Archived from the Tools In Action forum (Milwaukee). This thread is read-only.
Not trying to crap on Milwaukee here, but I am just curious about tools that people have owned that didn’t turn out so good? For me, I wasn’t impressed with their M12 Vac or the original M18 blower. The blower was okay, but in my opinion that vacuum was terrible… it struggled with even the smallest of tasks, in my opinion.
FB82
I had the original milwaukee m18 grinder. I didn’t realize how much the Fuel version outclassed it until I bought the fuel. Granted, it lasted me a long time, but the battery run time was not good. The Fuel version is infinitely better.
Bmill25 wrote:
31 minutes ago, Bmill25 said:I had the original milwaukee m18 grinder. I didn’t realize how much the Fuel version outclassed it until I bought the fuel. Granted, it lasted me a long time, but the battery run time was not good. The Fuel version is infinitely better.
Yeah, I have heard that about the brushless version too.
FrosBros82 wrote:
1 hour ago, FrosBros82 said:Not trying to crap on Milwaukee here, but I am just curious about tools that people have owned that didn’t turn out so good? For me, I wasn’t impressed with their M12 Vac or the original M18 blower. The blower was okay, but in my opinion that vacuum was terrible… it struggled with even the smallest of tasks, in my opinion.
FB82
i have the m12 vac,, total crap
Off the top of my head, probably the fan. It’s ok but it’s pretty mediocre with worse CFM than the competition and a higher price.
The M12 Bluetooth speaker…looks good but sounds like a $20 speaker.
My top 2 useless Milwaukee tools are:
1- M12 dust buster. I am pretty sure it makes the work surface dirtier. Like zero suction.
2- M12 Hackzal, non-fuel. I tried cutting wood, EMT, unistrut etc. A manual hacksaw is actually faster.
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HiltiWpg wrote:
19 minutes ago, HiltiWpg said:My top 2 useless Milwaukee tools are:
1- M12 dust buster. I am pretty sure it makes the work surface dirtier. Like zero suction.
2- M12 Hackzal, non-fuel. I tried cutting wood, EMT, unistrut etc. A manual hacksaw is actually faster.
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I’ve been trying to think of what Milwaukee tool purchases I would like to undo and I think you solved that for me. The M12 non-fuel Hackzall might as well be called a Hacksome. That thing will not cut without a ton of force and will produce a shit-ton of vibration. I’ve used the M12 vacuum and you’re right it doesn’t have much if any suction and using it once was enough to let me know it’s not worth the investment.
The only other tool I can think of is the M18 compact blower. It works fine, however the way you have to connect the nozzle is a weak point. If you break one of those tabs you’re going to hate it. I still want a compact blower and I’m sure all of the brands are pretty much exactly alike in design, but I would be storing that thing somewhere safe where nothing can fall on it nor where it can fall from.
Interesting, I like my m12 vac, m18 fan and m12 hackzall a lot. The vac is a quick pickup tool, small piles of saw dust, dog hair, heck I used it last night to catch a gecko in the house…damn things are fast. The m18 fan blows plenty hard and has been used almost every day since I bought it. Hackzall I didn’t like at first but after trying Diablo blades, I’ve grown fond of it. I mostly use the Fuel but now I use the brushed hackzall for limited room or more precise cuts.
One thing I didn’t care for, m12 OMT.
HiltiWpg wrote:
On 6/14/2017 at 5:42 PM, HiltiWpg said:My top 2 useless Milwaukee tools are:
1- M12 dust buster. I am pretty sure it makes the work surface dirtier. Like zero suction.
2- M12 Hackzal, non-fuel. I tried cutting wood, EMT, unistrut etc. A manual hacksaw is actually faster.
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I have the M12 Fuel Hackzal, which I like a lot. After reading your post, I am glad that I went with the brushless version.
FrosBros82 wrote:
I have the M12 Fuel Hackzal, which I like a lot. After reading your post, I am glad that I went with the brushless version.
The M12 Fuel Hackzal is a completely different tool.
Dispute being super heavy, it has reasonable vibration and cuts very well.
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The torpedo level with graduate marks, deburr, chamfer, magnetic, and a little nub off the top for digging in the dirt.
It was trying to be too many things and failed at every one of them. The bubble would stick in one side until you raised it the opposite way enough, then it went to the other side and you had to bring it back slowly…
I have the M12 vac too and don’t use it anymore.
I keep the M12 hackzall in my daily box for cutting small PVC or cpvc fittings or small bolts etc. But the worst was that level
There grinding wheels an wire brushes are garbage. I thought the first generation shockwave bits were no good.
