IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
IceShanty Main => General Ice Fishing Chit Chat => Topic started by: djlangen on May 28, 2017, 09:45 AM
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I've used an M18 Milwaukee Fuel (2604-20/725 lbs. torque) with a 6" k-drill and 5" lazer for the past 5 ice seasons with great results. I'm considering upgrading to newer version of M18 Fuel with 1,200 ponds of torque, but am hesitant to spend the extra money if I don't really need it for smaller (5", 6") bit sizes.
I'd like to hear if anyone has made the same upgrade and if you noticed a difference in drill performance and/or longevity.
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I'm kind of confused! If you have been getting great results with what you have and you're happy, why upgrade when what you have is doing such a great job. ???
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I used the newer (higher torque) M18 this past season. Loved it. You want more longevity - get the bigger batteries. I'm impressed with the cold weather battery performance - never seen anything like it in a lithium battery. Left my drill, battery and 8" Nils in the back of my pickup for 6 days of weather below 10 F. Some of it sub-zero. That thing still drilled holes. That kind of treatment usually kills a lithium battery.
Vey impressed.
Ols Sailor - it has more to do with want than need. ;D
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So true, it's more want than need at this point for me. I agree with Old Sailor in that if it ain't broke, why fix it? However, if upgrading to a more powerful drill means greater drill life and more holes, then I'll consider it. Thanks for the feedback, fishforpike!
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I have the same setup that u do, and use a 6" lazer and the 5ah batteries and have never had any problems. I'll stay with what I have until it died, hopefully before I do !! Lol
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So true, it's more want than need at this point for me. I agree with Old Sailor in that if it ain't broke, why fix it? However, if upgrading to a more powerful drill means greater drill life and more holes, then I'll consider it. Thanks for the feedback, fishforpike!
I figured it was more want than need, but I began thinking that the drill is 5 years old and there have been advances in batteries and it would make sense to upgrade before your existing drill gives you problems! Those 9 ah batteries look to be awesome, but 2 - 5 ah batteries should do the trick!! Let us know what you decide!! Good luck!!
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Let's not forget that you could always sell the old model to help offset the cost of upgrading.
The upgrade will also allow you to drill larger holes for tip ups with the added benefit of knowing it will still handle the larger bits years later. I understand wanting the best and if you can afford it, go for it! The upgraded drill would be awesome with an 8" Lazer.
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Talked me into it. Been looking around and just pulled the trigger on the Milwaukee fuel 18 with 5.0 amp. On sale at home depot and comes with a third battery. Can't wait for ice now.
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Talked me into it. Been looking around and just pulled the trigger on the Milwaukee fuel 18 with 5.0 amp. On sale at home depot and comes with a third battery. Can't wait for ice now.
@) They got a new 9A battery now too. Don't have one, yet. ;)
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The Milwaukee 9.0 battery is sweet. And at $128.00 right now don't even think about not getting one. This thing drills dozens of holes even through 2+ feet of ice.
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For anyone interested in upgrading to either a M18 Fuel Hammer Drill (2704-20) or 9ah battery, there are really good deals to be had right now on EBay. Last week I got a a new drill for $75 and 9ah battery for $95. I decided to pull the trigger after considering the benefits of going with a higher torque drill and bigger battery.
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You got a good deal and will be set for next season!! Be sure you give us a test report after you've had a chance to Swiss cheese some ice!!! :thumbsup: :clap:
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For anyone interested in upgrading to either a M18 Fuel Hammer Drill (2704-20) or 9ah battery, there are really good deals to be had right now on EBay. Last week I got a a new drill for $75 and 9ah battery for $95. I decided to pull the trigger after considering the benefits of going with a higher torque drill and bigger battery.
. Is that a Milwaukee battery, or the generic ? They both work but there is a difference
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It's the Milwaukee battery-came in original packaging.
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I upgraded from the old fuel to the new one. I stalled the old one out useing a 8in lazer. The new one I used a 7in lazer all season with no issues with the clam plate. I really like the plate. As it keeps the drill out of the snow, ice, water. The only thing I wish I had was a cover for it.
I got the newer gear box now I plan on running the 8in again this year.
Here is a video about the knockoff batteries vs the real ones. I posted this already but I'm sure not everyone seen it.
FYI there is cursing in the video.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=E_UJeBoZ14Y
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I upgraded from the old fuel to the new one. I stalled the old one out useing a 8in lazer. The new one I used a 7in lazer all season with no issues with the clam plate. I really like the plate. As it keeps the drill out of the snow, ice, water. The only thing I wish I had was a cover for it.
I got the newer gear box now I plan on running the 8in again this year.
