Archived from the Tools In Action forum (Milwaukee). This thread is read-only.
Do non Milwaukee batteries (specifically Ridgid) with adapters work on Milwaukee M18 tools? Physically it looks like it will work but I am wondering about the electronic side of it. I saw a post that seemed to indicate the tool needs to “recognize” the battery?
I need a pole saw and Ridgid does not make one yet. I cant believe how much a Milwaukee M18 12AH battery costs! I purchase Ridgid battery tools for their lifetime service agreement mainly for the batteries and have many of them already.
I use Ridgid batteries in a Milwaukee cordless roofing nailer with an adapter. It seems to work OK. This is the only Milwaukee tool that I own. I greatly prefer Ridgid equipment. The Milwaukee nailer does have at least I issue, but I do not believe that it is related to the different battery. Presently- I am not keen on acquiring any further Milwaukee equipment.
From what I’ve seen, Ridgid batteries with an adapter generally work fine on M18 tools — the main limitation usually comes from heat management and the electronic safety built into Milwaukee packs (temperature sensors, overload protection). On high-demand tools (like saws or grinders), Milwaukee batteries still tend to run more consistently, especially the 12Ah packs.
That said, I get your point — the price of those big M18 batteries is really steep. I handle a lot of tools and equipment on a daily basis, and every now and then I come across Ridgid batteries or kits at much better deals.