Hammers Reviews

Overall I am very happy with this saw. I bought it to replace a $50 Skil that I purchased years ago. The Skil still worked fairly well and survived some good abuse, but wasn't a real powerhouse. I've used this Milwaukee several times already and here is what I've noticed:

Pros:
+ Nice power
+ Very nice and easy adjustments for depth and bevel: This uses levers vs. a butterfly nut on my old Skil.
+ Tilt lock is a nice feature. Though many people who have this saw never use it, I have actually used it a couple of times: different adjustments when cutting lumber vs. when trimming doors.
+ Guide visibility is excellent.
+ Base is about 1/8" thick solid aluminum, nice and flat, and solid feeling.

Cons:
- The base is flat all around. My old skill, for example, had a lip on the back and front side. If you're stuck using a somewhat flat, and inadequately clamped guide (like a straight thin piece of plywood that you trust), that may slightly lift in the middle, you run the risk of the base plate riding under your guide. As a result, at some point I may modify the base by screwing on an additional 1/8" lip on the inside top.
- Case: Very minor complaint: it would be nice if it included some blade storage. I have some extra blades, including a cheap plywood blade and an expensive finishing blade. I would love to be able to store them in the case with the saw.

Overall, I have no regrets and recommend this saw. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 in part because of the base plate, but also because I can't recommend it above all other circular saws. Both the Journal of Light Construction and Fine Homebuilding had circular saw reviews. This particular saw, a specific Bosch, and a specific Porter Cable, were in the top three for both reviews. Though in the top three of both, This Milwaukee made it into the top 2 favorites/recommended in one article but not the other. Before purchasing this saw, I would recommend finding and reading those articles to decide which of the three would better meet your needs or preferences.

OK the fact is I havnt even used the saw yet. I own 3 other Milwaukee tools and feel they are the best. One reason I buy one tool or product over another is where the tool is made. I have bought Milwaukee and Porter Cable and have been happy with both. My problem is the saw is not made in the U.S. per the technical data page. That doesnt mean its not the best saw on the market. The feel of the tool is of high quality, I plugged it in and ran it up and tested the brake which functioned perfectly. I am pleased with the service I recieved from Amazon. The tool arrived in only a few days in perfect condition. I was however, disapointed it was not made in the U.S.This causes me to wonder about long term quality. I have a milwaukee angle grinder (made in U.S.) which has been abused for years and works flawlessly. In another buisness fabricating in metal we had a Milwaukee Magnum Hole Shooter drill (made in U.S.) which was the best power tool I ever used. My ex partner still uses it to this day. and it will still break your wrist if you dont treat it with respect.I gladly pay more for products made in the U.S., and often do not shop other brands. If Milwaukee is going to manufacture tools outside the U.S I will be more open to shopping other brands. Americans without jobs dont buy tools. I will write another review after using the saw for a while. I must admit it looks like all I expected and I'm sure its a great saw.......OK I've used the saw for a few weeks now...I'm loving it so far...feels great in the hand,good sight to blade, not too much dust in the eyes...the only complaint I can think of so far is the plastic blade guard...I find myself placing the saw down gently for fear of breaking it. Probably irrational but I think about it every time I put the saw down. Time will tell but so far I'm thrilled. M.R.

This is the very best saw on the market today. Durable, powerfull, and very well balanced with incredible line of site with outstanding bevel adjustment mechanism !

The drill, reciprocating saw, and light all work great. The circular saw is a piece of junk. Even at full chrage, it can't make it's way through a piece of plywood or 2X4 without burning/ struggling through. I have had the set for 2 years now and one of the batteries just failed a couple months ago. I would recommend it especially at $329. I think I paid $400.

All tools I received was good, only reciprocating saw has scratches and some marks from repair. All tool works and i recomend to buy them.

The tools work great. You can't even tell that they have been reconditioned. My kids love playing with the flashlight. It's proven already to be very durable. I love the drill. I have been using it almost everyday since I bought it. I haven't had a chance to use the two saws yet. The delivery time was exceptional. I recieved the tools in 3 days using standard shipping.

I read a few reviews about the poor batteries. I don't have my drill long enough to answer that issue. I do like the way the pack slides off with ease and reverses for tight spaces.

