Milwaukee USB Rechargeable Portable Power Source & Charger

The Milwaukee USB Rechargeable Portable Power Source & Charger, model 48-59-2012, is an intriguing addition to their already impressive lineup of tools. As someone who frequently relies on portable power solutions for various devices on job sites and during outdoor activities, I was eager to see how this compact charger performed.

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the first thing that struck me was its compact and sleek design. The device is small enough to fit in a pocket or tool bag without adding much weight or bulk. The build quality, however, left me with mixed feelings. While the overall construction felt sturdy, there were some concerns about the durability of the battery cover, which seemed to be made of a less robust plastic. Over time, this could potentially result in cracks or breakage, especially in rough work conditions.

Ease of Use

One of the standout features of this charger is its simplicity. The LED Fuel Gauge is a great addition, making it easy to check the charge level of the REDLITHIUM USB battery pack at a glance. This is particularly useful when you’re on the go and need to know if you have enough power to keep your devices running. The charger also comes with a heavy-duty micro-USB cord, which is essential for recharging.

Charging Efficiency

The Milwaukee USB Charger boasts a 2.1A charge rate, which is advertised to be three times faster than standard chargers. In my experience, it did live up to this claim when charging the REDLITHIUM USB batteries. I found that it could fully charge a battery in about an hour, which is quite impressive. However, when it came to charging other devices like my iPhone 13 Pro Max, the performance was less stellar. The charger could only bring my phone's battery up to about 19% before it ran out of juice. This means that for a full charge, I would need multiple units, which isn't very practical.

Compatibility and Versatility

The versatility of this charger is one of its key selling points. It's designed to charge a variety of devices, from mobile phones and tablets to wireless headphones. On the job site, this could be incredibly useful, as it means you don’t have to carry multiple chargers for different devices. However, I did encounter some limitations. For instance, it struggled to charge smaller items like a portable speaker and other headlamps, which was disappointing.

Battery Life and Recharges

Milwaukee claims that the REDLITHIUM USB batteries can handle over 2,000 recharges and offer twice the capacity of three AAA alkaline batteries. While I haven’t had the chance to test this claim fully, the initial performance suggests that the batteries are reliable and long-lasting. The ability to recharge the batteries via a wall plug or a USB power source adds a layer of convenience, ensuring that you’re never left without power when you need it most.

Pros and Cons

One of the main advantages of the Milwaukee USB Charger is its compact size and portability. It’s easy to carry around and doesn’t take up much space in your tool bag. The fast charging capability for the REDLITHIUM USB batteries is another significant plus. The LED Fuel Gauge is a thoughtful addition, making it easy to monitor the battery level.

On the downside, the charger’s performance with non-Milwaukee devices leaves much to be desired. The limited capacity means that it can’t fully charge most modern smartphones, which is a significant drawback. Additionally, the build quality, particularly the battery cover, could be improved to ensure longevity.

Final Thoughts

The Milwaukee USB Rechargeable Portable Power Source & Charger is a mixed bag. On one hand, it offers fast charging for Milwaukee’s REDLITHIUM USB batteries and is incredibly easy to use. On the other hand, its limited capacity and less-than-stellar performance with non-Milwaukee devices make it less versatile than I had hoped.

Would I recommend this tool? It depends on your needs. If you’re already invested in Milwaukee’s ecosystem and primarily need a portable charger for their specific batteries, this is a solid choice. Its compact size, fast charging, and ease of use make it a convenient addition to your toolkit. However, if you’re looking for a reliable portable charger for a variety of devices, you might want to consider other options with greater capacity and better compatibility.

In conclusion, the Milwaukee USB Charger has its merits, but it also has its limitations. It’s a useful tool for specific scenarios but falls short as a universal portable power solution. If Milwaukee can address some of these issues in future iterations, it has the potential to be a standout product in the market.