M12 FUEL 12 V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 3" Compact Cut Off Tool - Tool Only

BMR Code
001-8580
Part number
2522-20
UPC
045242519958
M12 FUEL 12 V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 3" Compact Cut Off Tool - Tool Only
The M12 FUEL 3" Compact cut off tool delivers multi material cutting capability in an ergonomic package, optimized for one handed use. Spinning at 20,000 RPM and featuring a POWERSTATE brushless motor, this tool delivers fast and accurate cutting performance in a wide range of materials.
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• 20,000 RPM for fast and accurate cutting performance • Reversible blade rotation for ultimate cutting control • Part of the M12 system, featuring over 80+ tools • POWERSTATE Brushless motor delivers maximum power and long motor life • REDLINK Plus intelligence provides optimized performance and overload protection • Tool free guard adjustment for convenience and ease of use • Includes accessory guard and shoe with vacuum port for dust mitigation and cut depth adjustment • Includes (1) metal cut off wheel, (1) Carbide abrasive blade, and (1) diamond tile blade • Compatible with common 3 in. cut off wheels with 3/8 in. arbor • Includes 7/16 in. flange adapter for compatibility with 3 in. remodeler saw-max accessories • LED light for improved visibility in confined spaces and low light situations
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BrandMILWAUKEE

Reviews

Rating Snapshot

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1224 reviews with 5 stars.
262 reviews with 4 stars.
62 reviews with 3 stars.
38 reviews with 2 stars.
28 reviews with 1 star.

Overall Rating

4.6
1357 out of 1442 (94%) reviewers recommend this product

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Filter Reviews

9 to 38 of 1614 Reviews
9 – 38 of 1614 Reviews
Lutts, TN
5 out of 5 stars.

Powerful and Compact

a year ago
Handy on anything metal on the farm. So far I used to cut pipe, galvanized, fencing, barbed wire, rebar, and about 50 other items. This thing is like a hot knife through butter on anything I throw at it. I was amazed at how much I use it just because it is lightweight and handy. It hits the sweet spot between a grinder with cut wheels and a Dremel style tool. It punches well above its weight yet is lightweight and has incredible power and battery life. I ordered a second one for my son who is a professional in the trades. He turned me on to Milwaukee tools and I can’t say enough about their battery life and power.

Yes, I recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

Central Indiana
GenderMale
5 out of 5 stars.

Compact and powerful.

5 years ago
I bought this to grind off rivets holding an old radiator shroud to a basement wall. The size allowed me to get to the rivets where a larger grinder would not. Worked great, although with small battery it required frequent changes. I have two chargers and multiple batteries. It did come with the higher capacity battery, but it worked well with my smaller ones also. For fast cuts on light gage steel this tool would be great. I'm not sure if it would cut steel studs faster than scoring, but it would sure be faster than snips. Having two or three of these on a job would let you leave them at the task location instead of carrying with you while moving from spot to spot.

Yes, I recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

Gloucester MA
5 out of 5 stars.

Don't Sleep On it

3 years ago
There are similar tools on the market but none approach the quality, ergonomics, and power that this gem offers. Reverse mode lets you shoot debris in opposite dorection if need be. Just make sure the blade supports it as some are most effective unidirectional. I recently used a Diablo diamond blade for tile cutting, and what would have taken me a full day, i was able to bang out in a couple hours. It's one of those tools you think you dont need, but im here to tell you to rethink it. Killer tool. Wish i had it decades ago. It's small, but dont let that give you a false sense of security. The tool is safe when operated properly, but wear your glasses and gloves, people! -Ben

Yes, I recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

Southern Alberta
4 out of 5 stars.

Works great overall

a year ago
This is a great overall tool. I first purchased it to use it as a way to cut out small tiles for putting in a kitchen backsplash. The diamond blade worked great for cutting out the small tiles. I later found myself using it for cutting out the metal tile edges. The metal cutoff wheel seemed to have a harder time cutting through. The majority of my batteries all come from my heated gear. I quickly found out those m12 1.5amp batteries are not useful for heavier cuts with this cutoff saw. I have since upgraded and purchased a couple of m12 3amps and have been much more pleased with the abilities of this saw.

Yes, I recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

Norfolk VA
GenderMale
5 out of 5 stars.

