Milwaukee M18 Cell Phone Charger (aka - Power Source)

[woodstockva]

Hey everybody

I just put together a review for one of the Milwaukee tools that I use on literally a daily basis....7 days/week. It is the M18 Power Source, which is designed to have two functions :

#1 - Power supply for the M12 heated gear, using M18 batteries.

#2 - USB power pack.

I think initially the USB port was just added on as an extra feature, so people could charge their phones while wearing the heated jackets, but I honestly think that it is by far the most useful aspect of the Power Source. With a 4.0XC battery pack, I can easily fully recharge my iPhone 5S about 3-4 times between charges. It puts out 2.1amps of power, and will charge the phone literally twice as fast as a cigarette outlet adapter.

I like it so much, I never even use a wall plug or car charger anymore. For over the last 3 months I have solely used the M18 Power Source to charge my phone everyday & have not had one issue ever.

These things cost about $30, and if you are already in the M18 lineup...it is a great add-on accessory that you will get a lot of use out of.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rg3UbWnYEk4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Ign]

Both the lanterns, the Bluetooth radio, and what else has the high output USB now? I don't know if the M12 heated gear is also rated at 2.1A?

I charge my phone in the shop primarily w the big radio.

 

[PJNJ]

I just bought this m12 lantern and it has the USB charger port -

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...LED-Lantern-2362-20/205410811?N=5yc1vZc24wZzv

 

[kctyphoon]

i was actually thinking of creating a thread about the m18 power source. it really is so usefull its been one of the best purchases ive made. i use it for my milwaukee jacket, but this has to be among the best emergency prepardeness items ive bought recently. with the giant snow storm we were suppose to have here the other night, i had every m18, m12, and dewalt 12v battery charged, in case of a power outage. i have all 3 power sources, and they give me the ability to charge my phone, ipad - whatever - and still have 2 other sets to give to family in case of an extended outage.. with the 4.0 m18 battery, it kept my ipad at 100% almost all day with moderate use. i also really like that there is an on/off switch on the m18 power source, because neither of the others have one.

ive also ordered the m18 car adapter for the heated gear ($30) off ebay. aside from being able to use the 12v plug on the car - you can also unplug the car adapter end, which will turn it into an extension cord to use between the m18 power source and jaket.. this is a great item to have especially with the 4.0 packs.. it allows you to sit the battery and power source down next to you, and plug in, without having to carry the weight around.. the 4.0 packs should give you about 8 hrs of heat on high - which is a great thing to have if you operate heavy equipment that dont have heat.. i just spent 20 hours inside an old horrible front end loader doing snow removal, and i was kicking myself for not ordering the plug a week sooner ( still waiting for it)

 

[Strouty]

I have had one of those for two years, I also have the M12 one that has USB and 12 volt outlet. I like both of them, but I rarely use them. I am always forgetting that I have them.

 

[Petey156]

I love my m18 power source

 

[woodstockva]

Both the lanterns, the Bluetooth radio, and what else has the high output USB now? I don't know if the M12 heated gear is also rated at 2.1A?

I charge my phone in the shop primarily w the big radio.

As far as I know.....

M18 Radio/Charger
M18 Power Source
M12 Power Source
M18 Lantern
M12 Lantern
M12 Bluetooth Speaker

The M18 power source is the only one with a physical on/off switch that will leave the power on. The lanterns & the M12 power source have a 2 hour timer. The M18 radio will only charge when the radio is on (you can turn the volume to zero, but it still has to be on). The M12 bluetooth must also be turned on to charge.

I just bought this m12 lantern and it has the USB charger port -

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...LED-Lantern-2362-20/205410811?N=5yc1vZc24wZzv

Nice! I use mine a lot for extra light when shooting videos

i was actually thinking of creating a thread about the m18 power source. it really is so usefull its been one of the best purchases ive made. i use it for my milwaukee jacket, but this has to be among the best emergency prepardeness items ive bought recently. with the giant snow storm we were suppose to have here the other night, i had every m18, m12, and dewalt 12v battery charged, in case of a power outage. i have all 3 power sources, and they give me the ability to charge my phone, ipad - whatever - and still have 2 other sets to give to family in case of an extended outage.. with the 4.0 m18 battery, it kept my ipad at 100% almost all day with moderate use. i also really like that there is an on/off switch on the m18 power source, because neither of the others have one.

ive also ordered the m18 car adapter for the heated gear ($30) off ebay. aside from being able to use the 12v plug on the car - you can also unplug the car adapter end, which will turn it into an extension cord to use between the m18 power source and jaket.. this is a great item to have especially with the 4.0 packs.. it allows you to sit the battery and power source down next to you, and plug in, without having to carry the weight around.. the 4.0 packs should give you about 8 hrs of heat on high - which is a great thing to have if you operate heavy equipment that dont have heat.. i just spent 20 hours inside an old horrible front end loader doing snow removal, and i was kicking myself for not ordering the plug a week sooner ( still waiting for it)

Absolutely.....this is one of the best things you can have around in a power outage.....who wants to waste gas in their car or generator to just charge cell phones.....we all have a bunch of batteries!

