ToolGuyd

Tool Reviews, New Tool Previews, Best Tool Guides, Tool Deals, and More!

  • New Tools
  • Reviews
  • Guides
    • Best Cordless Power Tool Brand
    • Tool Brands: Who Owns What?
    • Best Cordless Drills (2021)
    • Dewalt UWO Explained
    • Where to Buy Tools
    • Best Tool Kit Upgrades
    • Best Extension Cord Size
    • Best Tape Measure
    • Best Safety Gear
    • Best Precision Screwdrivers
    • Best Tool Brands in Every Category
    • Ultimate Tool Gift Guide
    • More Buying Guides
  • Hand Tools
    • Bit Holders & Drivers
    • EDC, Pocket, & Multitools
    • Electrical Tools
    • Flashlights & Worklights
    • Knives
    • Mechanics’ Tools
    • Pliers
    • Screwdrivers
    • Sockets & Drive Tools
    • Wrenches
    • All Hand Tools
  • Power Tools
    • Accessories
    • Cordless
    • Drills & Drivers
    • Oscillating Tools
    • Saws
    • Woodworking Tools
    • All Power Tools
  • Brands
    • Bosch
    • Craftsman
    • Dewalt
    • Makita
    • Milwaukee
    • Ryobi
    • All Brands
  • USA-Made
  • Deals
ToolGuyd > New Tools > Milwaukee Pipeline 2022 – See the New Tools!

Milwaukee Pipeline 2022 – See the New Tools!

Jun 29, 2022 Stuart 110 Comments

If you buy something through our links, ToolGuyd might earn an affiliate commission.

We’re here at Milwaukee Pipeline 2022, where Team Red will be showing off their latest and greatest new tools.

This is going to be a long day of tool demos, interviews, and hands-on testing!

Update: Wow, what a day. There is a LOT of info to unpack, and many questions to answer. Please tell us what you’re most interested in hearing more about, so that we can prioritize our follow-up coverage accordingly.

Advertisement

We want to do something new this year, and will try to provide you with updates throughout the day. The goal is to give you the earliest-possible look at Milwaukee’s new tools, and an opportunity to ask questions in the comments.

Update: Please also let us know if/how you liked our Day 1 coverage, and what we could improve upon in the future!

Follow Along

Stuart @ToolGuyd: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Ben @Electronsmith: Instagram
Andrew @ByAndrewWagner: Twitter

We will be posting quick snippets to social media as time and circumstances permit.

Live Streams

We hope to have a live stream from the Pipeline event. In case that doesn’t work out, or even if it does, also check out VCG Construction and Tool Review Zone for live and interactive coverage.

(Unfortunately, it didn’t work out.)

Advertisement

ToolGuyd – YouTube

VCG Construction – YouTube
Tool Review Zone – YouTube

Milwaukee Pipeline 2022 Coverage Updates

Here’s what’s new:

  • M12 Fuel Hammer Drill, Impact Driver (Gen 3)
  • M18 Fuel Hammer and Impact Driver (Gen 4)
  • M18 Carry-on 4-battery 1800W/3600W peak power supply
  • M18 Track Saw
  • M12 Orbital Detail Sander & Abrasives Line
  • M18 Belt Sander
  • Redlithium USB Worklight with Docking Station
  • M12 High Output 2.5Ah and 5.0Ah Batteries
  • 90T Flex-Head Ratchets
  • Large Wrench Sizes
  • Spark Plug Sockets
  • Nitrus Carbide Wrecker Sawzall Blade
  • 1/4” Lockbolt Tool & Riveter Attachment
  • Dead Blow Mallets
  • Ball Pein Hammers

Some of our and your Milwaukee Pipeline 2022 Predictions came true!

Intro Session

Andrew Wagner will be providing ongoing reporting of the event, and will be monitoring the comments section for questions to ask the available product managers and engineers.

Good morning and welcome to Milwaukee — the city and the company!

Milwaukee Tool’s PIPELINE event is underway, and we’ve already seen one new product — an M18 power supply — and heard of another: a long-awaited M18 track saw, which was announced at the very end of CEO Steve Richman’s opening remarks.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stuey (@toolguyd)

Updated M12 Fuel & M18 Fuel Drills & Drivers

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stuey (@toolguyd)

But our first demonstration of the day was updates to Milwaukee’s M12 and M18 drilling and driving lines, both of which boast all kinds of impressive specs (which we’ll get into more detail about later) but also, and perhaps most noteworthy, new technology.

The new Gen 3 (M12) and Gen 4(M18) Fuel drills and impact drivers feature improved trigger control and a proprietary AI feature Milwaukee calls AUTOSTOP, which allows the drill or driver to adjust its automatic shut-off based on the type of accessory being used, speed of the application, battery charge level, and temperature, as well as the tool’s orientation and how the user is gripping the tool.

