It’s 2am, and Milwaukee’s NPS19 new tool media event isn’t officially over for me until I put some fresh thoughts to paper.
Above – Paul Bunyhan’s new Phillips #2,042 screwdriver bit. Here’s the strange part – it’s a 3D printed model, but felt heavy like metal. This was a great way to show off subtle bit geometry details, and there were large drill bit models as well.
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This year’s New Product Symposium was similar to previous years’ events, but also different. I always have an enjoyable time, despite how taxing it can be on my body and mind.
What always impresses me is the passion with which each and every Milwaukee product manager, engineer, and VP speaks. Everyone I spoke to, during the tour of their expanded and renovated HQ, at the event, and at dinner, beamed with pride when talking about their new product developments, past challenges, and future endeavors. They love what they do.
I was allowed to stray from the group and walk around the battery cell testing lab (hooray!). It had previously been a battery pack testing lab, and is now a cell testing lab. I was admittingly a little giddy to see the equipment they they use for R&D and quality assurance purposes, and it set my mood for the rest of the show.
Basically, what I saw was a well-equipped research lab far beyond what I would have imagined a battery cell testing room to look like. I learned a few bits and pieces about what specifically goes on in there, and each new detail impressed me further.
Let’s talk about the tools. I uploaded images to Instagram first, and am embedding them here. I know this isn’t ideal, but it was necessary for the sake of expediency. Our regular coverage style will follow.
Here’s a quick slideshow of some of my favorite new tools from Milwaukee NPS19.
There’s a new M12 Surge (woo) oil impulse driver, a very appealing-looking M12 “installation” drill/driver with multiple tool heads, a right angle die grinder, and new extended length ratchets.
On the M18 side, I was happy to see the rear-handled framing saw, the framing nailer, the updated brad nailer, and the crown stapler. There’s new 12” miter saw and a cordless compact router as well.
Milwaukee is also making a big push into personal protective equipment. There were respirators, goggles, gloves, hard hats, and hi-viz vests. We’re told there is much more to come in this space.
The M12 Fuel brushless installation tool is definitely my favorite of all the new tools so far. It’s a lot smaller and lighter than I would have expected from a drill/driver bearing M12 Fuel branding.
This is not even close to resembling the Milwaukee M12 Fuel multi-head drill/driver that came out in Europe, or the brushed model that came before it.
Interestingly, the max torque output of the new Milwaukee M12 Surge is the same as for the M18. I drove in a couple of screws with it, and it provided a smooth and quiet experience.
This is one of the most asked-for M12 tools, and the wait is finally over.
Sweet, here’s that new compact cordless router many of you had been asking for. It was easy and comfortable to use, although I only tested it with a roundover bit.
The new Milwaukee M18 Fuel 12” sliding miter saw cut nicely, and the blade left a smooth finish.
The Packout jobsite radio will be expensive, but it is well-featured and sounded great. We knew it was coming before we actually saw it, because of the music playing throughout the warehouse at different parts of the day. I felt that the music sounded crisp and clean, even at higher volumes.
There are 4 speaker pairs, one at each corner, and 2 subwoofers (one active, one passive).
Coming next April 1st, new Milwaukee cordless lamps…
Little things, like the lamp shades over the M18 Rocket lights, brought a little extra fun to the venue. The Packout tool box lounge chairs were especially amusing.
There’s plenty of more details and NPS19 new Milwaukee tool coverage to come. Stay tuned! Which of these new tools might you want to learn more about first?
Jay k.
Ehhh… aside from the remote control light… Almost all seen before unless your in an “extreme specialty” trade…
Kind of sad… Thought it would be better…
PHILIP JOHN
I know what you mean… but not to many tool companies do a show like this and pump out as many tools each year.
Yes some are copies of other teams… I am intrested to know how much better the equipment is… like run time rpm torque weight design etc.