I haven't been able to keep the chuck locked as it keeps coming loose and the bit falls out. So how can a quality drill have a chuck that is poorer than my budget priced drills that I beat around? Come on Milwaukee, let's get it together.

I have this drill along with the combo kit and the tools are definately top quality however, the batteries just plain suck. The battery packs always die after 18 months or so with no warning at all. They just wont charge period. You have to either buy replacement packs or get another tool, ouch.

When I first bought the drill, it would run all day on one battery. Now it seems like battery life is much shorter. Went through two batteries the other day before noon. Lots of power originally. Take the other reviewer's comments re: batteries seriously.

First off, the tools themselves are quite good, although there is definitely room for improvement.
Hammer Drill:
+ Great torque, good balance, solid chuck.
- No place to store screw driver bits
Overall a very good hammer drill

Circular saw:
+ Good balance, like the opposite orientation from older circular saws (i.e. this one works for right-handed folks).
- The safety switch is sometimes awkward to engage.

Sawsall Hatchet:
+ Works well at cutting through stuff, adjustable handle is nice when it works.
- Adjustable handle stops broke shortly after I started using it (they're plastic molded-in features on the case and aren't very sturdy).

Batteries:
+ They make good paper-weights
- These are by far the biggest problem with this kit, and bad enough that I DO NOT recommend buying this set. After low to moderate use, one flat gave out, and the other holds maybe 20% of its original charge. I didn't abuse the batteries and they should have lasted much longer. The kicker is that replacements are $80 each!

Conclusion: Maybe the new 28V Lithium-Ion batteries for the new Milwaukee sets work better, but don't waste your money buying any of their 18V sets.

The hatchet saw and drill are quality items, the circular saw is worthless. What makes the whole package trash is the batteries which are a joke. In 20 plus years of cordless tool use these are the worst Iv ever seen,used or heard of. Save your money and buy Makita of which the tool quality is as good and whose batteries are, no joke, 10 time better. D. Robinson

I love Milwaukee tools. I grew up with Dewalt (which are good tools too) and then switched to Milwaukee after selling tools at Sears for three years. The power, toughness, the ease of use are wonderful.

These tools are heavy, as well as the batteries. These tools were meant to be used. My Milwaukee tools have never let me down, but I get a workout using them.

The batteries have been an issue, but not with me. My only complaint in after some time they are hard to take off the tool. However, I have known some people who have had battery issue. My batteries are 5 years old and they still have a good charge. The new V28 system will make up for any battery problem.

I have owned this nailer for 3 months and have shot about 2500 3 1/4" nails and about 750 1 1/2" hanger nails through it without any jamming or misses. One feature I do wish the nailer had was to stop firing when the magazine was empty. One does get used to monitoring the magazine though. Its lightweight and shoots nails into engineered lumber without any problem. I'd rate it a 10.

I regularly use this gun for residential new construction/remodels. It generally works well for framing purposes and for hanging connectors. However, its one major detractor is that the MCN attachment (for nailing into connectors) is prone to breaking and is not easily replaced if it does break. We've gone through three of the attachments (lots of metal connectors required in my area) and have had a difficult time finding replacement parts. The MCN attachment is not available at the retail level and must be ordered through Stanley Bostitch (after a considerable wait). Thus, a decent tool but not totally reliable.

I just got this gun at the homedepot about 1 month ago. I had to give up one of my favorite nailers a porter cable framer.I had to get another plastic collated nailer there my favorite.I just got done building a doghouse for my too dogs. it goes into pressure treated lumber like ''butter''. even though i'm 12 i really like this gun.

This is a great little unit. I was concerned that there wouldn't be enough power, since it is only a 1 gallon unit. Most others in the same price range is 4-6 gallons. Boy was I wrong! I'm shooting 2" brads into red oak no problems at all. And I don't have to lug around a giant compressor. The more convenient it is, the more you'll use it! It also has a quality feel to it. The Bostitch has an inferior plastic handle that breaks. No such problem on the Senco.

It takes a while to get up to the right pressure, but no different than a Bostitch. I wished I got it sooner!

Need a great combo 18ga brad nailer with a compressor?