The object of this tech is two-fold: maximize productivity and enhance safety. The AUTOSTOP is an anti-rotation safety feature – and more.

New tools with new tech: milwaukee adds AI to its M12 & M18 drills and impact drivers to help reduce the risk of injury that comes with added power and capability. pic.twitter.com/1rekB7SwsB

— Andrew | Five-Tool Workshop (@5ToolWorkshop) June 28, 2022

As for other features, there are improvements to the heat sink, to allow for better airflow and cooling, and longer endurance to handle more heavy-duty tasks.

Notably, Milwaukee managed to increase the power and capability without adding anything in terms of size/weight; the M18 hammer drill is almost identical in size compared to the previous generation while the M12 impact is actually a half-inch smaller than its predecessor.

Stuart: The new M12 Fuel hammer drill feels substantially more compact than the previous versions!

Both the M12 and M18 drills and impacts will be available in August.

Finally: The M18 Fuel Track Saw

Perhaps the folks at Milwaukee have been reading the comments here following every Milwaukee-related posted over the last few years because at long last, the M18 Fuel Track Saw has arrived.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Benjamen Johnson (@electronsmith)

Wait a second…

As promised by CEO Steve Richman this morning: “the damn track saw” is finally here. It’s real, and it’s spectacular. pic.twitter.com/UCqH8O1SMa

— Andrew | Five-Tool Workshop (@5ToolWorkshop) June 28, 2022

CEO Steve Richman confirmed it during his introductory remarks and we just got our first look at the tool as well as a full range of accessories including three different tracks (31-inch, 55-inch and 106-inch), clamps and connectors, additional strips, storage bag and blades — which will be the standard 6 1/2-inch size with 20mm arbor.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dirck Van Lieu (@ack_workbench)

Dirck (@ack_workbench) showed off its cutting action.

Sanders and Sanders and Sheets, Oh my…

For all the cord-cutting that’s taken place in shops and on job sites over the last few years, one tool in Milwaukee’s product line has remained steadfastly tethered to its always-out-of-the-way electrical outlet: the belt sander.

Belt sanders were the “last corded relic” on the job site and now that cord can be cut with when the M18 Fuel version is released this summer. pic.twitter.com/tX5ArebhOA

— Andrew | Five-Tool Workshop (@5ToolWorkshop) June 28, 2022

That is finally about to change as Milwaukee just introduced an M18 Fuel belt sander which has the equivalent of 8 amps of corded power and 80% dust collection efficiency with the included dustbag or vacuum attachment. Featuring a 3×18″ belt, users can adjust the speed from 700-1350 sanding feet per minute.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stuey (@toolguyd)

Milwaukee also announced an M18 Fuel 1/4 sheet sander and a brand-new M12 detail sander, a “dedicated finishing tool that can handle a wide range of applications in the shop or on the job site” especially small detail work and pieces of trim that ordinarily require use of a sanding sponge, ripped-off sandpaper sheets or traditional tools which are often too aggressive for the job.

New M12 High Output Batteries

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stuey (@toolguyd)

Fifteen years after the M12 line of subcompact tools first hit the market, the batteries powering those tools have gotten a pretty substantial upgrade.

New batteries for the M12 line. High Output CP & XC batteries that provide 25% more power and run 25% cooler than the previous RedLithium batteries but without adding weight or size. pic.twitter.com/gqoHBUXcUq

— Andrew | Five-Tool Workshop (@5ToolWorkshop) June 28, 2022

Milwaukee introduced new RedLithium High Output CP and XP batteries maintain the same shape, style and weight as pervious versions of the M12 RedLithium batteries but offer 25% more power while running 25% cooler.

RedLithium USB Worklight with Charging Dock

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stuey (@toolguyd)

Automotive Tools

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stuey (@toolguyd)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stuey (@toolguyd)

Related posts:

Milwaukee-Double-Packout-Tool-Box-at-Home-DepotMilwaukee Packout Rolling Tool Chest Makes its Big Arrival at Home Depot Flex Stacked Pouch Cordless Power Tool BatteryFlex Stacked Lithium Battery Sizes Have Been Revealed

Sections: New Tools, News Tags: Milwaukee Pipeline 2022More from: Milwaukee

« Noga Makes a Deburring Multi-Tool
New Harbor Freight Hercules 5pc Router Bit Set »

110 Comments

  1. fred

    Jun 28, 2022

    ToolNut sent out an email this morning offering preorders on some of the new Milwaukee items and teasing with offers to email (when available) others.

    Two M12 batteries (48-11-2425 – 2.5Ah HO and 48-11-2450 5.0Ah XC) caught my eye. There was also a new M18 power stattion (2845-20) at $699

    Reply
    • Collin

      Jun 28, 2022

      About time they switched away from the 2014 era 2.0ah 18650 cells.

      Reply
      • Adam

        Jun 28, 2022

        Not much they could for a while with the stem style battery fitted exactly for those 3 cells.

