What Is The Best Milwaukee Tool M18 Battery For Use On A Drill Or Small Tool?

[@rickamadoodle]

Thank you for testing the 2.0. So many people skip it and start at the 3.0 or 5.0. but as a diy type user I'm more interested in the smallest footprint and lightest setup while still having the power I need.

[@viku1893]

Can you do this for the M12 batteries? I want to see how much of a difference there is between the 1.5 CP, 2.0 CP, 3.0 CP, 3.0 XC, 4.0 XC, and the 6.0 XC. I especially want to see if the 3.0 CP and the 3.0 XC have a difference. Thanks

[@WorkshopAddict]

I can and I will be working on this in time.

[@riceball777]

@@WorkshopAddict based on discharge rates for the m12 battery the strongest should be the xc4.0>xc6.0>CP2.0>CP3.0

[@IndependentThinker74]

The 3.0 XC would beat the 3.0 CP by quite a bit for power.

[@jeremynguyen2346]

@@WorkshopAddict where do you buy the batteries

[@derekbross6958]

I agree, I think the M12 would be even more interesting then the M18.

[@DiligentDave1966]

I’m glad to see that the cp 3.0 performed as well as it did because the xc 5.0 adds a considerable amount of weight to the tool.

[@realstaceylewis]

I have the 3’s, 5’s, 6’s, 8’s and a 12. I use the 3’s on my drills. Didn’t like the look to start but it’s just to much of a weight difference to ignore and performs like the 5.

[@EnthusiastsGarage]

I like those HO 3.0 batteries for drills/drivers/impact guns. Small and lightweight but they seem to punch above their weight class.

[@jailerobreak]

they do

[@jmackinjersey1]

HO always outperform all others.

[@JR-ut1yx]

Agree

[@robd3061]

Interesting test. Milwaukee batteries are great. I have an older 5Ah that's done a lot of work and is still going strong (with some light OPE use, as well). That said, the High Output batteries are game changers. Besides the bump in power for some tools, they keep going in hot weather and rarely, if ever, overheat/time-out (crucial for heavy OPE use in summertime). For example, the 9Ah High Demand battery from my older M18 String Trimmer kit has decent runtime, but it overheats/times-out when running the Trimmer hard in hot weather. No such issues when using the newer 6Ah, 8Ah or 12Ah High Output (21-700) batteries. They just keep going. Wondering if a 15Ah HO is coming soon, that would be a monster.

[@jeremynguyen2346]

Where do you buy the batteries

[@robd3061]

@@jeremynguyen2346 Home Depot sells Milwaukee tools and batteries. Also, Milwaukee's website shows where to buy their products.

[@jeremynguyen2346]

@@robd3061 who makes the products

[@histguy101]

@@jeremynguyen2346 Milwaukee manufactures them. Most of the batteries use Samsung cells of varying capacities.

[@alexanderlovato4902]

The 9.0 is meant for extended draw tools like lights and inverters that will be running for an extended time rather than needing short burst power.

[@Peter-st1lt]

Thanks for taking the time to make this battery comparison! I just began cutting the cord on my power tools and this helped me decide what battery to pickup based on the type of work I do. I bought the Milwaukee drill you used in the demo and with the right battery it's a beast! Thanks again!

[@travissmikle2507]

Other videos gave me mixed results in their tests but this one clearly shows the statistical comparison that a needed. Thanks very much for the time and effort you put into your work.

[@baseballdude8491]

Exactly my experience 8's are great but 12's best for big tools for run time-or as I have swap some high use tools to the Metabo HPT and plug it in when I have it Saves battery life and need for less batteries Luv my red and green and a bit a blue

[@riceball777]

