The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[mobiledynamics]

With CV and such, minimizing all external from coming into the house.....

While not a drill or a impact, or a saw...Picked up the M18 Drain Snake. Probably will break even if I needed a second plumber visit down the road. Nice stuff - cables are a bit soft though. I like !

 

[tjansson]

Thoughts on the M12 tower light vs the M18 tower light? I could buy 2 M12's for $50 more than one M18. M12 is 1400 lumens, M18 is 2500.

 

[mobiledynamics]

Different applications M18 is much much more bulkier. But has AC/DC option...
Re: lumens...as well. M12 is great and tiny (well compared to the Rocket)

Indoors, I actually prefer my 1100 Lumens Floodmight versus the 3000 Lumens Floodlight.

 

[Rusty67]

The M18 tower light is fantastic. It has 3 different brightness settings so total amount of light output isn't exactly the only stat you want to look at. It is also remarkably sturdy. My only complaint about it is that it is a little big. Overall I REALLY like mine.

 

[z0r]

I got the m12 because of the lower price and smaller size (doesn't take up an entire shelf). and for my relatively young eyes, the lumen wars are just not relevant. I always turn every light down to the lowest setting anyway - the high settings are only useful if there are competing lights or I just came out from a bright place.

^^ m12 2132 rocket has an ac plug too. but no charger option

my favorite light is a petzl tikka headlamp, on low it puts out six (6) lumens. plenty. runs for over 100 hours at that setting

 

[gtsgarage]

What do you guys think of this m12 battery deal? I’d like the 6.0 and 4.0, not much need for the 2.0.

 

[ThatSickRip]

Not a bad deal if you need the batteries in my opinion

2 3.0's are on sale for $79 and they 6.0's go for $100 I believe normally

 

[pwschuh]

"Here you go.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...00BF/314328118"



Oops. Thank you very much for the link. I didn't realize that there were two M18 wet/drys. The one I am interested in is the M18 Fuel wet/dry (the Packout one).

 

[Firefighter1406]

"Here you go.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...00BF/314328118"



Oops. Thank you very much for the link. I didn't realize that there were two M18 wet/drys. The one I am interested in is the M18 Fuel wet/dry (the Packout one).

I have the one in the link and I love it. Had a buddy 3D print me some feet for it and now mine is a PACKOUT vac too

 

[Colin Len]

My first Milwaukee , 1/2" stubby. Certainly won't be my last !
Just can't decided which one to get next..I'm thinking 1/2" high torque and a 2454-20.

I'm wondering how everyone likes these M12 stubby impacts. They've been on sale recently and are kinda tempting.

I have a couple other M12 tools - the ratchet is my fav tool in the garage I think, lol. The drill and impact driver are so-so. I actually prefer my older Craftsman C3 drill although it's much heavier and maybe would be better compared to the M18 stuff?

I'm just not sure an M12 impact would have the strength I'd need and almost seems odd that they even off a tool like this in M12 vs M18. Interested to hear others' experience.

 

[danyo492]

^Kind of a follow up post to the one above me.

Opinions please, I need/want a 1/2” impact. I’m debating the M18 full size non fuel one from Milwaukee, obviously. But everyone is recommending the M12 1/2” stubby, I will be doing everything from taking wheels off to installing a lift on my 4runner. Which one would you guys buy?

 

[Rusty67]

I know that many people take wheels off cars and trucks with the m12 1/2" stubby and have been very happy with it. I think the main thing I've heard is to make sure to use an XC battery with it for max torque.

The non-fuel m18 isn't great from what I recall. I have a mid torque fuel m18 and I haven't had any issues with it yet but I haven't really put it through it's paces fully.

 

[JohnD2]

I'm wondering how everyone likes these M12 stubby impacts. They've been on sale recently and are kinda tempting.

I have a couple other M12 tools - the ratchet is my fav tool in the garage I think, lol. The drill and impact driver are so-so. I actually prefer my older Craftsman C3 drill although it's much heavier and maybe would be better compared to the M18 stuff?

