How Dangerous Are Knockoff Tool Batteries? Let’s find out!
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- Опубликовано: 9 сен 2023
- Milwaukee vs Labtec (knockoff), Amityke, and TENMOER. Batteries compared for performance using several powertools, to include overload protection. Batteries also experienced a short to determine if safety of battery design. Batteries were then opened up to look at build construction and assess damage from short.
I bought all of the batteries and supplies used to test the batteries. So, thank you for supporting the channel.
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/ @projectfarm
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➡ Products Tested In This Video (in no particular order):
Milwaukee: amzn.to/3EcOdI7
Labtec: amzn.to/3YUpthe
Amityke: amzn.to/3EbGOcj
TENMOER: amzn.to/3Ec1Hno (no longer available)
Milwaukee Power Supply: amzn.to/44N0b6h
Videography Equipment:
Sony DSC-RX10 III Cyber-shot Digital Still Camera: amzn.to/2YdXvPw
Canon 70D Camera: amzn.to/31b5Gy0
Azden Microphone: amzn.to/34d3DLE
Go Pro Bundle: amzn.to/3Ca0ZVN
This video is only for entertainment purposes. If you rely on the information portrayed in this video, you assume the responsibility for the results. Project Farm LLC 
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If there was a way to measure RUclips channels by the usefulness and value they provide to other people, I can’t imagine any other channel outranking this one. This man is providing an independent public service, finding a way to sustain it financially, and doing it all on his own without accepting influence from others. I wish everything in our world was this good.
He finds a way by having almost three million subscribers and he's monetized, so he's doing okay. LOL
Thanks!
Is there a way to measure RUclips channel effectiveness? *cue project farm voice* Let’s find out!
@@jakester455 Yes indeed, but he had to do all the good work to grow his channel, and for a long time I’m sure he had to spend more on it than it returned. The fact that it’s financially self-sustaining now is great for everyone, because it allows him to do what he does without bias towards brands or sponsors. It’s a shining example of how somebody can create an honest business that benefits themselves and others through ingenuity, integrity, and dedication.
@@brystmar 🤣🤣🤣
By far, the best overall review content of anywhere, ever. This man is a blessing to all of us.
Thank you very much!
Project Farm is the gold standard. Scott has put in the work to get here.
I agree!! I've been saying that for years now!! This man is a legend!!!
in what comparing dated 18650 packs with new tech 21700 packs.
and only disclose that in the end..even when weighing, and indicating look at the difference in "quality" , when its 18650 cells vs 21700 cells. maybe you should have informed that its two different techs
anybody that have anything with battery will know the difference that 21700 cells have vs 18650.
@@JAKOB1977 _"comparing dated 18650 packs with new 21700 packs."_
Except ... the 5 yr old, 5AH Milwaukee battery also uses 18650 batteries.
This video solidifies my personal policy of never ever cheaping out when it comes to lithium batteries. My main reason has always been safety, but glad to know the performance is also another valid reason. Lithium batteries store an insane amount of energy and in a catastrophic failure even a small one can ignite anything next to it.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Heyy, cool to see you here ThioJoe!
Meh. It really depends on your use case. If you're a pro, yeah, you NEED the real batteries. But these knockoffs will be good enough for 95% of the average homeowner.
@@Techno4more if you are a pro, the Labtec is more productive. 4 Labtec vs 1 milwaukee all day. If you only have $100, Milwaukee can only powers one tools while the Labtec can use two while the other two on the charger.
@sportsonwheelss yeah, if budget is a concern then ok I see what you mean. But if power is your concern, you need the real ones. Especially if we are talking about Dewalt 60v batteries which is what I use
This is literally the ONLY channel I recommend to All family, friends & co-workers. Informative, non-biased, useful knowledge. This is legit the best channel on youtube. Thanks and bless you sir!
Thanks so much!
This is actually a much needed and very entertaining test ❤!!
I read this comment in your voice! Love your videos!
@@azizchaudhry9544thanks, not my voice right now though, I'm in the hospital with a brain injury... Really crazy stuff, but I made it.
This man has his notification box checked..
On the Max Torque test chart, you have the Milwaukee 5AH and 6AH label flipped.
Thank you very much!
This video could literally save lives. I always worry about using cheap batteries and chargers and would vote for more tests like this.
Thanks for the feedback.