to find out which battery will give you the most power all you need to do is to add up which battery has the highest discharge rate. 2amp hour batteries are made with 1 set of 5s1p samsung 20r batterys which have a 22amp max discharge rate. the 5ah battery is made with 2 sets of samsung 25r cells with a max discharge rate of 20amps but since its 2 sets this m18 5.0ah has a max discharge of 40amps. The cp 3.0 high output uses 1 set of samsung 30t cells which are rateed at 35 amps but have been tested to be good to well over 40amps and the m18 6.0ah high outpt uses the same 30t cells but 2 sets so thats over 80amps of discharge power. The m18 8.0 and 12.0ah uses samsung 40t cells which have a higher capacity but are not as strong at 30t cells. 40t have a max discharge of 35 amps and the 8.0 uses 2 sets (10 cells) and the 12.0 uses 3 sets(15cells) So the 8.0 has 70amps of discharge power and the 12.0 has 105amps of discharge power. The m18 9.0 uses 3 sets of either 30q or vtc6 cells with have 15 amps of discharge power but since it has 3 sets(15 cells) thats a total of 45amps of power for the m18 9.0 battery. All things being equal lower capacity cells typically have more power than higher capacity cells as long as they have the actually same amount of cells, thats why the 6.0 always puts of more power than 8.0. so in terms of max power for the m18 batteries the order is 12.0>6.0>8.0>9.0>5.0>3.0>2.0 but the 5.0 and the cp3.0 is very similarly in power. Also keep in mind that 21700 cells are not actually stronger on a size very weight compared to 18650 cells since 21700 cells are physically in terms of size,volume and weight are 50% bigger than 18650cells. For example the m18 9.0 uses 15 18650 cells and the 6.0 and 8.0 uses 10 21700 cells, but the m18 9.0 actually weighs less and is physically smaller than m18 6.0 and 8.0.

[@georgedavall9449]

Listen to the video. The drill is spinning faster, albeit a small amount, with the 8.0 vs the 6.0. Both batteries are good, but the 8.0 wins all day long! One can usually find the 8.0 batteries on better sales promotions, and only a couple or so ounces heavier. Do a test. I’ve run both in my Gen 1 M18 Fuel drill, and the 8.0 will spin a bigger bit. Of course, YMMV. ✌🏻

[@riceball777]

@@georgedavall9449 It has already been tested and proven that the m18 high out put 21700 samsung 30t cell 6amp hour battery is more powerfull than the m18 high output 21700 samsung 40t cell 8amp hour battery . kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaqYioWgr56frMU You can also look up when people compare the 30t vs 40t cell in vapes or high power flashlight the 30t will always perform better in high power high drain devices vs the 40t cell.

[@kaotictube]

Thanks for the information!

[@user-ld6wo4rv8h]

Good info, but even though the 9.0 weighs less than the 6.0 and 8.0 and may technically be physically smaller by volume, it's dimensions are odd and throw the balance of most tools off. The 6.0 and 8.0 have more of a flat and stable base and just feel right in most tools compared to the 9.0. All of my 9.0's failed but luckily Milwaukee replaced them and I sold them off and replaced with 8.0's.

[@user-ld6wo4rv8h]

@@georgedavall9449 It depends on the tool. The 6.0 can theoretically output more amps depending on the tool. It performed better with impact wrenches and drivers on the Torque Test Channel. For the minimal difference however, I still prefer the 8.0s due to the longer run time. If I really need that extra power, I grab the 6.0 Forge. I replaced all my 6.0XC with Forge. You get the bonus of the quicker charging with the Forge when using the Dual Bay Supercharger (10 min faster).

[@shanew7361]

I have the 12, 8 and two 5's in the M18 line. I also have the 6,,4 and two 2's in the M12 line up.

[@user-ld6wo4rv8h]

And?

[@robswingler]

I have 3 x old 4ah xc , 2 x 5ah , 3 x 8ah & 1 x 9Ah . I found when I first had a 9Ah over the xc range it did have a jump in power . But now the 8ah are in a league of their own

[@georgedavall9449]

Hey Robert! Yes, the 8.0 HO is a great battery, and as borne out in this test, a slight edge over the 6.0 HO, despite what a lot of people argue about. The 6.0 is a fine battery, but if you listen to, and time the bit going through the wood, in Brian’s video here, it is second to the 8.0 HO battery. Great comment! 👍✌🏻

[@Igor-q3f]

we have a lot of work lights and the 9ah is the best for that purpose.

[@chrissatterwhite711]

I like using 2s when I’m just driving screws or whenever I can get away with it because they make the tool so much lighter when is hanging on my pouch all day. Otherwise I use 5s. I also have one 8 and one 12 for the chainsaw or when I really need it but that isn’t that often

[@akaredcrossbow]

Thank You for the video! I use a 5.0 for my drills and a 2.0, sometimes a 5.0 for my impact drivers.

[@opennanoor44]

You should perform this test on stacked battery cells like Flex's line of batteries or Dewalt's as more of their batteries are released! Would the results change with the 2904? This is one of the most interesting tool tests. Thanks for the hard work!

[@NonieTools]

Perfect this is the video I need to watch before I buy the batteries in my checkout cart!

[@FishFind3000]

5:07 you know fluke has a min max setting so you can easily pull the lowest voltage with the press of a button.

[@WorkshopAddict]

That is what I am doing, but it cannot be seen on the camera in full speed, so I double check it to make sure.

