The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[danski0224]

Thanks for the feedback - greatly appreciated. I wouldn't have thought that you need a 1:1 diameter to cutoff length.

Below picture is why I'm concerned about using this in a standard truss cavity...

Sometimes, expecting a miracle from a tool doesn't work.

Doesn't look like much access. Maybe cut the drywall?

There's no way you'd be able to use a 2" PVC ratchet cutter in that space.

Hackzall is probably a really tight fit too.

Maybe an oscillating tool.

 

[dacan23]

It will also shatter cuts when the blade is worn and needs to be replaced, luckily they are not expensive.

I use mine on a regular basis and it's one of my favorite tools. As has been mentioned, the pipe can shatter if it's too cold. I've also had issues with cutting old pvc. Sometimes it shatters, sometimes the cut is a little jagged and sometimes it works perfectly. My suggestion is to make a test cut farther back if you're planning on cutting near a spot that would be difficult to repair.

 

[dacan23]

Non fuel M12 hackzall would probably work, wish I kept one years ago, but its so weak compared to other versions and breaks easily..... but in tight spots its the perfect tool for the job.

Sometimes, expecting a miracle from a tool doesn't work.

Doesn't look like much access. Maybe cut the drywall?

There's no way you'd be able to use a 2" PVC ratchet cutter in that space.

Hackzall is probably a really tight fit too.

Maybe an oscillating tool.

 

[dalepres]

Sometimes, expecting a miracle from a tool doesn't work.

Doesn't look like much access. Maybe cut the drywall?

There's no way you'd be able to use a 2" PVC ratchet cutter in that space.

Hackzall is probably a really tight fit too.

Maybe an oscillating tool.

Finger-tip, or wire, saw.

 

[dalepres]

Non fuel M12 hackzall would probably work, wish I kept one years ago, but its so weak compared to other versions and breaks easily..... but in tight spots its the perfect tool for the job.

Another option is don't cut it there. Cut out a big chunk and replace the whole length. Cutting in there would be even worse with another, leaking, joint added in there.

 

[M635_Guy]

Tried my new FUEL Hackzall yesterday for pruning a cherry tree. Wasn't impressed - went and got my pull-saw and then broke the branches down with a sharp hatchet.

I'm guessing it was the blade - the (Milwaukee) pack I got had a "wood with nails" blade I tried. Going to get/try the Diablo pruning blade...

 

[PelicanPines]

Someone makes an actual treelimb blade

 

[techieman33]

Tried my new FUEL Hackzall yesterday for pruning a cherry tree. Wasn't impressed - went and got my pull-saw and then broke the branches down with a sharp hatchet.

I'm guessing it was the blade - the (Milwaukee) pack I got had a "wood with nails" blade I tried. Going to get/try the Diablo pruning blade...

The pruning blades work a lot better. The normal blades will get clogged up pretty quickly when your trying to cut wet wood.

 

[ThatSickRip]

Diablo pruning blades is where it's at

 

[plc268]

Do they make shorter pruning blades yet? For my hackzall, I took one of the normal long pruning blades and cut half of the blade off just to make it a little more manageable.

 

[M635_Guy]

Do they make shorter pruning blades yet? For my hackzall, I took one of the normal long pruning blades and cut half of the blade off just to make it a little more manageable.

I just found out they make 6", 9" and 12" blades

 

[The Critic]

Just received the gun this week. Noticeably more powerful than the Gen 1. It removed a Honda crank bolt when paired with the Lisle 19mm dampened socket.

 

[M635_Guy]

Just received the gun this week. Noticeably more powerful than the Gen 1. It removed a Honda crank bolt when paired with the Lisle 19mm dampened socket.

I should probably sell my 2767 then...

 

[dsimatt]

Just received the gun this week. Noticeably more powerful than the Gen 1. It removed a Honda crank bolt when paired with the Lisle 19mm dampened socket.

I broke my SO impact at work and not putting another penny into it so thinking this is the impact to get. So you'd say its worth the extra $20 over the gen1?

