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New Tools: Milwaukee Brews a Winner

Annual media day showcases kegs of new tools.

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Last Wednesday, Milwaukee Electric Tool once again played host to the national press in its 2013 new product rollout. Festivities began the evening before the event with a reception at the base hotel, the Brewhouse Inn & Suites, which was once part of the historic Pabst Blue Ribbon Brewery complex.

For the foolhardy, press day began with a 5:00 a.m. run along the shores of Lake Michigan. Then came a breakfast and introductions before the assembly got down to the day’s business of new tools.

Milwaukee boldly continues on its course of making itself the band of choice among key trades including electrical, mechanical, plumbing and HVAC contractors and carpenters. Product categories featured include hand tools, socket and nut driver sets, blades, cordless electric power tools, test and measurement equipment, apparel and jobsite lighting, virtually all of which are set for release in 2013.

M18 FUEL Cordless Tools

Milwaukee continues to pursue its goal of offering “corded tool power” and run times in cordless products and its latest FUEL 12- and 18-volt tools once again take significant strides in that direction. New M18 FUEL workhorses include a 4.5- to 5-inch cordless grinder, a sweet 6.5-inch circular saw, a SAWZALL, high-torque impact wrenches and drivers, a grease gun and an oscillating multi-tool.

These tools continue to build Milwaukee’s stable of power tools based on its three-pronged FUEL platform: the POWERSTATE Brushless Motor, REDLITHIUM Battery Packs and REDLINK PLUS Intelligence Hardware and Software for optimized power, run-time and durability.

Milwaukee states its M18 FUEL High Torque Impact Wrench is the most powerful 18-volt cordless impact wrench in its class. Its REDLITHIUM Extended Capacity Battery Pack delivers more work per charge and more work over pack life than competitors. An onboard fuel gauge helps users monitor the charge more accurately so there’s less downtime on the job.

REDLINK PLUS intelligence ensures maximum performance and protection from overload, overheating and over-discharge. A new contoured soft grip affords ultimate comfort during prolonged use. The kit includes the new multi-voltage charger, so users can charge all M12 and M18 lithium-ion batteries with one charger.

An impressive pack of new M18 FUEL tools coming in October 2013. They include:

• M18 FUEL SAWZALL Reciprocating Saw (2720-22, 2720-21 & 2720-20)
• M18 FUEL 6-1/2" Circular Saw (2730-22, 2730-21 & 2730-20)
• M18 FUEL 1/2" High Torque Impact Wrench w/ Pin Detent (2762-22 & 2762-20)
• M18 FUEL 1/2" High Torque Impact Wrench w/ Ring (2763-22 & 2763-20)
• M18 FUEL 3/4" High Torque Impact Wrench w/ Ring (2764-22 & 2764-20)
• M18 FUEL 7/16" Hex Utility Impact Drill (2756-22 & 2756-20)
• M18 FUEL 4-1/2" - 5" Grinder, Slide Switch Lock-On (2781-22, 2781-21 & 2781-20)
• M18 FUEL 4-1/2" - 5" Grinder, Paddle Grip No-Lock (2780-22, 2780-21 & 2780-20)

Launched earlier this year, the M18 Cordless 2-Speed Grease Gun delivers up to 10,000 PSI operating pressure and features a new to world pre-set grease counter to dispense exact amounts of grease. Other unique features include an on-board LED light, a lock-on/lock-off trigger, and a plunger rod with markings to gauge how much grease is left in the barrel.

The tool’s stand-up design and shoulder strap capability offer user convenience, while limiting fatigue and the 48” flexible hose offers greater accessibility when greasing hard to reach fittings. The tool is also compatible with a clear barrel accessory.

Other features of the grease gun include:

• Max Pressure – up to 10,000 PSI (L), up to 5,000 PSI (H)
• Max Flowrate – 3.5 oz./min (L), 10 oz./min (H)
• Weight: 8.5 lbs
• Size: 9.5” H x 15” L
• 48” Flexible Hose (10,000 PSI Rating)

The kit includes 2646-20 grease gun, 48” flex hose with spring guard, high-pressure grease coupler, shoulder strap, (1) M18 Compact RED LITHIUM battery, 30-minute charger and carrying case.

M12 FUEL Tools

We have talked about this one before but the new M12 FUEL 5/8” SDS Plus Rotary Hammer continues to impress. Milwaukee claims it provides up to two times more run-time, up to 75 percent more speed and the largest SDS Plus bit capacity in its class.

“At only 10 inches long and 3.9 pounds, this tool provides performance and run time that is comparable to a much larger tool, at a fraction of the size and weight,” said Rick Gambaccini, Group Product Manager, Milwaukee Tool.

The tool’s electro pneumatic design allows it to drill of up to 5/8” holes in concrete and masonry. It also features two-mode operation — rotary hammer and hammer-only, and delivers up to 6,200 BPM and up to 900 RPM.

M12 FUEL 5/8” SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Kit (2416-22XC)

• 0-900 RPM
• 0-6,200 BPM
• 5/8” Max Capacity
• 10” long
• 3.9 pounds

Includes 2416-20 M12 FUEL 5/8” SDS Plus Rotary Hammer, (2) RED LITHIUM™ XC4.0 Batteries, Charger & Carrying Case.

