Milwaukee Tool has announced the expansion of their mechanics hand tools lineup with 4 new hooks and picks.
The new picks feature an all-metal core for up to 50% more durability, as well as a larger shank, and more durable tips.
If you’re familiar with other brands’ hooks and picks, the new Milwaukee tools are “hose pick” sized. Hose picks and removal tools are designed for greater durability and leverage.
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These are larger picks for bigger tasks.
New Milwaukee Hose Pick Styles
- 90° bent hook (45-74-9213)
- Hook (45-74-9215)
- Flat (45-74-9211)
- 45° bent hook (45-74-9214)
Each of the hose picks will sell for $14.99 individually.
The comfort-grip handles are said to increase tool control and comfort, and also resist common automotive chemicals.
The new selection of hooks and picks will join Milwaukee’s existing 4pc mini hook and pick set (48-22-9215).
The existing mini hooks and picks feature knurling mid-shaft for increased control when doing precision work, while the new hose picks have thicker shafts, reinforced tips, and larger handles.
Each of the new hose picks will be available separately, or as part of a 4pc set. Milwaukee will also offer an 8pc tool set that includes all of their hose and pick offerings.
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The flat hook stands out, as it offers puncture protection to help reduce damage to hoses. Milwaukee Tool says that the flat hose pick eases user frustrations and reduces the frequency of damaging hoses while loosening, pulling, and prying them.
I don’t know of any hose removal pick and tool sets that include anything like this, and so this could be an interesting addition for users who already own a broad selection of hooks and picks.
The new tools are chrome-plated for rust protection and easy cleaning.
Milwaukee backs the new hose picks with a lifetime guarantee.
Milwaukee Hook and Pick Sets
- 4pc hose pick set (48-22-9217) – $39.99 (NEW)
- 4pc mini hook and pick set (48-22-9215) – $17.97
- 8pc hose pick and mini pick set (48-22-9218) – $49.99 (NEW)
Price: $15 each, $40 for the 4pc set
ETA: April 2022
Retailers are listing a May shipping ETA.
Discussion
The new hose pick offerings come as a surprise, given that Milwaukee launching their mini hooks and picks set nearly 5 years ago, in May 2017.
It’s also worth pointing out that Milwaukee is launching the new hose picks in two set configurations – a 4pc set and 8pc set including mini hooks and picks – and there will also be open stock options. You can buy any of the new hose picks individually.
When Milwaukee entered the mechanics and automotive maintenance hand tool market, they only offered sets.
Today, Milwaukee offers quite a few of their hand tools with “open stock” options, so that users can purchase individual sizes that they might need or want, duplicates, or replacements.
The flat hose pick seems especially interesting, and I’m curious if it will have applications and usefulness beyond automotive pulling and prying tasks.
Other brands’ hose removal pick sets are configured differently; it will be interesting to see how well mechanics and other users like Milwaukee’s chosen hose pick tip shapes and styles.
JR Ramos
Hmm. I think I’ll stick with others, although that flat spoon does look like it might deserve a purchase. I suppose this is made in China like the majority of their accessories but I really like to support USA tools when I can, so Channellock, Ullman, Moody, and now Tekton will get my hook & pick money. If it’s good steel, though, it’s worth buying, even suffering through the BS marketing like “all-metal core”….really. I’ll tell you what I do not like about these is the triangular-ish grip. Gearwrench did that with their latest crop and sometimes it’s a real hassle because inevitably the working end of the tool will not align where you need it to be in relation to flats on the handle (if that makes sense, and yes, it’s been an issue for me a few times, sounds silly I know).
I use minis all the time and this reminds me to pick up one of the new Tekton sets that are USA made, see if they’re up to snuff. They have that nice glass-nylon handle material and shape as their other screwdrivers (it’s a good material…have drilled and shaped it and it’s legit)…also something like an all-metal core (ha). They’re a tad longer than most minis, which seems to be all in additional handle. They don’t have a complex hook, which would be nice…but they did both of their round hooks correctly (makes me think that maybe Ullman is making these for them).
teicher
I have the new Tekton set and I like them a lot, no hesitation in recommending them. It’s a simple set and I’ve found that I always have a pick that works for what I’m doing. I love the handles too, they’ve got a winner with that design.
fred
The flat one looks a bit akin to one of Lisle’s hose spoons:
https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-82130-Hose-Spoon/dp/B082P2WWLW/
Lang Tools (A&E Inc.) makes one that is even more spoon-like:
https://www.jbtools.com/lang-tools-854-1-straight-hose-remover-installer/
Franck B.
