We saw a LOT of new Milwaukee tools, accessories, and equipment at last week’s Pipeline 2022 media event.
With so much to share about all of Milwaukee Tool’s new product announcements, I thought it would be a good idea to first give you a quick rundown of the most exciting new tools from the event.
Check out the video above for an overview with some hands-on demo footage mixed in.
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Table of Contents
Following are shortcuts to the sections below, or simply scroll down to see them in order.
- M18 Fuel Hammer Drill (4th Gen)
- M18 Fuel Impact Driver (4th Gen)
- M12 Fuel Hammer Drill (3rd Gen)
- M12 Fuel Impact Driver (3rd Gen)
- M18 Carry-on Power Station
- M18 Fuel Track Saw
- M12 High Output Batteries
- M18 Fuel Belt Sander
- M12 Fuel Orbital Detail Sander
- Questions?
Please note that prices and ETAs are subject to change.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hammer Drill (2904)
Milwaukee announced their new 4th generation M18 Fuel hammer drill (2904-22). A drill/driver will also be available (2903-22).
Notable Features
- Industry’s most powerful hammer drill
- Most compact – shortest in its class
- AutoStop control mode (anti-kickback)
Milwaukee says their AutoStop feature, which uses machine learning to self-adjust to different variables, is the best reacting anti-kickback control on the market.
Milwaukee greatly improved the endurance and thermal properties of the 4th generation M18 Fuel hammer drill, and are highly confident users will be satisfied with its performance in demanding tasks.
Lastly, it also has a mechanical adjustable torque clutch – not electronic – which should provide for more consistent results.
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Interestingly, Milwaukee’s drilling and driving product manager also told me that users can expect consistent adjustable torque clutch performance when using multiple copies of the same drill.
Key Specs
- 1/2″ all-metal chuck
- 1,400 in-lbs max torque
- 0-500/0-2,100 RPM
- 33,000 BPM (hammer drill)
- 6.9″ length
- Weighs 3.3 lbs without battery
Price: $299 for the kit, $399 for the combo kit (3697-22)
ETA: August 2022
M18 Fuel Impact Driver – (2953)
The new Milwaukee M18 Fuel impact driver (2953-22), also a 4th generation model, boasts numerous improvements over its predecessor.
It’s a little smaller and faster, and now has a tri-LED worklight.
Milwaukee also designed the new impact with an “ultimate control” trigger switch. Basically, they know that many users like to use their impacts to drive a broad range of fastener sizes, and so they optimized it accordingly.
Users can now expect more low-speed control when they feather the trigger switch.
Notable Features
- Most powerful impact driver
- Fastest driving speeds
- Greater thermal capabilities
- More compact design
- Ultimate trigger control
- 4-mode drive control
- 3-LED worklight
Key Specs
- 1/4″ hex chuck
- 2,000 in-lbs max torque
- 3,900 RPM max
- 4,400 IPM max
- 4.47″ length
- Weighs 2.2 lbs without battery
Price: $299 for the kit
ETA: August 2022
M12 Fuel Hammer Drill (3404)
We also got a good look at the new M12 Fuel hammer drill (3404-22), their 3rd generation M12 Fuel model. A drill/driver (3403-22) will also be available.
There are quite a few improvements here too.
Unsurprisingly, the new Milwaukee M12 Fuel hammer drill and drill/driver are more compact and more powerful than their predecessors.
The new hammer drill appeared to be completely redesigned, from the chuck to the built-in battery fuel gauge.
I commented to the product manager about how I gave up on the previous M12 Fuel model, as it wasn’t quite optimized for driving smaller fasteners with consistent and repeatable driving depths. I was told that we should expect to see improved performance here too.
At the least, the M12 drills also benefit from having been engineered with mechanical and not electronic clutches.
Electronic clutches could still be the future, but mechanical clutches provide more consistent results right now.
It seems minor, but I am also pleased that the adjustable clutch dial is longer than before, which should make adjustments more comfortable. Some brands’ subcompact drills have very small clutch dials that mess with my muscle memory, but the new M12 Fuel hammer drill’s clutch dial left me with a good first impression.
Notable Features
- Most powerful subcompact hammer drill
- Outperforms 18V subcompact drills
- Fastest speeds under load
- Industry-leading compact size
Key Specs
- 1/2″ chuck
- 400 in-lbs max torque
- 0-450/0-1550 RPM
- 0-6,750/0-22,500 BPM (hammer drill)
- 6.0″ length
- 2.1 lbs
Price: $179 for the kit, $229 for the combo kit (3497-22)
ETA: August 2022
M12 Fuel Impact Driver (3453)
The new M12 Fuel impact driver (3453-22) also made its debut.
