At the recent Milwaukee 2014 new tool media event, see all of our tool preview coverage here, they showed off several new M18 Force Logic tools, including a smaller knockout punch tool, a cable cutter, a crimper, and a new size of ProPEX expansion tool.
Since these are all somewhat specialty tools, you’ll have to express more interest if you want expanded coverage later on. The new knockout punch tool is well within my comfort and familiarity zone, the others are well beyond.
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M18 Force Logic 6T Knockout Punch Tool
Shown above is the new 6-ton knockout punch tool, which will complement their existing M18 Force Logic 10-ton knockout punch tool.
The lower maximum punching pressure means the 6-ton knockout is smaller, lighter, and potentially less expensive.
A rep for Milwaukee expressed confidence in that the new punch will be quite capable, and if I recall correctly, he said it could handle knockout punches in the 2-1/2″ range. The larger 10-ton model can handle punches up to 4″ in 12 gauge metal.
We’ve established that the new Milwaukee Force Logic 6T knockout punch tool is smaller and lighter. While only a prototype was available at the media event, the knockout tool looked quicker to use, thanks to this new quick-attach threading system.
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The new stud attaches to the Force Logic adapter with just a quarter turn.
I asked if this new method would be available as an upgrade for the 10-ton knockout tool, but was told that they’re looking into it, but it probably won’t be possible. The greater pulling force that the 10-ton tool can apply requires full thread engagement, and not just half as with the 6-ton tool’s new quick adapter.
As a reminder, this is what the 10-ton tool looks like.
And this is its full engagement stud.
The stud threads into the adapter, which is the part that the tool engages with. The cutter goes on the tool side, and the die is threaded onto the punch side of the stud.
ETA: Jan 2016
Force Logic Expansion
One standout message is that Milwaukee wants to own the installation. Because of this, they’re going to keep pushing out Force Logic and other cordless tools that can be used during every step of an applications.
M18 Force Logic Utility Cutter
I remember testing Milwaukee’s M12 2472 cable cutter a few years ago, at the first Milwaukee media event I attended. Well, this is its big brother.
I wish I could tell you more about the size of that copper cable. It was about as thick as a sausage, or maybe a banana. And the new M18 cutter sliced through it effortlessly.
The tool is somewhat large, but was easy and not at all fatiguing to operate. Then again, I only made a couple of cuts.
There are dual LED worklights at the bottom of the tool.
Hey, Milwaukee… now that you’ve got copper cable cutter, how about a branch lopper?
ETA: Sept 2015
M18 Force Logic Crimper
Here’s the new crimper. If you have any particular questions, I’ll make a point to write up an expanded preview once the official announcement and press release are out.
ETA: Sept 2015
M18 Force Logic 2″ to 3″ ProPEX Expansion Tool
ProPEX in a nutshell: ProPEX is a plumbing piping and connection system that is installed without glue, flame, or much hassle. To connect a section of pipe to a fitting, a ring is placed over cleanly cut PEX pipe end. A ProPEX expander tool is inserted within the ring and stretches it out a little over several cycles. A fitting is placed into the ring and the ring shrinks down to create a tight and leak-free connection.
There might be more to it. For those of you that have used PEX and ProPEX tools, did I miss anything important?
ProPEX is available in smaller sizes, matching up with copper tubing, but now there are new 2″ to 3″ sizes, and an M18 Force Logic tool that’s used to install fittings.
ETA: Nov 2015
Rami
I have to ask this one out: what an earth is a knockout punch tool? What is it used for? I have to ask since I have never heard of a tool like it, except here in Toolguyd, not to mention that I have never seen one.
Stuart
It’s a quicker, cleaner, and often more precise way of making holes in sheet metal. It’s often used by electricians to route conduit and the like.
I believe some plumbers also use them to punch extra holes in stainless steel sinks.
With a knockout punch, you drill a pilot hole and the basically squeeze a cutter and a die together to make a hole.
The pressure can be applied manually, with a wrench, with hydraulic tools, or powered ones such as Milwaukee’s.
