Some of you have guessed correctly: Milwaukee Tool is set to launch several brand new laser level products as they enter the product category for the first time.
In an interview with Milwaukee’s brand manager, I was told that this is something users have been asking for, and the new tools have been years in the making.
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This has been their #1 requested new product.
Why now?, I asked. Why not sooner?
Milwaukee took the time to listen to users’ needs and wants, and took the time to do it right without shortcuts. This involved years of field research. What do users need? Why? What’s important to them? How are they using what they have today, and how could it be better?
There will be FIVE new laser level products:
Milwaukee RedLithium USB Lasers
- 3-Point
- Cross-Line
- Cross-Line and Points
Milwaukee M12 Lasers
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- Cross Line & Points
- 3 Plane
Milwaukee Laser Accessories
- Laser Target
- 360° Mount
- Track Clip
Why Should You Care?
Engineering samples were not available in time, but we spent some time chatting with Milwaukee Tool about their new lasers and what’s different about them.
What became clear to me is that Milwaukee Tool has focused on providing users with an exceptionally good experience, addressing common frustrations.
There are 3 core areas of attention:
Runtime
Visibility
Setup
Runtime with RedLithium USB and M12 Batteries
The goal here was all-day runtime.
Workers could set up their laser and then let it run all day if needed, and without the need for battery changes.
Battery changes are disruptive and could force the setup process to be repeated, which could be time-consuming and frustrating. How many times have you swapped batteries in a laser level and not changed its orientation? Even slight changes can lead to big shifts in laser placement.
The RedLithium USB lasers boast up to 8 hours of runtime, and the M12 lasers up to 15 hours.
Milwaukee Tool says that their industry-leading cordless lithium-ion battery technology provides unrivaled rechargeable solutions.
Green Laser Visibility
There has been very high interest in demand in green laser levels, for one big reason – green lasers are more visible and longer-reaching than red.
The Problem: variable light conditions and obstacles can make red lasers difficult to see.
The Solution: high intensity green lasers for uncompromising performance and visibility – optimized for distance.
I was surprised to learn that green lasers are emitted with 6X more power than red. This also helps explain why Milwaukee was intent on launching all of their new lasers with rechargeable battery power sources.
Easier Setup
Milwaukee Tool sought to minimize human error and facilitate as smooth and effortless a setup as possible.
For example, the dials and buttons are designed for easier interaction, even if the user is wearing work gloves.
The goal is for easy and undisturbed setup.
Setup features have also been integrated into the lasers with a built-in magnetic bracket and a micro-control that allows for fast and easy adjustment.
The micro-control pivots on a point, and so you can easily shift the laser beam exactly where you need it.
Amplified rare earth magnets help to reduce the chance of sliding or movements that could affect operation.
With RedLithium USB and M12 battery solutions, battery changes shouldn’t be necessary mid-session, but in case you have to, the battery position was carefully designed so as to minimize the risk of changing your laser orientation.
Additional Benefits
The lasers are said to be impact-rated and IP54-rated against dust and water infiltration.
New Milwaukee Laser Levels
RedLithium USB 3-Point Laser
- Model 3510-21
- 15+ hours on single charge
- Green laser
- 150′ Working range
- ±1/8″ at 33 ft accuracy
- ±4° self-leveling
- 1/4″-20 threaded mount
- Integrated adjustable clearance
- 2-1/2″ height adjustment
- 1M drop rating
- IP54
- $250 for the kit (battery, charger, case)
RedLithium USB Cross-Line Laser
- Model 3521-21
- 8+ hours on single charge
- Green laser
- 100′ Working range
- 165′ range with detector
- ±1/8″ at 33 ft accuracy
- ±4° self-leveling
- 1/4″-20 threaded mount
- Integrated magnetic bracket
- Micro-control for fast alignment
- 1M drop rating
- IP54
- $300 for the kit (battery, charger, case)
RedLithium USB Cross-Line and Plumb Points Laser
- Model 3522-21
- 8+ hours on single charge
- Green laser
- 100′ Working range
- 165′ range with detector
- ±1/8″ at 33 ft accuracy
- ±4° self-leveling
- 2″ plumb point access with riser
- 1/4″-20 threaded mount
- Integrated magnetic bracket
- Micro-control for fast alignment
- 1M drop rating
- IP54
- $350 for the kit (battery, charger, case, riser)
M12 Green Cross Line & Plumb Points Laser
- Models 3622-21, 3622-20
- 15+ hours on single charge
- Green laser
- 125′ Working range
- 165′ range with detector
- ±1/8″ at 33 ft accuracy
- ±4° self-leveling
- 2″ plumb point access
- 1/4″-20, 5/8″-11 threaded mounts
- Integrated magnetic bracket
- Micro-control for fast alignment
- 360° rotation
- 1M drop rating
- IP54
- $400 for the bare tool (target and case)
- $500 for the kit (compact battery, charger, case, target)
M12 Green 3 Plane Laser Level
- Model 3632-21
- 15+ hours on single charge
- Green laser
- 125′ Working range
- 165′ range with detector
- ±1/8″ at 33 ft accuracy
- ±4° self-leveling
- 1/4″-20, 5/8″-11 threaded mounts
- Integrated magnetic bracket
- Micro-control for fast alignment
- 330° rotation
- 1M drop rating
- IP54
- $600 for the kit (XC battery, charger, case, target)
Accessories
Green Laser Target
- Model 48-35-1111
- Responsive centering alignment
- Directs user to center of target
- 1/4″ SAE and 1 cm metric markings
- Wide magnetic base
- Price: $15
Track Clip
- Model 48-35-1313
- Low profile clamp
- Nail holes
- Rubberized teeth
- Fits all Milwaukee lasers
- Price: $25
Milwaukee 360 Laser Mount
- Model 48-35-1311
- Micro vertical adjustment
- For quick adjustment of horizontal laser lines
- Multi-plane rotational adjustment
- Price: $50
Why are Milwaukee Laser Levels a Big Deal?
