I've been using Milwaukee 18V tools for a few years now, and they've served me well, except for my 18V Jobsite Fan which is about 2.5 years old. It has a warranty of just one year, and despite not seeing much use—only about 10-12 5AH batteries worth, mostly for car shows on hot asphalt—it's recently started acting up. When I put in a fresh battery yesterday, the fan ran for only three seconds before turning off. After several tries and battery swaps, it won't run at all. I'm wondering if there's a cost-effective way to repair this fan or if I should just switch to a Dewalt model, which I can get for $99 and use my M18 batteries with an adapter. I've heard from friends that the Dewalt fans have held up much better under heavy use than mine has.
3 Answers
I've come across folks who have had similar issues with their fans. It doesn’t sound unusual. I’ve been using mine non-stop, and thankfully, mine hasn’t failed yet! If you’re feeling adventurous, check out this video I found—it might help you pinpoint the problem. Otherwise, I'd suggest reaching out to the company about your barely-used fan.
Also, if you're thinking about switching brands, I’ve had good luck with Ryobi. Their fans sometimes come with bundles that include batteries for a great price.
I bought my fan used and had the same failure, but my wife surprised me with a new 18" M18 fan, and wow, what an upgrade! It’s a bit heavier, but definitely worth it if you're looking for something that'll last longer.
Have you looked into troubleshooting videos or repair guides? There might be some easy fixes you can try before deciding to send it in. Fans with dual power options can be really handy, so that might be something to consider for your next one!