The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

[logixjock]

Looking for some advice, I currently have the older gen high torque (2763), and power wise it does everything I need it to do. However it’s too large for a lot of things and extremely heavy. So I am looking at one of the smaller offerings to complement it. I can’t seem to decide whether to pick up the 2555 m12 stubby, or the 2962 m18 mid torque. I’m kind of stuck trying to decide if the gap between the stubby and the high torque will leave me wanting the mid torque, and if the mid torque will be compact enough for most uses. The obvious solution would be to buy both the stubby and the mid torque, but I’d rather not spend the money if one is going to sit unused.

I have the M12 stubby and it is the most underwhelming tool I have from Milwaukee, I've only tried to use it a handful of times and it is pretty useless, the mid torque is my everyday go to.

 

[1TMF]

Depends on what you're going to use it for and the area you're in.

Non-rusty areas and passenger cars, the stubby and the older hi-torque will probably do everything you need.

Anywhere with rust I'd say stick with the mid torque or if working on pickups or larger.


I have the m12 stubby but occasionally work on trucks. I just picked up the mid torque and a ho cp 3.0 for it as the m12 stubby leaves me wanting.


The larger impact I use is as big or bigger than your older m18 high torque, its a 24v kobalt which has the same 650ftlb rating as the much smaller 2962.

I very rarely need more (usually due to a low battery). But I'm also in CA and hardly see rusty vehicles. So I don't own a high torque.

Like he said, depends on your use case. I have the M12 Fuel stubby and older M18 Fuel mid-torque (I think 450 ft-lb?) and I barely use my mid torque anymore. But I'm primarily working on cars that aren't rusty - most swapping wheels and suspension work on cars. If you're workings on a lot of rusty vehicles, bigger trucks, etc, you'll probably appreciate the mid-torque. That said, the stubby is so light and can get into so many places, it's super convenient. It can do lug nuts on my 1/2 truck without a problem. For me, I'm only cracking out the mid torque when... I feel like I need to use it so it's not collecting dust lol.

 

[assassin10000]

@darkzero @Rusty67

Well, just using my m12 'rotary tool' I was able to modify one of the longer ones.



Unfortunately, as short as it is when inserted I still didn't like the additional depth on the new 3453 vs my modded 2553.


So I went ahead and ordered an anvil and modded the 3453.




Here's a side by side. The 3453 modded comes in at 5 1/8" and the 2553 is 5 3/8" (w/boot 5 1/2").



The extra 3/8" clearance, better lighting alone seem to make this worth it for me. I won't have a chance to really use it until next week sometime though.

 

[Odd-job]

@darkzero @Rusty67

Well, just using my m12 'rotary tool' I was able to modify one of the longer ones.



Unfortunately, as short as it is when inserted I still didn't like the additional depth on the new 3453 vs my modded 2553.


So I went ahead and ordered an anvil and modded the 3453.




Here's a side by side. The 3453 modded comes in at 5 1/8" and the 2553 is 5 3/8" (w/boot 5 1/2").



The extra 3/8" clearance, better lighting alone seem to make this worth it for me. I won't have a chance to really use it until next week sometime though.

Nice mod. So just an anvil? No nose cone, etc?

 

[assassin10000]

Nice mod. So just an anvil? No nose cone, etc?

Thanks. No, not as simple as that.

Nose cone, circuit board coating removal, de-soldering/soldering led wiring and also bushing/spacer made for inside the anvil to the impacting assembly.

 

[toyotadriver]

Bought the M12 spotlight. I needed a bright flashlight for use around the house when checking the front and back yard for wild animals etc. Wanted rechargeable but the batteries had to be replaceable. Ended up deciding to give the Milwaukee a try after watching a few youtube videos. Really like it! Very bright and it really reaches out there. Recommended.

 

[Odd-job]

Thanks. No, not as simple as that.

Nose cone, circuit board coating removal, de-soldering/soldering led wiring and also bushing/spacer made for inside the anvil to the impacting assembly.

Dang. I guess I don't want one that badly. Am wondering if Milwaukee does this on purpose as I would think less parts would equal more profits, but maybe they make more profit off people that get the 1/4 impact which they overcharge for? I did a mod once an an M18 hex impact and the $40 nose cone killed it for me.