There are some nice incremental upgrades compared to its predecessor, and users will have to judge for themselves whether the upgrade is worth it,
To start off, the new M12 Fuel impact driver is more compact than its predecessor. And, it also has a tri-LED worklight.
Milwaukee says their new M12 Fuel impact driver has the fastest application speeds in the subcompact market, and is the most compact in its class.
They improved its thermal capacity, which means a longer back-to-back performance in demanding applications.
Notable Features
- Fastest application speeds in subcompact market
- Outperforms 18V subcompact impacts
- Increased thermal capacity
- Most compact in its class
- 4-mode drive control
- 3 LED worklight
Key Specs
- 1/4″ hex bit chuck
- 1,500 in-lbs max torque
- 3,600 RPM max speed
- 5.0″ length
- Weighs 1.6 lbs without battery
Price: $169 for the kit
ETA: August 2022
M18 Carry-on Power Station (2845-20)
I already posted a more detailed first-look at the M18 Carry-on power supply, and so I’ll just touch upon the main bullet points here.
Key Features & Specs
- 1800W max continuous power, 3600W peak/startup
- Works with any M18 battery
- 2 outlets (120V, 15A max combined)
- USB-A charging port (2.1A/10.5W max)
- USB-C PD charging port (3A/60W max)
- Pure Sine Wave AC output
- Weighs 28 lbs
- Simultaneous 4-port 3A charging
- D-rings for shoulder strap (not included)
- Adjustable lockbar to prevent unauthorized battery removal (padlock not included)
Price: $699 (tool-only)
ETA: August 2022
M18 Fuel Track Saw (2831)
Finally – a Milwaukee M18 Fuel track saw (2831-21)!
It features a 6-1/2″ blade size, built-in riving knife, and is compatible with Festool and Makita guide rails. It can cut from 1/4″ plywood up to 2″ thick hardwood such as oak.
The demo station was set up with thick hardwood (1-1/2″ or slightly thicker), and the Milwaukee M18 Fuel track saw cut through it with ease. My purchased Makita XGT plunge-cutting track saw fails to cut thicker hardwood in a single pass, but the M18 Fuel saw was able to do it again and again and again.
Milwaukee also says it will deliver more cuts per charge than other saws, and is also more durable.
Here’s a look at the guide rail profile.
Milwaukee will have guide rails in 31″, 55″, and 106″ lengths, and also clamps, connectors, a carrying bag that fits all but the longest rail, and replacement anti-splinter strips.
There will be 5 blade styles:
- 24T general purpose
- 40T finish
- 48T fine finish
- 4T fiber cement
- 52T laminate
I mentioned to the Milwaukee product manager how the anti-splinter strip sometimes peel away from other brands’ guide rails. They said they observed the same in field testing and strengthened their adhesive to help prevent this from happening.
The new cordless track saw looks to deliver everything that Milwaukee tool users have been asking for.
Key Features & Specs
- 6-1/2″ blade size
- 2,500 – 5,600 RPM
- 20mm arbor size
- 2-1/4″ max cutting capacity
- -1 to 48° bevel capacity
- Weighs 9.8 lbs without battery
- Up to 90% dust collection
The saw will be available in a kit with XC 6Ah battery, charger, and fitted Packout tool box (2831-21), and as a bare tool (2831-20). Interestingly, the Packout XL at the Pipeline event had a long fold-down top handle.
Price: $399 tool-only, $549 for the kit
ETA: October 2022
M12 High Output Batteries
Milwaukee also announced two M12 High Output batteries – a compact CP 2.5Ah battery (48-11-2425), and extended capacity XC 5.0Ah battery (48-11-2450).
Milwaukee says that their new M12 High Output batteries deliver 25% more power and run much cooler in heavy use, “allowing users to push the capabilities of their tools and maximize productivity.”
Milwaukee’s upgraded and higher capacity M12 battery packs are engineered using a newer style of 18650 Lithium-ion battery that has lower internal resistance and is capable of delivering greater power.
Additionally, the new M12 High Output batteries feature a more protective housing that provides resistance against oils, solvents, greases, and other such chemicals commonly found in automotive maintenance and manufacturing environments.