Good point. This could be the most valuable test yet.
So true after that test where the battery Was smoking after being used, I was always scared to charge them Now I am scared to use them not worth it
I use genuine de walt batteries with adapters in all my tools de Walt or not
I always take a look inside eBay/knock-off powered stuff. Some are fine and some are shockingly poor for basic safety design. PCBs need proper trace separation to avoid mains voltage jumping to the low power lines and killing you.
I couldn't have asked for a better test. you do gods work for us blue collar workers, and it's fun to watch. Great work
Thanks so much! Glad to hear!
Amen, love the brotherhood, honor the king, fear God.
@@cosmicallyderivedno
The biggest problem I have with the knock offs isn't the performance of the cells but rather the performance of the latching mechanism that connects the battery to the tool. The name brand batteries always latch much more securely and are made of better plastic that doesn't break as easily.
You have earned my trust and respect sir. I don't buy anything without checking to see if you've reviewed and tested it first. Your time, effort and thoroughness is amazing. Many, many thanks.
Thanks!. That means a lot to me!
"Buy once, cry once" are words to live by, but I'm glad you tested them anyway. Having had to use my tools in some sketchy environments, I appreciate the effort to not endanger the pricey battery system!
Never heard this before but yeah makes sense
Thanks for sharing.
Sketchy? How
Just remember that only way to put out a lithium ion battery fire is take the heat away , power cell itself has everything it needs to burn inside it .
So dropping battery in bucket of water is most practical , after that the water should be treated as toxic waste .
Lithium ion power cells have only few grams of actual lithium, even if it reacts with water , there is so small amount of material its no concern .
Problem is that those power cell can get up to 1000°C/1832°F when burning , compared to wood fires burning temp being round 600°C/1112°F
@@pete_lind thanks for the info. i looked it up further an it seems you can estimate lithium content in a battery with a simple formula , grams of Li = 0.3 x Ah
Would love to see a series comparing various sound deadening material. Especially different thicknesses/brands!
Thanks for the suggestion.
You know he’s gonna get right on that…. 😀
I understand cork is a great sound blocker/absorber and fire proof too@@ProjectFarm
@@dwaynemcallister7231Rockwool works pretty good.
I'm no handy man nor interested with power tools but since I get to interact with lithium batteries from powerbanks to smartphones, I got hooked up and entertained by how he tested all these batteries. When knowledge meets patience! Good job!
Thanks!
As much as i hate paying the premium for milwaukee batteries, i know they'll last longer and safer then the cheap ones. Another great video 👍
Thanks! Thanks for the feedback.
yep
Buy 4 Labtec for the price of 1 Milwaukee.
Makes my mind up.
@@BoltRM i bought 2 9.0Ah 18v for $90.... they are complete garbage
@@BoltRMBuying 4 chances for a shop fire for the price of a Milwaukee lol
The sheer joy in the “we’re going to test that” is the best part 😂
Thank you very much!! I have a LOT of fun testing the claims of manufacturers!
I was just about to leave this same comment! 😂
LOL, that's when manufacturers go into 'pucker mode'.
Just leaving a message to say thanks. Your videos have helped me to offer good advice to my customers at an auto parts retailer. I learn a lot from you.
Thanks! Glad to hear!
Super helpful, thank you for this!
This man deserves an AWARD for best testing/review item videos! Always a pleasure to watch!
Thanks!
Yeah, I agree 1000%. But more than or apart from just an award, continued support so Todd can be able to sustain his tests and reviews that are part of an invaluable public service. Todd's videos are a universe better than those silly, non-sensical videos that flood youtube and unbelievably achieve big support despite being useless.
👍Another great test Todd. Not only did the Milwaukee batteries out performed the knock-offs including the used Milwaukee. I’d say that the longevity of the Milwaukee batteries will also outlast the knock-off. This test actually confirmed that “you get what you pay for”
Thanks! Thanks for the feedback.
Likewise, you don't get what you don't pay for.
Idk, 3/4 the capacity for 1/4-1/3 the price can be very compelling depending on what you need.
@emptylog933 a used Milwaukee 5ah battery is $25
@@throbbing1380 But it's a lottery getting a good one
Thank you for your awesome tests. Definitely one of my favorite channels. Keep up the great work and thanks again
Thanks and you are welcome! Glad to hear!