 

[mikeinri]

Bought the M12 spotlight. I needed a bright flashlight for use around the house when checking the front and back yard for wild animals etc. Wanted rechargeable but the batteries had to be replaceable. Ended up deciding to give the Milwaukee a try after watching a few youtube videos. Really like it! Very bright and it really reaches out there. Recommended.

Model number?

Mike

 

[assassin10000]

Dang. I guess I don't want one that badly. Am wondering if Milwaukee does this on purpose as I would think less parts would equal more profits, but maybe they make more profit off people that get the 1/4 impact which they overcharge for? I did a mod once an an M18 hex impact and the $40 nose cone killed it for me.

I didn't need a new nose cone, just centered, drilled and then reamed the hole to the correct size on a lathe. (See pics below)

The bushing was made from a sub $10 piece of stainless tube from the hardware store this time. Sized it on the lathe as well.



The gen2 I modded I used a bronze bushing and a file to reduce its O.D. Here's pics of most of it, I took less pics this time.







Fwiw to convert to 1/4" square would be simple. Just get the anvil from the 2552, it should drop right in.

 

[toyotadriver]

Model number?

Mike

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...andheld-Spotlight-Tool-Only-2353-20/206463136

 

[mikeinri]

Thanks, @toyotadriver.

The M18 Rover is on sale, $99 (30% off). I bought one of these last year and really like it.

Milwaukee M18 18-Volt 1500 Lumens Lithium-Ion Cordless Rover LED Mounting Flood Light (Tool-Only) 2365-20 - The Home Depot

The MILWAUKEE M18 ROVER Mounting Flood Light is designed to work in any workspace, jobsite, and on any surface with 1500 lumens of TRUEVIEW High Definition Output. The portable food light has two powerful

www.homedepot.com

Mike

 

[tab2]

M18 tracksaw available for pre-order. $400 bare tool, $649 for saw, 6.0HO battery, charger & XL packout. There are some other options with tracks, clamps, etc.

I took the $650 plunge. I have a corded Festool TS55 so that will be "nice" material only and this one will become the rough sheet good/plywood/OSB breakdown saw. I will probably pick up a long track from Makita or Milwaukee and they designate one my two 55" tracks for use with the Milwaukee.

 

[Rusty67]

I got a litany of marketing emails about the track saw preorder this morning in my inbox. Seems like the retailers are happy about it.

 

[Shaners256]

I have the M12 stubby and it is the most underwhelming tool I have from Milwaukee, I've only tried to use it a handful of times and it is pretty useless, the mid torque is my everyday go to.

What battery did you use it with? 4.0's produce more torque than compact 1.5 or 2.0's.

 

[purplezr2]

I have the M12 stubby and it is the most underwhelming tool I have from Milwaukee, I've only tried to use it a handful of times and it is pretty useless, the mid torque is my everyday go to.

Did you know that there are different power settings on the tool?

Mine rocks, even when using a 2.0 battery. I use it almost exclusively for anything under 17mm.

 

[mobiledynamics]

Let's see if this will go well . I've never gifted a Big Red Brand to the missus
But en route is a M12 Heated Vest......

 

[Rusty67]

I got some M12 heated gear when I was living in the PNW. I really liked it myself. I tried to get my girlfriend to want one but for some reason, even though she was cold all the time when we went out, she just wanted to dress in more layers and didn't want a heated garment of any kind. Good luck with the vest and hopefully it gets your lady hooked!

 

[mobiledynamics]

I got my Big Red fix with that purchase I suppose. Have almost a complete ensemble...even have their KO kits, the backpack snake, the Copper Press system and the long laundry list goes on.

In the last year, just a handful of red stuff. Mainly new dual battery blower, M18 inflator and I think that might be it...

 

[Odd-job]

Always thought I had my fix... but now have the Power Supply and dual battery blower in route.

 

[mobiledynamics]

I bought 2....one for car wash drying. Stubby nozzle...
Due to use (stubby nozzle), there are instances where I am holding it a bit close to me as well...
Wear ear mitt's. It puts out a high pitch noise....enough to hurt if you don't PPE up

 

[Odd-job]

I bought 2....one for car wash drying. Stubby nozzle...
Due to use (stubby nozzle), there are instances where I am holding it a bit close to me as well...
Wear ear mitt's. It puts out a high pitch noise....enough to hurt if you don't PPE up

Nice. Looking to test it out later today against wet leaves if UPS pulls through. Agree with the PPE comment. The single m18 had my ears ringing the first time I was using it overhead to dry a car. Also am conscientious in not letting my kids use them either. More sensitive ears plus not as much geographic distance with that loud blower turbine with short limbs.

