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Read all the problems the NiCads have had, I personally have trashed 7 of them. If you are not already married to Milwaukee I WOULD STRONGLY SUGGEST you buy DeWalt or Makita. While the Milwaukee tools themselves are very good, the battery systems suck. The V series Lith Ions ARE better but if they are so good THEN WHY DID MILWAUKEE CHANGE THE MOUNTS ON THE M SERIES so they don't fit the V series or NiCad tools. Shame on Milwaukee for not passing on the benefits of their newest technology to existing customers
Bought this set 10 months ago for me and my help to use for demoing siding, trim, decks, fences, etc. Circular saw holds it's adjustments and has a nice baseplate, it's also as powerful, but the lower guard hangs up a bit. The light works.Batteries went out at about 180 charges but are under warranty and Milwaukee customer service is very good. This kit is very durable and powerful for an 18 volt Li set. Overall the kit is well built. Batteries slightly outlast the Makitas and well outlast the older Porter-Cable 19.2 volt kit I passed down after 4 1/2 years of use. I have a Makita LXT 601 kit for myself. The Drill doesn't get used much and is pretty hefty, but it's always the one I get for tougher drilling or using a hole saw.
Outlasts dewalt 18v XRPs (brother's set) The tools themselves are what you would expect fron Milwaukee. The Sawzall has a good handle and front grip, the blade clamp never lets go during a cut and the variable speed is right. These batteries now have a new and better cell formula, so I'm told by a Milwaukee rep. definately not the lightest or most compact, but a good set for an aggressive builder.
My theory goes like this.the local tech taught me how to decode the serial number on the bottom of the battery. After doing much research, I determined that Milwaukee is at the peak of the price/performance curve for Li tools. Turns out the batteries I got originally and the first set of replacements were all manufactured during the 42nd week of 2006. I settled on the 4 tool pack (why the flashlight counts as a tool escapes me) knowing these 3 tools would meet most of my needs.A couple days after receiving the tools and charging each battery thoroughly, I put them to use tearing down an existing deck on the back of my house. These new batteries are incredible. I tried the other battery with only slightly better results. They had me ship the drill, charger, and replacement batteries to them.
I finished the job with corded tools, then called customer service. The Sawzall died after about 3 cuts. They recommended I take the tools to a service center. If these tools don't work great, get with Milwaukee.
I ordered this set to replace a DeWalt set that was on its last legs. 6 days later I got the tools back, with 2 new batteries. That made all the difference. Power and torque like you wouldn't believe.So, what was the issue with 4 DOA batteries. I then charged these batteries and put the drill to work screwing down backerboard for a tile job.same poor performance. Bottom line, don't settle for poor performance. I was immediately disappointed. Must have been a bad run.
The service guy determined the batteries were bad and replaced them both. Next I called Milwaukee in CA. The new replacements are 14th week of 2009. And beware of Li batteries made in the 42nd week of 2006.
seems to me when people write reviews they tend to focus on the battery. over all this is a very high quality package, pick up the tools and you will know. does not matter the make so much. All batteries have the potential for long use or no use at aLL. I have had this kit about 1 year now. SO THIS review is going to focus on the tools. News break people. batteries will die.
power, durability this kit has no competition. Weight and control, could use improvement. the tools in this kit our better then you can pray, hope, and expect. no problems except I did drop the light from about 11 feet onto a concrete patio, bulb broke was on my way to the hardware store to buy new bulb, unscrew the lens only to discover the work light had a REPLACEMENT BULB INSIDE.
However, I love the overall design, feel, and performance of the Milwaukee tools and I am betting on general better quality of the name. Perhaps the seller lied about this product not being refurbished and that is why my batteries suck.
Perhaps the Dewault drill is just better. My older Dewault 18v cordless (nicad battery - older style battery) is just as strong as this Milwaukee lithium and seems to last MUCH longer.
The circular saw has plenty of power to cut, but does not last much longer than say cutting through 60' of 1" plank. One of the lithium batteries of this Milwaukee has already died completely (3 months after purchase).
Two batteries are a must because I am constantly needing to recharge, particularly when using the circular saw. One more negative comment is that the cordless drill is much bigger than my Dewault, making it more awkard, heavier and harder to use in tight spaces.
Again, two batteries are a must with these cordless tools.
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