- The product is easy to use
- The product is durable
- The product is manufactured in China
- RED LITHIUM advantage performance: Up to 40% More Run-Time, 20% More Speed, 20% More Torque
- 3.0 Amp hour - 54 Watt hour battery; Battery fuel gauge displays remaining run-time
- Durability: Operates Down to 0°F, Runs 20% Cooler, Up to 50% More Recharges
- Equivalent run-time with 40% less weight than a "compact" 18V NiCd battery; Lithium-ion battery delivers long life and run time with fade-free power
- Best in class construction, Integrated weld frame, Cell separator, Impact and vibration protective rubber
M18 BATTERY HIGH CAPACITY. Milwaukee RED LITHIUM batteries are the next generation in Lithium-ion technology. Compatible with all products in the M18 Cordless tool system, RED LITHIUM battery packs will provide unmatched runtime, performance and durability for the professional tradesman. Managed by Milwaukee's exclusive Digital Power Management (DPM) System, the battery features Overload Protection, a Temperature Management System, Individual Cell Voltage Monitoring, Discharge Protection and a Battery Fuel Gauge. Overload Protection-Prevents user from damaging their cordless power tool investment in abusive situations. Temperature Management System-Keeps battery in ideal temperature range to provide maximum life. Individual Cell Monitoring-Ensures optimal charge and discharge for maximum life. Discharge Protection-Prevents cell damage from over-discharge.
By Matthew_U
Great battery! I bought this specifically for my job site radio (2790-20), but recently purchased a cordless sawzall and will be using it for the sawzall as well. Additionally, I have two XC batteries that came with my hammer drill (2602-22) and impact driver (2650-22). These batteries last a loooooong time for almost all applications; it seems like each battery will last for several hours doing even mid-level work. So far, the only time that the battery completely drained on me while I was working was when I used my drill to mix concrete (using an attached paddle for mixing concrete in a bucket).
As far as the weight, it's really not that bad and you get used to it quickly. I have used the 18V compact li-on batteries, which are great, but half the amperage; this battery is 2.8 amps and the compact is 1.4. Additionally, if you buy this retail at Home Depot, you're paying $120 + tax versus the $75 here. Totally worth it.
Now comes my critique. I absolutely loooooove Milwaukee, but they really should have taken a lesson from DeWalt: Their Ni-Cad and Li-On batteries are not "backwards compatible" with each other, that is, you HAVE TO USE the respective battery with its respective tool. Even worst, certain tools REQUIRE the XC M18 battery and cannot be powered by the compact M18 (for example, the cordless sawzall [2620-20]). To me, Milwaukee should have made every battery--from Ni-Cad to Li-On, and regardless of XC/compact or voltage--compatible with every tool and charger, but they didn't . . . so yeah. The good thing about purchasing this battery from the get-go is that it can be used on all of Milwaukee's M18 series tool line, whereas the compact M18 cannot.
As for charging, it's pretty reasonable. If it only has one bar left on the fuel gauge, I find that it takes anywhere from 30 to 50 minutes to charge. I called Milwaukee about leaving the battery charging overnight, and they said that it's not an issue with these batteries--a sigh of relief for those of us used to older batteries with "battery memory."
I would highly recommend this battery, but KNOW if the tool you intend to use it on is compatible with it. Again, Milwaukee's Ni-Cad tools are NOT compatible with their Li-On batteries, and vice versa. Know your line of Milwaukee cordless tools before purchasing.
As far as the weight, it's really not that bad and you get used to it quickly. I have used the 18V compact li-on batteries, which are great, but half the amperage; this battery is 2.8 amps and the compact is 1.4. Additionally, if you buy this retail at Home Depot, you're paying $120 + tax versus the $75 here. Totally worth it.
Now comes my critique. I absolutely loooooove Milwaukee, but they really should have taken a lesson from DeWalt: Their Ni-Cad and Li-On batteries are not "backwards compatible" with each other, that is, you HAVE TO USE the respective battery with its respective tool. Even worst, certain tools REQUIRE the XC M18 battery and cannot be powered by the compact M18 (for example, the cordless sawzall [2620-20]). To me, Milwaukee should have made every battery--from Ni-Cad to Li-On, and regardless of XC/compact or voltage--compatible with every tool and charger, but they didn't . . . so yeah. The good thing about purchasing this battery from the get-go is that it can be used on all of Milwaukee's M18 series tool line, whereas the compact M18 cannot.
