Introduction
When it comes to cleaning up small jobs or tight spaces, a portable vacuum is the ideal choice. The Milwaukee 0880 M18 Portable Wet/Dry Vacuum, with its compact two-gallon size, is perfect for carpenters and homeowners who need a lightweight and versatile cleaning tool. This vacuum runs on either an M18 (18V) Lithium-Ion battery or Milwaukee’s older 18V Ni-Cad battery, providing enough power to tackle both wet and dry materials. Let’s dive in and explore the features and performance of this impressive tool.
Milwaukee 0880 Build Quality
The Milwaukee 0880 M18 Wet/Dry Vacuum impresses with its sleek design and thoughtful construction. Its black and red color scheme, adorned with the Milwaukee branding, gives it a professional and attractive look. The streamlined exterior, featuring just a single hose outside the main container, ensures easy portability without the hassle of additional attachments. The vacuum’s top cover, secured with two black plastic latches, opens to reveal a crevice accessory and a mini floor nozzle, both of which attach securely to the top of the vacuum motor housing. The on/off switch, conveniently located on the top cover, is large and easy to use, even with gloves on. With its durable build and compact design, this vacuum is ready to withstand the demands of any job site.
Hidden Battery Compartment
Inside the lid of the Milwaukee 0880 M18 Wet/Dry Vacuum, you’ll find a battery compartment that easily accommodates a single M18 battery – either the XC or Compact version. Additionally, there is a legacy sled for use with older 18V NiCd batteries, making this tool compatible with a wide range of battery technologies offered by Milwaukee.
Impressive Features and Performance
The vacuum cleaner consists of three parts: the hinged lid, the main body, and the canister. The lid and canister are made of sturdy black plastic, while the body stands out in vibrant red with the Milwaukee logo prominently displayed. Two latches at the front and back allow the canister to be effortlessly disengaged for easy emptying, without the need for a bag. The lightweight design does not compromise its durability, ensuring that it can withstand everyday use without breaking or coming loose accidentally.
A strong rubber gasket around the main body of the vacuum creates an airtight seal, maximizing suction power and energy efficiency. The filter, attached to the body, can be easily removed by twisting it counterclockwise by hand, without the need for any tools. Replacement 0.3 micron washable HEPA filters are readily available for purchase from Milwaukee or their authorized distributors. It’s important to note that the filter can be used for both wet and dry cleaning, but must be fully air-dried after any exposure to water.
Testing and Use
We put the Milwaukee 0880 M18 Cordless Vacuum to the test on various tasks, and it proved to be an excellent tool for quick and convenient cleanup. Thanks to its lightweight design and compatibility with the M18 platform, this vacuum is unbeatable in terms of portability. We decided to challenge it with a project involving removing approximately 50 lbs of leaves that had accumulated in hard-to-reach areas. While it didn’t have the same suction power as a full-size shop vac, the Milwaukee M18 Wet/Dry Vacuum’s performance was admirable. Its reasonable suction, combined with the efficiency of the narrow 1-1/4-inch hose, made it perfect for light-duty jobs and easy cleanup. With its 2-gallon water tank, it doesn’t require frequent emptying like smaller models.
Runtime Test
Using the Milwaukee XC battery, we let the Milwaukee 0880 Wet/Dry Vac run for 10 minutes and 10 seconds. Towards the end, we noticed a slight decrease in suction power. Switching to an 18V compact lithium-ion battery, we managed to use the vacuum for 5 minutes and 30 seconds, slightly over half the runtime of the XC battery. For longer usage, it is recommended to opt for the full-size XC battery. However, both the XC and compact batteries are suitable for limited pickups and on-site cleaning. Keep in mind that the 2-foot hose may limit the vacuum’s reach for overhead or standing work, necessitating the use of a table or ladder platform. While the lack of hose extension kits from Milwaukee may be a slight inconvenience, they are readily available at home improvement stores.
Conclusion and Pricing
The Milwaukee 0880 M18 Wet/Dry Vacuum is a must-have tool for skilled workers and homeowners alike. While professionals requiring powerful suction may need to rely on full-size shop vacuums, the M18 Wet/Dry Vacuum excels in its lightweight design and compatibility with Milwaukee’s M18 Li-Ion and 18V NiCd batteries. Priced at $129 for the bare tool, it offers excellent value for money, making it an attractive option for those looking for a reliable and efficient cleaning solution.
So why wait? Enhance your cleaning experience with the Milwaukee 0880 M18 Wet/Dry Vacuum and say goodbye to the inconvenience of heavy and bulky vacuum cleaners.