I would buy this product again and again

5 years ago
As a diesel mechanic for 15 years working on 40ft buses, fire fighter trucks, ambulance and police vehicles: crown vics, Chevy Impalas, Dodge chargers.... This M12 compact cut off tool has been used very hard and still holding up like the day I bought it. I use it to cut off 6in circumference exhaust pipes, cutting off 6tf stainless steel panels after accidents to access and replace radiators. It came in real handy when I had to cut out a wheel well to get a ambulance back to the shop after a side collision. I recently purchased the right angle M12 die grinder and cannot wait for the straight grinder.

Yes, I recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

Spartanburg, SC
GenderMale
5 out of 5 stars.

Extremely versital

5 years ago
I wasn't sure how much I'd use this little thing, but I'm a team red addict and own my own contracting company so "I" buy all the tools I want. The first day I used it to cut some metal roof panels. The next job I used it for was a tile shower and I must have used it 40 times to trim notches and round cuts in the tile. It performed like a champ. I also used it to knock ridged off the rough cuts on my cement board to square up where I needed a better fit. I cut some Schluter trim pieces with ease as well. I have no idea what other uses I'll find for it, but I'm sure glad I have it at my disposal now.

Yes, I recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

Sturgeon Falls, Ontario
2 out of 5 stars.

Should have bought this a long time ago

4 years ago
I initially bout this to make some box cuts in porcelain tile. Using a spray bottle and the diamond blade I made some nice straight cuts without burring the tile. My larger angle grinder sent to much vibration into the tile causing burrs and shattering. Since then I I’ve used it cutting metal in tight spots and have used it to remove sections of drywall. It worked really well. I would recommend getting the larger batteries as they last much longer. I also used it to cut hardy backer board. Worked well on that too. The dust removal attachment works really nice too Anyway I’m happy with the purchase

Yes, I recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

Kansas
1 out of 5 stars.

Too weak. Needs more power

2 years ago
I bought it use around our farm to cut metal, exhaust pipes, sheet metal, rebar etc. It looked like it would be really handy. We use zip wheels on angle grinders a lot but this looked like it would be much easier to control. We use Milwaukee 12m and 18 volt tools and they are great so I had high expectations for this tool. Boy, was I disappointed. The first project I used it on was exhaust pipe on my tractor. It bogged down when I put any pressure on it. I had to go back to my angle grinder with the zip wheel to get the job done. Please Milwaukee give us a more powerful version of this tool. It’s a great idea! I love your 12 and 18 volt fuel line but this tool is way underpowered.

No, I do not recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

Response from milwaukeetool.com:
2 years ago
Customer Care
Hi Farmersteve- Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We appreciate your honest feedback and will pass it along to our product team. If you have any questions or additional feedback you could provide us, please email us at social.media@milwaukeetool.com. Thank you! -Social Team
Billings, MT
4 out of 5 stars.

My go to, can't live without tool.

4 years ago
This is the second one I have purchased. I couldn't afford the down time while the first one was in for repairs. Like the title says, this is my go to tool. I use it exclusively for cutting metal, be it steel, aluminum or copper. Before I got this, I would either have to dig out a 4 1/2 inch angle grinder or a recipe saw. While those tools would work, this is a lot less hassle. I've had situations where I didn't have access to a power outlet and had to rely on this little thing and it delivered. I've had a few times where the motor has bogged down but that was due as much to a low battery as it was to material trying to pinch the cutting wheel. For me it's become a must have tool.

Yes, I recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

Lloydminster AB
4 out of 5 stars.

Great tool and very convenient but...

4 years ago
I am an avid tinkerer and always have something on the go! I though this would be a super convenient tool to have for quick jobs out of the shop and away from my air tools and compressor. I love how handy it is to just grab it and go. It has lots of power and is very controllable. My only issue is that it absolutely eats batteries. I run it on 6Ah M12 batteries and maybe get 5 to 10 minutes of run time depending on how hard I work it. Honestly I would have expected at least double that out of this tool. However even with that I would totally recommend it and do not regret my decision to buy it.

Yes, I recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

Spokane, WA
5 out of 5 stars.

Bought for a small job and I’ve found many uses

4 years ago
I bought this tool to replace an angle grinder for small tile work. This was not the best use for this tool. It’s amazing as a metal cut off tool, the reverse option has saved my face more than once in an awkward position. Doing flooring was an unexpected benefit of the tool. Demo of an old burnt metal roof was done fairly easily with this tool and a sawzall. I imagine I will discover more uses for this tool as time goes on but I’m very happy with my purchase. The battery lasts longer than I would have expected also. Great buy if you get the kit with the extra blades and the shoe.

