The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[PelicanPines]

3RD Party Battteries FAIL FAIL FAIL FAIL

Ok... I bought 2 sets (4 batteries) Ok... yes... 2 years ago... but come ON... maybe 10 cycles each... these 4 batteries were my use the tool for 10 minutes, maybe 20... then recharge and put in my storage. They have kept their charge over their idle time.

Then this past month... #1 errored when I tried to charge him. #2 simply wouldn't work... shows green fully charged in charger. TODAY #3 same as #2. Will never buy a 3rd party battery again. I still have and USE the first Milwaukee M12 battery I got with my FIRST drill/driver combo box.

 

[Rusty67]

3RD Party Battteries FAIL FAIL FAIL FAIL

Ok... I bought 2 sets (4 batteries) Ok... yes... 2 years ago... but come ON... maybe 10 cycles each... these 4 batteries were my use the tool for 10 minutes, maybe 20... then recharge and put in my storage. They have kept their charge over their idle time.

Then this past month... #1 errored when I tried to charge him. #2 simply wouldn't work... shows green fully charged in charger. TODAY #3 same as #2. Will never buy a 3rd party battery again. I still have and USE the first Milwaukee M12 battery I got with my FIRST drill/driver combo box.

I'd happily take those carcasses off your hands if you'd like to get rid of them. I want to use them to make some adapters for the 12v tools, specifically the inflator.

 

[plc268]

I've also had those same 3rd party M12 batteries fail on me.

But I've had bad luck with even genuine M12 batteries. I have a 4.0 and a 6.0 that refuse the charge and flash red and green on the charger.

 

[DerekV]

I just got a set of the 11" locking C-clamps with fixed jaws (as opposed to swivel feet)...the 48-22-3531, from HD

The packaging clearly says made in Taiwan. I thought all the locking clamps used to be China? Has Milwaukee stepped up or am I remembering wrong??

They’ve always been made in Taiwan

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Pines,

What does the 3rd party warranty say and / or do they even care that you had this trouble? The labeling and visual appearance of quality seems to look like they're a legit company.. but heck.. looks are deceiving..

 

[PelicanPines]

Pines,

What does the 3rd party warranty say and / or do they even care that you had this trouble? The labeling and visual appearance of quality seems to look like they're a legit company.. but heck.. looks are deceiving..

One year... these are 30 months old now... no worries... in one month... I will use my points to get two small amp hour batteries FREE

 

[boost_freak]

3RD Party Battteries FAIL FAIL FAIL FAIL

Ok... I bought 2 sets (4 batteries) Ok... yes... 2 years ago... but come ON... maybe 10 cycles each... these 4 batteries were my use the tool for 10 minutes, maybe 20... then recharge and put in my storage. They have kept their charge over their idle time.

Then this past month... #1 errored when I tried to charge him. #2 simply wouldn't work... shows green fully charged in charger. TODAY #3 same as #2. Will never buy a 3rd party battery again. I still have and USE the first Milwaukee M12 battery I got with my FIRST drill/driver combo box.

I have 6 of these with no issues and I use them daily. The first 4 are from 5 years ago and the other 2 earlier this year. I also have Milwaukee ones and there is no difference between time of use or longevity that I can tell.

 

[PelicanPines]

I have 6 of these with no issues and I use them daily. The first 4 are from 5 years ago and the other 2 earlier this year. I also have Milwaukee ones and there is no difference between time of use or longevity that I can tell.

Guess I'm unlucky. I'm also unlucky with OEM Milwaukee jacket sockets/usb chargers. I break kill one a year.

 

[techieman33]

Guess I'm unlucky. I'm also unlucky with OEM Milwaukee jacket sockets/usb chargers. I break kill one a year.

It’s normal. It’s the lack of quality control and consistency that is the problem. Maybe the batteries made one day have good solder joints and use decent quality cells. The next day the joints may not be as good. And the day after that they used some cheaper cells lower quality cells. Add in multiple factories making them and even more companies branding and selling them just makes it worse. They’re all competing on price and saving pennies on their cost matters. It’s not like they’re liable for anything they just fold up shop and reopen the next day as a new company. Buying generic packs is like gambling, sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose.