 

[oldschoolcraft]

I can’t make up my mind what I want to get into this line but now I’m thinking maybe m12 fuel because for my home gamer needs it’s fine for now and I can add m18 fuel later if needed.

So I’m thinking I need the new oscillating multi tool for a drywall project. And I might also get a m12 fuel stubby 1/2” impact wrench, a drill driver, and a 1/4” hex impact driver.

That should do me well for a while but I’m not sure about batteries. There’s a Home Depot deal for the oscillating tool with a 2A battery but I have a feeling that will be weak.

I used to think the amperage of the batteries just controlled how long you could use the tool but in reading some threads, it sounds like it can control torque too. So the tool will be weaker.

Anyway, what’s a good mix of batteries for those tools listed? Will the 2A battery ever actually be useful? Or should I get 3A or 4A or 6A or what?

Since it looks like they make a 3A compact flush battery, maybe the 2A is worthless? And I do one 3A compact and the rest the biggest ones they have?

I can only use one tool at a time and I am not a pro, so I don’t need many spare batteries. Thinking maybe if I have even 5 tools, I just have a single 3A compact and a pair of highest capacity (6A maybe?)

That way if I’m doing a long job, which is rare for me, I could charge one big boy battery as I use the other. I’m guessing I’d need more than 2 if I wanted zero downtime but 2 or 3 seems plenty to me, because a little downtime is fine, I can usually just do something else in the project or take a break to eat.

I want to avoid winding up with a box full of unnecessary **** that I never use just because it was bundled in a set that seemed cheaper but I was better off buying separate batteries. Or doing the hack I hear about and retuning the bundled battery.

Also I maybe maybe maybe will get the 5/8” SDS plus m12 fuel. I have a corded Bosch hammer drill that I use rarely but if I’m going into cordless, might be nice to have one of these for small concrete drilling jobs. In case that changes answer on battery size.

 

[ThatSickRip]

They have the 3pk (2.0, 4.0 and 6.0) for $129 at HD. That should cover all the tools youve listed and give you diversity in battery type/size

 

[GeoBruin]

They have the 3pk (2.0, 4.0 and 6.0) for $129 at HD. That should cover all the tools youve listed and give you diversity in battery type/size

I recently bought into the M12 line myself and I did this exact thing. A couple of the tools I bought came with low profile batteries so I added this three pack to round it out.

 

[The Critic]

Just received the gun this week. Noticeably more powerful than the Gen 1. It removed a Honda crank bolt when paired with the Lisle 19mm dampened socket.

Maybe I got lucky. ****


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[The Critic]

I broke my SO impact at work and not putting another penny into it so thinking this is the impact to get. So you'd say its worth the extra $20 over the gen1?

Definitely worth the extra $20.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[M635_Guy]

I broke my SO impact at work and not putting another penny into it so thinking this is the impact to get. So you'd say its worth the extra $20 over the gen1?

There is a deal at Acme and (HD ) where the Gen 1 is bundled with a couple batteries for a really attractive price.

Worth considering if you don't have M18 batteries. The Gen 2 has some real improvements (lights, auto-mode, more compact) and is a big lighter, but the Gen 1 is still a great impact.

(FWIW - I decided to upgrade from the Gen 1 for the lights and size, but the driver as much as anything was a gift card from work)

 

[dsimatt]

Definitely worth the extra $20.


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I went and snagged one today at the locsl tool store, was hoping to find the gen 1 at a good discount but all are $200 or out of stock.

 

[MikeF2316]

I can’t make up my mind ...

M12 fuel is the ticket. The only tool I noticed a problem with the smaller batteries is my 5" circular saw. That needs at least a 4.0 or larger. Otherwise the smaller batteries are fine. I use my fuel 1/4" hex with the smaller batteries and never have an issue. The bigger ones are also nicer when you're setting the tool down, drills and drivers sit on those batteries better! But overall I prefer the lightness with the smaller batteries.

 

[pwschuh]

Is there a M18 Pole Saw bare tool option? I only seem to be able to find a kit.