Although I’d have to try that “flat” one, my go-to pick set for over 10 years has been the set from Empire. The carbon steel they use has been (for me) the best combination of strength, resilience, flexibility and corrosion resistance. And the price for the set is such that if you forget one somewhere, it’s no great loss to get a replacement–either to your wallet or the time to locate a new one. I like the thin metal handle… if I need cushioning I wear glove, otherwise I prefer the ease of cleaning and storage.
I used to get them at Sears all the time, but now you can get them a lot of places that Empire Level is carried, like Toolup or Northern. One set is usually less than a single one of the Milwaukees. Which is why I might try the single Milwaukee flat version.
Jerry
Have some already, but will definitely check out the flat one. Got a set of flat o ring picks (spoons) and I use them more than the sharp ones anymore.
Jerry
Did a little looking and it appears Lisle makes a 2 piece flat hose spoon kit. One similar to the one above and one formed into a hook shape. Under $20 for both on Amazon.
For some Reason my tablet doesn’t want to put up a hot link so search for Lisle 82130 hose spoon
fred
see my link above
Nathan
yeah I was going to type hose spoon. nice. One thing that is good for is you start it under a hose end and flip it over so the curve can ride the neck end – as you pry-push gently. or that’s how I used it. but I made my own years ago with some chrome wire.
I’m curious where are these made for the cost of these? one thing that’s a little unusual is I see the bigger pick has a double bend as opposed to a gentler curve. Like the Gearwrech ones shown. WHich by the way these sound alot like the gear wrench ones. anyway nifty but seemingly spendy.
Also had I not gotten the gearwrench ones free – I was planning to buy a tekton set.
OH and if any of you have a canister filter oil filter setup on your car with the 3 o-rings the one that is tiny on the end is tight as all get out. mini bent pick in your friend for putting that back on – as is a super glue cap. (forcing cone)
2.7L ford ecoboost is a great example.
Franck B.
You can just cut the o-ring off with a utility knife and put the new ones on. I don’t know about small engines but at least the German V-8s are like that.
Jared
Looks pretty good honestly. Might see what a set sells for here in Canada – I could use some larger picks.
skfarmer
i won’t buy milwaukee tools, i despise the brand.
why? pretty much overpriced stuff made by someone else with a red handle and the milwaukee name stuck on it. someone mentioned the pliers recently. tried and true usa made channelock can be bought for less much of the time.
these hose picks/hooks? 15 bucks a pop? a couple years ago i bought a 5 pc set of lisle branded hooks that look just as nice and well built for a fraction of the price, looks like the set (80380) is still available for less than the price of 2 milwaukee picks.
sadly i am sure the milwaukee fans will snarf them right up.
fred
Sadly too – that Lisle who used to make most of their items in the USA at their own facility – now seem to be sourcing their picks (at least the ones that I linked to above) from some other OEM in China
JR Ramos
For a long time Rimac made many of the Lisle items, but sometimes the other way around. We noticed casting marks and other little details on some puller bodies, and sure enough, they were identical between the brands. Looking at the price sheets, it became obvious who the actual manufacturer was (we had best pricing for both brands and as far as I know that was actually true for both with no secret sheets). Lisle had several things made by others. I don’t know when they cut back making many of their own tools but last time I took a good look at a wall of their tools it was obvious how the quality has suffered a bit (still generally very good tools). I miss Rimac.
Andrew
I think the only Milwaukee things I own are some saw blades and some driver bits, but their channelock pliers have a better mechanism overall.
Their power tools are great, more so for the variety and toughness. I don’t own any, though, because of the cost. I have had my eyes on the ratchets, though, and have been watching sales to possibly pick one up then.
Jared
I’m not sure that’s fair.
Yes, Milwaukee makes a lot of stuff in China.
Yes, Milwaukee’s pricing tends to be high for stuff made in China.
Nevertheless, the tools tend to be pretty good performers.
Jared
Hit enter too early. I meant to include some examples:
E.g. the 7-in-1 combo wiring pliers are about $35 in Canada. Channellock’s equivalent is $50. Both are good tools and I’d probably go blue for the difference, but there’s no denying the Milwaukee’s are good too.
