Milwaukee Tools

Have an upcoming job in a few weeks where I need to install cedar shakes/shingles on one 40'x8' side wall section of an old barn. It's all ladder work. I'll probably set up two with brackets and a plank. Don't want to hand nail or buy a compressor and siding gun for this one job. After some research, I decided to give the M18 1/4" narrow crown stapler a go (with stainless steel 1.5" staples). They should hold really well going onto the old thick barn boards versus modern 1/2" sheathing.

Just ordered it from HD and there was a buy more/save more deal. That stapler alone is $299. Got that and another M18 Fuel Impact Driver for $359.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...apler-Impact-Driver-2749-20-2953-20/333069788

 

I have a M18 portable vac. It's one of my favorite Milwaukee tools. More than enough for most vacuuming jobs. Heavy dust it struggles with, and it will suck down batteries pretty quick. For reference, I can vacuum my entire Double Cab on a single battery, but not much after that. I very rarely pull my shop vac out anymore.

 

I have the m18 fuel pack out. I like it a lot.

 

I have both. They have about the same “flow”. Same diameter hose too. M18 lasts longer, and is bigger. Only real difference in use. Neither replace a real shop vac

 

Thanks everyone for the vacuum info!

 

I have the M18 packout vacuum, and it's really nice for cleaning up small areas. I use it pretty regularly at work.

The filter gets clogged pretty easily if you're sucking up concrete or drywall dust. You can bang it out in a dumpster and it's pretty much as good as new.

I had the older M18 vacuum before, and my favorite thing about the packout vacuum is how much quieter it is. I often do service work, and it's nice to be able to clean up without making a huge ruckus.

 

The M12 and the M18 Packout versions accept fleece bags. These keep the filler from getting clogged and keep it looking new. My M12 filter still looks new after 3+ years. Highly recommend.

https://www.acmetools.com/milwaukee-fleece-dust-bags-3-pack-49-90-2016/045242568130.html

 

Looks like I'll be returning my m18 vac. Went to use it at work on Friday and nothing zero power with a fully charged battery. Kinda bummer I only used it twice.

 

Damn, that sucks!

Are you going to exchange it? I've had no issues with either of mine.

 

Did you try a different battery?

 

I did. I actually tried 2 different batteries. I'll just have to return it. I bought the warranty for it so I'll be OK.

 

They won’t unless you’re doing a wall. Especially in any place with any type of wind zone or snow load.

I’ve rebuilted my barn twice. The original roof on our house was crown stapled too. It was just straight annoying to have to pull all 130,000 staples up prior to reroof deck inspection. That was on a composite roof, but as far as the shakes, they just ripped off year after year with staples. Especially up on the ridge where they didn’t get enough bite into the decking.

Roofing nail, stainless ring shanks are the way to go for shakes. Coupled with a good underlayment system. Imo

 

I'm doing a wall.

I see I wasn't clear about that.

 

Here is the "bible" for shingle and shake installation:

https://www.cedarbureau.org/installation/sidewall-installation-manual/

It looks like you need to use a medium or wide crown staple - not narrow crown:

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.cedarbureau.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/page-07-Sidewall-Fastener-Guidelines.pdf

 

I have seen that. And have talked to some contractors who use 1/4" on homes along the ocean here with success. I'll be using eastern white Cedar as that's quite common here.

 

Recondition tool sale at Acme:

https://www.acmetools.com/milwaukee/all/?cgid=root&pmid=25a231_acme_15off&srule=best-matches

 

Welp although I have like all dewalt, joined the team finally. 18v line trimmer, My understanding that dewalt is ass.. how’s this one?? Excited to give a try, lawn should be looking like Augusta in no time

 

Love it. I have a 3/4 acre lot and I can do my yard 3X on one 8.0 battery before needing a recharge. I run it on the lower speed.

 

Oh that’s awesome!! New in 18v game and don’t have a stock of batteries yet so that’s good to hear.. thanks for the feedback