The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[M635_Guy]

Except I don't want $330 of additional tools to get the 30% off.


That's a long time to wait, will need it before then. I guess I'll hold off until needed and if a sale doesn't pop up will just have to pay full retail

I've also seen folks selling new un-opened tools on Facebook and Ebay for a lot less than retail, what's the story there? How do they get all these new tools, are they real or imported fakes? Seems risky

I agree with Mike that they're probably stolen.

FWIW - I love my Surge a lot, to the point that I grabbed a couple extra of them at Black Friday in 2020 because I knew my eldest spawn was moving across the country for a first job and I would put one of them in the apartment tool kit.

 

[mikeinri]

You can cancel the other $330 of stuff by splitting the order between online and store pickup. If that doesn't work due to some website snafu you can do store pickup and return the items you don't want on the spot for credit while still retaining the 30% discount.

Noticed that today at my local HD. Very sad. I guess it also mitigates the smash and grab trend, although those folks tend to target Apple and higher end clothing stores.

Big smash and grab issue up here at the moment is the large gangs breaking into motorsports dealers at night, running off with dozens of motorcycles and dirt bikes. Started off by one place in NH being hit two or three times over the past year or so, but within the past week, a place in MA got hit the same way.

The authorities aren't sure if this was a copycat crime or the same group expanding their territory, but it's a disturbing trend.

Mike

 

[Odd-job]

Definitely doesn't seem like we are trending in the right direction here. Germany doesn't seem to have the same problems with a .07% incarceration rate vs our 10x .7% incarceration rate. Would have thought they would have had a tougher time with wars, the Berlin Wall, etc.

On a more positive note my newly acquired M18 2830 circular saw got a good workout yesterday. Definitely nice not being tethered to a cord. Got this as sort of a goldilocks between my m12 fuel circular saw which doesn't have enough balls and a 8 1/4 Skillsaw which is in the other side of spectrum. Nice having all of the 7 1/4 blade choices too. Electronic brake and less recoil on startup vs the Skillsaw make it a little less intimidating.

Was on the fence forever for the m12 surge given I already have the regular 2553 and a m12 2401 screwdriver. Definitely makes driving screws more pleasurable. Less noise and smoother action. Seems like another goldilocks tool in my mind.

 

[M635_Guy]

Was on the fence forever for the m12 surge given I already have the regular 2553 and a m12 2401 screwdriver. Definitely makes driving screws more pleasurable. Less noise and smoother action. Seems like another goldilocks tool in my mind.

I love my Surge. More pleasurable screwing should be a goal for all of us.

 

[logixjock]

I love my Surge. More pleasurable screwing should be a goal for all of us.

I've been considering the M12 surge. I split my use of my current M12 fuel impact driver about 50/50 between driving deck screws into wood and using a 1/4" drive adapter for small bolts and nuts. How would you rate the surge for small hardware using the 1/4" adapter?

 

[CallumRD1]

I've been considering the M12 surge. I split my use of my current M12 fuel impact driver about 50/50 between driving deck screws into wood and using a 1/4" drive adapter for small bolts and nuts. How would you rate the surge for small hardware using the 1/4" adapter?

I love my surge for anything M6 and 1/4-20 or smaller (10mm and 7/16" external hex, 5mm and 3/16" internal hex). It's truly fantastic for driving wood screws and remarkably quiet.

 

[mikeinri]

You guys are killing me. I'm trying SO hard to stay on one platform (M18)...

Mike

 

[javyLSU]

^You're really missing out if you’re not on M12. Sooooooo many great tools.

 

[CallumRD1]

You guys are killing me. I'm trying SO hard to stay on one platform (M18)...

Mike

The M18 and M12 Surge are both fantastic, I love them both but I only own the M18 model at the moment.

 

[M635_Guy]

You guys are killing me. I'm trying SO hard to stay on one platform (M18)...

Mike

Obv. there's an M18 Surge. The M12 is just brilliant for the size/weight and still a ton of power. Differently-delivered, but significant and doesn't harass you like standard impact drivers. I'll probably never have a "regular" impact driver ever again.