See Also: New Milwaukee M18 Resistant Battery
Milwaukee says the new batteries provide a system-wide performance upgrade. It was hinted that some of their new M12 tools are designed to leverage the additional power capabilities of the High Output batteries.
In talking with one of the product managers, I also learned that the new M12 HO batteries maintain their rated power output for longer, whereas batteries built with older-style 18650 cells will see power drop-off earlier in their discharge cycle.
Price: $79 for CP, $119 for XC
ETA: August 2022
M18 Fuel Belt Sander (2832)
Milwaukee showed off their new M18 Fuel belt sander (2832-20), which features a 3″ x 18″ belt size.
Notable Features
- Power equivalent to 8A corded sander
- Best-in-class belt speed
- Tool-free adjustable pommel
- Tool-free belt change
- Lock-on button
- Variable speed dial
- Belt tracking knob
- Dual LED lights
- Dust port
- Multi-later dust bag
- Collects over 80% generated dust
- Includes universal vacuum adapter
Key Specs
- 3″ x 18″ belt size
- 700-1,350 SFM
- 10.6″ L x 6.3″ W x 7.5″ H
- Weighs 7.5 lbs without battery
Price: $279 (tool-only)
ETA: July 2022
M12 Fuel Orbital Detail Sander (2531)
Milwaukee Tool surprised us with their new M12 Fuel orbital detail sander (2531-20).
The new cordless detail sander felt light and was quieter than I would have expected.
Milwaukee says the sander is up to 2x faster than traditional hand sanding solutions. It is “optimized to perform applications on-site that are traditionally done by hand.
It can be used for details sanding, sanding corners or contours, and it said to provide a stain-grade finish.
Notable Features
- 4-mode speed select
- Lock-on button
- Variable speed
- LED work light
Key Specs
- 14,000 RPM max
- 4.6″ height
- 2.1″ width
- Weighs 1.35 lbs without battery
Milwaukee PowerGrid mesh sanding sheets will be available in 80, 120, 150, 180, 220, 320, and 400 grit sizes. There will be several assortments, as well as a replacement sponge interface pad. The sanding sheets can be cleaned by shaking, vacuum, blowing, or rinsing for repeated use and longer life.
The tool comes with a sponge pad, pad saver, and abrasives kit with (3) 80 grit, (3) 120-grit, and (3) 180-grit sanding sheets.
Price: $149 (tool-only)
ETA: August 2022
Questions?
I hope that you enjoyed this roundup of the hottest new tools announced at Milwaukee Pipeline 2022. Also check out my video if you have a chance.
In case you missed it, check out our initial Pipeline report here.
We’re working on in-depth coverage on all of the new tools and accessories we saw, tested, and questioned product managers about at the media event. We also hope to get our hands on some samples in coming months for independent testing and review.
In the meantime, do you have any questions?
Which of these tools are you most excited about?
John Blair
I am totally onboard with other brands splinter strip peeling off. Best upgrade I ever made to my Festool track was putting a Makita splinter guard strip on.
I do wish everything had Packout compatible feet. I’d rather have a lower slung charger that was wider enough to take the entire Packout width, but the pure sine wave is a great feature.
Scar
Thank goodness for the mechanical clutch on the M12 drill. The electronic clutch on the most recent model is garbage compared to the mechanical clutch of the first generation drill
Stuart
Agreed!
I didn’t like using the M12 Fuel drill for smaller fasteners because it couldn’t hit the target depth in a consistent manner. If the new models work as well as suggested, I’ll be sold.
I have come to see the M12 Fuel drill as a compact 18V replacement, which is good for medium duty tasks, but it wasn’t as good as other 12V-class models for typical 12V-class lighter-stuff tasks.
I’m hopeful that the new M12 Fuel is my one-tool light to medium duty solution, potentially with the M18 Fuel covering all the medium to heavier and heaviest duty applications. Will see.
James C
I was hoping for a new, extremely compact m12 drill. I have the first gen m12 fuel hammer drill. Looking up the specs, this gen 3 is 1 3/4″ shorter. I might consider an upgrade if there are some good black Friday / holiday deals this year.
Lewis
Will the gen4 impact get a one-key version?
Stuart
There was no mention of this at the event, and so I would assume not.
fred
I see that they stuck with the 20mm arbor size for the tracksaw. That should allow for a use of some of the specialty Makita blades like the A-98809 optimized for solid surface materials and the A-99998 designed for melamine
MFC
I really want to know why track-saws come in a 20mm arbor instead of 5/8 like all the rest of my 6.5″ saws. It burned my toast when I couldn’t take a standard blade and put it on.