The m18 rover light led flood light was nothing special. The new models are good but the first cordless flood light was garbage.
The m12 oscillating tool works, but a little underpowered.
Fletcher94 wrote:
1 hour ago, Fletcher94 said:There grinding wheels an wire brushes are garbage. I thought the first generation shockwave bits were no good.
The m18 rover light led flood light was nothing special. The new models are good but the first cordless flood light was garbage.
The m12 oscillating tool works, but a little underpowered.
Their bits are terrible in my opinion, probably the worst bits HD sells. First gen bits sucked, second gen suck a little less.
BMack37 wrote:
19 hours ago, BMack37 said:
Their bits are terrible in my opinion, probably the worst bits HD sells. First gen bits sucked, second gen suck a little less.
This would be my pick as well
KnarlyCarl wrote:
On 6/16/2017 at 4:40 PM, KnarlyCarl said:The torpedo level with graduate marks, deburr, chamfer, magnetic, and a little nub off the top for digging in the dirt.
It was trying to be too many things and failed at every one of them. The bubble would stick in one side until you raised it the opposite way enough, then it went to the other side and you had to bring it back slowly…
I have the M12 vac too and don’t use it anymore.
I keep the M12 hackzall in my daily box for cutting small PVC or cpvc fittings or small bolts etc. But the worst was that level
Interesting. I had not heard too much negative about the level.
Fletcher94 wrote:
On 6/16/2017 at 10:57 PM, Fletcher94 said:The new models are good but the first cordless flood light was garbage.
Which cordless flood light don’t you care for? I’ve got the 2361, which I think was their first M18 flood light, and it rocks.
khariV wrote:
35 minutes ago, khariV said:
Which cordless flood light don’t you care for? I’ve got the 2361, which I think was their first M18 flood light, and it rocks.
Pretty sure that’s the one he’s referring to, and it kicks ass, especially the updated one with more lumens that fits a 9.0.
khariV wrote:
1 hour ago, khariV said:
Which cordless flood light don’t you care for? I’ve got the 2361, which I think was their first M18 flood light, and it rocks.
I also have the 2361… and I have no complaints with it’s original design. I know that the 9.0 doesn’t fit in this model (without breaking out the back handle), but other than that I think it is great.
FrosBros82 wrote:
28 minutes ago, FrosBros82 said:I also have the 2361… and I have no complaints with it’s original design. I know that the 9.0 doesn’t fit in this model (without breaking out the back handle), but other than that I think it is great.
You don’t have to break out the back handle. Milwaukee will send you the part to swap out to fit the 9.0 if you ask nicely (at least they did for me when the 9.0s first came out).
For the record, as much as I enjoy my plethora of Milwaukee tools, that just means I’m that much more in tune with what I dislike about them.
Mostly I feel they are a marketing company making tools vs being a tool company first and then marketing their products.
It’s not a cult following, guys, I assure you that…
Not sure I have a “worst tool”, but here are some frustration points…
M18 Jigsaw needs a light and doesn’t track straight. Anytime I cut a straight line I have to twist the tool crooked to keep the blade pushing straight. Maybe the tool just actually needs some adjustment, not sure.
Also, my rover light is one of my favs, but if it gets a little bit of dust (especially drywall dust), the adjustment mechanism clogs and you can’t twist the light to point in different directions. Have to take it apart pretty often and clean it, then it works great, but pretty annoying.
Dust collection on M18 miter…. absolutely worthless.
Daniel Julian wrote:
21 minutes ago, Daniel Julian said:Not sure I have a “worst tool”, but here are some frustration points…
M18 Jigsaw needs a light and doesn’t track straight. Anytime I cut a straight line I have to twist the tool crooked to keep the blade pushing straight. Maybe the tool just actually needs some adjustment, not sure.
Also, my rover light is one of my favs, but if it gets a little bit of dust (especially drywall dust), the adjustment mechanism clogs and you can’t twist the light to point in different directions. Have to take it apart pretty often and clean it, then it works great, but pretty annoying.
Dust collection on M18 miter…. absolutely worthless.
I had not heard that about the miter saw, interesting. Speaking of jigsaw, it surprises me that they have not made a brushless version yet.
FrosBros82 wrote:
14 minutes ago, FrosBros82 said:I had not heard that about the miter saw, interesting. Speaking of jigsaw, it surprises me that they have not made a brushless version yet.
Seriously – I was really hoping for an updated jigsaw – perhaps something like the European barrel grip HD18JSB.
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khariV wrote:
1 hour ago, khariV said:Seriously – I was really hoping for an updated jigsaw – perhaps something like the European barrel grip HD18JSB.
