The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[danski0224]

I gotta say, I’m a little surprised Milwaukee is leaning into the M18x2 stuff given how insanely stubborn they’ve been about “1 battery only” for so long. Ever since Makita introduced their 18x2 platform I’ve been asking “man, why doesn’t Milwaukee do that?” It makes so much sense. It got to the point where their stubbornness was shaking hands with absurdity and I among others here weren’t afraid to call them out for it…over and over and over and over again.

This thread has to be regularly picked apart with a fine toothed comb at Milwaukee HQ - this is not the first time they’ve followed through with things I’ve only ever seen/heard discussed in this very GJ thread. While I’m glad they eventually get around to listening to their customers, they gotta do better. No one asked for a Gen2 Sawzall or multiple more iterations of bandsaws how about WHERE ON GOD’S GREEN EARTH IS THE TRACKSAW? Etc. etc. fill in your 8th annual requested tool here.

Side note: I wonder if the M18x2+ thing is a response to the dumpster fire they call MX Fuel. Perhaps pricing for that will start rooting itself in reality? Either way is fine with me, although I think the modularity (and practicality) of a multi battery M18 system is my preference. *cough read my lips Milwaukee*

I'd also like to see a track saw.

As far as the MX stuff goes, I've seen it in use on commercial jobsites, new construction and remodels.

The GC's are starting to limit internal combustion powered tools being used indoors as the site gets closed in.

Where a remodel is happening and the space is enclosed, good luck using a gas powered tool.

I've seen the concrete saw and demolition hammer used on jobsites.

 

[danski0224]

A couple new Milwaukee’s, l have to say Milwaukee wins in the cordless bandsaw battle. I bought a dewalt, used it once and returned it. The multitool is ok, i like the dewalt one better but it was right next to the bandsaw.

The new variable speed compact bandsaw *****.

The placement of the safety lock on the side is awful.

Killed any desire I had to buy one.

 

[1320]

Seems like it's time for a Gen 3 High Torque.

 

[Bighead38]

Yeah, all the new crazy packout pieces are getting out of hand. I was suckered in from day 0. Like ratchets, vacuums, and lights, I probably have the most packout pieces on GJ. Since I stopped my side hustle and there aren't packout + tool deals, luckily I have slowed down.

Thing that makes this attractive is it fits inside many of the boxes. Should of done this in the first place versus the useless things that came in the original boxes. Problem is I hate all the dividers in any packout piece, especially the drawers.

Milwaukee 48-22-8045 PACKOUT Tool Tray

Key Features 25 lb Carry Capacity Built to move real tools and supplies, not just loose odds and ends. The 25 lb rating gives this tray enough carrying capacity for hand tools, batteries, and install gear without turning it into a flimsy organizer. PACKOUT Stack or Store The Milwaukee 48-22-8045...

www.toolnut.com

I will never ever get the crate divider, seems like it would make you waste more space than its helpfulness. Plus at $18 I could surely make something better at a fraction of the cost. Says it helps support half width pieces, uh half pieces fit fine on the crate without it. If that was true then they should give them away for free since their typical crappy not thought out design creates an incompatibility.

Milwaukee 48-22-8040 Divider for PACKOUT Crate

Key Features Split the Crate Slides into the center of the PACKOUT Crate and divides the storage area in half. That makes it easier to separate hand tools, fittings, fasteners, and loose jobsite gear so you are not digging through one open bin. Impact-Resistant Build The polypropylene body is...

www.toolnut.com

The thing that really kills me with the packout is the newer drawer packout boxes. That is really what I needed in the first place but I bought a bunch of the chest pack out stuff when it first came out. If the drawers ever go on sale I'll get some but I'm done buying anymore packout for now. Also some of the accessory prices like the divider really are just crazy considering they are just injection molded plastic with really simple molds.

I really wanted the packout 3 drawer box to keep in my truck toolbox. It fits in the truck box perfectly. My issue is the drawer are no where near heavy duty enough. They are all sagging down so the dividers don’t pop on properly which makes them catch when trying to open the drawer. I still like it but it could be better, the little latch for the lock bar also stopped working.

 

[webscrounger]

I know CPO is has not been listing Milwaukee tools. I see Clark's is also not anymore. Anyone know why?

 

[Renegade1LI]

Just picked up this right angle impact wrench, feels really solid, it has some weight to it and says 220 ft lbs. i love the m12 , it’s just so compact with a small battery just gets into those tight spots. I’ll have to use a little before i can say if it’s worth it or not.

 

[subarub4]

I used the heat gun to unfreeze side mirrors few weeks ago. Mirrors were set to auto fold unfold with locks. They tried to unfold frozen and went into safety mode. Took a few mins to do the job but worked. The heat gun performance improves with the focused and directional accessories you can buy.

