Archived from the Tools In Action forum (Milwaukee). This thread is read-only.
What are your thoughts on the settings? The first setting is so slow it is pretty much useless and the self tapper mode sucks. I was putting together aluminum frame store windows and the screw would start well but the speed would slow down so much it wouldn’t even drive a 1in self tapper into aluminum.
The love the gun on settings 2 and 3 but the rest are pretty useless.
Setting 2 is my favourite. Setting one is great for installing cabinet hardware.
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Sad but Haven’t used mine yet but thanks for the review.
Same here I only use setting 1 on cabinets. I’ve learned the self tapper mode works best with short screws, if ur using it on long screws it can be painfully slow. It’s actually a really great setting but I think it’s more for thin sheet metal
Yeah the self tap mode is useless on the surge. The second gen fuel impact has it too and it’s much more useful on that gun
Interesting. Good to know guys, I quite like the self-tap mode on my 2753. Might have to keep it around even if (when?) I get a Surge lol. Speed two on the 2753 is generally my favorite too, seems a common theme. Speed 3 is basically for deck building. Gets a bit out of control otherwise.
Bremon wrote:
Interesting. Good to know guys, I quite like the self-tap mode on my 2753. Might have to keep it around even if (when?) I get a Surge lol. Speed two on the 2753 is generally my favorite too, seems a common theme. Speed 3 is basically for deck building. Gets a bit out of control otherwise.
I just started really using my 2757 this week, since I didn’t have any 2.0 slim packs until now! I really like it, though I haven’t had a chance to dial in the one-key profiles. Mainly been using it for 1 1/4″ drywall screws, and 3″ t-25’s for blocking. I still want to get the surge, but that’s a bit disappointing to hear about the self tap mode. Makes sense I guess that it was designed with HVAC work in mind. Not that they don’t use bigger fasteners, but shorter ones are common for duct and such.
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I have a 2753 and working with 14ga-18ga steel I find that the self tapping mode with a #10 screw wants to slow down and impact before it drills through the material. When I first got it I thought there was something wrong but after reading more it must be for really light material. Being that there are so many different applications its hard to please everyone with just 4 modes which is where one key comes into play but I don’t really buy into the software side of that yet.
Modes 2 and 3 are all I really need. Hanging doors, sheetrock, cabinets, installing sub flooring (under 600sqft), it does great for me.
Biggie wrote:
21 hours ago, Biggie said:I have a 2753 and working with 14ga-18ga steel I find that the self tapping mode with a #10 screw wants to slow down and impact before it drills through the material. When I first got it I thought there was something wrong but after reading more it must be for really light material. Being that there are so many different applications its hard to please everyone with just 4 modes which is where one key comes into play but I don’t really buy into the software side of that yet.
The self tap mode only really works for a small window of fasteners and metal thicknesses on the surge. You can set the metal gauge, screw size, length, etc in the one key settings for your specific tasks and it will alter the default self tap mode to any variety of tasks. One day i was running all 1/4″ self tapping screws through maybe 3/16″ metal and i can set my software in the morning and let the tool do the work the rest of the day..
Guess what, i still grabbed my surge instead LOL
I gue
AnonymousJoe wrote:
On 1/13/2017 at 4:06 AM, AnonymousJoe said:Same here I only use setting 1 on cabinets. I’ve learned the self tapper mode works best with short screws, if ur using it on long screws it can be painfully slow. It’s actually a really great setting but I think it’s more for thin sheet metal
I guess that makes sense. I finally looked at the instructions and the self tapper mode is for 20-28 gauge sheet metal. A lot of the stuff I use self tappers on is 14 gauge.
I handed it to a guy at work who runs all Dewalt to put a few screws in with it the other day. A few minutes later he comes up to me asking for the model number and ordered one.
SetBuilder wrote:
On 1/15/2017 at 0:42 AM, SetBuilder said:I gue
I guess that makes sense. I finally looked at the instructions and the self tapper mode is for 20-28 gauge sheet metal. A lot of the stuff I use self tappers on is 14 gauge.
I handed it to a guy at work who runs all Dewalt to put a few screws in with it the other day. A few minutes later he comes up to me asking for the model number and ordered one.
Which makes me wonder if dewalt has plans for one or not… I really don’t see myself using a conventional impact much anymore, it’s that nice
KnarlyCarl wrote:
20 hours ago, KnarlyCarl said:
Which makes me wonder if dewalt has plans for one or not… I really don’t see myself using a conventional impact much anymore, it’s that nice
They say they have no plans for one but I could see them rushing one out if the surge sells well.
Bremon wrote:
1 hour ago, Bremon said:They say they have no plans for one but I could see them rushing one out if the surge sells well.
And it has, I just bought two surges now. And now own three
Milwaukee_man_stan wrote:
53 minutes ago, Milwaukee_man_stan said:And it has, I just bought two surges now. And now own three
In terms of noise how is it to a normal impact?
