My first and several subsequent tests of Milwaukee’s M12™ & M18™ Rapid Charge Station were, at best, only partially successful and it turns out that the problem was entirely my fault. While my 12v batteries always charged without issue, the 18v batteries charged unpredictably and occasionally not at all. It was all flashing lights, no lights or sometimes the correct lights as I tried seating the batteries and not moving them once I got a proper red charge light. Most of the time I succeeded in getting a full charge, but usually only after being meticulous (I thought) about placing the batteries on the charger.
Let me jump right to the end of the tale by saying it was all because I did not realize that the batteries are supposed to be pushed home firmly into the sockets until a substantial click is felt. I have been wondering for some time why all of my 18v batteries wobbled around so badly. I simply wasn’t pushing them in all the way! D’oh!
I can’t claim to have figured this out on my own, I was fortunate to have been given the opportunity to speak to Milwaukee’s product manager responsible for batteries and chargers (and Sawzalls). I answered a few questions and he described the proper way to engage the batteries. I knew immediately that I had been doing it wrong, so we didn’t need to take it much further, although he offered to replace my charger. It was a pleasant and informative exchange even if I did feel a little on the silly side for missing such a basic technique.
There was, however, a price to be paid: I had to endure more teasing about what I might see at next month’s New Product Symposium. Nobody at Milwaukee is giving any hints, although every indication is that it will be big, so big that everyone there seems completely confident that it will be a game changer. They ask “How will Milwaukee unlock the future of jobsite technology?” Six more weeks of guessing and mounting curiosity…
In conclusion I will say that my charging times found in the prior reviews were accurate, once I got things going. The value of the Rapid Charger will depend on the number of tool users and batteries being served in a given time period, along with the specific model of batteries used. My opinion remains that the single biggest asset of the Rapid Charger is that it will charge three batteries of a given voltage simultaneously. The speed advantages will vary by battery model, but will always be faster than the sequential kit chargers. Me, I stopped counting minutes and started enjoying results once I knew my charger was not at fault for my previous troubles. Now everything I own is topped off, so there’s nothing left but to do some work!
-dvl
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