        Reply
        • Davethetool

          Jun 29, 2022

          I may have an interest in the Large Size combo wrenches! Depends on what’s in the set. Also, they look like ratcheting wrenches? If so I have lost interest.

          Reply
          • Jlink

            Jul 3, 2022

            They have regular combination wrenches, ratcheting wrenches, and flex head ratcheting wrenches.

      • Drew M

        Jun 28, 2022

        I would be shocked if these were not 18650.

        Funny to me as I was saying a while back that M should replace the 4ah and 6ah with a 5ah as 2.5ah 18650 really are a nice blend of capacity and high discharge rating.

        Reply
        • Chad

          Jun 29, 2022

          I buy the 9.0 m12 batteries on Amazon for a 1/3 of the price they have never let me down but I love Milwaukee power tools

          Reply
      • XRH07

        Jun 28, 2022

        They’re still 18650 cells. 99% likely Samsung 25S, if they end up being the older 25R that’s going to be pretty laughable though.

        Nothing actually realized, at least in terms of output, over the LG HDS 25A cells they were already using, and less output vs a more modern Samsung 20S 2.0. Obviously you still gain the .5 extra Ah either way.

        The M12 battery release is pure marketing hype for the people who mindlessly consume based on buzzwords.

        Reply
        • XRH07

          Jun 28, 2022

          LG HD2**

          Reply
          • Chris

            Jun 29, 2022

            DISRUPTIVE, AI, EXTREME!!!

          • Collin

            Jun 29, 2022

            What if it’s the Molicel 2.6 18650 with the 35 amp max discharge current?

    • MM

      Jun 28, 2022

      Those 2.5ah HOs are very interesting indeed…..

      Reply
      • Stuart

        Jun 28, 2022

        They are, and there’s quite a bit to them. The new cells deliver higher power and greater capacity without the compromises of older tech, such as the 3.0Ah and 6.0Ah. The new batteries also maintains higher discharge current output for longer.

        Reply
        • MM

          Jun 28, 2022

          They sound great, I plan on picking up a couple.

          Reply
        • Phil

          Jun 28, 2022

          What are the older tech compromises associated with the 3.0 and 6.0?

          What exactly is better about this 5.0 vs the 6.0 ? I noticed all the comparisons at nps were the new 5.0 vs the 4.0. Not sure why it wasn’t vs the 6.0 ?

          Does the 5.0 offer higher discharge or more power output to the tools over the 6.0?

          Reply
          • Stuart

            Jun 29, 2022

            In Li-ion battery cells of comparable size and technology, higher charge capacity comes with a tradeoff, as higher charge density means hotter operation and reduced max power discharge capabilities.

            In demanding applications, a battery built with 3x 2.0Ah cells will have better high power discharge endurance than a battery built with 3x 3.0Ah cells.

    • Rog

      Jun 28, 2022

      It looks like Tool Nut has all the tools already listed on their site?

      Reply
    • James C

      Jun 28, 2022

      The 5.0 is branded as a high output XC. I wonder if it can deliver more juice than the existing 4 or 6. I would think so otherwise why make a 5? Could be interesting for some tools like the circular saw.

      Reply
      • Collin

        Jun 28, 2022

        It can definitely deliver more current than the M12 6.0. The 6.0 uses compromised 3ah capacity 18650 cells. Milwaukee specifically stated they did not want to really make an M18 6.0 battery with 18650 cells because they found it ran hotter than the 5.0 and didn’t have enough power as a lowly XC 5.0. So the only M18 6.0 that really exists is the one with 21700 cells.

        The M18 XC5.0 uses 2.5ah 18650 cells.

        Reply
      • Chris

        Jun 29, 2022

        Bunch of marketing BS in reality

        Reply
        • Collin

          Jun 29, 2022

          >Bunch of marketing BS in reality

          I pretty much agree with this. Milwaukee is always hyping up how their “high output” batteries somehow have X% more power AND run cooler. Along with copious use of SNOWFLAKES in their marketing materials, it’s just laughable and pretty damn sad.

          Yeah, sure they run (ice) cold, with how many stories we hear about people with melted M18 batteries on their M18 string trimmers and M18 12.0 batteries going into thermal shutdown after too many cuts with the concrete saw, ostensibly to “protect” your “investment.” Which is a nice way of spinning the fact that the battery shut down because it simply can’t handle the demands you placed on your power tool and it needs time to rest, making you less productive despite your investment.

          I remember about 5 or 6 years ago, Milwaukee was happy to use thermal imaging cameras and show off how cool its batteries ran versus the competition.

          It’s pretty telling that we haven’t seen a single FLIR shot of a Milwaukee battery since 2016. It’s almost as if FLIR cameras got banned from Milwaukee’s campus.

          The reason is DeWalt Flexvolt, running at 3 times the voltage and therefore 1/3rd of the amperage. If there’s a battery that can actually claim to run substantially cooler, then it’s a battery running at 1/3rd the amperage for equivalent watts out.

