Milwaukee’s Pipeline new tool event is set to launch in just over a week, with Episode 1 focusing on Milwaukee M12, M18, MX Fuel Cordless Power Tools and Equipment.
So, let’s think and talk about what types of tools Milwaukee might be announcing for 2020 and maybe early 2021.
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A Milwaukee M12 Pin Nailer?
Thanks to Nate (Doresoom), we know that Milwaukee has filed a patent for tech related to an M12 cordless pin nailer design. Patents are never guaranteed to correspond to real-life too launches, but they do increase the possibility.
Several brands have cordless pin nailers on the market, but with one catch – they’re pretty big for pin nailers. IF Milwaukee follows through with an M12 cordless pin nailer, it’ll likely be the smallest on the market and perhaps as close to pneumatic in size as possible.
Milwaukee M12 Cordless Nibbler?
Nate also discovered a patent for a new cordless nibbler design.
A cordless sheet metal nibbler is a little more specialized than I would have thought Milwaukee would be getting into these days, but it fits well within their philosophy about the M12 line providing easier and better alternatives to traditional hand tools.
Again, the existence of a patent does not mean such a tool is coming out soon or ever, but it increases the likelihood.
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M18 Fuel Oscillating Multi-Tool?
Milwaukee has recently announced a new M12 Fuel cordless oscillating multi-tool. Is this the year we also finally get a new M18 Fuel multi-tool?
An M18 Fuel brushless oscillating multi-tool is inevitable. Milwaukee Tool isn’t going to release new oscillating multi-tool blades and accessories and not have a competitive brushless M18 product for long. It just wouldn’t make sense for them to leave this one out, and especially now that new power tool accessories are headed to stores.
New M18/M12 Super Charger?
I really like Milwaukee’s M18/M12 Rapid Charge station. But, it’s less practical than it used to be, as I recently learned when I tried to carry it with 3 High Output M18 batteries throwing its balance and handle comfort way off.
Maybe their 6-port SixPac charger will see an update?
Yes, there’s a new 2-port M18 RapidCharger, but my gut feeling tells me that their larger simultaneous and sequential chargers could stand to be updated, perhaps with a bump-up in speed or even Packout-compatible form factor.
M18 Cordless Power Station?
Milwaukee launched an MX Fuel power station last year, and while I find it very appealing on paper, a user like me is unlikely to buy into the MX Fuel cordless power equipment platform just for the power station. I love the idea of it, but that’s a tool that individual users like me would probably never buy.
But… what if they made something a little smaller, perhaps Packout-sized, and allowed it to be powered by up to (4) M18 cordless power tool batteries? Throw a couple of XC or HD batteries, even High Output ones, and it should handle a lot. No, the runtime wouldn’t be as great as with MX Fuel batteries (unless you used the largest and highest capacity M18 batteries), and some features might be sacrificed for cost or size considerations.
I know I’m not the only one who thinks an M18 portable battery-powered generator/power station would be fantastic. Right?
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Track Saw?!
Raise your hand if you wish Milwaukee would finally get into the cordless plunge-cutting track saw market.
For such a product, I’d hope for universal or cross-brand guide rail compatibility and a selection of replacement saw blade options. Guide rails are a complex product to ship, however, and near impossible to shelve at big box stores. Milwaukee could pull off a cordless track saw if they wanted to, and I’d think that maybe guide rail logistics would be one of the biggest reasons why they wouldn’t.
M18 Bluetooth Batteries
Wouldn’t it be swell if Milwaukee came out with One-Key batteries that had Bluetooth vacuum-activation tech? It’s almost definitely not going to happen, as there are many more reasons why they wouldn’t come out with such a product that in support of it, but one could hope.
Your Predictions
This was a challenging post, for one big reason – there aren’t that many product holes in Milwaukee’s M12 or M18 cordless power tool lineups.
A few years ago, Milwaukee said they were pushing heavily into the construction and remodeling industry, and they’ve really made some great strides. The biggest user needs and wants have been addressed, and so what’s left?
What do you think Milwaukee will be announcing next week?
What types of cordless power tools would you hope for Milwaukee to announce?
Branden H
It seems to me they are releasing a fair amount of carpentry tools as of late. If they keep up with that trend I could see maybe a Fuel planer added and possibly a roofing nailer. Maybe a dedicated auto feed screw gun? There’s always room for new lighting stuff. Possibly some new vacuums but I think those will come out with the Packout releases later this year.
Stuart
They already have a planer (https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/milwaukee-m18-cordless-planer/%3C/a%3E%29; would an M18 Fuel brushless model offer appreciable benefits?
Rafe
He may have mean brushless planer (Fuel). Their standard cordless planer isn’t very ergonomic and kills batteries fast. Could use a redesign and brushless motor for sure.
Stuart
That’s what I was looking for, thanks!
I very rarely use cordless planers and don’t own one myself.
The request from an existing M18 planer user adds necessary context.
Rafe
Yes I honestly would even prefer an M12 brushless version, similar to Bosch, than the M18 they have now. It’s big and heavy and only good for light duty planing needs so it might as well just be a small planer for backing out casings similar uses. An M18 brushless that is lighter and designed better with more power would be a huge upgrade as well.
Big Richard
Yes an M18 Fuel model would, a brushless motor tends to deliver more power while being more battery efficient. Check this out:
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/power-tool-brushless-motors/#:~:text=In%20a%20brushed%20motor,%20the,to%20accomplish%20the%20rotational%20response%3C/a%3E.%3C/p%3E
Tim E.
Ahhh, referring the author of a post to their own work for explanation :).
Big Richard
I had to Tim, it was meant in the spirit of sarcasm, not trying to be a troll.
