4 Milwaukee tools most owners regret buying

Published Oct 31, 2026, 8:00 PM EDT Cory Gunther is a senior author and Newsletter Editor at Valnet, covering cutting-edge tech, Android, and more for How-To Geek. He's covered Android, cars, and technology for over a decade. When he's not reviewing the latest gadget, you can find him off-roading in his Toyota truck, fixing said truck, or doing something outdoors with friends and family. He's covered CES, SEMA, and MWC and reviewed countless phones, TVs, speakers, EVs, e-bikes, and more. Before Valnet, Cory worked for GottaBeMobile. His writing has also appeared on SlashGear, InputMag, and AndroidCentral. He's written over 9,000 articles. Milwaukee tools have a solid reputation, and it's one of the best brands in the business, but there are occasional misfires. With hundreds of tools readily available across its growing M12 and M18 platforms, there's bound to be a few duds. Here are a few Milwaukee tools that users most often regret buying. As many of you know, Milwaukee has been making tools for a very long time. The company invented the Sawzall in 1951, along with the "Hole Shooter," which was the industry's first one-handed power drill. They're constantly releasing new products and replacing older models, and there are a few you'll want to avoid. You'll need more power Credit: Milwaukee Milwaukee owners everywhere love the smaller compact M12 lineup, but some of the older or non-FUEL versions are certainly worth passing up. A prime example is the non-FUEL original M12 Oscillating Multi-tool, which owners across Reddit constantly complain about. The original M12 OST had all sorts of drawbacks, from requiring an Allen key to replace the blades to excessive vibration and insufficient power. Eventually, Milwaukee replaced it with a slightly better model that doesn't require an Allen key, but it's still small, vibrates like crazy, and is often not enough for the job. There's a reason it's constantly on sale for $79 at Home Depot. If you're buying an Oscillating Multi-tool and want to stick to the M12 platform, get the FUEL model. It'll be worth the extra cost in the long run. Milwaukee 5-inch Random Orbital Sanders Even the newer M18 FUEL model isn't great Credit: Milwaukee While there are several red tools loved by everyone, for whatever reason, it seems Milwaukee can't master the 5-inch Random Orbit Sander. There are several orbit sanders from the brand that get a bad wrap. The corded Palm Sander has some of the lowest reviews on Milwaukee's entire website, and even the newer M18 FUEL model has its share of complaints. The corded model is just bad all around. You can get a corded model from Bosch or DeWalt for less, and it will be way better. And if you're a cordless fan who wants convenience, the M18 FUEL 5-inch Random Orbit Sander does have positive reviews, but people across Reddit complain about it being unbalanced, especially with anything other than the smallest battery packs. See, the battery sits off the back and weighs it down, causing unbalanced usage and swirls in your projects, along with additional hand and arm strain. Go with something else, you'll be glad you did. BOSCH 2.5-Amp Corded 5-inch Orbit Sander $69 $89 Save $20 Trusted for over 100 years, BOSCH makes excellent tools like this capable 2.5-amp Random Orbit Sander with variable speeds. Avoid the Rover Magnetic Flood Light Quality and reliability issues are just the beginning Credit: Milwaukee Milwaukee's bread and butter are powerful, versatile power tools for professionals, DIYers, and specific trades like electricians and mechanics. If there's one area that's pretty hit-or-miss, it's with the lighting products. Don't get me wrong, Milwaukee makes some excellent M12 and M18-powered LED lights you'll absolutely love. I'm a huge fan of the M12 magnetic underbody light, or the rolling ROVER series. However, if you're going to get any lighting products from Milwaukee, avoid the M18 Rover Magnetic Flood Light. Over 100 reviews on Milwaukee's site barely give it a notch above one star, and that's pretty bad. It has durability, quality, and reliability issues, turns off at random, and the magnet isn't all that strong, either. When it inevitably falls from a magnetized surface, it might break. Milwaukee tools are usually pretty tough, but this one missed the memo. Milwaukee M12 and select M18 Grinders Stalling out and getting hot Credit: Milwaukee Overall, Milwaukee's wide range of angle grinders and braking grinders receives pretty positive reviews. That said, some of the more powerful M18 models, while loved on the jobsite, are also frequently mentioned on Reddit for overheating, absolutely crushing battery packs, and other minor issues. We see similar complaints about various M12 angled die-grinders that stall out way too easily, overheat to the point that the system shuts them down for a bit, and are hard on battery packs. It sounds like many of the M12 grinders just don't have enough power, even though many other M12 tools are absolutely fantastic. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder Now, that doesn't mean these aren't good tools or that you shouldn't buy one, but it's a clear sign they're usually not up to par for the job at hand. Everyone uses tools differently, or for certain jobs, and that's why beauty (or usefulness) is in the eye of the beholder. So, figure out what's right for you and choose accordingly.