Milwaukee power tools are one of the most reputable equipment in the market, and all for the right reasons. Simply put, they get the job done efficiently, are ideal for heavy-duty work, and are pretty easy to handle. But powerful as they are, even their batteries have a certain limit, which leaves you in a dilemma: Should I replace the battery with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) battery or consider a third-party option? Although both options come with unique advantages, today’s article highlights the importance of knowing their differences so you can make an informed decision when choosing between OEM or third-party replacement.
For guaranteed compatibility, quality, and reliability, choose OEM batteries.
If you’re looking for the exact same type of battery with the same qualities as the original one, then you should opt for OEM batteries as replacements. Just like the tools they power, Milwaukee batteries guarantee they will provide the best performance and compatibility, which makes your power tool work like it is brand-new.
By opting for OEM, you don’t need to be worried if it’s the right fit or if it will be compatible, given how OEM batteries are tried and tested for quality. Furthermore, they also have a longer lifespan compared to many other third-party alternatives, so you’re sure to get value for your money.
For availability and affordability, opt for third-party batteries.
If you’re looking for a replacement battery that’s readily available and pretty light on the pocket, then you can choose third-party batteries instead of OEM. This is one of the main advantages of third-party batteries; after all, people are looking at ways to save money in this economy, and there’s no shame in choosing affordable options as long as they deliver somewhat the same quality and performance.
What’s more, OEM batteries are readily available in most retailers, which gives customers convenient purchasing options.
As appealing as these qualities may be, you should still be wary of the kind of third-party battery you purchase. Some batteries are manufactured with lower-grade components and are not thoroughly checked for quality compared to their high-end counterparts. While you’re at it, you should also check for compatibility since some third-party batteries are not fully compatible with Milwaukee tools. That could lead to an array of problems like performance issues, fitting problems, or worse: damage to the tool itself.
What are the factors I need to consider when choosing between OEM and third-party alternatives?
Now that you know the key differences between the two battery replacement options, you can narrow down your choices further through these factors.
Performance requirements. If you use your Milwaukee power tools frequently, especially for heavy-duty projects, then you should opt for OEM batteries. This guarantees your power tools will perform with consistent reliability.
Tool usage. In relation to the above statement, you can just choose a reliable third-party battery alternative if you use your power tools occasionally. Just remember that it all boils down to performance, so choose according to the frequency of your usage.
Budget. Between the two options, OEM has a steeper price tag, but it’s a good investment since you’re ensured of quality performance from the start. However, if you have a limited budget and are looking for an affordable option, then third-party batteries would be the ideal choice.