Stuart
Wouldn’t be the first time. =)
I once had a friend ask for my advice about woodworking tools, and then argue against what I was saying, citing a PopMech article I wrote in his points against mine. That was one of the strangest arguments I’ve ever had.
Stuart
Theory vs. practice are two very different things.
Dewalt has a brushed motor miter saw, and when it launched they simply told me they saw no reason yet to go brushless over brushed.
Generally, brushless motors are more efficient, and designed for balanced improvements in runtime and power. They’re also smaller than brushed motors.
Would a brushless motor make the cordless planer better? In what way?
Big Richard
A miter saw is stationary tool though, not a handheld tool that would benefit from a smaller, lighter, more powerful motor. And that particular tool came out almost 5 years ago, before brushless had really taken over nearly everything.
Part of it is keeping up with the competition. Both Makita and DeWalt offer a brushless planer. That alone is enough reason for most companies. I have not personally used the current M18 brushed planer, but Rafe above mentions it eats batteries.
On the same line of argument, do they need a brushless M18 Fuel OMT as you mentioned above? No, but it would be nice and makes sense to have a competitive product (and yes I realize it is a little different because they are releasing blades/accessories for OMTs).
Mike
Anything would be better than the current plane, average at best.
Jack S
I just bought a cordless planer and wanted to stay with the Milwaukee platform, but couldn’t b/c their planer, as stated herein, is light duty (e.g., depth of cut, power, run-time). (Why they even released it is puzzling.) Went with the Makita cordless.
Joe
Personally I would like to see an M12 Grinder and Palm grip sander
MarylandUSA
You mean. M12 angle grinder, yes? There’s already an M12 die grinder.
Jerrell Kull
I’d like to see a M18 fuel 90° die grinder, with variable speed, it would be a supper hit with the chassis/sheet metal guys, in the racecar buisness.
William
The Tracksaw is one that I have been hoping for. I’m sure I’m in the minority but a Coffee makes/kettle would be nice. Also, a remote control car would be a lot of fun for the kids.
A cordless stick or mig welder would be perfect for the MX lineup.
BobM
Yes, a tracksaw please!! C’mon Milwaukee!!
An MX cordless welder is an excellent idea too.
Brian
Track saw would be great. They have a track compatible base in Europe on an M18 circular saw but still not a true plunging track saw. I’d also like a Milwaukee alternative to the Festool HKC witt attaches rail but probably too niche for US market.
Peter Fox
I really want see a track saw or two, unfortunately they have lost out on the opportunity to sell the shop I work for one.
We have a fair number of M18 tools, however we could not wait forever for Milwaukee to catch up so we ended up with a corded DeWalt.
If they do not have compatibility with existing tracks they will probably have a hard time convincing people to switch
Arlan Crane
YES TRACKSAW, Milwaukee, if you’re listening, and the 30,000 emails.
John
I’d buy that m12 pin nailer if it hits the quality of their newest nailers. Cordless pin nailers seem to be difficult at success, Makita’s and Hitachi/M-HPT’s are both meh. One nailer style that still reigns supreme as an air nailer. Grex battery plus fuel cell are crazy expensive. Not familiar with Ryobi’s success with their pinner.
Cliff
Lucky for Milwaukee that the innovative in the Ryobi Pin nailer can be used in the Milwaukee thanks to the same umbrella of owners.
John
my understanding is that the tti tool lines dont really share ideas/development.
Stuart
I share in that understanding, although it seems there could be communications at the highest levels.
Still, if one brand owns IP, the other can much more easily access it than say if the idea or design were patented by an outside company.
Big Richard
As for a possible 4 x M18 power station, you said:
“No, the runtime wouldn’t be as great as with MX Fuel batteries, and some features might be sacrificed for cost or size considerations.”
The MX Fuel power station uses two (2) MX Fuel batteries, their largest being 432Wh (6Ah x 72v), giving you 864Wh total. A 4 x 12.0 M18 powerstation would also give you 864Wh (4 x 12Ah x 18v).
So using the largest available batteries from each line should give you the same maximum runtime. Agreed, that an M18 version could certainly run less if using smaller batteries and it may not be as feature loaded.
Stuart
Good point, thanks! I’ll correct the phrasing.
Greg
A packout-format inverter that allowed for putting in M18 batteries and using them as power source, and had an input for solar would be amazing on the farm.
Even a small form factor with 1500 W 110v would be great.
I honestly don’t get why they designed the Carry On MX based on tubes used to isolate generator motors from the ground, when a compact Packout cube could do the job and more.
aerodawg
how about a 4X or 6X m12 charger. My benchtop needs a cleanup from having 4 of those things floating around.
aerodawg
a rapid charger I should add to the above…
Brian
The sequential 4 bay M12 charger is good enough, have so many M12’s its no big deal not being rapid, and M12 batteries dont take that long to charge anyways.
Stuart
There’s this: https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/milwaukee-m12-four-bay-battery-charger/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
At the time, I wrote: “Charging time is 30 minutes for M12 compact batteries and 60 minutes for M12 XC extended capacity batteries.”
Looking at this post: https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/milwaukee-m18-dual-battery-rapid-charger-48-59-1802/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
M12 CP2.0Ah batteries recharge in 43 minutes for a standard charger and 30 minutes in rapid or super chargers.
I’d assume the 4-port bay charging rate is “standard” rate, since at the time compact batteries were 1.5Ah and XC were 3.0Ah.
I’m not sure they’ll overhaul the M12 4-port charger for such a small boost in charging time.
Going from 43 minutes to 30 is a 30% reduction in time. Looking at the M18 XC 6Ah battery as an example, the standard charging time is 119 minutes, rapid is 64 minutes, and super is 35 minutes.
The improvement for an M12 XC 3.0Ah battery from standard to rapid or super is 55 minutes to 46, a 19.6% reduction.
