This unit is essentially 3 12v/18v dual chargers side by side in a single package. Each port corresponding to the one opposite. Either the 12 or the 18 will be actively charging but never both for each of the 3 bays. If a 12v is charging, the 18v directly across from it will be in standby until the 12v is complete and vice versa. The order is which ever one is plugged in 1st. If you place a fully charged battery in 1st it will immediately recognize this and charge the other one. If you place 6 discharged batteries in the unit, the first one in each bay will charge first, the one one opposite will charge after the first battery in is done. Lets say you need 1 12v and 2 18v batteries charged asap. Simply place the 12 in one slot and the 2 18v batteries in the slots not opposite the 12v battery and all 3 will start charging immediately. Any remaining batteries added will be in standby until the battery opposite of it in the charger is done. Hope this makes sense. This is a GREAT charger for those of us with both platforms. I love mine.
Joyce Morgan That’s my understanding of this charger as well. I was going to post a comment indicating all this but you articulated it perfectly Joyce.
Nice review.. i like how you went through the manual and did your research instead of taking their marketing for face value.. i have makita 18v and milwaukee 12v so this isnt for me but it did give me the idea to combine makitas new DC18RD dual port charger with two of my m12 chargers, attach them all to a board plugged into a power strip with a nice handle like this unit.. that would be a pretty neat little hybrid model im thinking :)
I wish someone made an aftermarket or, there was an off-brand one. I have a single for my 3/8 impact as well as a few batteries and haven't had a problem with any.
Totally Awesome.. Well conducted, I enjoyed how you explained how the Charger operates with the Batteries at this time I don't need one of these big chargers I did just purchase a brand New Rapid m12 / m18 charger but after watching this Great Video I'm hooked I also if its OK to add: i like your cabinetry Work its first Rate.! In High School I took 4 years of Woods & 2 years of Drafting the ole way no computers I built my own Waterbed 2 Small cabinets I wanted to build so bad for my Dad a Grandfather Clock but unfortunately it was out of my folks Budget.. Allen D RDA N Scale Model Trains & Railfanning..
good review.....i luv milwaukee tools and this is a much needed system seeing as i have multiple milwaukee tools and i already have 2 chargers with 2 screw guns 1 impact and a saw zaw..... i getting to a place where i need this
If you have M12 Tools that needs to be topped off you can not rely on a multi platform charger. Only the M12 Only charger can top it off. Cut for 1hr with the 3" cutter. Every dual charging platform charger said it was charged only an M12 Only charger could actually top off the batteries!
reality is they don't charge two different voltages.. they don't charge 12 volt and 18 volt.. they charge 6 volt.. the batteries when connected to charger are 2x6 volt or 3x 6 volt in parallel when connected to tool they are in series which makes them 12 or 18 volt
I just got an M18M12 Rapid Charger and I'm pretty disappointed with it. I was kinda forced to buy when my old charger went out and the Rapid Charger was all that was available locally. The batteries discharge much quicker and they say the quick charge will shorten the battery life.
So from the description, Milwaukee is saying that they upgraded all their batteries to accept a faster charge including their 2.0??? Did they give any actual times for it?
#FIFTYTHREEER I do not have the new charge times with me at the shop, but the batteries with the lightning bolt on the top will change faster. I believe it is 25 percent faster in these chargers.
We also have some more info on how this charger works and the charging pairs in our blog. www.workshopaddict.com/tools/milwaukee-m18-m12-rapid-charging-station/
![Milwaukee M18™ & M12™ Rapid Charge Station & Super Charger [48-59-1811 & 48-59-1807]](/img/1.gif)
This unit is essentially 3 12v/18v dual chargers side by side in a single package. Each port corresponding to the one opposite. Either the 12 or the 18 will be actively charging but never both for each of the 3 bays. If a 12v is charging, the 18v directly across from it will be in standby until the 12v is complete and vice versa. The order is which ever one is plugged in 1st. If you place a fully charged battery in 1st it will immediately recognize this and charge the other one. If you place 6 discharged batteries in the unit, the first one in each bay will charge first, the one one opposite will charge after the first battery in is done. Lets say you need 1 12v and 2 18v batteries charged asap. Simply place the 12 in one slot and the 2 18v batteries in the slots not opposite the 12v battery and all 3 will start charging immediately. Any remaining batteries added will be in standby until the battery opposite of it in the charger is done. Hope this makes sense. This is a GREAT charger for those of us with both platforms. I love mine.