I'm just not sure an M12 impact would have the strength I'd need and almost seems odd that they even off a tool like this in M12 vs M18. Interested to hear others' experience.

^Kind of a follow up post to the one above me.

Opinions please, I need/want a 1/2” impact. I’m debating the M18 full size non fuel one from Milwaukee, obviously. But everyone is recommending the M12 1/2” stubby, I will be doing everything from taking wheels off to installing a lift on my 4runner. Which one would you guys buy?

It's a true 250 lb with impact sockets. Works well on lug nuts , shocks , brakes , etc.
If I were to need one for suspension like A-arms , sway bars , leaf springs, tie rod ends. I'd go with the mid-torque or high-torque. I have no regrets from buying the stubby. Gonna end up getting a high-torque also.

 

[MikeF2316]

I'm wondering how everyone likes these M12 stubby impacts. They've been on sale recently and are kinda tempting.

I have a couple other M12 tools - the ratchet is my fav tool in the garage I think, lol. The drill and impact driver are so-so. I actually prefer my older Craftsman C3 drill although it's much heavier and maybe would be better compared to the M18 stuff?

I'm just not sure an M12 impact would have the strength I'd need and almost seems odd that they even off a tool like this in M12 vs M18. Interested to hear others' experience.

^Kind of a follow up post to the one above me.

Opinions please, I need/want a 1/2” impact. I’m debating the M18 full size non fuel one from Milwaukee, obviously. But everyone is recommending the M12 1/2” stubby, I will be doing everything from taking wheels off to installing a lift on my 4runner. Which one would you guys buy?

I have an M12 stubby, the 3/8 version. I bought the 3/8 and some short sockets to have the shortest possible package. It's a fantastic tool. I showed it to my friend that owns an independent auto repair shop, he laughed at it because of it's size, but his eyes grew wide when it zipped off 5 lug bolts on a wheel as fast as his air impact could do it. Now he has one too! Very light, easy to handle and super convenient.

 

[GeoBruin]

Where are you seeing the M12 stubby on sale?

 

[Bighead38]

Got some m12 goodies.

 

[ThatSickRip]

M12 or M18 Surge? Mostly house work, woodwork type use

I have both battery platforms, so no issues there

 

[Black300zx]

M12 or M18 Surge? Mostly house work, woodwork type use

I have both battery platforms, so no issues there

I know you're specifically asking about the surge, but I have the regular Fuel M12 impact and it's happy running 1.5-2" deck screws all day long. 2.5"ers it handles well also, but slows a bit the last half inch. It will sink a 3" deck screw, but isn't happy about it. A month or two ago I sunk ~40 or 50 2.5 and 3" deck screws while fixing some fence boards at my wife's farm and it got the job done on a single CP3.0 battery, but the head was noticeably warm.

I think I'd consider what type and size of fasteners you're going to typically be driving and how many. I've also used it often to install Kreg pocket screws, and with a CP battery allows it to get into some really tight areas.

 

[ThatSickRip]

I know you're specifically asking about the surge, but I have the regular Fuel M12 impact and it's happy running 1.5-2" deck screws all day long. 2.5"ers it handles well also, but slows a bit the last half inch. It will sink a 3" deck screw, but isn't happy about it. A month or two ago I sunk ~40 or 50 2.5 and 3" deck screws while fixing some fence boards at my wife's farm and it got the job done on a single CP3.0 battery, but the head was noticeably warm.

I think I'd consider what type and size of fasteners you're going to typically be driving and how many. I've also used it often to install Kreg pocket screws, and with a CP battery allows it to get into some really tight areas.