Here is a video about the knockoff batteries vs the real ones. I posted this already but I'm sure not everyone seen it.
FYI there is cursing in the video.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=E_UJeBoZ14Y
Interesting - It's definitely the cold weather performance of my Milauki that impresses me.
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It's the Milwaukee battery-came in original packaging.
. That's a steal !!!
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I've used an M18 Milwaukee Fuel (2604-20/725 lbs. torque) with a 6" k-drill and 5" lazer for the past 5 ice seasons with great results. I'm considering upgrading to newer version of M18 Fuel with 1,200 ponds of torque, but am hesitant to spend the extra money if I don't really need it for smaller (5", 6") bit sizes.
I'd like to hear if anyone has made the same upgrade and if you noticed a difference in drill performance and/or longevity.
I've used that drill with a 6in,7in, & 8in lazer. Also used an 8in nils with it. All I can say is it will turn an 8in and never had a problem. I could tell with an 8in lazer it did work the drill. Moved up to the 1,200 in lb and have drilled through 2.5 foot of ice in my wheel house no problem with the nils. I also have seen a guy who drilled with a 10in nils bit and the 1,200 in lb that was impressive. Can't say you really would gain anything upgrading like I did.
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I am going to go with the 18 Fuel, 2703 or 4. Need to decide which bit to go with.
Thinking 7" or 8", maybe Lazer?
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My M18 2704 drives my 8" Nils, no problem at all. Very impressive setup. And that from a guy that is/was an IceGator diehard! ;)
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I am going to go with the 18 Fuel, 2703 or 4. Need to decide which bit to go with.
Thinking 7" or 8", maybe Lazer?
Lazers drill faster but it takes more torque.
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remember you have to add an adapter to use a drill and that adapter could become the weakest link. so lazers are faster cutting and put more load on the moving parts.
the bigger the bit the bigger the issue becomes.
i'd look into what adapter can handle those specs next to help decide on bit size and adapter to buy and brand of bit.
there are photos here of clams plate failure in the shaft that goes into the drills chuck. the metal twisted under load.
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i see just about everyone is upgrading. What is the problem with M-18 fuel #2703-22?
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i purchased the Milwaukee 2702-20 M18 ½" Compact Brushless Hammer last February to run a 6" auger under a clam plate. It was the apple of my eye due to the 1200 lbs of torque. I am hoping to be able to increase to 8" for the upcoming season.
Is there a difference between the 2702 and the 2704 that i didn't consider?
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Lord.......help us!
Another drill thread.
Rg
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Lord.......help us!
Another drill thread.
Rg
:roflmao: :clap: :roflmao: :clap:
But for the OP I run the 1200lb torque version with my 7" lazer with the clam plate adapter and the thing cuts like butter! The first couple times using it had to get use to it catching at the bottom but a very very slight up lift at the end and it pops right through.... drilled about 50 holes thru a foot of ice this winter on one 5aph batter and it still had juice to get me through half of the next day!
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Lord.......help us!
Another drill thread.
Rg
What do you want? It's a "boring" time of the year for us icefishers. @) :P
It's a better topic than why Gander Mountain isn't "giving" their stuff away.
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i see just about everyone is upgrading. What is the problem with M-18 fuel #2703-22?
Nothing at all.
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Been using a craftsman 19.2v on my 6in nils convertible with no probs at first, but after 2 years it really wore it and the batteries out. So for the 8in Nils convertible I'm getting in October I bought the 2704-22 kit. Picked it up here from a guy on our local classifieds for $140 new, talked him down from $180, couldn't believe he went that low. Next is 9AH battery and I will be selling my 8in SM mag2000. I will be gas free in 2018 and yes RG it is really boring this time of year ;D
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I don't think its boring ...lil off season maybe ....maybe not ..as these cordless drill units make bigger and better inroads into our sport inquires will become more streamlined as to what cordless drills shine .I have the Dewalt 995/Clam plate/SM 6" lazer that I have used all last season with great results ...my SM 8" chipper never seen the ice last season. My buddy just picked up a Milwaukee 1200 ft/lbs drill so sure he will be using that paired with his SM 6" lazer ...not sure he will go with the Clam Plate ...but I have encouraged him to do so ... that last grab of ice can twist your wrist something fierce .
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You guys need a hobby......like FISHING.
It's nice out....warm water.....cooperative fish....suntan.....coo l beverages.....get busy!
Rg
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Well some of us are killing time at work. I bought the 1200 lb m18 and used it all winter. The most ice thickness we had was about 20" I bought a extra 5.0 ah battery so I had 3 - 5 ah batterys. I really never needed the 3rd battery. Only a couple of times I even needed the 2nd battery towrds the end of the day. And I used a 8" K-drill absolutely no need for a adapter plate. Just need the drill and side handle that it comes with. I believe I figured out I could drill through about 400 inches of ice on one 5 ah lithium battery with the m18 2704-20 and 8" k-Drill. My son in law was so impressed with this set up he also bought the same thing.