 

[Rusty67]

I wear my noise canceling headphones and usually have the music going when I run my blower for any appreciable length of time. If I don't have them handy I go to my trusty foam ear hole pluggers.

 

[mobiledynamics]

I will say this as well - even though I have like 7-9 40V dewalt batteries. The DUAL M18 has finally met it's spec enough for me to warrant buying a M18 blower to replace the dewalt in function

 

[mobiledynamics]

With the backpack gasser, PPE for sure.

Their handheld dewalt blower (fan) is maybe about 50% - 2X larger as the Milwaukee. Maybe it has more velocity and doesn't need to spin that much...but the Red, it makes and high pitched noise. And since when drying a car you're not pointing down at at times up , or the latter and holding it higher to -fan nozzle- the water away to a panel edge, etc, there is a certain consistency that one holds it a bit more higher than you would normally hold a blower to *blow leaves*.

 

[HamAndEggs]

I'm a huge fan of Milwaukee, but sometimes they really grind my gears. Last week I went down to Home Depot to grab a 14 inch pipe wrench to help remove some old galvanized pipes in my attic, I have the RIDGID Cast Iron 18 and 24's, and the 24 gets a little too big for removing 1/2 pipes in tight spaces

Home Depot had mostly Milwaukee ones, and I saw this 14 inch one that felt pretty good. But made in China!

Milwaukee 14 in. Aluminum Pipe Wrench 48-22-7214 - The Home Depot

Tackle down all your tube and pipe bending works with great ease by choosing this highly durable Milwaukee Aluminum Pipe Wrench.

www.homedepot.com

I rummaged through, and found a RIDGID one. Made in USA, and it was the same price! Shows $7 more on the website, but it was on sale

RIDGID 14 in. Aluminum Straight Pipe Wrench for Plumbing, Sturdy Plumbing Pipe Tool with Self Cleaning Threads and Hook Jaws 31095 - The Home Depot

Easily repair and fix all sorts of pipe fixtures with in short time by choosing this RIDGID Model 814 Aluminum Straight Pipe Wrench. Ideal for any budget.

www.homedepot.com

Why is it RIDGID can make it here in the USA for the same price as Milwaukee making it in China?

 

[Dagny]

I wouldn't even think about buying a pipe wrench that says anything but Ridgid on it.

 

[Rusty67]

I think that is actually a different company. The Ridgid power tool division was sold to TTI but I believe the hand tools are still the original company and still US owned? Someone correct me here please, I feel like I have this 50% right.

 

[Odd-job]

Ridgid hand tools I think owned by Emerson Electric.

Rugged Jobsite Tools | RIDGID | Emerson US

RIDGID provides certainty and efficiency to the expert trades – with professional plumbing and pipe working tools.

www.emerson.com

Looks like they have a licensing agreement with TTI for the power tools which is why they reference it on there website. Looks like the relationship can get complicated.

Ridgid Sues Milwaukee Over Cordless Power Tool Battery Patents

toolguyd.com

 

[danski0224]

I'm a huge fan of Milwaukee, but sometimes they really grind my gears. Last week I went down to Home Depot to grab a 14 inch pipe wrench to help remove some old galvanized pipes in my attic, I have the RIDGID Cast Iron 18 and 24's, and the 24 gets a little too big for removing 1/2 pipes in tight spaces

Home Depot had mostly Milwaukee ones, and I saw this 14 inch one that felt pretty good. But made in China!

Milwaukee 14 in. Aluminum Pipe Wrench 48-22-7214 - The Home Depot

Tackle down all your tube and pipe bending works with great ease by choosing this highly durable Milwaukee Aluminum Pipe Wrench.

www.homedepot.com

I rummaged through, and found a RIDGID one. Made in USA, and it was the same price! Shows $7 more on the website, but it was on sale

RIDGID 14 in. Aluminum Straight Pipe Wrench for Plumbing, Sturdy Plumbing Pipe Tool with Self Cleaning Threads and Hook Jaws 31095 - The Home Depot

Easily repair and fix all sorts of pipe fixtures with in short time by choosing this RIDGID Model 814 Aluminum Straight Pipe Wrench. Ideal for any budget.

www.homedepot.com

Why is it RIDGID can make it here in the USA for the same price as Milwaukee making it in China?