Great video. I have both dewalt and knockoff dewalt batteries. For my high power tools the knockoff batteries die very quickly, but they're great for low power usage like my impact tools. Nice to see some real testing you did here. As always, love the videos, and love your testing methodology!
Thanks and you are welcome! Thanks for the feedback.
This was a stunning idea for a test! Very well executed and I love the inclusion of an old OE battery
Here's a suggestion for you, best bicycle / motorcycle outdoor covers. Rain / UV protection keeping out / dealing with evaporating moisture / breathability and finally staying put in windy conditions, maybe storability as well?
The silver covers probably work best
I just imagine the fear in a brands marketing executives eyes when you say “we’re going to test that” after a bold packaging claim 😂
Same feeling I suspect lock makers have when LOCKPICKINGLAWYER reviews their products. Both he and Todd certainly give manufacturers info that if taken under consideration would make their respective products better.
@@hellsfavoritesaltyberserke4724 What are you talking about? Haven't seen any of his videos which were trying to sell something, though I admit I haven't watched any in the last couple months.
love how direct and straight to the point this bloke is good on you !!!!!!
Thanks!
This video was super thorough and informative and objective. Very helpful thank you
Thanks so much!
Your work is OUTSTANDING. Without these kind of specific tests that deliver irrefutable numbers, we’d never know the difference. Thanks a million (amp-hours!).
Thank you very much!
@@ProjectFarm - You uncovered a beautiful secret which I had not considered... The genuine batteries are using a larger cell such as the 21mm X 70.0mm lithium cells (that is what the size nomenclature means) for added power. I am also curious if they are using flashlight lithium batteries and not the higher current capable rechargables (but at reduced capacity) which is why Milwaukee is using the 21700 for the added punch. This is another reason why they use special cells in vapes which are made to produce much higher currents. I am also quite surprised that some of these batteries did not self destruct or just plain catch fire. Love your work. I would like to see the USA or EU mandate that the tool manufacturers settle on a standard battery interface and let the manufacturers of batteries and chargers battle it out for the best product, all compatible with each other. The nightmare of most manufacturers... But that is exactly what Android and the PC are... cross compatibility.
You are honestly an invaluable part of the youtube community.
Your technical presentation, framing, lighting, audio, are all consistently top-notch.
Your editing style wastes ZERO time, there's never a single second of your videos I want to skip.
Your testing methodology is always excellent, appropriate, consistent, fair, and fully explained and shown.
You are an *outstanding* shining star, and a premiere resource of invaluable information.
Thank you *so much* for all your work
Thanks! That means a lot to me!
You are more than welcome! Thank you for so much excellent content
Another amazing video. Thank you for all your hard work and testing. Not only do the tests take a long time, but i can imagine the research for the tests takes time too.
Thank you for the testing!
I said it once and I'll say it again. This has gotta be the most underrecognized channel on RUclips! Always doing the lords work and giving the consumer the most information to get the most bang for their buck!
Thank you!
Almost 3 million subscribers?
@@brianwilliams3146Right? He must have been stuck in that truck for a few years.
It's hard to beat almost 3 million subscribers as recognition.
Useful! I've been eyeing 'cheap' batteries, but I'll stick with the actual Milwaukee batteries after this! Also, testing suggestion: toilet fill valves. I've always just bought whatever Home Depot has on the shelf, but I feel like they're noisier and don't fill as fast as whatever the toilet had out of the box.
Thank you for sharing!
Second this!
I would agreed to that they do make some noise an aren’t that quick
Yea, dumb knob that works in IT - but I've used Fluidmaster whenever I've needed a replacement. I just checked my main-floor Kohler commode that's seen 18 years of daily use - Fluidmaster 400 series. All original parts - including flapper - Wife and I had the house built, I do all the maint. Unless the Weathertech guys snuck in overnight and changed it out, it's original.
I've been using Fluidmaster 400A for decades. I use the Pro 400 now but it's still pretty much the same. Only big differences, the pro series has a plastic flow restrictor in the shank vs a rubber one in the standard ones. I recommend removing the rubber (corkscrew shaped) restrictor from the shank before installing. If not, it will dramatically slow the fill of the tank.
This video autoplayed for some reason, and while I had no interest when it started (and wasn't looking for this information), I was glued. Bravo. Subscribed.