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If you're working...what are you doing "killing time" talking about ice fishing?
Just saying :-\
Rg
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You got to be kidding I bet 90% of people who post on here are at work, specially during ice season. There is such thing at work as break time and lunch.
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Well I'm busted now ;D what's better than killing a few hours on the shanty. My story of how impressed I was with these drills was this last winter, we were 20 miles in the high country and had a ton of snow fall this last year. When we got to the lake everyone started drilling holes. Out of eleven of us no one could punch thru. So out came the few extensions that were luckily brought still 3 guys couldn't drill thru with 12in ext. So we were stumped. Decided to put 2-12in ext and 1-6in ext on giving us a 5.5' auger on a milwaukee drill. That thing drilled over 25 holes thru 5ft of ice and snow and kept our trip alive. I was sold. And if I remember right it was the 700lb torque drill to boot. I'll be getting the 8in nils covertible with the 28in fluted ext this October as soon as they hit the Web
Here's a pic of the epic auger set up for that trip
(http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee399/muskyon46/20170304_113831.jpg) (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/muskyon46/media/20170304_113831.jpg.html)
And the full story for those bored at work most pics are on the 4th page. Lol
http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=340278.0 (http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=340278.0)
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Check out the K-drill before buying the Nils.
I have a couple Nils, but they get used only when I feel like getting a little (very little) exercise out on the ice.
The K-drill is very lightweight, and cuts very aggressively!
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If the k drill was cheaper I would try one. I believe the drills are a half in. Off from what they say.
8 =7.5
6 =5.5
Kinda silly
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i purchased the Milwaukee 2702-20 M18 ½" Compact Brushless Hammer last February to run a 6" auger under a clam plate. It was the apple of my eye due to the 1200 lbs of torque. I am hoping to be able to increase to 8" for the upcoming season.
The 2702 is brushless but only has 500in/lb of torque. 2703 is the non hammer version of the 2704 which both have 1200in/lb of torque
Is there a difference between the 2702 and the 2704 that i didn't consider?
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It also annoys me that the K-drill 8" is actually 7.5". I got one of those One Shot skimmers and it's 8", so I wouldn't be able to use it anymore. Besides, I want my 8" auger to be....8".
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i see just about everyone is upgrading. What is the problem with M-18 fuel #2703-22?
. I think that’s the model I have 750 in pounds, don’t quote me on that, I have a 6” lazer and have never had any problems with it. Sure 1200”# would be better but nothing wrong with it. If I buy another I might opt for the bigger drill
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The batteries are the most expensive part of any cordless tool. The bare tool can usually be had for $100 or so. Keep the old one as a spare.
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It also annoys me that the K-drill 8" is actually 7.5". I got one of those One Shot skimmers and it's 8", so I wouldn't be able to use it anymore. Besides, I want my 8" auger to be....8".
I put my 10” and 8” skimmers on a wood lathe and took off about 1/4” of the diameter and they work great again. I agree that it is frustrating to not get the correct measurements claimed. Must be built by white guys or fisherman who tend to exaggerate sizes.
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I am going to go with the 18 Fuel, 2703 or 4. Need to decide which bit to go with.
Thinking 7" or 8", maybe Lazer?
Go with the hammer drill....not for the hammer option, but because it is built a bit heavier. Then go with the 8in.......reason is 6in & 8in replacement blades are abundant about anywhere ice gear is sold.....4.5, 5, 7, and 9in blades are a little harder to come by. With a lazer if the blades go dull on a trip or get damaged......the 8in blades should be easy to find.
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Go with the hammer drill....not for the hammer option, but because it is built a bit heavier. Then go with the 8in.......reason is 6in & 8in replacement blades are abundant about anywhere ice gear is sold.....4.5, 5, 7, and 9in blades are a little harder to come by. With a lazer if the blades go dull on a trip or get damaged......the 8in blades should be easy to find.
Good point on the blades. I have a 7 inch strike master and luckily have never had that problem.
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Good point on the blades. I have a 7 inch strike master and luckily have never had that problem.
Well when your cutting all those holes with the super Hawg and 10in nils why would you ever dull the 7in strikemaster.....lol
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Easy problem to overcome ----- carry a spare set blades. ;)2
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2704-20 is the model everyone is using? Can pick this model up with no battery for $100 new or $70 slightly used. Same guy is selling new 5.0 xc batteries for $60. Some sites I’ve looked at say brushless and others don’t say anything.
