Professional Tool Reviews for Pros

Bandfiles are niche tools and when you need one, there’s little chance another tool can do the job as well. The tool itself isn’t a new concept, but using air power and dragging a hose around? That’s so last decade. The Milwaukee M12 Fuel Bandfile makes some bold claims and wants to replace your pneumatic version.

For starters, there are two models to choose from. The Milwaukee 2482 has an 18-inch arm and the Milwaukee 2483 has a 13-inch arm. Aside from that, they’re the same.

There are two speeds to work with. High speed runs at 3600 SFM for faster removal rates and low settles in at 1800 SFM for more control. The trigger is also variable speed, so you can feather that if you need to dial it back more. For extended applications, there’s a lock-on button you can engage.

According to Milwaukee, the tool’s brushless motor gives it the best spot removal rate in its class.

The controls are pretty straightforward. Well, straight… sideward? Whatever. They’re on the side of the tool and very simple to understand. To change speeds, press the Mode button. To change between forward and reverse, press and hold the Mode button. That’s it.

The arm can rotate 360°, even dead parallel with the handle. To make an adjustment, loosen the quick clamp at the base of the arm, rotate to the position you want, and push the clamp lever back down.

To change belts, start by loosening the thumbscrew on the belt guard and rotating the guard out of the way, exposing the belt. You then need to push the arm directly into a hard surface until you hear/feel the safety latch click into position, giving you the tension release you need to remove the old belt and put a new one on.

Hit the release button on the side of the arm to put tension back on, replace the belt guard, and get back to work. It’s a 100% tool-free change.

Regardless of which size you want, the tool retails for $249 as a bare tool. As of right now, it doesn’t look like there’s going to be a kit option. Milwaukee backs them with a 3-year warranty.

Look for both models to hit retailer shelves beginning in January 2023.

On the clock, Kenny dives deep to discover the practical limits and comparative differences for all kinds of tools. Off the clock, his faith and love for his family are his top priorities, and you'll typically find him in the kitchen, on his bike (he's an Ironman), or taking folks out for a day of fishing on Tampa Bay.

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