Raise your hand if you want Milwaukee to come out with an M18-powered cordless air compressor.
Ridgid was the first power tool brand to come out with a cordless air compressor.
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Ryobi also has a cordless air compressor.
Dewalt later came out with a FlexVolt air compressor.
Metabo announced a new cordless air compressor last year.
Craftsman just came out with a 2.5 gallon cordless compressor.
So, why not Milwaukee?
Milwaukee has a couple of air nailers, but it’s not a tool category they are particularly well known for. In recent years, Milwaukee has been expanding and improving upon their line of M18 Fuel cordless nailers. Now that’s a product category that has been growing in popularity.
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Does Milwaukee offer any corded air compressor solutions? I don’t think I’ve seen any, and a quick web search doesn’t turn up any such products. So, with a cordless air compressor, they’d be starting from scratch. Well, kind of.
TTI, Milwaukee’s parent company, is also responsible for Ridgid and Ryobi cordless power tools and accessories at Home Depot, and so there should be some manufacturing know-how, in theory. Or, maybe existing contracts for products or components not produced in-house.
Would users want to see a standalone Milwaukee cordless air compressor, or perhaps an air compressor that’s built into a Packout tool box or rolling tool box?
Would the compressor be powered off a single Milwaukee M18 battery, or might a hypothetical product have the option to connected two batteries?
What about the air tank capacity – 1 gallon, 2.5 gallons, or maybe a little larger?
Milwaukee is quite capable of venturing into new cordless power tool territory. So why haven’t they come out with a cordless air compressor yet?
How might a cordless air compressor disrupt the market? That’s the question to ask, and is likely the question Milwaukee Tool product managers are themselves asking.
With that in mind, here’s what I think would be be nice to see in a cordless Milwaukee M18 air compressor:
- Corded or cordless operation
- At least a 2.0 gallon capacity air tank
- Packout-compatible design, possible with internal hose (and cord) storage
There are several challenges with fitting an air compressor into a tool box enclosure, or tool box-sized geometry. First, a Packout air compressor will be larger than competing models, unless they went with a small capacity and half-size Packout. For a larger compressor, you can add a handle and wheels, like on the Packout cart, but that’s going to make for an even bulkier and heavier setup.
For Milwaukee’s first cordless air compressor, they might skip Packout compatibility. That might cost them some attention, but would probably result in a smaller, lighter, and more convenience package.
Milwaukee has been developing cordless versions of air tools – M12 die grinders and ratchets, and M18 air nailers and impact wrenches. That’s a lot of different solutions. How many different sized cordless air compressors would they come out with, in theory? Maybe one size, aimed at replacing 1 to 6 gallon pancake style or hot dog-style air compressors, with general and construction nailer applications in mind?
I’m sure Milwaukee can build a cordless air compressor, and I’m sure they can build a good one. But what kind of cordless air compressor would users be most interested in?
I’m also wondering about the potential for Milwaukee to shatter the mold. Maybe we’ll see some kind of modular Packout air compressor, with two different sizes of air tanks, or even the ability to stack a couple of air tanks. You can have a motor box, a compact tool box for hose and tool or accessory storage, and then full-width Packout-compatible air tank modules that are connected to the compressor via quick-connect coupler.
Does a Milwaukee cordless compressor need to be “disruptive” for it to succeed on the market?
If Milwaukee came out with an M18 Fuel air compressor, would you buy it? What features or specs would you like to see?
Update:
Dirck Van Lieu
I’d like to see a PACKOUT-compatible compressor with perhaps a 2½ gallon capacity with the ability, as you say, to couple another tank. Something that doesn’t come on again after three nails. There are times when I’d carry a compressor just to blow things clean. Yes to wheels!
Christopher
Why would you get a tank when they have battery operated nail guns???
Chris
I want an m12 compressor that can power my snap on air hammer?
Dale Nelson
Good luck on that one as there’s nothing but a large compressor it seems that can power the air hammers.
Why not Milwaukee just come out with a M18 cordless air hammer, though it wouldn’t have air seeing a tool of that type would be impressive!
Eric
Yeah, I think an air hammer is the last big tool for automotive that could use a battery powered version.
fred
A M12 that could fit in the pocket and power a Hutchkins 2000 sander would be nice too! We can all hope ☺☺
Tom D
What I would want to see is shaped like the Packout base – maybe two pancakes or something to make room for wheels – ability to run corded or cordless and ability to charge the batteries in corded mode.