          Reply
          • Collin

            Jun 29, 2022

            Correction: it’s been even longer than 5 or 6 years since Milwaukee last dared to aim a thermal imaging camera at their battery packs. The last time was in 2014, or 8 years ago, with their XC 5.0 battery pack:

            https://www.toolboxbuzz.com/news/milwaukee-m18-xc5-0-battery-rapid-charge-station-preview/

    • John

      Jun 28, 2022

      Hope there is more than what ToolNut is showing, that is underwhelming.

      Reply
      • Andrew Wagner

        Jun 28, 2022

        Hey, John. Unlike years past, when Milwaukee would essentially unveil a year’s worth of products — some of which were still in the final stages of development and a long way from hitting the market — the company is doing a smaller-scale event today with similar events scheduled over the rest of the year. So while it may seem underwhelming, it’s actually a smaller-scale event focusing on specific “ready-to-go” products and tailored toward specific trades and product lines.

        Reply
        • Chris

          Jun 29, 2022

          Well the new ratchets are only coming in December, hardly ready to go IMO

          Reply
        • Jin

          Jun 29, 2022

          Andrew,

          Any USA made products released or is this all made in China items?

          Reply
      • fred

        Jun 28, 2022

        Acme now seems to have a batch of the new items listed too.

        Reply
  2. Leo B.

    Jun 28, 2022

    Will Milwaukee make their pants in waist sizes smaller than 30? Thanks for your hard work today! Have fun!

    Reply
    • Luke

      Jun 28, 2022

      I was shocked at how uncomfortable those pants were. I wanted to love them but the fit was just all wrong. I’ve since switched to Truewerk for work pants and jackets and shorts and holy moly I can’t recommend Truewerk enough.

      Reply
      • Leo B.

        Jun 29, 2022

        Thanks for the review, Luke! I’ve heard good things about Truewerk, but hit the same problem- 30” is the minimum waist. I did ask them about it, so I’ll have to see what happens.

        Reply
  3. Matthew

    Jun 28, 2022

    Gonna be a great pipeline event! Come on track saw!!

    Reply
    • Andrew Wagner

      Jun 28, 2022

      Hey, Matthew. Can confirm the track saw!

      In fact, Milwaukee CEO Steve Richman wrapped up his opening remarks by announcing that indeed, Milwaukee was finally unveiling “the damn track saw!”

      We’ll be checking it out during one of the afternoon sessions so stay tuned.

      Reply
  4. Nathan

    Jun 28, 2022

    So they are going to make a pouch cell battery too?

    Some of the demos I’ve seen so far are a bit shady. gee do those grey drills, drivers etc happen to have full batteries, or ?

    but new drill new hammer drill, a new driver. Nothing that substantial that I can see other than the new battery. Where’s the track saw?

    Reply
    • Collin

      Jun 29, 2022

      No pouch cell battery yet. Just higher power M12 batteries and the same old M18 batteries.

      Reply
    • Collin

      Jun 30, 2022

      VCG construction got a date on Milwaukee pouch cells. The rep told him to expect news about Milwaukee pouch cell batteries in 2023 (!!)

      A little disappointing that Milwaukee is going to end up at least 2 years behind the curve, but that’s basically Milwaukee’s MO nowadays. Nothing like the early days when TTI took over and had to basically give CPR to a dying brand.

      Reply
      • Stuart

        Jun 30, 2022

        They not so subtly pointed out that Dewalt rushed out a single SKU, and that Milwaukee is taking their time to do things their way.

        If your recall, Dewalt announced a single next-gen cylindrical cell battery (9Ah), and it’s commonly believed they had to redesign it slightly after the battery industry quickly shifted their focus from 20700 to 21700 sized cells.

        I spoke to a Milwaukee product manager after Dewalt’s FlexVolt event, where Dewalt said a 9Ah battery with 20700 cells was on the way, and the Milwaukee manager said they don’t believe in stop-gaps or half measures, and that they were going straight to 21700.

        Today, does it matter which brand was first with larger sized cells, or 5.0Ah battery packs?

        Not too long from now, it’s not going to matter who was first with pouch-style battery packs.

        Reply
  5. Nathan

    Jun 28, 2022

    went too fast I guess.

    Reply
  6. PETE

    Jun 28, 2022

    The m18 power station would be cooler IF it had a 12v solar input option…..

    Reply
  7. Abner Diaz

    Jun 28, 2022

    Have they had any new packout products? I havent seen anything new in the live streams so far

    Reply
    • Andrew Wagner

      Jun 28, 2022

      No Packout products today, Abner, but I expect that line to be covered at an upcoming event.

      Reply
  8. Doug N

    Jun 28, 2022

    Is the gen 4 impact noticeably more powerful or smoother than gen 3? Not sure if both are there to test.