[@IndependentThinker74]

Awesome video. Very informative. I'd like to see how these perform in a circular saw test. I use the 9.0 in their vacuum. That is one case where it works better than the 6.0 or 8.0 batteries.

[@JoeMahbalsich]

I concur. The 9.0 is the go-to for the vacuum. It originally shipped with it and why i have it. I also use it with the OPE blower. Very noticeable, better run time, than the 8.0 it originally came with. And the 9.0 is several years older.

[@georgedavall9449]

Hey jps! 100% agreed! That is all I use in the M18 shop vac. Great little vac, as you know. Great comment! 👍✌🏻

[@truthserum9157]

I sure wish they would come out with a stacked type, the 3.0 and the 6.0 are only way to go for most tools.

[@NikkThompson]

Watched yesterday, also commented similar. But at least I'm on m18 platform like today's video. Great videos totally different take on reviews VS other channels and never would've thought of it this way. Keep it up, love watching every one, whether its something thats helpful to me it's always entertaining/informative.

[@NikkThompson]

Will also offer a suggestion. You should do flex 24v test like this. There's not alot of anything really done, especially lately. And seems the internet is wild about knowing more. Could easily bring alot of views for you.

[@LilasTools]

Awesome testing buddy, I’m slightly surprised with the result of the 6 and 12 as from a lot of other videos over the years I thought the 6.0 had more output than the 12.0 but very good to know. The good ol 5.0 is a killer battery for its size and age! Keep it up! 👍👍👍

[@nyacoustics8373]

tons of really bad reviews on the milwaukee website regarding the 12 amp battery. out of the heavy duty batteries does one particular amperage are known to be more reliable workhorses? using it for string and pole trimmer.

[@DanielGomez-cf6vk]

Best batteries for a drill like MILwaukee ridgid And ryobi is a 3ah batteries and my m12 compact 3ah are My favorite for my fuel hammer drill and fuel impact driver

[@martingo2680]

What an amazing comparison.. This is exactly what I wanted to know. So basically if you want something light, go with the 6.0. If you want more juice, go with the 8.0. I'm sure that the 5.0.. I'm sure the bigger the battery, The longer it will last.. but ultimately you put more weight.

[@user-ld6wo4rv8h]

Uh.... NO. If you want something light, go with the CP3.0 or XC5.0. If you want more juice, go with the 6.0 OR 8.0, doesn't really matter. 12 is for tools that sit in the ground or lights. Avoid the 9.0 and 1.5. 2.0 only good for impact drivers for light duty.

[@flushometer19_8]

Brian From What I See The Batteries With 21700 Cells Are Clearly Powerful Than The 18650 cells for multiple uses I would go with a 21700 cell battery

[@user-ld6wo4rv8h]

The CP3.0 is lighter than the 5.0XC but is almost identical in volume (less than 1% difference).

[@MOFACE1000]

Thank you for this side by side comparisons

[@igorkovalivskyi2834]

Good video thanks guys.would be interesting to see other brands battery like makita...

Great video! Which one would you recommend for a brushless non fuel drill? I currently own the basic 2mahp, but i would like to know if i could still get more power with a bigger battery before making the investment (2801 is the model), thanks!

[@vizualmerkz3169]

Can u do this for both the Milwaukee da & rotary polisher!? I would like to know what battery would be worth it!

[@ss22076]

Thanks so much for testing the whole range, I’m deciding between 2 & 3 mh - may I know what’s the weight difference between the two please?

[@terrmaso]

I have the sander and an older XC 5.0 battery. I want to add batteries for larger sanding jobs but don't want to make the sander incredibly heavy. I thought about buying the smaller 3.0 high output batteries for weight and balance issues but I'm not sure if I'll get any performance from them. Suggestions?

[@Gyppor]

I'm here because I never thought going up from regular 2.0 to 6.0 high output would make a difference on a small tool like a drill. it's just a standard brushless, not the fuel. I use my drill to crank up a scissor jack to lift my car. The 6.0 has WAY more torque than the 2.0!

[@shellcracker18]

Need to try the high output batteries

[@WorkshopAddict]

What batteries are we missing?

[@farmermike9262]

Did Milwaukee stop making the 8.0? I only see HomeDepot deals with 6.0s

[@nbates9893]

I only use 3’s 5’s and 8’s. Find myself grabbing a 5 more often than not…

[@user-ld6wo4rv8h]

Me too, although I recently added a few Forge 6.0 and still have 12's for lights that I need to last all day. I keep ONE CP2.0 for an impact when I want light weight and smallest footprint.

