Shown here is Milwaukee’s RedLithium USB (4V Max) Li-ion battery pack. It can be recharged from within a tool, or outside the tool in an optional charging dock.
The RedLithium USB battery pack can power a growing selection of personal LED lighting products, as well as new heated gloves and digital levels.
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Shown here is Milwaukee’s M4 cordless screwdriver.
Some of you mentioned hoping that Milwaukee combines the two technologies to create a new RedLithium USB cordless screwdriver.
If they DO come out with a tool like that, I’d expect for it to be more compact than the M4 version and for it to perhaps feature some kind of new tech. Well, at least “new to Milwaukee tools” tech.
So what are they waiting for?
Milwaukee won’t tell us their plans for the RedLithium USB product family. When we asked last year, we were told that they are focusing on personal lighting products, and then (very understandably) politely gave us a standard type of non-answer. We can only speculate.
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The way I see it, either they’re working on something amazing that requires a longer R&D process, or perhaps they’re waiting until RedLithium USB gains popularity and spreads around a little.
That later part makes the most sense. What kinds of tools will drive more RedLithium USB tool sales, something like an LED worklight or flashlight, or a cordless screwdriver?
The RedLithium USB system holds a ton of potential. Just look at what kinds of tools were available in Ryobi’s Tek4 system. We posted about Tek4 tools a couple of times, and looking back, the tools would likely do a lot better today if they featured RedLithium USB-like built-in charging and optional charging dock compatibility. Maybe.
Do you remember the Ryobi Phone Works products? “Flop” comes to mind. Good in theory, not in practice.
Craftsman’s V4 cordless tool system sold very well, because it was discontinued and clearanced shortly after being launched. To this day I still can’t understand let alone explain what happened there.
Many independent 4V-class tools sell reasonably well as individual tools. 4V-class ecosystems? They don’t really exist.
M12 expansion tools are focused on hand tool replacement items, unique innovations, and compact tools.
RedLithium USB is focused on personal lighting, heated gloves, and levels. The products so far are tools where an M12 battery is way too big, and alkaline batteries not powerful enough.
Is the RedLithium USB battery capable of powering a cordless screwdriver? Certainly. A cordless screwdriver suited for construction or tradesman use? Ah…
3.6V or 4V Max cordless screwdrivers typically deliver up to 40 or 50 in-lbs of max torque. Is that enough for a lot of tasks? Absolutely. Is that enough to match users’ expectations of what a Milwaukee cordless screwdriver can do? That’s a different story.
We’re going to have to wait to see what happens. In the meantime, raise your hand if you’d be interested in a RedLithium USB screwdriver. What other new compact cordless Milwaukee tools or accessories would you want to see powered by this battery platform?
The yeti
Has got to be a market for better made headlamps. Usb recharging. Sure. Spend the R & D money on getting the straps perfect for a head or a hard hat.
Tim E.
Other than the light body itself not being comfortable on your head, I really like the Musb hard hat headlamp. Works great on a hard hat, stays in place, bright, amiable, etc. I’ve worn it straight on my head a few times, but as mentioned, the light body isn’t very comfortable, and with its size it could really use a 3rd over the head strap. I like their alkaline battery headlamp, but not enough to justify the premium for that one over a Coast or similar. But the hard hat one is better for hard hats than others I’ve tried.
Jim Felt
Speaking of head lamps have you seen the Lenser models Leatherman offers? Totally German-centric tech but hey.
fred
Some of our installers really liked this form factor for a powered screwdriver and would probably welcome this as a new option. Meanwhile – I still use and like my Milwaukee M12 pistol grip screwdriver 2401-20 that is now over 10 years old.
https://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/milwaukee-2401-20-m12-cordless-lithium-ion-screwdriver
John T Jacobson
I’m on my 5th M-4 screw driver. 53 years IBEW and still working. One of my first go to tools. Speed, power, faster rpm with torque settings available, than any screw driver in hand.
Tim B.
I really do wish they would revisit their screwdriver line… something with the newer battery technology and improved weight / power / efficiency would be great. I’m still using their previous generation of NiMh based drivers when not near my workbench (where I use a tethered assembly driver) and like it, but the weakest link has always been the batteries themselves… followed by the weight / bulk.
adam
Sears could saves its arse if it came back with the 4v line. Okay, probably not, but they would be flying off the shelves, if there was inventory or even shelves to put said theoretically inventory.
Those are my favorite low voltage tools. The scissors are used the most, soldering iron is perfect for 50% of my needs (though I’d prefer the M12), and the rotary tool is under powered but that can be a good thing occasionally. The screwdriver gets its use for times when I won’t have to switch back & forth to M12, and will be using it for a long period of time.
If Sears didn’t sell those patents to SBD, sell them to Milwaukee for a few dollars.
Tim E.