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Woah! Yeah, I am hoping they update some of their cordless line! The rep that I deal with directly says that their main focus is plumbing and electrical. However, then they end up coming out with miter saws, planers, jog saws, etc.
FrosBros82 wrote:
2 hours ago, FrosBros82 said:I had not heard that about the miter saw, interesting. Speaking of jigsaw, it surprises me that they have not made a brushless version yet.
The pitiful dust collection and the deflection in the “rail under” design are th two biggest flaws you’ll read in reviews and user feedback. Oh, and that it loves to stall on bevel cuts.
The dust chute on the 7.25″ is basically non-existent, instead of a long chute it goes straight into a bag or hose attachment. Much better I would guess.
Bremon wrote:
2 hours ago, Bremon said:The pitiful dust collection and the deflection in the “rail under” design are th two biggest flaws you’ll read in reviews and user feedback. Oh, and that it loves to stall on bevel cuts.
The dust chute on the 7.25″ is basically non-existent, instead of a long chute it goes straight into a bag or hose attachment. Much better I would guess.
Yeah, I would hope that the extraction would be better on a new saw. I guess if they waited so long to come out with a cordless miter… I would have assumed that most of these issues would be non existent as Dewalt and Makita have had them out for some time.
The M18 radio that came out about a year ago is a POS. Horrible reception, no Bluetooth, and sound that would be on par with jobsite radios that came out 5 years ago. Makita has radios that have been out years longer that decimate the M18 radio in sound quality and features.
am Yeah, it was pretty basic for a radio. I know they came out with something recently…. which I am pretty sure runs off m12 or m18. Not sure if the sound quality on that is similar? Or has improved?
FrosBros82 wrote:
2 hours ago, FrosBros82 said:am Yeah, it was pretty basic for a radio. I know they came out with something recently…. which I am pretty sure runs off m12 or m18. Not sure if the sound quality on that is similar? Or has improved?
I think the one you’re talking about is Bluetooth only. I honestly think Milwaukee’s radios in general are never top-of-the-line and don’t plan on trying another out unless they’re at least Makita-quality (which are the most underrated jobsite radios by far in terms of sound), let alone Tough System. I couldn’t believe how mediocre the M18 radio was for when it came out.
aabee wrote:
3 hours ago, aabee said:I think the one you’re talking about is Bluetooth only. I honestly think Milwaukee’s radios in general are never top-of-the-line and don’t plan on trying another out unless they’re at least Makita-quality (which are the most underrated jobsite radios by far in terms of sound), let alone Tough System. I couldn’t believe how mediocre the M18 radio was for when it came out.
I have the M18 radio that also charges the battery if plugged in. The runtime with 3.0ah battery is incredible and the sound is plenty good and I like that it charges batteries and also has USB to charge my phone, but connecting to the bluetooth always gives me fits.
FrosBros82 wrote:
15 hours ago, FrosBros82 said:am Yeah, it was pretty basic for a radio. I know they came out with something recently…. which I am pretty sure runs off m12 or m18. Not sure if the sound quality on that is similar? Or has improved?
Sound quality is really good(for a BT speaker) IMO. It is perfect for me working in the back yard or in the garage/front yard. It could use a little more bass, like nearly all BT radios.
BMack37 wrote:
5 hours ago, BMack37 said:
Sound quality is really good(for a BT speaker) IMO. It is perfect for me working in the back yard or in the garage/front yard. It could use a little more bass, like nearly all BT radios.
I’m with you there. It’s not like I am going to host a dance party with it… it is just for having in the garage at I am tinkering with something or in the yard messing around.
khariV wrote:
On 6/19/2017 at 11:52 AM, khariV said:You don’t have to break out the back handle. Milwaukee will send you the part to swap out to fit the 9.0 if you ask nicely (at least they did for me when the 9.0s first came out).
FYI, I went on Milwaukee’s site and complained about the light with my 9.0. The emailed me back a few hours later and told me to take it to my local Milwaukee dealer to put the new handle on free of charge. Thanks for the input, it was much appreciated
The M18 miter saw is trash. Wish I had waited and read the review in Fine Homebuilding instead of relying on some of the early (youtube) ones from people who clearly have little experience with miter saws. Not only does it not collect dust, but it throws it everywhere. There is an almost obscene amount of rail deflection making it useless for trim, and it doesn’t have enough power to bevel pretty much any 2x stock and gets bogged down with pressure treated. So it sucks for framing and decks as well. I put a metal blade on it and will just be using it for that since it’s hopeless for anything else.
