Recall: About 98,000 Milwaukee M18 FUEL Top Handle Chainsaws, Chain Brake May Not Work

Milwaukee Tool recalled its M18 FUEL Top Handle Chainsaw. The problem is the chain brake. It may not turn on when you need it. That means the moving chain could cut you. CPSC announced the recall on October 30, 2025. It covers about 90,860 saws in the U.S. and about 7,500 more in Canada. Is one of these saws in your truck or tool crib? Take it out of service now.

Is your saw recalled?

• Tool: M18 FUEL Top Handle Chainsaw with a 12-inch or 14-inch bar.
• Catalog number: 2826-20. Look on the upper right of the nameplate.
• Serial number: Look at the 4th character. If it is the letter A, the saw is recalled. If it is B, it is not.
• Other kits: Milwaukee also lists catalog numbers 2826-20C, 2826-21T, 2826-22T and 2826-20T.
• Can’t read the serial number? Milwaukee says to stop using the saw and get the free repair.
• Sold: March 2023 through September 2024. It was sold at Home Depot, other home stores and online. It cost about $350 for the bare tool, or about $790 as a kit.
• Reports: Milwaukee got two reports of the brake not working. One person cut a finger.

What to do

1. Stop using the saw right away. Tag it out of service.
2. Sign up on Milwaukee’s eService site at service.milwaukeetool.com. You will get a free shipping label and a free repair.
3. Ship only the saw. Do not send the bar, chain, battery or charger.
4. Questions? Call Milwaukee at 833-953-2012. They answer Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central. You can also visit milwaukeetool.com/support/recall.

Milwaukee says the repair takes about 7 to 10 business days. The fixed saw is mailed back to you.

Why the chain brake matters

Kickback is when the bar jumps up and back without warning. It can happen when the tip of the bar hits a log, a branch or the ground. It can also happen when the wood pinches the chain. Kickback can hurt or even kill the person running the saw.

The chain brake stops the chain. It lowers the risk from kickback. It does not stop kickback from happening. Dirt, oil, sawdust and wear can make a brake weaker. That is why you check that it works.

OSHA’s logging rule is 29 CFR 1910.266. It says chainsaws put in service after the rule took effect must have a chain brake. It also says no one may take off or turn off a kickback device.

Chainsaw safety basics

These come from OSHA’s logging rule. They are good habits on any job that uses a chainsaw.

• Check the saw before use at the start of each shift.
• Start the saw on the ground or on a firm base. Never drop start it.
• Hold the saw with both hands. Wrap your thumbs and fingers around the handles.
• Wear cut-resistant leg protection, like chaps. Wear boots that cover the ankle and resist cuts.
• Wear a hard hat when things could fall or fly at your head.
• Wear eye and face protection.

See PPE in Construction and Hand and Power Tool Safety.

Train your crew before the next cut

A recall is a good time to check your crew’s tool habits. Our Hand and Power Tool Safety course teaches workers how to inspect tools, use guards and pull bad tools from service. Find more training at Black Belt Safety.

Sources

• Milwaukee Tool Recalls M18 FUEL 14 and 12 Top Handle Chainsaws Due to Laceration Hazard (Recall 26-064), U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Checked 2026-10-15.
• Recall and Safety Notice: M18 FUEL Top Handle Chainsaw, Milwaukee Tool. Checked 2026-10-15.
• Milwaukee Tool recall page, Milwaukee Tool. Checked 2026-10-15.
• 29 CFR 1910.266, Logging operations, eCFR / OSHA. Checked 2026-10-15.
• Chainsaws: Kickback, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Checked 2026-10-15.

Frequently asked questions

Which Milwaukee chainsaws are recalled?

The M18 FUEL Top Handle Chainsaw with a 12-inch or 14-inch bar, catalog number 2826-20. Milwaukee also lists kits 2826-20C, 2826-21T, 2826-22T and 2826-20T.

How do I know if my Milwaukee chainsaw is recalled?

Look at the 4th character of the serial number. If it is the letter A, the saw is recalled. If it is B, it is not.

How do I get the free chainsaw repair?

Sign up on Milwaukee's eService site at service.milwaukeetool.com for a free shipping label and repair. Ship only the saw, not the bar, chain, battery or charger.

How long does the Milwaukee recall repair take?

Milwaukee says the repair takes about 7 to 10 business days. The fixed saw is mailed back to you.

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Written and reviewed by

Black Belt Safety Editorial Team

Site Safety Officer and Safety Professional

OSHA 30 · CPR · USACE CQM

Written and reviewed by the Black Belt Safety team. Every post is checked against the OSHA standard or agency source it cites.