Milwaukee has announced a new M12 Fuel cordless oscillating multi-tool, model 2526, featuring a tool-free blade change interface, brushless motor, 12-setting speed dial, built-in LED worklight, and some strong claims about cutting speed and vibration.
Advertisement
To start off, Milwaukee says that their new M12 Fuel oscillating multi-tool is the fastest, besting competitors in cutting applications.
And, they say, it also performs with the lowest full-tool vibration.
Press imagery shows the tool equipped with a dust collection port. We contacted Milwaukee to ask whether this is included or an optional add-on, will update the post once we hear back.
Dust collection is an increasingly important feature, and in this case it looks to be nicely integrated, with the vacuum attachment angled out-of-the-way. It also appears to be adjustable.
Advertisement
Since the dust attachment is not included in the kit imagery, I’m assuming it’s an optional accessory.
The tool-free blade change mechanism looks to feature a flip-up lever and removable locking pin, which would enable it to be compatible with a breadth of different 3rd party blades and accessories, including those with full rings. The tool will of course also be compatible with Milwaukee’s own accessories.
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Oscillating Multi-Tool Features & Specs
- Brushless motor
- Tool-free blade changes
- 10,000 – 20,000 OPM
- 3.9° aggressive oscillating angle
- Vibration-dampening technology
- 12-setting speed dial
- LED work light
- 11.2″ length
- Weighs 3.2 lbs with battery
Milwaukee says that the vibration dampening technology minimizes vibrations throughout the entire tool, and not just the handle.
The M12 Fuel multi-tool is designed to handle typical plunge cutting tasks, nail and grout removal tasks, sanding operations, and is said to cut through bolts with ease.
With an M12 XC 4.0Ah battery, the multi-tool can make up to (54) 1″ x 2″ cuts in oak or (65) 1″ x 2″ cuts in pine.
The kit (2526-21XC) comes with the tool, 4.0Ah battery, charger, carrying bag, (1) multi-tool sanding pad, a sampling of sandpaper from 60 to 240 grit, and a universal fit Open-Lok wood-cutting blade.
A bare tool (2526-20) will also be available.
Price: $149 for the bare tool, $219 for the kit
ETA: September 2020
Buy Now: Bare Tool via Acme Tools
Buy Now: Bare Tool via Tool Nut
Buy Now: Kit via Tool Nut
Buy Now: Kit via Acme Tools
Discussion
Shortly after Milwaukee acquired Imperial Tools, an oscillating multi-tool accessory maker, I hoped and was very certain that new oscillating multi-tools would be in the works.
When I asked about what other possibilities this [acqusition] could provide for, I was told that Milwaukee Tool “will continue to evaluate and pursue product plan extensions that complement core Imperial Products.”
That part was in response to my questioning (it was more thinking aloud) as to whether this means we will see new Milwaukee M18 Fuel and M12 Fuel oscillating multi-tools. Milwaukee currently offers an M18 oscillating multi-tool, which earned a Best Value badge from me in a 2013 comparison, but readers have been asking about the potential for brushless M18 and M12 models for some time.
With Milwaukee Tool having acquired Imperial Blades, and now able to tap into a continued revenue stream from oscillating multi-tool users, I am convinced that we will see new M18 cordless multi-tools, likely brushless with M18 Fuel designation, in addition to new high-performance oscillating tool accessories.
I had considered/hoped/wrongfully predicted that we might see this launch last year. Last year, in my NPS19 new tools prediction post, I said:
We’ve started to see new Imperial Blades oscillating multi-tool accessories. Now’s a good time for an M18 Fuel oscillating multi-tool, maybe even an M12 Fuel model, of course supported by new Milwaukee oscillating multi-tool blades and accessories. Or, maybe they’ll be supported by Imperial Blade accessories. Either way, I expect to see both.
We haven’t reported on it yet, but Milwaukee recently announced new Universal Fit Open-Lok oscillating multi-tool blades. And now, here’s a new M12 multi-tool that works with those blades and fills in a gap in Milwaukee’s brushless cordless power tools lineup.
The tool itself looks appealing, especially from a competitive standpoint.
I know many readers will be hoping for a new M18 Fuel version to follow, and one very well might, but there are merits in an M12 Fuel oscillating multi-tool. Yes, lower voltage systems typically mean less power and speed compared to higher voltage systems. With this tool, you get high speeds, a 3.9° oscillating angle that Milwaukee rightfully describes as aggressive, and what seems to be decent runtime.
Makita’s 12V CXT cordless oscillating multi-tool operates at 6,000 to 20,000 OPM and has a 3.2° oscillation angle. It’s not brushless or tool-free.
