There are some interesting tools coming down the pipeline, but I cannot discuss specifics until more concrete details are available. This is more of a general teaser about the directions certain tool classes are headed , but I think you’ll find this interesting nonetheless.
Cordless Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool
There are a couple of 18V oscillating multi-tools on the market, such as Makita’s, and they bring more muscle to bear than 12V models can. But the runtimes of cordless oscillating tools are not very good except for quick cutting/grinding/sanding tasks.
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At least one cordless brushless multi-tool is heading to market, and I’m optimistic that it will offer a nice balance between power and runtime.
Cordless Brushless Rotary Hammers
Bosch is coming out with another brushless rotary hammer, and a reader sent a tip that Dewalt is as well, but I haven’t been able to confirm this. Dewalt has come out with new 20V rotary hammers in Europe, but I haven’t seen any indication that they’re built with brushless motors.
I don’t think this is as exciting as Milwaukee’s M12 Fuel brushless rotary hammer, but it’s nice to know that brands are bringing brushless motor tech to tools that are typically large, bulky, heavy, and hard on batteries.
Cordless Chain Saw
*Cough* Makita X2 *Cough*
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I’m really keen on the idea of being able to use 18V Li-ion battery packs with 36V tools. There are plenty of higher-voltage saws and rotary hammers, but a lot of users who could really benefit from stepping up to them from 18V are hesitant to take on another battery platform to maintain.
This isn’t a revolutionary idea, but it opens up a whole world of potential. Maybe we’ll eventually see 36V benchtop tools once 18V battery packs see the next bump up in capacity.
And… a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
What are you hoping to see come out in the foreseeable future? It’s no surprise that many of the next innovations are cordless products, but the answer need not be limited.
I want to see a compact but versatile corded drill press, but Bosch has no plans of bringing their UK/EU model to the USA.
I also hope for universal Li-ion battery packs and a rapid charger that can be used with any brands’ tools, but that’s not happening anytime soon.
rob
I love the idea of universal batteries. One cordless tool I have found I use more and more is my cordless blower that came with my cordless trimmer. I thought it was a nice add on when I bought it but now that I have had it for close to a year I use it more than I would have guessed. So simple to use after mowing the lawn, I have become a big fan of it. Just wish the batteries lasted longer and charged quicker.
mnoswad1
Cordless brushless dual battery 10 inch compound dual bevel miter saw…..with built in LED lamp ala dewalts.
John S
I do hope other brands besides Makita consider implementing this double 18v battery = 36v deal…. Definitely has potential in theory – not sure how practical it is to design and make 36v tools capable of using two 18v batterys… or even three 12v batteries 😉 why not????
Jason
I would really love if a company came out with a circular and reciprocating saw that ran on 2 12v batteries. Milwaukee would be my preference I love the M12 line of tools. With the M12 fuel line its really hard to justify 18 volt tools now.
Chuck Forster
I want to see Milwaukee’s response to tool storage and transport. Dewalt and Bosch have Tough Case and L’Boxx systems. I want to see what Milwaukee can do.
Ross Griffith
I would personally like to see companies go back to the steel cases they used to have for their power tools. I really hate the plastic cases where everything is so tight and you can’t fit anything else in the case. It’s also just a lot easier to fix the case if it gets broken. I remember a few years ago I broke a latch off the case of my dad’s Milwaukee hammer drill. I got out a few pop rivets and voila! Rather simple.
Stuart
I know a few brands still have steel cases you can buy separately, but you won’t see them included as part of any kits. Plastic cases are here to stay, and a lot of kits don’t even come with plastic cases, they ship with tool bags.
fred
I too lament (probably a symptom of old age) the demise of the steel carrying case. Unfortunately, I’m not expecting them to come back anytime soon. I’m guessing that costs are way more than the current blow-molded standard – and maybe more than the new style (much better) modular boxes being supplied with some Festool and Bosch. I think that the toolmaker calculus is that most of the market is driving for lower price – and the box is just not that important. For some users – the box gets discarded or (worse) separated from the tool and stored-away in some back room – just taking up space. Most of the tools used in the shops that I’m familiar with – are stored on shelves or bins – not in cases. Other tools – that I’ve bought over the years – get put into bins in Knaack Boxes for transport to the jobsite. Still others get bundled with toolkits into bags or toolboxes that can hold more than just a drill, saw or other power tool. Finally for many years – when corded power tools were the norm – the steel case was not called upon to cradle a charger, extra battery etc.
Javier
Thats all great news to hear. Power tool companies are headed in the right direction. I think I suggested brushless multi-tools not too long ago. I can’t wait till they come out with brushless circular saws. I also believe that eventually all motorized power tools will be brushless one day.
Jason Offret
So will the major brands be phasing out all brushed motors? Sucks the Dewalt 20v platform came out not long ago and now I’m already outdated.
Stuart
Right now it doesn’t look like they will. Brushless motors make more sense in drills, drivers, and more compact tools, but I don’t think we’ll see brushless motors in the bigger and heavier tools like circular saws or reciprocating saws.
I think it’s the same reason Dewalt has only announced brushless compact drills and drivers – because upgrading their premium heavy duty drills to brushless might raise the price too much without proportional benefits.
Jason
Stuart,
Spoke 3 weeks too soon haha
Stuart
I like surprises. =)
TJ
Cordless brushless butterfly impacts, preferably on the m12 platform.