The Milwaukee Power Tools PASS/FAIL Thread...

[winlinmac]

It seems Milwaukee Power Tools are quite popular today, may be even too popular. Every other week a deal pops up and most of us are inclined towards commenting or picking one up.

However, not every Milwaukee Power Tool is great. Let's face it, no company or product is perfect.

Since Milwaukee is the king of the Power Tool realm (subjective), what Milwaukee Power Tools would you wholeheartedly recommend? PASS

What Milwaukee Power Tools would you steer away from and not recommend? FAIL

From what I can gather, there are mixed reviews on the 2731-20 Circular Saw and Milwaukee's M18 Nailers.

This thread is not limited. Feel free to include Milwaukee's corded, M18 cordless, and M12 cordless tools. If you want to take it a notch further, include their M28 lineup as well.

Many here seem to recommend the following,

• Milwaukee's M18 Brushless Drill and Impact Driver (2nd Gen and 3rd Gen)
• Milwaukee's M12 Brushless Drill and Impact Driver
• Milwaukee's M18 Hedge Trimmer
• Milwaukee's M18 Leaf Blower (1st and 2nd Gen)
• Milwaukee's Tower Light (2131-20 and 2132-20)

and so on...

 

[ptgarcia]

M12 Fuel 2504 Gen II 1/2" Hammer Drill - PASS
M12 2401 Screwdriver - PASS

M18 Fuel 2728 Gen I Blower - PASS
M18 Fuel 2725 String Trimmer - PASS
M18 2850 (brushed) 1/4" Hex Impact Driver - PASS, but I'd like to upgrade to one with multiple speed settings

I love mine.....'nuff said.

 

[Stuey]

I don't like their...

sorry, I'll have to get back to you on that.

I know that some folks are unhappy about their nailers, but I think that's about it. I don't hear a lot of buyer's remorse from local contractors or ToolGuyd readers.

 

[1Garageman]

I am subscribing to this. I have four of their tools, and love all of them! I also think the batteries for the Milwaukee tools are a lot better than most other brands.


I have Tool #

2753-20
M18 FUEL™ 1/4" Hex Impact Driver



Tool #

2704-20

M18 FUEL™ 1/2" Hammer Drill/Driver

 

[2ndGearRubber]

2407 - 3/8 drive m12 drill - Meh at best.


Too weak to really drive screws flush into 2x4s and whatnot. Can lack torque for drilling steel. It's a nice basic drill for homeowner stuff, being that it's so portable.


I purchased the m12 fuel hammer drill to replace it, MUCH better. Aside from the above drill, I've liked all my m12 stuff. Spotlight, stick light, dremel, oscillating tool, hack saw, 1/4 ratchet, 1/4 hex driver.

3/8 m12 impact is okay for what it is. I laugh every time I read a "throw away air tools electric is king" thread. 3/8 impact is nice and all, but there are plenty of m8 bolts that LAUGH at it.

 

[Tenex]

M18 Gen 2 Hammer Drill (2704-20) = PASS
M18 3/8" impact wrench (2754-20) = PASS
M18 Gen 2 1/2" impact wrench (2767-20) = PASS

M12 3/8 cordless ratchet (2457-20) = PASS

 

[Dingleburry]

M18 circ saw FAIL (or pass) gutless. Okay for small stuff
M18 angle grinder FAIL (or pass) gutless, okay for small stuff
M18 compact drill brushed. FAIL - burnt windings within a week
M18 brushed sawsall FAIL - motor shaft twisted right half in two.
M18 2735-20 handheld light FAIL expected alot more.
M18 full size drill Brushless and brushed PASS
M18 flood light PASS
M18 brushed and brushless 1/4 in hex impacts PASS
M18 brushless 1/2 drive mid torque PASS
M18 1/2 in high torque impact PASS
M18 multi tool PASS, dont have much use for it, but it works...
M18 rotary hammer PASS
Corded grinder 4 1/2 PASS but alot louder then bosch and dewalt
Corded rotary hammer PASS
M18 wet dry vac PASS
And i love their multi bit screwdrivers, with long shank bits. Have the normal screw driver, metric/sae hex, and torx. Love them. They all get a PASS
Inkzall marker PASS
Flip out knife PASS
thats all for now!
All tools listed are at least 2-3 years old.
Drills that PASS and impacts are also based on multiples.