 

[Fix Until Broke]

I went and snagged one today at the local tool store, was hoping to find the gen 1 at a good discount but all are $200 or out of stock.

Found a 1st gen 3/8 Drive kit with 2) 5.0's + charger and case at the local tool store and they still wanted $400 for it.

No thanks guys - I was hoping for $200 as a get rid of old inventory sale or something, but I'll hold out for the 2nd generation at that price. They didn't have the 2nd gen in stock - they're more focused on the construction tools than the mechanics tools it seems.

Interested to see how you like the 2nd gen.

 

[BroncoAZ]

This week’s Milwaukee purchases were another M12 inflator (this one for my work truck), a M12 Fuel hammer drill, and the M12 Fuel oscillation tool. I haven’t yet found a deal on the M18 Chainsaw or the M18 Gen 3 mid torque impact wrench.

I realized I have some duplicate tools to sell off at some point. I have two M12 2401 screwdrivers and two M12 3/8” stubby impacts. I also have a M18 drill and Surge impact combo that I have replaced with M12, I probably don’t really need the M18 high torque impact, and I have an old M18 drill and impact combo I’ll never use again. I’m also building up quite a collection of new in package M12 2.0 batteries from all the combo packs lately.

 

[mobiledynamics]

Bronco -

Did I misread. Gen 3 Mid Torque. Isn't the one just released Gen2 ?

 

[dsimatt]

Found a 1st gen 3/8 Drive kit with 2) 5.0's + charger and case at the local tool store and they still wanted $400 for it.

No thanks guys - I was hoping for $200 as a get rid of old inventory sale or something, but I'll hold out for the 2nd generation at that price. They didn't have the 2nd gen in stock - they're more focused on the construction tools than the mechanics tools it seems.

Interested to see how you like the 2nd gen.

Like every other BF there's no deals on what i actually need, i also figured the gen 1 would be priced to move but everywhere its was only $20 less than the gen2. I didn't want the kit either as i have enough 5ah batteries and base chargers, also trying to do it on the cheap.

The biggest hurdle for me is its size and weight, its replacing SO 14.4 impact that really was handy being so small but didnt have great power and now is dead. I look forward to the extra power and lights will be nice.

If you want one, the powertool store in Green Bay has a bunch in stock.

 

[Rusty67]

This week’s Milwaukee purchases were another M12 inflator (this one for my work truck), a M12 Fuel hammer drill, and the M12 Fuel oscillation tool. I haven’t yet found a deal on the M18 Chainsaw or the M18 Gen 3 mid torque impact wrench.

I realized I have some duplicate tools to sell off at some point. I have two M12 2401 screwdrivers and two M12 3/8” stubby impacts. I also have a M18 drill and Surge impact combo that I have replaced with M12, I probably don’t really need the M18 high torque impact, and I have an old M18 drill and impact combo I’ll never use again. I’m also building up quite a collection of new in package M12 2.0 batteries from all the combo packs lately.

I've got 2 or 3 of the 2.0 batteries brand new in package. Sometimes I sell them at work for 30 each. Can't seem to sell my m12 only charger for 10 bucks though.

 

[BroncoAZ]

Bronco -

Did I misread. Gen 3 Mid Torque. Isn't the one just released Gen2 ?

Nope, you’re right it’s the Gen 2. My brother needs an impact for his truck and trailer stuff, so I was going to upgrade and give him my Gen 1 mid torque for Christmas. The only deal I saw was $25 off $200 from Toolup.

 

[dalepres]

What about Milwaukee hand tools - socket sets, combination wrenches, etc.? I've always thought of them for electric tools but not hand tools. Does anyone have experience with them?

No one has experience or opinions on Milwaukee hand tools?

 

[dalepres]

I got my first Milwaukee cordless M18 tools in today; pictures in the New Arrivals thread. The kit included a drill, a 1/4" impact driver, charger, and a couple batteries all in a canvas bag. I've also ordered the M18 vacuum and the M12 stapler. I guess I'm committed now so there'll likely be more soon enough.