PETE
That digital torque wrench looks AWESOME! That rear handle saw also looks pretty cool. Also diggin’ the 90* die grinder. I am excited to see some of their pre-packaged drilling+driving accessories hit the stores.
Eric
It does look cool, but the $599 price tag is a big downer.
Wags
I like the router, looks like it needs a compact battery.
Drew
The torque output of the new Milwaukee M18 Surge is the same as for the M18 ??? Victim to 2am edits or is one of them suppose to be M12?
Stuart
Sorry, M12.
I read everything theough thrice, but missed that one and a few others.
Drew
no worries 🙂
William
I definitely getting the new 18” Gauge Nail Gun, been waiting to go cordless, and this looks like the way to go.
Might get the router as well, would like to see a bundle with the Brad Nail Gun and Router.
Frank D
Figured you had a packed day, but didn’t know you’d post on instagram. It is one of the networks I only very sporadically use as they’re bent on registration and using their app, but then only giving a very mediocre user experience.
Hoping there’ll be an article on Packout.
It does not look like they did anything to improve internal organization of the units?
I have a couple nitpicks with some of the new products, which as much as they design, test, … seem like missed attention to detail that I can’t really wrap my head around.
Stuart
I uploaded to IG but also shared it to our Twitter and Facebook pages.
Frank D
Totally my fault for being averse to those sites / apps and not having checked if you are present on those. Between not having the apps, blocking trackers, third party plugins, … my bad. I’ll hop on over and catch up.
red92s
Guess they are fine missing out on another year’s worth of opportunities to convert homeowners to their line by not having a mower, or fine just giving that business up to Ryobi.
M12 Surge is pretty cool. Install driver looks like they took the best parts of the Festool and Flexi-Click.
Brian A
The mower is almost guarenteed to be released before Spring 2020
PHILIP JOHN
I am really intrested to see this mower.
And how it compares to dewalt. It will be the most demanding yet on the 18 v sys.
Eric
Yeah, it’s the wrong time of year to release something like that. Also VCG construction said he knew why there wasn’t a mower announced at NPS, but he couldn’t talk about it. Kind of sounds like some people were told its coming at some point but they’re under NDA.
Aaron
Lol I’m sure they are fine giving that business to ryobi because they are part of the same company.
Seems like Milwaukee is marketing it’s OPE to professionals and landscapers and such. I’m open to correction but it doesn’t seem to me like the person who buys an M18 fuel blower or power head is going to be satisfied with an M18 mower. We really like our kobalt 40v brushless mower, but if you skip a week you have to grab the gas machine. I think Milwaukee tries to keep tight control on the user experience and doesn’t want to put out a machine that doesn’t have the guts for all day pro grade yard work.
OldDominionDIYer
So happy to see the framing nailer and the router. I think the new packout open box is nice and of course I love the packout radio! Plenty to add to my shopping list!
Milwaukee is doing a great job!
Noah
M12 Surge and Installation driver look very appealing. Can’t wait to get my hands on those.
Eugene Carter
So I’m surprised at how good the Framing Nailer looks, the size seems much more manageable than the Dewalt 20v max nailer, and the performance looked good. Hopefully that pushes Dewalt to slim down the form factor for their nailers in the future.
Corey Moore
Another impressive NPS, lots of good looking new and adopted stuff. Curious to see how the 12″ miter and rear handle will stack up. I’ll keep my DeWalt xp tapes though, can’t beat that 4 way hook.
Brian A
Tool nut already has preorder open for the M12 surge $149 and the M18 worm drive saw $269.
I just want to order my damn packout dolly’s. Afraid they are going to be more expensive then they said at NPS18. Was expecting $35-40 last year, afraid its going to be $49, considering the packout milk crate is $39!
Andrew W.
From all the coverage of NPS2019 I have seen it’s been a let down overall. Maybe I’ve come to expect too much from Milwaukee, but I didn’t find the announcements exciting. Yes they added a rear handle 7 1/4″ circular saw, and framing nailer but other than that…eh. An almost direct copy of Festool in the Installation Drill/Driver was more upsetting than exciting. There were even celebrations about an empty packout and earplugs. Are throwing parties for anything new now? I love my Milwaukee and most of the tools they produce are amazing, but I expect more from the “Leader in Product Innovation”.