A half-dozen screwdrivers is regularly on special for ~$20. I think the nearest competitor would be Tekton for a few bucks more. Pretty comparable – though you can grab the Milwaukee in Home Depot.
Ratchets and sockets are where I feel like things diverge. Milwaukee wants as much or more for their offerings when compared to good quality offerings from Taiwan and even budget stuff from the USA (e.g. Williams in particular). On the one hand, Milwaukee might argue their stuff is just as good – and maybe that’s true. On the other – there’s some stiff competition in this space. I find it hard to make a case for buying Milwaukee over Tekton, Williams or even Toptul (the latter assumes you don’t care about warranty – but you can save a bundle).
fred
I think that Milwaukee (TTI) is not doing anything different than Dewalt (SBD) – and in fact is just trying to compete in the hand tool space by taking advantage of brand recognition. The Milwaukee relationship with Home Depot – may also be somewhat of a push-pull with more rack/shelf space now being devoted to Milwaukee – because they have more items to offer.
I remember the time when most brands stuck to their knitting, and you sort of knew what to expect from major US power tool brands like B&D, Milwaukee, Porter Cable and Skil. You also had a fair handle on expectations about hand tools – with many brands more narrowly defined in terms of offerings. Stanley may well have started the blurring of lines effect as they acquired many brands once known for certain lines of tools – but then tried to morph them into something else to see if the brand name had enough cache to gain market traction. My thought was often: “what are these guys thinking” – when I saw tools like wrenches with the Bostitch or Record name applied. Most of those forays seem to have faded away – but some have stuck – having been more successful. Certainly B&D’s morphing of the Dewalt from being a failing RAS manufacturer into a premier tool brand is an example. To a lesser extent the Irwin brand has been transitioned from being a competitor of Russell-Jennings brace bits into a much broader brand.
I thought that Lowes foray into selling Knipex pliers might incentivize HD to pick up some other German brands – but that was a very short-lived hope as Knipex disappeared from Lowes racks. Instead. Lowes cut a deal with SBD for Craftsman stuff (seemingly trading on nostalgia more than reinvigorated quality) to run side by side with Kobalt – and HD has decided to put in Milwaukee hand tools – to run along with their Husky stuff.
Franck B.
Hmm, locally the Lowe’s have a least 7-8 different Knipex products actually in stock. They’re in the electrical tools section though, near where the now-virtually-nonexistent Southwire tools were (to be replaced by not-to-be-trusted Kobalt electrical tools).
All the Wiha product in stock is limited to bits/accessories and is in the normal tool area. I had thought they had some insulated drivers but if they did it was short-lived as well.
Harry
the flat nose hose pick is similar to just about everybody else’s flat nose hose pick. They’re probably all made in the same Taiwan shop with different names and handles attached. I have the lisle version and I’m not too keen on its handle shape. This Milwaukee version looks more comfortable. At work, the flat nose hose picks are popular and used for many other things besides hoses. Connectors, trim panels, center caps on wheels, etc. pretty versatile tool. all of the tool trucks have a version.
If you guys think $40 for four picks is expensive, you need to step on a tool truck. Kind of surprised to see all of the hate aimed at Milwaukee. I must live a sheltered life in my fleet shop. Don’t really have many Milwaukee hand tools but, all of at work use the hell out of M12/M18 tools. I’ll pick up the four piece set.
Stuart
I don’t recall seeing them before, at least not in most brands’ pick sets. Looking at “hose spoons,” it’s not entirely new, just new to me.
fred
I get your point about the same OEM – or at least one copying from another. But the Lisle is made in China – so if the Milwaukee in made in Taiwan – then there is a slight difference. The one that looks different (more spoon-like) is the Lang 854-1
Meanwhile – I’m still using an old Proto 2307 hose spoon -all steel – no handle – flat on one end with a hook on the other end. No longer made – but eBay sellers are calling it rare and asking way inflated prices.
Harry
I’ve never seen the Proto 2307 tool until I just looked it up on ebay. Seems like a timeless working design that might have been ahead of its time. I’m surprised it’s no longer made. Thanks for sharing!!!
I doubt if the new Milwaukee hose picks are Taiwan made. I think their smaller pick set is now made in China.