 

[2manytools]

90%+ I am very happy with. The other 10% usually just have some annoyances that prevent me from loving them. If I was re-doing life, I would probably still make all the same purchases when I did. They all served me well (maybe not the BT speaker or flash light).

M12 2355 Aluminum flashlight. Good light, but in my opinion fails because it is too heavy for the light it produces. If you are coming from a D-cell maglite you won't care, but not a flashlight I'm going to have on my belt

M18 fan - I know every loves it, but I have 2 dislikes. It has a high-pitched whirl sound to it compared to my Ryobi hybrid fan. It also lacks an extension cord in-let. I know it is battery oriented, but I don't want to keep track of a wallwart

M12/M18 2891 bluetooth speaker - not loud/clear enough for me, compared to other similarly priced options. Any recent speaker should also support Apt-X

M18 2792 radio/charger - Good sound & would recommend it, but... It has only 5 radio presets (my M12 radio has 10) & lacks Apt-X for the bluetooth. Wish they released a PackOut retrofit base for it

M12 2590 radio - Love it for the size. Wish it had Bluetooth of course, as well as a USB charger (might try to add one myself). Reception is not as good as the M18 charger, but adequate & is small enough you have more spots to position it.

M12 0.2. Spotlight - Good light, but after trying the Ryobi LED Hybrid, I sold this. That puts this to shame. If the focus could be adjusted, I might have kept it around.

Really any non-Fuel M12 tool (where a Fuel option is available), though this might be more because I have all fuel models now. The M12 2420 hackzall should be discontinued. The only thing it is decent for is cutting PVC, but if you do that a lot, you probably would prefer the M12 pvc shears to prevent having to de-bur.

2135 Rocket Light/Charger - I can no longer recommend this model after they released the 2131 to replace the 2130. I never used the charging capability, but did like having the AC inlet. It was decently brighter than the 2131, but if you cast all 3 heads the same way, the lights intersect and create an uneven light cast. So with the 2131 now getting AC in (without the extra weight to charge) & has a single 2500 lumen panel, I passed along the 2135.

M12 or M18 lanterns are both great units. grab one for whatever line you are mainly into. They are great for power outages, as it's small but bright & can charge USB devices.

M12 power source/charger 48-59-1201 - It a convenience item. I like having it in my jacket just in case I go somewhere I can charge my battery. The only downside is the USB inlet to charge it, has a narrow entryway, and the only USB cable I have that inserts well, is the Milwaukee cable that comes with it. Sort of a fail if you have to always have that with you. Charging cables everywhere, but most do not fit. I'm sure I could take my M12 rotary tool and fix it.

M12 2460 rotary - Maybe my favorite Milwaukee tool, and also my first. So nice to not have a cord tie you down, but still have enough oomph for getting the job done. So many jobs have finished up nicer because of this.

 

[MWEric]

Milwaukee’s drill chucks are embarrassingly bad.

 

[theoldwizard1]

When the first M12 Fuel 3/8" impact (2454) came out I decided I "had to have one". Only a minor disappointment that it won't remove lug nuts but it is only rated at 117 lb-ft. I bought the Milwaukee 48-03-4405 3/8" Square to 1/4" Hex Adapter and now have the best of both worlds.

For light duty, "around the house", I got the M12 non-Fuel 2408 3/8" hammer drill drill/driver. For "light duty" it still drove a 2" carbide tip hole saw though CMU foundation wall using a 2.0 Ah battery. Buy 1/2" drill bits that is turned down to 3/8".

M12 2460 rotary is probably next on my list. I sure wish they would but a gear box on the and cut the RPM in half ! Half of 38,000 (19,000) would be plenty and the additional torque would be great.

 

[davethorik]

Milwaukee’s drill chucks are embarrassingly bad.

Yeah this, my older non fuel M18 cordless drill works great...except chuck just won't stay tight, especially on small bits. Super annoying. That's a FAIL right there, I know you can buy an aftermarket chuck but is the drill worth it?

The matching 1/4 hex impact, also non-fuel, has been an absolute tank. My only dislike is that you have to push on chuck to insert bit AND remove. Dewalts, the bit slides right in. But it's a PASS, just because of the abuse it has dealt with with and nary an issue.

M18 omt hasn't gotten as much use as the others, but I like it. It has a thumbscrew to hold on blades, no quick-change. But at least you don't need a wrench. That being said, i have caught 2 guys about to put Channellocks on it, forgetting you have to raise clamp lever 1st. Probably my fault for not repeating myself 20 times when showing them how to use.