Stuart
The thing to remember is that they are always working on new tools. A lot more tools are currently in development, and others are still being researched. Some of those tools fall between NPS shows. For example, the Quik-Lok system was announced and released between NPS18 and NPS19. https://toolguyd.com/milwaukee-cordless-quik-lok-modular-outdoor-power-tools/
fred
In the segment of the market in which they (and others like Dewalt and Makita) seem to dwell, staying stagnant does not seem like a viable option. The seemingly relentless drive to introduce new (and potentially better) power tools hopefully results in more than the thinning of our wallets. The notion that a new tool will improve our productivity, enhance worker safety, add some new capability or up our craftsmanship is appealing. But lest we succumb to change that is really more churn than improvement – we might temper our tool buying enthusiasm with some business-case analysis.
Meanwhile, like some of the best museums in the world, some of the best tool companies may have more in their “collection – or pipeline” than what they display.
It is also interesting to note that not all tool companies seem as compelled to innovate. I’m thinking of companies like C.S. Osborne who have been in business since 1826 – producing some tools that have not changed a lot over the years. Its just a different business model.
Stuart
Their business model is a complex one.
Take the new motorized torque wrench for example. They could come out with traditional torque wrenches, and they just might in the future. But, if there’s the opportunity to innovate and solve a user frustration in a unique way, that will take priority focus.
They came out with a ratchet set, learned about what users wanted, and liked, and expanded the offerings. Now, they’re launching open stock.
There are new breaker bars. They fill in gaps in the upcoming selection, but they’re products I would not have expected to see previously.
They’re vehemently against “me too,” although I do think that subtle “me too” complements would be welcome if well-made.
I pointed out that Milwaukee had a lot of T-slot framing demos, but lacked the tools to assemble any of them. They don’t make rubber mallets or dead blow hammers, wire cable tools, hex keys of any kind (T-handle, L-key, etc), or many high precision tools. There are areas for them to grow into, but big challenges in finding ways to offer improvements or innovations. How do you make a better hex key?
During the tour they showed some “lick and stick” rebranded tools, but I thought that Channellock and Gearwrench snap ring pliers was an unfair example. At the moment, Milwaukee doesn’t have any snap ring pliers.
What always truly impresses me is that Milwaukee’s product managers and engineers are extremely passionate about what they do. They have a lot up their sleeves – they always do. Some of those things we’ll never see.
Readers and users have been requesting an M12 Surge driver for years. I asked about some of the challenges that prevented us from seeing it sooner, and was completely surprised by the answer. Combined with some context and presumptions, and I can’t say I blame them. They couldn’t just take the mechanism from the M18, nor could they take the electronics package from the M12 Fuel Gen 2.
Aaron
Stuart I notice that after the morning expo all the Instagram feed went dark for a while. Is it reasonable to assume that there is a period of time you can’t discuss the details of? And maybe some exciting things you aren’t allowed to discuss yet?
Maybe if we use a blink code… Blink once for “secret mower” and blink twice for “packout drawer unit”
Stuart
Someone turned the internet off!
In all seriousness, I can’t tell you anything about our time on the red planet, or the new portable teleportation pads that took us there. WiFi interference is a problem, which is why they had to turn it off. Frankly, I still can’t believe the lengths they go to for Packout tool box testing. On the way back, waiting on the line for customs was brutal and there wasn’t any WiFi there either.
Stuart
They were showing off new RedLink Nano cybernetic “intelligence hardware and software” implants in the next room but pulled the WiFi after interference caused the test subjects to start beeping. Someone converted the beeps to binary code and then text and realized it spelled out a repeating pattern about NetSky, or something like that. They pulled the WiFi and it fixed the problem. They later found out it wasn’t interference but a massive transfer of data. I’m sure it’s nothing.