Of all the installars tools we send out with our crews, this is the one everyone fights for! Lightweight, no missfires, quiet and compact!

Fits in our largest ryobi rolling tool bags along with the other guns and gear we use, like Porter Cable nailers.

We install a 1/2" AIR Filter,Regulator,Lubricator to assure good clean opperation of our guns before we send them out into the field.

When you own a high profile cabinet and door company like we do, its important to look professional and be quiet in the customers home, taking up as little space as possible to get the job done and get out!

This is one of those tools that helps us accomplish just that! I give this unit a 9 out of 10 since there is no perfect tool! and 5 stars for you the Amazon shopper!! Buy it!!


GJ
ShowCase Cabinet & Door Co.

I am a mid-level do-it-yourselfer, and purchased this kit for baseboard and casing projects around the house. The compressor is small and light, easily fits in the trunk or back seat, a breeze to move from place to place. It cycles after 4 or 5 quick shots, but I work deliberately so any lag in recovery is not a problem for me. I live in an apartment, and I agree with others who have found the noise level lower than other compressors, a blessing in that environment.

Not having any experience with air tools, yet knowing it was the way to go to install casing and baseboard in my kitchen remodel, I agonized over whether to get a brad or finish nailer. I opted for a brad nailer since the Hitachi saw I purchased came with a coupon for a free 16ga finish nailer-- a deal I couldn't pass up. While still waiting for the freebie to arrive, I have been using the brad nailer and it is nothing less than terrific. The holes it makes are small, it is easy to handle, and drives the brads where I want them. The true test is that none of the casing I have installed has fallen off the wall yet! Some have spoken of the chintzy grip on the gun. I suspect Senco was listening, since the grip that came with it is improved.

I imagine someone doing this work for their living might see some shortcomings, but give the price, portability and utility, this is a fine package.

This kit looked nice, Milwaukee had a good reputation and the specs on each unit looked much better than the competition. How I was decieved. After three-four months of everyday contractor use, two batteries failed. Luckily when I purchased the kit there was a extra battery rebate (should have raised flags). While the two batteries were sent back to Milwaukee for free replacements (One Year Warantee) I barely survived on one battery and my 10 year old (still running great) Porter-Cable 12v drill/driver. Got back my two new batteries and two months later the gears on the cordless saw failed. Sent the saw out for free repair (Five Year Warantee) survived on my 8 year old (still running great too) 14.4v Dewalt cordless saw. Three months later the bearings on the drill burned up. Sent it out for free repair survived once again on my PC 12v drill now 12 years old. I now have all tools operating and batteries holding their own. The only tool which has not needed repair is the light (go figure). After two years of this kit, I've had it and currently shopping for a new Kit. Bought out by Roybi Int'l and manufacturing facilities moved from USA to China & Taiwan and stiff price competition by Dewalt, P-C, and Bosch has led me to the poor quality of these tools. I was going to give this review zero stars however the replacement/repair system is great. Milwaukee corded tools by my experience are top notch and would never trade my hole-hawg, sawzall and hammer drill, but the cordless kits need to go back to the drawing board.

For anyone looking for a complete set of tools the Combo-Kit gets my vote. The Milwaukee brand got good reviews in Fine Homebuilding Magazine, for the cordless tools. I am an advanced woodworker, and am involved in a big remodeling project, and have used the tools. I also own Mikita, Bosch, and Hitachi. They all make great tools, but the cordless Circular Saw, and the Hatchet, are the first ones I purchased after using corded tools. I spent months investigating the competition, and these stand out!

Really. I've only used corded tools for 20 some years of work and I laughed at the elelectrican who brought one of these drill drivers to the worksite recently. I was sceptical of the ability of these things to do extended work. No problem, after working with this drill a couple of days I bought this combo set with the radio, sawsall, saw and drill and flashlight for myself. Now I have to really think about taking the corded handtools out to do the job. I do take all 3 batteries with me to work with the charger and can burn through all of them in a day of heavy use. I've used the drill most, but all the tools in the set are first rate and all my corded milwaukee tools I've had for at least 7 - 10 years so If their name is on them I'm hoping for the best.