 

[Bolster]

I need to buy a Mil chainsaw to make a few cuts (maybe a dozen cuts through 8") to a branch that fell on my roof. I only have two CP3.0 batteries. Can I get a few cuts out of a CP3.0? I know it would do better with 12Ah, but can I do a little with 3.0?

 

[Don53]

I need to buy a Mil chainsaw to make a few cuts (maybe a dozen cuts through 8") to a branch that fell on my roof. I only have two CP3.0 batteries. Can I get a few cuts out of a CP3.0? I know it would do better with 12Ah, but can I do a little with 3.0?

My guess is probably, maybe, but I'd also guess putting that much draw on those batteries might cause them to overheat and permantly damage the cells?

If you have an extra $200 and could use a blower, HD has the saw / blower / 12AH on sale for $450. Blower is very nice.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[BroncoAZ]

My guess is probably, maybe, but I'd also guess putting that much draw on those batteries might cause them to overheat and permantly damage the cells?

If you have an extra $200 and could use a blower, HD has the saw / blower / 12AH on sale for $450. Blower is very nice.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

I’m still annoyed I missed the deal at International Tool for that chainsaw/blower/battery kit for $359 before Labor Day.

 

[M635_Guy]

I work in tech, and the short story is the OEM's typically have very high standards for their suppliers, and it's not just a few. The cells that don't make the grade wind up in a lot of places, including the cheapo-batteries. As long as you buy them with that in mind, it's hard to say you didn't get your money's worth.

Milwaukee definitely makes good money on their batteries, but they also have the best quality/warranty.

 

[Rusty67]

My guess is probably, maybe, but I'd also guess putting that much draw on those batteries might cause them to overheat and permantly damage the cells?

If you have an extra $200 and could use a blower, HD has the saw / blower / 12AH on sale for $450. Blower is very nice.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

ebay is having a sale right now:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Milwaukee-...rkparms=%26rpp_cid%3D5f68cad63c075b0843afa678

450 -15% off up to 100 dollars off with code PFALL15.

 

[Bolster]

My guess is probably, maybe, but I'd also guess putting that much draw on those batteries might cause them to overheat and permantly damage the cells?

Thanks. I thought I read somewhere that all batteries are compatible; I thought it was just a matter of runtime...?

 

[MikeF2316]

Thanks. I thought I read somewhere that all batteries are compatible; I thought it was just a matter of runtime...?

I doubt you'll damage the batteries, they may cut off if you overtax them. I'd bet you'll be fine. If they cut off, you'll just have to take it a little slower.

My 5 1/4 M12 saw cuts off when using little batteries. Using a 4.0 or a 6.0 there's no problem. If I use a small battery, I just have to slow down somewhat.

 

[RPhil]

I overheated my 8 Ah battery while using the chainsaw to cut through an 8-12" tree on my property for clean up. This was not after a huge amount of use. The chainsaw also uses a lot of power so your run time will be limited.

You may get some limited use with a 3 Ah battery. Smaller trees/branches and less run time would be your friend. If you can find a deal with a larger battery I would recommend it, but it isn't my money to spend. Good luck!

 

[brothernov]

Has anyone used the 2749-20 M18 FUEL 18-Gauge 1/4" Narrow Crown Stapler? Reviews I've found are universally positive, but I trust the opinion of the folks on this forum a lot more.

 

[tncumminsguy]

Obsessed with my M18 and M12 stuff. I've used the m12 stuff way more than I ever thought I would

 

[madison069]

So I've been looking at getting a M12 Ratchet for working on cars. I know currently there are deals for buy a drill and get a ratchet for free type of thing, but I don't want to get any other tools. Just need a ratchet, charger, and a couple of batteries. Do these go on sale around black Friday or any other day that I should watch for to get a good deal on just a ratchet?