Nate B
Batteries are such a terrible way to run an air compressor, though. Or, air is such a terrible way to transmit power from a battery to a tool. I understand it makes sense in some situations, but hopefully not very many.
For this reason, I wish all those cordless air compressors were also hybrid, AC-power capable. You really want to use AC whenever it’s an option, but it’d suck to have to carry TWO compressors. If Milwaukee goes this route, they’d have a leg up on the rest of the market.
Frank D
1000%
All the new battery operated tools that are stationary should be dual power xxv / 110v.
Best of both worlds. Cordless when you need it for smaller task or where no power exists. Corded when you need extended run time and don’t want to kill your batteries with one or more full daily discharges.
Jeremiah McKenna
You’re missing the point of battery powered tools, as well as their own capabilities. They are already just as, or even more powerful than corded tools, plus the run time has greatly increased with longer amp hour ratings, and better charge/discharge rates and cycles.
Adam
Yes, runtime has increased, but still not forever. Ryobi has transfer pump w/ hybrid power, but M18 doesn’t. I personally would like the option for AC power, just for that one time it is critical the water keeps pumping. Yes the reason I’m buying is it is cordless, but if hybrid power can be added, why not.
Ryobi did puzzle me though, as they should have included hybrid power on their shop vac.
Landon
Nobody is missing the point. The M18 air compressor sucks because you can’t plug it in. I own it, and don’t even bother because it kills a 12.0Ah battery very fast, way under an hour of very little work. So I still have to get out a charger and plug it in. Would rather just plug it in…and use battery only whrn necessary.
Hybrid system would serve the customer greatly, but then Milwaukee sells less batteries, so they won’t until all the competition does and they’re forced to.
Mr Weedley
I agree. if they insist on a battery powered compressor make it hybrid. preferably I would like to see them continue to perfect the m18 gun line
andy
I predict variable speed based on the battery you use and maybe even the tank pressure (quick boost when possible). Also a quieter pump style like California Air tools.
Eric
I don’t think they have to disrupt the market. I don’t think a compressor is something that people will jump ship to another manufacturer over. Especially since Milwaukee doesn’t have much in the way of air tools to pair it with for those wanting total brand loyalty. They just need something competitive with the others on the market for those of us that don’t want to have to buy batteries for another platform.
Chris
What is the internal volume of this tote?
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/milwaukee-packout-compact-tool-box-012020/%3C/a%3E%3Cbr /> I can’t find an answer, but that might give a better idea of how much you can squeeze in (Maybe between ryobi and ridgid size while still being portable).
Ryan
1,330 cubic inches
Jp
M18. Prefer a design intended for cordless as primary with the ability to use cords if needed. Would need to be a fuel design with the ability to make use of h.o. batteries. Prefer smaller size, 2.-3 gal but decent pressure. Don’t care about high scfm, i got a large compressor for that.
PlaneGrain
May see a battery/ 120 ac packout Vac.
Big Richard
I almost think they’d skip the M18 and go straight to something like a 225psi 15 gal MX Fuel. That way they could lay claim to the first “full size” cordless air compressor. I’d much rather an M18, but I do like to see companies push the boundaries of cordless tech.
Devin Spartan
That would be sweet!
Dust
Funny thing is there are patent drawings published On Google for a packout compressor. I have the photos saved on my phone if you want to see, but the listing is a bit of a pain to find.
Dust
https://patents.google.com/patent/EP3567249A2/en?assignee=Milwaukee&oq=Milwaukee&sort=new&page=7
Well I found it, lest anyone think I’m full of it.
andy
Has some of our predictions in there. Including my variable speed one, and A/C power option.
Stuart
Thanks! I haven’t seen that before. Figure 1 is what I envisioned an all-in-one-box setup could look like, based on what we’ve seen before from other brands.
There are a couple of compressors-in-a-box, but they’re awfully small, with 1.6 gallon capacity for the $475 Rolair
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/rolair-airstak-air-compressor-in-systainer-tool-box/%3C/a%3E%3Cbr /> https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/cadex-air-compressor-in-a-systainer-tool-box/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Scott
I would rather invest in airless tools than a battery compressor. I have already “cut the cord”. I would love to “cut the hose”. Give me an m18 framing nailer, roofing nailer, sheeting stapler, and soffit stapler. I would rather spend money on airless m18 than a battery compressor.