The M12 FUEL 5/8” SDS Plus Rotary Hammer is also available as a bare tool (2416-20).

Hand Tools

There’s no longer any question that Milwaukee aims to become the number one brand for its core trade-specific contractors. Its burgeoning hand tool lineup continues to expand. One example is the new four-piece SAE Nut Driver set, which claims to include the only tools in their category with universal driver heads. The new Nut Drivers fit 4X more fasteners including Square, Hex, 12 point and Spline and have the ability to remove rusted and stripped bolts.

Milwaukee four-piece SAE Nut Drivers feature a 3-inch hollow shaft design that allows users to drive fasteners on long bolts or threaded rod applications with ease. The drivers also feature wrench-ready hex steel shanks and multiple ID markings for quick tool identification on the job site.

The four-piece Hollow Shaft SAE Nut Driver Set (48-22-2404) Includes:

• 9/16" - 3" Shaft Nut Driver
• 7/16" - 3" Shaft Nut Driver
• 5/16" - 3" Shaft Nut Driver
• 1/4" - 3" Shaft Nut Driver

Milwaukee is also bringing out several 10-In-1 Multi Bit Drivers that all feature 3-1/2” power groove bits for power tool compatibly and extended reach. The line includes (2) Multi Bit Drivers, (2) Ratcheting Multi Bit Drivers and (3) Key Driver Sets,

Each tool features magnetic bit retention and chrome-plated bits for marine-grade rust protection. Added features include a wire stripper, loop maker and wrench-ready hex shank.

10-In-1 Multi Bit Drivers include:

• 10-In-1 ECX Multi Bit Driver (48-22-2101): 10 functions include ECX #1, ECX #2, PH #1, PH #2, SL 1/8”, SL 1/4”, SQ #2, wire stripper, loop maker and ¼” nut driver.
• 10-In-1 Square Drive Multi Bit Driver (48-22-2102): 10 functions include SQ #1, SQ #2, SQ #3, PH #1 PH #2, SL 1/8”, SL 1/4”, wire stripper, loop maker and ¼” nut driver.
• 10-In-1 ECX Ratcheting Multi Bit Driver (48-22-2301): 10 functions include ECX #1, ECX #2, PH #1, PH #2, SL 1/8”, SL 1/4”, SQ #2, wire stripper, loop maker and ¼” nut driver.
• 10-In-1 Square Drive Ratcheting Multi Bit Driver (48-22-2302): 10 functions include SQ #1, SQ #2, SQ #3, PH #1 PH #2, SL 1/8”, SL 1/4”, wire stripper, loop maker and ¼” nut driver.

Hex/Torx Key Drivers include:

• 10-In-1 Torx Key Driver (48-22-2103): 10 functions include TORX T8, TORX T10, TORX T15, TORX T20, TORX T25, TORX T27, TORX T30, wire stripper, loop maker and ¼” nut driver.
• 10-In-1 HEX Key Driver SAE (48-22-2104): 10 functions include HEX 7/64”, HEX 1/8”, HEX 9/64”, HEX 5/32”, HEX 3/16”, HEX 7/32”, HEX ¼”, wire stripper, loop maker and ¼” nut driver.
• 10-In-1 HEX Key Driver Metric (48-22-2106): 10 functions include HEX 1.5mm, HEX 2mm, HEX 2.5mm, HEX 3mm, HEX 4mm, HEX 5mm, HEX 6mm, wire stripper, loop maker and ¼” nut driver.

Insulated Screwdrivers

Milwaukee’s 1000V Insulated Screwdrivers are the first and only of their kind to be UL Classified tested to IEC 60900:2012, ASTM F1505-10 & NFPA 70E standards. With a flame resistant insulation bonded to the tool shank as well as an outer layer of insulation, they offer a dual layer for maximum safety and keep the driver protected from damage. A visual wear indicator issues a warning to the user when it is time to replace the tool. For added user convenience, insulated ID markings allow quick tool identification on the jobsite and a lanyard hole helps prevent tool drops.

Insulated Screwdriver sets include:

• 3-PC Insulated Screwdriver Set (48-22-2202): Includes SL 1/4” (6” Shank), PH #2 (4” Shank) & ECX™ #1 (4” Shank)
• 4-PC Insulated Screwdriver Set (48-22-2204): Includes SL 1/4” (6” Shank), SL 3/8” (8” Shank), PH #1 (3” Shank), PH #2 (4” Shank) & Extra Capacity Tool Pouch
• 10-PC Insulated Screwdriver Set (48-22-2210): Includes SL 1/4” (6” Shank), SL 5/16” (7” Shank), SL 3/8” (8” Shank), PH #1 (3” Shank), PH #2 (4” Shank), PH #3 (6” Shank), SQ #1 (3” Shank), SQ #2 (4” Shank), SQ #3 (6” Shank), ECX™ #1 (4” Shank) & EVA Foam Fitted Case

SHOCKWAVE Expand System

Building on the success of the Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE Impact Duty line that launched in 2009, SHOCKWAVE Expand is a direct reflection of job site research into giving professionals more fastening application solutions while carrying fewer tools. Expand enhances the existing insert bit program with new 6” and 12” magnetic bit holders to complement the existing 2” and 3” holders and insert nut drivers that together are designed to cover more applications with fewer products.