Thanks for watching and subscribing!
Great testing and information 👌
The cheap Labtec with about two-thirds of capacity at one-fourth of the price is quite impressive. It would work well for most applications except for the angle grinder. The original batteries would probably last 6 years versus more likely just 3 years of useful life for the knock-offs. In my experience, knock-off lithium batteries can have a greatly reduced life-span.
Thanks for the feedback.
The Labtec would be a great value for most people who just use it for Quarter inch impact jobs and regular drill use. I build cabinets and we have alot of these cheap batteries off amazon, for the most part they work just fine for our uses. Every once in awhile you will get a very weak dud, but overall getting 4 batteries for the piece of one is a no brainer.
Can always replace the cells with higher quality ones, as long as the bms and case are decent.
That is where the savings are usually lost in longevity battery cycle life.
Probably have a shorter life due to being discharged deeper than original batteries because of the lack of internal protective circuitry
Thanks for testing these. I recommend getting a clamp-on meter that has a hold-high function on it. It'll hold the value on the display at the highest current it sees. I've used it for testing short circuits and it works great.
Thanks for the tip!
@Magrath For highest accuracy, a scope with the current clamp or a shunt resistor is the best bet.
@@wychowanek90Exactly, DMMs can't sample short occurrences of high values.
It looks like the clamp is not fully closed, no way to get a good reading there.
Exactly, I noticed that too, but after the the first 2 batteries he put the clamp correctly@@PropellerSteve
You provide such a service to the people. Saving us money and more like being stranded, in the case of your jumpstarter review.
I just wanted to say thank you!
Thanks and you are welcome!
thanks for ALL your work (and transparency)!
You are welcome!
I don't know if you hear this enough, but just to spread some good vibes. Thanks for all that you do. You are making a positive impact on the world, and we all love you for your hard work!
Thanks so much! This means a lot to me!
I like the cordless tool scheme in EU where all the manufacturers got together and standardized the shape of their battery sockets so that they are all interchangeable. This way, people aren't discouraged from buying tools outside from their current brand ecosystem. As you say, the battery is often the most expensive part of the tool.
WAIT THEY HAVE THIS?!
Agreed! But it is almost impossible to see that happens in the USA any time soon. The US Companies tell the government what to do, not the other way around.
@@web3982 dont be so sure about European goverments!
@@Ariccio123 Not yet but talks about it
What? We dont have this? I cant use my bosch batteries in a dewalt or mectools
I sure would like to have this guy’s knowledge on these things. Thanks for sharing what helps a lot of us out!!
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for doing videos like this!
You are welcome!
with the way cordless tooling is advancing, this test right here is probably one of the single most relevant thoughts on peoples minds when looking through the isles and the over all costs of what they put in their boxes. not only on the wallet but when done using a battery, that overload protection goes a long way especially if you turn your back on a battery while its on the charger or after heavy use
Thanks for sharing.
Ugh, I hate how much brands are pushing cordless tools these days.
Most of the time a corded tool with an extension cord is just as good or better, but at a significantly lower cost with much better longevity. Which is probably why so many companies want you to buy cordless... so they can make you keep spending money on new batteries and tools.
@@torinireland6526 i totally agree that a corded tools durability trumps cordless. I maintain a steel fabrication shop that also has Ironworkers constructing that steel. In a building working at a dedicated station- hands down corded tools, but myself and the field guys, having an infinitely long extension cord is not always an option. Sure they have welders and can run extension cords from that, but then there is the time it takes to unwrap/wrap up the cords. When you have a crew of 5-12 guys making 25-50$ an hour standing around because an extension cord got cut (not to mention all the time it takes to properly route an extension cord through walkways in a building to comply with OSHA) the $ it costs for a battery pales in comparison. For the home brew guy making a mess in the garage, it IS nice to have both, especially when you have say 3-4 different tools doing a job, the heavy hitters (grinders/saws etc) sure corded all the way, but having 1/4" and 3/8" impacts, drills and flashlights easily swapped using the same battery... well time is valuable on the weekends. Not to mention you dont have to worry about dragging a cord across or through vehicles around corners and the such. Both corded and cordless have their places. I started out with all corded tools and the aggravation that accompanies those problems are equally rivalled by the cost of cordless. Dragging an extension cord 100' in the air sucks but so does lugging around 3-4 batteries that same 100' in the air and only 1 left is charged.
