Do you have a truck or garage full of Milwaukee tools that you've been using for years, or even decades? Milwaukee makes excellent tools loved by DIYers and professionals everywhere, but not all of them are perfect.Product recalls are rare for the brand, but a recall or safety notice is surprisingly easy to miss, even though they're pretty important.If you have a bunch of Milwaukee tools but never filled out a warranty card or gave Milwaukee a way to contact you, there's a chance you have a tool that's part of a current or outstanding recall.
Thankfully, we can easily check the Milwaukee and U.S.Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) websites for more details, repair options, or even a complete product replacement.M18 FUEL Top Handle Chainsaws (12 and 14-inch) Only select models are affected While most of us own Milwaukee drills, impact drivers, or other common handheld tools, the company also offers some pretty capable outdoor power equipment.
However, one of the more popular items got recalled last year, and here's what to know.Sold at Home Depot, Acme, and many other retailers between 2023 and 2025, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Top Handle Chainsaw (model number 2826-20 family) was recalled in October 2025 due to a potential chain brake failure.The notice states, "The chain brake may not prevent the chain from moving when the brake is engaged.
Failure of the brake could pose a laceration risk should the chain be contacted by the operator." Yikes.If you have a 12 or 14-inch Top Handle chainsaw unit with the fourth character of the serial number being "A," it's part of the recall.But only the 12 or 14-inch models with that A in the fourth spot.
Anything else isn't a concern.About 90,000 units were recalled, and if you have one, Milwaukee will repair it for free.You can also go to the Milwaukee eService portal for help.
Expanded warning on the M18 HD 9.0 Ah battery Not quite a recall, but similar Next, in 2017, after chatting with the U.S.Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Milwaukee issued an expanded warning, which is similar to a recall, adding new warnings and instructions regarding the Milwaukee M18 HD (High Demand) 9.0 battery packs.This is for the M18 9.0 battery model (48-11-1890), and it basically states that certain situations could cause a battery failure, fire risk, or other safety hazards.
It mentions that highly conductive or corrosive fluids could get into the battery, causing problems, smoking, or other failures.Thankfully, you don't have to return the battery, and no repair is required.It's more of a PSA.
Power Plus NiCd Battery Packs (14.4V and 18V) Packs from 1999-2004 This next one probably won't matter much to relatively new Milwaukee owners with M12 or M18 tools, but back in 2007 and again in 2011, Milwaukee recalled nearly 1 million battery packs due to fire and explosion risks.These batteries predated the M18 line and were commonly found on tools like drills, drivers, and saws, as well as radios and other company products.At the time, anyone with one of those affected models could get a free replacement.
Related Stop killing your Milwaukee batteries: 4 tips that work Extend the runtime and life of your Milwaukee battery packs.Posts 8 By Cory Gunther I still have a few old blue Ryobi tools from 20+ years ago, so there is a chance some of you might have some old Milwaukee 14.4 or 18V tools.If so, you probably shouldn't use those battery packs.
Milwaukee 15-amp electric grinders Old corded tools from 2002 Just because cordless power tools are convenient doesn't mean you should throw away or stop using your older corded tools.In fact, I have several corded tools I still absolutely love.However, if you have some old Milwaukee 15-Amp electric grinders, you might want to check the serial number and review this 2002 recall.
Roughly 24,000 grinders with product models of 6086-20, 6088, and 6089 were recalled because they could get stuck in the "on" position and wouldn't turn off.Naturally, that's a pretty scary situation for such a powerful and violent tool.These grinders were sold between June 2001 and November 2002 for just under $200.
At the time, Milwaukee was offering free repairs or complete product replacements.If you still have one, you could try reaching out, but your mileage may vary on whether they remedy things.Milwaukee electric wrenches Wired wrenches sold in 2001 Before the corded or cordless impact wrenches we all love and use today, Milwaukee sold several electric wrenches that mechanics loved.
However, the model 9070-20 sold throughout 2001 was recalled due to a cable that could become detached from the tool, potentially causing injury or electrocution.Milwaukee recalled around 6,000 of these tools and offered free repairs or, in some cases, a complete replacement.These old electric impacts were pretty popular, and you might stumble on one in your grandpa's garage or at a yard sale.
Thankfully, if you find one of these corded impacts from 2001, make sure it's stamped or etched with a large "X" on the nameplate next to the serial number.This signifies a repair, meaning it's probably safe to keep using.Milwaukee 4-1/2 inch Mag Series Sander and Grinders 9,300 were recalled back in 1995 Honestly, I'm very surprised by the lack of Milwaukee tool or battery recalls overall, especially given how many tools the company offers.
I expect far more recalls over the last 5–10 years, but nope.Okay, we're starting to get really vintage here.Way back in 1995, in cooperation with the CPSC, Milwaukee recalled a little over 9,000 sanders and grinders.
Similar to other recalls over the years, this was due to a "sticky" or malfunctioning power switch that either wouldn't turn off or could randomly turn on with the slightest bump.Milwaukee 4-1/2-inch sanders and grinders, models 6148-6, 6149-6, and 6151, were all part of this recall and were sold in 1995.Milwaukee offered complete replacements for any affected models.
Thankfully, the list is short You'll be happy to see that there aren't several Milwaukee M12 or M18 tools on this list.Aside from the chainsaw, almost every Milwaukee recall is over a decade old at this point.That makes repairs or replacements pretty difficult, not to mention that many of these tools are probably no longer in active use.
If you do happen to have an old Milwaukee tool from this list, manufacturers often still honor safety fixes or offer other guidance, and you might even get lucky and receive a comparable modern alternative.Just keep in mind that parts or full replacements may no longer be guaranteed.
Read More