The m18 heat gun? I still use mine man I haven’t used my corded one in like 2 years.

a little slower outdoor in colder temps but still works.. which nozzles fit it?

 

[subarub4]

M12 Polisher worked well using it for the first time yesterday. Our bicycle club was in a parade yesterday, and I needed to polish up a few things on my vehicle (tow vehicle) before the parade. It did the trick!

I’ve been looking for awhile should I get the m18 or the m12 polisher… the m18 seems so overpriced.

 

[mobiledynamics]

I just came across seeking some confirmation the mower - being 36V.

Maybe this has been discussed.

Do you think Red will release non OPE tools that will also be 36V....
I know there's blurbing about OPE / HD since Ego left.

Do we think they might offer *power tools* that are 36V that might -compete- with M18 << MX
Case in point. While the itty bitty M18 cutoff saw is nice for what it is, I wouldn't mind larger.
Larger does exist in the MX, in which that's not a platform I'm looking to commit.

 

[mrvm]

I’ve been looking for awhile should I get the m18 or the m12 polisher… the m18 seems so overpriced.

Depending upon the polishing tasks sometimes the M18 could be the better choice if size and weight are not an issue,

 

[DerekV]

I just came across seeking some confirmation the mower - being 36V.

Maybe this has been discussed.

Do you think Red will release non OPE tools that will also be 36V....
I know there's blurbing about OPE / HD since Ego left.

Do we think they might offer *power tools* that are 36V that might -compete- with M18 << MX
Case in point. While the itty bitty M18 cutoff saw is nice for what it is, I wouldn't mind larger.
Larger does exist in the MX, in which that's not a platform I'm looking to commit.

They just released a bunch of M18x2 wet/dry vacs

 

[mobiledynamics]

I saw the release on the vacs but didn't bother looking. Hmmmmmm
I won't mind a 36V blower and ahem, 36V 14' Cutoff. Wishful thinking on the cutoff eh

 

[dacan23]

I saw the release on the vacs but didn't bother looking. Hmmmmmm
I won't mind a 36V blower and ahem, 36V 14' Cutoff. Wishful thinking on the cutoff eh

I think with them breaking their stubbornness on M18x2, it will open the flood gates in the next few years, they would be fools not to. Isnt MX 48 or 60v? I don't know if you will get a 14' cutoff, but likely V2 of the M18 will be M18x2 but who knows the size. M18x2 backpack blower they would be idiots not to make especially with OPE gas bans. I predict at least 6-10 M18x2 tools in the next 2-3 years after the mower and shop vacs.

 

[mobiledynamics]

Off topic or on....years later, my 7 or 9 stash of 40v Dewalt / Blower - decent runtime for what it is....and that is with proper storage/rotation, etc of the batteries in use

Can't wait to see a Big Red option

 

[mikeinri]

If my Echo backpack blower dies, and an M18 is available (and not $600+), I'll buy one.

Mike

 

[mobiledynamics]

I can easily see it being at least that...
A single HD12 is like $250. X2

Ha. Let's start saying M36

 

[Renegade1LI]

Anyone have the long reach 3/8" fuel ratchet? If you do what do you think? I saw 1 in HD today & it felt very sturdy & had a decent reach with a low profile head on it. I was in a hurry & everything is locked up, it's easier to buy online & pick up in a locker. Might have to go back & get it tomorrow,

 

[Renegade1LI]

Depending upon the polishing tasks sometimes the M18 could be the better choice if size and weight are not an issue,

I ended up buying the dewalt buffer & polisher, I wasn't that impressed with the milwaukee, but if you do get it go for the M18. If you want to detail a whole car you will not have enough power with the M12.

 

[mikeinri]

I can easily see it being at least that...
A single HD12 is like $250. X2

Ha. Let's start saying M36

If it's $600+ (and gas isn't $8 a gallon and/or gas powered equipment isn't outlawed here), I'll buy another gas one.

Realistically, it'll need to be closer to $400 or less, or be a lot lighter and quieter than the gas unit.

Mike

 

[javyLSU]

Decided to give the right angle impact a try:


I think it’ll be the perfect complement to the stubby impact sockets I bought earlier this year. Measures 3-1/4” deep with a 17mm stubby socket installed:



I can tell that this will give your forearms a workout if used heavily, but this won’t be a frequently used tool for me. I’ll get a chance to run it through its paces soon though, got some rock rails to install that I would previously have used a manual ratchet for because of clearance. I think I’ll be able to squeeze this guy in close to the frame rails. We’ll see!

 

[Renegade1LI]

I couldn’t wait for the dewalt to come out so i picked up the Milwaukee 2560-20. Looks nice, feels heavy duty but there it is kinda on the bulky side, the dewalt looked a little slimmer. I’ll give it a try, It claims 55 lbs of torque .