 

[BroncoAZ]

So I've been looking at getting a M12 Ratchet for working on cars. I know currently there are deals for buy a drill and get a ratchet for free type of thing, but I don't want to get any other tools. Just need a ratchet, charger, and a couple of batteries. Do these go on sale around black Friday or any other day that I should watch for to get a good deal on just a ratchet?

Honestly, take the other tools if you want the 3/8” ratchet. The sets come with a pair of batteries and a charger, so by the time you purchase the ratchet kit without any major discount you’re spending the same money for less.

 

[madison069]

Ok so I made the jump and bought the m12 1/4" fuel surge impact driver with 2 x 2.0ah batteries, a charger, and a free 3/8" ratchet. For $210 at the checkout. Supposedly will be delivered to the house tomorrow.

 

[Rusty67]

The Surge impact is awesome, you are going to love that thing. It doesn't have quite as much jam as the regular Fuel m12 impact but there isn't anything around the house I ever needed the extra muscle for. It is SO much quieter than every other impact I've ever used and it still moves stuff no problem.

 

[BroncoAZ]

The Surge impact is awesome, you are going to love that thing. It doesn't have quite as much jam as the regular Fuel m12 impact but there isn't anything around the house I ever needed the extra muscle for. It is SO much quieter than every other impact I've ever used and it still moves stuff no problem.

Noise is the major factor for me on choosing the Surge impact. The fluid coupling cuts the noise significantly. If I need more *** than the M12 Surge can provide I’ll grab the M12 Stubby impact.

 

[Bolster]

I doubt you'll damage the batteries, they may cut off if you overtax them. I'd bet you'll be fine. If they cut off, you'll just have to take it a little slower.

You may get some limited use with a 3 Ah battery. Smaller trees/branches and less run time would be your friend. If you can find a deal with a larger battery I would recommend it, but it isn't my money to spend. Good luck!

Thanks guys. The pine branch that fell on my roof is 8" diameter and I got three cuts in before nightfall on the 3.0s without incident. So far so good. I'll take it easy and slow until I can get a bigger battery.

BTW...that Milwa chainsaw is sweeeeeeeeeet!

 

[mc4life27]

The Surge impact is awesome, you are going to love that thing. It doesn't have quite as much jam as the regular Fuel m12 impact but there isn't anything around the house I ever needed the extra muscle for. It is SO much quieter than every other impact I've ever used and it still moves stuff no problem.

I disagree with that statement about not having the same amount of power to some extent. If you driving littler screws then no the surge has more power. It doesn’t seem like it right off the bat because it’s not as loud and it’s a little slower but more power is being applied to the fastener. Now if your driving 3 inch screws then yes the non surge has a little more kick to it. There have been many of tests showing what I’m saying. Plus I have both m12 fuel and fuel surge and I have the m18 fuel and fuel surge. Unless I’m driving long lags or big bolts my impacts of choice is the surges.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[Rusty67]

I disagree with that statement about not having the same amount of power to some extent. If you driving littler screws then no the surge has more power. It doesn’t seem like it right off the bat because it’s not as loud and it’s a little slower but more power is being applied to the fastener. Now if your driving 3 inch screws then yes the non surge has a little more kick to it. There have been many of tests showing what I’m saying. Plus I have both m12 fuel and fuel surge and I have the m18 fuel and fuel surge. Unless I’m driving long lags or big bolts my impacts of choice is the surges.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

I'm going to need a little more explanation on this, what you are saying doesn't make any sense. The tool doesn't have the ability to tell what size a fastener is and then apply a different amount of power. The only thing that controls that is the setting on the tool and how much you pull the trigger.

Thinking about it more, it is possible that the minimum torque output on the surge is higher than the minimum torque output of the regular impact. This still doesn't refute what I said and ultimate would back up what you said too.

 

[BroncoAZ]

The Surge driver has less peak torque delivered over a greater duration per impact. The Fuel impact has a higher peak torque and will drive large fasteners farther. I found that the Surge drives fasteners faster than the Fuel impact but on large lag bolts the Surge will not drive them as far as the Fuel impact can.