Joyce Morgan That’s my understanding of this charger as well. I was going to post a comment indicating all this but you articulated it perfectly Joyce.
Wow...that lightning bolt thing on the battery is a new one....didn't know that fact...learn something new every day
Nice review.. i like how you went through the manual and did your research instead of taking their marketing for face value..
i have makita 18v and milwaukee 12v so this isnt for me but it did give me the idea to combine makitas new DC18RD dual port charger with two of my m12 chargers, attach them all to a board plugged into a power strip with a nice handle like this unit.. that would be a pretty neat little hybrid model im thinking :)
Very well done. Thank you sir. Did not know about the lightning bolt on the battery. Learn something new everyday.
I wish someone made an aftermarket or, there was an off-brand one. I have a single for my 3/8 impact as well as a few batteries and haven't had a problem with any.
Long term, we have not had good luck with this charger. We are on our third one and this one is starting to get finicky.
Very nice explanation. I learned a few things that I thought I already knew. Thanks!
Totally Awesome.. Well conducted, I enjoyed how you explained how the Charger operates with the Batteries at this time I don't need one of these big chargers I did just purchase a brand New Rapid m12 / m18 charger but after watching this Great Video I'm hooked I also if its OK to add: i like your cabinetry Work its first Rate.! In High School I took 4 years of Woods & 2 years of Drafting the ole way no computers I built my own Waterbed 2 Small cabinets I wanted to build so bad for my Dad a Grandfather Clock but unfortunately it was out of my folks Budget..
Allen D RDA N Scale Model Trains & Railfanning..
good review.....i luv milwaukee tools and this is a much needed system seeing as i have multiple milwaukee tools and i already have 2 chargers with 2 screw guns 1 impact and a saw zaw..... i getting to a place where i need this
Good idea but I'm still waiting for a true parallel charge of all batteries at once.
It’ll be $1000, watch
Wish they would have made this compatible with the packout system were it could slip onto the top of the 6 feet on the storage boxes
They do now but not dual voltages.
If you have M12 Tools that needs to be topped off you can not rely on a multi platform charger. Only the M12 Only charger can top it off. Cut for 1hr with the 3" cutter. Every dual charging platform charger said it was charged only an M12 Only charger could actually top off the batteries!
Old video but still helpful, thanks!
Hi John, what is the maximum wattage required to run this unit? Wondering if it'll run off my cargo van's inverter.
Nice review John. I am guessing this is the unit you dropped at Brian's house with the note "No excuses" on the box.
Yes Sir! Anything to help change and organize his shop to be more efficient.
WorkshopAddict Very nicely worded John.
Thanks for the great video and review John!
reality is they don't charge two different voltages.. they don't charge 12 volt and 18 volt.. they charge 6 volt.. the batteries when connected to charger are 2x6 volt or 3x 6 volt in parallel when connected to tool they are in series which makes them 12 or 18 volt
Thank you
I just got an M18M12 Rapid Charger and I'm pretty disappointed with it. I was kinda forced to buy when my old charger went out and the Rapid Charger was all that was available locally. The batteries discharge much quicker and they say the quick charge will shorten the battery life.
So from the description, Milwaukee is saying that they upgraded all their batteries to accept a faster charge including their 2.0??? Did they give any actual times for it?
#FIFTYTHREEER I do not have the new charge times with me at the shop, but the batteries with the lightning bolt on the top will change faster. I believe it is 25 percent faster in these chargers.
Where is the fuse located on this battery charger?
Nice review!
Someone told me that the rapid charger messed up their 12 amp hour battery? Please tell me it's not true?
I can’t get this charger to work in my service van
why does it seem like this video is from 2005
We also have some more info on how this charger works and the charging pairs in our blog. www.workshopaddict.com/tools/milwaukee-m18-m12-rapid-charging-station/