I have the older gen M12 Fuel (the longer one) and the new gen M18 Fuel (shorter one). I was looking at the Surge for more delicate work, quieter, and lets be honest....feedback to justify a new tool

 

[jonshonda]

M12 or M18 Surge? Mostly house work, woodwork type use

I have both battery platforms, so no issues there

I have a Milwaukee M18 and M12 drill, and while the physical size of the drills is very similar, the 5.0 battery on the M18 really makes it a much more cumbersome tool imho. Don't get me wrong, I like it, but that big ol' battery makes it more of a rough tool vs the M12 being more a fine work tool. That battery gets in the way more often in tight situations, and being heavier means you don't have as much control. I bought the most powerful M18 impact because I wanted it for driving big lags and long screws, but could see an argument for having the M12 for more precise work.

I know you asked about an impact, but I would imagine the same applies to those tools as well.

 

[Ign]

M12 or M18 Surge? Mostly house work, woodwork type use

I have both battery platforms, so no issues there

M12 Surge IMO based upon your statement of house work. I've got both Surges and I'm really impressed with the M12 for its size

 

[JohnD2]

Here's a deal at northern tool. Milwaukee High Torque with a free 5.0 battery.
It comes to $249 free shipping when added to the cart.

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200786986_200786986

 

[SRU1436]

Just arrived last nice. The 3/8 inch stubby and 2.0 battery for $159, and the 6.0, 4.0, and 2.0 battery for $129. Both on sale during Veterans Day. CanT wait to use the stubby. Was gonna pull the trigger on the purchase last winter (lol no pun intended) but drug my feet and was feeling too frugal at the time.

Gotta do a brake job, shock replacement, and a few odds and ends on the 72 C10 so this should come in handy.

 

[GeoBruin]

Wow. Both great deals. If you don't mind my asking, where did you find the 3/8 stubby and battery for $159?

 

[ThatSickRip]

M12 Surge IMO based upon your statement of house work. I've got both Surges and I'm really impressed with the M12 for its size

Thanks!

 

[Rusty67]

I have a Milwaukee M18 and M12 drill, and while the physical size of the drills is very similar, the 5.0 battery on the M18 really makes it a much more cumbersome tool imho. Don't get me wrong, I like it, but that big ol' battery makes it more of a rough tool vs the M12 being more a fine work tool. That battery gets in the way more often in tight situations, and being heavier means you don't have as much control. I bought the most powerful M18 impact because I wanted it for driving big lags and long screws, but could see an argument for having the M12 for more precise work.

I know you asked about an impact, but I would imagine the same applies to those tools as well.

Try the M18 with the newer 3.0 batteries. The weight makes a huge difference. The run time isn't nearly as good as a 5.0 but I don't mind swapping a 3.0 battery pack during a project because of how much more maneuverable/agile the tool is with the smaller battery.

M12 or M18 Surge? Mostly house work, woodwork type use

I have both battery platforms, so no issues there

I have an M18 Surge and I LOVE the thing. It is so much quieter than my other impacts that I don't even use the others anymore. It still isn't whisper quiet but man is it great. The M18 model does have a little more jam than the m12 model but not as much as I had expected. If you are going to do mostly smaller stuff with it, the m12 will be just fine.

 

[dacan23]

M18, they are identical in performance specs, the M12 is bigger in most dimensions with an XC pack. The M18 wont fall over as easily when you stand it up, I cant remember if the M12 stands up with an XC pack to begin with. You can get better deal on the M18 than the M12.

M12 or M18 Surge? Mostly house work, woodwork type use

I have both battery platforms, so no issues there

 

[ThatSickRip]

M18, they are identical in performance specs, the M12 is bigger in most dimensions with an XC pack. The M18 wont fall over as easily when you stand it up, I cant remember if the M12 stands up with an XC pack to begin with. You can get better deal on the M18 than the M12.

Thanks for the info. Im not seeing how the 12 could be bigger per say if using a 2.0 or 3.0 battery vs the size of the 18 with even just a 2.0 on it due to the base/rectangular-ness of the tools battery attachment?

 

[SRU1436]

Wow. Both great deals. If you don't mind my asking, where did you find the 3/8 stubby and battery for $159?

On Home Depot’s website, I believe it was a one dale sale on Veterans Day. I found the link under the hot deals section in garage journal. I looked on Home Depot’s website and the same thing is now $179 with the free battery.