David Williams
I totally agree! If your talking disruptive why continue with the air and hoses. It takes more energy to run a piston pump and store the air and then hose it to an air nailer which drives another hammer driven piston. Waiting impatiently for their cordless framing nailer and hopefully a roofing nailer to follow. Just “Cut the Cord”
Ryan Kleber
They actually already make a small 18 volt compressor by RIGID which is owned by tti the same company that makes Milwaukee. It can run off one or two 18 volt rigid battery. Available at home depot for around 225 dollars.
Stuart
Milwaukee and TTI North America don’t have the same cross-flow relationship as other brands, such as Dewalt and Craftsman, and so an eventual Milwaukee M18 cordless air compressor wouldn’t necessarily share much from Ridgid’s design or construction.
Dan Dahl
Im holding out for the m18 blender and coffee maker!
Big Richard
Makita is crushing the coffee maker market. I’d like to see both DeWalt and Milwaukee step it up. Some of us work for a living and we need our caffeine.
Devin Spartan
I need the coffee maker!
Kenneth Lissman
Well I couldn’t wait and made my own milwauke m18 powered air compressor. Took a compressor for a vehicle air system, an 2 gallon tank from an old compressor and put them together. I use it to pump up the plumbing system when testing.
TC
What a coincidence, I was googling if anyone has stuffed a compressor into a wheeled packout like the tanks ones two days ago. For me definitely corded with option of batteries and must be packout compatible. Being able to add tanks is a great idea as well.
Brian Pond
What I would personally like to see is a M18 version of the M12 inflator. But I’m a plumber so I use the Inflator for pumping up systems to test for leaks. Just be nice to have a beefier system that can inflate large pipe without having to break out a corded air compressor.
Jeremiah McKenna
I’ll tell you Exactly Why Milwaukee doesn’t have a compressor and more than likely won’t have one in the future. They have already said that their core focus is on cordless equipment and tools and that means all cords to include air hoses. Why would they make a compressor if they aren’t going to make pneumatic tools?
Stuart
User needs/wants/demands. I don’t think Milwaukee would let philosophy interrupt innovation.
TomB
I don’t honestly know any professionals invested in m18 who are banging down the door for a cordless air compressor. I’m personally three jobs deep on the new m18 18g nailer and I’ll be damned if I pull a hose again. It’s just that good.
Big Richard
How does that help me with my 23g pin nailers? There is no cordless model. And for those who already own different pneumatic staplers, pin, brad, or finish nailers, it would only be a couple hundred dollar investment for a cordless compressor vs. nearly $1k for a full lineup of similar cordless nailers.
I’m all for upgrading to completely cordless, but for many it will be a gradual process.
fred
Are there not several different cordless pin nailers? Perhaps not one on your preferred battery platform but I bought a petty bad Makita XTP01Z some years ago – and they have since replaced it with a new XTP02Z (maybe better?) new model. Then there is the Grex GCP650, Ryobi P318, and Hitachi NP18DSAL
I do get your point that replacing a stable of pneumatics with cordless would be costly and might add some performance or other issues.
Big Richard
fred, I was more or less referring to a Milwaukee model. You’re correct that there are some out there, Metabo HPT has a nice one, but I was implying that it is not as easy as just “get an M18 nailer instead of an M18 compressor”, because they don’t have a full lineup per se.
Redug
Ryobi has a cordless 23g airstrike pin nailer. Not sure if it is good enough for long term use
hangovna
Many guys still favor small lightweight trim nailers, and have expensive ones. There’s a market for a compact cordless air compressor so for MKE to sit quiet on that is a missed opportunity.
Mark Korth
Amen brother!
Dan
Festool recently announced a battery powered Systainer Air Compressor manufactured by Rolair.
Rolair AIRSTAK 1HP 1.6-Gallon Systainer Compressor
https://www.festoolproducts.com/rolair-airstak-1hp-1-6-gallon-systainer-compressor.html?utm_source=google_shopping&gclid=CjwKCAjwg6b0BRBMEiwANd1_SFVuvsWHjGkAO_hU_32tHjWaNlrJBG77bdm1C-rWMv328u0ov3DS-hoCZiAQAvD_BwE
Adam
Then why are they coming out with MX power station?
On that note, I wouldn’t mind seeing the packout roller power station that popped up in patents last year.