Great set of tests. I just never trust no name knock offs with stuff that can catch fire, especially batteries. Good to know you get what you pay for in terms of power as well.
Thanks! Thanks for the feedback.
As usual, your no nonsense approach to research and testing in controlled and repeatable environments is professional as hell!!!
Another excellent and informative video! Thank you Project Farm
Thanks and you are welcome!
Excellent comparison. One minor observation was the amp meter clamp was not fully closed on the first 2 short circuit test for current in case it helps. Minor detail I know. I want to give only positive feedback for sure! Thanks so much for all the work you put into these tests!
Thank you!
For clamp meter it's very important to fully close one othervise it will show wrong meaurmens, that i conclude first 2 measurements of short circut is wrong.
@@bc-nr5tj I have a similar meter and for a 20 amp load cracking it open as shown in the video dropped the measured value to about 10 amps
@@Merv-Bob It's really about the location in the open, a little to the left, no result, in the middle, 50%, a little to the right, 70%.
Awesome & excellent testing as usual PF! So glad that we have you to do all of this product testing so that we as consumers can make well informed purchasing decisions! 👍👍👏👏
Thank you for sharing!
Always a great informative test. Thanks.
Thank you!
Simply great. Thank you.
Thanks so much!
Finally asking the real questions people want to know.
Thank you!
Great review. My supply of original DeWalt 18v. batteries is dwindling. I was heavily invested in the 18v. platform and used to have about a dozen batteries and 5 chargers. I have about a dozen of the 18v. tools of all types. I am now down to 2 chargers and 3 batteries.
I am retired now and only use the tools for household DIY work, so I am not interested in replacing all my tools.
I have been researching these 'after market" batteries, but YOUR videos are always the best research I can find on any tool topic.
Thanks! Thanks for sharing.
Be especially careful with Dewalt batteries. Unlink, well, every other battery that is sane, a few of their models do not have the BMS circuit on the battery, but in the tool. So if you get an unofficial battery that does not properly deal with that fact, you could have more excitement than you plan for.
I can't believe I'm only discovering your channel now. THIS is what RUclips is all about, man. Thank you so much.
You are welcome!
great test thank you , very informative
Thanks and you are welcome!
So i used to sit next to the claims department at one of the major tool brands. I cant count the number of claims i heard about from fake batteries that burned down a workshop or shed. Then they would file a claim with our company only to denied bc it was a fake battery. Trust me its not worth the "cost savings"
Great information! Thank you
When you say fake, do you mean counterfeit, or do you mean cheap no name brands?
Great content like always!!! Video idea: Best Driveway/Concrete cleaner. Maybe removing oil spots and such.
Thank you for the video idea!
Lye. I used spray oven cleaner (with sodium hydroxide - there are a lot that don't have it anymore) on my driveway. Spray it on, walk away. I usually did it twice, and then the next couple of rains made the stains vanish. Pressure washing worked too. Even the huge old oil stain my wife made by closing the garage door on a 5 quart bottle of oil. I tried gel drain cleaner, but it didn't work as well.
Try cat litter to absorb excessive oil or grease. Then using a cheap oven cleaner on your grease spots, spray heavy amount on and leave for min. of a half hr or more at a moderate temp (70°s) keep the kids and pets away, then use an old broom to scrub and water to rinse. May have to use several times, depending on how much oil and grease is built up.
Add paint removal to that test. I struggle to get dried or semi-dried paint off brushed concrete.
@@tbelding the only thing with using lye and walking away, is that a pet or a child could accidentally get into it and could cause serious medical problems with acid burns. Or someone could walk in it and carry it into the house on their shoes and ruin your carpet. Safety first....
Outstanding. I've long suspected this, but it's great to see unequivocal results.
Thanks!
Thank you so much for the ongoing unbiased reviews and quality content!
You are welcome!
Could you do a video about the performance of various battery vs plug in tools. Like power and effectiveness? Drills, impacts, sawzalls, etc?
Great video idea! Thank you
I wasn't surprised by the genuine battery performance, but I was surprised that the knock-offs survived a drop test! This channel, Project Farm, is always answering the good questions! I really appreciate the content here!
There are battery kit case for all kinds of tools, so you can put Panasonic/SONY/Samsung or other power batteries in it, some might out perform than the genuine one’s a lot,and a lot cheaper.