I wouldn’t think the 4-port M12 charger to be popular enough for it to see simultaneous or rapid charger upgrades.
Champs
I like this list, especially the track saw and vacuum activation, and if that’s not going to happen then a cordless shop vacuum with remote switch would get me 90% of the way there.
fred
How about an MX trash pump? An MX plate compacter?
Or maybe morph the MX line into OPE for professional use – things like lawnmowers, thatchers, cultivators, ditchwitch etc.
Doresoom
There’s a Milwaukee patent for an MX fuel power head that covers the trash pump and the plate compactor.
Doresoom
Here it is: https://patents.google.com/patent/US20200076337A1/en
Just a Medic
Love it! A cordless trash pump with 1 hour’s runtime would be a game-changer.
Jeremiah McKenna
Exactly. They NEED to catch up in the OPE arena, in both the M18, M18 Fuel and MX lines. I am in need of a new cordless Blower-vac, but Milwaukee doesn’t make one. Big Blue does though, and reviews say it is outrageous.
I am in the market for a new tool/battery platform. I don’t want to buy one tool in Blue, and the rest Milwaukee. That would be ridiculous. Plus I know a lot of lawn guys that are switching over from Gas to Battery, and a lot of them are using Milwaukee OPE now, so to add to that line up would be beneficial to all.
Lance
Don’t waste your time with overpriced 18v OPE (Red, Teal or Yellow), just buy into a proper OPE platform like Ego or similar. Believe it or not, it’s cheaper and performs better.
John
All depends on your needs/wants. I’m heavy into Red but also have some Ego stuff. I actually sold my Ego stuff aside from a mower to streamline the number of batteries i need to maintain. I also noted that my Milwaukee power head with the edger attachment seemed to do better (less stalling) then the ego power head with it’s edge attachment. The power head is amazing and i honestly think better then the ego (or the ego dedicated string trimmer). Feels better in the hand, more ergonomic, plenty of power for my needs, easier to use controls, less stalling.
All in all, i’m extremely happy to have switched from Ego to Milwaukee for the available tools and will gladly buy a lawn mower when available to finish my streamlining.
Have the Milwaukee power head with string trimmer, edger, and hedge trimmer; the m18 chainsaw (replaced a husky 45cc); the blower (g2), and the backpack sprayer. The only issues i have is that the blower is less powerful then the ego it replaced (but not by much and it gets the job i need done done) and the backpack sprayer struggles with the last 1/2 gallon or so (this really needs to be addressed).
Tim E.
I have M18 as my main cordless tool line, but also had Ego for a string trimmer, and hedge trimmer (only tools I’ve had any excuse for in an apartment). Granted, the Ego tools are/were probably 4 or 5 years old by now. Maybe not up to the performance of the latest and greatest. After having issues with the original batteries and the cost of new ones, I started looking at OPE that shared my power tool batteries, with an eye on getting things that’ll carry over into getting a house shortly, and we’re looking at 1+ acre lots. Ultimately went with Makita OPE even though I’m primarily on M18, for various reasons, though I’ll also throw out that I’m not as worried about “only having one battery line” as some people.
I liked Makita because of the 18V x2 platform for most of their OPE, that they have the power-head system that also has the MM4 gas power head for things like the tiller attachment that don’t do so well with electric, and that they covered their bases in having models from more homeowner oriented, maybe lighter duty 18V or lower end 18Vx2 models, all the way up to models geared towards professional use.
The Makita XRU15 string trimmer I got blew the Ego out of the water. I know that’s a newer model versus my ego one being several years old, so I’d like to chalk up my experience to that. Maybe it’s the difference in focus, ego does have pro-oriented models now, but their normal offerings are targeted at consumers. The XRU15 is basically Makita’s second best string timmer model, and targeted more towards pro use it seems like. And that said, the Ego did work fine for me, and worked fine for people I loaned it to using it for their yards. If I hadn’t had battery issues, I’d probably still have it and still be fairly happy with it. But everything from feel/vibration, build quality, power, the Makita wins over the Ego. Maybe that’s also what you get for basically paying twice the cost of the Ego, comparing similarly priced models might not have as much difference, but furthers that argument that having the range of options is a big plus on Makita’s side, that I can get something a little nicer for such a commonly used thing like a string trimmer. Ego just doesn’t have options for stepping up to something more powerful or potentially higher quality without going to their pro line, which winds up more expensive than makita, and still leaves me on ego batteries that I wouldn’t have any use for outside the OPE.
In replacing the hedge trimmer, since I don’t use it as often, and imagine given the landscaping I’m planning for a house that I’ll want an articulating one for more “primary” use, a Makita admittedly wasn’t as attractive. They have a brushless hedge trimmer, but it’s pretty expensive. The brushed one is supposedly decent, so probably what I would have gone with, but with hesitation, and I would have likely tried to get my hands on one to try first. Then HD clearanced out the M18 one, and at $99, I just couldn’t pass it up in order to be done with ego and sell all that off and trash the batteries that didn’t last any more. It took some consideration since I expected to go full makita for my OPE so it was all the same, but given my expected lesser usage of it versus a pole/articulating hedge trimmer (which will be Makita), I figured it wouldn’t be that bad. Here again, I was pleasantly surprised by the Milwaukee, it beat the ego on cutting power, making it cleanly through denser bushes in one pass rather than leaving stragglers and requiring a second pass. It doesn’t seem to vibrate as much as the ego, or manages it better. Maybe not as big a difference as the string trimmer upgrade, but the M18 was definitely an upgrade. But same as the string trimmer, if I wouldn’t have had issues with the ego batteries, i probably would have still been fairly happy with it, and continued in their line.