For me, the one platform thing is as much about the chargers as anything else, and the M18 chargers can also do M12 batteries.

 

[Odd-job]

You guys are killing me. I'm trying SO hard to stay on one platform (M18)...

Mike

So many good m12 tools I rather not live without. The investment isn't too bad given the charger compatibility as per M635_Guy. Some of tools that come in both m18 and m12 versions, the form factor is just superior in m12 form. Surge I think being one of them.

 

[Rusty67]

I was able to drive 3 1/2" lag bolts into my studs this weekend with my Surge when I mounted a TV to the wall. I did predrill the pilot holes for the lags but it drove them in on its own, no problem. The surge is surprisingly friendly to use in the M12 form factor, just need to run a 4.0 or a 6.0 battery with it so you can stand it up easily when it isn't in use.

Also I gave the new m12 fuel shop vac a run this weekend. This is what I'll say about its older brother (0880 -20), I think it isn't as powerful as a vac overall. I bought the m12 specifically to use as an indoor vac because my girlfriend was complaining that I use the vac on dirty stuff in the garage and then bring it into the "clean" house. I mean, stuff for cleaning things up gets dirty, but I digress. The m12 fuel vac on the higher power setting is almost as powerful as the 0880 but it doesn't feel like it has quite the same level of suction. That being said, for an around the house indoor vac, I think it will fit the needs I bought it for. Stuff in the house I vac is much lighter than stuff in the garage. The other big positive is that the brushless motor really is a LOT quieter than the old 0880 model. I'm willing to bet that the new packout replacement for the 0880 is nice and quiet as well compared. So all in all, I wouldn't use it in a shop but it is great for around the house. I just wish it had a brush attachment....

 

[pbon]

Many also walk virtually amongst us — internet based theft also occurs all the time.

 

[Odd-job]

I was able to drive 3 1/2" lag bolts into my studs this weekend with my Surge when I mounted a TV to the wall. I did predrill the pilot holes for the lags but it drove them in on its own, no problem. The surge is surprisingly friendly to use in the M12 form factor, just need to run a 4.0 or a 6.0 battery with it so you can stand it up easily when it isn't in use.

Also I gave the new m12 fuel shop vac a run this weekend. This is what I'll say about its older brother (0880 -20), I think it isn't as powerful as a vac overall. I bought the m12 specifically to use as an indoor vac because my girlfriend was complaining that I use the vac on dirty stuff in the garage and then bring it into the "clean" house. I mean, stuff for cleaning things up gets dirty, but I digress. The m12 fuel vac on the higher power setting is almost as powerful as the 0880 but it doesn't feel like it has quite the same level of suction. That being said, for an around the house indoor vac, I think it will fit the needs I bought it for. Stuff in the house I vac is much lighter than stuff in the garage. The other big positive is that the brushless motor really is a LOT quieter than the old 0880 model. I'm willing to bet that the new packout replacement for the 0880 is nice and quiet as well compared. So all in all, I wouldn't use it in a shop but it is great for around the house. I just wish it had a brush attachment....

Thanks for the report on the m12 vac. The lower decibels definitely has me thinking about upgrading to a fuel vac. The 0880 screams like a banshee and am afraid of waking up the neighbors with it. A m18 fuel backpack vac with motorized head and cyclonic dust bin (think Dyson) I think would be my dream. Also LED lights would be a plus on the head to be able to spot the cob webs and dust bunnies.

Have to divide up indoor and outdoor vacs at my household too. Kind of like slippers stay inside, work boots stay outside I guess is the analogy. I guess getting "permission" to buy another vac is not a bad thing.

 

[Odd-job]

Many also walk virtually amongst us — internet based theft also occurs all the time.

You mean I am not really going to get an m18 lawnmower after wiring $500 to Nigeria because they told me I was a princess and deserve a lawnmower afterall?!?

 

[Rusty67]

Hahaha yes, my girlfriend gets REALLY mad when I don't take my shoes off soon enough. Always gets on me about the house slippers. I would replace the 0880 vac with the new one but honestly I don't like the new fuel packout vac. It just seems so much more bulky because of the packout compatibility. For now I'm gonna stick with my 0880 vac until big red decides to release a brushless non-packout version, which they might never do. I would be open to picking up the backpack vac but every time I think about buying it I just decide not to. Maybe someone here can feed my addiction and push me over the edge into buying one but for now I'm not buying one.