I use my M4 screwdriver so much I’m surprised it hasn’t died yet. Abused it too, stalling it out and loosening tough screws, then letting the motor run to turn the handle around so it’s almost like a ratcheting screwdriver until I get the screw loose enough for the motor to do the work. Every kid on my robotics team wants one and tries to use mine all the time, since it’s so handy for setting reasonable torque on both the heavier nuts and bolts and running them down, but also some of the lighter stuff that a drill or even the M12 screwdriver is a bit too much for, or not fine enough clutch settings that low, plus it’s smaller so can get in places at lower angle to the work than some of the larger solutions. Not being a gyroscopic model actually works well for us and is a plus for our applications, we’ve used the DeWalt one and it works for some things, but general consensus was people wanted the buttons. Seeing a redlithium usb version would be awesome, just for the battery interchangeability with the lights which we also use. And that’s one less charger to have around.
Tim E.
Some other USB battery / charging tools I’d like to see:
Laser temperature meter, cheaper than the M12, and smaller. Still might not compete with the cheap extech or others, but might be convenient if you use it all the time.
Inspection camera / scope, again, smaller and cheaper than the current M12 bottom end ones.
Heated socks.
Battery bank for phone charging. Wouldn’t be any more than a bit of extra juice, but I carry the small Anker lipstick-size-ish batteries for just that.
Tire pressure gauge with a decent light. Two tools, one stone.
Very niche but a light up safety vest. I’ve seen some with like yellow LEDs that flash down the stripes for working at night, it definitely enhances the safety factor, but I’ve only ever seen it two or three times. Could be one of those solve a problem people don’t know exists, and it’s such a good idea it’ll get mandated eventually.
Light duty dremel, kind of like the Micro. Smaller than the M12 and lighter for more delicate work. I use my micro a lot for small carving on things like gaming miniatures, and it even sometimes gets large and heavy feeling.
Another niche product, but a tool very similar to the existing screwdriver, but in a drill form factor. Trigger, reverse switch, clutch, speed selection, all very similar, but in a drill package rather than a long thin screwdriver shape package.
Maybe a lower wattage and limited runtime soldering iron. The M12 is great, and has enough runtime that even if you cut that down by 75% in favor of a smaller iron, smaller tip size, lowered the wattage a good bit (maybe more equivalent to a 10 watt or lower iron), I’d still find it extremely useful.
Bluetooth speaker. Nothing crazy, just like the normal little amazon basics or Anker rectangle mid size Bluetooth speakers, but using a replaceable battery.
Tim E.
A tripod flashlight floodlight combo, kind of like the really old Stanley’s that were long and round like a flashlight but had three legs that popped out to make it a tripod, and you could change the head from spot to flood-ish mode, with a few brightness clicks as well.
Stud finder, goes right along with the levels. Nothing worse than finding your 9V battery is depleted and nobody has a spare sitting around.
Cross line laser, feel like this would enable a good form factor for one of those.
Laser distance measure maybe, though those don’t take enough power to really stand out as having benefits being on this platform.
Cute little scrubber thing like the dremel Versa.
Last, probably the craziest one, a regulated 3.3V/5V output adapter for powering home built projects, with all the battery protection and stuff built in. I make a lot of costumes and props and such that light up or have electronics onboard. My go-to options for powering them are a USB jack that I run to from a battery bank in my pocket, or a built in lithium battery (whether a flat pack or an 18650 or similar) with accompanying charging hardware and regulator / voltage converter. I could cut apart some Musb tools, but that gets expensive. Although I know why they don’t, it would be cool if for this lower voltage stuff, even for the 12V, if the tool companies made blank battery receptacles so you could wire them in to your projects easily and safely and get the battery protection and stuff without doing it yourself.
Philip
great lists–I hope Milwaukee is reading these–I think I’d buy and use everything you mention here.
PETE
I was going to mention ryobis tek system and it’s flop… I guess we’ll see! I’m sure if milwaukee comes out with a 4v screwdriver i’m sure it’s going to be awesome.
Dennis
Just as to inform those that don’t know or forgot, the Craftsman V4 were just re-branded Ryobi Tek4. At least the batteries and chargers were the same. I bought a bunch at heavy clearance discounts, just because they were “so cheap”. Gave some as gifts and the rest that I had left over I gave to my kids for them to learn how to use power tools with something a bit less powerful. Except the shears those were great for opening clam shell packaging.
I own the Milwaukee M4 screwdriver and it is one of my favorites. I find myself using that instead of the M12 or M18 screwdrivers. It might be interesting to see them update it, but if it ain’t broke…
What I don’t get is why 4V? Why not push it to 5V (or standard USB voltage)? Then you could use those batteries for not only the lights and (fingers crossed) screwdrivers, but as portable phone chargers as well.
