Mini-Milwaukee Rant - bad batteries common?

[joseywales]

I have the M12 line and couldn't be happier. I grabbed an 18V saw a year ago. It came with 2 batteries. I also bought the two battery set, with charger.

Today, HD delivered my 18V 1/2" impact. I go to charge the two batteries from the saw, brand new, never used, both are defective. I switched the charger, nada. I then ripped open the battery/charger combo I bought a year ago, and bahm, that battery is charging. Seriously, WTH... Those batteries are freaking huge, because I bought them for the saw. Probably couldn't lift the impact with those dang batteries!

Will HD swap out these bad batteries? I still have the wrappers and I bet if I dig enough, I'll find the receipt for the saw. Or do I have to work with Milwaukee and wait a week to test my impact?

 

[magicrat]

Home Depot will probably want a receipt. The batteries are date stamped in Milwaukee will warranty them although It may take a week. I have personally never had a problem with any Milwaukee battery. But if you make 1 million of anything I’m sure you’ll get a few lemons

 

[joseywales]

Yep. Anything man made can fail and I just needed to vent. Two right out of the box on a Sunday night, when I'm trying to get things in order. Been a long weekend.

 

[Rinspeed]

I've had this happen a couple times and the batteries are not bad at all. For some reason it's just a matter of getting them to the right dis-charge percentage before the first charge.

 

[joseywales]

I've had this happen a couple times and the batteries are not bad at all. For some reason it's just a matter of getting them to the right dis-charge percentage before the first charge.

Hmm... I tried running the one battery and it wouldn't give anything to the impact.

 

[Odd-job]

Sometimes they are over discharged. Keep a regular charger around in case the rapid charger doesn’t charge. have individually charged cells on an out of balance pack, but at that point might as well return the batteries if you can.

 

[joseywales]

Sometimes they are over discharged. Keep a regular charger around in case the rapid charger doesn’t charge. have individually charged cells on an out of balance pack, but at that point might as well return the batteries if you can.

Makes sense. Both my chargers are dual 12V / 18V and neither are rapid chargers. We've been cleaning out my in-laws and trying to work on our house as well. I think I tossed all my HD receipts, as these are at least a year old. I'll call Milwaukee tomorrow and check the date codes. Worst part is, I prefer the smaller batteries, due to the handling. I only bought the larger batteries for the saw. Ugh..

 

[dnschmidt]

It happens. I've had two 12 A-hr M18 fail and four M12 6.0 A-hr fail along with 3 9.0 A-hr fail (these are the absolute worse ever, never buy the 9.0 batteries as they ****). In each case Milwaukee took care of it without complaint but it did take two weeks for the batteries to get to them in Mississippi and return the new batteries to me.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I have had only one failure, at xc6.0 m12 with a smashed and taped together case finally stopped charging after about 5 years. I cant be upset with that honestly.

I did have a 1.3?, whatever the baby size is, battery stop charging at one point. But I was able to wake it up again just attempting to charge it twice a day for a week. Now it's back in rotation.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I have had only one failure, at xc6.0 m12 with a smashed and taped together case finally stopped charging after about 5 years. I cant be upset with that honestly.

I did have a 1.3?, whatever the baby size is, battery stop charging at one point. But I was able to wake it up again just attempting to charge it twice a day for a week. Now it's back in rotation.

Mind if I ask the backstory on the 6.0?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Mind if I ask the backstory on the 6.0?

It was a daily use battery that was dropped a hundred times from 3' onto concrete, usually battery first. Finally the case cracked open in a corner, had a 3/8 hole or so and cracks all over. I bandaged it up in multiple layers of electrical tape, continued dropping it for another year or 18months, and one day it decided enough was enough.


Lasted just under 5 years. People told me to try and warranty it, but that wasnt right IMO. Just felt slimy to even try based on how it was treated.

 

[Ign]

On virgin M18s you often have to pop the cherry and really shove them on the charger. You'll actually hear something pop. Not kidding.

Or at least that's been my experience. YMMV

 

[NUTTSGT]

Makes sense. Both my chargers are dual 12V / 18V and neither are rapid chargers. We've been cleaning out my in-laws and trying to work on our house as well. I think I tossed all my HD receipts, as these are at least a year old. I'll call Milwaukee tomorrow and check the date codes. Worst part is, I prefer the smaller batteries, due to the handling. I only bought the larger batteries for the saw. Ugh..

If you haven't called them yet, take a few pictures with the packaging if you still have it, a picture of the batteries showing their like new condition and of the individual date codes.