 

[mikeinri]

I get dizzy looking at all of the M12 and M18 ratchets and right angle impacts. Is there a GOOD place to see comparisons of the pros and cons of these, especially as new models continue to be released?

I've watched more than enough youtube videos of guys screaming at the camera, which is bad enough, but even when they do "head to head" comparisons (of anything, including saws, etc.; and especially if comparing different brands) they usually have flawed conditions that don't provide a fair test.

Mike

 

[Renegade1LI]

I just keep buying them and using them, they’re all good some are just better for certain things. I do a lot of low torque work where the right angle stuff is a time saver, but might not be good for you. Tool comparisons really are opinions, that’s what’s nice about dewalt, 90 days if you don’t like it return it. Personally i like the m12 fit it’s compact size to power, it works for me, m18 or 20 volt doesn’t matter they’re both bigger anyway. I say buy it use it and return it if it doesn’t meet your needs, i think you can return up to 12 months if you put it in the Home Depot card.

 

[Blackbyrd]

anyone have the 14 m18 abrasive chop saw? I do light metal work from time to time and im considereing getting one

 

[Renegade1LI]

anyone have the 14 m18 abrasive chop saw? I do light metal work from time to time and im considereing getting one

I emailed milwaukee asking if you could use a cold cut blade in it, waiting.

 

[subarub4]

I wish Milwaukee would do a cordless DA polisher.. I ended up getting the worx brand since I had two batteries

 

[javyLSU]

I wish Milwaukee would do a cordless DA polisher.. I ended up getting the worx brand since I had two batteries

ABSOLUTELY. The Mac DA polisher is one of the reasons I’m in the DeWalt platform.

 

[9C1]

Anyone have the long reach 3/8" fuel ratchet? If you do what do you think? I saw 1 in HD today & it felt very sturdy & had a decent reach with a low profile head on it. I was in a hurry & everything is locked up, it's easier to buy online & pick up in a locker. Might have to go back & get it tomorrow,

I just got one. I have only used it once and the long-reach wasn't an advantage in that situation. It felt well balanced and did the job, but hard to give you a real evaluation on one use.

 

[knucks]

Picked up a drill and impact set, along with some Packout..Needed an extra drill and don't currently own an impact so got the kit.

No real plans to use on a bicycle but wanted to try for some things.

The impact is the M12 2462-20. I don't know what the loosening torque of it is.. I figured it'd loose a bicycle pedal but it doesn't. Pedal was tightened to 35Nm and the tool does not loosen it. Is this expected? No big deal but figured I'd ask

 

[mepstein]

Picked up a drill and impact set, along with some Packout..Needed an extra drill and don't currently own an impact so got the kit.

No real plans to use on a bicycle but wanted to try for some things.

The impact is the M12 2462-20. I don't know what the loosening torque of it is.. I figured it'd loose a bicycle pedal but it doesn't. Pedal was tightened to 35Nm and the tool does not loosen it. Is this expected? No big deal but figured I'd ask

Pedals get very tight. I have a good Park pedal wrench. It’s the way to go.
(I ran a bike shop for 7 years).

 

[PelicanPines]

Picked up a drill and impact set, along with some Packout..Needed an extra drill and don't currently own an impact so got the kit.

No real plans to use on a bicycle but wanted to try for some things.

The impact is the M12 2462-20. I don't know what the loosening torque of it is.. I figured it'd loose a bicycle pedal but it doesn't. Pedal was tightened to 35Nm and the tool does not loosen it. Is this expected? No big deal but figured I'd ask

Every "bicycle pedal" I have seen in my life needs a wrench to remove. To quote @mepstein Park Tools make a superior set of bicycle tools. I have the complete set of Park Cone Wrenches.

 

[mepstein]

This is what you want. It’s a lifetime tool.

 

[NFH2740]

I emailed milwaukee asking if you could use a cold cut blade in it, waiting.

No, you cannot. The abrasive saw runs at 4,000 rpm; a dry cut blade is limited to about 1500 rpm. You could use a diamond blade to eliminate the disadvantages of the abrasive blade. Milwaukee makes one called the Steelhead; others are available at box stores.

 

[M635_Guy]

Picked up a drill and impact set, along with some Packout..Needed an extra drill and don't currently own an impact so got the kit.

No real plans to use on a bicycle but wanted to try for some things.