Nathan
wonder if milwaukee will start doing an OPE only show at some point. I could see a benefit to that.
meanwhile – on that surge – sort of wish dewalt would make one too. Yes ME TOO tool, but there is something to be said for making the products others make just to have then in your line up. Goes both ways (cordless mower)
That new miter saw looked interesting – I see it’s a direct gear drive. IS that right?
Was the previous model direct gear drive? I guess it was – never used it. Not so sure how I like that but it could probably lighter that way though
Ben
NPS19 is a total bust for me. The only tool I truly hoped they would come out with was a track saw. now I’ll have to buy either the Makita 36 volt or DeWalt Flexvolt track saw and invest into their battery line. All the other tools that they came out with are nice but if I am forced into buying into Makita or DeWalt I might as well go full on Makita or DeWalt for 18 volt tools in a tool line that offers everything I’m needing and looking for.
Andrew W.
I don’t know how you will use a tracksaw but if it’s for finish work I suggest you look seriously at Festool. I’ve owned a TS55 for years and have never been disappointed. They have battery options now if you want a cordless option. I have a co-worker that owns a Makita tracksaw and it is a good saw, but not quite as good as the Festool
KG
I’m with you. I was really hoping for the track saw and trim router (preferably compatible with the same track). Those are versatile game changers that keep me looking at Makita while iterative advancements like the M12 Surge or gen 2 miter are “nice” but only offer marginal gains over existing tools in their portfolio. I’m not itching for one but I imagine a lot of people feel similarly about the lack of a M18 lawnmower standing out as a “hole” in the OPE lineup.
Kizzle
What’s up with the shape of the m12 installation driver? Patent issues with Bosch already having the flexiclick? Flexiclick still seems like a better option for a swappable head driver.
Stuart
I think it’s about making a smaller and more controllable tool.
Kizzle
Is it smaller though? Now there’s a flat line from the front of the driver down to the base. You can’t reach the head of the driver into tight places because of the area where they relocated the electronics.
Dave
Lots of stuff that looks interesting but will probably be cost-prohibitive for the amount I’d use it (framing nailer, miter saw, radio). The circular saw is cool, but a little late for me as I bought a corded worm drive after giving up waiting on a full-sized left-blade design.
Honestly the only things I see that I’d be a near-term buyer on are the Packout open crates and dollies.
Chris
I swear if you painted some of these tools yellow… I dunno if I could tell the difference…
Josh Walters
I swear they took a flexvolt apart and copied every part for that worm drive. And the nail gun looks like they did a similar thing with the Hitachi. (sounds the same when firing) I bet if you look around Milwaukee R&D theres a few disassembled Hitachis and flexvolt saws. Might explain why they were a year or 2 behind the other brands to market.
tcmault
So no lawnmower?
Stuart
Unfortunately, no.
Brian A
The rumor is its ready to go but not going to be released until later in the year or early 2020.
The super rumor is it was shown in secrecy yesterday to those that promised their soul and an eternity in hell if they told anyone about it afterwards.
Axeman
Similarly, I’m shocked that they didn’t unveil a lawnmower. It doesn’t make any sense to me, they’ve got the power (12 amp pack), the technology (RYOBI USA, another TTI subsidiary, has a plethora of lawnmowers), and a exploding OPE market. I would’ve shelved other tool releases, in order to expedite the research and development of Milwaukee Fuel lawnmower. They’re just giving up market share to their OPE competition.
Adam
I am surprised there are that many that still mow by push. If I had this small of a lawn, I’d be looking at converting to fake grass / astro turf, or getting a robot mower.
If I was someone yurning for a mower, I’d find a way to mount two mowers side by side on a single axle. The only issue is line-advance, but if only cutting grass & using a good line, it should last a while.
Unfortunately when everyone talks mower, im only thinking riding. If my two neighbors would have had me do their lawns, I would have bought the Ryobi zero-turn.
