After putting a few thoughts about potential late-2014 new tool releases on paper, I did what I normally do this time of year – I scoured the web for new or updated sales and promo flyers and catalogs. These documents typically feature tools that are about to be released.
Earlier this month, Milwaukee UK published the July – December 2014 edition of their HDN Heavy Duty News newsletter. There are a LOT of surprises in there. Since that’s a UK publication, there’s no indication that any of these new tools will be released in the USA.
After reading through the list, be sure to let us know which new Milwaukee tools you are most excited about! For me, it’s definitely the M18 cordless miter saw, and the M12 4-in-1 drill and driver kit would be second.
Advertisement
Milwaukee DynaCase Tool Boxes
It’s really vague as to what Milwaukee’s DynaCase tool boxes are all about. At first glance it seems this could be the start of a line of Milwaukee-branded modular tool storage products, but that doesn’t look to be the case.
There are several different DynaCase configurations that can be rebranded under Milwaukee and other brands’ labels. Right now it looks as though only very few select kits are available with a DynaCase bundle option.
You can buy these boxes separately, but not with Milwaukee branding or custom tool cutouts.
M12 Fuel Brushless 1/2″ Impact Wrench
Advertisement
The new compact 1/2″ impact wrench delivers up to 118 ft-lbs (1416 in-lbs) of torque. This is on-par and even greater than what some compact impact drivers and wrenches can muster!
As with the other M12 Fuel tools, such as the M12 brushless impact driver we reviewed, the new impact wrench has two electronic torque and speed settings – full power for larger fasteners, and low power for smaller ones.
UK/EU model M12 CIW12-202C.
M12 Sub-Compact 1/2″ Impact Wrench
In addition to the aforementioned M12 Fuel impact wrench, there will be a new brushed motor 1/2″ sub-compact impact as well. It measures just 6-3/4″ long and delivers up to ~102 ft-lbs (~1221 in-lbs)of torque.
UK/EU model M12 BIW12-202C.
M18 Fuel Brushless Full-Size Circular Saw
That’s right, Milwaukee is coming out with a new full-sized brushless circular saw that can work with 7-1/4″ blades. It’s described as working with 190mm blades, but is shown with a 7-1/4″ blade. There might be two versions – one for the EU market, and another for North America.
In contrast to the 6-1/2″ M18 Fuel brushless circular saw, which is a left-facing saw, the new full-size saw is right-facing, which is similar to what you see with most corded 7-1/4″ saws.
The blade spins at 5,000 RPM, and the saw is said to be able to make cuts up to 66mm, or about 2.6″ deep. The 6-1/2″ saw can make cuts up to ~2.1″ deep.
The saw also features a dust collection port which directs debris away from the user.
UK/EU model M18 CCS66-402C
M18 Cordless Miter Saw
Oh, that’s right – Milwaukee’s coming out with a new M18 cordless miter saw. Right now it’s only been announced in the UK, but this is something we definitely want to see here in the US.
The new M18 cordless miter saw does not look to have Fuel branding, meaning it’s not brushless. It’s designed to work with 8.5″ (216 mm) blades, and has a maximum cutting capacity of ~2.36″ deep x ~10.63″ wide (60 mm x 270 mm) at 90° and no bevel.
The miter saw features dual vertical steel rails with linear bearings for accuracy and durability. This sliding configuration is shown in the action image, and explains why the trigger handle is so long. Milwaukee says that their cordless miter saw is the first 18V integral bar 216mm [8.5″] miter saw.
I’m more familiar with sliding miter saws that have horizontal rails or compound pivots, but can see the appeal of the vertical rail system. The rail configuration looks to help make the saw more compact, which is probably also why Milwaukee went with a 8.5″ blade size instead of 10″.
Although a little pricey at £399 excluding VAT, the new saw will definitely be appreciated by the increasingly cordless-friendly users.
UK/EU model M18 SMS216-0
M18 Fuel SDS+ Rotary Hammer and Dust Extractor
There will be two new SDS+ rotary hammers, and two dust extractors that seem to be specific to those two models.
Fuel SDS+ Rotary Hammer: M18 CHX-402C; Compatible Extractor: M18 CDEX-0
Fuel SDS+ High Performance Rotary Hammer: M18 CHPX-402C; Compatible Extractor: M18 CPDEX-0
The M18 Fuel SDS+ rotary hammer delivers 2.7 J of impact energy and has a max drilling capacity of 26 mm. The high performance model delivers 4.3 J of impact energy, which Milwaukee describes as corded tool performance, and has a max drilling capacity of 28 mm.
