Review of the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Packout Wet/Dry Vacuum: A Strong Choice for Mobile Professionals

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      A quality shop vacuum is a crucial element of any tool set. I have two myself—one for home and another for the garage. The main reason behind owning two is that they can be cumbersome to transport. This issue becomes even more pronounced when you're nearing the end of a lengthy project, making small cleanups feel particularly tedious, especially in tight spots. Understanding this struggle is what makes the Milwaukee M18 Fuel™ Packout 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum so attractive.

      Milwaukee promotes the 2.5-gallon Packout vacuum as having unparalleled portability. While that's a bold assertion, it's supported by its compact dimensions and lightweight design. Additionally, it's an honorary member of the Packout system, allowing it to be stacked onto a compatible rolling toolbox, reinforcing its portability claim. When you take all this into account, along with its reputed performance, it's clear how beneficial this vacuum could be for professionals in the automotive field. Technicians and detailers often work with messes in confined areas, and a solution like this can significantly impact those scenarios.

      I've been using it around my workshop for a few weeks now, and it has helped me clean up after both major and minor tasks. While it's a high-priced item, which can be a hurdle for many, the performance, portability, and Packout integration make it an excellent vacuum that professionals and dedicated DIYers should consider.

      The Bottom Line

      Milwaukee M18 Fuel™ Packout 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum

      Portability: 9/10

      Value: 6/10

      Battery Life: 8/10

      Performance: 8/10

      Overall: 7.75/10

      Milwaukee M18 Fuel™ Packout 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum Specifications

      The Milwaukee M18 FUEL™ PACKOUT™ 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum gets its name from a unique interlocking design that allows it to work alongside other Packout accessories. This collection includes special slat walls and rolling toolboxes that assist tradespeople in transporting tools easily. With slats at the top and bottom of the vacuum's body, it can stack effortlessly with other boxes and fits seamlessly into the designated rolling toolbox units.

      The claims of exceptional portability extend beyond its compatibility with rolling boxes. The 2.5-gallon vacuum weighs roughly 12 pounds and measures 17.1 inches in width, 10.5 inches in depth, and 12.8 inches in height. This compact design enables versatile usage, and the carry handle enhances its convenience.

      While there are other comparable vacuums on the market, Milwaukee asserts that this model is the most powerful small-capacity 18V wet/dry vacuum, thanks to its Powerstate brushless motor. According to the specifications, it provides double the suction of its 20-volt counterparts and even surpasses some wired versions.

      The vacuum comes with a 6-foot flexible 1.5-inch hose and several attachments. The included utility nozzle and crevice tool work well for general cleaning tasks. Additionally, the adapter for dust collection adds extra value. The hose can also be switched between ports for use as a blower.

      The Milwaukee M18 FUEL™ PACKOUT™ 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum is available for $199.00, which includes the tool, accessories, and HEPA filter, but not the battery. Milwaukee provides a 5-year limited warranty for it.

      Putting It to Use

      While January was slow for projects in my shop, February has seen an uptick. I've utilized the Milwaukee M18 Fuel™ Packout 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum for various cleanup tasks. Upon its arrival, my wife immediately used it to remove dog hair from her Honda Civic's rear seat and carpets. I also employed it after brake jobs on both her vehicle and my 1969 Dodge Charger. Furthermore, it proved invaluable while installing a Vintage Air system in the Charger as part of a research and development project for the new Gen V system. More on that to come.

      I can't praise enough the combination of performance and portability this vacuum offers. While it may not match the power of my full-size Rigid wet/dry vacuum, it still effectively removes debris from carpets. I tackled metal shavings, rust particles, and acorns from the passenger footwell of my Charger, along with some entrenched dog hair. This vacuum handled it all with ease. A pet hair brush would have accelerated the process, but it performs adequately without one.

      It's also quite convenient to place the vacuum on the car's front seat while working, rather than dealing with a hose extending from outside the cabin. The relatively low noise level is an added advantage, with an output of 87 dBa ensuring you're not left with ringing ears if you forgo hearing protection