@@jerryyu583 Is there a good search term to find such kits for sale?
Thanks so much!
@@AndyGneissYou need to research the individual cells and buy them, Id recommend BatteryMooch reviews, last I checked Samsung, Sanyo, Panasonic are easiest to get. Sony makes the best lithium batteries overall but they are straight up Unobtainium like the discontinued VTC4-6
Thank you so much for making this video.
I use nothing but Milwaukee tools at work. Very informative.
You are welcome! Thanks for sharing.
What a great well thought out review. I think for the DIYer that Labtec battery is for sure gold. I already purchased brand name batteries but if I even need replacements I'm for sure going that route. Thanks for all your hard work on this, amazing video!
Thanks and you are welcome!
I could see using the battery as a cheap shell, I've seen people make a short wire to a larger external battery pack done before, or battery clips for the 12v batteries
Great video! Just a heads up: There is a mistake on the maximum torque graph at 4:28. It seems the old and new Milwaukee batteries were mixed up. New is supposed to be 183 and the used is 175.
Thanks! Thanks for the constructive feedback.
I hope Labtech is prepared for the results of this one. Nice work, as always, Sir!
Thank you!
Thank you sir! Very informative
Thanks and you are welcome!
I bought some off-hand 8.0 batteries for my kids power wheel conversion. They look to be exactly like labtech, but seller didn't list it specifically. It did cone in the exact packaging, and labeled the same.
From full charge to its out she gets about 40 minutes of non stop driving.
As always, love your videos
Thanks! Thanks for sharing.
The Consumer Product and Safety Commission should start using your lab results instead of their own. Keep up the great work. I hate wasting my money. The government already wastes enough of it.
Thank you
If you ever choose to revisit this topic, it would be interesting to see how building your own battery pack stands! Also that 175 watt milwaukee power supply was something I never knew I needed...
If you know how to do the home Depot hacks, the Ryobi 40v batteries and power supply will give you a lot more juice. I'm a Milwaukee guy. But I recently learned to accept Ryobi as they are very versatile and fill in nice gaps left by Milwaukee. It started with an AMAZING deal on a 10in miter saw. I think it's the highest end on their 18v line. That was followed by the very nice and compact rotary station. The more expensive one which I got on clearance for about $30. And as of recent, their new swift clean carpet scrubber. Not the handheld one. The one with the hose. But hand tools like the impact, drill, etc, I'll stick with Milwaukee. Especially anything else where the battery becomes a huge obstruction like the cordless ratchet.
Thanks for the feedback. Thanks for the suggestion.
I rebuild power tool packs. Done Dewalt, Milwaukee, Ryobi, Hitachi, Snap On and Craftsman. When you build your own, it's all about the cells. If you use Samsung 25R, Sony VTC5, LG, EVE, etc, they will be as good as a factory pack, if not better..all about the cells..
Comparing 21700 vs. 18650 is bogus though
@davidbarker3591 obviously comparing 18650 and 21700 isn’t ideal, but see the thing is, that’s what came in the knock off batteries and the 6ah Milwaukee had the 21700 you noticed the 5ah Milwaukee had 18650 also. The test was comparing OEM battery pack to knock offs… and he did a very thorough and informative analysis..
This was super helpful. I’m comfortable buying something that may be slightly less capable but isn’t going to set me on fire.
Really great tests and lets people shop with their own risk tolerance instead of guessing. Would love to see more of this. As is with anything battery related I always check project farm first.
Thanks! Thanks for the suggestion.
I always learn something new from these videos. Thanks
You are welcome! Glad to hear!
Would love to see this for the large Ego batteries, particularly the 7.5s. those things are $400 new. It would be great to find a good knockoff that doesn't break the bank.
Same, and with different brands as well. Todd has done similar tests in the past and it's always enlightening. Certainly better value in the brand name batteries. But, I wonder if you could buy multiple of the knock off brands and get a lot more run time, even if lower power, then just 1 brand name.
@@Bakachu7 If you can do that, how come name battery can be called a better value ?
This was a fantastic video / idea! Thank you for doing this much needed testing. I have been using 2 genuine Milwaukee batteries & 1 knockoff for about 3 years now. I haven't really noticed a difference honestly. The knockoff I have looks exactly like the genuine, almost like they were produced at the same factory-- Identical other than the bottom & side labels. Mine was made by a brand named Vanon.