Yes, I recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

Detroit Lakes, MN
GenderMale
5 out of 5 stars.

small but gets job done

5 years ago
I purchased this item just before my annual trip to the Iron Range in Minnesota to work with Habitat for Humanity there. While working on a house in Hibbing one of my fellow volunteers was installing door and drawer hardware in the kitchen and both bathrooms. Needless to say all of the thicknesses were different and required getting extra long screws and then cutting them to length. Nobody in our group had brought a screw cutter and then I remembered this tool and it saved the day. It was perfect for the task and not big and bulky like the 4 1/2 inch grinder. Great tool.

Yes, I recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

Marysville,WA
3 out of 5 stars.

I love milwaukee tools!

3 years ago
This tool works great. (fyi for anyone buying: the auto stop protect feature will wear in overtime so dont be alarmed!) its to protect the fuel motor ;) nice cutting tool for basic cuts, i figured the compact'ness would help me get in to those tighter areas but it would be nice if the cutting blade "stuck out" a little more and if the motor portion was shorter, if possible. I continue finding the tool/motor bumping into other surfaces and not being able to get it in there, then switching to the either angle grinder, die grinder, or the vibrating multitool. Works great for straight cuts on top of metal or even wood if u got the blade, love it, just wish it were designed to get into tighter areas like you'd think

No, I do not recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

Mississippi
3 out of 5 stars.

A Little Disappointed

11 months ago
This is the first Milwaukee tool I’ve purchased that I wasn’t totally satisfied with. I bought it to cut Ceramic Tile and it cracked every piece that I tried. Specifically, I was attempting to cut out holes in the center of tiles for outlets, etc. It just bounced around too much. There’s no feathering the speed. It’s full on as soon as you squeeze the trigger. It probably works good for other things but it just didn’t for this one. I wouldn’t recommend it for tile at all. On the plus side, it’s nice and small. Pretty powerful too. Same Milwaukee quality that I’m used to.

No, I do not recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

Response from milwaukeetool.com:
11 months ago
Social Team
Hello, we appreciate you taking the time to leave a review on your M12 FUEL™ 3" Compact Cut Off Tool, and we will be sure to share this feedback with our team. If you have any additional feedback, you can contact us at social.media@milwaukeetool.com. - Milwaukee Tool Social Team
Orangeville Ontario
1 out of 5 stars.

STALL STALL STALL

2 years ago
I bought this tool to do small cutting jobs. I used it on 1/4” MDF. It would keep stalling. At first I thought that I was maybe pushing it too hard or twisting it. I was very careful how I used it BUT, still it would keep stalling every inch or so. It was a while before I used it again. This time to make small cuts to marble backsplash tiles. BOY did it keep stalling. It would stall about every half inch. I was constantly stopping it pull it back and start the cut again. Because of this it was next to impossible to make a nice clean straight cut and took forever to make the cuts. I’m an electrician and LOVE Milwaukee tools. But, this one sucks. It’s a great tool if it would do its job. But, this one fails miserably.

No, I do not recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

Response from milwaukeetool.com:
2 years ago
Customer Care
Hi Sparkydave- We are sorry to hear you had a poor experience with your M12 FUEL 3" Compact Cut Off Tool! We will reach out to you via email with a few warranty options. -Social Team
Adirondacks of New York
5 out of 5 stars.

Another Milwaukee Gem

4 years ago
My primary use, believe it or not, is to cut/trim re-used 120+-year-old cedar shingles. Using a dremel wood blade I can do so without splitting these old shingles. I found it also to be a peach for cuting sheet brass, for heat deflectors. This stuff breaks easily and the metal wheel, cuts smooth. And finally, i found it, with the Milwaukee Diamon wheel to be be the best at curring concrete for doing patch work. it gives you that straight clear right angle wall you need for a good concrete patch. Remember, it is a little tool that runs at 20,000RPM, DO NOT push it, if it is not cutting, you have the wrong wheel. you should never hear the unit bog down, just let the speed cut thing smooth! Thanks Milwaukee!

Yes, I recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

Ascutney, VT
GenderMale
5 out of 5 stars.

Work smarter, not harder!