Bottom line, there’s definitely a place for 18V OPE. Especially with milwuakee’s HO batteries or DeWalt’s flexvolt batteries, they can dump a lot of power into a tool. Makita with their x2, same, can dump a lot of power into a tool. Ego has an advantage with bigger batteries, so maybe the argument would be different if I were still considering an ego mower, 2x 7.5Ah 56V batteries is way more watt hours than even 4x 5Ah 18V batteries (some of Makita’s mowers). But the interoperability of the Makita (or Milwaukee or dewalt if I had gone that route) batteries is more important for me. Having other makita x2 tools, some of which are fairly power hungry like the dust extractor, I’d rather have the extra batteries I can use there when not doing my yard, and conversely extra batteries I can use on the OPE when doing my yard, than batteries that I can only use with my OPE (or a power station and corded tools I suppose). If that weren’t at the top of my list for considerations, or my needs and focuses were different, then Ego would likely have stayed my choice. They are affordable, they are quite good, but people’s needs and considerations are all different, ad I wouldn’t quite go so far as to say they are a “proper” OPE platform more so than Red, Teal, or Yellow.
Doug N
More OPE? M18 top handle chainsaw, more powerhead attachments including power broom, lawnmower.
Vacuum with self cleaning filter similar to the Flexvolt.
I’d love a 1/2” collet router but must not be much demand for that or some power tool company would have produced one already.
Doug N
Just for the record, I’m not predicting a lawnmower attachment for the powerhead LOL. I should have reordered that list to avoid ambiguity.
Big Richard
I would like to see a 12″ top handle M18 chainsaw. The DeWalt 12″ top handle may be my most used chainsaw these days, but it is a bit under powered. I have no doubt Milwaukee would make theirs a step up in terms of power. But now with the M12 Hatchet, maybe they feel they’ve covered all their bases.
fred
It may be a safety issue with trying to power a 1/2 inch collet router. They could print lots of warnings about not trying to use it to spin large bits or hog out too much material in one pass – but many users might ignore the warnings.
Then there is the issue of how much a big router motor would need to draw off the 18V battery. Big AC routers are often rated at 2.5 to 3.5 HP. The Milwaukee 3.5HP router is said to draw 15 Amps at 110V. So it there were an equivalency to a DC motor operating at 18V that motor might draw something like 92 Amps – exhausting a 12AH battery in less than 8 minutes of full operation. I’m no EE or motor designer – so maybe they can do better – but this might be the limiting factor.
Big Richard
They claim a lot of the HO M18 tools generate “15A corded power”, so I don’t see how a 1/2″ router would be any different than the Super Sawzall, 12″ miter saw, or table saw in that regard. Granted a router is generally used for longer contiguous operations, versus something like a miter saw that is on and off in quick succession.
The run time would not be great, but it is theoretically possible.
Adam
rototiller. only reason i have ryobi 40v
John
I wonder if their “hatchet” is supposed to be a top handle saw replacement. Short bar but otherwise… modify it to allow a m18 on it and lengthen the bar to 10 (which they already have in inventory from the pole saw)…
Andrew Drozd
I would love to see an M18 winch. My Warn is nice and all, but I would much rather Milwaukee jumped into this game, instead of having to carry around the extra power supply that I’ve mistaken for my laptop charger on multiple occasions when I was in a rush.
joe
How about an 12v Anderson powerpole connector adapter.
Chris
A nibbler would be sweet. A m12 planer and m12 trim router (to compete with bosch)
fred
I’ve been making wooden boxes with inlay and intarsia decoration. I bought into the Bosch 12V lineup especially for their diminutive router – but then added a planer and flexclick driver. I probably would have stayed with Milwaukee if they had a small M12 router.
glenn
M12 Planer and router would be awesome.
Michael Triggs
The lack of a track saw (and until last year, if I recall correctly) the lack of a router are the only reasons I gave in to a 2nd battery platform. Right after I pulled the trigger on Makita router and track saw, Milwaukee announced the M18 compact router. Just my luck that they would release a track saw this go round…
Nathan
I expect any day now to see a full Milwaukee OPE lineup that replaces all of the funcational pieces of the Echo 58V system. It makes alot of sense and I think it would cement them a place in Pro -sumer grade Cordless OPE.
On that tracksaw thing. Would love to see a cross tie in support with say Empire. Empire makes a straight edge system now – and is a known commodity. SO say a Milwaukee Tracksaw system that uses “track by Empire” or something. Where the track is a near universal style made and sold with the empire naming for use with some others. Like say Makita/festool compatible. or whatever.
With a milwaukee attachment to use the “track by empire” track with a Milwaukee 7-1/4 circular saw.
Just a random thought.
Chaws
The nibbler would be fantastic for sheet metal workers and insulators.
fred
One of our big uses for nibblers (we used corded Kett) was the oil-tank removal business. I’m not sure if that has slowed down any. For that application a M18 nibbler might work.
Nibblers certainly leave you a pile of little metal discs to clean up.
Mozart
11/4″-11/2″ copper cutter
Cliff
Amen. Been wanting that or even a fuel version of the copper cutters
John
More of a wish list then a prediction:
M18 lawn mower (PLEASE!!!!)
M18 backpack vacuum with powered brush head (or perhaps a m18 powered accessory brush-head/wand for existing vacuum)
M18 power bank – would LOVE this
Quik-lok attachments : Tiller, sweeper would be huge
M18 carpet cleaner / extractor
MX riding lawn mower
MX utility cart
MX powered other commercial OPE (backpack blower), maybe turf specific tools.
MX powered pressure washer?