I am a contractor who uses a rotary hammer a few hours per week. I bought the Bosch 1 1/8 inch sdsplus rotohammer about 3 weeks ago, after a reconditioned and used milwaukee unit stopped hammering (after about three weeks). I was pretty happy, at first.
A few days ago, I checked out some of the reviews on here, and grew concerned about the chuck loosening up. Sure enough, when I checked it out, it moved about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch with a 12 inch bit. I took it back.
B.T.W., I contacted Bosch, and they basically said that SDS-Plus hammers aren't designed for much chipping. I do chip alot, so I am probably going to take thier suggestion and get an SDS-Max hammer. I may still get a Bosch.
If you are planning on buying this hammer for drilling, it is probably a great tool (and the case is very well organized). If you plan on doing any chipping besides some very light chipping, I suggest getting an SDS-Max or spline drive. You may be disappointed in any SDS-Plus hammer.

This drill has seen 100's of holes, & keeps going strong. Would highly recomend.

I just completed stripping approximately 5,000 brick off my house (we're rebricking). I looked into renting a tool for this job and I realized I could justify the purchase of my own tool for the amount of work I needed to do. As I wanted a tool that could be used for more than chipping/stripping brick, I began to lean toward the "combination" rotary hammers. I had a tough time finding any reference to their use for stripping brick. After much research, I settled on the Bosch 112326VS mainly because the SDS+ tools are in the middle of the size range (SDS MAX are larger) plus the price was acceptable. I chose the 11236VS over the 11224VSR (7/8" SDS+) simply because I hoped that the slightly bigger tool would be a benefit in chipping. So I'm here to state that I had very good success with the Bosch 11236VS for this purpose. Incidently, I used the 1-1/2" chisel (also by Bosch) which still has plenty of life left.

I found that the chuck loosens itself during hammer drill operation, requiring frequent retightening. Personally, I would say the keyless chuck is not worth the extra money. The drill itself seems fine, and I wish I had the normal chuck.

I am a DIYer out of the home that needed a hammerdrill for projects in my basement and brick exterior. I bought this as I thought Milwaukee was "THE" tool company. My friend was helping with some tapcon anchors in the basement and was using my very expensive hammerdrill. He criticized it's lack of power and laughed a bit. Came back a few minutes later with a Dewalt hammerdrill. Big difference - much lighter, faster and it doesn;t look so archaic. I returned the milwaukee and just borrow my friends drill now. I did some checking - the Dewalt is cheaper anyways.

I have used this drill on numerous occations and have yet to be discoraged with it's preformance. It is a small yet sturdy drill for: wood, brick, block, and metal. My employer supplies this drill to my coworkers also. I would buy this drill for at home use due to it's many applications.

I do not recommend this drill. The battery failed within a year and the new 18 volt NiCad is failing again after about another year. I use it only occasionally so the comment regarding battery failure in this tool for DIY resonates.

Also, I don't think the tool lives up to its torque claims. Finally, the battery from day one has been difficult to remove. The side squeeze mechanism never worked properly.

I don't own this drill, but I do know why so many folks have had battery problems. The 18V batteries that Milwaukee includes with this drill are nickel cadmium. Nicads are known for having "memory" problems caused by recharging batteries before they are fully discharged. And here is a gem of a quote from the wikipedia - "NiCd batteries, when not used regularly, tend to develop dendrites (thin, conductive crystals), causing internal short circuits and premature battery failure, long before the 800-1000 charge/discharge cycles claimed by most vendors." Bam!

This means that if you are an occasional user (weekend warrior), you'd be better off with a different brand that uses Nickel metal-hydride batteries. They are less prone to the problems described above. The 18V drills made by Makita, Panasonic, and Bosch all use NiMh batteries. Dewalt 18V drills come with NiCd.

This Tool is incredible, I upgraded from the Makita 18 volt. It was like moving from a Model T to a Mercedes. The balance is correct and I am sure to find a situation that will utilize the reversing battery mount.
The chuck really locks the bit in place. The clutch seems to be calibrated the same as the Makita and I have yet to break a screw.
It seems slightly heavier than the Makita but the comfortable grip makes up for it
I can recommend this product to any serious wood worker or to anyone that uses a Battery powered drill frequently