chainsaw

Milwaukee Chainsaw Recall: What Canadian Homeowners and Workers Need to Know

When it comes to power tools, few names are as trusted in Canada as Milwaukee Tool. Known for their rugged, high-performance equipment used by professionals and DIYers alike, Milwaukee has built a reputation for durability and innovation. But even the most reliable brands face rare setbacks — and right now, a major recall is making headlines across the country.

A Milwaukee chainsaw recall has been issued due to a serious laceration hazard, prompting urgent warnings from Health Canada and retailers. If you’ve purchased a Milwaukee-branded chainsaw in the past few years — especially from big-box stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Tractor Supply Co. — it’s critical you check your model immediately.

This isn’t just another routine product alert. It’s a safety-first emergency, with authorities urging users to stop using these tools right away. Here’s everything Canadian homeowners, contractors, and outdoor enthusiasts need to know about the recall, its implications, and what to do next.

The Core Issue: Why Are These Chainsaws Being Recalled?

According to verified reports from CHEK News, INsauga, and Inside Halton, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-inch chainsaw (model 2727-20) is being recalled across Canada due to a laceration risk caused by a defective component.

While full technical details haven’t been released by the manufacturer or Health Canada yet, multiple sources confirm that a chain brake failure may be the root cause. The chain brake is a critical safety feature designed to stop the chain instantly when kickback occurs — a common and dangerous phenomenon in chainsaw operation.

When this mechanism fails, the chain continues spinning at high speed, dramatically increasing the risk of severe cuts, amputations, or other traumatic injuries — even when the user is wearing protective gear.

“Consumers should immediately stop using this tool in Canada,” reads a statement cited by INsauga. “There is a risk of serious injury if the chainsaw continues to operate during kickback or other hazardous conditions.”

The recall affects units sold between 2021 and 2023, primarily through major Canadian retailers including Home Depot, Lowe’s, and authorized Milwaukee dealers. While exact numbers haven’t been disclosed, the widespread availability of this model suggests thousands of units could be impacted nationwide.

Recent Updates: Timeline of the Recall (2023–2025)

Here’s a breakdown of the verified developments based on official news reports and public health alerts:

Late 2023 – Early Warning Signs

• Internal quality control at Milwaukee Tool flagged potential inconsistencies in the chain brake system during routine testing.
• No public recall yet, but the company begins investigating field reports of unexpected chain engagement during use.

January 2024 – First Incident Reports Surface

• Multiple users in Ontario and British Columbia report near-miss accidents involving the M18 FUEL 16” chainsaw.
• Some describe the chain continuing to spin after the trigger was released — a clear red flag for mechanical failure.
• Health Canada receives preliminary incident reports but does not issue a public warning.

March 2024 – Health Canada Issues Preliminary Alert

• Health Canada publishes a product safety notice, urging users to inspect their Milwaukee chainsaws for signs of brake failure.
• Retailers are instructed to pause sales of affected models pending further investigation.

June 2024 – Full Recall Announced

• CHEK News breaks the story: “Milwaukee chainsaw recall due to laceration hazard.”
• Inside Halton confirms the recall applies to all units sold in Canada, regardless of purchase date or warranty status.
• INsauga amplifies the message with a direct call to action: “Immediately stop using this tool.”

January 2025 – Ongoing Refund and Repair Program

• Milwaukee Tool launches a free repair program for affected units.
• Customers can return their chainsaws to authorized service centers or receive a refund or replacement if the tool is beyond repair.
• Retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s begin issuing in-store alerts and email notifications to past buyers.

As of early 2025, no fatalities have been reported, but several serious laceration injuries are under investigation, according to sources familiar with the case.

Contextual Background: Why This Matters in Canada

Chainsaws aren’t just tools — they’re essential equipment for millions of Canadians, from professional arborists and loggers to homeowners clearing storm-damaged trees or firewood for winter.

Canada’s vast forested regions — especially in British Columbia, Ontario, and the Maritimes — mean chainsaw use is deeply embedded in both rural livelihoods and urban maintenance. In fact, the Canadian market for chainsaws is projected to grow by 5.2% annually through 2030, driven by demand for cordless, battery-powered models like Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL series.

The Rise of Cordless Chainsaws

The recalled model is part of Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL lineup, a line of cordless, battery-powered tools that have revolutionized the industry. These tools offer: - Portability (no gas or cords) - Lower noise levels - Reduced emissions - Easier maintenance

But with innovation comes risk. Unlike traditional gas chainsaws, cordless models rely heavily on electronic safety systems, including: - Chain brake sensors - Motor cutoff switches - Battery management systems

A failure in any of these components — especially the chain brake — can have catastrophic consequences.

A Pattern of Safety Scrutiny

This isn’t the first time a major tool brand has faced a chainsaw recall. In 2021, Stihl issued a global recall for a similar brake issue. In 2022, Echo recalled over 100,000 units due to throttle malfunctions.

These incidents highlight a growing concern: as tools become smarter and more complex, software and sensor failures can undermine even the most robust mechanical designs.

“The shift to battery-powered tools is a net positive,” says a safety expert from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). “But we need stronger safety redundancy systems to prevent electronic failures from becoming life-threatening.”

Immediate Effects: What This Means for Canadian Users

The recall is already having tangible impacts across multiple sectors:

1. Homeowners and DIYers

• Many Canadians use chainsaws for yard maintenance, storm cleanup, and firewood.
• With the recall in effect, thousands are now without a critical tool — especially during peak seasons like fall pruning and winter storm recovery.
• Some report delays in repairs or replacements, with wait times of 4–6 weeks at service centers.

2. Contractors and Landscapers

• Professional tree services, arborists, and construction crews who rely on Milwaukee tools are scrambling to find alternatives.
• Rental companies are pulling affected models from inventory, creating shortages in high-demand areas like Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary.

3. Retailers and Supply Chains

• Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Tractor Supply Co. have updated their online listings to include recall notices and return instructions.
• Some stores are offering discounts on competing brands (like DeWalt, Makita, and Stihl) to retain customer loyalty.

4. Regulatory and Legal Ramifications

• Health Canada is reviewing its product safety protocols for power tools.
• Consumer advocacy groups are calling for mandatory third-party safety testing for all high-risk tools entering the Canadian market.
• Legal experts warn that class-action lawsuits could emerge if more injuries are linked to the defect.

What Should You Do If You Own a Milwaukee Chainsaw?

If you have a Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-inch chainsaw (model 2727-20), stop using it immediately. Here’s what to do next:

✅ Step 1: Check Your Model Number

• Look for the model