5 years ago
What a labor saver this thing is! I own a Storage Unit business and more porter than not, our tenants lose the keys to their locks. To make a long story short, forget about belt cutters, these thing goes through metal like butter! Tried to us a Dremel, but the 1 1/2” cutting discs were too small! The 3” cutting wheel is perfect! I can make 6-7 complete cuts with one Milwaukee brand “metal cut off wheel”. When I was using the competition’s product, it would chew through 3 or 4 cut off wheels, just to make one cut!! Yes, this was a bit more expensive (once you get a battery, charger and cut off wheels), but you get what you pay for! Next time, I’ll go straight for the RED Brand when I need a professional grade power tool!!!

Yes, I recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

Ohio
GenderMale
5 out of 5 stars.

Compact, quick work cutting through solid steel.

5 years ago
Bought this as a just incase tool, it was needed in a very tight space and used for a tough task. Removing exhaust parts to replace some gaskets, a couple bolts/studs had become pretty much welded from the years of constant heating and cooling and a couple years of northern salt. Using the steel cutting wheel, it breezed through the studs like it was wet paper. The cut off tool itself didnt have an issue running or maintaining speed and personal handling to cut through the studs, making quick work of the job. The 1.5 battery I used didnt lose a single bar after running for about 5 minutes even at a constant run time. I highly reccomend for anyone who needs a small tool for just incase jobs that dont require a larger cut off wheel.

Yes, I recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

Milwaukee WI
4 out of 5 stars.

Compact but handy to have

a year ago
I like the ergonomic compact size and the easy to use forward and reverse switch. I got this because the M12 Die grinder I use all the time doesn’t run 3” cut off wheels very well and this is a nice improvement with out changing bits all the time. I used it to cut drywall holes to run electrical and then patches and the dust collection feature made it so much cleaner. Haven’t tried it on metal yet but I would expect it would be handy around the shop for shortening bolts or smaller tasks. I will likely find myself reaching for this more than I expected

Yes, I recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

Panama
GenderMale
5 out of 5 stars.

Good, small and easy to use

5 years ago
I did buy this tool because no one know when a special tool is needed, I did buy this small because to carry into my small bag. I have used it two times, the first time to cut a small piece of metal, it make the job!. Second time to cut two metal tubes... The tool make the job, but I needed to recharge the battery before finish. The tool is good, but uses a lot of charge. I use the small 1.5 a battery, if you will use it more frecuently, buy with a large battery, like the 6.0a, if you will use it sometimes or rarely, the 1.5a battery works too. =)

Yes, I recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

IN
5 out of 5 stars.

great grinder

a year ago
I wasn't sure if I was going to be completely sold on this thing at first because I was used to using a high torque pneumatic cut off grinder and this thing tends to bog down when you put it in a slight bind, but I like it better the more I use it. I use this in my body shop, and it has become the go too grinder for cutting out for rust repair. My favorite feature is being able to reverse cutting directions because I can direct the sparks away from me. Defiantly a lot easier to maneuver in tight places and I don't miss dragging around an air hose.

Yes, I recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

Toronto, Ontario
GenderMale
4 out of 5 stars.

Milwaukee 3” cut off tool!

5 years ago
Hey everyone! Looking to buy some this tool? I’ve had it for a little over a month and it’s been a life saver. I have used it outside cutting steel fence pipe, inside with the dust shroud while cutting through Sheetrock and rock board and it hasn’t let me down. Plenty of power if you’re using the right batteries. It’s great that it comes with 3 different blades as they’re all usefull. Bottom line, not only would I recommend it, I’m buying a second so my workers can use one too. Great tool, worth every dollar. Not a single complaint.

Yes, I recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

Bridgewater, NS, Canada
4 out of 5 stars.

Super cut-off tool for metal sheet

a year ago
This tool did the job it was intended for with flying colours. The only short coming was the shoe was not quite parallel to the cut-off wheel. However this fixed by having the fence and a narrow support for the base plate extend before the start of the cut to ensure that the wheel was aligned with the cut line. Apparently there is enough flexibility in the shoe mounting points for the for the wheel to self-align as the cut proceeds. I hope to make use this tool to do the trim cuts on the metal roof panels to be installed this fall on my house.

Yes, I recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

Caroline, VA
5 out of 5 stars.

Serious little gem!