The M18 multi tool, while it isn’t necessarily bad, isn’t really any good either. Battery life is bad, there is too much vibration, and it just lags behind almost all of its competition in every respect. I was really hoping for a new fuel version this year since it’s one of my most used tools.
I wouldn’t say it sucks, but I bought a 3amp random orbit sander, and it doesn’t really compare to the Bosch ROS20 I had stolen by my GF’s loser kid. Vibrates more, less controllable, dust extraction isn’t as good and the title box fills up fast. It soes remove material pretty well.
It’s not that it is useless, but i got the M12 right angle drill on an HD promo, but I don’t really have a use for it.
BK13 wrote:
1 hour ago, BK13 said:I wouldn’t say it sucks, but I bought a 3amp random orbit sander, and it doesn’t really compare to the Bosch ROS20 I had stolen by my GF’s loser kid. Vibrates more, less controllable, dust extraction isn’t as good and the title box fills up fast. It soes remove material pretty well.
It’s not that it is useless, but i got the M12 right angle drill on an HD promo, but I don’t really have a use for it.
I have the right angle drill too. I know it’s m12, but I don’t think it’s great, by any means.
FrosBros82 wrote:
4 hours ago, FrosBros82 said:I have the right angle drill too. I know it’s m12, but I don’t think it’s great, by any means.
I haven’t used mine enough to say.
And the handle is complete. Now my
9.0 will fit and I don’t have to complain about the flood light! Thanks again for the input!
FrosBros82 wrote:
On 7/3/2017 at 7:48 PM, FrosBros82 said:I have the right angle drill too. I know it’s m12, but I don’t think it’s great, by any means.
i use my right angle drill with a 6.0ah pack on it, a world of difference. use it on the right angle impact as well, it wakes them up
KnarlyCarl wrote:
12 hours ago, KnarlyCarl said:i use my right angle drill with a 6.0ah pack on it, a world of difference. use it on the right angle impact as well, it wakes them up
The impact is a M18 right?
FrosBros82 wrote:
1 hour ago, FrosBros82 said:The impact is a M18 right?
No we’re talking about the m12…
FrosBros82 wrote:
On 7/3/2017 at 7:48 PM, FrosBros82 said:I have the right angle drill too. I know it’s m12, but I don’t think it’s great, by any means.
KnarlyCarl wrote:
8 hours ago, KnarlyCarl said:No we’re talking about the m12…
I need to step up my game, didn’t even know they had a m12 RA impact!
The M18 Jigsaw is junk. I was hoping they would release the Barrel grip here in the US. I went to use the jigsaw today and just tossed it in the trash.
My boss has a truck full of Milwaukee tools, I enjoy using pretty much all of them. Except for the m18 brad nailer, it jams constantly and hardly ever drives a nail 100% it’s less hassle to run a hose and compressor than to fool with that..
Having said that, he’s also got 3 of the pneumatic brad guns. Love those.
I have heard similar things about their brad nailer. With that, I have heard good things about the 15A and the 16A, which confused me since they were al released at the same time.
I use my brushed M12 hackzall all the time with Diablo blades and I love it. I use it way more than my M18 Fuel sawzall.
I have to say their bits are the only thing I don’t care for. I bought the step bit set for $49 and the smaller step bit broke the first time I used it. Luckily it was just the end so I can still use part of it. Their driver bits seem weak too, but I haven’t found any that are perfect. A friend told me to try Makita gold tips.
Dano123 wrote:
6 hours ago, Dano123 said:I use my brushed M12 hackzall all the time with Diablo blades and I love it. I use it way more than my M18 Fuel sawzall.
I have to say their bits are the only thing I don’t care for. I bought the step bit set for $49 and the smaller step bit broke the first time I used it. Luckily it was just the end so I can still use part of it. Their driver bits seem weak too, but I haven’t found any that are perfect. A friend told me to try Makita gold tips.
Get the m12 Fuel too, I rarely use my Sawzall. It’s really nice having the two hackzalls, but you HAVE to use good blades in them. I actually used the Fuel Hackzall with a Diablo Carbide blade to cut a 3″ metal pipe. The only reason I used the Sawzall on most of those cuts was the stroke length, the Fuel Hackzall was plenty strong enough.
@BMack37 100% agree. I have the M12 fuel version and love it. That thing has impressive power and is still pretty handy. I guess the one benefit to the brushed version is that it is quite a bit smaller, which is nice for the tight spaces.
FB82
The M18 jig saw is the biggest disappointment for me. I picked one up recently as I wanted a cordless jig saw for convenience. That thing needs a serious updating.
I kept the box, so I may return it.
@SetBuilder I actually like the M12 one better. It’s not brushless, but not nearly as awkward as the M18 in my opinion.