[RE-wrenches] Milwaukee M18 one key tools

Tue Nov 29 13:01:36 PST 2016

My strategy is to have several spares in a multi-bay charger, and change out
when the battery reads 50% (2 bars). Subjective, I know, but we are talking
in-lbs when tightening rack hardware, not ft-lbs. Anyway, I'll report back
to the list once I get my programmable M18's and try it out.

And I'm curious, how many of us actually use a torque wrench on the job with
any regularity, be it rack or electrical connections? I have never seen an
everyday electrician use one, even on serious industrial work in a tightly
controlled jobsite. Every lug, connector, fastener has a recommended torque.
I think we all have seen the damage heat causes as the result of a loose
connection.

The last commercial system I did, a third party was hired to audit the PV
work. It was on the checklist to spot check torques. I have been
spot-checking torque ever since.

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On
Behalf Of Ray Walters
Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2016 1:14 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Milwaukee M18 one key tools

I own the M18, and the power varies noticeably with discharge, and also with
higher amp hour packs.  My drill screams with a 5 AH pack!  I agree its less
of a drop with discharge than with lead acid or NiiCad, but its still enough
to make torque settings inaccurate.

R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer, 
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760

On 11/29/2016 10:32 AM, Kirk Herander wrote:

M18 lithium batteries deliver full power until they are almost fully
discharged. I doubt it's an issue.

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On
Behalf Of Glenn Burt
Sent: Monday, November 28, 2016 8:59 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Milwaukee M18 one key tools

Most battery powered 'torque' settings change as the batteries are depleted.

Do they say that this is not so for this model?

-Glenn

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On
Behalf Of Kirk Herander
Sent: Monday, November 28, 2016 12:39 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Milwaukee M18 one key tools

As I understand it, there are 4 buttons on the drill, each can be programmed
to one of 10 torque levels through the app. And yes the torque levels are 1
- 10, not torque values. For example, tighten an L-foot to a scrap piece of
rail at each torque increment, measuring after with a torque wrench, til you
have the values of each increment. Then program the drill buttons to your
most often spec'ed torques, and you're done. Just press one of the four
buttons on the drill to get the required torque. The values are set in the
drill even with battery removed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiX8HPqXitQ

Here's one of the videos of how the app works. Anyway I need a new M18
driver, so I just ordered one. I will see about practicality in our trade.

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On
Behalf Of Dan Fink
Sent: Sunday, November 27, 2016 11:51 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Milwaukee M18 one key tools

I thought the idea of being to preset torque RPM settings from the app was
good, my reasoning being have one impact set (by the boss, behind password)
for installing racking lags, another set more delicately for mounting
equipment, etc, but watched one of their videos and the torque is not
calibrated to in-lbs, it's like a range of 1-4, and the app lets you do a
2-1/2 for example. The actual torque is up to you to figure out.....so you
still need calibrated hand torque wrenches.

Not enough to make me switch brands (that would be super expensive)....and
I'm not sure I like the idea of adding complicated electronics to a really
simple, reliable tool. 

Dan Fink

Adjunct Professor of Solar Energy Technology, Ecotech Institute

IREC Certified InstructorT for: 

~ PV Installation Professional

~ Small Wind Installer

Executive Director, Buckville Energy

NABCEP Registered Continuing Education ProvidersT
 <tel:970.672.4342> 970.672.4342

On Sun, Nov 27, 2016 at 8:17 AM, William Dorsett <wmdorsett at sbcglobal.net>
wrote:

Pardon my ignorance but what would be the purpose of a smart phone app for a
cordless drill? It's not like we'd be using it hands-free anyway. You can
imagine being up on a ladder,  drilling with one hand and adjusting at the
same time with the smart phone? Sounds like a bad mismatch.

Bill Dorsett

Manhattan, KS

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On
Behalf Of Christopher Warfel
Sent: Saturday, November 26, 2016 10:12 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Milwaukee M18 one key tools

Don't tell me this, I just bought Dewalt tools. ahhh

On 11/22/2016 11:21 AM, Kirk Herander wrote:

Hello,

Anyone out there invested in these tools yet? Looks interesting. Amongst
other things, you can custom program the cordless drill to various speeds
and torques using a smart phone app.

Kirk Herander

Owner|Principal, VT Solar, LLC 

Celebrating our 25th Anniversary 1991-2016

www.vermontsolarnow.com

dba Vermont Solar Engineering

NABCEPTM  2003 Inaugural Certificant

VT RE Incentive Program Partner

802.863.1202

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