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Tool Reviews

Discussion in 'The Tool Shed' started by Focker, Jul 15, 2016.

  1. Dec 14, 2020
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2014
    Messages:
    4,345
    I have a Milwaukee 5" grinder, #6117-33. I bought it because it is variable speed, and has 13 amps, a lot for a small-ish grinder. The grinder has lots of power, especially with 4 1/2" wheels on it. The variable speed gives me opportunity to grind and polish concrete and stone, and not wear out my favorite Makita 9227c.
    I've had awesome service out of every Milwaukee power tool, up to this one. The slide switch is broken, again. The plastic tabs that lock it on break off. I can hold the switch "on" with my thumb, but it won't stay on without holding it. Also, when grinding hard with a moderate amount of vibration, the variable speed dial turns itself down slower. I have to wedge shims in to hold it where I set it.
    Did I say that its made in China? Milwaukee isn't the Milwaukee of the past.
    -Donny
     
  2. Dec 14, 2020
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Veradale, WA
    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2015
    Messages:
    6,764
    You can say that again. :banghead:
     
  3. Dec 15, 2020
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2018
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    6,072
    That's incredibly disappointing. I have a 5 year old Hammer drill and impact driver set that have been indestructible. I guess I should start treating them better.
     
    Ol Fogie likes this.
  4. Dec 15, 2020
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    USA
    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2006
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    5,808
    I bought this in July and have given it time to write an honest review. While its not a terrible tool, its just not as good as the worn-out old Dewalt that was excellent.
     
  5. Dec 15, 2020
    Mr Vaughan

    Mr Vaughan

    got a couple older milwaukee sawzall's, and they're great, but the clamp is broken on one. imagine this: they're made out of real metal!!:bananatool:not completely, but the plastic parts arent junk either.
     
  6. Dec 21, 2020
    commanlerwrangdo

    commanlerwrangdo Member

    Cleveland, Ohio
    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2014
    Messages:
    470
    Well, months later we did have an issue with the gas regulator leaking and it emptied the argon mix tank pretty quick while welding on two different jobs. I pulled the regulator and gave it to the Boss to take back to Eastwood. They pressure checked it right at the store and immediately replaced it from an in-stock unit. That was really impressive, they could have made us wait for a new one to be shipped out. Customer service at Eastwood is top-notch!
     
  7. Dec 26, 2020
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2018
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    6,072
    Inspired by the guys on Project Binky and having a tight spot that needed some grinding (Old Red Maintenace Thread), I bought a cheap Wen finger sized belt sander/grinder from Amazon:
    And an assortment of belts:
    [​IMG]

    I've only done the one project with it so far but it was really useful. I used it to grind a V-groove along the crack in the frame:
    [​IMG]

    And then grind the resulting welds smooth:
    [​IMG]

    I went 3 belts doing both sides of the Jeep. 2 coarse belts to cut the grooves and 1 fine one for the finish work.

    It wasn't very fast, but with some patience it got the job done in an afternoon. It's very easy to control when doing delicate work. The adjustable speed helps too.

    In summary, I really like these small belt sander/grinders and this particular one seems decent for the money.
     
    Last edited: Dec 26, 2020
    Twin2, dozerjim and ITLKSEZ like this.
  8. Jan 5, 2021
    49T&C

    49T&C Member

    Archer, FL
    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2008
    Messages:
    109
    I picked up a 1,000 lb. hydraulic cart from HF over the weekend (PASS). With the 25% coupon it came within $20 of the smaller - 500 lb one. It has a slightly smaller top than needed for mowers, etc. so I added a piece of 3/4 in plywood, braced with thick 'L' brackets. It is a huge help removing heavy things from the bed of my truck or as an adjustable work table. It is really nice to put something heavy on it, jack it up to table height, roll the tool car up close and sit on a stool to repair things - pressure washers, generators, (think engines, rear ends, transfer cases, etc.). Really saves your back when you are in your 70's, but I would recommend it for anyone. It can be stored sliding it under a vehicle when not being used.
     
    Last edited: Jan 13, 2021
  9. Mar 21, 2021
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    USA
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    Oct 25, 2006
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    5,808
    I hate this drill with all of hells fury.
    The chuck wont stay tight, the drill either stalls out in your work and wont go forward or backward or tears your arms out of their sockets and spins them around like a windmill punching you in the face.

