Cracking the Code: Unveiling the Mysterious Birth Year of Your Milwaukee Battery
Ah, the Milwaukee RedLithium battery. A trusty companion in the workshop, a reliable source of juice for your power tools. But there comes a time, perhaps fueled by warranty concerns or a deep existential battery crisis, that you need to know: when was this beautiful brick of power born? Fear not, fellow Milwaukee enthusiast, for this guide will equip you to become a battery Indiana Jones, uncovering the hidden year lurking within its plastic shell.
How To Tell Year On Milwaukee Battery |
The Great Milwaukee Date Code Caper: Pre-2015 Edition
For batteries manufactured before 2015, the date code is a bit of a shy creature. You'll need to grab your trusty magnifying glass (or, you know, your phone's camera zoomed in real close) and head to the top of the battery housing. There, nestled amongst the other markings, you'll find a cryptic string of numbers. Don't panic! This isn't some secret code for opening a portal to another dimension (although, wouldn't that be cool for a dead battery?).
The key is the first four digits. The first two digits represent the year (hallelujah!), while the last two digits signify the week of production. So, for example, if your code reads "140312," that means your battery rolled off the assembly line in the third week of 2014.
Remember: This method only applies to batteries born before 2015.
QuickTip: Repetition signals what matters most.
Behold! The Post-2015 Placement Paradigm Shift
For our newer battery friends (looking at you, 2015 and beyond!), Milwaukee decided to give the date code a more prominent place. Head on over to the bottom of the battery, right in the center. There you'll find a similar string of numbers, just like before. This time, however, the year isn't hiding in plain sight. Instead, you'll need to focus on the second to last set of two digits. Those, my friend, are the year of your battery's birth.
For instance, if your code reads "220509," then your battery is a proud product of 2022.
Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
Important Note: Make sure you're not accidentally reading the part number. The part number will usually be longer than the date code and might have letters mixed in with the numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions: Your Milwaukee Battery Date Code Quest
How to identify the part number vs. the date code?
The part number will typically be longer and might contain letters, while the date code will be a shorter string of all numbers.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling, read carefully here.
How to decipher the date code if the numbers are faded or worn?
If the code is hard to read, try taking a picture with your phone's camera and zooming in for a closer look. You can also contact Milwaukee customer service for assistance.
How long does a typical Milwaukee RedLithium battery last?
QuickTip: Every section builds on the last.
Battery life depends on various factors like usage, storage conditions, and battery type. However, Milwaukee RedLithium batteries are known for their longevity and can last for several years with proper care.
How to ensure the longevity of your Milwaukee battery?
Avoid extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) during storage and charging. Don't let your battery completely drain before recharging.
How to find out if your Milwaukee battery is still under warranty?
Milwaukee offers a warranty on their batteries. You can check the warranty period on their website or by contacting customer service. They'll likely ask you for the battery's date code to determine its eligibility.
Now, go forth and conquer those battery date codes! Your Milwaukee beauties will hold no more mysteries.