Milwaukee M12 Cable Stapler Causes Electricians To Rejoice!
Gone are the days of using a hand stapler thanks to Milwaukee. The Milwaukee M12 Cable Stapler promises a way to lighten the workload of electricians working with wiring and cable. We got it in our hands to get to know it better.
Using the Milwaukee M12 Cable Stapler
Size and Weight
Designed with electricians in mind, this stapler’s lightweight and compact design specifically allows access to tight areas where a larger stapler wouldn’t easily fit.
In general, the tools in the M12 lineup are pretty compact and this cable stapler is no exception. The Milwaukee 2448 is exceptionally compact, perfect for getting between 2×4 studs while doing rough-ins. It measures a mere 7 inches from front to back and weighs only 5 pounds with a CP2.0 Ah battery. The center of balance is right on the trigger, reducing the effort it takes when you have to turn the tool to work in awkward spaces.
The tool is somewhat tall for an M12 product, though, standing 11 3/4 inches high. A compact battery doesn’t change that thanks to the rear entry design. However, the foot of an extended capacity pack stick down and increases the overall length.
Even for an M12 tool, the grip on this stapler has a large girth. The grip is draped with a textured rubber overmold and has large grooves to help channel away sweat.
Performance
This cable stapler can drive up to 1,200 staples per charge using a CP 2.0Ah battery and effectively eliminating the need for larger packs. There are a few staple viewing windows on the magazine so you can keep track of the number of staples remaining. There’s also a dry-fire lockout just in case you accidentally get too low on staples.
The staple guide on the business end ensures proper alignment over cables, especially Romex. Two upper pieces straddle the cable while a lower middle one presses down the cable. They all push into the tool as you apply pressure and act as the trigger safety. Press the 2-finger trigger to fire the staple and whether it’s round cable or Romex, you get a perfectly set staple without having to make any depth adjustments.
Staple Compatibility and Loading
Similar to what we saw with Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel Fencing Stapler, this model is only compatible with Milwaukee insulated staples. They’re purpose-built to secure cable and wire without damaging the insulation.
While you may expect the staples to load from the rear, they actually load in the front of the magazine, and it’s a little different than other nailers and staplers. First, press the button at the base of the magazine and pull it out until you hear the pusher click into position at the bottom. Load your staples and then push it all back together.
Don’t worry when you don’t see the staples initially moving. The pusher will automatically spring up and secure the staples once you push the base back in place.
LED Light
Most LED lights aren’t worth talking too much about, but the design on the Milwaukee M12 cable stapler is different than most. The light itself is just above the driver blade and the cable supporting members sticking out the front create a target that helps you line up your shot perfectly. Keep in mind that the staple is going to drive just below the lower member that’s holding the cable down.
Additional Features
- Reversible belt hook
- Battery fuel gauge
Milwaukee M12 Cable Stapler Price
The Milwaukee 2448 retails for $229 as a bare tool or $299 as a kit with a single CP 2.0Ah battery and charger. There are also some options that include staples along with the bare tool or kit. Milwaukee backs the tool with a 3-year tool warranty and a 2-year battery warranty.
The Bottom Line
The Milwaukee M12 Cable Stapler is an absolute God-send for Electricians who are doing rough-ins. Its compact frame and driving capabilities allow for fast and accurate operation, works great when space is limited, and dramatically speeds up your cable-securing jobs.
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Milwaukee M12 Cable Stapler Specifications
- Model: Milwaukee M12 2448
- Power Source: Milwaukee M12 battery
- Staple Capacity: 45 staples
- Firing Capacity: 1,200 staples per charge (CP2.0 battery)
- Max Staple Length: 1 in.
- Compatible Staples: Milwaukee Insulated Cable Staples
- Weight: 4.7 lbs (bare), 5 lbs (with M12 CP 2.0Ah battery)
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 7 x 2.5 x 11.75 in.
- Warranty: 3-year (tool), 2-year (battery)
- Price: $229 (bare), $299 (kit)
Can you guys do a comparison between the dewalt version and this one. The dewalt tends to be too lose for single cables horizontally but fine elsewhere. And would be nice to know if this one is the same or better since I use m12 and m18 batteries already.