Stuart
Now? Compatibility. Could be other reasons, such as tooth set.
fred
Probably exactly that! You are plunging the blade into the work – rather than starting the cut form the edge. When I recall my infrequent plunge-cutting with a standard 7-1/4 saw and blade- I recall that you really had to keep a gorilla grip on the saw to avoid kickback, That’s just anecdotal evidence – but it sounds more logical as a reason to distinguish 6.5-inch blades than just some conspiracy to prevent use of the more common 5/8-inch rabor blades in your track saw.
James C
I saw another channel’s youtube video of these tools. It’s hard to tell in a video, but it looked like the new m12 impact has their “true view” LEDs (warmer tint and high CRI). Hear anything about that?
Stuart
It’s possible, but they don’t mention this as a feature anywhere – not in press materials or the product listings.
The lights do see more neutral and less cool-white in my photos and videos, but I didn’t notice anything when handling the demo samples. I’ll look into it, and will be able to tell later this month – there’s a test kit with my name on it, but I’ll have to wait for it to be shipped.
I heard a product manager answering a question about this, but I don’t recall if it was about one of the impacts or something else.
Leo B.
I’m surprised the track saw comes with a 6ah battery- I wonder if a 8.0 ah or 12 ah battery would be of any benefit besides runtime or would simply add weight. For higher draw tools, it seems like 12.0 ah batteries get bundled in, and whatever performance you get is the best you can have for now. It’s nice that the ceiling for the track saw seems to be higher than the kit puts you at initially. The Packout box is nice as well- reminds me of the Systainer packaging for Festool track saws. Looks like a nice crop of tools!
neandrewthal
The 6A battery can supply somewhat higher wattage than the 8.
Stuart
A 12Ah battery on a 6-1/2″ saw, plunge-cutting or not, seems a bit much, not to mention more expensive.
6Ah vs 8Ah was likely done to help manage the price point, but either seem appropriate for the size and performance level of the saw.
Joshua Morris
With they went with bosch/mafell track.
Love the simplicity and the slide in splinter guard on them so I can keep them in my truck on the summer without things peeling
Blythe
Not to mention the much better track connectors. I’m guessing they went festool/makita style to win over the “I already have the tracks” crowd.
But I’m disappointed too
Big Richard
So what cell is that in the HO M12s? Samsung 25S? Its 25A discharge rate is 25% higher than the 20A discharge rate of most other 18650 cells.
Chris
Only cell I can think of… Milwaukee and their marketing lol Only one that would claim a HO on a higher discharge 18650 cell lol
Stuart
They didn’t specify, but it was suggested the battery isn’t brand new but only utilized in Milwaukee products for the first time.
I looked around and came upon the Samsung INR18650-25S after the event, and it does seem to match everything that was said about the battery used in the M12 HO battery packs.
The manager wouldn’t specify the properties of the cell, implying that some people run with the on-paper specs when the battery pack design and cooling properties is what determines the true operational specs and performance levels.
But, I can’t find any reasonable competitor to the Samsung 25S, and so that’s the current presumed cell I believe the packs are engineered with. Maybe an eventual tear-down will be revealing.
Big Richard
I figured as much. Based on your pictures they removed the cell’s wrap so you can’t identify it. From what I’ve heard about its performance it sounded like a 25S to me.
JR Ramos
That does kinda look like a Samsung cell but it’s hard to say for sure…nice to see it unwrapped and without an insulator, which pretty much rules out the Sony VTC5D (which I think can best the 25S depending on current). The LG H26 would be a great contender but unless they contracted with Indochem for a different + cap then it’s not that. I think the 25S is still the cream of the crop for maintaining voltage at high currents although there are a couple contenders that can match it and provide just a touch more capacity near the end (if a BMS lets it go that far). I don’t know about running cooler, since most of these seem to hold around the same temps at the same current draws…maybe they did something with their BMS to adjust on the fly or maybe they’re just comparing to an older cell with more sag/IR that naturally ran hotter at higher currents. Suppose it depends on the tool, too. It’ll be nice to have a long overdue upgrade, at any rate.
G Greene
Off topic, except it is a Milwaukee question. Anyone know where I can get a replacement mandrel for my M12 Cutoff tool? (The mandrel secures the 1.5″ cutoff wheels.) Mine got bent and I can’t find one anywhere. I e-mailed Milwaukee – no response.
Stuart
Cut-off tool or die grinder?