I suspect that HD lowers the price on the Ridgid pipe wrenches every 179 days, so if someone "returns" one for a no receipt refund, they get the lowest selling price in the last 180 days.

I saw it once when I worked there, and the "sale" lasted only a day.

HD wouldn't even have to tag the price properly on the shelf.

HD could claim some sort of error and not honor online orders. The online sales thing wasn't really a thing when I saw this happen.

 

[mobiledynamics]

No recept refunds have been gone for at least 2 years+ I think.
Finally, it got rids of some of the scams...
Or the ones bringing back entire ### projects, pipe, cabinets and the whole works.....like it was a loaner program

 

[mobiledynamics]

Dunno how it's like for the West Coasters but stuff from HD comes pretty quick . 1 or 2 Day via ground. Anyhow the vest is arriving today. I'm planning to shoehorn it onto me as I wanna see how decent the heat is on these things....never had heated gear myself nor wanted it

 

[Rusty67]

HD has had surprisingly fast delivery. I think the must dispatch from the same local warehouse the stores are using and they turn around the shipments rather quickly.

As for the heated gear, my experience with it is that it works best when properly sized. It needs to make decent contact with your body to REALLY get you warmed up without using the highest setting. It certainly did work for me in the PWN.

 

[danski0224]

No recept refunds have been gone for at least 2 years+ I think.
Finally, it got rids of some of the scams...
Or the ones bringing back entire ### projects, pipe, cabinets and the whole works.....like it was a loaner program

Still can get no receipt refund, but now it is in the form of a store credit that is tied to your driver's license.

Also get the lowest selling price in the last 180 days.

There's a limit on these, too many and no returns allowed.

 

[m6z]

Part number for the anvil for the 2553? Where's the best place to order it?

 

[mobiledynamics]

actually no receipt meant no credit card lookup if could not found . Which I interpreted as they -did away - with store credit

No receipt - store credit was always there before the no receipt -no refund policy . I must have read it wrong

 

[assassin10000]

Part number for the anvil for the 2553? Where's the best place to order it?

Just the anvil:
42-06-2553

If you need the collar/springs/clips/bearing you will need more.

If under warranty just send it in tho.


I have a spare anvil set from a newer 3453-20 that I think is the same dimensions. I could check if you're interested

 

[assassin10000]

Part number for the anvil for the 2553? Where's the best place to order it?

Just the anvil:
42-06-2553

If you need the collar/springs/clips/bearing you will need more.

If under warranty just send it in tho.


I have a spare anvil set from a newer 3453-20 that I think is the same dimensions. I could check if you're interested

42-06-0089 anvil meas. (3453-20)
Height: 32.90mm
Ear length: 34.9mm
Base dia.: 12.45mm
Main Hole dia 12.55mm
Anvil hole dia: 6.40mm

42-06-2553 anvil meas. (2553-20)
Height: 33.30mm
Ear length: 34.9mm
Base dia.: 12.45mm
Main Hole dia 12.55mm
Anvil hole: 6.40mm-6.45mm

Should be a direct swap. The 'ear' section is a fraction of a MM thinner but that won't affect it.

 

[mobiledynamics]

HD has had surprisingly fast delivery. I think the must dispatch from the same local warehouse the stores are using and they turn around the shipments rather quickly.

As for the heated gear, my experience with it is that it works best when properly sized. It needs to make decent contact with your body to REALLY get you warmed up without using the highest setting. It certainly did work for me in the PWN.

The home delivery is worth it. I forgot what the delivery fee was but it was inexpensive . Used it 1st time this year. Needed something for the roof. Ordered online and it arrived *same day*. I don't think it's their *local warehouse* but from major distributors : potential partners with *** large supply houses maybe ? I recall the driver arrived in a personal car for the delivery.

 

[JimH74]

I see that Home Depot has a sale on their Milwaukee shirts. I typically wear either Duluth or Carhartt. How do the Milwaukee compare? Fit and longevity? Thanks.

 

[mobiledynamics]

I don't think *shirts count*, but if you're looking at workwear, I'm really liking the TrueWerk pants. Hopefully their other lineup is just as nice...