Thank you for sharing!
Milwaukee would love love love to hire you! This was am amazing video and test. Glad i subbed
Thanks!
Hey! Longtime fan and yet you still surprise me with how thorough and ingenious you are with you approach!!
A dream episode of mine would be you and The Lockpicking Lawyer to team up and examine bike locks!! I think it’d be fascinating and you both are some of my favorite channels!
Thanks! Thanks for the suggestion.
I would hope that channels like yours prompt the big manufacturers to step up their game. Thank you for your channel!!
You are welcome!
Or some governments to be strict about safety standards on industrial tools being sold to the consumers.
Nice comparison. Most probably someone will have already brought to your attention the improper setup of the clamp meter. The clamp must always be properly closed around the conductor under test. Check at 12:30.
Awesome video! Thanks for sharing! In the fab shop, we have gone through so many milwaukee batteries due to the case splitting open, that the manufacturing engineer ordered battery covers for the milwaukee batteries. Super gluing the case back together helps. The batteries in our case, operate a 1/2" impact gun, so quite a bit of jarring on the battery, and the operators are probably occasionally dropping it. The fall is much more extensive with a heavy 1/2 milwaukee impact gun adding to the weight of the fall. We used to run dewalt impact guns, we never went through a broken battery case with dewalt, but the gun itself would crack open. Milwaukee 1/2" impact guns are bulletproof/don't crack apart like dewalt.
Thanks and you are welcome!
Very informative and well done video. Thanks man!
Thanks and you are welcome!
Great video. I've always bought the knock off 40v batteries for my lawn equipment. But they die after only a year or so... I then learned about not keeping them in the extreme heat of the garage. Now they're lasting much longer. On my last battery purchase I finally bought the brand name battery again, and so far it's far outlasting any of the knock offs. It does weigh a lot more too. I hate paying so much for batteries, but for certain things, like power tools, it's just worth it not having to have so many, and then having them die faster on you too. You end up buying more over time, dealing with the shorter life, and then getting rid of them vs the name brand one that is just built better.
Thanks! Thanks for sharing.
I’ve always wondered if those knock offs were any good. Your videos are awesome. One of my favorite RUclipsrs!!! Thanks for all the hard work! This is actually useful information that I actually use in my day to day life.
Thanks so much!!
I don't actually buy knock off replacements.. BUT I have some no name devices that probably/maybe come with dodgy batteries to begin with. Like the polishing machine I use once a year or the small cordless screwdriver that never sees hard work.. or some random work lights
I used to work for the power company and saw a safety presentation that reached the same conclusion wrt OEM tool batteries versus knock-offs. Nice work, sir!
Thanks!
Thank you for putting this together. I keep having my $250 Milwaukee 12ah batteries go bad after just a year to 18 months of use and have been looking for an alternative. I can see that doesn't exist. I guess I'm going back to corded tools so I can have long tool ife and reliability without MASSIVE expense.
The Milwalkee is the way to go for safety reasons alone. Thank you so much!
You are welcome!
I really appreciated how you tested each battery in different applications and even testing the short circuit capacity. Your communication is clear and the data is very useful. I think I will stick to the name brand. Thank you.
Thank you!
Well, here at work we got top of the line Milwaukee ratchet with high capacity batt. We were tightening keeper bolts, about
2. 3/4" bolts, and half way thorough out of 8 bolts, the batt smoked, couldn't be recharged. Both, ratchet and batt were brand new.
A fantastic RUclips demonstration without the crap.
A well deserved subscription.
Panasonic Lithium batteries are the Rolls Royce of all power tool batteries. Their cells are made in Japan and their charger provides 2 stage charging processing which I haven't yet seeing from other manufacturers. (please correct me if I'm wrong).
Great analysis of each of these batteries. It's a shame that the knockoffs advertise themselves as 6AH. Given the size of the case and cells, they seem to be intended as knockoffs of the older 5AH battery, in which case the Labtech performed very well for the price. The Amityke and Tenmoer are a real concern. Unfortunately, you just never know how well built they are until you test them and disassemble them yourself. I have no problem using custom-built packs, but it's important to start with a properly built battery management system, and then you have to choose reputable cells. With how common and cheap a basic BMS is, it's appalling to see the Amityke and Tenmoer using something that fails to live up to that. A simple fusible link costs almost nothing and a low-voltage cutoff is a super common 10 cent IC. I'm impressed by the Labtec and would have no concerns using them as a cheap alternative to a 5AH Milwaukee.