MX powered compressor with high CFM
Personally i’d like to see more homeowner tools; i really really really wanna be responsible for just 1 brand of battery! (not the 4 that i’ve currently got: ego mower, ryobi for misc low use tools, milwaukee for big use tools, hoover pwrone for cleaning)
John
Almost forgot:
M12 1/2 gallon sprayer (i imagine one that replaces the pump portion of a normal sprayer with a m12 compressor pump making it hot swappable between jugs, with the wand and hose still attached to the tank.) This would make it allowable to be removed and the chemicals to stay in the tank for storage or easy swap between chemicals. This design would a) allow easy adjustment of spraying psi as well as eliminate pump priming problems as well as piggybacking on existing equipment-m12 tire pump.
Also, they need to update the M18 backpack sprayer: the last 1/2 gallon or so doesn’t like to come out….
Tim E.
This may be one of the better suggestions I’ve seen and would actually fill a gap in their lineup. I see a lot of apartment/residential pest control folks hauling around smaller 1/2 or 1 gallon sprayers, most of which are manual pump type. Usually that’s in complement to a backpack sprayer used for larger areas, or fertilizer spreaders for stuff for the lawn. The large backpack sprayers milwaukee has are fairly decent, but they don’t have a good powered smaller sprayer. Ryobi does, but theirs aren’t as heavy duty as I would like, partly because unless they’ve changed recently, the pump runs continuously even when fluid is not flowing. A smaller m12 sprayer to compliment the larger m18 backpack sprayers, especially if they carry over the interchangeable tank idea into the smaller size, I think would be a winner both for DIY types and pros in various fields.
fred
An MX power concrete trowel – might also be nice
OldDominionDIYer
1. A Top Performing lawn mower would make my year!
2. I would love this (posted originally by “John” above): M18 backpack vacuum with powered brush head (or perhaps a m18 powered accessory brush-head/wand for existing vacuum)
3. PackOut drawer box Please!
PlumbHead
Milwaukee if you’re listening I got a simple one for ya update your m12 right angle impact driver to FUEL. Bump up torque to 1200 in lbs (skil pwrcore 12 is doing 900 in lbs vs Milwaukee current 600 in lbs) and come out with a stubby 4 inch version of the Speed Feed wood bits market it to electricians and plumbers running wire and pex piping in confined spaces
Jason Holowicki
You don’t need to have Milwaukee come out with new speed feed bits, just go to a CNC shop like I did, and have them cut and then machine the shank attachment end down. I did it for not only for their wood boring bits but I also made different size quick release extensions too, since Milwaukee only offers a few sizes.
Tim E.
The M18 power station to compete with Dewalt’s would be a great addition to me, as in buy it when it comes out and not wait on a sale / extra battery deal.
Also agreed on the 23ga pinner, I like the ryobi nailers but have been hesitant on the 23ga, just because of how big it is, as well as some scattered reviews on reliability and other issues. On the M12 platform, hopefully Milwaukee could cut down the size a good bit, and with the know how from their other nailers, really make a strong showing. It’s another I’d probably get fairly quick so I can finally retire the flexvolt compressor and pneumatic 23ga.
I’d like to see the M12 vacuum get either an overhaul, or just a completely new model (like the M18 teapot vac or backpack vac coming out as companions to the “established” m18 toolbox vac a few years ago). They were smart with the current M12 one positioning it like a dustbuster that happened to run M12, with slightly better performance than generic dustbusters, but it didn’t meet the performance specs I think people were hoping for from a “vacuum” with the Milwaukee name. Couple routes they could take here:
– Keep the current model as a lower cost brushed option, but make a more powerful (and more expensive) option, likely using a brushless motor, that has specs more in line with some of the lower-end 18V vacs, I’m thinking of the Makita XLC02 specifically spec-wise would be a nice target for a 12V.
– Retire the current model and replace it with a new revision that addresses user complaints, particularly around suction power, maybe canister size, and that the filter clogs quickly, etc.
– Make a whole new model that is different, maybe like the Worx 20V model, where it’s more of a still smallish, self-standing unit, with a hose. Or maybe like the Dewalt DWH161B dust-box-like vac. I personally like non-collapsible hoses better so I’d wish for that, but just a hose in general would be good in complement to a dustbuster type vac. If doing as a complement to other things, throw in a HEPA filter so it can be used for smaller concrete drilling or similar like the Dewalt. Or go with wet/dry capability, that’d also be a nice option, and new for Milwaukee in a 12V vac.
My absolute favorite cordless vacuum is the Bosch GAS18V-3N. The M18 toolbox vac is nice, but the filter clogs a bit fast for my liking, the rotational tech on the bosch keeps the filter pretty clear for much longer. The longer and non-strechy/collapsible hose is my main determining factor in preferring the bosch over the milwaukee, it’s about the only cordless vac I’ve found with that kind of hose, which I like. I kind of wish it was 1 1/4″ rather than 35mm, but with a few adapters, not a dealbreaker.
MarylandUSA
The hose on my Hilton 21.6V vacuum stretches 9 feet.
Tim E.
I saw a review on the Hilti, although I have nothing on that platform and no intent to get anything, it was impressive on paper. They achieved over 70CFM on a single-battery vacuum, it takes filter bags, and I appreciate that the hose is longer-than-standard for those kinds of vacs. The M18 toolbox is a 6 foot hose, same on the Makita I believe. But all those are still collapsible hoses, maybe I’m too used to using a canister house vacuum and the bosch cordless with the fixed-length hoses, but the stretchy hoses annoy me. I wind up pulling the vacuum towards me when I suck stuff up since it tries to collapse the hose both from springiness and the suction. For higher up or overhead work, that’s a big problem.
I can’t put the M18 toolbox vac on the pail shelf on a ladder for example, and then use it while I cut out around a light fixture or similar, because the stretchy hose will pull it off the stand. I either have to put it on the ground and connect on a longer hose, which defeats some of the benefits of being cordless and portable, or somehow secure the vac with like bungee cords, or hold it with one hand and cut with the other. With the Bosch vac and it’s fixed length hose, I can put it on the pail shelf just fine, and it won’t (usually) get dragged off.
