Milwaukee Compact Spot Blower

Compact, versatile, and efficient – that's how I'd describe Milwaukee's Compact Spot Blower, model 0852-20. As someone who frequently needs to clean up job sites, garages, and even the occasional patio, I found the Compact Spot Blower to be a handy addition to my toolkit. Here's a detailed look at my experience with this tool and why it might be a good fit for your needs.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that struck me about the Compact Spot Blower is its lightweight and compact design. Weighing in at just 3.3 pounds and measuring 15 inches in length, it's incredibly easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces. The plastic construction feels durable but not overly heavy, making it comfortable to use for extended periods.

One feature I particularly appreciate is the variable speed trigger and the two-speed settings. This allows for precise control over the airflow, which is crucial when you're working in delicate or confined spaces. The lock-on button is another thoughtful addition, enabling continuous operation without straining your finger.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the Compact Spot Blower offers a maximum airspeed of 110 MPH and an air volume of 175 CFM. While these numbers might not compete with larger, more powerful blowers, they are more than adequate for smaller, more focused tasks. For instance, it's perfect for blowing sawdust off workbenches, clearing grass clippings from sidewalks, and even drying off a freshly washed car.

I tested the blower with both the included rubber nozzle and the wide sweeping nozzle. The rubber nozzle is excellent for getting into hard-to-reach areas, while the wide sweeping nozzle is ideal for covering larger surfaces. Switching between the two is quick and easy, thanks to the twist-and-lock mechanism.

Battery Life

The Compact Spot Blower is part of Milwaukee's M12 battery system, which is both a blessing and a curse. On the plus side, the M12 batteries are lightweight and charge relatively quickly. However, the blower does consume a fair amount of power, especially when used on the higher speed setting. I found that a 3.0 Ah battery provided a decent runtime, but for more extended use, you might want to invest in a larger battery.

One useful feature is the battery indicator, which lets you know how much charge is left. This is particularly helpful for planning your work and ensuring you don't run out of power mid-task.

Practical Applications

In my experience, the Compact Spot Blower excels in several specific scenarios:

1. Job Site Cleanup: It's perfect for quickly clearing away sawdust, small debris, and even light dirt from work areas. The variable speed trigger allows for precise control, so you don't end up blowing dust all over the place.

2. Vehicle Maintenance: I found it surprisingly effective for drying off cars after a wash. The compact size and rubber nozzle make it easy to get into tight spots like mirrors and door handles.

3. Home Use: Whether it's blowing leaves off the patio or clearing out the garage, this blower handles small to medium tasks with ease. It's also quieter than many other blowers, making it more suitable for residential areas.

Limitations

While the Compact Spot Blower is versatile, it's not without its limitations. The most significant drawback is its power. If you're looking to clear a large yard full of leaves or move heavy debris, this isn't the tool for you. It's designed for smaller, more focused tasks, and it excels in that niche.

Another minor issue is the battery life. As mentioned earlier, the blower can drain smaller batteries relatively quickly, especially on the high-speed setting. Investing in larger batteries can mitigate this, but it's something to be aware of.

Ergonomics and Ease of Use

One of the standout features of the Compact Spot Blower is its ease of use. The lightweight design and ergonomic handle make it comfortable to hold, even during extended use. The variable speed trigger is responsive and allows for precise control over the airflow, which is essential for delicate tasks.

The lock-on button is another ergonomic feature that I found particularly useful. It allows you to keep the blower running without continuously holding down the trigger, reducing finger fatigue during longer tasks.

Durability and Maintenance

Milwaukee is known for its durable tools, and the Compact Spot Blower is no exception. The plastic construction feels robust and capable of withstanding the rigors of job site use. The axial fan design also contributes to its durability, providing optimal power and runtime.

Maintenance is straightforward. The blower is easy to clean, and the nozzles can be quickly swapped out as needed. The M12 battery system is also user-friendly, with batteries that are easy to remove and replace.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Milwaukee Compact Spot Blower is a versatile and efficient tool that's well-suited for a variety of tasks. Its compact size, lightweight design, and variable speed settings make it an excellent choice for job site cleanup, vehicle maintenance, and home use.

However, it's essential to keep in mind its limitations. If you need a blower for heavy-duty tasks or large areas, you might want to look at more powerful options. But for smaller, more focused jobs, the Compact Spot Blower is hard to beat.

Recommendation

I would recommend the Milwaukee Compact Spot Blower for anyone who needs a lightweight, versatile blower for smaller tasks. Its ease of use, compact design, and efficient performance make it a valuable addition to any toolkit. Just be sure to pair it with a larger M12 battery for extended use, and you'll have a reliable tool that can handle a variety of jobs with ease.