Darrin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE4HG8qROUs
Doug
In the field, I have only ever heard them referred to as Green Lee punches, regardless of who actually manufactured them.
fred
When I worked for a living – we had a few Greenlee sets that we used mostly for SS sink cutouts (soap dispensers etc.) We liked them better than hole saws (even ones like those from Bosch and Ideal which were purportedly designed for sheet metal) – because the left a burr-free hole.
We also were starting to buy Milwaukee PEX expander tools to replace our Uponor ones – and some Force Logic press tools to replace manual tools. We liked what we bought – and the PEX expanders took the Uponor cones – performed better – used batteries we stocked for other tools – and were less expensive.
Recently I’ve been bombarded by ads fro Ridgid (Emerson-Ridge Tool) about their new press tool offerings – so I’m guessing that they see a need to compete for this market – and maybe Milwaukee has been taking some of their market share away.
Stuart
Thanks for reminding me about Ridgid’s 3-in-1 press tool (https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/ridgid-interchangeable-head-electrical-tool/%3C/a%3E%29. I haven’t heard anything about that since it was announced in Oct 2014.
I wonder what it would take for Milwaukee to produce something like this. The Force Logic cutter and crimper look quite similar, if not identical, except for the different tool heads.
Hang Fire
Aug 10, 2015
Making jokes? Bring brother? Stuart, I think your poor Spill Checquer has worn out.
Stuart
Argh, Android autocorrect strikes again! I can’t find the “bring bother” error though.
Worse is that I reread my comments before submitting them. Maybe this one was too quick, as I hammered it out at the gas station after filling up and then pulling to the side. Was hungry and had an hour drive in front of me.
Hang Fire
I understand how hard it is to proof read your own copy.
Look for: “I remember testing Milwaukee’s M12 2472 cable cutter a few years ago, at the first Milwaukee media event I attended. Well, this is its bring brother.”
Stuart
Ah, thanks!!
The more embarrassing thing is that I do proofread at least once before publishing a post, more for longer posts as I go from section to section.
Hang Fire
There are two families of hole punch, Radio Chassis and Electrician. The Radio Chassis are true size, while the Electricians are oversized (nominally undersized) and made for the corresponding conduit size.
Properly sized Radio Chassis punches are the key to making a really nice gauge clusters for classic and race vehicles.
pete
Can I haz all of them?! Expect that propex expander, while I don’t deal with that stuff that tool looks very cumbersome. I’m sure it works great but still.
Tator
That looks like 750 mcm copper wire. Holy cow!!
Mike
Now we are getting to the good stuff! These are the tools that make the M18 line SO awesome. Before each of those tools were different brands, batteries, etc. These are also where the One Key stuff becomes much more interesting. Not to be a fan boy but Milwaukee is on fire.
victor serpa
HI Stuart : technology progressing the way it has especially on power tool batteries {amps keep rising} , I know the basic specs including conversions {volts per cell, newton meters, etc}………my question { rummer also} is do you know if and when are they going to increase the 4ah to 5ah soon for 12volt tools like milwaukee {left e-mail with milwaukee but no answer so far……….could it also be a size issue……….your responce will be greatly appreciated……………..victor.
Stuart
There has been no indication that Milwaukee will add 5.0Ah or 6.0Ah battery packs to the M12 platform any time soon.
My guess is that they won’t even consider to do so until pricing of the new higher capacity cells come down further.
Right now, the 4Ah size is becoming the mainstream high capacity M18 battery size, and 5Ah is being included in the next generation M18 Fuel and One-Key tool kits.
If Milwaukee updates the M12 Fuel drills and drivers next year, which they also haven’t shown any indication of, that might be when a 5.0Ah M12 battery pack gets introduced.
Mike
Any chance we’ll ever see a M12 radio/charger? I’d really like to replace the radio in my workshop and I’ve got quite a bit of M12 stuff. I know they make a M12 radio but I don’t believe that it’s an actual charger.
Stuart
I don’t think so, based on cost and size.
Noah
Ok with all this compression/expansion stuff, I would LOVE to see a Milwaukee wire rope swager. Or at least a wire rope cutter.
Michael
Looks like Milwaukee is in it to win it
terry
Yes the knockout tool looks great and I think I could use it with my dimple dies and bead dies for sheet metal work I hope it works with mittlerbrothers dies as that would exspand it’s use into the sheet metal workers world