    I threw it across the yard today and it wouldn't even break. I will have to be more thorough next time...
     
  10. Mar 21, 2021
    Mr Vaughan

    Mr Vaughan

    for a while i thought i was reading a positive review...
     
  11. Apr 3, 2021
    tcfeet

    tcfeet Member

    east of west,...
    Joined:
    May 30, 2009
    Messages:
    353
    I have a Milwaukee 1/2 inch drill I bought in 1964. I've used it in the plumbing and electrical trade all these years and only replaced brushes one time.
    It has never failed me and is still going strong. Come to think about it, I did replace the switch once.. Don't know if they still make good products or not
    but they did at one time....
     
  12. Aug 12, 2021
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2003
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    5,507
    So I broke down and bought some bat powered tools. A drill to replace my Porter Cable that is showing it's age, and an Impact to use at the farm where I can't get an air hose to all things.


    I have been very impressed with these the last couple months. Lots of power and they charge pretty quick. I got 2 bats each that interchange an 2 chargers so I can keep one a the farm and one here at home. Just lug the tools back and forth.

    I got them from Summit as Amazon was more money and didn't have the drill in stock.
    https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mwt-2803-22
    https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mwt-2767-22
     
    Danefraz, Twin2 and Puddle Jumper like this.
  13. Aug 12, 2021
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    23,797
    That's interesting. I would have never thought to try Summit. IME they have good prices.
     
    Danefraz likes this.
  14. Aug 15, 2021
    termin8ed

    termin8ed I didn't do it Staff Member

    Mason, MI
    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2002
    Messages:
    4,472
    I just picked up an 18v combo with 1/2" drill and hex bit driver. Its not a 3/8" impact, but it works pretty good.
    Thought i was going to burn up my 14v snapon drill so had to upgrade
     
  15. Aug 21, 2021
    Nebr1957CJ5

    Nebr1957CJ5 I will do it tomorrow

    Lincoln NE
    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2018
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    61
  16. Sep 21, 2021
    73 cj5

    73 cj5 Not ready for the junkyard yet

    Clinton, Mississippi
    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2014
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    2,154
    I've used a torque wrench like this in the past at other shops and liked it so I broke down and bought one.
    ATECH3F300OB It ranges from 15-300 ft-lb. These are great for TTY bolts where you have to torque to a set number and then go to a certain degree.

    [​IMG]
     
    Twin2, Fireball and ITLKSEZ like this.
  17. Sep 25, 2021
    73 cj5

    73 cj5 Not ready for the junkyard yet

    Clinton, Mississippi
    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2014
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    2,154
    ATE Pro die grinder. It survived ~3 years of hard use. The bearing fell apart yesterday but besides that, it still works. For $30 I can get another.... Well worth the money.

    [​IMG]
     
    Fireball likes this.
  18. Feb 13, 2022
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2018
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    6,072
    I'm impressed with the Benchmark Abrasives cutting disks. I already liked them because they are super thin and long lasting compared to anything you get at the box stores, but I like them even more today.

    I was cutting a pipe and got a pinch. It just tore out the chunk that was pinched and the rest of the disk stayed intact with no drama and no shrapnel. Much better than past explosions I've had:
    [​IMG]
     
    Danefraz likes this.
  19. Apr 15, 2022
    Mcruff

    Mcruff Earlycj5 Machinist

    Albertville, AL
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    5,350
    I recently purchased this Riv-Nut tool from Amazon.

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081GDRTX...olid=3E5GF9PQB75LK&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it


    81E5zQOGp+L._AC_SL1500_.jpg
    I purchased this to add threaded nuts to the basement storage for tie downs and cargo holding in my RV and to build a steel frame to aid in engine access under the bed. Had a couple of things that are normal service and getting the engine covers off under the bed was a nightmare from the factory so I simplified it by building a different style of frame with bolt on doors. Installed the Riv-Nuts in the 1" tubing and the steel side walls of the basement storage compartments. For the $38 i paid for it this thing works great.
     
  20. Apr 15, 2022
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2003
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    10,208

    Good to know. I used one last week for the first time ever.

    Really handy for blind panels. We were mounting tools in a fire truck, no easy access from the back.
     
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