    Reply
    • Mateo

      Jun 28, 2022

      The spec sheets I’ve seen floating around say it’s lost a large chunk of its torque and is also larger.

      Reply
      • Mateo

        Jun 28, 2022

        Presale pages show the opposite, I’ll assume they have the correct specs. 2,000 in/lbs over previous 1,800.

        Reply
        • Big Richard

          Jun 29, 2022

          The gen 3 was rated at 2,000 in/lbs as well. The gen 4 gets an additional 300 RPM, not sure if it gets a boost in IPM as well, couldn’t find any spec on that.

          Reply
  9. Kevin

    Jun 28, 2022

    Called it for the Gen 4 impact driver and drill 😎

    Reply
  10. John

    Jun 28, 2022

    I’m in the market for a bunch of Milwaukee M18 tools. Wondering if we’ll see discounts on current drills and drivers to make room for newer AI-enabled models.

    Reply
  11. Jason

    Jun 28, 2022

    Any word on track saw compatibility for different brands of track? I would love to switch from makita, but the accessories for Makita/Festool tracks is so deep that I would probably just pass on the Milwaukee if it’s proprietary.

    Reply
    • Andrew Wagner

      Jun 28, 2022

      Hey, Jason. I asked the product manager specifically whether or not Milwaukee’s saw and track were proprietary and he said that there will be interchangeability with “some” other brands, but didn’t offer specifics. That’s definitely on my list of follow-up questions. So stay tuned.

      Reply
    • Stuart

      Jun 28, 2022

      Compatible with Festool and Makita guide rails.

      Reply
      • Julian Tracy

        Jun 28, 2022

        Obvious questions: Riving knife? Scoring feature? Anti-tip rail clip? Sight line options for use off the rail? Distance from blade to edge of housing? Angled vac fitting?

        Makita’s cordless track saw is so good that I sold off my Festool TS55 and do not miss it. It’s scoring feature is a game changer and I don’t miss the riving knife as I mostly cut sheet goods with it.

        If MW comes out with an excellent 90 degree square attachment, that’d be great and some parallel guides as Festool’s are simply the most poorly designed product they sell and while I’ve not use Seneca’s, both lack a quick release cam-style removal that would make me want to use them if I could take them off without having to slide off the end of the guide rail.

        I’ve absolutely no interest in the MW saw at all as it’ll be probably never that I buy into the M18 system as I’m diehard Makita alongside Dewalt 20V, but some well thought out accessories would be welcome

        Reply
        • fred

          Jul 1, 2022

          TSO parallel guides are on sale for July 4th.

          https://tsoproducts.com/

          Reply
      • Chris S

        Jun 29, 2022

        Sweet, I thought that rail looked like my Makita rail. Can’t wait to get a deal on the tracksaw.

        Reply
        • Julian Tracy

          Jun 29, 2022

          If you own Makita rails, and thusly probably have the Mak saw – why would you want the MW saw?

          Reply
          • Stuart

            Jun 29, 2022

            Makita 18V X2 saw requires battery juggling, the XGT 40V Max feels very under powered (I bought one and regret it).

            Their rails are good. Sometimes guide rail choice can depend on price and availability.

          • Chris

            Jun 29, 2022

            I have the corded track saw. I don’t want the battery Makita because I would have to get into another battery platform.

  12. Doug N

    Jun 28, 2022

    Any OPE sightings?

    Reply
    • Andrew Wagner

      Jun 28, 2022

      Hey, Doug. No OPE sightings today but my guess is we’ll see some of those at the next PIPELINE event later this year.

      Reply
  13. BH

    Jun 28, 2022

    What do “CP” and “XC” stand for?

    Reply
    • MM

      Jun 28, 2022

      CP = “compact”. They are the batteries that fit entirely inside the handle of the tool with no “brick” hanging off the back.
      XC = “extra capacity”. These are larger batteries which do have a “brick” on the back, and they are higher amp-hour capacity.

      Reply
  14. Rufus

    Jun 28, 2022

    Any new packout announcements?

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Jun 29, 2022

      Unfortunately, no.

      They just launched a whole lot of SKUs, and are probably working on additional products, just nothing they were ready to talk about today.

      Reply
  15. James

    Jun 28, 2022

    I spotted an engine stand at the Mechanics area – was that a Milwaukee stand, or another brands stand in red solely for display purposes?

    Reply
    • Frank D

      Jun 28, 2022

      Was it what looked like maybe a colored ( rebranded?) version of a Jaw Horse?

      Also spotted what looked like Rigid ( Keter ) adjustable saw horses.

      Reply
      • James

        Jun 28, 2022

        Nah it was an engine stand holding the V8 engine that they had on display.

        With people guessing that they might do jacks i was curious to see if the engine stand might be a bit of an easter egg

        Reply
    • Stuart

      Jun 29, 2022

      The tool boxes and cart were Milwaukee products. Other than that, they were other brands’ support equipment.