 

[Rusty67]

All other things being equal, toque trades for speed. If you increase the torque, you decrease the RPM/speed and vice versa (within the same system). The Surge might move at a higher RPM or have a higher minimum speed but that doesn't mean it has more power overall. I'd check the spec sheet but I'm 1 foot out the door.

Going back to my original point, the Surge has done everything I've ever asked it too and I love it. I've never needed to step up to something with more oomph but it is very possible other people might. At the end of the day it just doesn't have the same amount of muscle as the regular Fuel impact.

 

[mc4life27]

All other things being equal, toque trades for speed. If you increase the torque, you decrease the RPM/speed and vice versa (within the same system). The Surge might move at a higher RPM or have a higher minimum speed but that doesn't mean it has more power overall. I'd check the spec sheet but I'm 1 foot out the door.

Going back to my original point, the Surge has done everything I've ever asked it too and I love it. I've never needed to step up to something with more oomph but it is very possible other people might. At the end of the day it just doesn't have the same amount of muscle as the regular Fuel impact.

O paper the surge has less torque but in reality it’s more. Do some google searches and there have been tests done. But at the end of the day it doesn’t matter they are both great tools so use what ever one you prefer and helps make more money.


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[Tduby]

I really want to see a video of a surge struggling to drive a fastener it would have to be a pretty big lag I bet. It is so much quieter I could put up with less performance but it drives screws 3/8 lags and 6” timber lock screws for me no problem and 3” construction screws it is faster than the regular impact.

 

[Tduby]

I really want to see a video of a surge struggling to drive a fastener it would have to be a pretty big lag I bet. It is so much quieter I could put up with less performance but it drives screws 3/8 lags and 6” timber lock screws for me no problem and 3” construction screws it is faster than the regular impact.

 

[Bolster]

Do you folks who own the Milwa Chainsaw actually sharpen your own chains, or do you send them somewhere for sharpening, or do you just dispose of a dull chain and buy new?

 

[LeeG]

Do you folks who own the Milwa Chainsaw actually sharpen your own chains, or do you send them somewhere for sharpening, or do you just dispose of a dull chain and buy new?

I just replace. I use it infrequently enough that it isn’t a big expense.

 

[48548]

Do you folks who own the Milwa Chainsaw actually sharpen your own chains, or do you send them somewhere for sharpening, or do you just dispose of a dull chain and buy new?

Haha.. I have it and never used it yet but plan on it... sorry.

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

 

[Firefighter1406]

I also just plan on replacing the chain when it goes. For the $20 it’s not worth resharpening IMHO. But I have cut down around 10 trees so far on the original chain, but when it does go bad that’s the plan.

 

[Tduby]

I just replace. I use it infrequently enough that it isn’t a big expense.

I also just plan on replacing the chain when it goes. For the $20 it’s not worth resharpening IMHO. But I have cut down around 10 trees so far on the original chain, but when it does go bad that’s the plan.

Da faq!?! It takes 5 minutes to touch up a chain and it cuts good as new I could see replacing if you hit some metals down really wrecked it but to throw out a full chain is wasteful and silly.

Also depending on the size after 10 trees it is probably time to run a file on the chain

 

[Bolster]

Da faq!?! It takes 5 minutes to touch up a chain and it cuts good as new I could see replacing if you hit some metals down really wrecked it but to throw out a full chain is wasteful and silly.

Also depending on the size after 10 trees it is probably time to run a file on the chain

Can you recommend a way I can learn to perform this voodoo in 5 minutes? Any good videos on how to sharpen a chain that you'd recommend?

 

[Tduby]

Not off the top of my head but YouTube should have something it isn’t rocket surgery though just a couple of passes with the right size file just do your best to hold the angle but they make guides that help. You can get kits for under $20 that have a handle the gauge and all the different files for any saw.

 

[jonshonda]

Throwing a chain away after it gets dull?????

Yikes! Idk if the Stihl all in one chain sharpener works for Milwaukee sized chains, but it sure takes the guess work out of sharpening.

https://m.stihlusa.com/products/chain-saws/filing-tools/2in1file/?_ga=2.210982549.1297933409.1602423241-1042096119.1602423241&rev=BVSpotlights