3 years ago
Be prepared to cut some $&@% UP! Seriously though. This is something that my gut spoke to me would be invaluable in certain situations. Not long after I got it, I certainly had a few. I cut a large piece of drywall using the dust shoe and used the vacuum attachment to keep from making a mess. And I plan on actually doing more drywall this weekend. I also tested cutting some 2 inch PVC pipe. I think it went quite well. But most importantly, are used it to shorten a mini bike chain down by one length. This seems innocuous, but the delicate control that I could exert with this tool made it quick and easy. I am certainly looking forward to doing some repair to my tile work with it. You will be looking for things to cut with this tool!

Yes, I recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

Aubrey, TX
5 out of 5 stars.

great tool

4 years ago
I do a lot of small projects that use various sizes of metal. in the past i would use a scroll saw with a metal cutting blade or put a metal cutting blade on my hand saw. this tool handles all those situations. it’s light, easy to handle with one hand, and the forward/reverse switch helps with cutting direction and directing cuttings away from you. used it to cut through 4x4x1/4 angle iron. went right through, just take your time and let the wheel cut. the add on blade wheel guard has a vacuum port and flat guide so it’s like using a hand saw.

Yes, I recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

Kenosha, WI
GenderMale
4 out of 5 stars.

A very handy cut off tool

5 years ago
As an industrial maintenance mechanic I run into all sorts of odd situations. This cut off tool lets me get into places where an air line is not available or would be in the way. Sometimes the cut is so quick it would take me longer to set up an air hose so this tool is perfect. The best feature is the ability to change direction so I can throw the sparks the way I want to a lot easier. My only complaint is the limitation that the guard imposes. If it rotated more or was removable this would be an almost perfect tool (no perfect tool exists).

Yes, I recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

Benton, Maine
GenderMale
5 out of 5 stars.

A must have for all your cutting needs!!

5 years ago
I own a farm, I help at a local garage. I have loved my corded 4.5" angle grinder for everything I need to carve from metal, but it can't always fit where I need it, so when our tool guy pulled in the driveway, I had to try out the 3" cutoff. It not only fits in tighter spaces, but being reversible, you have control over where the sparks or dust goes. It comes with a diamond blade for tiles, and one for plastics. I had to try the plastics wheel, and holy moly, it makes a smooth, clean cut, without tons of melted slag. When it comes time to remodel the kitchen at the farm, I'll get to try out the tile blade, and dust collection guard. My only recommendation, is buy extra M12 batteries, you won't want to put this tool down, once you pick it up!

Yes, I recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

5 out of 5 stars.

Great tool for any metal fabrication job.

11 months ago
This tool is very versatile. I have used it to cut everything from mild steel tube to sheet metal. It’s powerful enough for most jobs and it’s way more convenient that a 4 inch angle. This is one of those tools you wish you had bought years ago. The battery last quite a while. It’s nice to be able to direct the sparks away from you as you cut. I work mainly with 12 gauge steel and some thinner materials but it has no problem cutting through it. The ergonomics of the tool are comfortable and it’s easy to watch the end of the cut as you move.
milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

Florida
1 out of 5 stars.

Incredibly underwhelming

4 years ago
I'm in love with the idea of this tool. I'm in the middle of a bathroom remodel and I'm exclusively using Fiberock/ Aquatough cement board drywall. This tool in principle is perfect for cutting the 5/8" board. However in practice with a 6ah battery the tool struggles to make even short cuts and stalls out continuously. Even babying the cut the blade will bind and stall. I ultimately bought this because of the dust collection shroud and the fiber cement specific cutting but the lack is power makes it unusable.This one is getting returned

No, I do not recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

CT
2 out of 5 stars.

Underwhelmed and underpowered to be Fuel tool. :-(

3 years ago
Bought it to cut drywall but was not happy with results. Had to be very careful and use a surprisingly slow pace when pushing it through drywall otherwise it would automatically shut off. Was using a fresh 6amp battery with the segmented blade. Other minor gripe was the battery indicator was rendered nearly useless from drywall dust obscuring the inside lights after the first use. For what it’s worth, of the 20 or so m12 and m18 tools that I own, most are the fuel version and have been very happy with all of them except for this one.

No, I do not recommend this product.

milwaukeetool.com

Originally posted on milwaukeetool.com

Response from milwaukeetool.com:
3 years ago
Customer Service
Thank you for your review. We appreciate your honest feedback on the M12 FUEL™ 3" Compact Cut Off Tool and we will pass this information along to our team. Please feel free to contact us at socialmedia@milwaukeetool.com if you would like further investigation into this matter. Thank you. -Cayla
9 – 38 of 1614 Reviews
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