I’m not new to Multitools. I have a Fein multitool and it is an outstanding piece of equipment. You can’t beat the strength, the heft, and the robustness of Fein. However, I have been moving to battery operated tools recently, specifically to Milwaukee’s tools. I have both the Milwaukee M18 and M12 platforms. Each of these serve specific purpose in my toolkit based on need.

So why don’t we go ahead and unbox the tool.

Tool Kit with Battery and Charger

This multi tool came as an additional “free tool” with the purchase of an M12 drill and impact driver package. The package also came with several batteries and a charger too.

Packaging

Milwaukee has actually taken the tack of minimalist packaging. Other than the exterior box, a piece of cardboard, 2 plastic baggies, and the instructions and marketing materials there’s very little packing inside which I truly appreciate. It’s kind of like buying something from the 1990s when you didn’t have all that extra foam and plastic and cardboard. I really like that.

The limited packaging inside makes it way easier to get these in and out of the box. I don’t have to worry about throwing extra material away and it’s also much better for the environment. Thanks Milwaukee.

Batteries and Charger

The M12 Drill/Driver kit came with 3 batteries and a charger. I really couldn’t ask for a better deal. And this is why I like Milwaukee and why I started using their tools. Because batteries are expensive. Even the CP2s are expensive little things. A pair of CP2 batteries and charger at a big box store is running about $130.00.

The tool

Unboxing this multi tool, you will find it has most of the features of the competitors. Because this is the M12 platform it uses the CP2 batteries which are generally easy to install and remove and make the over all form factor easy to handle and stick in your back pocket. I’m a little unhappy with the battery retention method though, because all it consists of are two plastic wings that clip into the body housing. I can see where these will fail they’re cheap. But, it make sense from Milwaukee’s point of view in that they want to bring a solid piece of kit at an affordable price.

One of the initial things that I noticed is the tool does not have a quick release. It has a Allen wrench and a bolt to secure the center and a loose spacer that can be easily lost in the field. I can see their purpose of doing this because it will keep the price down and make the tool affordable.

The on/off switch is a slide lock on top of the tool. On the left side there is a rotary wheel that has numbers for the variable speed. Also on the left side are four LED’s that register the level of charge in the Power Pack. This is a feature that I really like personally.

I have a decibel meter on my phone so I thought I’d check the sound rating with the tool running. On setting that up I had a background reading of about 24 to 25 decibels and at full speed the tool registered 74 to 75 decibels. So not too bad.

As far as vibration, obviously at the lower speeds the vibration not really is too much. At the higher speeds however you can feel it. It’s not too obnoxious but doesn’t really damp the vibration like my Fein Multitool. That’s primarily because it doesn’t have the mass. So I think this is a tool that I could use for short periods easily but if I have an extended job I most likely will be reaching for the Fein.

Accessories

Milwaukee provides the Allen wrench and a cutter as well as a hook and loop sanding pad and several pieces of sandpaper. Just enough to get you started on whatever job you’re working on. I of course have a host of additional tool ends to use with this particular multi tool.

That overall I have to say Milwaukee has done a solid job on this particular tool. It meets the need for a battery operated multi tool that can be stuffed in your toolbox or even in your back pocket and used on a ladder or when crawling into tight spaces and not have to worry about dragging a cord around.

I have to say the M12 platform makes this a viable tool. This is a tool I would definitely recommend to anyone doing remodeling or any kind of site work for things like replacing windows, siding, or anything else.