 

[Odd-job]

Hahaha yes, my girlfriend gets REALLY mad when I don't take my shoes off soon enough. Always gets on me about the house slippers. I would replace the 0880 vac with the new one but honestly I don't like the new fuel packout vac. It just seems so much more bulky because of the packout compatibility. For now I'm gonna stick with my 0880 vac until big red decides to release a brushless non-packout version, which they might never do. I would be open to picking up the backpack vac but every time I think about buying it I just decide not to. Maybe someone here can feed my addiction and push me over the edge into buying one but for now I'm not buying one.

I just **** it up and wear the slippers while dancing around naked and vacuuming, but I digress.

The only reason why you might be able to justify the backpack vac is to show how awesome you are to your neighbors...

There has to be a way to turn this



into this

 

[javyLSU]

Hahaha yes, my girlfriend gets REALLY mad when I don't take my shoes off soon enough. Always gets on me about the house slippers. I would replace the 0880 vac with the new one but honestly I don't like the new fuel packout vac. It just seems so much more bulky because of the packout compatibility. For now I'm gonna stick with my 0880 vac until big red decides to release a brushless non-packout version, which they might never do. I would be open to picking up the backpack vac but every time I think about buying it I just decide not to. Maybe someone here can feed my addiction and push me over the edge into buying one but for now I'm not buying one.

I can’t keep my wife’s hands off my backpack vac. I basically have to “steal” it back from her whenever I need to use it in the garage…

 

[dacan23]

I just **** it up and wear the slippers while dancing around naked and vacuuming, but I digress.

The only reason why you might be able to justify the backpack vac is to show how awesome you are to your neighbors...

There has to be a way to turn this

into this

LOL, backpack vac has been in the basement for a bit while building a kitchen down there, my semi gullible 6yr old asked what it was, hard to tell if he didn't know, I told him it was a jet pack, he asked if he could use it, so now the big joke every time he's down there is did I use the jet pack last night and can he use it. Its such a cute interaction I am afraid to ask if he really thinks its a jet pack...

 

[Rusty67]

I think we all know the M18 proton pack looks like this:

 

[Odd-job]

LOL, backpack vac has been in the basement for a bit while building a kitchen down there, my semi gullible 6yr old asked what it was, hard to tell if he didn't know, I told him it was a jet pack, he asked if he could use it, so now the big joke every time he's down there is did I use the jet pack last night and can he use it. Its such a cute interaction I am afraid to ask if he really thinks its a jet pack...

I can see what he is seeing.

 

[1320]

I picked up the 2886 5" flat head braking grinder today.







Here it is compared to the 6" braking and 4-1/2" - 5" regular 1st gen Fuel grinders.





Its longer than the 2780 4-1/2" and I expected it to be heavier as well, but it feels lighter to me. It also came with a type 1 guard for cut off discs.

I haven't seen any chatter about these new M18 grinders yet. I remember that Milwaukee released a 4-1/2" braking grinder, but I don't remember ever seeing it in a store anywhere. I didn't even know that the 2880 replaced the 2780 seemingly a few years ago. Other than being a gen 2, were there any differences? There is a 4-1/2" variable speed grinder now as well, the 2888.

 

[Rusty67]

How are the run time on these newer ones? Any better? I have the original 4 1/2" grinder and man does it chew through batteries.

 

[Malaworkerbee]

I really want the new flat grinder, but the $100+ price difference vs what I paid for the normal fuel 4 1/2.

Maybe if it ever has a sale (doubt it as I've never seen the braking ones in a good sale)

 

[javyLSU]

I paid $129 for this kit thinking it came with a 4.0. You can imagine how pleasantly surprised I was to find a 6.0 in the box:



Let’s see how long before the wife steals this one…

 

[Rusty67]

Yep, that is the same one I bought for in the house use.

