I am a tool junkie. I found out the other day that Milwaukee tools are available here.
The “problem” is that I have no first hand experience with these. The most common ones here are DW ( shudder ), Ryobi ( BIG shudder ), Makita and Hitachi.
I likes Hitachi, good tough tools, last for years and dont complain when they get worked hard. Makita I am done with for the most part cos they seem to have let quality slip. They dont make ’em like they used to…..
DeWalt…………crikey, where to start. I just plain dont like them. I do however have a mitresaw that is DW and I like it, but other stuf I have used…..no.
So, is Milwaukee good,tough, long lived, hassle free tools? If so I will start to buy them. Would like a heads up before I spend a heap of money finding out.
Everything, 100% of it, depends on how you look at it.
DW
Replies
Each tool usually carries it's own reputation.
Internet purchases can broaden your choices of manufacturers.
Cheers.
AJin,
I build prototype tool components for Milwaukee Tool, and I see first hand what direction they are headed. My overall take is that they try, within reason to build the toughest power tools in the marketplace that are still reasonably affordable.
From time to time they come out with some innovative stuff. Alot of the stuff I've seen often either doesn't get produced, or spends a long time having the bugs worked out to make the tool super tough, since they are THE ONLY company that offers a lifetime (vs the standard 90 day) warrantee.
If you see it on the shelves, it probably has past muster, and if by chance it fails, METCO will usually make good.
Jon
Hi AJ,
Your dealing with 220v. So I would think that Milwaukee would have had to re-engineer the tools for it, ie-- motor. Somethink to think about.
There are no stupid questions. Just lots of inquisitive idiots!!!
That is really not much of re-engineering. Basically use twice as much wire of 1/2 the size.
I've been happy with everything I've had that was Milwaukee brand.
I'm hoping for a Milwaukee hammer drill for my birthday........
Sex discriminates against the shy and the ugly.
As with most other top tool manufacturers, I find Milwaukee excells at certain tools while falling short with others.
I still swear by their recip saws....best on the market IMO. Their corded drills are top notch. Had a few bad experiences with drywall guns and cordless drills.
There is no tool maker out there that makes each tool equally great. Research and review the tools you intend to buy.
Of the manufacturers you mentioned, RYOBI ought not even be in the mix.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
"DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"
Ryobi..........yup, your quite correct they shouldnt have been included in the mix. I only did so as it is one of the more common ones here.
Still a POS as far as I am concerned which is why I dont own any. There is also a low level brand here called "Predator". Haahaahaa, a "14 volt" cordless drill for $35. Bout says it all.
Rez, I agree that internet buying does increase the tools available, but as said above, we are on 240 volt. That can cut out some of the US stuff.
Interesting about the recip saws. That is my next buy. I was looking seriously at the new Hitachi. Might go with the Milwaukee instead. I like to buy things that comes with a recommendation from others. If someone has owned and thrashed a tool and pronounces it a "goodie" then I am happy to buy.
I realise that some makers do a particular tool exceptionally well. For example, Skil wormdrive. ( I own one and love it )
Despite my not being a huge jobsite radio fan, I must admit to a sudden "need" for the Milwaukee radio. Beats me why, but then that is the unpredictable nature of my habit. :-)
Thanks for the opinions dudes.
Its 2.a.m here, how come all you guys are up so damn early? Doncha sleep?
I'm off to bed, gotta be up in 4 hours. Y A A A W W W W W N N N N
Everything, 100% of it, depends on how you look at it.
DW
I have a 3/8 corded drill that has a surprising amount of torque. In fact there's a label on the tool that warns about it. And I have a sawzall that is about 10 yrs old and still going strong. I bought the cheapest model, lowest amps, without the detachable cord and quick adjust foot etc, and it does very well as long as I keep a decent blade in it. I think their cordless impact driver got bad reviews for overweight and underpowered, but around here the Milwaukees are well thought of...basic but dependable.
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt
I`ve got a Milwaukee 3/8" corded....gotta be pushin` twenty years old. It doesn`t get the workout it once did, but I still use it regularly for cabinet installation.
My 1/2" takes a beating...along with the expected drilling tasks it was designed for, I also chuck a whipper bit in it to mix compound, thinset, etc.J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
"DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"