Thanks! Thanks for the feedback.
Where do you recommend to get reputable cells?
The old adage "You get what you pay for." comes to mind. Yes, the tool manufacturer's batteries are pricier, but they definitely perform as advertised and much better than the knock offs. Great video as always! Your videos are extremely valuable to us the consumers. Keep it up!
Yes, the OEM batteries usually perform better, but are they 2-3 times better? Does the performance justify the much higher price?
Thanks, will do!
Another part of the equation is what was the human cost for those knock off batteries? China is notorious for its human rights violations and outright enslavement of those citizens deemed less than worthy. I prefer to keep a clear conscience.@@brownro214
Thank you for this video. I use Milwaukee cordless tools for work. I have been tempted by the cheaper knockoff batteries but I'm glad that I never succumbed to the temptation as you proved that it's not worth it.
I'm confused about the "not worth it" as you can buy four times the batteries getting well over double the capacity for the same amount of money. If Milwaukee had a 2 for one sale, you'd arbitrarily be choosing to ignore that and buy (less than) one instead. I'm curious as to why?
@@duckswan9936 Not the OP, but you may have missed that they didn't just have lower capacities so they ran for fewer minutes, but they couldn't provide the same peak current flow much less sustain it. That really mattered for things like the angle grinder. You might have also missed the safety aspects. Like the battery that started smoking while he was using it. I've seen lithium fires first-hand. I don't want one happening in my hand.
Personally I'll only be considering cheap batteries for lower-draw non-sustained uses now, which means I probably won't buy them.
@@KhanmotsI'm in the same boat. I always use genuine batteries in large power tools, but in less demanding tasks like lights the knockoff batteries seem to work well, so long as you don't put them on the fast charger.
@duckswan9936 depends on your needs. I have about 10 genuine and 8 fakes. The fakes never last as long but at 1/4 the price, I don't mind switching them out more often. If your a occasional user, I think there fine. Had some for 4 years of daily use. No issues yet.
Yea i don't know bud. Im a dewalt user and i got 2 knock offs and a charger for 80 bucks. After 3 months of use im still grabbing the knock offs out of the truck first before 1 of my 10 dewalt batteries that range from 4 years old to 1 year old.
So far they have been pretty worth it to me
I have that same grinder and it runs well. But it really goes through batteries. Sometimes they just overheat. I really need additional batteries so this was a great test. Thanks.
Thanks!
I like this review, not so much for using the tool batteries but more for how well the cells perform. I build batteries for other purposes (drones RC airplanes, ebikes ECT) and seeing how the cells perform for each brand makes buying them for disassembly a little easier decision.
Thank you for sharing!
Excellent video!
Those 18650 cells are just plain dangerous if they are punctured....
Great point!
i use them in my vape
Any lithium ion battery is dangerous if punctured
@@Robert-Wilson True, but watch some of the 18650 videos on here....
Excellent video, thanks!
Thanks and you are welcome!
Watched this video again, i love the detailed info !!!
Great benchmark testing! Would be interesting to see how they perform at their low temperature limits.
Thanks! Thanks for the suggestion.
Thank you for your truly impressive, useful and informative work, as well as your incredibly efficient editing.
My pleasure!
That's a lot of work you put in!
Love it!
Thanks!
Another great review!
Thnks!
Great Info for testing the knock off brands. Concern I would have is they don't always stick to the same design over time internally. So Labtec might be good now, but next years "design" may look the same and be poor because they changed to cheaper cells, etc.
Thanks!
It is interesting that the Labtec costs about 1/3 of the Milwaukee per min of run time. i.e. for the same cost you can get 3 times the run time.
Thanks for the feedback.
Great content! I bought knockoff batteries for my Dewalt 20V tools a couple of years ago off of Amazon. Don't know the brand, but no complaints, yet. Your tests, however, will affect my next purchase. Much appreciated.
Thanks and you are welcome!
I absolutely LOVE how thourough you are with all your reviews! Keep up the incredible work!
Thanks, will do!