I know they say they “listen” to users, but it seem they are deaf when it comes to any Fuel multi-tool. And while I totally like the M12 surge, I think it would have made more sense to focus on a M18 Gen2, and let the install driver do those “in the cabinet” jobs. I’m sure it’s much quieter than an impact, and M18 stuff is pretty small as it is if you need the power
I hope the other poster is on to something, and they have a OPE event. I was really hoping for more attachments, specifically a rototiller, as there are only a handful of possible additional ones.
And no large Fuel fan. Maybe my largest dissapointment.
red92s
A proper install of artificial turf on a 1/4 acre lot is probably in the $10-20k range.
Kris D
I know somebody who has astroturf installed around their house. Not a large lot, and most of it is taken up by the house, driveway, back patio. Between removal of the old lawn, whatever leveling, the astro prep, the fake grass itself; it is very expensive. They did not pinch a penny when it came to the type of fake grass … ( I have seen a variety of samples before ) but suffice it to say, for the cost of an average new car, it only looks good from across the road … or, yes, it is green that mimics grass when you don’t look at it. Because as soon as you look at it, whether pulling in the driveway, sitting outside, … it is just a green plastic blanket that is stretched out. Quite short. No variation. Kind of like a huge amount of wall to wall carpet. Except fence to fence. No more mowing … one thinks … except for all the leaves, small seeds, etc that are now accumulating … so now you have to vacuum your astro turf.
Lance
As far as media platforms go, I’m 43 and I do email subscriptions and YouTube, that’s it. I have zero interest in all the other social media stuff.
I imagine the farther you go above my age the less SM following you’ll see, and the farther below the more you’ll see. My point being, I bet only people in their 20’s and early 30’s are a sure target market for something like Instagram.
I know I’m not the only dinosaur out here, TONS of people don’t do social media. They just don’t care about that stuff.
Peter Fox
I’m 35 and I don’t waste my time with them either.
It’s too easy to get all caught up in all of this instantaneous communication and lose the ability to focus on anything long enough to get real work done.
Brian M
Instagram is what you make of it…it’s not what you hear about; just food and babies unless that’s what you want. I have two accounts, my personal and my hobby/pro account. My personal account kinda sucks…my hobby/pro account is amazing. It’s loaded with people in trades, hobbyist woodworkers, makers of all sorts. I learn soo much from seeing really talented workers and have created some awesome friendships, literally some guys/girls I talk to almost every day. Imagine this blog with more active comments and more posts (that aren’t as in-depth), it’s pretty awesome. If you don’t like someone’s content, unfollow.
It takes some time to get into the community (meaning) finding who are the good people to follow but once you find yourself a few you really like they’ll lead you to more you’ll like…it’s sort of like how forums were a few years ago but like this blog, POSITIVE people having discussions and YOU decide who is a member of your community, none of the arguing and flaming wars(unless that’s what you want). Plus, because most of the more popular guys post every day, you can really get a feel for who’s genuine and who’s just shilling for companies. A lot of people are comfortable showing their faces and those are normally the most accountable, good content post-ers…but there are plenty of people that don’t post and just comment, you do whatever makes YOU comfortable. Right now, social media to me is almost all taxing, Instagram is the relief.
That_guy
I’m curiousness about the safety equipment …How much of it is simply rebadged from larger specialized manufactures ie) the mask being 3M as well as the glasses with the gasket, one of the models also looks to be similar to uvex
Ben
I JUST picked up a ryobi cordless router a week before this event and was a little disappointed in my purchase when I saw that Milwaukee was finally releasing a cordless router, until I saw the price! $179 bare tool is a lot to ask compared to $69 for the ryobi. I’m sure the m18 will be better just not $110 better…
Steve
That installation driver looks awesome!
Nathan
Question on that install driver. while small would like to have some relative measurements to gage that with. what’s with all the plastic in front of the handle – like a hand guard?
