Switching From 18V to 12V Cordless Tools (Milwaukee M12)

Anyone have experience with Milwaukee's new M12 12V Lithium Ion system?

I bought an cheap Ryobi 18V kit 6 years ago (Drill/Driver + Reciprocating, Circular and Scroll saws). I didn't expect it to last but the kit did a great job for 6 years and just now the 18V batteries are failing.

I've now been looking at a new set but I think I'm going in a different direction as I've come to the realization that 18V cordless tools have their problems...

• For light duty work around the house 18V tools are bulkier and and heavier than I'd like.
• For most medium to heavy duty work 18V tools do fine but man do they suck down the juice from the batteries.
• Good 18V tools (Dewalt, Milwaukee, Mikita, Bosch...) are expensive... The replacement batteries are INSANELY EXPENSIVE!

So now I'm looking to go with a combination of a 12V cordless + corded tools. So for example a combination of a 12V driver/drill and a corded hammer drill. I think such a combination is way more versatile and may actually be less expensive than some of the better 18V hammer driver/drills.

The 12V cordless system that I'm considering is the Milwaukee M12 combo:

• driver/drill
• impact driver
• hackzall (this looks really cool)
• work light
• 2 M12 batteries
• 30 minute charger

Any experience with this set here? The combo kit is reasonably priced and additional batteries are like $25~30 each.

I think those Milwaukee tools are very similar to the Bosch Litheon tools. If so, they are GREAT! We use a bunch of the little impact drivers at work in production: For the abuse and use they get, they are amazing tools and really hold up well.

I've had a little Ryobi 7.2V drill/driver for AGES, and probably been thru 4 battery packs, but they are cheap ($20). I can't kill it, but I did buy a 9.6V Bosch drill/driver last year as a factory refurb unit and it came with a 1-hour charger and 2 packs and nice case for like $70. It looked brand new and I really like it. I also have an 18V Bosch 1/2" impact driver that was headed to the dumpster at work. I disassembled it and cleaned out some metal debris that got stuck between the magnet and the armature, jamming it. Works great now! But it's a heavy sucker!

I am of the same opinion as you. Cordless tools are for light/medium duty work and are meant to be portable and lightweight. Those 18V tools are HEAVY and awkward. It's more work to haul one of those around than it saves by not having a cord. And you still need to have jobsite power to charge the packs anyway.....and once the packs start to go, charging them is all you seem to do! I'll always keep a cordless drill around as long as it's light and compact. But when it comes to circular saws, big drills, sawzalls, etc. you need POWER and a CORD.

Chris

The problem I've been having with the lithium Ion tools is the cold weather performance factor. The lack of. The batteries say they are charged but nothing happens. After the long winter we had, it seemed to be a factor. As far as lightweight tools, I've also gone to the compact series from Dewalt. Tools are way too important to use weak performers. While the Dewalts have their problems, there is a factory service center around the corner who performs warranty work. The high priced battery pacs can be replaced by generic brands at a better price. When it comes right down to it, it all depends how much you are going to use it. My tools get used and abused every day, all day.

I got the RIDGID tool kit a few months back, I think it's 18-24V. Nice.

I've been picking up alll the Makita 12 V drills I can at tag sales, hook up a nice 10-12 ft cord into a car 12V cig lighter plug that fits into one those cheap 12V ~7 amp/hr car starter, 24 at pep boys on sale.

You can run it hard and it'll be pretty happy for an easy 1/2 hr of constant drilling.

That Milwaukee set looks like a nice kit. Their tools are first class. I've got a wide range of professional tools since I do this for a living (collect tools, or work? good question). I have some Milwaukee tools that have been in service commercially since the late 70's. An occasional set of bearings or new brushes and they keep going. The impact drivers will use far less battery drain than a standard drill/driver, so the smaller size shouldn't be a problem.

Right now there is a lot of trouble with the Milwaukee M18 Batteries going bad. Just sent my Son's
back to milwaukee today, with the charger, as they requested. Both batteries quit close to the same time.
They were only 8 months old, and not used very hard as he is just starting out as an Electrician
Apprentice.

Other guys at work also have trouble with their M18 Batteries, and others swear by the Bosch and Makita
Lithium Ion Sets.

I still use the now obsolete V18 Lithium Ion Drill, but its heavier than a corded drill.
Currently looking into something lighter, but must have guts in hammer drill mode.
Leaning toward the Hilti.

Hilti------> Big money

stokerscot wrote:Hilti------> Big money

We just purchaces a 24v. Hilti sawsall for our rescue truck at the F.D. to be used as part of our extrication equipment. I don't remember the price but it wasn't cheap. I don't think it's a tool the average person needs but this thing will cut through just about anything providing you have some decent blades and battery life it unbelievable. I don't know what blades we have right now as we have been experimenting with different blades. Personally at home I have a Dewalt corded sawsall and factoring in cost and durability, I have found I like Lenox blades the best.