      Reply
  16. Essential American Firearms

    Jun 28, 2022

    Really happy to see the large combination wrenches, finally! Been waiting for those for a couple years. My question is this…. Are they going to sell those in a set? Basically a continuation above the standard 15 piece sets?

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Jun 29, 2022

      I need to check on that. Most full-line brands offer open stock and sets.

      I checked the pricing details, and it suggests that open stock will be available, but I’m not certain about sets.

      Reply
  17. James C

    Jun 28, 2022

    I wonder how the m12 sander functions. It sure looks like an OMT with a sanding pad, but it’s gotta function differently, right?

    Reply
  18. Clayton

    Jun 28, 2022

    Was there a release date and price on track saw?

    Reply
    • Big Richard

      Jun 29, 2022

      October release. Should be $599 for the kit, don’t think they’ve announced bare tool pricing/availability yet.

      Reply
    • Stuart

      Jun 29, 2022

      It’s not in the press release, but I believe $399 tool-only.

      Reply
  19. Lewis

    Jun 28, 2022

    Does the gen4 impact driver have a tri-beam led setup or still the under mount led which makes my bits cast suspicious shadows?

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Jun 29, 2022

      Yes – 3x LED worklight design.

      Reply
  20. Robert

    Jun 29, 2022

    It will be interesting to see if the long wait for the track saw means Milwaukee closely examined the completion and included the best of breed features:
    On-track/off track easy compensation on cutting depth
    Easy to replace rubber strips on tracks
    High quality track connectors
    Soft start
    Electric brake
    Track anti-tip
    High contrast markings
    Meaningful dust collection
    Tool free track slop adjustment
    Easy blade change
    Good ergonomics

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Jun 29, 2022

      It seems they really tried to do things right.

      One of my biggest guide rail complaints is that the rubber strip adhesive can fail. Milwaukee saw the same during field testing and strengthened the adhesive they used.

      Reply
      • Robert

        Jun 29, 2022

        Wait, I just noticed that second picture of the track saw near the top of your report. What are those round nibs on the gray area, Legos attachment points? That’s not a feature I advocated. In fact it’s a terrible idea, now the kiddies will think it’s a toy. Right up there with candy stripped laundry detergent pods.

        Reply
        • Stuart

          Jun 29, 2022

          Take a closer look. =)

          Reply
          • Robert

            Jun 29, 2022

            Impressive mimicry, still disconcerting.

  21. JR Ramos

    Jun 29, 2022

    I think the belt sander was the most surprising new tool…did you guys get to see it in action? Seems like a stretch for cordless but if it’s got some muscle I may pick one up. I noticed the new M12 drills went to a mechanical clutch and they also have a new $14 bit holder attachment that will work on all the new versions of 12 and 18, and some of the previous 18, but not the previous 12. I was surprised to see the detail sander…people still use those?

    Looking forward to some tests on the new M12 batteries, curious how their sag is under heavier loads like the trim saw and die grinders. I wonder if they stuck with one of the major manufacturers as they have, or maybe moved to the impressive new Molicel models.

    Should be receiving the M18 square palm sander tomorrow…used the Toolguyd discount at Acme, thanks for that, Stuart! Haven’t seen much in the way of real reviews on this sander yet and HD has five currently, of which four are free product “seed” reviews, all five star and none touching on what I think are some important points. Hope it’s a worthy tool!

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Jun 29, 2022

      One thing about the M12 HO batteries – they maintain their power output for longer compared to the other sizes.

      Reply
      • JR Ramos

        Jun 29, 2022

        I saw their dyno test, snippets of it, but I couldn’t really tell what all was going on. Nice visual screen with secret black boxes. Looking forward to some independent tests on these in the future (hopefully someone will do a good one).

        Reply
  22. Kevin

    Jun 29, 2022

    Any idea what kind of cells the M12 HO packs are equipped with? I’m almost sure 21700 dimensions are out of the question, given the cell orientation wouldn’t allow for fitment. They must still be using 18650 cells but are they just outfitting the packs with cells rated to a specific specification? i.e. higher current rated. I suppose it’s also possible they could use higher capacity cells and underrate pack capacity so LVC occurs at a higher voltage. But then it would be what’s worth marketing more, capacity, or continued power under load? Meh, probably not, far fetched idea I’m sure, but I’m just curious how they’re doing it, and which flavor of 18650 they decided to go with.

    Reply
    • Chris

      Jun 29, 2022

      Probably newer Samsung 25s cells… Not like their breaking some new technology barrier… Just Milwaukee marketing crap

      Reply
      • Stuart

        Jun 29, 2022

        There are significant differences.

        Please explain how this is “just marketing crap.”