Festool makes a driver that looks a bit like that too – I’m sure someone else does too.
Is there a point to that – does it hold something?
Frank D
Same question/observation,
Looks like it has the belt clip and the light.
While interesting, I could actually see this hand guard (for lack of a better word) get in the way in tight spots. My Bosch flexi would be less versatile if it was setup that way.
Nathan
so looking again – seems like it’s a holder for something – like maybe a bit holder or such.
ALSO the chuck on there looks to QC off the tool – so I guess there’s a 1/4 hex hole behind it. Which would be fine – such that maybe in line – when running a screw in – you bottom out on the hand guard.
again festool has something similar and I always wondered why the extra plastic. – other than body rigidity. Both tools are shaped such that you would palm the back with your index finger down the barrel – and run the trigger with your middle finger.
curious is I
glenn
It does indeed have magnetic bit holder in the curve of the front of the handle.
Bonson
The plastic handguard in front houses the electronics. They designed it that way to remove bulk from the barrel area.
I got this info from watching the VCG Construction livestream on YouTube. The answer came from the Milwaukee rep.
I share the concerns about limiting maneuverability. To compensate, the user would use a bit extension, I imagine.
Stuart
I didn’t catch that part, but considered it. The battery fuel gauge is in that front part, and other measures were taken to slim down the design.
Seriously, it’s ridiculously light.
We talked about the tool on the way to the airport and someone mentioned that the electronic direction switch could be blocked during some assembly tasks.
I think that the muscle memory will be overcome and retrained – I found that I was hunting for a physical switch with my finger – but there’s not much that can be done of the top switch is blocked by casework.
A W
Yes, finally a compact router that will work with my M18 battery packs. I already have three battery systems going and didn’t want to get another.
fred
I succumbed to buying yet another battery platform (Bosch 10.8/12V) when I bought their diminutive GKF12V-25N router. The appeal was for using it in some of the inlay work that I do. It really is a neat little tool – but I think not for general use. The Makita XTR01T7 with plunge and fixed bases also has some appeal. I wonder if we’ll see a plunge base for the Milwaukee – although I don’t believe that TTI has introduced a plunge base for either the Ridgid or Ryobi
Drew M
A plunge base *was* shown for the M18 router. It was on a poster in the background. I’m guessing it has been designed and tooling is ready but they didn’t have any “production samples” ready for the show.
I’m on the fence about this router as I *really* don’t need a cordless router but it looks like a really nice tool and I’d love to have it.
Stuart
The plunge base will launch two months after the router.
Jim Felt
I preordered the M12 Surge today. And though I/We’ve literally no need for them some of way higher price point specialty trade tools are very cool.
It’ll be fun you read your less frenetic thoughts as time goes on.
Brian Rohland
Wish they designed a slide in out style case for the pack out bins. I get annoyed taking them apart to get to the one I want
aaron
I’d like to see a lot more on the install driver. I’ve held off on the m12 screwdrivers so far because they arent different enough from my other m12 stuff. A smaller lighter driver is appealing.
It also looks like they had some new additions to the redlithium usb line that nobody really talked about in the coverage I’ve seen. I have a couple lights but keep wishing they’d put out some more pieces for that system.
Stuart
I believe that right now they’re still focusing on personal lighting and safety/lifestyle products (such as the heated gloves).
Someone asked whether we’ll see more RedLithium USB tools and received a “well…” reaction, and not in a *nudge nudge wink wink* kind of way.
I think that they look at the M4 screwdriver and see that users don’t quite want or cannot quite benefit from lower voltage tools.
There’s the RedLithium USB level…
https://toolguyd.com/new-milwaukee-redlithium-usb-tools-flashlights-heated-gloves-and-digital-levels/
I think that we might see further RedLithium USB expansion as it makes sense. It’s an available power source that they’ll tap into as part of larger solutions, but I don’t think they will be actively building new solutions around it.
