Milwaukee M12 Rotary Tool Questions

[Newell33]

Overall I've been very happy with my Milwaukee M12 and M18 tools. The one tool that I continue to struggle with, however, is the M12 rotary tool. Right after I first purchased this tool it would randomly not turn on. When the switch was flipped all four lights would flash. This wasn't a battery issue as the battery worked fine in my other M12 tools. I used Milwaukee's online process and sent it in for evaluation. It worked when I received it back, but it still shuts down and all four lights blink with the slightest amount of pressure. It's to the point where the tool is almost not worth using. I don't use it for heavy die grinder type work. It's mainly used to clean up atv engine fins, or aluminum atv hub crevices with small wire brushes.

Has this been everyone else's experience with this tool, or is it likely that mine is still defective? I can send it back in to Milwaukee again, but I'd like to hear how the tool has worked for others. If everyone has had similar experiences I may have to try another brand.

 

[humpty]

I have the right angle, mine has been fine. It can't take a ton of pressure with the little batteries, but I have not had any issues.

I was doing a bunch of clean up and I had a 1.5 in it and it wasn't super happy, I swapped in a 3.0 and it was fine.

Are you putting a lot of pressure on it?

 

[humpty]

@Newell33 You running the 2486 or the 2460? The die grinder or the Dremel?

 

[uncwstudent]

I bought a used M12 rotary tool and have had no problems with it. I dont use it all of the time, but I was so impressed with it that I got rid of my corded Dremel. Sounds like yours might be defective. Not sure why Milwaukee didnt just replace it.

 

[Newell33]

@humpty It's the 2460. I'm barely putting any pressure on it. I have a corded Dremel tool that I've used for similar tasks in the past and it works great. This thing is pretty useless. Looks like I may have to send it back in.

 

[Odd-job]

Sounds like you have a lemon. Surprised they sent you it back unfixed. Technician must have had a bad day.

 

[Newell33]

To conclude this thread, I used Milwaukee's online service to return the rotary tool. I shipped my defective unit out on 06/16, and received a brand new tool on 06/24/22. The new tool definitely sounds different, and so far doesn't shut down under a load like the old one. I had to laugh as Milwaukee kept me plenty informed with a total of 9 emails throughout the process. I guess a lot of communication is better than no communication. Although I'd rather not have to deal with an issue like this in the first place, I'm happy that the issue was resolved quickly.

 

[FMC1959]

I have the same issue. Unfortunately, I have had this tool for a good 8-10 years. Never happened before and I was using it about a week ago, no issue. 2 days ago I wanted to use it, and nothing, except for the 4 flashing lights. Hasn't worked since. I was hoping someone new if the 4 flashing lights was like a code error.