Milwaukee tools

turbo392

Active VIP Member
Joined
Sep 27, 2013
Messages
571
Reaction score
1,159
Location
Cochrane, Alberta
I’d stay away from using M12 batteries unless you need something handheld and lightweight. The M12 batteries do not have any balancing circuitry in them like the BMS in the M18 batteries. I’ve had a lot of the M12 batteries ‘fail’ and they need to be disassembled for proper manual recharging. The battery shuts off with the lowest voltage cell pair while in use and stops charging with the highest voltage cell pair. Eventually the highest and lowest cell voltages drift apart making the battery pack unusable. (red / green blink)
 

smokinD

Active VIP Member
Joined
Jun 1, 2011
Messages
4,251
Reaction score
18,924
Location
Freedom, Ab
I’d stay away from using M12 batteries unless you need something handheld and lightweight. The M12 batteries do not have any balancing circuitry in them like the BMS in the M18 batteries. I’ve had a lot of the M12 batteries ‘fail’ and they need to be disassembled for proper manual recharging. The battery shuts off with the lowest voltage cell pair while in use and stops charging with the highest voltage cell pair. Eventually the highest and lowest cell voltages drift apart making the battery pack unusable. (red / green blink)
Interesting comment, after further research seems you are correct and it would seem that the BMS also only works when charging and quite possibly some of the tools might have it in the tool itself. From what i found out it really comes down to balancing M12 batterie's and not leaving them on chargers or using rapid chargers on them very much unless you are going to use it right away. I am somewhat of a DIY;r and really don't run high demand around home stuff, and must say i like the M12 tools for versatility and lightness. I will use my M18 stuff for more demanding projects though, ie (impact, circ saw, drill etc..) i especially like the heated hoodie though in these cool fall days but must say they can eat a batt fast especially M12. Cycling these M12 batts seems to be the regime from what i am reading and luckily if 1 goes down within warranty time i will have it replaced. HDD would require better voltage batt's for sure, i know a few fella's who only use M12 batt in certain trade area's and others in more rigid work area's of the same trade use M18 and seem to have good luck all around.
 

turbo392

Active VIP Member
Joined
Sep 27, 2013
Messages
571
Reaction score
1,159
Location
Cochrane, Alberta
When the M12 do eventually fail, you can use a hobby lithium balancing charger on them to bring them back to full health. Unfortunately you need to disassemble the shell and clip leads onto the lower solder connections and not just the terminals visible outside the case.
 

smokinD

Active VIP Member
Joined
Jun 1, 2011
Messages
4,251
Reaction score
18,924
Location
Freedom, Ab
I must say the M12 cut off saw I got is amazing in versatility use. That little dam thing is easy/light to work with along with cutting capability. Cuts fast and you can cut designs if you need to. Well worth that investment.👌
 

Bnorth

Active VIP Member
Joined
Dec 18, 2010
Messages
10,714
Reaction score
20,623
Location
Salmon Arm
Was pouring footings last week for the new hot tub deck and had to bust out the M12 rocket light to finish the job after dark, love that thing!
 

lilduke

Active VIP Member
Joined
Sep 15, 2009
Messages
19,134
Reaction score
67,986
Location
Local
Everybody's favorite tool in action this morning. The milwaukee tower of power.

And remington 60,000 btu forced air heater from crappy tire with the honorable mention.

Doin some pouring too


20241023_061930.jpg
 
Last edited:

lilduke

Active VIP Member
Joined
Sep 15, 2009
Messages
19,134
Reaction score
67,986
Location
Local
Battery ran out, but didnt know the concrete guy was going to take till 10.


On a side note these big 9amp or 12 amp batteries are kinda scary when they are charging.

Its like a mini nuke sitting there. Humming away
 
Top Bottom