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Created page with "{{IncidentCargo |Company=Milwaukee, TTI |Status=Active |ProductLine=power tools |Product=power tools |ArticleType=Product |Description=Milwaukee batteries include monitoring & DRM that are not disclosed to the user that can be used for voiding warranties. }} {{Ph-I-Int}} ==Background== {{Ph-I-B}} ==[Incident]== {{Ph-I-I}} ===[Company]'s response=== {{Ph-I-ComR}} ==Lawsuit== {{Ph-I-L}} ==Consumer response== {{Ph-I-ConR}} ==References== {{reflis..."
 
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{{IncidentCargo
{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Milwaukee, TTI
|Company=Milwaukee Tool, Techtronic Industries (TTI)
|Status=Active
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=power tools
|ProductLine=M18 Battery System
|Product=power tools
|Product=M18 REDLITHIUM batteries
|ArticleType=Product
|ArticleType=Product
|Description=Milwaukee batteries include monitoring & DRM that are not disclosed to the user that can be used for voiding warranties.
|Description=Milwaukee M18 batteries contain hidden diagnostic systems that track extensive operational data used to deny warranty claims without consumer access to the data.
}}
}}
{{Ph-I-Int}}
 
==Background==<!-- Research conducted September 2025 -->
{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Milwaukee Tool, Techtronic Industries (TTI)
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=M18 Battery System
|Product=M18 REDLITHIUM batteries
|ArticleType=Product
|Description=Milwaukee M18 batteries contain hidden diagnostic systems that track extensive operational data used to deny warranty claims without consumer access to the data.
}}
 
==Background==
==Background==
{{Ph-I-B}}
Milwaukee Tool, a subsidiary of Techtronic Industries (TTI), manufactures the M18 battery system for professional power tools.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ttigroup.com/en/Our-Businesses/Power-Equipment/Milwaukee |title=Milwaukee |website=Techtronic Industries |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref> The M18 platform, introduced in 2008, has become one of the industry's leading professional cordless tool systems.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.milwaukeetool.com.au/history/ |title=History |website=Milwaukee Tool Australia |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>
 
In September 2025, reverse engineering efforts revealed that M18 batteries manufactured since 2016 contain sophisticated diagnostic systems tracking charge cycles, temperature events, overcurrent conditions, & individual cell voltages.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hackaday.com/2023/09/15/reverse-engineering-the-milwaukee-m18-redlink-protocol/ |title=Reverse-engineering The Milwaukee M18 Redlink Protocol |website=Hackaday |date=2023-09-15 |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGzeGUDAtac |title=Reverse Engineering Milwaukee M18 Battery Communication Protocol (Tool Scientist) |website=YouTube |date=2023-09-11 |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref> These diagnostics can be accessed by Milwaukee service centers but remain hidden from consumers who own the batteries.
 
==Incident==
===Hidden diagnostic system===
====Technical implementation====
Milwaukee M18 batteries utilize proprietary UART communication protocols operating at 2000 baud to transmit diagnostic data.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hackaday.com/2023/09/15/reverse-engineering-the-milwaukee-m18-redlink-protocol/ |title=Reverse-engineering The Milwaukee M18 Redlink Protocol |website=Hackaday |date=2023-09-15 |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://quagmirerepair.com/milwaukee-m18-battery-reverse-engineering |title=Milwaukee M18 Battery Reverse Engineering |website=Quagmire Repair |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref> The system requires specific command sequences discovered through reverse engineering efforts by researchers including Martin Janssen & the Tool Scientist channel.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGzeGUDAtac |title=Reverse Engineering Milwaukee M18 Battery Communication Protocol (Tool Scientist) |website=YouTube |date=2023-09-11 |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>
 
The diagnostic system records:
*Individual cell voltages with millivolt accuracy<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hackaday.com/2023/09/15/reverse-engineering-the-milwaukee-m18-redlink-protocol/ |title=Reverse-engineering The Milwaukee M18 Redlink Protocol |website=Hackaday |date=2023-09-15 |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>
*Total charge cycles (both "smart" & "dumb" charges)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGzeGUDAtac |title=Reverse Engineering Milwaukee M18 Battery Communication Protocol (Tool Scientist) |website=YouTube |date=2023-09-11 |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>
*Days since first user charge<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGzeGUDAtac |title=Reverse Engineering Milwaukee M18 Battery Communication Protocol (Tool Scientist) |website=YouTube |date=2023-09-11 |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>
*Temperature excursions & overheating events<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hackaday.com/2023/09/15/reverse-engineering-the-milwaukee-m18-redlink-protocol/ |title=Reverse-engineering The Milwaukee M18 Redlink Protocol |website=Hackaday |date=2023-09-15 |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>
*Overcurrent & short circuit events<ref>{{cite web |url=https://quagmirerepair.com/milwaukee-m18-battery-reverse-engineering |title=Milwaukee M18 Battery Reverse Engineering |website=Quagmire Repair |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>
*Total amp-hours discharged<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGzeGUDAtac |title=Reverse Engineering Milwaukee M18 Battery Communication Protocol (Tool Scientist) |website=YouTube |date=2023-09-11 |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>
*Time spent at various discharge current levels<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hackaday.com/2023/09/15/reverse-engineering-the-milwaukee-m18-redlink-protocol/ |title=Reverse-engineering The Milwaukee M18 Redlink Protocol |website=Hackaday |date=2023-09-15 |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>
 
