Milwaukee Tools the M18 pruning saw Milwaukee Tools the M18 pruning saw – Product Liability Lawyer

2026-03-18 – A Milwaukee Tools M18 pruning saw was involved in a laceration incident that required emergency department treatment, according to a report filed with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) SaferProducts.gov database (Report ID 5919430). The incident highlights potential design concerns with the pruning saw's handle configuration.

Product Details

Brand Name: Milwaukee Tools
Manufacturer: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
Model: 3004-20
Retailer: Home Depot
Incident Report Number: 5919430
Severity Type Name: Emergency Department Treatment Received
Severity Type ID: 9

Incident Overview

On September 1, 2023, a consumer using a Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hatchet 8" Pruning Saw, model 3004-20, suffered a laceration to his left hand. According to the CPSC report, the consumer was using the saw when his left hand came into contact with the moving chain, resulting in an injury that required emergency department treatment. The consumer reported that the saw lacked a second handle on the left side of the cutting blade, which he believed would have kept his left hand safely occupied and prevented the accident.

The consumer, a retired environmental scientist, stated he had previously worked on a corporate new technology committee and had experience with chemical safety. He noted that he had modified the saw by replacing a bolt with a longer one to attach a second handle, a modification he estimated cost less than $20. The consumer also provided photographs of his injured hand and the saw. He expressed concern that the Milwaukee M18 was the only chain saw on display at Home Depot that lacked a second handle and knuckle guard, and he urged a redesign to conform with proven chain saw safety standards. The incident report includes the CPSC's SaferProducts.gov source URL: https://www.saferproducts.gov/PublicSearch/Detail?ReportId=5919430.

Safety Concerns

Immediate Dangers: The primary hazard is laceration from the moving cutting chain. Without a second handle to stabilize the saw and keep both hands safely positioned, the user's free hand may inadvertently contact the chain, causing deep cuts that can sever tendons, nerves, or blood vessels, as occurred in this incident.

Long-Term Risks: Even if an initial laceration is treated, victims may suffer permanent loss of hand function, including reduced grip strength, numbness, or chronic pain. Scarring and nerve damage can lead to long-term disability and require multiple surgeries or rehabilitation.

Who Might Be Affected: The user is most at risk, but bystanders could also be injured if the saw kicks back or the user loses control. The compact design of pruning saws may give a false sense of safety, but the chain moves at high speed and can cause severe injury to anyone within reach.

Environmental Triggers: The risk of laceration increases when the saw is used in awkward positions, such as above shoulder height or on uneven ground, where maintaining a firm grip is difficult. Wet or slippery conditions can also reduce grip, making it easier for the hand to slip toward the chain.

What Our Clients Say

What Consumers Should Do

Stop Using Immediately: If you own a Milwaukee M18 pruning saw, model 3004-20, stop using it until you can verify safe operation. The reported incident suggests a potential design issue that may increase laceration risk.

Preserve the Product: Keep the saw, any modifications, and all packaging in their current condition. Do not attempt to repair or alter the tool, as this could affect a future investigation or legal claim.

Document the Incident: Take photographs of the product, the injury, and the scene. Write down the date, time, and details of the incident while they are fresh. Save receipts, manuals, and any correspondence with the manufacturer or retailer.

Seek Medical Attention: If you or someone else suffers a laceration from a pruning saw, seek immediate medical care. Chain saw cuts can be deeper than they appear and may require stitches, surgery, or tetanus shots.

Report to the CPSC: File a report on SaferProducts.gov to alert regulators and help prevent future injuries. Include the product model number and a detailed description of the incident.

Check for Recalls: Visit CPSC.gov to check whether Milwaukee has issued a recall or safety warning for the M18 pruning saw. Follow any instructions provided.

Consumers who have been injured or sustained property damage from this product may wish to consult a product liability attorney to discuss their legal options.

Manufacturer's Response

Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation responded to the CPSC report, stating that the M18 Cat. No 3004-20 is a pruning saw, not a chain saw, and that its smaller size, lower power, and limited uses make it a significantly different product. The company noted that the saw is designed with two handles: a trigger handle with a two-dissimilar-motion on/off switch and a body grip with an integrated knuckle guard. Milwaukee asserted that the injury was caused by user error, as the consumer was not holding the saw as instructed in the operator's manual, and that the tool is UL listed and meets applicable safety standards.

Legal Help Available

H Law Group is a California-based product liability law firm dedicated to helping consumers injured by defective products. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our team understands the complexities of product safety litigation and can investigate whether a design flaw or inadequate warnings contributed to your injury. If you or a loved one was injured by Milwaukee Tools the M18 pruning saw or a similar product, contact H Law Group at (888) 499-4948 for a free, no-obligation consultation.