“The beauty of Expand is that by combining our 26 insert bits and insert nut drivers with these five bit holders, a user can replace over 130 individual items,” says Brian Dieck, senior product manager.

SAWZALL Blades

Joining Milwaukee’s SAWZALL blade lineup, which includes thin kerf, demolition, ICE hardened and other specialty blades for cutting metal and wood, are the new Ductwork and Drywall Access blades.

The Ductwork SAWZALL blade addresses the unique frustrations encountered when installing ductwork take-offs where the main duct line branches off into subsidiary lines. This application is commonly done with a hammer and screwdriver to make an access point, and a variety of directional hand snips to complete various cuts.

The Ductwork blade completely eliminates all of these tools and greatly speeds up the installation process. Engineered with a Pierce Point tip, the Ductwork Blade plunges into sheet metal with ease and the tapered profile design allows the blade to make both radius and square cuts, accommodating any type of take-off installation.

The Drywall Access SAWZALL blade has been engineered specifically to ease plumbing and electrical service work behind installed drywall. The new Drywall Access blade is only 2-1/2” long and is optimized to cleanly cut through up to 5/8” drywall without damaging components behind it. In addition, the new blade’s unique multi-directional tooth design allows the user to cut in all directions for maximum finesse in small-diameter cutting.

Utility Blades and Knives

Milwaukee is also sharpening its utility blade offering as well. Made of micro carbide deposited metal, new Milwaukee General Purpose Utility Blades deliver up to three times longer life than standard carbon blades and are engineered with optimized blade geometries to deliver maximum cutting performance in a variety of applications.

The new Milwaukee utility blade line also includes three unique blades optimized for specific applications: Hook Utility Blades, Drywall Utility Blades and Carton Utility Blades.

The Milwaukee Hook Utility Blade is able to deliver more pull force than competitive hook blades with an optimized geometry to cut roofing, synthetic wrap, insulation and other building materials.

The Milwaukee Drywall Utility Blade features optimized grind angles for 2X the sharpness and improved cutting precision in drywall and sheet material.

Lastly, the Milwaukee Carton Utility Blade features a round point to minimize the risk of cutting injury and protect contents in cartons and packaged goods.

Knives: Fastback II

The Fastback II series of knives launched in May 2013. Fastback II has all the features of the Original Fastback Utility Knife plus magnetic blade storage that folds into the handle.

Designed to activate the blade 3X faster than a 2-handed opening, the Fastback II Utility Knife features “Press & Flip” one-handed blade opening action. A tool-free blade change and a thin body design make it easy for users to store the knife in their pocket. The new magnetic blade storage will hold one spare blade at a time to keep the profile of the blade as slim as possible.

An integrated gut hook and wire stripper also increase utility by allowing the user to make cuts without exposing the blade and eliminates the need to look for another tool to accomplish the task at hand. When the Fastback II is not in use, a wire-form belt clip effortlessly attaches to pockets without tearing up your pants.

Warm Wear

Milwaukee’s increasingly successful M12 Heated Gear line grows with an assortment of M12 Heated Hoodies coming this fall. They will be available in Red (2370 & 2371), Gray (2372 & 2373), Khaki (2374 & 2375) and High Visibility (2376 & 2377).

Fully machine washable and dryable, M12 Heated Hoodies are made from a thick cotton blend that is built to withstand the toughest jobsite wear and tear. The waffle-weave polyester thermal liner and rib-knit cuffs also provide superior heat retention.

The M12 High Visibility Heated Hoodie is ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 Class II compliant, exceeding job site and most roadside construction safety standards. It also includes a 100% water repellant Polyester outer shell.

Powered by M12 REDLITHIUM battery technology, the new hoodies offer up to six hours of active heat. New M12 heated hand warmers are also part of the lineup, which now targets both trade and sportsmen and women.

Light ‘em up!

Milwaukee is stepping up to the switch with some interesting LED lighting products as well, including a magnetic mechanics lamp and a barrel-shaped, virtually indestructible job site floodlight. It features eight powerful (and cool-running) LEDs in bounce-proof shell that can be angled up from a floor or hung any number of ways from hooks or string lines for day-bright lighting virtually anywhere.

Finally, in case you have not seen it yet, the M18 Six Pack Sequential Charger is Energy Star rated charger will sequentially charge up to six battery packs of any Milwaukee M18 Lithum ion battery. It will charge an M18 compact batteries in 30 minutes and extended capacity (XC) batteries in 60 minutes.

As always, there were numerous other items shown and discussed that were not covered in the press kits, so below you will find a “slide show” of some of the other products you can expect from Milwaukee in the months to come, and a few event images thrown in just for fun.

Overall, Milwaukee is making a major statement with these new tools, and more than one observer remarked they would be hard-pressed to name any other company equaling its output of late.  Learn more at www.milwaukeetool.com. CS