Milwaukee’s M18 battery series has been well-known for its long-lasting power, durability, and reliability, which is why they are highly sought after by both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Unfortunately, this has also attracted counterfeiters who manufacture fake M18 batteries that are sold at lower prices, often through eBay or Facebook Marketplace. I bought a Milwaukee battery from eBay and later figured out that it is fake. Here’s how to identify a fake Milwaukee M18 battery versus a genuine one.
1. Packaging and Labels
I bought a genuine Milwaukee battery from Home Depot and it comes in sturdy blister packaging that reflects the brand’s high standards. Counterfeit products often come in blister packaging with paperboard on the outside.
On the battery itself, genuine Milwaukee batteries will have crisp, clear labels. The font and placement of the Milwaukee logo should be sharp and correctly aligned. In contrast, fake batteries might feature blurry, faded, or slightly off-center logos and labels.
2. Physical Differences in Battery Construction
Though some counterfeits can appear nearly identical at first glance, careful inspection often reveals physical differences between genuine and fake M18 batteries.
- Weight: Genuine Milwaukee M18 batteries tend to be heavier due to the high-quality cells and materials used. Counterfeit versions, which often cut corners on materials, may feel significantly lighter in comparison.
- Color and Texture: A genuine M18 battery will have a uniform red and black color, while fake versions may have slight variations in the color shade or texture. The plastic on fake batteries may also feel cheaper or flimsier, with visible seams or imperfections.
- Battery Contacts: The metal contacts on a genuine Milwaukee battery are typically robust, smooth, and well-machined. In contrast, counterfeit batteries may feature rough, poorly machined contacts, which could lead to connectivity issues and affect performance.
- Fuel Gauge: The battery gauge on the fake was dimmer, and unlike the genuine Milwaukee batteries where the indicator lights come on gradually, all the lights on the fake lit up at once.
3. Performance and Safety Concerns
Even if a counterfeit Milwaukee M18 battery looks convincing, it will likely fall short in terms of performance and safety. Genuine Milwaukee batteries undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can handle tough job site conditions, provide long run times, and offer reliable performance.
Counterfeit batteries, on the other hand, are often made with low-quality cells that not only provide shorter runtimes but can also pose serious safety risks. Fake batteries may overheat, fail to charge properly, or even leak dangerous chemicals. In some cases, they could cause damage to your tools or lead to accidents like battery fires.
If you notice unusually short battery life or overheating issues, it’s a strong indicator that you may have a counterfeit battery on your hands.
4. Serial Numbers
Genuine Milwaukee M18 batteries have distinct serial numbers for verification purposes. If the serial number is missing or looks suspicious (for example, if it’s crooked or the printing is inconsistent), this is a telltale sign of a fake. You can also contact Milwaukee customer service to verify a serial number’s authenticity if you have doubts.
5. Pricing and Source
One of the first red flags when purchasing a Milwaukee M18 battery is the price. If you come across an M18 battery at a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Genuine Milwaukee batteries are expensive due to their quality and advanced technology. Sellers on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace or AliExpress may offer counterfeit versions at significantly lower prices, enticing buyers who aren’t aware of the risks associated with using fake batteries. So, stick to official retailers or Milwaukee-authorized dealers for peace of mind.
