Milwaukee Electric Tool 2426-21 M12 Cordless Multi-Tool Kit — Compact 12V Power That Punches Above Its Weight

We put the Milwaukee 2426-21 M12 Cordless Multi-Tool Kit through a range of real-world tasks over several weeks — from precise trim work and flush cuts to sanding tight corners and removing old grout. The result: this little 12V oscillator is one of those rare tools that feels like it belongs in both the serious tradesperson’s pack and the dedicated DIYer’s drawer. It’s compact, predictable, and surprisingly versatile for jobs where access and control matter more than brute force.

Why We Recommend It for Tight Spaces and Finishing Work

If you regularly work in confined areas — underneath cabinets, inside HVAC ducts, or behind fixtures — the M12 multi-tool stands out. The barrel-style housing and relatively short head give excellent line-of-sight and maneuverability. During our tests, we could make controlled plunge cuts and tidy trim removals without awkward hand positions. That ease of control reduced mistakes and kept finishing time down.

Key Specs We Tested

• Voltage: 12 V (M12 platform)
• Battery: 1.5 Ah Li-Ion (included in the 2426-21 kit)
• Oscillations: Variable speed, 5,000–20,000 OPM
• Kit includes: tool, battery, charger (kit configuration)

Real-World Performance — What We Liked Most

Right away the variable speed range impressed us. At low speeds the tool is ideal for careful sanding or scraping. At higher speeds it becomes aggressive enough for cutting nails, trimming door jambs, and making plunge cuts in wood and drywall. The speed dial is intuitive to use and provides consistent power without sudden surges — which is important when you’re cutting close to finished surfaces.

During a trim-and-install run, the M12 handled nail-snagged trim and small metal fasteners without hesitation. We also used it for grout removal in a small bathroom tile patch and found it far easier to control than a rotary tool — less chatter, more directionality, and quicker progress when paired with the right accessory.

Accessories and Compatibility

What I appreciate about Milwaukee’s M12 platform is battery and accessory compatibility. The 2426-21 works inside the broader M12 family, so if you own other M12 batteries or chargers you’ll find easy cross-compatibility. We cycled through several oscillating blades and sanding pads during testing and didn’t run into fit or performance surprises.

Ergonomics and Build Quality — Small But Thoughtful

Milwaukee didn’t skimp on durability. The tool feels robust in the hand and has solid build quality without being overly heavy. The grip is comfortable for extended use; vibrations are present at high speeds, but they’re damped enough to remain manageable for typical tasks. The compact form factor made it effortless to position the tool for flush cuts and detailed sanding where a larger oscillating tool would be unwieldy.

Battery Life and Practical Use

The included 1.5 Ah battery is intended for portability and convenience. For intermittent tasks — small plunge cuts, light sanding, or short grout removal sessions — the battery ran long enough that we didn’t feel the need for an immediate backup. For continuous, heavy-duty cutting (e.g., long runs cutting through thick materials or metal), you’ll want a larger M12 battery to sustain runtime without frequent swaps. Our recommendation: pair this tool with a higher-capacity M12 battery if you anticipate extended sessions.

Standout Qualities We Noticed During Testing

• True balance of control and cutting speed: The 5,000–20,000 OPM range covers delicate to aggressive tasks reliably.
• Compact head design: Access into tight corners without compromising sightlines or grip.
• M12 ecosystem compatibility: Share batteries and chargers across Milwaukee’s M12 lineup for excellent workshop efficiency.
• Predictable power delivery: No noticeable power sag at mid-range speeds when paired with the included 1.5 Ah battery.

Where It Shines — Task-by-Task

• Trim removal: Fast and precise; minimized damage to surrounding surfaces.
• Plunge cuts: Easy to control depth and start points, ideal for outlet or hinge cutouts.
• Sanding in corners: Small sanding pads worked well for localized smoothing.
• Grout and mortar scraping: Effective for narrow sections; pair with the right blade for speed.

Limitations We Encountered — Honest Notes

No tool is perfect, and the M12 multi-tool has expected trade-offs due to its size and voltage. Heavy-duty demolition or long, continuous metal cutting will push the 1.5 Ah battery and the compact motor—if you frequently do that kind of work, consider M18 alternatives or keep a larger M12 battery on hand. We also noticed mild vibration at top speed, which is common for oscillating tools; using appropriate accessories and a steady grip mitigates this in most scenarios.

Durability Considerations

The construction is solid, but if you’re in a harsh environment (constant exposure to dust, heavy debris, and drop risk), protect the tool and accessories. Routine cleaning and storing the tool in a case will extend life significantly. During our weeks of testing, we didn’t see premature wear, but long-term durability would be best judged over months of trade use.

Buy with Confidence — Compact, Reliable M12 Power

Overall, the Milwaukee 2426-21 M12 Cordless Multi-Tool Kit is a reliable, compact performer for finish carpentry, trim work, plumbing, HVAC service, and general renovation tasks where access and finesse matter. It doesn’t replace higher-voltage demolition tools, but it does bring Milwaukee-grade engineering to jobs that require a lighter touch.

Price: $170.00 

(as of Jul 20, 2025 19:39:12 UTC – Details) 

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Final Thoughts — Is This the Right Tool for You?

If you value access, control, and a compact footprint in a cordless multi-tool, the Milwaukee 2426-21 M12 kit is a standout option. It’s particularly suited to finish carpenters, remodelers, plumbers, and DIYers who prioritize precision over raw power. Backed by Milwaukee’s M12 battery platform, it integrates well into an existing M12 toolset and offers dependable performance for most light-to-medium oscillating tasks.

Add This to Your Toolbox If…

• You often work in tight corners or need a tool for precise trim and finish work.
• You already use Milwaukee’s M12 batteries and want a compact, compatible multi-tool.
• You prefer a tool that’s easy to control for delicate tasks but still has the speed for occasional aggressive cutting.

Consider Alternatives If…

• Your day-to-day work is heavy demolition or long, continuous metal cutting — consider higher-voltage platforms for extended power and runtime.
• You need the longest possible runtime out of the box — upgrading to larger M12 batteries is a simple fix, but factor that into your purchase plan.

Overall, our hands-on time with the Milwaukee 2426-21 left us impressed with its balance of size, power, and control. It’s a versatile addition to any tool kit where precision and portability matter.