Because of increased crackdowns on silica dust regulations and added awareness as to the dangers of dust inhalation in the workplace, dust extraction has become a “need to have” feature. Milwaukee released its first universal M12 Hammervac dust extractor almost a decade ago. Now, the company updated and upgraded the system for better performance. Not only does the M12 Hammervac with Milwaukee cordless rotary hammers, but it also supports any current SDS-Plus model used in the industry.
Current dust extraction systems use hoses and vacuums or have a corded system that only works with a single hammer. Most all-in-one solutions work pretty well. They also tie the vacuum feature to a single tool (even within a manufacturer. That forces you to buy several systems for each type of rotary hammer you use. The Milwaukee Hammervac universal dust extractor works very differently.
This M12 Hammervac from Milwaukee Tool kills all the cords while creating a truly universal cordless system.
The Milwaukee Hammervac is completely cordless and uses the M12 platform. It includes a replaceable HEPA filter that delivers affordable protection for OSHA-level dust control.
When used in conjunction with the M12 Compact Rotary Hammer, it also weighs 30% less than just about anything else in the market.
The Milwaukee Hammervac system uses a universal SDS-Plus handle system. This means that it includes three handle loop sizes to fit not only Milwaukee SDS-Plus rotary handles but all (known) SDS-Plus rotary hammers. It even works with D-Handle models.
You can also use the system in right-handed or left-handed configurations. All you do is flip the front plastic shroud and re-install the handle to the opposite side.
Updated Features
The original Milwaukee M12 Hammervac provided plenty of innovation. However, we love seeing an update to this 7-year-old design.
The second generation of our M12 HAMMERVAC has been vastly improved across the board with multiple user-requested updates. [These include] increased max depth and diameter capacity, a new filter cleaning system, and a streamlined way for users to clean out the dust box with a vacuum.
Kevin Gee, Group Product Manager for Milwaukee Tool
Milwaukee started by looking at the filter design. One of the big updates revolves around the AutoPulse Filter Cleaning System. This self-cleaning filter mechanism consistently knocks dust from the filter during operation. This keeps the Hammervac running at its peak suction capabilities. It also ensures that the dust in the canister is easy to empty.
Speaking of the filter, the Milwaukee M12 Hammervac features a HEPA filter that removes 99.97% of particles greater than 0.3 µm. This filter is replaceable so that you can replace it independently of the dust box.
Once the clear dust box fills up, you can easily suction the dust out with a vacuum. This keeps that captured dust from returning back to your breathable air supply. The HEPA filter and self-cleaning mechanism help the M12 Hammervac meet OSHA Table-1 compliance.
The update also includes a handle that fits all SDS-Plus rotary hammers, both AC and DC models. It has the capacity to drill holes up to 8″ deep and 1-1/4″ in diameter.
The Hammervac also features an adjustable depth gauge, an automatic activation switch to conserve battery power when drilling, and small and large nozzles that fit any diameter bit.
Milwaukee 2509-22 Pricing and Release Date
Milwaukee has confirmed that the M12 Hammervac kit, due out this October, will retail for $249.99. The Milwaukee 2509-22 includes the Hammervac M12 Universal Dust Extractor and two M12 compact batteries. Model 2509-20 designates the bare tool. It retails for $179.99.
This should be a hot item that also introduces a lot of pro users to the Milwaukee M12 platform. If they sell this with a universal M12/M18 charger, they just might pull some people into “Red” tools who hadn’t before considered them.
Milwaukee M12 Hammervac Specs
- M12 Hammervac Universal Dust Extractor (2509-22)
- OSHA Table 1 Compliant
- AutoPulse Filter Cleaning Mechanism
- Universal Fitment to any SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer
- Capacity: Up to 8” in depth & 1-1/4” in diameter
- Kit Includes M12 Hammervac Universal Dust Extractor, (2) M12 RedLithium CP2.0 Battery Packs, Charger, (1) Small Diameter Nozzle, (1) Large Diameter Nozzle, and Contractor Bag
- Availability: October 2020
- Price: $179.99 (bare tool); $249.99 (kit)