Milwaukee M18 Chainsaw Recall: What Owners Need to Know About Safety Risks and Free Repairs

Nearly 100,000 Milwaukee Chainsaws Recalled Over Injury Risks

Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp., a brand familiar to professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike, has announced a sweeping recall of its M18 FUEL Top Handle Chainsaws. The news comes as a precautionary measure after reports surfaced of chain brake failures that could leave users at risk of serious lacerations.

The recall, initiated in late October and confirmed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), targets approximately 90,860 units sold in the United States and an additional 7,500 distributed in Canada. For those who rely on power tools for work or home projects, the announcement is a stark reminder that even trusted brands can encounter unexpected safety issues.

Identifying the Affected Chainsaws: Key Features and Serial Numbers

Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL Top Handle Chainsaws, recognized for their compact design and compatibility with the M18 battery platform, are at the center of this recall. The affected units carry either a 12-inch or 14-inch bar and were sold under catalog number 2826-20.

To help owners determine if their chainsaw is part of the recall, Milwaukee has provided a simple identification method: check for the letter “A” in the serial number, located on the upper right section of the chainsaw’s nameplate. This small detail could make all the difference in preventing injury.

The chainsaws were sold at major home improvement retailers such as Home Depot and through online platforms including homedepot.com, with sales occurring between March 2023 and September 2024. Prices ranged from around $350 for the tool alone to $790 when bundled with two M18 batteries and a charger.

Understanding the Safety Issue: Chain Brake Failures and Reported Injuries

At the heart of the recall is a malfunction in the chainsaw’s chain brake. This critical safety feature is designed to halt the chain immediately in the event of a kickback or sudden movement. However, Milwaukee Tool reported two incidents where the chain brake did not engage. In one case, a user suffered a lacerated finger—a sobering illustration of what can go wrong when safety mechanisms fail.

While only two incidents have been reported, the potential for serious injury prompted Milwaukee and the CPSC to act swiftly. The recall highlights the importance of product safety oversight and the need for manufacturers to respond proactively when risks emerge.

The CPSC’s involvement underscores the gravity of the issue. As the nation’s watchdog for consumer product safety, the agency’s confirmation of the recall sends a clear signal to owners: do not ignore this warning.

What Should Owners Do? Steps for Free Repair and Registration

Milwaukee Tool urges all owners of the recalled chainsaws to stop using the product immediately. Continuing to use a chainsaw with a faulty brake could put users at risk of severe injury.

To address the issue, Milwaukee is offering free repairs for all affected units. Here’s how owners can proceed:

• Visit Milwaukee Tool’s repair registration website.
• Register your chainsaw by providing the serial number and other necessary details.
• Once registration is complete, Milwaukee will provide a prepaid shipping label for you to send the chainsaw in for repairs.

Retailers including Home Depot have also joined the advisory, urging customers to heed the recall and seek repairs promptly. The process is designed to be straightforward, minimizing disruption for owners while prioritizing safety.

Industry Reactions and Consumer Safety Priorities

The recall of nearly 100,000 chainsaws is one of the more significant tool recalls in recent years, drawing attention from industry observers and safety advocates. Milwaukee Tool’s decision to act voluntarily, before widespread injuries occurred, demonstrates a commitment to consumer safety—a value increasingly expected by today’s customers.

Still, for those who depend on their chainsaws for work, landscaping, or home maintenance, the recall is a disruption. Many may ask: how could such a defect slip past quality checks? While manufacturing processes are continually refined, the reality is that complex mechanisms like chain brakes can fail, especially under varied conditions of use.

As the story develops, one lesson stands out: vigilance in product safety benefits everyone. The cooperation between Milwaukee Tool, retailers, and safety regulators is a model for how recalls should be handled—transparent, efficient, and customer-focused.

Milwaukee’s swift recall of its M18 chainsaws, prompted by real injuries and proactive safety oversight, highlights the critical importance of robust safety mechanisms in everyday tools. While the disruption is inconvenient, the company’s clear instructions and commitment to free repairs set a responsible industry standard—reminding both manufacturers and consumers that safety is not negotiable.