There’s potential there, and we’ve asked the same question.
https://toolguyd.com/milwaukee-redlithium-usb-4v-max-cordless-screwdriver/
aaron
I thought I glimpsed a redlithiumUSB phone charger in one of the videos from VCG. My budget for levels is probably never going to approach what those computerized ones cost!
I feel like Milwaukee is the mainstream company that most believes in building the right tool for the job rather than just the biggest and strongest. The m4 was absurdly large but it seems like they could do a much smaller powered screwdriver with the new system. Even the smallest m12 stuff is overkill for replacing doorknobs and hinges or replacing outlets.
I know this gets hashed over and over I just keep hoping.
I’ll probably jump on that new multihead m12 installation driver but still dream of tinier ones.
Stuart
I am 99% sure that’s what they were too. They were next to the M12 power banks/chargers and had microUSB and USB A ports. A RedLithium USB cell doesn’t have very much charge capacity, at least compared to other options, but if that was a charging port, it’s better to have it and not need it than want one and not have it.
Update: I looked at my photos – it’s definitely not the charger. There was no signage or anyone to explain it, but if it looks like a dual-function power bank and charger…
Aaron
One of my pretty peeves is amp hours and mAh. How often is that a better measurement than watt hours? It makes it really irritating to compare things like power bank when they are scaled at different voltages. When I’m looking at power source with m12 2ah, M18 3ah, and a usb per bank that advertises 10,000 mAh I get really grumpy about that 10,000
Stuart
True, but mo matter what measurement you want to use, the capacity of a RedLithium USB battery to charge other devices is going to be lower than that of an M12 battery.
Amp-hours is what consumers are generally used to. When talking about capacity in this respect, I had in mind that the capabilities of 3 M12 cells is >> 1 cell in a RedLithium USB cell.
Watt hours aren’t very clear either. If you have a Milwaukee M18 5.0Ah battery and a Dewalt 20V Max 5.0Ah battery, the Dewalt watt-hours will be greater than Milwaukee watt-hours, because they use 20V Max in the calculation rather than 18V.
Roscoe
Did you happen to check out the m18 fish tape? Saw a quick video of it and it looked like a steel tape but couldn’t quite tell. Also price and availability if they mentioned it I’ve just literally heard nothing about it. Thanks in advance
Stuart
Unfortunately, I didn’t spend any time with it. There were so many tools that some of the more specialty trades products were for “explore during free time” coverage. I took photos later on, but at that point there wasn’t time to ask for a demo or detailed intro. There will still be full press info and details once it nears its official launch.
Bonson
This video shows slightly more detail on the Milwaukee fish tape:
https://youtu.be/Az9aw0z7mgc?t=176
In short: They have steel or polyester models available.
NZ Tom
Stuart, it looks like the framing nailer was on test only with 3” nails. Can you confirm that it is rated for 3 1/2” nails? Cos over here in New Zealand, it needs to fire 3 1/2” (90mm) nails to be considered a framer.
Stuart
Press materials say that both nailers can handle 2″ to 3-1/2″ nails.
NZ Tom
Thanks, good to know.
Josh Walters
RR builders did some tests with 3″ 3.5″ and 3″ ring shanks, into LVL Beams. Nailer seemed to handle them with ease and on Bump Fire was just moving. While I’m hesitant to ever really believe the tools at a show it looked like a nailer that might actually replace a traditional pneumatic.
tojen1981
Things I’d like to see:
M18 stubby impact guns (they’re compact line is well overdue for an upgrade)
USB-C PD m12/18 power sources
The What?
The 4½” trim square is something that’s a an absolute necessity when doing wood, mdf, or pvc finish carpentry, vinyl siding (j-channel for the doors and windows) and many other things and it’s about time a brand thought of making actually one. I’ve only ever seen two other people with one in the 20 years I’ve been doing it. I’ve been using my homemade one for a long time. It sucks that its taken this long for a company to finally make one, but I’m glad to see it. I’ll definitely be getting one when they hit the stores.