To start, users have been demanding it, and Milwaukee Tool strived to deliver a better user experience.
The new laser levels offer longer runtime thanks to the rechargeable batteries, high visibility thanks to green lasers in each of the 5 new products, and attention to user controls and built-in micro-control adjustments to make setup easier.
The micro-adjust is also set to be a big-deal. With the built-in controls, the lasers rotate about a nodal point, which should provide smooth and controlled adjustments. An optional base can be added on for micro-control vertical adjustments.
Additional Questions
Why are there similar RedLithium USB and M12 models?
There is slight overlap between the cross-line and points RedLithium USB and M12 laser levels. Why? This is going to be a very popular configuration, and it gives users the choice between battery systems. The RedLithium USB version is a little smaller and less expensive, and the M12 version extends the range and delivers longer runtime.
Why not M18?
Milwaukee Tool won’t rule out anything, and are open to user demands, needs, and requests. They take pride in constantly learning about their users’ needs and preferences, and are always looking for opportunities.
It seems to me that M18 batteries would have added to the size and cost of the laser levels, and without any appreciable benefits. Of course, this is also Milwaukee’s entry into the laser level product category, and there is no telling what they might have in mind for a hypothetical Phase 2.
Availability?
At the time of this posting, everything discussed above is expected to launch in November 2020.
Where to Buy?
The following retailers have set up Pipeline landing pages where you can view all of the new tools after they’re announced, and preorder when available.
Buy Now via Tool Nut (Lasers Landing Page)
Buy Now via Tool Nut (New Milwaukee Tools)
Buy Now via Acme Tools
fred
You say:
“as they enter the product category for the first time.”
Doesn’t their old 2320-20 M12 plumb laser count? We had gotten some of them 10 years ago. This new initiative does seem to be a bigger step up into the arena.
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Instruments/Distance/2320-20
PTBRULES
I bet “literally” no one, not even Milwaukee remembers that exists…
Stuart
You would be surprised. Some of Milwaukee’s top brass have been there since the start of M12.
It was either last year or the year before, and Paul Fry (VP Cordless) was telling me about how early M12 chemistry batteries were actually 12V and not 10.8V nominal or “12V Max.”
I think that this is more about a single limited focus tool vs. a new line of modern green self-leveling lasers.
Maybe it’s like baking cookies from scratch and saying “I’ve baked for the first time,” ignoring the time a few years ago that you plopped frozen cookie dough onto a baking sheet. But was that prior experience really baking?
Cliff
I own one and still use it
Joe
I never watched. Do they pulse? Are we going to be able to use a receiver for longer distance and outdoors? Glad they are making lasers but will probably stick with my Dewalt lasers and aa batteries for now. The cross line laser dw088 I have is a nice size and has been reliable. I rarely use my dw089 3 line laser because of the size. I use it when I need to square and plumb. Looking forward to seeing the new lasers.
King duck
Yeah I’m glad I didn’t wait for these I like my stabil grade laser yes it is bigger and bulkier but I can do the tasks shown and level a 2000’ circle
Kent
Absolutely. I have a bunch of smaller dewalt ones and then a stabila LAR 350 which is an absolute workhorse. Working on a 45’ long by 25’ wide sloped pad for semis and setting it to slope using the remote so I could do it without a helper is just mint. There’s just some things I’ll always use and stabila lasers are it.
Nathan W.
And of course, I am just outside my window to return my Makita SK106GDNAX.
Anyone want a brand new Makita laser level??
