I'm looking for a more convenient/portable alternative to my large RIDGID vacuum. Is there any feedback from the group for the M18 FUEL PACKOUT vacuum?
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Packout vacuum: Does it suck?
- Thread starter L J
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I like mine. It’s handy and sucks well. Probably have the kid vacuum my truck out with it this weekend.
I also have the rigid. The M18 is handier and a nice compliment.
I also have the rigid. The M18 is handier and a nice compliment.
I just picked up the M12 edition of the same vacuum and I love it. I consider it my 'dust buster' to my new larger RIGID wet/dry vac. Only had it a couple weeks but it's been great to have the mobility option. Vacuum strength has been good.
Haven't used it for a longer project to determine battery life yet.
Haven't used it for a longer project to determine battery life yet.
I have one. It is a small vacuum that vacuums reasonably well. The only reason to buy a PackOut vacuum is because it fits on your stack of PackOut boxes and it saves you a trip getting stuff to and from the job site.
Otherwise, the larger M18 shop vacs are better vacuums, especially for home or shop use where the vacuum does not travel anywhere.
Otherwise, the larger M18 shop vacs are better vacuums, especially for home or shop use where the vacuum does not travel anywhere.
I think it's important to remind them from time to time why you brought them into existence and continue to keep them alive...good on ya...
I have that M18 Packout vacuum. I've had it a couple years. It has been a good Little vac. My take on it is:
Pros,
>Packout connection, stays in place. It's aways there so no need to check your tool list. (That is a Huge Plus).
>Compact, great for quick small vacuum jobs, like drilling a few holes or sanding a small area of drywall
Cons.
>Not for bigger jobs, battery life is not too long on high. I get about 5 min with 5.0 Red Lith battery. But most of my batteries are several years old.
>Battery is still a bitch to remove even after 2 years. Very tight small space to reach into and pinch the tabs while pulling up to disconnect the battery
>The upper latches block the hose wrap around. You'll learn to latch the top or flip them up before wrapping the hose
>No AC connectivity. It's batteries or zero
I would buy it again, definitely, as long as I'm using the Packout system.
Pros,
>Packout connection, stays in place. It's aways there so no need to check your tool list. (That is a Huge Plus).
>Compact, great for quick small vacuum jobs, like drilling a few holes or sanding a small area of drywall
Cons.
>Not for bigger jobs, battery life is not too long on high. I get about 5 min with 5.0 Red Lith battery. But most of my batteries are several years old.
>Battery is still a bitch to remove even after 2 years. Very tight small space to reach into and pinch the tabs while pulling up to disconnect the battery
>The upper latches block the hose wrap around. You'll learn to latch the top or flip them up before wrapping the hose
>No AC connectivity. It's batteries or zero
I would buy it again, definitely, as long as I'm using the Packout system.
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I've been using a M18 packout vacuum for more than 6 months and love it. That said, if you're looking for a main vacuum for a shop, get the larger version. As @jjvw said, the packout version is really meant for portability. My only complaint is the relatively short hose that comes with it. However, everything about it, as I said, is for portability and it's a great compromise between size and utility. FWIW, it has become the only vacuum I use now.
There is a similar non-packout M18 vacuum available that is the same size. But you aren't paying for the PackOut compatibility.
I'm primarily looking for portability/ease-of-use on quick vehicle and spot clean ups. I have a 6hp corded RIDGID for everything else.
I've seen that one and it's less powerful and not brushless as far as I can tell.
You won't be disappointed with the packout version then. I typically run the XC8 battery and it lasts a long time.
I use one everyday in my plumbing business to empty toilets. It's invaluable!
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