It doesn't get anywhere NEAR as hot as the Dewalt brushless omt. Used heavily the Dewalt would get so hot in the grip area, you HAD to put on gloves, or switch to Milwaukee, or corded. The red one would get warm but stay about the same even in back to back battery swapping cuts. Also, variable speed trigger on Dewalt= annoying, sometimes maintaining constant finger grip like when fully extended, jammed in a crawlspace can be an issue. The Milwaukee has a dial for variable speed and a top mount on/off, a better setup imo.
Milwaukee brushed beats Dewalt brushless? PASS!

 

[1320]

...

M12 0.2. Spotlight - Good light, but after trying the Ryobi LED Hybrid, I sold this. That puts this to shame. If the focus could be adjusted, I might have kept it around.

...

Which light is this? And which Ryobi light?

 

[ChrisLS8]

So far I have the M12 Hackzall and Fuel Impact driver and 3/8 stubby. I use the driver all day at work over the supplied DeWalt 20v to keep weight down on my tool belt

All work very well so far

 

[2manytools]

Which light is this? And which Ryobi light?

Oops. Model got cut out. M12 is 2353-20, the link i put comes with free 2.0.

The Ryobi is p717. Comes with an adapter to plug into the ciggarette lighter. Puts the Milwaukee to shame unfortunately.

 

[DFB]

So cute to compare 18v spot light to a compact M12 tool. A fairer comparison would be a 2354 IMHO.

I really do love using my 2891 BT speaker each day and every weekend any performance problems are end user not the speaker. I use an app that has both power booster and equalizer settings...it cranks! I have been asked to turn it down at my weekly market. And from a deaf woman

I have dozens of Red tools generally speaking all perform within their parameters whether or not they meet some PERCIEVED expectation. Sure I can analize improvements in a lot of them but doesn't make any of them a fail.

OP is a troll

 

[slodat]

I have over 20 M18 and several corded Milwaukee tools. No complaints to speak of. One that I’m impressed with that others may want to know about is the 2641-20 M18 caulk gun. It is awesome. Very happy I bought it.

 

[royesses]

M18 Fuel 2767-20 1/2" High torque impact - Pass 1400lb/ft brute.
M18 Fuel 2701-22 1/2" compact drill - Pass
M18 Fuel 2704-20 1/2" hammer drill - Pass
M18 2750-20 1/4" Hex impact driver - pass
M12 2460-20 12 volt rotary tool - Pass

I have not had any problems with the drill chucks.

Roy

 

[FigureItOut]

Like many others, I go for tools first that are in a battery system I have. In my case, that's M18 (16 tools), M12 (2 tools) and Bosch 12V (4 tools). That said, I don't see the value to anyone in reporting all the Milwaukee tools that work (pass), since Milwaukee buyers are already inclined to buy Milwaukee anyway. I'm reading the thread, scanning for the "fails". That info is much more useful to me since I'm likely to buy Milwaukee unless there's a reason not to.

The M18 jigsaw did not work well for me at all. Granted, I wasn't experienced with a jigsaw when I bought it, but I had similar problems to those in the numerous negative reviews. When I switched to a Bosch corded jigsaw, I had much better results.

I won't nitpick minor gripes with the rest of my Milwaukee tools, they get the job done day after day and put food on the table.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930AZ using Tapatalk

 

[2manytools]

So cute to compare 18v spot light to a compact M12 tool. A fairer comparison would be a 2354 IMHO.

I really do love using my 2891 BT speaker each day and every weekend any performance problems are end user not the speaker. I use an app that has both power booster and equalizer settings...it cranks! I have been asked to turn it down at my weekly market. And from a deaf woman

I have dozens of Red tools generally speaking all perform within their parameters whether or not they meet some PERCIEVED expectation. Sure I can analize improvements in a lot of them but doesn't make any of them a fail.

OP is a troll

I do agree it maybe unfair to compare 12v to 18v, but I think many will agree plenty of M12 rival other's 18v tools, such as Ryobi. They were also the first two spotlights that I came across in a battery platform we had several of or the Ryboi, which didn't necessarily need one ($50 bare). I was expecting just a little more out of the Milwaukee. If I could snag the 2354 at under $60, I'd grab one.