Jay
Yes I do
JoeM
…Uh… I’m sorry if this offends anyone who is “Team Red”… but none of this is truly surprising or impressive to me…
It’s Milwaukee… It’s everything you expect from a Milwaukee tool… It’s not like they’ve underwhelmed us… I don’t even use Milwaukee tools, and I’m looking at these as being on par, or better, than every one of the DeWALT line of products in this category. Do they have any M18? DeWALT didn’t release their 20 Volt Max/XR lasers out of the gate either… they released the 12 Volt Max line first… So… When you’re doing market research for this product, you’re talking to people who are used to using what is already released out there… and the urgency of those users has never been “Oh we need the bigger batteries ASAP… They made a huge difference…” so why would Milwaukee put any urgency on M18?
Plus… Look at those run times… They seem to kick DeWALT’s ass at both RedLithium AND M12 levels, compared to DeWALT’s 12 Volt and 20 Volt levels. So… ask yourself… Does it really surprise you that Milwaukee took an extra long time to come out with products designed SPECIFICALLY to kick DeWALT’s ass in dominance for this product? Really? Just… Think about this for a second or two… If they can beat the competition with lower voltage lines… why do they need to bother with their bigger, more premium lines at all?
It’s Milwaukee. It’s everything we expect from Milwaukee. I don’t see the point in arguing it. There’s no need to butter us up or try to talk us off a ledge… It’s… Milwaukee.
Chris
Just their pricing is out to lunch, that’s the problem
Mario
The 20 volt and the 18 volt use the same cells. The only difference is one company rates them with no load and the other company rates them with a load.
Chris
This definitely doesn’t seem like it was worth the tease.
Just as stupidly expensive as every other brand and nothing truly “new” versus anything else on the market.
Feels like a step away from Milwaukee’s innovation and more towards a step in the “safe/tested” direction.
JoeM
Which is actually comforting to me, since SOMEONE actually thought about what they were doing, instead of just tossing junk at the market, to see who was enough of a sucker to buy the flawed Version 1.0.
Anyone seen or heard from DeWALT and their Radar/Wall Scanner in the past DECADE? Full of bugs, couldn’t get it to work as “Radar” or simply as “Wall”… One of the most promising 12 Volt Max tools they ever released… But it was garbage from day 1, because nobody took the time to get the bugs out before releasing it.
Now… I’m STILL Team Yellow due to my investment in the system already… but the fact that Milwaukee has taken so long to get it RIGHT? I respect them for that. I still want my Radar/Wall/Studfinder/Stuff Locator/Whatever it ends up being from DeWALT some day. But Milwaukee took the time to get it right. Maybe that made it expensive as hell, but at least it’s not some throw away piece of garbage, like the one I bought at Radio Shack years ago… just because you CAN find an alternative for cheap, doesn’t mean what you NEED is the Cheap One.
Mario
I had so many Dewalt ToughSystem boxes break the handles, the walls, the water sealing leaked water in drying rain in the pickup truck bed, etc, that I couldn’t even get them replaced timely under warranty. then the Dewalt service center here closed down last November. I want the cordless yard trimer but read horror stories about the head feeding mechanism. The bluetooth just stoped working on my Dewalt Impact Driver, that’s never been dropped. I have been looking at all the nice stuff that Milwaukee has. like their heat gun.
Chris
Their heat gun is terrible, the DeWalt one is quite a bit better
Aaron Gaudern
Dude they all make their crap tools. Milwaukee is no different, they all make great stuff and they all have their lemons.
I don’t see why end users gotta be so brand loyal. And yes, the Dewalt heat gun is better. BAM!
Thom W Wright
End users are loyal because the commit to an expensive battery system. That’s why all the companies almost give away drills, getting you hooked on their battery system.
Chris
Are you trying to say the DeWalt any other lasers are no good lol This is just all huff and puff marketing from Milwaukee, our lasers are the best, 10x runtime 500x power, 1000x more RED!!!… DeWalt, Bosch and other have made excellent lasers for years and don’t cost this much…
Aaron Gaudern
Totally on point! I’m glad they are releasing lasers, but uummm so glad its not just milwaukee making tools. For the last 15 years I would have been SOL and still using a strangling and transit. So innovative!
Derek
I’ve thought about replacing my Bosch red laser level for some time, and I have a ever growing M12 collection…I think I’ll be spending 400 bucks in the near future (or whenever they release). 🙂
Mr Weedley
The pictures show the laser being pls4 like with the 180* laser but the lens design says otherwise
Mark
Exactly! I hate it when companies use deceptive marketing techniques. What’s the deal here Stuart? Are they deceiving us? Milwaukee is better than this.
Unfortunately, if I got one I would have to go with the top end $600 one, because I know I would be unhappy with anything less.
Stuart
Can you please rephrase your question? I’m not exactly sure what you’re asking.