Milwaukee_man_stan wrote:
2 hours ago, Milwaukee_man_stan said:And it has, I just bought two surges now. And now own three
I’m not sure TIA is diverse enough to definitively say it’s a hit but I’m interested to pick one up down the road.
StrippedScrew wrote:
5 hours ago, StrippedScrew said:
In terms of noise how is it to a normal impact?
Amazing difference it seems faster less vibration to, you hear the bearing’s louder than the Impacts per second it’s awesome My favorite tool I have ever bought. So far it hasn’t failed any task I have given it and I have driven some pretty big lags with it it’s pretty powerful for what the numbers give.
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What they claim is true!
StrippedScrew wrote:
5 hours ago, StrippedScrew said:
In terms of noise how is it to a normal impact?
Come your own conclusions, but I love it:
..
KnarlyCarl wrote:
14 minutes ago, KnarlyCarl said:Come your own conclusions, but I love it:
..
That is freaking sweet! I love impacts but when doing jobs in tight spaces or peoples home its a real pain this seems perfect. Wish dewalt had one one the market as iv invested in their system.
StrippedScrew wrote:
14 minutes ago, StrippedScrew said:
That is freaking sweet! I love impacts but when doing jobs in tight spaces or peoples home its a real pain this seems perfect. Wish dewalt had one one the market as iv invested in their system.
Yeah, i never realized how sweet these were! Although it sounds like Ridgid’s leave something to be desired, and Ryobi’s is a monster, I might have considered going Makita’s route if I knew how awesome they were when it came out then. As it is, Milwaukee is a marketing machine and will make sure anyone even living under a rock knows about their products…..
I guess a drill will have to do meanwhile for ya!
I’m considering getting one of these. How well would these drive 3 inch tapcons. That’s probably the most extreme thing I would use it for.
Bmill25 wrote:
2 hours ago, Bmill25 said:I’m considering getting one of these. How well would these drive 3 inch tapcons. That’s probably the most extreme thing I would use it for.
It should handle this very well with no problem.
Dewalt should get on the hydraulic wagon. I use my Surge more then 80 percent of the time… It quickly became my favourite driver
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I would love to try one of these out. The sustained torque is easily the most intriguing part for me.
Today was the first task my surge could not handle. Someone tightened on the crows feet on the steel decks with either a dewalt or a makita and the Surge could not loosen it. Its basically a 1/2in bolt with a 15/16 nut. My other Fuel 1/4 impact loosened it, with no problem.
SetBuilder wrote:
9 hours ago, SetBuilder said:Today was the first task my surge could not handle. Someone tighten on the crows feet on the steel decks with either a dewalt or a makita and the Surge could not loosen it. Its basically a 1/2in bolt with a 15/16 nut. My father Fuel 1/4 impact loosened it, with no problem.
Huh interesting ???. I guess it was over torqued for the surge?
I have a video or pictures I will try to get of me running a 5/8 by 4” lag into a 4×4 of oak it did the job, but it did stop once or twice
SetBuilder wrote:
On 1/24/2017 at 11:17 PM, SetBuilder said:Today was the first task my surge could not handle. Someone tightened on the crows feet on the steel decks with either a dewalt or a makita and the Surge could not loosen it. Its basically a 1/2in bolt with a 15/16 nut. My other Fuel 1/4 impact loosened it, with no problem.
That’s a pretty big nut for a driver to handle, even if you got it loose with one… Job for elbow grease and ratchet or impact wrench
Yep, not what it was designed for.
Milwaukee_man_stan wrote:
On 1/25/2017 at 6:50 AM, Milwaukee_man_stan said:
Huh interesting ???. I guess it was over torqued for the surge?
I have a video or pictures I will try to get of me running a 5/8 by 4” lag into a 4×4 of oak it did the job, but it did stop once or twice
Actually I did it a second time and it didn’t stop it actually bypassed very smoothly still haven’t been able to get a video.
I just got a surge and have to say I’m really impressed with just how quiet they are. I know all the youtube videos show that it’s quieter on a meter but in the videos you really don’t hear the difference like you do in person. I’ve used it very little but with a 3″ deck screw and a #10 self tapper it matches performance with a 2753. I also find the self tapper mode to be similar to the 2753 which for my applications (16ga w/#10×3/4″) isn’t very useful.
Toolbarn has a special for those one their email list, the Surge with 2 5.0 batteries and charger for (IIRC) $249, and a combo kit with the Fuel 2nd Gen Hammer Drill, charger, 2 5.0 batteries, for $322. Just bought the combo kit as I don’t have a powerful drill and this was two birds with one stone, not to mention the savings! Looking forward to trying out my first 18v red tools!
I wonder if they can make an M12 version of the surge or if the 12v platform doesn’t produce sufficient power to run the oil impeller.
khariV wrote:
I wonder if they can make an M12 version of the surge or if the 12v platform doesn’t produce sufficient power to run the oil impeller.