Load them up on the PC and attach them to an prepared email. Put "M18 battery issue" in the subject along with your name and contact information in the content.

When you are talking to the Rep on the phone, let them know you have pictures ready to email and just need an email address to send them.

Most Reps will be happy to see the pictures and include them with the warranty claim.

 

[joseywales]

You folks aren’t understanding the real issue here. My tool box, fishing closet, RC cabinet, etc., were filled under the motto: “Two is one, one is none.”
Having two new batteries fail means, my wife is right. Two of everything doesn't solve a problem. Ever lived with a wife when she’s proven right!!!

 

[Odd-job]

If you feel like trouble shooting you can also check the battery voltage by taking a multimeter on the two outside slots. I think below 18v's they refuse to take a charge and at some point the charger doesn't even recognize it has a battery on it.

Would give Milwaukee another shot. Have 20 plus batteries and only have issues with the 9.0s and the aftermarket ones I should have never bought in the first place.

 

[NUTTSGT]

You folks aren’t understanding the real issue here. My tool box, fishing closet, RC cabinet, etc., were filled under the motto: “Two is one, one is none.”
Having two new batteries fail means, my wife is right. Two of everything doesn't solve a problem. Ever lived with a wife when she’s proven right!!!

When Milwaukee replaces them, you one up her again with "why you spend money on good tools rather than cheap ones. They stood behind their product."

 

[sparky 1971]

I didn't read all the posts so this may have already been touched on. My 8.0 and 9.0 batteries won't charge on a standard charger. It gives the flash for a defective battery pack. A rapid charger works fine though. 3, 4, and 5.0 packs have no issues on the old school charger and I don't have any 6.0 or 12.0's

 

[Kscardsfan]

All you bastards who’ve been married a while need to keep sharing your knowledge. This is important **** for us younger, less experienced guys.

 

[PelicanPines]

I have had a few Milwaukee batteries up and die. One was still "In Date"... and I have a local Milwaukee Repair shop that's also an Electrical supply house. They swapped them for new. The OLD batteries that die... I take them to Batteries Plus and my guy rebuilds them... better than before. I get 50-60% longer run time from his stuff.

Dewalt batteries are a different story in my house... they die from lack of voltage and need to be jump started to start the charger. Pain in the ***. I'm always afraid I'm gonna blow up my workbench. I also have had OLD Dewalts repacked by my Batteries Plus guy but not with the same results... Meh.

 

[plc268]

I had two M12 6.0 batteries die suddenly at the same time. Just outside the warranty date.

Turns out they both had a bad cell.

 

[Iron Beaver]

The Makita life is good I think you can even get adapters to run your Milwaukee tools on Makita batteries

 

[dnschmidt]

The M12 6.0 are the ONLY M12 batteries I've had that have gone bad. 4.0 3.0 and the little ones I've had no problems with.

 

[Rinspeed]

Hmm... I tried running the one battery and it wouldn't give anything to the impact.

When it happened to me a couple times I simply used another charger and they were fine after that. I would take them to HD and explain the situation, maybe they can get them started charging on a display charger. Like I said there is nothing wrong with the batteries they have just sat too long to get the particular charger you have to fire up the charging sequence.

 

[sparky 1971]

Do you happen to know anyone that has a rapid charger you could try? Or, just go buy one, it's money well spent and I think I have four of them. If the batteries you described as "huge" are 8, 9, or 12.0, they might not be willing to work with the standard charger. See post #17.

 

[speed bump]

We have about 30 M18 (4-12 ahr) batteries in circulation at work and probably warranty 2-3 a quarter because they no longer charge

 

[Dagny]

I have around 35 batteries one 9ah two dozen 5s an the rest m12s. They are incredible I have very little trouble with them. I heard they can tell how many times you had them on the charger.

 

[joseywales]

Thanks everyone. I emailed Milwaukee and I'm sure they'll make good. I was avoiding the cost of a rapid charger because I have my anxiety under control. Seriously, do I REALLY need the tool NOW? In my younger days, I splurged, but I try to be more realistic. If the battery is dead, have a few beers, the task can wait.

I did try it on another charger, heck I think I have even a third charger I could try, but they seem dead.

I love the Milwaukee tools I have, but without starting a brand war, I've never had an issue with the large RYOBI ecosystem I have. I wanted to buy all Milwaukee, or higher end, but the RYOBI system had more unique tools that I was looking for and these weren't for professional use. I couldn't resist the M12 for various tools and love them. I realize these things happen.