Compare: Makita Multi-Tool Kit via Amazon
Bosch’s 12V oscillating multi-tool operates at 5,000 to 20,000 OPM, and with a 2.8° oscillation angle. It features a brushless motor but is not tool-free.
Compare: Bosch 12V Multi-Tool Bare Tool via Amazon
It’s too soon to know how the new Milwaukee M12 Fuel oscillating multi-tool compares with respect to performance and user comfort, but so far it seems to be better featured than the competition. It’s priced a bit higher as well, but the greater features and claims of lowest vibration and fastest cutting speed could justify that for many users, especially M12 cordless power tool users.
Buy Now: Kit via Tool Nut
Buy Now: Kit via Acme Tools
So, what do you think – was this new M12 Fuel oscillating multi-tool worth the wait?
James C
What does that first graph even mean? No way you’re cutting through 1×2 oak in 1.1 seconds. Maybe 1×2 cheddar cheese. I doubt it could do something harder like parmesan that fast.
I really like my collection of m12 and m18 tools but their marketing department drives me crazy.
MilwaukeeToolEmployee
Milwaukee Tool Employee here, this is legit in 1×2″ oak.
Gordon
Doesn’t that have as much to do with the blade as it does the tool? Did you test with industry leader blades like the Bosch and Chinese blade like from Harbor Freight?
I bought a HF corded OMT for a job where I want sure if it was going to help or not. The included blade felt like I was cutting the door jam with a razor blade. It took forever and a day. Switching to a blade that cost more than the tool significantly improved the cutting.
I’d be very curious to know all of the testing parameters, but that might be too much to ask from a marketing dept.
DeWaltToolEmployee
I agree with the MilwaukeeToolEmployee, that tool is fast.
Jay
Will the vacuum dust port work on the older model m12 multi tool? I have one of the older ones and use it for sanding in small places. But if that vacuum port fit on all models of the m12 multi tool I would buy that.
Lance
Milwaukee Tool Employee, this is 100% BS.
A Super Sawzall would take about 1s to plow through a 1″ x 2″ oak board if you were leaning on it. NO FREAKING WAY does any multitool do that.
After reading a bunch of comments here, it’s nice to see I’m not the only one who’s sick and tired of Milwaukee’s marketing nonsense. 2X this, 4X that, 2X as quiet (LOL!)… and absolutely no references or data.
Sad. Good tools marred by terrible TERRIBLE marketing.
Chris
Milwaukee the marketing company!
Chris
While I do believe m12 tools are the best, I do have to agree with you that the speed claims seem a bit out there. I don’t know though… Milwaukee is really good at surprising people. We will just have to wait and see!
Mike
All Milwaukee is good at is lying
Jim Felt
Mike.
That’s a heck of an all encompassing claim.
We’ve had great luck with nearly all the major tool manufacturers. We’ve owned Milwaukee (both US made and imports) for at least 3 decades. Never a failure. Only upgrading.
What specifically has formed your opinion?
We’ll wait.
Drew M
It could be worse. Milwaukee could hire Bosch’s marketing dept.
” M12 Fuel Lightning MegaWatt Nuclear Fusion OMT “
Jim Felt
That’s too true. Bosch makes great stuff and has awesome customer service but then why must we buy their “never to reach America“ tools online in Korea, the UK or the Euro Zone?
“Marketing”?
Dumb and dumber?
Koko The Talking Ape
The M12’s minimum speed (10,000 OPM) is substantially higher than the others’ (5,000 and 6,000 OPM.) Is that a negative? When are low speeds useful for this tool?
PTBRULES
Low speeds are useful when you need control, so that that it doesn’t jump out of what your cutting, especially on light or flimsy materials like Paneling.
Otherwise, to lessen how much heat you are building up sometimes, I guess?
For me, I either use our Fein at Max or Min speed 90% of the time. So it being at a higher speed might be annoying at points.
PTBRULES
Now I will actually buy a Milwaukee MT.
The M18 version was awful with the huge battery, and I never found a good deal to buy the M12 version. And vs our Fein with the Quick Release, a tool sounded like no fun.
This makes it so I can leave it in the Fein tool bag and have it for quick work the corded, well now whenever…. And the Starlock blades are so simple to use.
dave jones
fein have cordless versions too.
PTBRULES
Yeah, but I’m not going to buy into another battery system I have to remember to keep charged…..
Chaws
Is this going to replace the regular m12 or run by itself in the m12 fuel line?