I’m sure they could tweak it down to a 12v tool, how cool could that be even at 30% less power than the 18v it would probably be equal in speed on regular screws than a conventional brushed impact
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khariV wrote:
On 3/17/2017 at 10:25 AM, khariV said:I wonder if they can make an M12 version of the surge or if the 12v platform doesn’t produce sufficient power to run the oil impeller.
They have to first produce the m18 surge in OneKey version lol
Might just be me but I can see the purpose of an M18 Surge. It’s on my to do list. An M12 surge at a premium price with the power of a brushed M12 impact? Woof.
Bremon wrote:
On 3/18/2017 at 10:40 AM, Bremon said:Might just be me but I can see the purpose of an M18 Surge. It’s on my to do list. An M12 surge at a premium price with the power of a brushed M12 impact? Woof.
i meant m18 brushed… but still for the cost and size not sure if it would be beneficial
I don’t see how there wouldn’t be a market for a m12 surge. I would think this market doesn’t need high torque or high production, if they did they would probably be running a 18v of some type. But a lot of these people are working indoors (maintenance, plumber, punch list) and in small areas such as cabinets running mostly small fasters. As far as I’m concerned those are places the low noise level of the surge are really going to shine.
The M18 surge is already shorter than the M12 Fuel. Even the 2753 is shorter, but the 18v are fatter. How much can the Surge design be shrunk and still be functional? The Surge is already limited power-wise, but works well for standard fasteners. How much power can they shave off and keep it functional; how much can the price shrink to make it worth buying a 12v when 18v is already so small and light?
Yea I prefer the 18v too, they’re so powerful and compact. I just assume the guys running a m12 will want the quiet surge the same way I wanted it with the m18 surge. As long as they can keep similar power to the current m12 fuel I would think it’d be a hit.
Biggie wrote:
11 hours ago, Biggie said:Yea I prefer the 18v too, they’re so powerful and compact. I just assume the guys running a m12 will want the quiet surge the same way I wanted it with the m18 surge. As long as they can keep similar power to the current m12 fuel I would think it’d be a hit.
I think Milwaukee’s been conspicuously quiet with their 12v Fuel fasteners in general. I’m amazed that they have no plans to release more compact versions of their current 12v Fuel fasteners given they came out 4+ years ago and aren’t much smaller than a lot of 18v stuff on the market. I’d expect a 2nd gen 12v Fuel fastener lineup before the release of a 12v Surge TBH.
m18 sub compact?
Could it be a viable m12 replacement?
Likely not. The CT m12 batteries fit in the handle, a slide pack adds bulk to the base of the unit. A second gen (slimmed down rather than powered up) M12 Fuel should be able to access many places an M18 can’t. Should. Milwaukee likes to chase power though so I’m not convinced the M12s will go on the type of diet they could. More like a juice cleanse and steroid regimen knowing Milwaukee.
I have to take it back what I said about setting 1 being useless. The more I use the gun the more uses I find for it. Setting 1 is pretty handy for fine work, no worring about stripping out small screws.
Don’t mock me for asking this, as I’m relatively inexperienced when it comes to reading power tool specs. Is the Surge less powerful than most 12v impacts? I’m only asking due to the lower torque put out. I’ve used the tool to drive 3″ decking screws with ease, but I was just curious if it was worth it to purchase a 2nd Gen Fuel impact to handle longer screws.
Because its a hydrolic drive they rate it in sustained torque instead of peak torque which is what all other impacts are measured by. I’m sure it’s a marketing thing as most specs are but how the tools performs is the important thing. With smaller fasteners the surge is able to perform as well as most of your higher end impacts but if you get much bigger than like you say a 3″ deck screw, a traditional impact is going to out perform it. So if you’re running lag bolts all day you probably would benefit from a 2753 or even possibly a impact wrench.
Surge plus mid torque is likely a better combo. Compact 3/8″ might fit in there too but that is a down the road gap to fill I think.
Is the torque cut off in this video normal operation? Mine does it too. Even with larger wood screws and I’m not even talking about 1/4 lags. It’s kind of annoying.
BababooeyHTJ wrote:
7 minutes ago, BababooeyHTJ said:Is the torque cut off in this video normal operation? Mine does it too. Even with larger wood screws and I’m not even talking about 1/4 lags. It’s kind of annoying.
The video is way too long and slow for me to watch. The only time I ever had the torque cut off was when I was trying to loosen a nut on a 1/2 in bolt. It was just beyond the capabilities of the gun.
Ive driven 5 and 6in screws into 2x4s and 4x4s with no issues.
It’s about 11 minutes in. Power just cuts off to the tool with the trigger depressed in high speed. Seems to happen to mine over a certain torque as well. Do you use xc batteries?
I only use 2 amp red lithium batteries on my impacts to save weight. I have 4, 5 amp but I use them for circular saw, drills, sawzall etc.
I only had one instance where the power cut out but like I said, it was a large bolt.
What size screws are you driving when it happens?
My 2757 has more power, but I rarely use it since buying the Surge.
Im my work I’m mainly driving 1 3/4 to 3 in drywall screws.