Diamond Dave
I purchased a few of the Craftsman V4 Screwdrivers when they were clearanced a few years ago from Sears. All of them still work great and have original batteries. I have a Dewalt 7.2v I take everywhere with me. (My all time favorite) and also have the Milwaukee M12 brushless screwdriver for home but the Craftsman V4 is in my upper tool box drawer near my bench and I constantly grab it, especially for smaller screws! My wife appropriated the V4 flashlight and tagged it as hers and I am okay with that!…lol
salmon
The technology for a really good cordless screwdriver is out there. For some reason nobody has jumped on it.
The Bosch GO is not much bigger than a regular screwdriver and has enough power to handle most of the stuff you can use a regular screwdriver for. It’s also charged with USB which means everyone in the world already has a charger and don’t have to buy into some short-lived battery ecosystem (sorry M4 but you won’t make it five years). However it has a sloppy bitholder and it’s push-to-activate which means you don’t have any precise control.
There are good bit holders out there. There are also good ways to control a cordless screwdriver – either a progressive trigger or a gyroscope.
Somebody just put the two together! It’s not rocket science. You can charge $80 for it if you want.
Redcastle
Makita had a very similar looking tool which might have been 7.2v f (I suppose that would be 8v now) from its early days which stayed around long after the rest if their tools moved onwards primarily because it had a dedicated user base and the voltage provided power without being too harsh. There was also a tile cutter with the same power source.
Mosh
I would like to see DeWalt with a 4v line, USB with a impact driver:-)
Stuart
They had something almost like that a while back – a Porter Cable 8V Max impact driver. https://toolguyd.com/porter-cable-8v-impact-driver/
Mosh
I already have a 12v class impact,
For light duty drilling (service) a small 4v would probably be perfect
Drop the 12v
Keep it 18v heavy duty 4v light and small
JoeM
I’d rather DeWALT expanded the 8V Max line, and their batteries. Surely they can do more than just Screwdrivers and Flashlights with this line. Laser Levels, Distance Measurers, and Stud Finders come to mind. Even a cordless Glue Gun or Heat Gun would be good in this size. All they have to do is offer some higher-amperage 8V Max batteries, and it would solve all these power problems.
A USB Power Source might be nice, for summer months when you need to charge your Cell, or in reverse when you want to charge an 8V Max battery from your car or a wall socket on the go.
Personal fan? I dunno at this point. I’m kinda throwing ideas out there, because the 8V Max system is so tiny right now.
Plus, I couldn’t help but notice how much this Milwaukee screwdriver situation was reminding me of the DeWALT 8V Max system. More reason I hold Milwaukee and DeWALT as a specific level of Tool company among all the different classes. They act the same with regards to neglecting some of their lines of tools. I’m not a Milwaukee FAN, but I definitely see Milwaukee dropped the ball on this line, the same as DeWALT dropped the ball on their 8V line. Tons of potential, but because they chose to try it out on a single tool, we haven’t seen any development with it, because that one tool was not the best use of the innovation. So, seeing low sales, both companies just went “Duh… I don’t think they liked it, George… Guess we won’t do that no more…” and moved on. It’s a shame, too. It’s a good idea, now wasted.
DHCrocks
what they should be doing is simply using standard 18650 batteries, not some proprietary pack. I will not buy any of these simply for that one reason, the cost of an 18650 is well under $10 and can be mass charged 4 to 6 at a time. The 18650’s are also somewhat universal in that flashlights, ecigs and other things use them so that one battery will work with a myriad of my devices. also, since its just a bare cell the size will be reduced.
928'er
Is it too much to hope that these batteries might be compatible with the Tek4 system?
I’ve got a few of the Tek4 tools and it sure would be nice if the battery platforms were interchageable.
Stuart
Sorry.
Steve
I’ve been wanting an M4 screwdriver so bad, but I just knew something would be coming out. Right now, I use a Worx e-driver that has a slide-type bolt action, just like a pistol. It’s “okay”… more fun factor than anything, and I would love to have a nice Milwaukee driver with a clutch. The impact drivers dominate the market and kits, so I’ve fallen back on a Bosch 12v model that is less aggressive for regular assembly.
Stuart
If you want an M4 screwdriver, you are probably safe in buying one.
IF a RedLithium USB screwdriver is in the works, it’s not coming out anytime soon, or it would have been announced at NPS18 last Spring.
glenn
I have Makita’s 3.6v driver and like it. I keep in a drawer in one of my benches so its always handy. I would be interested in a Milwaukee version if it was more compact though. If they made it with a traditional trigger with a separate reversing switch rather than the rocker switch, I would be even more interested.
Mike
I’m running Dewalt, Milwaukee, Ryobi, and a single Hitachi – the electric screwdriver – it’s a champ!
Brian A
A tech upgrade for the M4 would be a light LOL, my only gripe every time I use it. Buddy even has the Nicad version prior to the M4 that he loves.
Tools I would kill for in the USB platform
M4 replacement, smaller, doesnt need to be more powerful, with a light
Mini 1/4 ratchet, imagine a ratchet the size of a candy bar, awesome!
Powered scissors, didnt have a 3rd item so this is the best I could come up with.