Frank D
I’m sure they’ll sell.
I remain happy with my Bosch units.
Jon
These seem to be priced to offer discounts. The $600 one is priced the same as real rotary laser levels kits with tripod and pole but with 1/3 the accuracy (1/8” per 33′ vs 1/8″ per 100′ for even entry level rotary level). The Milwaukee one doesn’t even have a tripod or pole for the price.
At the rated 165′ working distance there is a full 1 1/4 inch of possible error. Not worth the price!
Ian
Empire levels, also owned by Milwaukee, just announced a new laser level too. Less powerful than Milwaukee but uses AA batts.
http://www.empirelevel.com/green-self-leveling-cross-line-laser.php
HILARIO L HERNANDEZ
This is a “me too” move. Unless you already have m12 or red lithium, there’s zero reason to buy. Some how Milwaukee fan boys will swear they’re the best though.
Evadman
The power is a little misstated. Both red and green lasers are limited to 5mw of power to limit eye damage. Human eyes are more sensitive to green, so green lasers look brighter than red ones for the same radiated power.
Nate
i think from researching before and i could be wrong, it takes more power, like 5 times as much, to run green compared to red lasers.
red92s
They didn’t release their own receiver to pair with them?
Kevin
“Coming Soon”
Kevin
It was a night dedicated to lasers and packout. WHY don’t the lasers come in packout cases!!! Such a missed opportunity!
blocky
What I want to know is: How stable is the line?
Which might actually be the question — how heavy is the pendulum?
I’ve bought and borrowed several lasers in the last two years, most of them green and multiple different models from Bosch, Makita, PLS, Stabila, and Huepar. All of models I tested, were well calibrated and produced a similarly visible clean line.
However, the best I’ve tried by far at dampening ambient vibration and producing a steady line is the PLS180. In some home tests, the PLS wavered less with small bumps, and after hard jostles, the line settled out twice as fast. And in a couple work scenarios, that made the difference between a continuously usable reference line and a dancing waveform that was only settled for 10 seconds per minute. Granted, a heavy tripod could help, but while a laser is a daily use item for me, I only pull out the tripod 3-4x a year.
Bosch GLL100g, Makita SK105, Stabila LAX300g, and the Huepar all had similar vibration characteristics.
I really don’t think there’s any really internal damping to these units. In terms of design, I suspect it’s either about weighting the pendelum or having it on a ball joint that’s got a touch more resistance. I tested 3 different PLS and 3 Bosch, and the behavior was uniform across units per brand.
So for me, that’s the secret sauce. If Milwaukee has addressed this, they’ll take the category by storm. If they haven’t, it’s a fungible offering.
E.H.
All the self leveling lasers have internal dampening, using copper moving through magnetic fields of rare earth magnets.
Bob
I purchased Milwaukee 18 volt system. I use 18 volt tools. I won’t be buying 12 volt tools or batteries. Where is 18 volt 3 point line laser?
I think it totally misses the entire reason we Milwaukee tool owners purchased into the Milwaukee ecosystem!
Bob
Keith
Seems a little pricey. You dont even get the mounting accessories for $599. I use alot of milwaukee tools but for about $399 you can pick up a dewalt 089gl and it comes with the accessories. I think they should be a little more competative with the price. For $599 it should be a kit with every accessory.
Shaun
Can you confirm that the bare tool M12 Cross line and plumb point version comes with the case and target as noted above? I’m looking to preorder this item but wanted to make sure the bare tool comes with the case. It doesn’t note the case included on Milwaukee’s website.
Stuart
Product ordering pages, such as at Tool Nut – don’t mention a hard carrying case either.
I checked with Milwaukee, and they said:
Shaun
Thanks for looking into it. Much appreciated!
Tony Geltermair
Does anybody know the dimensions of the Milwaukee USB three point laser?
Joe
Not sure if I missed this being said, but I have at least a dozen M18 tools in my work truck, 6 pack charger, etc. This lazer is something that someone using heavier duty M18 tools would more likely buy, and having one battery system for all my tools is very helpful. I like my Milwaukee tools, but I tend to stay away from anything that is not M18. Just my 2 cents.
Barry
When will the 360 laser be available?
Stuart
All of the lasers launched, but high demand and low supplies mean they’re all on backorder right now.
Barry
I pre-ordered the M12™ Green 360° 3-Plane Laser Kit on 1/31/21 but then the major online supplier cancelled my pre-order last week. Confused me because I thought the whole idea of a pre-order is that I am in line for when they are available.
Shaun
ETA is Late March – Late April. Like Stuart said, they’ve been around for a while. I got mine back in early December. Supplies are low.
Bill
Anyone try using the Milwaukee laser detector with a Dewalt green line laser? The manuals seem to indicate that they operate on the same wave lengths.