As for charging, it's pretty reasonable. If it only has one bar left on the fuel gauge, I find that it takes anywhere from 30 to 50 minutes to charge. I called Milwaukee about leaving the battery charging overnight, and they said that it's not an issue with these batteries--a sigh of relief for those of us used to older batteries with "battery memory."
I would highly recommend this battery, but KNOW if the tool you intend to use it on is compatible with it. Again, Milwaukee's Ni-Cad tools are NOT compatible with their Li-On batteries, and vice versa. Know your line of Milwaukee cordless tools before purchasing.
By B. Faulkner
I have a multi-tool M18 kit along with three of these M18 XC batteries. They've been used and abused my me and all my helpers while building a house. The tools have been dropped and kicked around at times, and I've cringed as I've watched tools fall and direct hits taken by the batteries. The little Milwaukee circular saw took a 15' plunge (a new table fixed it) and the battery had a ding indicating it had taken a hit also. I saw the drill/driver take two direct hits. To no avail. They all still lock on properly, they all work properly, they all recharge very quickly.
They've been drained to nothing, or been run for just a little bit then topped off. It seems to make no difference, as they all seem to be running tools just about the same duration after one year of use. The little 1/4" impact driver has seen an insane amount of screws, thousands of 2-1/2" torx, 5,000 1-1/2" washer heads, 250 7" torx lags, 500 5" torx lags, and on and on (that little Milwaukee impact driver is an animal). It really was shocking to see how long these batteries would run these screws before needing a charge/change. Tons of sawzall work, tons of circular saw work, tons of drill/driver work.
Only one trick to keep in mind during cold winters and subzero temperatures... The battery charger will give a blinking LED indication if the battery is too cold to recharge. This happened when we were pushing through temps around zero. We took the batteries into warmth each night when we shut down, topped them all off, so that they were all warm and raring to go in the morning. During the day we just put the battery in the charger (a warm area) and within a few minutes it was up to temperature and quickly recharging.
I really, really, value the Milwaukee M18 cordless line and batteries and recommend them wholeheartedly.
They've been drained to nothing, or been run for just a little bit then topped off. It seems to make no difference, as they all seem to be running tools just about the same duration after one year of use. The little 1/4" impact driver has seen an insane amount of screws, thousands of 2-1/2" torx, 5,000 1-1/2" washer heads, 250 7" torx lags, 500 5" torx lags, and on and on (that little Milwaukee impact driver is an animal). It really was shocking to see how long these batteries would run these screws before needing a charge/change. Tons of sawzall work, tons of circular saw work, tons of drill/driver work.
Only one trick to keep in mind during cold winters and subzero temperatures... The battery charger will give a blinking LED indication if the battery is too cold to recharge. This happened when we were pushing through temps around zero. We took the batteries into warmth each night when we shut down, topped them all off, so that they were all warm and raring to go in the morning. During the day we just put the battery in the charger (a warm area) and within a few minutes it was up to temperature and quickly recharging.
I really, really, value the Milwaukee M18 cordless line and batteries and recommend them wholeheartedly.
By GuyFromWisconsin
I have four of these and have not had a problem with any of them yet. All of them supply equal power. They all hold a charge and have held up to many charges without any decline in power. They work as well as they did the day I took them out of the package. Home Depot has a special now where you get a free one when you purchase a Hammer Drill / Driver kit. I might have to act on this to get 3 more!
By KGB
Milwaukee did pretty good job with these batteries. I am using them for over a year and I am happy. I am lazy to write long review and explain. Here is review what I left for Makita similar batteries as a comparison:
I use these batteries for work and at home. The company I work for recently switched to Milwaukee cordless tools and not sorry at all. We have a few thousand dollars worth of Makita batteries laying in the corner at our shop. The problem that retailers won't replace them if they've seen a little of moisture. Yes, we put our tools through extreme conditions. We do marine construction - everything related with waterfront. You could say that these batteries not designed for such conditions but why Milwaukee ones doing just fine. The difference is huge. Price is the same. On my crew on average one Makita battery a week used to go bad. Now we using Milwaukee for over a year and I have only two batteries gone bad. That's way too much to be just coincidence. On the other hand I have four Makita personal batteries at home for almost three years. I use them maybe once every couple month. None of them went bad yet. But these are expensive contractor grade batteries, they better do god at least for homeowners. There is a known problem with design of Makita batteries. Makita does nothing to fix it. In short term they making more money forcing consumers to buy more batteries, but in long term they going to be sorry. I admit tools itself are top of the line. I don't mind buying and using Makita power tools. But if you are contractor skip Makita 18v cordless tools and save your money.