I have had one of those for two years, I also have the M12 one that has USB and 12 volt outlet. I like both of them, but I rarely use them. I am always forgetting that I have them.

I think the older M18 versions only had 0.5amp USB output.....the new ones have 2.1amp USB.....not sure if yours was before or after the switch.

I love my m18 power source

 

[ADSR]

I bought mine about 9 months ago and it let me charge two phones when the power was out. I keep all my batteries charged up and can see this very handy for power outages or if an earthquake ever hits. lol!

 

[chrisexv6]

I bought mine about 9 months ago and it let me charge two phones when the power was out. I keep all my batteries charged up and can see this very handy for power outages or if an earthquake ever hits. lol!

Don't forget the zombie apocalypse

 

[Strouty]

I think the older M18 versions only had 0.5amp USB output.....the new ones have 2.1amp USB.....not sure if yours was before or after the switch.

That is good to know. I will check for sure.

 

[rlitman]

I think the older M18 versions only had 0.5amp USB output.....the new ones have 2.1amp USB.....not sure if yours was before or after the switch.

I read about this. The first generation of M18 power sources had 1.0A USB output. They were also known to fail quickly (well within the warranty period), and AFAIK, they're no longer sold.

I bought mine in October, and it was 2.1A, as I believe that everything currently being sold is.

 

[cagullett1]

Nice! I use mine a lot for extra light when shooting videos

Which do you find handier for everyday use, the M12 or M18 lantern?

 

[si_jeff]

the m12 lantern I think is best for mobility. The m18 lantern is noticeably brighter but also a tad bit bigger.

 

[cagullett1]

the m12 lantern I think is best for mobility. The m18 lantern is noticeably brighter but also a tad bit bigger.

Thanks for the input. I've been trying to decide between the m12 lantern, m18 lantern, and m18 flood light.

 

[rlitman]

I have the M18 floodlight, and love it. It's not a stick light that you can drop between an engine and radiator to look at the underside of a water pump. It's a floodlight, and a darn good one. I can take it into a space, and have more than adequate light without any cords, or worrying about carefully aiming the light.

 

[woodstockva]

I bought mine about 9 months ago and it let me charge two phones when the power was out. I keep all my batteries charged up and can see this very handy for power outages or if an earthquake ever hits. lol!

Good thinking.....they just announced fracking in the National Forest near me, so I guess the earthquakes are going to magically start for any reason other than fracking soon here too....

Don't forget the zombie apocalypse

Braaaaains.....

I read about this. The first generation of M18 power sources had 1.0A USB output. They were also known to fail quickly (well within the warranty period), and AFAIK, they're no longer sold.

I bought mine in October, and it was 2.1A, as I believe that everything currently being sold is.

Oh was it 1.0amp? I thought it was 0.5amp....either way, this is way faster.

That is good to know. I will check for sure.

No problem!

Which do you find handier for everyday use, the M12 or M18 lantern?

I use the M18 more since it is a lot brighter.

the m12 lantern I think is best for mobility. The m18 lantern is noticeably brighter but also a tad bit bigger.

Thanks for the input. I've been trying to decide between the m12 lantern, m18 lantern, and m18 flood light.

I would go with the M18 lantern.....very bright, nice sized, and much bigger battery capacity if you decide to utilize the USB port.

 

[Ign]

Good thinking.....they just announced fracking in the National Forest near me, so I guess the earthquakes are going to magically start for any reason other than fracking soon here too....

Check out Gasland
http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/613/

Just like all documentaries I don't think you have to agree or disagree, it's just one point of view.

 

[cagullett1]

I would go with the M18 lantern.....very bright, nice sized, and much bigger battery capacity if you decide to utilize the USB port.

Have you had a chance to review or check out the floodlight? I didn't see it on your youtube channel, but I wasn't sure if you had looked at it.

Thanks for all of your videos, your channel is my favorite to watch tool reviews on.

 

[mrvm]

I would go with the M18 lantern.....very bright, nice sized, and much bigger battery capacity if you decide to utilize the USB port.

+1......As great as the M12 lineup is I chose to invest more into the M18 lineup ( impact, lights, drills, saws) because I need more torque, brighter lights, and battery endurance. If I need 12V my Bosch stuff still works great. Got the M18 lantern and may consider the M18 floodlight for the versatility and brightness but just wish it was less expensive.

Count me in for the M18 power source for my electronic toys, jacket, etc

Oh and great video, again