Tator
All I want is tools to come in metal cases again!!!!!!!!!!
Plain grainy
I’d rather see them come in custom fit Packout cases.
Pitch
I’d like a lightweight m18 radio/charger/worklight.
Something like the 2361-20 flood light…maybe a speaker on each end…and a removable 120v cord.
And YES to the m18 power station please
Scott
I’ve been praying for the M18 power station/generator since I saw their parent for it over a year ago. If they can incorporate inputs and outputs for solar panels and such, it would sell like hot cakes to campers, off-grid types, and people who want a temporary home-backup solution.
Nate B
+1 for this.
I need inputs at 120VAC and 12-60VDC with optional MPPT. (Turn that off for vehicle input, on for solar.) And outputs at 120VAC, 14VDC, and 5VDC.
If it can store the power in a bunch of M18 batteries and act as a charger when the grid is available (or I’m running a gas generator), that’s fantastic for the tools. And when the input goes away, use those batteries to keep my fridge cold? I’m there in a heartbeat. I’m not even on the M18 system yet, but that one thing would be compelling.
Phil
M18 Fuel Bench Grinder. I’m a plumber, gasfitter, and hvac tech and I’d love to have a cordless wire wheel to clean parts with so I dont have to either vise the parts or do a sketchy one handed grinder holding maneuver.
Some other things mentioned that I second is a powered cart. When I need to transport a ton on tools/material/debris on commercial sites far away from when I can park my truck this would be a time and body saver.
Also a m12 or m18 1 1/4″ + copper tubing cutter would be fantastic. Maybe a line of powered deburring and chamfering tools or drill attachments as well. For steel plastic and copper.
I would also love a light, radio, charger, power station combo, or really any combo of those things. Like the rocket light charger with a radio and usb or power strip or m18 inverter to charge a phone or tablet built in.
Steve
Track saw is the thing I’m waiting for, how hard can it be when every single other brand makes one?
A wheeled stand for the table saw.
M18 drill driver with more speed and power.
M18 1/2″ router would be the thing. For many carpenters that’s the last tool they still need a cord ( and in UK , a transformer) for.
Finally a M18 fm and digital radio that is as small as possible, makita do one which is barely bigger than the battery clicked into it. Milwaukee’s offerings are all massive heavy things.
PETE
GIMME A TRACK SAW!!! I had to buy into the dewalt 20v platform last month when i needed a cordless framing nailer. Milwaukee didn’t have theirs out yet…
Now I’m going to be needing a track saw in a week. I’m going to have to go with dewalt because milwaukee doesn’t have one…
Mark Wagner
For those looking for an M12 sprayer.
I bought a couple cheap pump sprayers, drilled a hole at the top, put in a 90 degree metal valve stem, and connect my M12 air pump. Works like a charm! You do have to hit the start button every time the pressure lowers, but beats using the hand pump, and WAY CHEAPER than the M18 version.
Ben
I’d like to see a small M18 FUEL drywall cut tools like the Makita.
Blythe
A thousand times yes, although I fear that may be a long way off for patent reasons
Michael
Cordless 20 ton bottle jack.
Why nobody has come out with one yet is beyond me, off you’ve ever had to jack large farm equipment or trucks up out in the middle of a field where you may have jack add blocks and jack again repeating that several times then you understand the value of a powered bottle jack. With all the other battery powered stuff we have now that would eliminate the need for an air compressor
Just a Medic
Excellent idea; there is definitely a market gap here. Personally I prefer double-ram bottle jacks over single-ram designs.
Eric
Still waiting on an air hammer. Without that most people will still need a good sized compressor.
Mark La Force
I was just combing through the comments looking for patent ideas…thanks!
Michael
Just remember I suggested it lol.
Really I would think they could use the grease gun drive and it would be pretty straight forward.
Josh
Is there a reason we haven’t seen a fuel belt sander yet? That is at the top of my list.
Tim E.
Ryobi’s cordless belt sander has been quite decent for my usage.
I haven’t noticed a lack of power or similar that Milwaukee could really improve upon, though runtime is bit lackluster on the ryobi. Not sure Milwaukee would be able to make much improvement there either, a 6Ah battery is still a 6Ah battery either way, so other than being able to load it with a 12Ah HO if it were M18…
Admittedly also with modern forced-rotation orbital sanders like the Bosch GET75-6, the need for a portable belt sander is continuing to wane. Growing up, we used a black and decker belt sander all the time. I’ve had a few projects where one would have been nice, then finally bought the ryobi when I had a project that involved sanding the paint off a large bookcase. I’ve used it a few times since then, but less and less as time has passed. Not sure I’d replace the ryobi with an M18 one, or even replace the ryobi at all if it died tomorrow.
Milwaukee may have decided that a belt sander isn’t exactly in their wheelhouse, and is something likely smaller volume than some other categories, and perhaps find to just leave to ryobi and ridgid. Milwaukee made 5″ orbital sanders corded for a while, so had some experience there. Now that they have a cordless one of those, maybe they’d be more confident in making a belt sander, and making it nicely complementary to the orbital.
Matt E.
Oscillating M18 Fan. I love my Ryobi fans, But biggest complaint wife and I have is small coverage area. Id upgrade to Big Red 18 (already have 12v) for the fan. I know Makita has one, but I would like the opportunity to also use the Red 18s to run a surge impact driver-if they don’t announce a new fan or anything else that pushes me to red 18, Ill just get the 12 surge.