 

[Ign]

The M12 6.0 are the ONLY M12 batteries I've had that have gone bad. 4.0 3.0 and the little ones I've had no problems with.

My M12 6.0 XCs have been bulletproof but I had a rash of 3.0 compact failures. We run them everyday in the winter in our heated gear (my wife works outside everyday caring for 50 to 70 canines on 40 acres, in Colo).

Milwaukee took care of each one, so it was just the inconvenience of printing a label and boxing them up.

 

[joseywales]

I did test the batteries, and both are sitting at just under 2 volts. To be sure, I tested another and it's 18.1V.

 

[johnu]

Knock on wood my 6 Milwaukee batteries are all fine originals 3-6yrs old.
I accidentally bought 2 clones off EBay. They were both **** for run time vs the equal amp OEM. One was bad out of the package and was replaced by the seller. You had to fight with them to recharge. I happily tossed them.

 

[Odd-job]

I did test the batteries, and both are sitting at just under 2 volts. To be sure, I tested another and it's 18.1V.

That’s pretty dead and probably can’t be revived. The last time I saw one that low was using it for unintended purposes, ie powering a power wheels where the shifter shorted the pack.

 

[Rinspeed]

I accidentally bought 2 clones off EBay. They were both **** for run time vs the equal amp OEM.

I bought two Chinese made 14.4 off Ebay and they actually held up pretty well for close to two years, I was pretty shocked they did so well and they were only $25 a pop. It's such a gamble though I know. I've been buying Chinese batteries for the bikes and wheelers from Battery Sharks and have done very well with them with them lasting at least two years on average. Not bad for a $30 battery.

 

[isb cornbinder]

In this area there has been counterfeit power tool batteries for sale. The batteries look very much like the originals, but the service life is often reduced to as little as a few hours. These batteries are not offered for sale at authorized retailers. I have been told the labels often have spelling mistakes and errors.
I have only MILWAUKEE and I buy only at RAIDER HANSEN, an authorized Milwaukee reseller.

 

[joseywales]

Sent batteries in. Warranty denied. Been on hold for 20 minutes. Have to jump off and will call back. Pretty disappointing at these prices. Brand new batteries, never charged.

 

[joseywales]

My frustration exists on several levels:

- any battery over 2 years, you absolutely need proof of purchase. Well, I entered the serial #, and they knew there was no POP before I sent them in. Now they have my batteries, so I'm screwed.
- I do show that i have a purchase for $279 and change from HD, in 2020 and I believe that was the combo, with these batteries. But it's CC statement only, so unless HD can provide a receipt for that transaction, I'm SOL. I'll try that.

Both batts tested at 2V. Is it worth the $11 to have them sent back to me and I see if I can shock them back to life?

 

[purplezr2]

If you are buying tools, sign up for the email receipt. Makes it easy to find receipts. I had to send in a 18gauge nailer when the nail holder broke. Same with an impact that broke an anvil.

 

[M635_Guy]

I always tell them they were gifts and I have no receipt. Milwaukee looked up by SN and honor the warranty from mfg. date.

I've only had to do that once. I don't think battery failures are common, though it wouldn't surprise me if bad batteries are up a bit in the current madness.

 

[ChevyEFI]

- I do show that i have a purchase for $279 and change from HD, in 2020 and I believe that was the combo, with these batteries. But it's CC statement only, so unless HD can provide a receipt for that transaction, I'm SOL. I'll try that.

Both batts tested at 2V. Is it worth the $11 to have them sent back to me and I see if I can shock them back to life?

Dad managed to get a duplicate receipt from HD corporate for a cordless tool I got him. I had the amount, store, date on my CC statement. They emailed him a terminal screen capture with item numbers, prices, and full receipt data.

Don't give up.

 

[joseywales]

Thanks guys. I’m not much of a quitter, but my irritation rises with every step. Perhaps a picture of my extensive Ryobi collection, direct beside my newer, and growing, collection of Milwaukee tools mind send right message. I’m happy with their tools, but I buy into companies and how they support me, not just the product.

I’ll see if HD can find the receipt.

I’ve rarely needed receipts this old and my Outlook inbox was full, so I deleted aging emails. Literally just tossed paper receipts weeks ago, as i was tripping over ****, while bringing in tools my FIL was giving me. Good problem I guess!

 

[toyotadriver]

I believe Techtronic owns both Ryobi and Milwaukee so you probably won't impress them if you tell them you are switching over.

I haven't had any issues with my Milwaukee batteries and have also had mostly good luck with my aftermarket Milwaukee batteries.