Milwaukee Mounting Fan

Milwaukee's Mounting Fan, model 0820-20, has quickly become a staple in my toolkit, and for good reason. This compact, versatile fan offers a blend of portability, impressive airflow, and multiple mounting options that make it a standout choice for both job sites and personal use. Here’s a detailed look at my experience with this tool.

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the Mounting Fan impresses with its robust build. Made from ABS plastic, it feels durable and ready to withstand the rigors of a job site. Despite its sturdy construction, it remains lightweight at just 4.57 pounds, making it easy to carry around. The integrated top carry handle is a thoughtful touch, enhancing its portability.

The fan measures 8.85 inches in length, 13.1 inches in height, and 7.23 inches in width, which makes it compact enough to fit into tight spaces without sacrificing performance. Its compact size also makes it an excellent choice for those who need a fan that can easily be stowed away when not in use.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the Mounting Fan does not disappoint. It delivers air speeds up to 14 MPH and an air volume of up to 400 CFM, which is quite impressive for its size. Whether you’re working in a stuffy garage, a hot attic, or even outdoors, this fan provides ample airflow to keep you cool.

One of the standout features is the three-speed settings: high, medium, and low. This allows for a good range of airflow, making it adaptable to different needs. On high, it can quickly cool down a small area, while the lower settings provide a gentle breeze that’s perfect for close-up work or when you don’t need a gale-force wind blowing on you.

Battery Life

The fan runs on Milwaukee’s M12 battery system, and the runtime is quite satisfactory. With a M12 XC 6.0 Ah battery, you can expect up to 16 hours of runtime on the lowest setting. However, this drops significantly on higher settings, which is something to keep in mind if you plan on using it at full blast for extended periods.

One drawback is that the fan is sold as a tool-only option, meaning no battery is included. If you already own other Milwaukee M12 tools, this isn’t a big deal, but if this is your first foray into the M12 ecosystem, you’ll need to invest in a battery and charger separately.

Mounting Options

The mounting options on this fan are where it truly shines. It comes equipped with integrated magnets, a 2-inch spring-loaded clamp, keyholes for mounting on screws or nails, and pass-through holes for versatile mounting. The magnets are strong enough to hold the fan securely on steel surfaces, although they could be a bit stronger for more confident placement on less ferrous metals.

The spring-loaded clamp is particularly impressive. It’s robust and can grip onto surfaces up to 2 inches thick, making it easy to attach the fan to a variety of objects, from rafters to workbenches. The keyholes and pass-through holes add even more flexibility, allowing you to mount the fan in almost any orientation you can think of.

Usability

In terms of usability, the 360-degree head rotation is a game-changer. It allows you to direct the airflow exactly where you need it, without having to move the entire fan. This is especially useful in tight spaces or when you have the fan mounted in a fixed position.

The fan also features a fuel gauge that illuminates for a few seconds when you turn it on, giving you a quick glance at the remaining battery life. This is a small but useful feature that helps you manage your battery usage more effectively.

Noise Level

One aspect that pleasantly surprised me is the noise level. Even on the highest setting, the fan isn’t excessively loud. It’s noticeable, but not to the point where it becomes a distraction. On the lower settings, it’s quiet enough to use in more sensitive environments, like a home office or during a phone call, without causing a disturbance.

Versatility

The Mounting Fan isn’t just for job sites. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications. I’ve found it useful for cooling down while working on my car, providing a breeze while camping, and even as a personal fan on my patio. Its ability to mount in various ways means you can use it almost anywhere, and its compact size makes it easy to bring along.

Areas for Improvement

While the Mounting Fan is excellent overall, there are a few areas where there’s room for improvement. Firstly, an AC input option would be a fantastic addition. This would allow the fan to double as a corded fan when an outlet is available, providing unlimited runtime and potentially serving as an M12 battery charger.

Secondly, the magnets, while useful, could be stronger. In some situations, they don’t provide as secure a hold as I’d like, especially when mounting the fan sideways.

Lastly, the battery drainage issue when the fan is left on with a dead battery is a concern. It’s important to remember to turn the fan off when the battery is low to avoid damaging the battery, which could be a costly mistake.

Recommendation

Despite a few minor drawbacks, I highly recommend the Milwaukee Mounting Fan. Its blend of portability, powerful airflow, and versatile mounting options make it an invaluable tool for a wide range of applications. Whether you’re a professional needing a reliable job site fan or a DIY enthusiast looking for a versatile cooling solution, this fan is well worth the investment. Its compact size, ease of use, and robust build quality ensure that it will serve you well in many different situations.