We get a lot of questions from Milwaukee customers about battery compatibility with their M12 and M18 cordless tools, so we’ve decided to clear some things up for you. Below, you can find answers to frequently asked questions about batteries for Milwaukee cordless tools to help you determine what batteries are compatible with what tools. Spoiler alert: you can use any M12 battery with any M12 tool and any M18 battery with any M18 tool. But we’ll still break it down for you…
Milwaukee M12 vs. M18 Batteries
The M12 and M18 batteries have several key differences, the most significant of which are their voltages and power. Other key distinctions between the two batteries are their tool compatibility, size, and weight.
M12 batteries are better for a person using tools but don’t require higher voltage like the M18. M12 batteries are designed to be compatible with M12 tools only. Besides tool compatibility, their other difference is that the 12V batteries are smaller and sleeker.
M18 batteries are better for extended uses, and their larger design makes them better for heavier jobs where power is needed. Like the M12, M18 batteries are 18V batteries designed only for M18 tools.
Milwaukee M12 Batteries
Milwaukee’s M12 Compact and M12 Fuel cordless tools use M12 REDLITHIUM batteries and chargers specifically designed for the M12 tool line. These lithium-ion batteries have excellent run time, are lightweight, work well in different weather conditions, are great for light duties, and have the REDLINK intelligence system installed. They are suitable for use for short and minimal home construction repairs.
The M12 batteries come in two different variations: the compact and the high-capacity. Both are great for various jobs; the difference is the amount of power they offer. The compact battery pack is 65% lighter and 50% smaller than other compact NiCd batteries and offers either 1.5, 2.0, or 3.0 amp-hours of run time. Then there are the high-capacity 3.0, 4.0, and 6.0 amp-hour batteries, allowing for more work for an extended period.
So, depending on what you’re working on and how much space you have in your tool bag or tool belt, you can switch between the batteries to get the best result for your work.
- REDLITHIUM = 1.5 amp-hour
- REDLITHIUM 2.0 = 2 amp-hours
- RELITHIUM 3.0 = 3 amp-hours
- High Capacity REDLITHIUM = 3 amp-hour
- REDLITHIUM 4.0 Extended Capacity = 4 amp-hours
- RELITHIUM 6.0 Extended Capacity = 6 amp-hours
M12 Battery Compatibility
Even with the several different M12 tools, the great thing is that you can use any M12 battery with any M12 tool. However, M18 batteries are not compatible with M12 tools.
Milwaukee M18 Batteries
Milwaukee’s M18, M18 FUEL, and M18 High Output cordless tools use M18 REDLITHIUM batteries and chargers specifically designed for the M18 tool line. These lithium-ion batteries have amazingly efficient runtime and power. Since they have a higher voltage, they are heavier/bulkier and more powerful than the M12 batteries. They can handle the toughest to the coldest of worksites.
These batteries come in various sizes and three different variations: regular, XC, and high output. They were built with the same durability, and REDLINK intelligence was installed.
First, the regular compact M18 batteries offer either 1.5 or 2.0 amp-hours of runtime. These batteries are great for jobs that need portability and power but don’t need much time to finish. They are best for light household projects like drilling holes into your wall or the starting DIYer.
The next type is the XC extended-capacity batteries. The XC is better for slightly heavy jobs requiring sustained power output for extended periods, such as running a workshop. These batteries come in 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, or 6.0 amp-hour sizes, allowing you to adjust your tool to any work demands.
The final type is the High-Output batteries. These batteries are specifically designed for heavy-duty and time-intensive work, making them ideal for tools such as a table saw, miter saw, or any other outdoor power equipment. The High-Output batteries are offered at either 9.0 or 12.0 amp-hours, pushing cordless tools harder and longer than any other battery.
- REDLITHIUM CP = 1.5 amp-hour
- REDLITHIUM CP 2.0 = 2 amp-hours
- REDLITHIUM CP 3.0 = 3 amp-hours
- REDLITHIUM XC = 3 amp-hour
- REDLITHIUM XC 4.0 = 4 amp-hours
- REDLITHIUM XC 5.0 = 5 amp-hours
- REDLITHIUM XC 6.0 = 6 amp-hours
- REDLITHIUM XC 8.0 = 8.0 amp-hours
- REDLITHIUM HIGH OUTPUT 9.0 = 9 amp-hours
- REDLITHIUM HIGH OUTPUT 12.0 = 12 amp-hours
M18 Battery Compatibility
Moreover, the M18 cordless tool line is compatible with any M18 batteries. On the other hand, they are now compatible with M12 options.
M12 & M18 Battery Chargers
Milwaukee offers many types of M12 and M18 chargers, including wall chargers, car chargers, multi-battery charger packs, and combo chargers that simultaneously charge both battery types.
Milwaukee M12 & M18 Battery FAQ’s
1. Are M12 & M18 batteries interchangeable?
No. Milwaukee M12 batteries are only compatible with M12 tools, as M18 batteries are only compatible with M18 tools.
2. Can you use M18 batteries with M18 FUEL tools?
Yes. M18 batteries can be used with any type of M18 tool.
3. Are M18 batteries interchangeable with M18 tools?
Yes. M18 batteries can be used with any type of M18 tool.
4. Are all Milwaukee 18-volt batteries the same?
No. Milwaukee has had several versions of the 18-volt batteries. The most recent were the 18V Ni-Cd batteries, V18 Li-Ion batteries, and the current M18 Li-Ion batteries.
5. Can you use M12 batteries with M12 FUEL tools?
Yes. M12 batteries can be used with any type of M12 tool.
6. Are M12 batteries interchangeable with M12 tools?
Yes. M12 batteries can be used with any type of M12 tool.
If you have any additional questions, please contact our team for additional support on our Acme Tools Contact Us page.