 

[SRU1436]

Wow. Both great deals. If you don't mind my asking, where did you find the 3/8 stubby and battery for $159?

https://www.toolup.com/Milwaukee-2554-20-M12-FUEL-Stubby-3-8-Impact-Wrench_2

$129, no battery

 

[GeoBruin]

Man you guys are good. Many thanks.

 

[Colin Len]

https://www.toolup.com/Milwaukee-2554-20-M12-FUEL-Stubby-3-8-Impact-Wrench_2

$129, no battery

Or $179 with a 2.0Ah battery
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...12-2-0Ah-Battery-2554-20-48-11-2420/313789512

 

[GeoBruin]

I ended up pulling the trigger on the bare tool deal. I've got some other m12 purchases in mind and they're all kits with batteries so I should be covered. Thanks again.

 

[Caparris]

^Kind of a follow up post to the one above me.

Opinions please, I need/want a 1/2” impact. I’m debating the M18 full size non fuel one from Milwaukee, obviously. But everyone is recommending the M12 1/2” stubby, I will be doing everything from taking wheels off to installing a lift on my 4runner. Which one would you guys buy?

Not sure if anyone has recommended this but I'd lean towards one of the new M18 mid-torque models. It'll get wheels off a little easier. The stubby is nice too, make sure to get an XC battery for it if you do go that route or it'll be a bit weaker than it could be.

I would buy a used fuel version before I'd get a new non-fuel tool, if cost is a concern.

 

[mobiledynamics]

May never use it in my lifetime but I suppose it's good to have around....

Had a clog in the kitchen line. Same with Bathroom Sink. M18 Drain Snake was super easy.....

Last time I needed a plumber was almost 2 decades ago

I already have a jetter as well

Was so impressed and haven't bought any red tools in quite some time ---- so I find myself buying the switch pack today

 

[thertel]

I've had both, the power seems identical. I gave the m18 to my father to replace his m18 impact, and haven't missed it. He works full-time construction and appreciates the quietness, and I prefer the smaller size and weight for around the house and property. I do miss the battery life of the m18.

M12 or M18 Surge? Mostly house work, woodwork type use

I have both battery platforms, so no issues there

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

I picked up the 2161-21 flashlight with 1,100 Lumens.. So far love it. Very bright spot and decent flood capabilities. Its competing for us with my 2113-21 now...

View media item 107929

 

[mobiledynamics]

I'll prefer the Fenix anyday for a handheld but the one on the top is interesting (like the adjustable head). Never looked at their flashlights as I have many in other brands..

 

[Dh3256]

Thinking about upgrading to a better impact. Seems like the mid range 1/2" midrange Fuel would be a good option, but I don't see any decent deals on it. Am I missing something?

Would the mid-range non-fuel be a good alternative? I'm considering the HD BF 12/18 combo

How do the Ridgid tools compare to Milwaukee? They claim higher torque and a better value but I am skeptical. I like the lifetime service plan on the Ridgid but suspect the Milwaukee tools are better.

Thanks.

 

[dacan23]

Without battery; M12 length 5.2" M18 5.0", M12 width 2.2" M18 2.38", M12 height 6.8" M18 7.6"

But when you put an XC pack on the M12 versus a compact 2.0/3.0 on the M18 the height is very close to the same. But when you put an XC pack on the M12 it sticks out the front and prevents you getting close to things, more than the M18.

I was one of those wishing they would make a M12 surge forever, when it was released I was disappointed overall its pretty much the same, was hoping for a smaller more usable size which it is not. I sold my 2nd M18 surge to someone that really wanted one, so I will buy the M12 eventually. But if I was in both platforms and only wanted one, I would get the M18, but I am crazy and I need everything.

Thanks for the info. Im not seeing how the 12 could be bigger per say if using a 2.0 or 3.0 battery vs the size of the 18 with even just a 2.0 on it due to the base/rectangular-ness of the tools battery attachment?