For things like this, I find it’s best to find the exact part number.
Here’s the cut-off tool parts diagram: https://documents.milwaukeetool.com/54-47-2520.pdf
There’s no part number for the bolt, if that’s what you’re referring to. Contact Milwaukee (by phone maybe) and specify the part on the list, e.g. model number X, figure number Y, if there’s no explicit part number.
If you still need help after calling them, email me and I’ll see what I can.
Luckey Dodge
Carton stapler cordless………..Any news? Think of how much vinyl tape that will be not needed any more. Vinyl tape that is too thin, too weak and catches on the shipping conveyor belts at UPS and FED-X……and expensive!
Bostitch carton stapler never took off! Quality issues?
The carton stapler from Europe is nice at US$ 1,300!
One of the big tool companies , Ryobi, B&D and others could easily make a battery powered carton stapler that fits the market segment. Wake up Harbor Freight!
Thanks for reading…………….Luckey Dodge
John
Someday, you’ll wake up and know today is the day. The sun will shine a little brighter, your morning coffee will be richer and just the right temperature. You’ll open the morning paper and it’ll be right there front page news – ALL MAJOR TOOL BRANDS TO OFFER CARTON STAPLING TOOL EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.
Sadly, today is not that day. For now you must wait.
Andrew Wagner
John, you forever endeared yourself to me with “open the morning paper.” Bless you! 🙂
Luckey Dodge
Hi John,
I wish I could write as well as you do! Very heart warming……….Now I must wake up to reality! In all the posts, there is only “coal” for me……..I will be waiting……..
OK, I get the point, there will be no Battery powered Carton Staplers for me now days…….I use my manual carton stapler and say a “nasty” word each time……..Plug your ears………………Luckey Dodge
David
How does it compare to the 60v power wise?
Stuart
They didn’t have any competing units for side by side testing. I’ll be able to test this if/once samples are available.
Eric
Anything regarding the new USA hand tools? Available dates, samples, pictures?
Stuart
Not yet, but it’s coming later this year. Soon.
MT
Is the mode setting on the new M12 Fuel Hammer Drill still part of the clutch dial as on Gen 2 or did they return to making it a separate switch as on the first gen?
Stuart
Clutch dial. If you pause the video, you can see it in the first half-second.
I don’t think it’s ever going back to a separate switch.
MT
That’s too bad. I guess I’ll have to keep my Gen 1 in service as long as I can.
Nathan
question what’s with the rpm range on the tracksaw? Is that meant to be adjustable or does it demonstate the no load vs bogged down speed. Seems a bit odd.
Does it also offer a plunge action?
Stuart
There’s a variable speed dial.
Yes – plunge-cutting.
Jimmie
Honestly, I was hoping the track saw came at a higher price so that I could immediately rule it out. Any word on what they plan to charge for the tracks?
Stuart
I haven’t seen pricing for the track yet. They said they’re going to great lengths to ensure tracks ship in a safe and secure manner, but I didn’t catch pricing details. I would expect guide rails to be competitively priced, and if not, you can always look towards other competitive brands.
Press materials price the track saw kit at $549, but I would swear I heard a product manager say $599.
John
Really nice overview video.
Love your calm and clear presentation. Stuart.
I’m waiting to see pricing on new generation (vs. current) M18 hammer and impact, tho I may jump on current gen if they’re promoted aggressively for Prime Day.
Stuart
Thanks!
I’d like to say it was effortless, but this was after too many video takes and then a couple of audio-only takes that left me much calmer. I’ll keep working on it, as some things are simply easier to show with video.
Matthew
Do we know exactly what the tool only set-up is for the track saw? Saw and blade only? At only $150 more it seems like a no brainer to go with the Packout XL, Charger, and 6.0 battery at that point(if it’s the case). Also how can they launch a long track and not have any sort of case to put it in?
M12 orbital sander is a huge win if you ask me. I’ve burned up enough Velcro on the oscillator to where the pads no longer stick.
Great coverage as always and really looking forward to several of these tools. Thank you!
Stuart
Working on some of those details! More info should be available soon.
Does any brand make 9-foot guide rail carrying bags?
Slugbutter
Is there any update on the release date for the m12 detail sander? August is almost over and I can’t even preorder it yet.
Matthew
It is actually available for preorder at several places now. I preordered from Acme I believe along with the sanding pads.
Slugbutter
Yeah I preordered from OPT when it went live. And yes that’s true now but I had expected to at least hear something before the last couple days of august.