Like Stuart said, user demand. I get Milwaukee want to go cordless, and on one battery. But it doesn’t always make sense. Plenty of tools could go to 2 batteries, and I plenty of things I’d use a small compressor for, like cleaning a computer. But I’d want hybrid power still. If they can put it on a $40 Ryobi fan, they can easily put it on other tools
Steven
We use our company dewalt 20v compressor alot for testing hydronic lines, potable waterlines and stapling heating plates aboard a bakers scaffold.
It operates flawlessly and we love to use it…..unfortunately the company is more red than yellow so the one battery has to be charged and ready at all times. Our work use doesnt always discharge battery fully so it fits us perfectly.
Milwaukee cordless compressor! Yes, a thousand times yes
fred
While they are at it a M18 cordless hydrostatic test pump would be nice too. The Reed drill-powered one is OK – but a single unit would ne nicer.
https://www.amazon.com/Reed-Tool-DPHTP500-Drill-Powered-Hydrostatic/dp/B00HUCDL6Q/
William McDermott
Although non cordless. The small Senco air compressor drops right into the base Packout unit( wheeled Packout). I intend to set mine up with external hookups for electricity and air.
Alex v.
Other than refilling pneumatic tires, why would one need a cordless air compressor from Milwaukee? So far, Milwaukee has done an excellent job developing cordless power tools that have cut the cord and the air line with it. In my opinion, their well designed M12 air compressor is all that one needs. In addition, what specific Milwaukee tools would require the use of a compressor? I can’t think of any offhand.
Dan
Milwaukee never made an air compressor; only a inflator. It dose not provide enough CFM for nail guns.
Chris
I’d like one for airing up semi truck tires, Ned something a little larger than 12v
Andreas
So many tools ive wanted milwaukee to make, i eventually decided to invest in ryobi for those special cordless tools because i was sick of waiting.
ie. Compressor, hot gluegun, inflator/deflator, router (milwaukee didn’t have their version out yet.) RC car.
Matthew
I did the same thing (but with DeWalt being my primary brand). Too many niche tools that don’t get a lot of use to justify waiting on or paying a premium for.
Dan
First, introduce a 28”x28”x28” rolling PackOut. Second, build cordless compressor to fit it.
Justin
Check out “packout hangout & organization nation” (<-one name) on FB it's already been done buy someone, milwaukee left the gates wide open on customization for packouts
keith griffith
An air hose is a cord, no? Just picked up the 18g m18 nailer – it’s freaking brilliant – and no compressor/hose/plug/fittings to mess with. Selling my compressor. Got the m12 inflator – motorbike and car tires are set. What do I need a compressor for? Blowing dust about the shop? Best to suck that up with an m12 or m18 vac. Cord free is the future – wifi/bluetooth/cel – Milwaukee is winning. Grinders and ratchets and impact wrenches – zero need for an energy suck like a compressor.
Nathan
Not to burst anyone bubbles but from a physics standpoint recognize that past 1 gallon most common compressor tanks start to get large and I think beyond that it would be too big for a Packout style size envelope. by the time you consider required safety factors and etc.
But aside from there I think there is room for a packout 1gallon, M18 compressor that would run an air- nailer. it would be a nifty idea.
Jon
I change transport tires. the 1/2 m18 fuel impact will take off transport wheels.. Something like 750ft lbs torque.
Mike
I don’t think they will make one, because they are trying to go completely cordless and even the compressor would be cordless you still need a hose to run the nail gun
Zachary Oliver
Do your homework better. Milwaukee did have a compressor and you can easily find it with a Google search. FAIL
Stuart
Are you talking about their inflator? Inflators and compressors are not the same thing…
Dan
It was and is an inflator used for inflating tires and toys. Milwaukee never made a battery operated compressor. You’re the one that needs to do your homework.
Devin Spartan
I would like to see such a compressor IF ac power were an option AND the rolling gear were more robust than it is on the packout base currently. One of my co-workers had the axle on the packout base bend after two months, undoubtedly it was overloaded. Anyway, such a compressor should be constructed al la a hand truck or dolly in order that the load rating could be increased. For that matter, the packout base should be made the same way as well. Some of us need to use all the volume of these boxes for complex trades, they can easily exceed their weight rating.
Frank D
Part of the issue with packout is in a way that the units themselves are pretty hefty and it doesn’t take much to load up a few cases with tools, stack some supply cases on it … for the axle and plastic wheels.