Either way, I was hoping for a 1 handed blade change. I’m not a fan of the one on my m18 and they look to be the same?
Chris
It’s very unlikely that it will replace the brushed model. Milwaukee still sells brushed versions of tools that now come in brushless versions. The older cordless ratchets for example are still sold. I know the brushed hackzall is still sold. As are the drills and impacts.
NoahG
FINALLY. If I can get this and the M12 Surge in a holiday bundle I’ll be very pleased.
Mike
I’m throwing money and the screen and nothing is happening! My m12 version died about a year ago, been living on the M18. It’s so big and heavy! I’m a buyer for sure. Hopefully we see an updated roatary tool soon too. For delicate things it’s still better then the die grinder.
A-A-Ron
I have the Skil 12v brushless version (came with the 5-tool combo) and love it.
SKILToolEmployee
You have the monster!
Skye A Cohen
What is up with all the ___toolemployee names? Are you all one advertising agency? Or one person just trolling around?
cemery50
Many questions pick as many as you care to answer?
Does the Skil battery pack interface to a number of various devices.
Will it do routing (i.e. Dremel) ?
How many bits are available and are they universal ?
How much does it weigh ?
How much does it cost ?
TomB
Curious what the dB is near top opm. M18 was great on noise, but hated that you cant service the brushes.
Recent m12 fuel stuff has been really high quality, I’m certainly in on this one.
Gordon
I have an older Milwaukee Sawzall and 12 CSMS. Neither have easy access to the brushes. Come to think of it, I can’t recall seeing any Milwaukee tool that has easy access to brushes in the way a brand like Makita does.
fred
It was something like 10 years ago when we got the first M12 OMT (2426-20) to try out. We had been using corded Fein Multimasters and Supercuts. There were high hopes – but the consensus was that the M12 was not worth what little space that it took up in the truck. It was just too wimpy – as I recall hearing back from the guys who tried it out. I’m hoping that Milwaukee has got their act together with this one. I hear that some of my ex-compatriots are using Fein cordless Supercuts – but that kits costs more than twice what this M12 kits is being sold for.
glenn
Yes the current brushed M12 is awful. So much so that out of the 3 of us that had them in our work crew, 2 of us sold them.
It vibrated badly, was noisy and cut slowly. Also I found that sometimes due to the vibration, it would pinch/rub any skin touching the gap where the battery joins the body of the tool. Not painful but annoying.
I replaced mine with the above pictured CXT and we all agreed that it is far better, and the other guy went to an M18 which he much prefers and is also far better.
Hopefully they get it right with this one.
Chris
Man, it’s so tempting. But I have a corded dewalt model that still works great. If anything, I’d probably jump for a cordless dewalt because why not, but I certainly won’t not consider the m12 fuel model.
OldDominionDIYer
I’m in!
AMB
I’m Also interested in the NOISE factor, but glad to read they’ve resolved the super high vibes
John Blair
I really wonder how it compares vs an 18v tool. The Bosch 12v is anemic compared to my Dewalt 18v (20v Max* *= the things we say so people think it has higher voltage than Milwaukee). If its powerful enough, I could see where having a smaller, lighter tool could be worth it.
Joseph
I disagree, I have the Bosch 12v and the dewalt XR versions. I enjoy using both but the Bosch seems to be better at cutting through nails and plunge cuts. It’s also able to fit into tighter spaces. I’m curious to try the m12 fuel to see how it compares.
J Tunon
When is it coming out or available for purchase?
Stuart
September. Preorder links are above.
Sergey Grunskiy
It’s a nice addition to the M12 lineup, but that price is ridiculous.
You can buy Fein 12v Multi-tool kit with TWO batteries for less! Why would I choose to buy a Chinese tool when a higher quality tool made in Germany can be purchased for less?
Fein is also lighter and most likely has better vibration dampening due to the way it’s designed.
Cutting speed? Sure, I’ll give that to Milwaukee. M18 multitool has pretty good cutting speed. It also has very annoying motor noise and is much harder to control than a Fein tool.
Stuart
It’s good to have options.
For someone already in the M12 or M18 ecosystem, an M12 tool will be more convenient.
Rob
It’s only good to have options when the options are good.
I’ve mentioned this before but the OMT situation is a lot like we had with biscuit joiners. Nobody actually wanted to compete with Lamello’s products. They just wanted to compete for Lamello’s market share.
TomB
Fein 12v is an incomplete battery system with spotty global support.
You’ll easily exceed any perceived price value as you go through starlock blades with regular use. Cost of consumables is everything on multitools.