        I traveled with flight cancellations and then had to take an Uber for 80 miles, and spent all day on my feet, all to learn the exact what, how, and why behind the new M12 HO battery packs and more. It’s now past 2 in the morning, and I’m wrapping up some details and thoughts so that I can be as comprehensive as possible in my reporting of all the new tools.

        Skepticism can be good, cynicism not so much here.

        Can you support your opinion that this is “just marketing crap”? Or is it like how “that must be magic or miracle” was used to explain things when people didn’t know or understand the science?

        I didn’t understand how 18650 could be better, and so I asked questions. A LOT of questions. I also witnessed a repeatable demo. I received very detailed answers, and although I have some more background research to do, I am absolutely convinced it’s NOT “just marketing crap.”

        Reply
    • Stuart

      Jun 29, 2022

      @Kevin, New 18650 cells.

      Reply
      • Kevin

        Jun 29, 2022

        Thanks for the info, I figured they must be using cells with a different spec. I also heard they changed the circuitry to reduce internal resistance and allow for greater current carrying capacity, which also makes a lot of sense. Probably heavier circuitry/more electrically conductive metal.

        Reply
        • JR Ramos

          Jun 29, 2022

          I’m wondering about the cells, too…surely someone will open a pack for a look once they’re available. Over the years cells from the majors (and a couple of non-major manufacturers like Molicel) have come a long way so we can enjoy low resistance (i.e. higher current drain) cells with increased capacity compared to older cell models. There’s always a tradeoff still between those qualities but the gap has narrowed a little (moreso with 21700). I did notice on the 5.0 pack in VCG’s video that it said “INR 19/65 2” on the label. Thought that was curious with the “19” on there. Maybe they sourced cells that are a smidgen larger than normal…that tiny increase can matter more than it would seem. Changes in the electrodes have improved things as well but I’m not sure about that with high drain cells in particular. I’m wondering what they were talking about with connection resistance…they make good packs so I can’t imagine there was much to gain there, but I’m curious. I would bet on components rather than the nickel strips or welds, etc.

          Reply
          • Collin

            Jun 29, 2022

            Hilti uses lower resistance 21700s. The cells are not sourced from Samsung but instead a European company.

          • JR Ramos

            Jun 29, 2022

            All tools should use 21700…so much better than any 18650. 18650 is pretty much maxed out but it’s impressive how far they’ve come over the last 15 years. 21700 is still getting incremental improvements. The new Molicel P42B cells look like the new cream of the crop…for mid level current the Samsung 50G is pretty impressive.

          • Kevin

            Jun 29, 2022

            Yeah I was thinking I’d be eager to see what component arrangement looks like. I’m sure some YouTubers will do some tear downs once they hit the street. Anyhow, my guess would be it’s a combination of cells rated to higher peak current loads, as well as eliminating any resistive bottlenecks; possibly conductor size, conductor metallurgy, etc. Thats just an educated guess, but let’s also remember that despite the way the product managers and reps dress it up, it’s far from rocket science. At the end of the day they’re building these packs down to a cost so I don’t think the answer is anything technologically revolutionary.

          • Collin

            Jun 29, 2022

            All tools should be using 21700 cells?

            It seems that DeWalt and Flex are doing well with their pouch batteries. No explosions or fires reported, yet.

            It does appear to me that pouch cells would be the next logical step after 21700 cells.

            I don’t think that increasing the size, especially the diameter of the cells, would be really viable, as increased cell diameter just means the inside of the cell is harder to cool. Perhaps I’m wrong, I’m no expert.

          • JR Ramos

            Jul 1, 2022

            Yes…21700 as in do away with 18650 (for the loads that most power tools want, that is). That presents challenges as well as a dedication of significant time and money from manufacturers, though, since such a relatively small change still requires basically ground up work for a lineup.

            I’m not sold on pouches just yet…see how they do in the next couple years. They do have some nice advantages.

            The electrode and central core wraps of cells is always going to be hot, but more importantly we’re talking about packs here, not individual cells, so the temperature saturates before too long and the cells are (probably) performing with pretty consistent internal temperatures…which helps performance up to the point where they might get super hot but hopefully the BMS nips that well ahead of time. Skin effect isn’t really a thing with battery pack designs like these…or not that I’m aware of have heard of anyway. If there’s something it’s likely so small as to not be a factor of concern in design.

  23. Szymon

    Jun 29, 2022

    Thank you for the reporting .

    Any new Packout stuff?

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Jun 29, 2022

      There were no new Packout products on display. They just rolled out a lot of new shop storage products, and probably already moved to the next group of products, but I’d say there are no major releases planned for this year.

      Reply
      • Szymon

        Jun 29, 2022

        Thank you
        Ya. I know about the overpriced garage stuff.

        Reply
  24. Max

    Jun 29, 2022

    During the demos. they seemed to be using a Milwaukee branded jaw horse. Was there any mention of that product?

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Jun 29, 2022

      I didn’t notice, and will have to look at my photos again later.

