Milwaukee M18 FUEL™ SWITCH PACK™ Sectional Drum Machine with 1/2” Cable

Navigating the world of drain cleaning can be daunting, especially when you're dealing with stubborn clogs that require more than just a basic snake. With the Milwaukee M18 FUEL™ SWITCH PACK™, I had the opportunity to test a tool that promises convenience, power, and portability. Here’s my detailed take on this innovative drain cleaning system.

Design and Portability

The first thing that struck me about the Milwaukee SWITCH PACK™ is its modular design. This system is ingeniously crafted with backpack straps, making it surprisingly easy to transport. For those who often find themselves climbing ladders or maneuvering through tight spaces, this feature is a game-changer. The weight is balanced well enough that carrying it on your back doesn't feel cumbersome, though it does require a strong back and shoulders, especially when fully loaded.

The modularity extends beyond just the backpack straps. The tool-free drum connection is a standout feature, allowing for quick cable size changes without the need for additional tools. This makes it adaptable to various drain cleaning scenarios, whether you’re dealing with a simple kitchen sink blockage or a more challenging mainline clog.

Performance and Power

Equipped with Milwaukee’s POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor, the SWITCH PACK™ delivers impressive clearing power. In my experience, the motor provided consistent performance, maintaining a solid spin speed of 250 RPM. This power is crucial when dealing with tougher clogs, and it certainly held up during my tests.

One of the most reassuring features is the integrated drum brake. This adds a layer of control, allowing the drum to stop quickly when needed. It’s especially useful in preventing over-rotation, which can be a common issue with less sophisticated machines.

Cable Management

However, the tool isn't without its flaws. The initial design of the drums had a significant issue with cable binding and tangling inside the drum. This was a major pain point, as it led to frustrating downtime and additional cleanup. Fortunately, Milwaukee has addressed this with a redesigned drum that includes an inner drum to mitigate these issues. Since switching to the updated drum, I’ve noticed a marked improvement in cable management, with fewer instances of tangling.

The system supports various cable sizes, and while it claims compatibility with competitor cables, my experience was mixed. Loading 50 feet of a competitor’s 5/8” open wind cable proved challenging, and I could only fit about 38 feet. This limitation can be a drawback for those who rely on longer cable runs for more extensive jobs.

Durability and Build Quality

Durability is an area where the SWITCH PACK™ shows both strengths and weaknesses. The fully enclosed drums do an excellent job of containing the mess, which is a huge plus for indoor jobs. However, the plastic components, particularly the clamps that hold the drums to the base, have shown signs of wear and stress cracks after extended use. This raises concerns about the long-term durability of the system, especially for professionals who use it daily.

The cable ends are another point of contention. They tend to be weaker than expected, with some users reporting frequent breaks. While I haven’t experienced catastrophic failures, the potential for this issue is something to keep in mind, especially if you’re working on more demanding jobs.

Usability and Ergonomics

In terms of usability, the SWITCH PACK™ excels. The electric safety foot switch is a thoughtful addition, providing an easy way to control the machine while keeping both hands free. The system’s modularity also means you can quickly switch between different drums and cable sizes, adding to its versatility.

Cleaning the drum, however, can be a bit of a hassle. While the enclosed design helps with mess containment, it also makes it difficult to thoroughly clean and maintain the cable and drum. This is a common issue with drum machines, but it’s slightly more pronounced here due to the inner drum design.

Battery Life

The SWITCH PACK™ runs on Milwaukee’s 18V Lithium-Ion batteries, and I found the battery life to be quite satisfactory. A single charge was more than enough to handle multiple jobs, and the dual battery setup ensures you’re never left without power. The included charger is versatile, supporting both M12 and M18 batteries, which is a nice touch for those already invested in Milwaukee’s ecosystem.

Final Thoughts

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL™ SWITCH PACK™ is a robust and versatile tool that brings a lot of innovative features to the table. Its modular design, powerful motor, and portability make it a strong contender for both professional plumbers and serious DIYers. However, it’s not without its shortcomings. The initial issues with cable binding, the durability concerns with plastic components, and the somewhat cumbersome cleaning process are notable drawbacks.

Would I recommend the SWITCH PACK™? Yes, but with reservations. If you’re looking for a portable and powerful drain cleaning solution and are willing to invest in the updated drum design, this tool can be a valuable addition to your arsenal. It’s particularly well-suited for light to moderate clogs and scenarios where portability is a must. However, for those dealing with heavy-duty, frequent drain cleaning tasks, the durability concerns and cable limitations might be a deal-breaker.

In conclusion, the Milwaukee SWITCH PACK™ offers a blend of innovation and practicality that can significantly ease the drain cleaning process, provided you’re aware of and prepared for its limitations.