M18 Top Off

[2ndGearRubber]

Looking for a gift for my parents who "need" nothing. I bought an M18 weed-wacker, so he is bought into the platform. I'm thinking about getting it for them as a power-outage tool for phone charging and other small electronics.

For the AC output, it says 170 watts. W=V x A, so for 170 watts, the thing can only produce 1.4 amps of current? Maybe they could watch cable with the power out, if they power the TV and cable box?


Anyone have input or feedback on these? For $100 it seems like a nice thing to have.

 

[Two Door]

I have no experience with the Top Off, but what about getting them the M18 portable fan? The size makes it pretty handy for a variety of uses - drying things, clearing fumes, and yes, for when the power goes out.

 

[trackwelder]

I just ordered one from northern tool. Should come in handy for charging phones, tablets etc

 

[Muttly]

If you're just charging a phone or tablet the cheaper power source works well. It will also work with the 12 volt heated jackets.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...s-Power-Source-Tool-Only-49-24-2371/203461325

 

[mike93lx]

When the power is out, you likely aren't watching cable as the cable company's equipment is probably down too.

170 watts is enough to charge stuff for sure, but you can do that more effectively by skipping an ac inverter and getting a m18 to usb adapter. Or even simpler, just get a power bank. They are much more portable than that setup too

 

[DieselSaves]

I bought one last Christmas. I was hoping it would run a cpap machine for camping. It will run one but a 12 ah battery was only good for four hours.

I was able to run a 1/10 hp pump in a wood fired hydronic system to keep a boiler from over heating during a brief outage. A 9.0 ah battery was good for half an hour or so.

They are great for USB charging, other than that they will only run convenience electronics, TVs, etc. for a meaningful length of time.

 

[Odd-job]

Definitely enjoy having one, but they have their limitations as with anything. My work laptop running off the inverter will blow through a 9.0 in an hour. Running the inverter eats up some of the battery and the USB C doesn't have enough output to charge the laptop while its on. Was slightly disappointed when I first got it to be honest.

Its better suited for recharging flashlights, running a small fan, water flosser while camping, etc. For reference charging an ipad will eat about 1/3 of a 9.0. For heavy usage you definitely would need a big pile of batteries.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

My parents would use it for charging basic electronics like phones and laptops. Usually their outages are less than 2 hours total.

I ordered one, we shall see if it works well.

 

[Jlarson]

I find the lanterns better power outage tools, light plus a USB port to charge a phone.

 

[Bacon!]

I'd skip that idea, (or just go with a 5V USB power bank/lantern-USB as others have already mentioned, and if they have enough power outages/duration to bother going larger, consider getting them a gas generator instead.

 

[Odd-job]

My parents would use it for charging basic electronics like phones and laptops. Usually their outages are less than 2 hours total.

I ordered one, we shall see if it works well.

Sounds like an appropriate use case for it. Hopefully will make the power outages a little more enjoyable for your parents.