      If they look like the ones in the track saw demo video embedded above, I’m 99% certain those are identical to the Keter-made Ridgid ones sold at Home Depot.

      Reply
  25. Nick

    Jun 29, 2022

    So is this event just one day and there will be more later in the year?

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Jun 29, 2022

      Yes, this was their flagship event similar to the NPS shows of past years, with the last one in 2019.

      Reply
  26. G Greene

    Jun 29, 2022

    The ball peon (sic) hammers look interesting, but I’m holding out for the Ball Royale hammers. 🙂

    Reply
  27. Jammer

    Jun 29, 2022

    No mention of the m12 nibbler, although it’s a great form factor for that type of tool. I was considering getting a corded or 18volt Metabo HPT. Now that an m12 version is arriving I’ll wait a bit longer. Plus this is rated for 16 gauge!

    https://www.milwaukeetool.com/products/2476-20

    Reply
    • JR Ramos

      Jun 29, 2022

      I didn’t see it in any of the show videos I watched either but Stuart posted about it a week ago: https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/milwaukee-m12-fuel-cordless-nibbler-2476/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E

      Reply
  28. jonathan r alligood

    Jun 29, 2022

    Stuart was there a mention on price and availability of that cool m12 detail sander? i imagine it will have new sand paper scu’s as well.

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Jun 29, 2022

      $149, tool-only, August.

      Reply
  29. Tony

    Jun 30, 2022

    Im very confused why milwalkee would make the first cordless belt sander and not make a 1/2″ router like hikoki(metabo) theres such a huge demand from onsite fitters like myself it seems a opertunity wasted

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Jun 30, 2022

      That’s one of the few questions I forgot to ask. It’s possible there have been too few requests for a cordless 1/2″ router, or that it’s on the development roadmap but simply behind a couple of other higher-priority products.

      Reply
    • MM

      Jun 30, 2022

      It does seem strange to prioritize the belt sander over the router, I agree.

      That said, Milwaukee is not the first to come out with a cordless belt sander. Ridgid, Ryobi, and Kobalt have had them for a while.

      Reply
  30. Skyy

    Jun 30, 2022

    Was this a one day event? I remember it being a few days before.

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Jun 30, 2022

      Yes. NPS/Pipeline has always been a 3-day outing. One day for travel, one day for the main event, one day for travel home.

      This event was a little shorter, but not by much.

      Reply
  31. Harry

    Jul 1, 2022

    Do you have any information on the Milwaukee locking flex head ratchets or their new spark plug sockets? most Pipeline videos seem to focus on wood related tools this time. Very few videos on You Tube this year. Thanks,

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Newsletter

Sign up to receive the latest tool news.

Recent Comments

  • fred on New Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless Backpack Vacuum Brings it All: “I had been just today toying with a purchase of a Makita – that is currently “on sale” at Acme…”
  • Plain+grainy on New Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless Backpack Vacuum Brings it All: “Wow! That looks super nice!”
  • Robert on New Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless Backpack Vacuum Brings it All: “Another Question (not sure if Milwaukee will answer). “Who is the leading competitor shown in the XY a plot?” The…”
  • Stuart on New Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless Backpack Vacuum Brings it All: “I definitely see Hoover tech in Ryobi vacs, or maybe Ryobi tech in Hoover vacs, but as far as I…”
  • Pablo on New Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless Backpack Vacuum Brings it All: “I’ve wanted one of these because I have so many batteries. TTI brand owns Hoover and Dirt Devil so I’m…”
  • OldDominionDIYer on New Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless Backpack Vacuum Brings it All: “While I’m sure their first backpack vac was a nice unit, it had some shortcomings. I resisted purchasing one and…”

Recent Posts

  • New Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless Backpack Vacuum Brings it All
  • Home Depot Follows July 4th with New Tool Deals (7/5/25)
  • New at Lowe's: Rainbow Kobalt Hex Keys
  • Patent Dispute Over Dewalt Construction Jack has been Settled
  • Dewalt Launched a New 20V Atomic Cordless Hammer Drill Kit
  • Let's Talk About Amazon's USB-Charged Cordless Mini Chainsaw
  • These Mini Stackable Organizer Tool Boxes Look Better than Dewalt's
  • Amazon has a Name Brand Bit Ratchet Set for Surprisingly Cheap
ToolGuyd New Tool Reviews Image

New Tool Reviews

Buying Guides

  • Best Cordless Drills
  • Best Euro Hand Tool Brands
  • Best Tool Brands
  • Best Cordless Power Tool Brands
  • Tools for New Parents
  • Ultimate Tool Gift & Upgrade Guide
ToolGuyd Knife Reviews Image

Knife Reviews

ToolGuyd Multi-Tool Reviews Image

Multi-Tool Reviews

ToolGuyd LED Flashlight and Worklight Reviews Image

LED Light Reviews

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Stores
  • Videos
  • AMZN Deal Finder
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Disclosure