Milwaukee Tool has launched a new BOLT RedLithium USB cooling fan (48-73-1385) that can be used with their BOLT safety helmets and hard hats.
The Milwaukee helmet and hard hat cooling fan was designed to keep users more comfortable during work sessions, with up to 15 MPH air speed and up to 6 hours of runtime when set to low speed and powered with a 3Ah battery.
The cooling fan is also compatible with Milwaukee headlamps. The battery pack and headlamp frame mount to the front of the helmet or hard hat, and the cooling fan is mounted to the back.
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Users get 3 air ducts that they can change out, allowing them to customize the airflow for their needs and comfort.
Features and Specs
- up to 15 MPH
- Kitted with 3Ah battery
- Runtime (3Ah): 4 hrs at high, 6 hrs at low
- USB-C rechargeable
- “Most powerful airflow”
- “Balanced all-day wear”
Users can swap out the Milwaukee RedLithium USB battery for a fresh one for less downtime, or recharge it right in the device.
Price: $135
ETA: April 2026
Discussion
This seems like a convenient accessory.
From the images, the user controls are at the left side, and should be easily toggled without having to remove the hard hat or helmet.
The balanced configuration seems convenient, with the front-mounted battery compartment and frame allowing for attachment of Milwaukee headlamps, although presumably not any of the BOLT-compatible ones with remote rear-mounted batteries.
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6 hours of max runtime at low should be enough to get you through the day. And if not, pop in a fresh battery when you take a break.
Wayne R.
At this time of year, it’s difficult to think how good this would be in the summer.
I wonder how loud it’ll be? CPAP machines have figured out how to make airflow surprisingly quiet (but of course it’s a closed path). Too loud would be a problem.
bonnie
Small DC fans are pretty quiet as long as they’re not running at 100%.
Jared
Sounds great to me. I don’t need to wear a hardhat, but if I did – a fan would be awesome.
chip hershberger
Ive used the klein for several years.
Its a true game changer when in high humidity.
SamR
found this erro: controls are are at the left side
It seems cool. I like it!
Stuart
Thanks! *fixed*
Jason Watkins
I have to wear a hard hat 100% of the time at work in a factory. With inside temps getting into the 90’s this could be amazing.
sv
Funny thing is I email Milwaukee on making something like this about 2 years ago. They must have been working on it even before I asked them to. I’m sure I’m not the only one to have thought about this. $135 is a lot but I’ll probably get it at some point.
Matthewj
Is the helmet not allowed to have a penetration? I’m trying to understand why the ducts loop around the rim.
If so, why not tuck the whole thing under the helmet rim?
Chris
Hardats are safety equipment and are not to be modified.
Jack
Wonder what sort of a filter this has in it? Otherwise you could end up with concrete dust or sawdust blown right on the back of your wet neck! I’m sure they’ve tested it in dirty environments.