Milwaukee tools are great, but these 5 just aren't worth the extra cost

Published Oct 24, 2026, 6:00 AM 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 makes excellent tools across its expansive M12 and M18 lineup, tools that are loved by DIYers and trusted by professionals. The company gets a lot right, and hey, it invented the Sawzall, but that doesn't mean there aren't tools to avoid or that cost way too much for what you get. If you're a fan of Milwaukee, you probably have a bunch of different drills, drivers, impacts, lights, and more. You'll love almost anything you buy from Team Red. Well, as long as it's not one of the overpriced or underpowered Milwaukee tools below. Avoid the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 5-inch Palm Sander Off balance and vibrates a ton Credit: Milwaukee There are many tools that are Milwaukee fan favorites, but on the other end of the spectrum, you have a commonly returned item (or purchase regret) in the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 5-inch Orbital Palm Sander. What's crazy is that Milwaukee already made an M18 sander that received mixed reviews, and the more capable upgraded FUEL 5-inch random orbital sander is even worse. Fans everywhere complain about it being unbalanced, way too much vibration, and just an overall poor design. As you can see, the battery sticks off to the side, and even if you use the smallest battery you own, it'll still be lopsided. The end result is pads wearing out too quickly on the bottom, where you're naturally putting more pressure due to the heavy battery. Or worse, swirls in your sanding or polishing projects. Yikes! This thing is $229 without a battery, and the non-FUEL model is expensive, too. Do yourself a favor and buy a cheaper, better, corded sander. Milwaukee M12 Laser Thermometer It costs how much? Credit: Milwaukee I've used the Milwaukee M12 laser temperature gun and infrared thermometer, and they're excellent tools. It's fun to use, the screen is vibrant and easy to read outdoors, and it's a well-rounded product. I also understand the benefits and convenience of having a tool that works with all the battery packs you already own. But the Milwaukee M12 laser thermometer is $219 at Home Depot, and it doesn't even come with a battery. Yes, that's over $200 to tell you some temperatures on a jobsite. You can get the exact same 12-in-1 tool from a trusted name like Klein Tools for $64. Or find a similar tool at Harbor Freight for $23. Milwaukee M18 Compact Heat Gun Mixed results Credit: Milwaukee Another tool that owners don't seem to love all that much is Milwaukee's M18-powered compact heat gun. Sure, it's compact, but that big M18 battery pack makes it pretty heavy and cumbersome to use, especially on larger jobs like a vehicle wrap or trying to wrap shrink tube around wires under a dashboard. Again, many tools certainly have specific use cases and cordless convenience, depending on the user. Still, for the most part, you'll be better off with any regular old corded heat gun. Reviews suggest Milwaukee's is underpowered, drains battery packs too fast, and is heavier than it needs to be. Milwaukee 16-inch Magnetic Level Get more for less Credit: Milwaukee Having a durable and accurate level is critical on a jobsite, but you don't have to pay the red tool tax to achieve those types of results. Milwaukee makes a pretty excellent REDSTICK Magnetic Box Level for $65. Now I'm not saying you shouldn't buy it, and the few reviews on Home Depot or the Milwaukee website are rather favorable. What I am saying is you can get an even longer magnetic level from DeWALT for far less money, or comparable torpedo levels on Amazon for around $22. This is one of those reminders that just because Milwaukee is your favorite brand doesn't mean you should always choose Milwaukee. The M18 FUEL Compact Palm Router A tool that's trying too hard Credit: Milwaukee Another one of Milwaukee's tools that's often the target of internet jokes is the M18 FUEL Palm Router. You'll spend over $230 to get one (without a battery) and then realize that while it's incredibly powerful, it's not the most ideal tool for the job. Several owners on Reddit complain about the overall design, ergonomics, button layout, and all the controls you'll either accidentally hit or that'll change on their own from all the vibrations. With best-in-class 31,000 RPM, it's certainly capable, but it's also a tool many end up regretting in the long run. If you truly need cordless, sure, but otherwise, there are plenty of corded options that'll do just fine for far less money. Convenience isn't always the best Just because you can go cordless doesn't mean you need to. A few honorable mentions are the underpowered M12 compact vacuum, the non-FUEL Hackzall, and the M18 Canister Vacuum, which owners seem to really dislike. At the end of the day, buy the Milwaukee tools you want, need, or know you'll use on the job. That said, there are certainly plenty of Milwaukee tools that are a little too expensive for what you get, or readily available from other brands for less.