====Data accessibility====
Milwaukee provides no consumer access to diagnostic data despite using it for warranty determinations.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hackaday.com/2023/09/15/reverse-engineering-the-milwaukee-m18-redlink-protocol/ |title=Reverse-engineering The Milwaukee M18 Redlink Protocol |website=Hackaday |date=2023-09-15 |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref> Access requires reverse-engineered command sequences & hardware interfaces; Milwaukee does not publish consumer-facing tools or protocol documentation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Support/Registration-and-Warranty |title=Registration & Warranty |website=Milwaukee Tool |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>
 
==Legal context==
===Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act===
Legal analysis suggests Milwaukee's practices may violate the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which requires clear disclosure of warranty limitations.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/businesspersons-guide-federal-warranty-law |title=Businessperson's Guide to Federal Warranty Law |website=Federal Trade Commission |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref> Using hidden diagnostic criteria without disclosure could constitute deceptive practices under Section 5 of the FTC Act.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/public_statements/410531/831014deceptionstmt.pdf |title=FTC Policy Statement on Deception |website=Federal Trade Commission |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>
 
===Right to repair implications===
The Electronic Frontier Foundation argues that restricting diagnostic access violates consumer ownership rights.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/06/keep-momentum-going-right-repair |title=Keep The Momentum Going for The Right to Repair |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |date=2024-06-27 |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref> Pending & enacted legislation in multiple states requires manufacturers to provide parts, tools, & documentation that enable independent repair.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.repair.org/know-your-rights |title=What are my repair rights? |website=The Repair Association |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>
 
==Business context==
Milwaukee states that products are covered for defects after "examination," & that the date code of the product may be used to determine warranty period in the absence of proof of purchase.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Support/Registration-and-Warranty |title=Registration & Warranty |website=Milwaukee Tool |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref> Milwaukee requires return of products to service centers "freight prepaid & insured" for warranty service, & directs consumers to phone support at 1-800-SAWDUST for instructions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Support/Registration-and-Warranty |title=Registration & Warranty |website=Milwaukee Tool |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>
 
==Consumer impact==
===Denial patterns===
Consumer reports document warranty disputes, including disagreements over whether manufacturing dates or purchase dates govern coverage when proof of purchase is unavailable.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/when-buying-milwaukee-batteries-save-your-receipts.502912/ |title=When Buying Milwaukee Batteries SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS |website=The Garage Journal |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref> BBB filings also reflect consumer complaints involving warranty evaluations & related delays.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbb.org/us/wi/milwaukee/profile/electric-tools/milwaukee-tool-0694-3000170/complaints |title=Milwaukee Tool BBB Complaints |website=Better Business Bureau |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>
 
===Financial impact===
M18 battery replacement costs commonly range from about US$169 for an XC5.0Ah pack to US$279 for a 12.0Ah pack at major retailers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M18-18V-Lithium-Ion-XC-Extended-Capacity-5-0Ah-Battery-48-11-1850/205846307 |title=Milwaukee M18 5.0Ah Battery |website=The Home Depot |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lowes.com/pd/Milwaukee-M18-Forge-12-0-Ah-Lithium-Ion-Battery/5010413331 |title=Milwaukee M18 FORGE 12.0Ah Battery |website=Lowe's |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref> Professional contractors report business disruption when required to ship products for warranty evaluation, citing work delays in consumer reviews & complaints.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbb.org/us/wi/milwaukee/profile/electric-tools/milwaukee-tool-0694-3000170/complaints |title=Milwaukee Tool BBB Complaints |website=Better Business Bureau |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.milwaukeetool.com |title=Milwaukee Tool Reviews |website=Trustpilot |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>
 
==Industry comparison==
Milwaukee's practices align with industry norms but lag in transparency:
 
*'''DeWalt''': Offers 3-year warranties with depot service requirements.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dewalt.com/support/warranty |title=DEWALT Tool & Product Warranty Information |website=DEWALT |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>
*'''Makita''': Provides 3-year coverage on lithium-ion tools, batteries, & chargers via limited warranty documentation; warranty service requires return to authorized centers (often freight prepaid).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.makitatools.com/service/warranty |title=Warranty |website=Makita |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81BFdYnFjGS.pdf |title=Makita General Product Limited Warranty |website=Makita |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>
*'''Ridgid''': Offers a Lifetime Service Agreement (LSA) that is distinct from a “lifetime warranty” & requires registration within 90 days & proof of purchase from authorized retailers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/lsa-warranty |title=Lifetime Service Agreement |website=RIDGID Tools |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://register.ridgidpower.com/about_lsa |title=About LSA |website=RIDGID Power Tools |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>
 