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2704-20 is the model everyone is using? Can pick this model up with no battery for $100 new or $70 slightly used. Same guy is selling new 5.0 xc batteries for $60. Some sites I’ve looked at say brushless and others don’t say anything.
Either 2704 or 2703. But yeah that sounds about right price-wise.
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2704-20 is the hammer drill driver option, also could go with 2703-20, which is just the drill/driver option. Both would have 1200 in lb torque. You would also have to consider getting a charger in your pricing if you don't have one. There were kits being sold in the $200-225 range that came with 2 5a batteries, charger, and a case. Just some options to consider.
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Easy problem to overcome ----- carry a spare set blades. ;)2
True......however that is something a person could easily forget to bring on a trip. Hence why I try to get/buy items where parts, service, and supply of an item are abundant. Demand/supply usually will dictate the cost of items and service......larger supply/demand means cheap easier abundant service & product.
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2704-20 is the hammer drill driver option, also could go with 2703-20, which is just the drill/driver option. Both would have 1200 in lb torque. You would also have to consider getting a charger in your pricing if you don't have one. There were kits being sold in the $200-225 range that came with 2 5a batteries, charger, and a case. Just some options to consider.
Thanks for the info. I’ve got the charger covered already so no need there. I’m going to see what his version of “slightly used” is and go from there. He just messaged me and told me he’s got 9a batteries for $100. $170 seems like a pretty good deal for that package. Even $200 with the new drill seems good too!
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I have been using Milwaukee 2604 for two seasons now and love it! I use 8 inch Mora and 8 inch Lazer. Started out with 2 5amp/hr batteries and upgraded to 9amp/hr last season. I have never ran out of power and usually drill around 20-30 holes per outing with ice being anywhere between 6 to 24 inches thick. Just ordered 2704 (tool only) for $134 on Amazon. I am considering trying 10 inch auger on it for big lakers in Wyoming. So happy I made the switch! Never going back to gas!
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He just messaged me and told me he’s got 9a batteries for $100.
Make sure those are OEM batteries - not "knock-offs". Don't think the knock-offs have the same performance - especially cold weather.
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Make sure those are OEM batteries - not "knock-offs". Don't think the knock-offs have the same performance - especially cold weather.
What's a tell-tale sign of a knock-off?
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well, if it says MilRaukee, that may be a clue its a chinese knockoff. sorry couldn,t help myself. wire
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well, if it says MilRaukee, that may be a clue its a chinese knockoff. sorry couldn,t help myself. wire
😂😂 got quite the chuckle out of that. All i could think about was my sons Scooby shows!
The batteries are authentic and new in the packaging. He’s a retired gentleman and sells tools to make some extra cash. Not sure where he gets the tools, but also don’t really care lol.
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That theres funny🤣
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So I used a friend's Dewalt with a 6" Mora last year and was blown away. Decided to buy an adapter and try out my 8" Lazer with the Milwaukee hammer drill I already have. Worked well but the drill is a 2602 with only 525lbs of torque and 3ah batteries. It cut very well but I could only get about 8 holes on a battery (20" or so of ice). This year I found a Milwaukee 2705 at Fleet Farm (1200lbs) on clearance for 139.99 minus the 10$ off coupon I had and then got back another 14$ in "Mills Money". I bought it. I was hoping I could run the setup without having to buy new/more batteries. 2705 drill, ice master adapter, 3ah batteries, and 6" auger. I'm hoping the 6" auger will alleviate some stress on the battery but am looking for opinions on whether carrying the two 3ah batteries will be enough or bite the bullet and get a bigger battery.
Man I love this site!
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Will run on those batteries, but will run better on a 5ah battery, more holes and even a 9ah is better , although more expensive
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So I used a friend's Dewalt with a 6" Mora last year and was blown away. Decided to buy an adapter and try out my 8" Lazer with the Milwaukee hammer drill I already have. Worked well but the drill is a 2602 with only 525lbs of torque and 3ah batteries. It cut very well but I could only get about 8 holes on a battery (20" or so of ice). This year I found a Milwaukee 2705 at Fleet Farm (1200lbs) on clearance for 139.99 minus the 10$ off coupon I had and then got back another 14$ in "Mills Money". I bought it. I was hoping I could run the setup without having to buy new/more batteries. 2705 drill, ice master adapter, 3ah batteries, and 6" auger. I'm hoping the 6" auger will alleviate some stress on the battery but am looking for opinions on whether carrying the two 3ah batteries will be enough or bite the bullet and get a bigger battery.
Man I love this site!
I have the 4ah batteries and they work fine.....I did up my game this year and got a 9ah battery......try the 3ah you might be fine.