Milwaukee M18 Cordless Multi-Tool Kit 2626-22CT
Milwaukee M18 Cordless LITHIUM-ION Multi-Tool Kit Review
Cordless is a good way to go
The Milwaukee M18 Cordless Multi-Tool Kit 2626-22CT A solid alternative to the cord for a tool that usually sees light use. The multi-tool is an incredibly versatile and useful tool. But it also rarely sees prolonged use. Making it an excellent candidate for a cordless tool. Milwaukee stepped up their game to a 18 volt option for this tool and I’m a fan!
Features and feel
The Milwaukee M18 Cordless Multi-Tool Kit 2626-22CT measures 14 inches and is fairly light tool at 4.5 pounds but it doesn’t feel cheap. The LED light and tool-less blade change is nice. I find that there’s a trade off with tool-less blade change on oscillating multi-tools. Mainly, to post or not to post? Some tools have a clamp of some sort for tool-less changes (Bosch, DeWalt, Porter-Cable) and some have a removable post (Fein, Milwaukee). Personally, I prefer the post. While it does give you the potential to lose the post which would disable the tool it also provides a much more secure interface between the tool and the accessory, which improves performance.
With the universal adapter (included), the Multi-Tool is compatible with most competitor accessories.
This kit comes with the compact batteries but it’s also available with extended run time batteries or as a bare tool if you’re already invested in the Milwaukee M18 battery platform. I tried out some of the extended run-time batteries and although I don’t have any testing equipment it did seem to be a bit more powerful with the larger batteries. I don’t know that this makes sense but I’ve read that this is in fact the case with some other tools (notably the Fuel Impact driver and Hammer-drill).
The tool was very easy to use and adjust with controls that are frankly easier to use than those on the Fein Multimaster. The 12-setting speed dial controls the motor speed from 11,000 to 18,000 OPM. This dial is easy to read and easily adjusted (even with gloves on) but stays where you put it because it’s recessed into the body of the tool.
Where the blade meets the wood
I used the Milwaukee M18 Cordless Multi-Tool Kit 2626-22CT with a bi-metal blade to cut some nails on exterior trim and to cut back and notch some trim to make room for a new deck. It cut quickly and with almost no perceptible bog down. Another nice thing about this tool is that when you turn it off the blade stops almost immediately. So it’s safer and quicker to use because you don’t have to wait for the tool to wind down before you put it down. This is an improvement over the Fein Multimaster. The Milwaukee M18 cordless multi-tool is a big step up from other cordless multi-tools I’ve used. It does the job and does it well.
Vibration
My only complaint about this tool is that it vibrates a lot compared to some other multi-tools I’ve used, like Bosch, Dremel, Fein but on par with Porter-Cable. So while I like the tool I would not want to use it for extended periods due to the vibration. That said the majority of my use of multi-tools is for short periods of cutting. Mostly trim nails, and notching trim or cutting out rot. So for those short periods of cutting this is not going to be a problem. And this is a trade off.
One of the best ways to reduce vibration to a tool is to add counterbalance and overall weight/mass to the tool both of which would increase the weight of it. This is a trade-off I can live with since these tools are often used overhead and in awkward positions and cramped spaces where the extra weight would be a real problem.
Overall Impression
The Milwaukee M18 Cordless Multi-Tool Kit 2626-22CT has better power than I expected from cordless cutting tools and a comfortable handle and secure tool-less blade/accessory lock. For jobs in awkward spaces or where outlets are hard to find the Milwaukee 2626-22CT is a great tool that will get the job done!
What’s In The Box?
- (1) M18 Cordless LITHIUM-ION Multi-Tool (2626-20)
- (2) M18 XC High Capacity REDLITHIUM™ Battery (48-11-1828)
- (1) M18 & M12™ Multi-Voltage Charger (48-59-1812)
- (1) Adapter
- (5) Assorted Sanding Sheets
- (1) Contractor Bag
- (1) Sanding Pad
- (1) Wood Cutting Blade
About the Author:
Ethan Bickford has a long history with carpentry. His father worked as a contractor for many years and taught him the ins and outs of home repair and remodeling from a very young age. Since then Ethan has kept up his skills and knowledge by doing handyman work while in college and eventually started his own carpentry and remodeling company which he’s been running for the last three years. He loves teaching and advising on tools and techniques. Ethan is also a big fan of quality workmanship. “Do it right the first time!”