tap on the collet and it should release

 

[tyyost]

Mine is a two stage release, one pull breaks collet loose, then it’s a half turn and it tightens back up, add wrenches and loosen more and it releases the bit/stud, etc...

If it truly is stuck unscrew the collet completely from the grinder and push out from the bottom with a punch or rod.

 

[Fix Until Broke]

In general, for a collet like these, never put the "bit" all the way into the bottom. This way when it gets stuck like yours is, you can tap it in and free it up. As it is now, it doesn't look like it can go in anymore.

As mentioned above, some sharp taps with a wrench on the collet nut/shaft should free it up

 

[APG12]

The Milwaukee addiction thread!

I’ve tried tapping, I’ve tried PB blaster. I just can’t break it loose. The nut unscrews a couple rotations and then just stops like it’s bottomed out, but there are a bunch of threads still visible. This is my first time using any kind of die grinder.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[Rusty67]

turn the nut with the star washer around and put another nut on it. Tighten it down and then see if you can hold it from the bottom nut with a wrench. Brace the wrench on the floor so the floor keeps it from spinning and the blip the trigger. Should loosen it up.

Fair warning, this might jack up the collet if for some reason it is over-tightened somehow. Also be careful with the way things spin as you could hurt yourself if something isn't braced against the ground correctly.

 

[APG12]

turn the nut with the star washer around and put another nut on it. Tighten it down and then see if you can hold it from the bottom nut with a wrench. Brace the wrench on the floor so the floor keeps it from spinning and the blip the trigger. Should loosen it up.

Fair warning, this might jack up the collet if for some reason it is over-tightened somehow. Also be careful with the way things spin as you could hurt yourself if something isn't braced against the ground correctly.

I’ll give this a shot tomorrow, thanks.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[kctyphoon]

Pole cut with Milwaukee chainsaw.



No Milwaukee tool was getting that out. Its down to the gas tank on the other side.. lol

 

[darkzero]

Anyone else have an issue with the collet getting stuck on their M12 die grinder? This is as far as it will unscrew and I can’t get the bit out.

Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

The Milwaukee collet works just like ER collets, these types of collets are not self releasing. There's no eccentic ring on the collet nut like ER but the Milwaukee works the same. When installing you have to snap the collet into the nut first before inserting the tool shank unlike collets on an air die grinder.

When you loosen it the nut will spin freely then come to stop. Turning it futher with the wrenches will release the collet. So with these types of collets it doesn't matter if you bottom out the accessory as long as the the accessory only bottoms out on the face of the collet & not the nut which is not possible in most cases.