[@hipolitozamorano2214]

Just the kind of video I was looking for nice 👍

[@DiligentDave1966]

Have you ever done this test on the impact wrench?

[@WorkshopAddict]

Not yet, but I have been thinking about how to do that for some time.

[@DiligentDave1966]

@@WorkshopAddict I have a feeling you might need an expensive torque rig similar to the ones on the Torque Test Channel and Tools Tested. I just got the gen 4 hammer drill/impact driver kit during the Black Friday sale, and I also got the mid torque impact wrench because it was one of the great daily specials on the website. I was considering getting the two pack of cp 3.0 batteries while it’s still on sale for $99 because the xc 5.0 batteries are a little heavy for me to use all the time.

[@hipolitozamorano2214]

Make more comparisons on other tools I had to subscribe

[@Rabiiid]

I bought a used set with one battery. I reeeeeally doubt its properly working because i just replaced my ryobi drill that has the same capacity rating but the older type battery. and its wierd i never ever charge my ryobi but now its the 3rd time im left stranded with the set of milwuakee i bought that drains soo fast... im thinking its broken. i was gonna buy the 6s.. but i dont really have large power tools..; yet... so ill just save myself like 15 usd and get the 5s on ebay 90 fora pair

[@tanthadcork5040]

Milwaukee discontinued the M18 HD 9.0. So now there is a big gap between the 8.0 and the 12.0

[@POLOLOUS3]

Have you used all 3? My 9 is the last battery I grab unless its a drill or impact.

[@WorkshopAddict]

I can see why they discontinued it.

[@jeremynguyen2346]

@@WorkshopAddict what is the difference between a dust mask and respirator

[@avilesjuan180]

I'm good with a 5.0 🔋 & 5.0 Coyote engine

[@poopscooper5038]

5.2 voodoo

[@matthewadkins9810]

I'd like to see a test like this but with Makita and Bosche

[@WorkshopAddict]

I did the test with the larger Bosch batteries on the 12" miter saw.

[@tammyshellikoff3482]

Thank you for the video

[@williamhemmerle7986]

Great video. Very informative

[@toolswithtim]

Great testing as usual. I'd love to see the entire Bosch Core18v line tested in the Brute tough drill. Wonder if a bigger battery would even give much of an advantage over the Core18v 4.0. Great overall battery for most tools

[@FusionBoost2.0]

Not sure what's worse the 1.5/2ah battery or Milwaukee chucks lol

[@WorkshopAddict]

LOL. I hear that.

[@orijimi]

Totally the chucks.

[@user-ld6wo4rv8h]

The 2.0 is OK for impact drivers doing light-duty work, especially overhead when weight becomes amplified over time.

[@shanepipkin4041]

there Is a 3ah ho also I got the 3 and 6

[@user-ld6wo4rv8h]

The XC3.0 is worse than the XC5.0 and CP3.0 and not worth buying. The 6.0XC had the same bad cells as the 9.0 and was discontinued. It's a terrible battery. All of mine failed.

[@TranTek]

Thanks Brian Milwaukee stopped making the 9Ah

[@WorkshopAddict]

It is good info for the people who might be offered one at a price they cannot refuse.

[@TranTek]

@@WorkshopAddict Milwaukee service center said if you bring bad 9Ah back they will replace with 8Ah i seen many 9Ah went bad, mostly are damaged by bms, HO 6, 8 and 12Ah has better bms 9Ah always kill one of the bank of the cells usually row near the terminal end

[@baseballdude8491]

9.0 works decent for OPE that doesn't pull extra load and stays more constant

[@kc0lif]

my 4 ah do good but 12 ah battery is impressive.

[@calvinhamm3748]

5.0 baby!!!

[@hanrealistic]

good test but you better write down as well, it's because there are people who do not understand what you are saying. One of them is me.

[@gaco49]

Big power in a small footprint.

[@accordv6er]

Dooo ittt moar power for TTC

[@jamallaidley4718]

Cool 😎

[@wim0104]

3Ah High Output , all day long! Well, half a day ;-)

[@WorkshopAddict]

I would not pay more for the Cp3 than a 5 as the 5 outperformed it for very little size difference.

[@wim0104]

@@WorkshopAddict that weight difference is worth money to me!

[@user-ld6wo4rv8h]

The only negative on the CP3.0 is the 2-year warranty. The 5.0 and up all come with 3-year warranties.

[@donalexey]

The best battery is the closest to you. Same true for a drill.

[@jeremynguyen2346]

Where do you buy the tool

[@Stztic]

Over-voltage battery, owo