What Does Milwaukee FUEL Mean?

Milwaukee is one of the most popular brands for power tools and has been offering top-notch and powerful tools for several decades. They have also established themselves as one of the best brands for cordless power tools. In 2012, Milwaukee introduced a series of brushless tools labeled FUEL, which differ from the standard product line. The following explains the basic features and differences between Milwaukee's standard tools and the FUEL brand.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL

It should be noted that both types of Milwaukee power tools, including the FUEL range, are designed for durability and robustness and are aimed at professional users such as construction workers, carpenters, and builders. Since the introduction of the REDLITHIUM™ batteries, Milwaukee has been trying to improve the performance of its M18 battery tools. In 2012, Milwaukee launched the M18 FUEL series of battery tools. Milwaukee M18 FUEL™ tools are high-quality power tools that are well-built and offer better vibration control as well as protection against water and heat. FUEL represents an advanced range of Milwaukee tools that offer even more power, durability, and longer runtimes compared to the non-FUEL range that has existed for decades.

The FUEL tools use the same M12 or M18 battery sizes, but the tools themselves differ in key aspects. Contrary to what you hear online, the difference between these two versions is not in the brushed or brushless motors.

So what is the difference between the M18 and the M18 FUEL tools?

All Milwaukee M18 FUEL tools are equipped with three of their characteristic technologies: the powerful brushless motor, the efficient battery technology, and the intelligent software and hardware communication system. All FUEL tools use a brushless motor. This proprietary brushless motor is significantly more powerful and works very efficiently with Milwaukee's high-performance lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, not all compact brushless tools from Milwaukee have the drive and torque of the FUEL product line. Another difference is the compact design that was demanded by professionals working in tight spaces. The M18 FUEL models are also equipped with the REDLINK PLUS™ software and hardware combination, which intelligently controls the power supply through the battery. The FUEL brand stands for high performance, while the compact product line focuses on comfort and ergonomics when working in tight spaces.

That is the main difference between the FUEL and non-FUEL power tools from Milwaukee. Each has its own focus, but both types are durable, reliable, and well-designed in their own right. One area they have in common is the use of a brushless motor.

Are Milwaukee FUEL devices brushless?

Milwaukee Tool has recently expanded its range of brushless power tools. The brushless technology was previously limited to Milwaukee's ultra-powerful FUEL tools, which are available as M12 and M18 battery tools. Now Milwaukee has responded to consumer demand for still powerful but more compact brushless tools that are easier to maneuver.

All FUEL tools from Milwaukee are brushless, but not all compact brushless tools from Milwaukee have the torque and drive of the FUEL tools. That is the real difference between Milwaukee's brushless and FUEL tools. The selection of compact power tools from Milwaukee differs from the FUEL range because craftsmen demanded a smaller version of the brushless tools.

Can I use M18 batteries in M18 FUEL devices?

The M18 batteries are interchangeable with the regular M18 and M18 FUEL models. However, the M18 FUEL offers significantly longer battery life with the new REDLITHIUM HD (High Demand) battery pack.

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