Corey Moore
I’ve been expecting to see some kind of upgraded fuel rotohammers, it’s not often Milwaukee let’s DeWalt get so far out ahead of them in specific areas. Their carpentry tools boom has been impressive and clearly directed at one of dewalts primary leading trades. Also interested in how quickly and in what direction they expand MX. I’ve yet to see our hear of any early adopters, but it’s for sure a great frontier they’re alone in at present.
Plain grainy
Regarding the planer. There is a planet shoot out on YouTube. Features Milwaukee, Dewalt, Makita, Hitachi, and Bosch. Dewalt was the only. Brushless, but didn’t have the longest run time. But he figured that the Dewalt would outlast the others in tool life.
Plain grainy
I would like to see Milwaukee bring out a battery powered cooler. Then you wouldn’t need any ice. Have many 12 volt cigarette lighter plug models out there now.
Plain grainy
The cooler could be tri- powered( M-18 battery, AC house current, and a12 volt vehicle cord). Throw in a usb phone charger, plus a bottle opener. Could make it Packout ready. Could make the battery power in series. Have multiple battery compartments, then when first battery voltage drops the next inline takes over.
Dave
Holy ****, M18 power station and lawn mower. Nothing else matters.
I’m in the warehouse biz, so for work I’d love to see a m18 box stapler as well as a seal-less strapping tool. Fromm already makes one that literally uses Milwaukee batteries, but I’d prefer a M18 tool.
I’d also like to see a really large M12 battery. Yeah, yeah…m12 is supposed to be small…portable. Whatever. Mostly I just want the M12 underhood light that I use above a workbench, to last longer than a few hours.
Plain grainy
Have you tried the 6ah battery? Perhaps we will see an 8ah battery soon.
Dave
I want to see a 12ah M12.
MarylandUSA
9AH M12 batteries are available from third-party makers. But reviews are mixed. If the cells are reliable, the attachments aren’t, and vice versa.
Plain grainy
How about a Packout crate upgrade. A sealable crate top. Make the hand holds without openings, to keep moisture and mice out.
Plain grainy
A cast iron table top, with a bracket to mount a sawzall underneath. Add a blade guard and a fence. Sort of a band saw type setup. Can cut metal or wood.
Dominic S
Updated Version of M18 Jobsite Radio, M18 CoffeeMaker, M18 Winch.
I’m still upset with them for taking so long to release a string trimmer. I’m stuck with an Echo 58V because I needed it a year or two before the M18 came out.
Joe
They should abandon the 18 volt platform. It’s holding them back. If they went to a high voltage it would raise the power ceiling and make the tools lighter.
Luke
As a DIYer with 14 M18 batteries… you shut your mouth!
Tim E.
I know this has been beaten to death, but voltage isn’t the whole story. A M18 12Ah battery has roughly the same power output capability as a Flexvolt 12Ah (measured at 18V) battery. If they used the same battery cells inside the batteries, the output specs would be virtually identical.
There’s tradeoffs in staying at a lower voltage and using higher currents, versus a higher voltage and lower current, but higher voltage isn’t a golden arrow.
Pulling 900W from an 18V battery just means thicker wires and slightly more losses to heat than pulling 900W from a battery at 54V. It seems like upping the voltage is “easier” to be more efficient, but the hurdles at 18V are not insurmountable, and the differences between 18V and higher voltage efficiencies aren’t going to allow like a flexvolt tool to put out twice as much power as a tool using the equivalent M18 HO battery. The difference would like be more along the lines of M18 being capable of 1500W, and Flexvolt being cable of 1550W.
I think the next big step will be going to either higher-cell-count, larger, higher voltage batteries (like MX fuel), or continuing the 2-battery tool path. If I can get 1500W out of one 15-cell battery, then with two, I could get 3000W (in theory)! Makita has embraced that, though sticking with 2 cell-row batteries and just using multiple, but almost nobody else has, they just make went to 3 cell-row, bigger batteries instead. But imagine putting to 12Ah batteries on a tool, that’s crazy for certain tools. Even a 4 cell-row battery would be huge. Until battery tech makes a leap in terms of output potential again (like from lithium ion to the next chemistry), I think for tools like drills where anything more than 10 or 15 cells in a battery pack is excessive, we’re about at our power peak. There’s room to grow still in larger tools where you can just put gigantic high cell count batteries with no problem (think about batteries the size of Ego’s 7.5Ah 56V batteries). Milwaukee already made MX Fuel as their path forward in that area, I’m actually looking more to DeWalt to come up with a response to that. Maybe it’s more Flexvolt x2 tools like the miter saw, maybe it’s introducing a dedicated 60V max platform with larger batteries, similar to their defunct 40V line. Makita seems to be sticking with their x2 methodology, which still has some room with LXT I suppose, but I think their path forward will be using xgt as their entry to higher capacity batteries like the 12Ah Milwaukee and Dewalt has, and then potentially from there go to xgt x2.
Maybe we’ll see 4 cell-row batteries at current voltages, and just giant honking batteries that while cross-compatible, are very geared towards larger or stationary tools, more so even than today’s 12Ah batteries.
MarylandUSA
9AH M12 batteries are available from third-party makers. But reviews are mixed. If the cells are reliable, the attachments aren’t, and vice versa.
Corey Moore
DeWalt has some very interesting patents on what looks to be an answer to MX
JoeM
Do you, by chance, have a link to where that information is?
Tator
I would like to see a MX fuel 2” sds max rotary hammer or a smaller jack hammer. Something to compete with the dewalt 2”, but battery placement would be key!
Andrew
What a fun post to read through and all the comments have been great!
Wish list:
M12 pin nailer = I am in line getting one
Track saw = I was just thinking about this the other day
Bigger fan, that can charge M18 as well.
QUIK-LOK expansion:
Tiller head
Brush cutter
Rubber paddle sweep (getting gravel out of the yard after the plow trucks)
Small snowblower head???