No major power tool manufacturer currently provides consumer access to battery diagnostic data comparable to Milwaukee's hidden system.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hackaday.com/2023/09/15/reverse-engineering-the-milwaukee-m18-redlink-protocol/ |title=Reverse-engineering The Milwaukee M18 Redlink Protocol |website=Hackaday |date=2023-09-15 |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>
 
==Company response==
===Official warranty policy===
Milwaukee's warranty states batteries are covered for defects after "examination," but provides no transparency regarding diagnostic criteria used in evaluations.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Support/Registration-and-Warranty |title=Registration & Warranty |website=Milwaukee Tool |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref> The company requires products be shipped to service centers for evaluation, with no instant replacement options described in the policy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Support/Registration-and-Warranty |title=Registration & Warranty |website=Milwaukee Tool |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>


==[Incident]==
===Corporate position===
{{Ph-I-I}}
Milwaukee Tool & parent company TTI have provided no public statements addressing:
*Consumer access to diagnostic data
*Specific criteria for warranty denials
*Plans for diagnostic transparency tools
*Position on right-to-repair legislation affecting battery diagnostics


===[Company]'s response===
Customer service operates primarily through phone support (1-800-SAWDUST).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Support/Registration-and-Warranty |title=Registration & Warranty |website=Milwaukee Tool |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>
{{Ph-I-ComR}}


==Analysis==
The visible diagnostic telemetry in Milwaukee M18 battery packs—documented through independent reverse engineering—indicates that manufacturers can retain detailed usage histories that affect warranty determinations while keeping the data inaccessible to consumers. This shares characteristics with broader right-to-repair concerns where software locks & undisclosed diagnostics affect ownership expectations.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hackaday.com/2023/09/15/reverse-engineering-the-milwaukee-m18-redlink-protocol/ |title=Reverse-engineering The Milwaukee M18 Redlink Protocol |website=Hackaday |date=2023-09-15 |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/06/keep-momentum-going-right-repair |title=Keep The Momentum Going for The Right to Repair |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |date=2024-06-27 |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>


==Lawsuit==
==Timeline==
{{Ph-I-L}}
*'''2008''': Milwaukee launches the M18 & M12 lithium-ion platforms.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.milwaukeetool.com.au/history/ |title=History |website=Milwaukee Tool Australia |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>
*'''2010s''': REDLITHIUM updates expand capacity & performance across the M18 line.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.protoolreviews.com/milwaukee-redlithium-battery-technology/ |title=Milwaukee RedLithium Battery Technology Explained |website=Pro Tool Reviews |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>
*'''2023''': Hackaday & community researchers publish technical details on M18 battery communication & diagnostic fields.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hackaday.com/2023/09/15/reverse-engineering-the-milwaukee-m18-redlink-protocol/ |title=Reverse-engineering The Milwaukee M18 Redlink Protocol |website=Hackaday |date=2023-09-15 |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://quagmirerepair.com/milwaukee-m18-battery-reverse-engineering |title=Milwaukee M18 Battery Reverse Engineering |website=Quagmire Repair |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>
*'''2024–2025''': States enact & implement right-to-repair laws increasing manufacturer disclosure obligations for parts & tools (varies by state).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.repair.org/know-your-rights |title=What are my repair rights? |website=The Repair Association |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>


==Consumer advocacy==
===Documentation recommendations===
Consumers should:
*Maintain photos of receipts & packaging with visible dates<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Support/Registration-and-Warranty |title=Registration & Warranty |website=Milwaukee Tool |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>
*Document all error codes & charging patterns
*Record LED diagnostic flash sequences when available<ref>{{cite web |url=https://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/109504/what-do-the-diagnostic-flash-codes-of-milwaukee-tool-battery-packs-mean |title=What do the diagnostic flash codes of Milwaukee tool battery packs mean? |website=Stack Exchange |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>
*File Better Business Bureau complaints for improperly denied claims<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbb.org/us/wi/milwaukee/profile/electric-tools/milwaukee-tool-0694-3000170/complaints |title=Milwaukee Tool BBB Complaints |website=Better Business Bureau |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>


==Consumer response==
===Alternative solutions===
{{Ph-I-ConR}}
*Third-party battery rebuilding services often cost roughly US$50–$150 for common M18 packs, depending on capacity & service provider.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mtobattery.com/collections/milwaukee-battery-rebuilding-services |title=Milwaukee Battery Rebuilding Services |website=MTO Battery |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>
*Aftermarket batteries provide alternatives though may void tool warranties.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.protoolreviews.com/replacement-tool-batteries/ |title=Replacement Tool Batteries: Third Party Savings |website=Pro Tool Reviews |access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>


==See also==
*[[Right to repair]]
*[[Digital rights management]]
*[[Warranty]]
*[[Planned obsolescence]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


{{Ph-I-C}}
[[Category:Consumer electronics]]
[[Category:Digital rights management]]
[[Category:Right to repair]]
[[Category:Power tools]]
[[Category:Batteries]]
[[Category:Consumer protection]]
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