(Milwaukee) Battery Question...

[Richard]

Have some 18v tools. Don't know sizes, but I have two "small" batteries and one larger.

the larger battery after a "full" recharge, still has one indicator light out, indicating it's not fully recharged.

Been debating on getting on/two more of the larger capacity batteries but when I see the price, just think I can keep doing what I'm doing (it's a want, not a need). I then see some online for a stupid lower price. I see them enough that I'm thinking they can't all be stolen.....however, they COULD be counterfit..... or, they could be simply the real deal and cutting out a middle man.

Looking at a TWO pack of 5 AH batteries, $109

This is one of those, this sounds good....but is it "too good to be true?"

 

[MMC]

Have some 18v tools. Don't know sizes, but I have two "small" batteries and one larger.

the larger battery after a "full" recharge, still has one indicator light out, indicating it's not fully recharged.

Been debating on getting on/two more of the larger capacity batteries but when I see the price, just think I can keep doing what I'm doing (it's a want, not a need). I then see some online for a stupid lower price. I see them enough that I'm thinking they can't all be stolen.....however, they COULD be counterfit..... or, they could be simply the real deal and cutting out a middle man.

Looking at a TWO pack of 5 AH batteries, $109

This is one of those, this sounds good....but is it "too good to be true?"

I have a stable of Milwaukee 18v...and others LOL. Here's my take. Milwaukee makes really good batteries and charges really good prices. But, you can find specials on vendor sites like HD who bundle or offer deals on the batteries.

Now, as to China made clones, some may be OK (but not as powerful as Milwaukee), but...are they safe? Suggest looking at Project Farm tests online. Some direct clones did not satisfy the fusible link criteria in case of shorts or overloads. Meaning...they might catch fire.

I bought a couple of "good" clones several years back which have been great. But, I wouldn't today - just too much risk in an unattended charger.

So, you pays your price and takes your chances...

 

[Richard]

Now, as to China made clones,

Yeah, that's most of my concern.... I then have another voice that says "but aren't they ALL made in china???" (I don't know that but presume it to be true)

So, now, if they're all made there, are they the same thing? (shrugs shoulders)

 

[ponytug]

Yeah, that's most of my concern.... I then have another voice that says "but aren't they ALL made in china???" (I don't know that but presume it to be true)

So, now, if they're all made there, are they the same thing? (shrugs shoulders)

No, they aren't. There are lots of ways to cut corners, not meet specifications, and / or use inferior designs, especially around lithium cells, pack design, chargers, and charge controllers. There is fraud at the cell capacity, cell design, and cell manufacturing levels, not to mention charge regulators. Lithium cells and lithium packs are great, but they have some strict design rules that are required for reliable and long use.

I would suggest having a look around at some of the results from lithium battery pack fires, (some posted on TBN), and then deciding if your tool area could survive that kind of fire and what the cost to repair it might be.

Buy whatever you want by all means, but I would not think for a moment that a clone is of the same quality of the original. My other two cents is buy your batteries from a retail store near you that has control over its supply chain.

To me, saying that they are all made there and they are all the same is like saying all American cars are the same or all European cars are the same. Seriously?

All the best,

Peter

 

[LittleBill21]

yea I have taken the clones apart. they use lower capacity/quality cells. Period.

 

[cdaigle430]

I have been using M18 and M12 for years now. To date never lost an M18 battery but have lost two M12s.
Do not risk your life and assets buying clones....the money you save in short run can cost you everything in the long run.

 

[bdhsfz6]

The quality of the cells used in cordless tool batteries is critical due to the rough treatment these tools get. I might take a chance on a Chinese knock off battery for some less demanding applications but definitely NOT for a cordless tool!

 

[MMC]

I have been using M18 and M12 for years now. To date never lost an M18 battery but have lost two M12s.
Do not risk your life and assets buying clones....the money you save in short run can cost you everything in the long run.

Have some 18v tools. Don't know sizes, but I have two "small" batteries and one larger.

the larger battery after a "full" recharge, still has one indicator light out, indicating it's not fully recharged.

Been debating on getting on/two more of the larger capacity batteries but when I see the price, just think I can keep doing what I'm doing (it's a want, not a need). I then see some online for a stupid lower price. I see them enough that I'm thinking they can't all be stolen.....however, they COULD be counterfit..... or, they could be simply the real deal and cutting out a middle man.

Looking at a TWO pack of 5 AH batteries, $109

This is one of those, this sounds good....but is it "too good to be true?"

I honestly think Ponytug and LittleBill21 are giving you some good advice. Yes, a lot of Milwaukee stuff is made in China. But it's made and certified to Milwaukee specifications. The Milwaukee brand is old and that name itself is valuable. They are not going to risk damaging it by allowing inferior products to be sold under their name.

So, bottom line, you get a product that performs much better out of the box, lasts considerably longer, and won't harm you or your family. And honestly, you can find legitimate Milwaukee batteries on sale for reasonable prices...you don't even want to know what I paid for my 8AHs or 12AHs LOL.

The two clones I bought years ago sit unused on the shelf - I won't do that again.

Again, just my opinion, but I would urge you to do a bit more research on the underlying issue.

Regards.

 

[D&D]

Yeah, that's most of my concern.... I then have another voice that says "but aren't they ALL made in china???" (I don't know that but presume it to be true)

So, now, if they're all made there, are they the same thing? (shrugs shoulders)

They are rebuildable if you’re so inclined. New quality cells are easily found and a screwdriver, volt meter, Dremel tool and soldering iron are all the tools needed. With a little research you could even upgrade

 

[airbiscuit]

The M18 3.0 High Output is my new favorite for my Drill/Drivers. They are compact and lightweight. Can occasionally find a decent price on Ebay.