OPE:
Mower
As a DIY enthusiast, home flipper, landlord, and woodworker, I do not see myself going to the MX platform. I would rather see high output M18 used in OPE than the MX.
Dave
I would also like to see a much smaller m12 fan (think desktop size).
PETE
Buy a USB powered desktop fan($14) and use the m12 usb adapter
Nate B
Seriously, the lack of a fan on the M12 system is obnoxious.
I’ve done the USB thing Pete suggests and it’s just not a ton of air. I have a Ryobi 18V fan and it’s just the right amount of air. I’m sure M12 could do similar.
Might be time to DIY, it’s not like 12v blowers are hard to come by. I’ll need a circuit to do low-voltage cutoff, and as long as I’m building that, I might as well add a PWM driver with a knob for speed adjustment.
Ben
I’d like to see a M12/M18 battery charger that can be hooked up to a solar panel. It’s not everyone who has electricity in the country, and while I understand all you need to do is figure out a way to plug in a regular M12/M18 charger into another solar panel system, it would be nice to have Milwaukee’s ready made solution to that. I’m about to purchase a piece of land, and I’m not ready to spend money on a solar panel system that will remain there several years before I can even build a house. Having a portable Milwaukee solar panel designed to recharge their batteries in a decent amount of time would be great.
Nate B
There’s a vehicle charger, which is probably your best bet. Get some solar panels that clip onto your car battery and use it as the energy buffer. Or just take any other random 12v battery and use it as the buffer.
Nathan
question to the MIlwaukee OPE owners. Does the quick-lock connection use a spring pin on the side and a clamp nut. IE does it look like the Echo PAS attachment system? TTI made the Echo 58V system which uses PAS. and though they never liked to admit it the echo58V system would run any attachment they made.
point is – could you use an ECHO pas item on the milwaukee power head? If not did you look at the Husquvarna and Stihl models – all of which are made the same with with subtle differences in the attachment point.
But yes I don’t know why they haven’t put out a M18 x 2 mower – figured that would be around the corner.
Rob
Just another vote for a lawn mower. I’d love to ditch my gas push mower. I realize it is a mundane request, but I would love to ditch the oil and gas and noise.
MarylandUSA
MOAR battery capacity!
-M18 with 26650 cells, 5000-6000mAH per cell
– M18 with updated 21700 cells, 4500mAH per cell
– M12 with one 26650 cell in the stem and two in the base!
Big Richard
All of those larger capacity cells have lower discharge rates (<15A). Compared to the current "standard" 21700 Samsung 30T/40T with 35A discharge rates, they wouldn't be able to provide the power in high demand tool (the tools that would benefit the most from greater capacity batteries).
dean
I recently bought the 16 inch chain saw with the 12 amp hour battery . I’m so happy ??
dean
I recently bought the 16 inch brushless chainsaw with the 12 amp hour battery .I love it but they should have included the wrench and file kit . Try finding a 4.5 mm file !
Mark Wagner
Does yours leak oil like crazy? I have to put mine in a garbage sack or I’ll have oil everywhere!
Big Richard
Every saw leaks bar and chain oil. Temperature fluctuations cause the oil to expand and contract, causing it to leak out of the injectors. Hanging the saw by its keyhole does help control it.
fred
Easy enough to get a 5/32 chainsaw file (e.g. Oregon 23577) – which is just under 4mm or a 3/16 which is a tad over 4.7mm
Big Richard
fred is correct, while a 4.5mm file is the preferred file size for the Oregon 90 chain (3/8″lp .043″) that many cordless chainsaws use, a 5/32″ is acceptable to use.
Honestly though, with its chamfer chisel squared cutters, they can be tricky to sharpen good. At only around $14 for a new chain, I tend to change them more frequently than I do on my larger saws.
Jp
I desire updated vacuums. Both shop and backpack. I already have most of the other stuff I need
David R
I’ve never seen a M18 belt sander. Or a battery powered belt sander for that matter. Does one exist!? I would buy it!!
fred
It does seem a bit odd that I’ve seen cordless belt sanders in the other TTI brands (Ryobi and Ridgid) but not Milwaukee.
Ryobi also seems poised to bring their cordless 1/2 x 18 belt sander (PSD101) – aka power file – to the USA – Home Depot. A m-18 beefier model to compete with the two Hilti variants (3650344 and 3650345) would be nice too. We used corded Makita and Fein versions of these tools in our metal/pipe fabrication business.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Hilti-22-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Band-File-Grinder-Sander-and-Abrasive-Kit-3650344/313629219
Tony Robinson
Bigfoot saw
Coffee maker
Plug in ac transformer to give corded power to things like table saw and miter saw.
David R
Also, PACKOUT STAGING/ STEP LADDER/ PLATFORMS.
2-3’ long adjustable plank stands, that either have different or adjustable heights. Something that can fold and load up on your packout crates. Yup!!
Ryan
I would like to see a packout 18v wet/dry vacuum.
Robert
My forecast calls for:
Further integration of one key into site-wide tool and material management.
MX Fuel:
Dirt compactor
Motorized cart/wheel barrow/hand forklift
Shop vac
Large air compressor
M18
Older tools revamped into fuel versions
Lawnmower/more ope
New gen. 15 ga. and 16 ga. Finish nailers/flooring nailer
M12
More mechanic/metal working tools
Luckey Dodge
I really want to find a “Carton Stapler” to close shipping cardboard boxes. There are many sizes of staples, but only manual, air and electric box staplers…….I want a battery powered Carton Stapler. Bostich has one, but it seems to be discontinued. Why?
Maybe one of the following (Ryobi, Ridgid or Milwaukee) could bring out a carton stapler out! They would sell……..
Thanks,
Luckey