The dust extractors work similarly and can operate automatically from attached tools’ on/off trigger switches. They come complete with replaceable HEPA filters that trap 99.75% of dust particles.
Corded SDS+ Rotary Hammer
There will also be a new corded SDS+ rotary hammer that features 28 mm drilling capacity, FIXTEC adapter, a 12mm (1/2″) all-metal Rohm chuck, and 4.8 J impact energy.
UK/EU model PLH 28XE
Dust Extractor Vacuum
The new wet/dry dust extractor vac features a 1250 W motor, automatic power switch that turns on when an attached corded tools is powered on, 25L tank, blower function, and self-cleaning filter cleaning mechanism. It has large rear wheels for easier mobility and comes with a nice array of attachments (2 extension wands, an angled wand, a floor nozzle, crevice nozzle, and power tool connection adapters.
The hose is 3.5 m (11.5 ft) long, and the rubber power cord is 7.5 m (24.6 ft) long. It comes with a PET filter and replaceable collection bag.
UK/EU model AS 2-250 ELCP
Modular M12 4-in-1 Drill Driver Kit
There’s a new 4-in-1 M12 drill and driver kit that’s currently listed as a promotion with while stocks last disclaimer, so we’re not sure if this is a permanent addition to the Milwaukee M12 lineup. It could be that the two “extra heads” are what make this a promo kit.
The 4-in-1 M12 drill features a basic drill/driver handle, but comes with modular attachment heads. Without any additional heads it works as a cordless screwdriver and is compatible with standard 1/4″ hex bits. Attach the 10mm (~3/8″) drill chuck, and it can be used as a regular drill.
The special kit also comes with offset and right angle attachment heads.
I have seen modular drills and drivers before (such as the Festool CXS compact drill system), and am a little surprised that Milwaukee gave this type of design a try. I suppose that could be why this is a limited stock promotion item (for now?).
UK/EU model M12 BDDXKIT-202C
1/4″ Sheet Sander
The new sheet sander features a 1/4″ sheet sanding pad, 260W motor, 1.6mm oscillating movement, dust collection bag and built-in vacuum extractor connection port, and a 4 m (~13 ft) power cord. Its 1/4″ sheet pad can secure sandpaper via hook and loop or the built-in clamping system.
I can’t say I have ever used one of Milwaukee’s sanders, but they seem to be well regarded by users. It’s always nice to see a refresh of corded tools. After taking a quick look at their current 1/4″ sander, it looks like this one could be a completely new design.
UK/EU model SPS140
Source(PDF via Milwaukee UK)
Toolfreak
Bizarre that Milwaukee would completely neglect the US market in favor of new products exclusively for the UK/EU, but you never know. Plenty of crazy business strategies out there. Maybe they’re trying really, really hard to have a presence on Bosch’s home turf. Seems like they’d be better off creating buzz in the US market, and giving the same stuff to the UK/EU. All this does is alienate their core customer base and shows how little they care about the US market.
Dan
Until very recently Milwaukee had no presence here in the UK at all, even now I only know one guy who has a pair of drills. I think they are trying very hard to go from nothing to a reasonable share of the market quickly by making tools that we want here.
Stuart
There is no indication that Milwaukee is neglecting the US market. These tools were simply announced first for the UK/EU market. Some of these tools, and possibly others, will likely be announced and released in the USA in coming months.
I emphasized that these tools are slated for UK/EU release because the model numbers probably won’t match eventual US model numbers, and because there’s a chance that some of these tools won’t be available here at the same time or possibly at all.
Toolfreak
>>There is no indication that Milwaukee is neglecting the US market.
>>Some of these tools, and possibly others, will likely be announced and released in the USA in coming months.
I’d say that’s neglecting the US market.
Glenn
Actually it does make sense. Population of Europe is @750 million, USA is @ 320 million.
However I really do believe that they should be released simultaneously world wide. Particularly as here in Aus we are usually the last to get all the new stuff!
fred
If I’m not mistaken I’ve noticed that other brands like Dewalt and Makita sometime introduce tools to the European market – and then sometimes later roll them out in the USA. Like Toolfreak, I question the reasons for this – but assume that it has some underlying logic.
Jim
Logic is simple. Capital Investment, Production capacity and Sales, Marketing Budget and time to a ROI.