I will admit, I had a crappier phone at the time, but it did support Apt-X, and I mainly use FLAC files. I also have the ability to adjust the settings, but just didn't love it like I wanted. Other, cheaper speakers sounded better. I know the teardown of it revealed it was quite well made, so maybe I should give it another go. I love the M12/M18 option

 

[MushCreek]

I built my house with M18 tools, and they have all been great- circular saw, SawZall, drills, and 1/4" driver. I also bought a 1/2" impact, and never use my air impact any more. The M18 flashlight was just OK until I bought an LED bulb for it. I really want to get an M18 jigsaw, but the reviews turn me off. If it's not as good as my corded Bosch, I'm not interested.

I also have some corded tools- a SawZall, two drills, and a circular saw. The circular saw is barely a pass- should have bought the Makita. Despite the adjustable handle, it never feels just right, and the spindle isn't square with the sole plate.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

I have had a high torque impact and a fuel hex driver die of electronic brain failure, but the warranty works.

 

[matt_i]

I have 3 M18 tools, 1/2" drill, 1/4" hex driver impact tool and the bendy flashlight. All wonderful & used daily to weekly.

I got my Dad an M12 drill but its gutless over 1/4" dia bits and based on that I don't think I'd ever get another M12 battery tool. He ended up shelving it for a Dewalt 20v.

I would like to try a 1/2" impact tool but not in the cards right now.

 

[2manytools]

I built my house with M18 tools, and they have all been great- circular saw, SawZall, drills, and 1/4" driver. I also bought a 1/2" impact, and never use my air impact any more. The M18 flashlight was just OK until I bought an LED bulb for it. I really want to get an M18 jigsaw, but the reviews turn me off. If it's not as good as my corded Bosch, I'm not interested.

I also have some corded tools- a SawZall, two drills, and a circular saw. The circular saw is barely a pass- should have bought the Makita. Despite the adjustable handle, it never feels just right, and the spindle isn't square with the sole plate.

I saw the new Fuel Jigsaw at HD a few weeks ago. and dang, looking up that link is the first time I've seen the price. I was thinking it would be around $150, but it's $200.

There will also be a Fuel barrel grip style being released anytime now I would imagine.

 

[sweet victory]

Sure I can analize improvements in a lot of them but doesn't make any of them a fail.

You're going to do WHAT to your tools?

 

[brothernov]

I recently began retiring older dewalt and Festool items making the switch to Milwaukee. While the retired tools all served me well, I absolutely love every Milwaukee I've purchased. What I have so far:

2861 M18 Fuel Mid-Torque
2704 M18 Fuel Hammer Drill
2760 M18 Fuel Surge
2783 M18 Fuel Grinder
2520 M12 Fuel Hackzall
2130 M18 Rocket Light
2352 M18 Stick Light
2354 M18 Search Light
2792 M18 Bluetooth Radio
0886 M18 Fan
48-59-1807 M12/M18 Charger

I'll be watching this thread closely to identify other must-haves. I'm particularly interested in:

2522 M12 Fuel Cut-Off Saw
2784 M18 Fuel Die Grinder
2727 M18 Fuel Chainsaw
2726 M18 Fuel Hedge Trimmer

 

[1320]

...2726 M18 Fuel Hedge Trimmer

I really like mine - I have a few dozen plants around the property and trim them every few weeks. Several are far enough out that getting an extension cord or using loppers would be annoying.

 

[classic70]

M12 3/8 drill 2407-20, I would say FAIL. Very little power, chuck had way too much runout. I replaced it with a Gen2 fuel 1/2 M12 drill that has improved on all areas.

 

[dsimatt]

I saw the new Fuel Jigsaw at HD a few weeks ago. and dang, looking up that link is the first time I've seen the price. I was thinking it would be around $150, but it's $200.

There will also be a Fuel barrel grip style being released anytime now I would imagine.

I have been needing to upgrade my jigsaw for a future project as the crappy old craftsman I have is possessed by the devil.

I was/an planning on going cordless but the old milwaukee saw didnt get much love and the reviews in the new fuel one are good but it's hard to justify the price. I got my 7 1/4 saw in a starter kit for $250 so wish at $200 it atleast came with a good battery.

 

[Hagatronics]

The M12 Multi Tool is a fail. The battery vibrates right out of it. You need to hold the battery in by hand otherwise it works loose and pops out about 10mm and disconnects.