They normally aim for the top of the pack with the Fuel line. Not updating the tool change system is a little worrying though. However, this will likely be a great performer and all the rage on my fellow contractor’s instagram stories.
Rob
Fein makes an 18v cordless Multimaster and Supercut. Just sayin…
dave jones
they have a 12v too and they have a starlock blade system which is much nicer than this one.
rob
True, but I’m putting the decision to choose the 12v multi-talent over an 18v multimaster or supercut/vecturo as about the same as buying all of the other not good OMT’s that have now flooded the market.
Greg
I bought the M12 a few months back. Was not impressed. It’s collecting dust @this very moment. I’m happy with my Dewalt 20v
Big Richard
It hasn’t even come out yet, how did you manage to get one a few months back?
A W
The 10 year old brushed model is still out.
Big Richard
C’mon A W, I know that, I’ve actually used it. But this post is about the new Fuel model. If Greg is talking about the old brushed model, it is irrelevant to this post. A 10 year old brushed model doesn’t compare to a new premium brushless model.
Greg
Sorry should have clarified that it was 1st gen
Nathan
speeds and angle have me a bit concerned on the control aspect when working in confined spaces. Which might sound odd considering I use a dewalt. And I wish it had a speed wheel to set the max on it. (or some version of that).
Otherwise interesting idea. But it’s the dust collection on the sander pad that has the bulk of my attention here. I probably use my OMT the most as a detail sander – and it would be nice to have dust collection on it – but seems impractical. Curious how well that works.
+1 to the comments above about blade quality makes the tool shine. Applies to nearly any device I can think of.
Rx9
My wife does cup decorating and uses both my OMTs frequently to sand down epoxy lumps and/or defects. It makes a fantastic tool for a lot of crafting applications.
Off topic a bit, I’ve noticed that a lot of men like myself who are into DIY work, often end up marrying women who are into crafting. The husband knows his way around Home Depot and the wife her way around JoAnn, so to speak. For my marriage at least, the both of us have learned a lot of things from each other that have helped us improve on our hobbies.
I’m sure there are plenty of exceptions, but I feel like there’s a pattern there.
Rx9
I’ve got both Milwaukee OMTs, and honestly, if the performance on this model is better, I’m getting it, but probably when it’s on sale.
Drew M
I think making this tool with the battery pointed down might have been a mistake.
I have the M18 version and I’ll say that I generally like it and I’m shocked by how well it feels and balances with the massive 9ah packs. It’s not a tool that I use all the time but it is definitely a problem solver for tricky cuts.
I have a lot of M12 but I got into the M18 system with the string trimmer and blower. Later, I picked up the big M18 Fuel drill, OMT and a second 9ah and Rapid Charger.
I REALLY want a new M12 Fuel Jigsaw.
KingDave
May give this one a shot! I have the Dewalt 20v Multi Tool and haven’t used it much. I didn’t purchase brand name Blades and so far I am not that impressed but I am definitely sure it was the cheaper blades. HD just had the Milwaukee Multi Tool blades on sale and I bought a pack. Hopefully these name brand blades will show me what I have been missing regarding the multi tool. With that said, I do have a full line of Milwaukee M12 tools and I love them. Looking forward to more info on this tool.
Dominic S
When is the M18 Fuel version coming out?
Bonson
It’s a buy for me. Was hoping for $129 bare tool though.
A decade ago never thought i needed an OMT. Picked up the Ryobi jobmax with a battery for dirt cheap. Now I use it frequently. Hate the size, weight, blade change and slop though.
I don’t care if there’s better out there, this is m12 fuel. Good enough to blind buy for me.
Lyle
So I’ve used a Fein Multimaster (corded), and I bought and owned a Bosch 12v OMT before but both of them felt really difficult to control. There is no doubt to me that this is a very specialized tool and I only need one a few times a year. When I need it, it’s probably the only tool that will work for whatever problem I’m trying to solve.
I’m trying to understand why Festool is the only company that has made dust collection and a plunge base that allows the user very precise control of this tool. I’ve waited for more than a year but I finally sold my Bosch and decided to buy the Festool Vecturo. $800 for the kit is a ridiculous price to pay, but it seems like this tool (with the addition of its accessories) is by far the most precise and easy to control version of OMT. I’m not sure why other companies don’t make accessories for their OMT’s. I guess I’m gonna end up paying like $50 per use for the next few years.
chip hershberger
I own both m12/m18 1st generations,our shop Dewalt 20v runs circles around both.
Bought a Fein and selling the red.
You can buy “its just like a Honda “,or you can buy the real Honda !