Cliff Posted May 16, 2018 Report Share Posted May 16, 2018 (edited) some months ago I used a big project to purchase a couple of pricey tools one was a milwaukee 18 volt circular saw. The weight took some getting used to as I was used to the old school heavy grade worm drive skillsaw. SO I've been using the thing. I gotta say I am really impressed. The prior experience I've had with cordless has all been bad. No power what power there is is fleeting and the batteries run down. They were awful so I didn't buy any. But I'd been reading lately that things have really improved. So I got one. Just one. The saw and two batteries ( two because I still didn't have faith that they had any staying power) and the charger. Well I ended up never using that second battery but one time. The thing is rugged and powerful. One time I ran the battery down on a single job. I was cutting 6" wide dados in several 6 x 6 in beams to use as interlocking joinery. I sliced hundreds of cuts and then used a chisel to make the dadoes. Other than that one time I've never run a battery down. I never noticed any flagging of power in the tool. So now I guess I'm sold on cordless. So I just got a milwaukee half inch drill / driver. And playing with that a little I am very happy with the tool's capability and power. Edited May 16, 2018 by Cliff HARO50, Grandpadave52, Dadio and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lew Posted May 16, 2018 Report Share Posted May 16, 2018 I have one of their corded sawzall. It is a real work horse. Haven't tried any of their cordless tools but I see them used in the various shops at my school. If they hold up under student use, they have to be pretty good! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandpadave52 Posted May 16, 2018 Report Share Posted May 16, 2018 Nice review Cliff. Thanks for taking time to share your experiences and thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerald Posted May 16, 2018 Report Share Posted May 16, 2018 I have the 12v drill and like it but the high speed does not lock in anymore. May have to open it up and see sometime Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Cliff Posted May 18, 2018 Author Popular Post Report Share Posted May 18, 2018 (edited) Well I was using the drill to build some shelving in my shop/ garage/ cellar - combo. Driving 1.5 & 2" Tapcons and large 2.5" screws all day lots and lots of screws. The battery is still performing fine. The clutch works very well. One thing with the clutch set to any setting and the drill is not loaded and I run it free and release the trigger there is a banging from the drill that does not happen when there is a load of any sort. IT's a tad disquieting to hear. Sounds like gears crashing. I guess the lesson is don't just crank it on and off for the sheer thrill of it. And the stinkin' thing is powerful. I mean deserving of the half inch status. The chuck is limited on the down side. It won't hold a drill smaller than 0.625" well. But whatDaYaWant for a half inch drill? Edited May 18, 2018 by Cliff p_toad, Dadio, Grandpadave52 and 3 others 5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stick486 Posted May 18, 2018 Report Share Posted May 18, 2018 change the chuck to one that goes from .0 ~ .55 inches... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roly Posted May 18, 2018 Report Share Posted May 18, 2018 3 hours ago, Cliff said: Well I was using the drill to build some shelving in my shop/ garage/ cellar - combo. Driving 1.5 & 2" Tapcons and large 2.5" screws all day lots and lots of screws. The battery is still performing fine. The clutch works very well. One thing with the clutch set to any setting and the drill is not loaded and I run it free and release the trigger there is a banging from the drill that does not happen when there is a load of any sort. IT's a tad disquieting to hear. Sounds like gears crashing. I guess the lesson is don't just crank it on and off for the sheer thrill of it. And the stinkin' thing is powerful. I mean deserving of the half inch status. The chuck is limited on the down side. It won't hold a drill smaller than 0.625" well. But whatDaYaWant for a half inch drill? It is the shaft lock making that sound. If you notice the shaft is locked when tightening or loosening the chuck. Roly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cliff Posted May 19, 2018 Author Report Share Posted May 19, 2018 6 hours ago, Roly said: It is the shaft lock making that sound OK is that indicative of a negative condition? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dadio Posted May 19, 2018 Report Share Posted May 19, 2018 I think it is the little Chinaman in there practicing speed shifting. Herb Gene Howe, HARO50 and Grandpadave52 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roly Posted May 19, 2018 Report Share Posted May 19, 2018 (edited) 12 hours ago, Cliff said: OK is that indicative of a negative condition? I would say not as I have Ridgid drills that do the same thing. Something has to lock the shaft when you let go of the trigger. I would say it would be best to slow the drill before letting go of the trigger when unloaded. I have been unable to see the inner workings of the drill to see what is actually locking the shaft as it is part of an assembly. Roly Edited May 19, 2018 by Roly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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