 

[dacan23]

I paid $129 for this kit thinking it came with a 4.0. You can imagine how pleasantly surprised I was to find a 6.0 in the box:



Let’s see how long before the wife steals this one…

Just always keep the hose inside under the lid, she'll never find it.

 

[1320]

How are the run time on these newer ones? Any better? I have the original 4 1/2" grinder and man does it chew through batteries.

I'm not sure, I've never used the brushed one, but I've always had pretty good run time with the Fuel grinders using HD9.0 and then later XC8.0 batteries. It seems most of what I've done in the last few years has been using a cup brush, though.

I really want the new flat grinder, but the $100+ price difference vs what I paid for the normal fuel 4 1/2.

Maybe if it ever has a sale (doubt it as I've never seen the braking ones in a good sale)

I got my flathead on offerup local for a great deal and sold my 2780 4-1/2" for $85. 2 years ago, the 6" was on a deal with a XC8.0 battery, but that's the only braking grinder sale I can remember.

 

[Rusty67]

I have the gen 1 Fuel 4.5" grinder, eats a 5.0 battery in what feels like a very short period of time.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Anyone have one of these and could provide feedback?

 

[tarbellb]

Is that the new M12 XC13.6 battery connected to a framing hammer?

 

[assassin10000]

I've got a 2553 laying around and have no need for a 1/4" hex. I'm wondering if I could convert it to 3/8" square, relatively easily.

Like this guy did using the anvil from a 2552 to make his 2553 a slightly more powerful version.

A cheaper (and stronger) m12 fuel 1/4" stubby impact wrench.

I really wanted a m12 fuel 1/4" stubby impact wrench with the square anvil, but couldn't bring myself to pay the premium that it comes with. For some reason the square anvil is somehow much more expensive. I couldn't find the 2552 for less than $150 anywhere. Curious considering the 2553 hex is...

www.garagejournal.com

That said anyone got a 2451 and/or 2463 they wouldn't mind disassembling to take some measurements of the anvil?

The diameter of the shaft where it protrudes through the opening.
Length of across the ears.
Height from tip to base.
Width and thickness of the ears.
The hole diameter/depth inside the base.

 

[f121]

What’s the verdict on the m12 hatchet? I hadn’t realised they existed until I got this email through, which is tempting because I could do with a m12 impact and always want more batteries.

 

[javyLSU]

What’s the verdict on the m12 hatchet? I hadn’t realised they existed until I got this email through, which is tempting because I could do with a m12 impact and always want more batteries.

I really love mine. I’ve used it a ton to cut up trees that fall on my property.

 

[Odd-job]

I have the gen 1 Fuel 4.5" grinder, eats a 5.0 battery in what feels like a very short period of time.

I think fuel grinders also really need high output batteries to run right. There's been several occasions where I have gotten the battery overheat error with 5.0s and 9.0s which really ruins the grinding pleasure.

 

[Odd-job]

What’s the verdict on the m12 hatchet? I hadn’t realised they existed until I got this email through, which is tempting because I could do with a m12 impact and always want more batteries.

finally some package deals!

 

[dacan23]

finally some package deals!

Thats in Europe, don't know if it will come to the US, a case for the hatchet would be nice, maybe theres a rule in EU that saws must come in a case. Any black case or packout is not for the US.

 

[Odd-job]

Thats in Europe, don't know if it will come to the US, a case for the hatchet would be nice, maybe theres a rule in EU that saws must come in a case. Any black case or packout is not for the US.

Hoping some package deals trickle over here eventually.

Milwaukee does me a favor most of the time by not including a case. Half the time my stuff ends up in a pile somewhere, but that's just me.

 

[tjansson]

Anyone have one of these and could provide feedback?

I have that. It works! IDK I'm no hammer connoisseur. I bought it because it was the only smooth face framing hammer at HD.

 

[dacan23]

I have that. It works! IDK I'm no hammer connoisseur. I bought it because it was the only smooth face framing hammer at HD.

Yeah I have that hammer too and chose it for similar reason, have fancier hammers but milled faces, its just a regular decent hammer colored red. Actually now I realize I have too many hammers for nail driving of all sorts, yet rarely use them. Mallets , sledges, ball, dead blow, etc get all the use.