I use these batteries for work and at home. The company I work for recently switched to Milwaukee cordless tools and not sorry at all. We have a few thousand dollars worth of Makita batteries laying in the corner at our shop. The problem that retailers won't replace them if they've seen a little of moisture. Yes, we put our tools through extreme conditions. We do marine construction - everything related with waterfront. You could say that these batteries not designed for such conditions but why Milwaukee ones doing just fine. The difference is huge. Price is the same. On my crew on average one Makita battery a week used to go bad. Now we using Milwaukee for over a year and I have only two batteries gone bad. That's way too much to be just coincidence. On the other hand I have four Makita personal batteries at home for almost three years. I use them maybe once every couple month. None of them went bad yet. But these are expensive contractor grade batteries, they better do god at least for homeowners. There is a known problem with design of Makita batteries. Makita does nothing to fix it. In short term they making more money forcing consumers to buy more batteries, but in long term they going to be sorry. I admit tools itself are top of the line. I don't mind buying and using Makita power tools. But if you are contractor skip Makita 18v cordless tools and save your money.
By E. Bullock
I have now switched to all Milwaukee 18 volt tools. I should not have went 40 years on this earth using cheap battery powered tools. Very happy with all the 18 volt tools I bought (Hackzall, circular saw, drill, cut off saw, impact drill). Good battery life, quick charge, good feel, gets the job done quickly.
By Mr. Bob
It was a great purchase, I got the drill from my father-in-law, he couldn't find replacement batteries, this one worked from the get-go, and even fit in the existing battery charger. Good purchase, and way-to-go Milwaukee.
By Al
I am suprised how little the cold temp affects these guys..... I mean, I have worked with Makita for 4 years, but these batteries do better in the cold....... sure, they refuse to charge at 32f but they hold the last charge.
I am very impressed, and having dealt with DeWalt, and Makita, I rate these on top. (despite that suck session that happened around 2010........ MW really let me down then)
I am very impressed, and having dealt with DeWalt, and Makita, I rate these on top. (despite that suck session that happened around 2010........ MW really let me down then)
By TelephoneBill
Having used Makita, Craftsman, Black and Decker, and DeWalt, I am sold on Milwaukee tools. I will look for none other in the future. As to the specifics on this battery, there is little to say. It holds ample energy and gives full power until drained. The first couiple of times it ran out, I thought I had broken the tool. Not so; replace with a new battery and yoiu are back in service.
The M18 XC RED LITHIUM 18-Volt has plenty of power and is quick to charge. However, you should have two. If one runs out of juice, the alternate will keep working until the first one is charged.
The M18 XC RED LITHIUM 18-Volt has plenty of power and is quick to charge. However, you should have two. If one runs out of juice, the alternate will keep working until the first one is charged.
By J3
These batteries are lighter than the V18 line they replaced. Seems to hold a charge well. Shipped fast. Lots of resereve power, have used it to take the lugnuts off 2 cars with the 1/2 drive 18 volt impact. Wish it was backwards compatatble with the V18 line, but I am happy with it. I would reccomend this to somebody that has a M18 tool and wants a long battery life when in use.
By SamIam
I have a Milwaukee drill/driver and an impact driver that came with the compact batteries. Right off the bat, the impact driver would hardly drive two 3" screws without running out of juice. Finally both batteries would hardly hold a charge. I bought two of these full-size batteries and the difference is amazing. The tools are now working great and I don't even notice the weight difference. One note: make sure what type of battery your tool uses. Milwaukee made two types of 18 volt systems and they are incompatible. I called Milwaukee customer service (which was great) with my tool model numbers and they steered me to this one.
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