 

[Fix Until Broke]

Like every other BF there's no deals on what i actually need, i also figured the gen 1 would be priced to move but everywhere its was only $20 less than the gen2. I didn't want the kit either as i have enough 5ah batteries and base chargers, also trying to do it on the cheap.

The biggest hurdle for me is its size and weight, its replacing SO 14.4 impact that really was handy being so small but didnt have great power and now is dead. I look forward to the extra power and lights will be nice.

If you want one, the powertool store in Green Bay has a bunch in stock.

The only thing I like about the Snap-On's is the handle is angled back whereas the M18's the handle is more/less perpendicular to the motor and the battery is front offset so it's a real PITA to get it "in" anywhere since you're always hitting the battery. I've never used any of my M18 impacts without either a deepwell or a 4" extension (or both). If the Milwaukee M18 battery was reversible (slide on from the front or back) would take care of this issue, or just angle the handle like the M12's

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

HD ran out of the Mini Pack Out with the bits, so I made my own up. Neat idea for those job sites that go thru bits like mad (a recent demo job my son supervised, he was going through Phillips like mad.. that motivated me to get this set up for him).

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[dsimatt]

The only thing I like about the Snap-On's is the handle is angled back whereas the M18's the handle is more/less perpendicular to the motor and the battery is front offset so it's a real PITA to get it "in" anywhere since you're always hitting the battery. I've never used any of my M18 impacts without either a deepwell or a 4" extension (or both). If the Milwaukee M18 battery was reversible (slide on from the front or back) would take care of this issue, or just angle the handle like the M12's

This is the nature of the M18 line, you can have lots of power but lose accessibility into tight spots and a reason i didnt think getting the new stubby made much sense. I was thinking about getting the m12 stubby but then I'd need to add in batteries and personally it doesn't feel right in my hand.

I guess there's a reason i still hold on to my pneumatics as size to power wise they can't be beat

 

[danski0224]

The only thing I like about the Snap-On's is the handle is angled back whereas the M18's the handle is more/less perpendicular to the motor and the battery is front offset so it's a real PITA to get it "in" anywhere since you're always hitting the battery. I've never used any of my M18 impacts without either a deepwell or a 4" extension (or both). If the Milwaukee M18 battery was reversible (slide on from the front or back) would take care of this issue, or just angle the handle like the M12's

Yup, and it's also a problem in non-automotive uses.

The short length of the tool head assembly is great, but I'll run into the M18 battery in some situations.

 

[Cypress]

Dropped my drill working in the garage yesterday. Drill was fine but battery blew up. Is this fixable and if so how do i go about getting it fixed?

 

[GeoBruin]

There are replacement battery cases on Amazon and eBay. Just search for the size you're looking for. They're meant to install individual cells but with a little shaving of the plastic you can install your whole pack without breaking the spot welds.

They're not Milwaukee products, they're all aftermarket but it's the cells that make the battery.

 

[Cypress]

There are replacement battery cases on Amazon and eBay. Just search for the size you're looking for. They're meant to install individual cells but with a little shaving of the plastic you can install your whole pack without breaking the spot welds.

They're not Milwaukee products, they're all aftermarket but it's the cells that make the battery.

Thanks, are you referring to the actual blue cells on the bottom of the battery unit? The plastic housing that the wiring n batteries sit in is trashed.

 

[Rusty67]

Thanks, are you referring to the actual blue cells on the bottom of the battery unit? The plastic housing that the wiring n batteries sit in is trashed.

Ya, as long as the internal components of the battery are in good shape you can use the Chinese made knock off cases with the real battery guts.

Alternatively, if the battery is less than 2 years old you could try and warranty through Milwaukee.

 

[Cypress]

Ya, as long as the internal components of the battery are in good shape you can use the Chinese made knock off cases with the real battery guts.

Alternatively, if the battery is less than 2 years old you could try and warranty through Milwaukee.

Ok, makes sense.

Thx fellas