The impact is the M12 2462-20. I don't know what the loosening torque of it is.. I figured it'd loose a bicycle pedal but it doesn't. Pedal was tightened to 35Nm and the tool does not loosen it. Is this expected? No big deal but figured I'd ask

Impact drivers are optimized for driving - great for deck screws/etc., but not really ideal for loosening vs. an impact wrench. My M12 Surge probably would have gotten that, but it isn't what I would have picked up to do the job. (though to be honest, I'm trying to figure out where I'd even use a power tool on a bicycle pedal - have only used my thin wrench)

 

[knucks]

thanks! I have all the bike tools, just figured I’d give it a go. Sometimes when the bike is in my work stand even a good pedal wrench is a bit awkward.
Modern pedals are 6mm or 8mm hex now and do not have the 15mm axle flats to use that Park Tool.

what about cranks? Some cranks are hex too and take 40+ Nm? Once again, not something I need an impact on but if I’m already buying tools for other needs..

so I look for a impact wrench? Is there any specific torque to look for?

 

[M635_Guy]

thanks! I have all the bike tools, just figured I’d give it a go. Sometimes when the bike is in my work stand even a good pedal wrench is a bit awkward.
Modern pedals are 6mm or 8mm hex now and do not have the 15mm axle flats to use that Park Tool.

what about cranks? Some cranks are hex too and take 40+ Nm? Once again, not something I need an impact on but if I’m already buying tools for other needs..

so I look for a impact wrench? Is there any specific torque to look for?

For bike work, I'd be really surprised if an impact wrench is necessary. Most of what I work on is the family fleet of cars.

I think mainly you've got a pretty entry impact driver that's really going to be handy if you're doing some decking or whatever, but not great for your work on bikes. But a really good one (M12 Surge) is a whole different animal. I got mine almost as an afterthought when I was swapping out my old Craftsman C3 stuff and moving to Milwaukee. I never much liked my C3 impact driver - it was loud and had a lot of vibration. It worked well, but on longer jobs I was really tired of the noise and it made my hand feel kinda numb. So I didn't use it much. When I was looking to switch over, I saw that the Surge was supposed to be quiet and gentler. I was MUCH more interested in the drill and the impact I was buying, but the Surge was on sale so I splurged a bit, figuring I might use it more if it wasn't so damn buzzy.

It's every bit as quiet and gentle as I dared to hope, but it's got real power too. The modes help right-size the power to the task very well. My drill, which used to be my primary tool for both drilling and fasteners, is very lightly-used these days. Drills are great for drilling, especially in difficult materials or for specialty bits, but they're pretty compromised as a driver, even with a decent clutch. The Surge is a damn decent drill for straight bits in basic use and a freakin' fantastic and versatile driver.

Net: I love the M12 Surge. It's very-unexpectedly my favorite power tool.

 

[autobon7]

They better win the bandsaw battle, they only have 15 different flavors to choose from

You gotta try the M18 Fuel multitool…it’s incredible

Their multitool is VERY good but Id line up my 18V Bosch with it any day of the week.

 

[knucks]

For bike work, I'd be really surprised if an impact wrench is necessary. Most of what I work on is the family fleet of cars.

I think mainly you've got a pretty entry impact driver that's really going to be handy if you're doing some decking or whatever, but not great for your work on bikes. But a really good one (M12 Surge) is a whole different animal. I got mine almost as an afterthought when I was swapping out my old Craftsman C3 stuff and moving to Milwaukee. I never much liked my C3 impact driver - it was loud and had a lot of vibration. It worked well, but on longer jobs I was really tired of the noise and it made my hand feel kinda numb. So I didn't use it much. When I was looking to switch over, I saw that the Surge was supposed to be quiet and gentler. I was MUCH more interested in the drill and the impact I was buying, but the Surge was on sale so I splurged a bit, figuring I might use it more if it wasn't so damn buzzy.

It's every bit as quiet and gentle as I dared to hope, but it's got real power too. The modes help right-size the power to the task very well. My drill, which used to be my primary tool for both drilling and fasteners, is very lightly-used these days. Drills are great for drilling, especially in difficult materials or for specialty bits, but they're pretty compromised as a driver, even with a decent clutch. The Surge is a damn decent drill for straight bits in basic use and a freakin' fantastic and versatile driver.

Net: I love the M12 Surge. It's very-unexpectedly my favorite power tool.

Yes there's really no real need to use power tools on bikes. I've used my drill w/ a Torx25 on rotor bolts, makes it's just easier to get one on there quicker, and then I do final tighten by hand

 

[M635_Guy]

Yes there's really no real need to use power tools on bikes. I've used my drill w/ a Torx25 on rotor bolts, makes it's just easier to get one on there quicker, and then I do final tighten by hand

Yup. I use my Surge on plenty of stuff on setting 1 (tightens to snug). It's also great to loosen torx/hex/Phillips on the lower settings without stripping them.

 

[jonshonda]

Yes there's really no real need to use power tools on bikes. I've used my drill w/ a Torx25 on rotor bolts, makes it's just easier to get one on there quicker, and then I do final tighten by hand

Yeah the only time I use a power tool is for rotor bolts. Well....other then my compressor to seat the tubeless tires on the rim. Fat bike tires can be a real bear.