Devin Spartan
Yup. That lack of heft is why I have not gone to the packout system myself. I would have overloaded it well beyond what my co-workers have done. The axle/wheel/and even the handle situation need to be beefed up for me to switch from my service cart.
Steven
Yeah, for 70% of tradesmen its not practical(packout dolly)If you bang out large scale commercial where you have hard floor surface, not muddy in and out work.
In my opinion, just make the compressor, same size as dewalt, same cost. You cant compete with corded compressors for recovery. You can kick its ass with portability. Lots of carpenters eyes light up when we roll out our lil compressor.
Make it a size you “can” fit it into a pack out.
Devin Spartan
Additionally, I wish the would make a cordless micro pinner, maybe in the M12 line for the size savings. Also, it wouldn’t be a stretch for sawzall guts to be used to make an air hammer replacement, as some had mentioned a desire to see. The same could be true for a needle scaler also, which would be pretty handy actually.
Chris
I’d love to see an air hammer in 18v. It wouldn’t be called an air hammer then though, maybe the electric slide?
Thedude
Why does everyone equate power with batteries? There is always a power cost for portability. Batteries are the worst power source but you gain convenience. You can’t have both. Same for houses, same for cities, minus the portability. They will never even come close to thermal sources.
Allan Chambers
All my kit is Milwaukee.. I use my finish nailer daily, the only things id want a cordless compressor for was blowing my tools clean at the end of the job and inflating a tire on the truck if I had a slow puncture on a job. Thats why I fitted a 12v compressor and air tank on the truck. At the end of a work day I can hook up my airline and blow my tools clean before packing them away
Kyle
Personally my best use for a cordless compressor should be able to be filled by the m12 inflator. But reports of overheating, short battery life, and not being able to air truck tires up to 80psi has me hoping for a compact 18v solution. If it had enough capacity to occasionally use a blow gun or an air nailer that would be a nice bonus.
Marc
Need a m 18 to air up tires. I do not electricity when I am mobile and not reasonable to drag around heavyweight bulky air compressor in the event I might need it. (Landscaping business application)
Marc
I have several tool inventions for Milwaukee. they do not contact me I have left my information in the past. I specifically said questioned do they compensate for ideas of new tool ideas. I received no response. I do not understand. Milwaukee as a company seems quite interactive with the public with demonstrations and giving people free tools to help make YouTube videos and give feed back on the tools. ?
Isaac
Theres no way they’re coming out with a compressor of any kind, they’re completely abandoning the air game.
They’re switching over all their nailers to battery power and discontinuing the air nailers.
Makes no sense for them to make a compressor to use with other brands tools, would take away from their battery powered tools.
Dan
Milwaukee continues to produce 120v corded tools, although I prefer the cordless battery. We may not see an M18 compressor, however we may see a MX Fuel type. The MX Fuel battery system is rated 72 volts at 3.0Ah. It’s going to open up with loads of new tools. I believe a suitable air compressor is being developed.
OTNIEL ALVAREZ
I will love that
Nathan Brower
How about this 2 gallon, 1.2 CFM Milwaukee M18 cordless compressor patent? https://www.instagram.com/p/B9aiYDaDcHR/?igshid=xylt2krmn1ym
Stuart
Hmm, looks close to the Dewalt design a little bit, with the protective frame and one-knob regulator.
Big Richard
He also predicted a 2x18v last year.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx2XeuYA2vA/?igshid=85uu3q0l9w6w
Rob
Any tool a compressor that size can handle, Milwaukee already offers a battery powered version. I’m loving my Hitachi nailers (wish their was a stapler) and just about everyone’s impact wrenches and grinders. I will probably pick up a Makita tire inflator soon. I have awesome cordless blowers. What do I need a portable compressor for at this point? Paint applications?
KG
Well, it looks like their first entry will be packout compatible and 2 gallons set for a June release. It shows a decent looking side handle instead of wheels.
https://www.toolnut.com/milwaukee-2840-20-m18-fuel-2-gallon-cordless-compact-quiet-compressor-tool-only.html
Can’t tell for sure but it doesn’t seem to have the AC plugin flexibility a lot of people wanted to see. I suppose the claimed 68db is the “disruptor” they look to hang their hat on.
Mr. Tate Nasty
M18 2 gallon air compressor coming July 1 2020