Take a given tool you would release into a European market. Say Switzerland, with ~7 million people. How many points of sale and units would be required to cover the entire market? Even if you scale to the UK with 63 million people. Outside the US professional tool distribution is mostly limited to Trade distributors at MSRP, often with a much higher wholesale margin. The Home Depot/Lowes equivalent in Switzerland and Germany do not carry professional level tools. So, with a limited capital investment, production capacity and marketing budget, you can begin generating revenue.
Now, compare that to the US. Take just one retailer, Home Depot, how many units would it required for shelf stock at all the locations at once? How much capital investment would be sitting idle before you had enough supply to ship? How many production lines would have to spike production to accelerate the rollout (or produce at a post rollout rate and build inventory slower)? All your suppliers would also be subject to the same production spike. You should see the capital investment at Charbroil and Mattel and the massive inventory buildup prior to their respective seasons of summer and Christmas. In the US, major consumer product goods retailers do not rollout product by state or region. (Some food companies do, but these are perishable items that consumers typically do not get upset because they cannot initially get them in other regions.) Companies couldn’t, their vendors would be furious if they were not first and thought they missed sales. Plus, it would be too difficult to control a vendor from reallocating supply to where ever it wanted. Consumers would order over the internet and cannibalize future local sales.
Many of the large multi-nationals use this rollout approach. Why? Because it makes financial sense. The final decision is often not a marketing one, it is decided by the CFO base on investment, ROI and impact on quarterly cash flow. Marketing screws up and misses their projections, other initiatives suffer or current initiative get defunded. Nothing magical, just numbers. The US market and consumer is very unforgiving.
Clayton M
Looks like some pretty exciting announcements from Milwaukee!
Kent
I’m curious if there are changes in the M12 lineup coming. HD had the radio/screwdriver combo on sale for $100 (with a battery & charger) for a while, and now it’s down to $80.
That seems cheap enough to be a blow out sale.
KL
I’d guess the radio & screwdriver combo just doesn’t sell that well. And the brushed screwdriver isn’t THAT useful, it’s a (slow) single speed. The Fuel model is 2 speed, making it MUCH more versatile. I have the older version and I like it fine, but the newer ( Fuel) has upgrades for a reason.
Stuart
I believe that the M12 radio was purchased in higher quantities and marketing to Father’s Day shoppers. This has happened in the past, during winter holiday and Father’s Day shopping seasons. It’s not unexpected that they would discount the combo to clear out remaining combos.
Clayton M
Thanks for that heads up – I’ve been looking for an inexpensive sturdy radio and this might just fit the bill.
KL
Does the UK stuff use an identical battery interface? I see the stickers are different but that means nothing. If so, is it possible to have private individuals ship these to us in the US? I realize cost on the miter saw would be ridiculous. And yes, I know warranty work here would likely be denied.
Stuart
For DC battery-powered tools, I would think that only the chargers would need to be different due to regional plug and voltage standards.
Mike Cherrington
Hi mate,I,m here in Northern Ireland UK, and I buy batteries from you guys across the pond.and many tools from states and Canada.identical tool and batteries only difference is European models have a CE sticker and claim to be from German factory,where you’s have UCL STICKER. I, can get and send these to NORTH AMERICAN buyers but the postage isn,t cheap.£70 .but if buyers can get pick up from me cheaper that’s fine.also check out AEG.CO.UK as they have the identical 12v multi head drill as MILWAUKEE .and AEG AND RIDGID ARE ONE AND SAME.IDENTICAL TOOLS AND BATTS,
CHEERS MIKE
joe
Lol that modular m12 drill first thought that came to mind.. festool drill. I would definitely buy this one just out of the curiosity of what all the hype with festool drill with attachments is with out hurting the wallet.
KL
Just go but the Craftsman equivalent, grab a Bob Vila mask, and head into the garage to tune up your lawnmower. Grab a DogBone wrench while you’re at it, no need for all those pesky separate tools or individual sockets!!
joe
I briefly browsed their “BOLTON” selection and it looks interesting. That inflator alone would be helpful to keep all the tires in my cars at their max performance air pressure with out busting out the air compressor and hose. But that’s the only thing I would need since I already own the other attachments as stand alone tools. Nice selection though.
The 4-in-1 would be more useful for me at work when I have to do some cabinet repair…though is not a must have, I would like to experience the festool drill experience so to speak…lol.
Instead of explaining it, watch this video.
Jason
I know its not from the bold on system but I have the Ryobi cordless infiltrator and that thing is so dang handy to have around. I think every cordless tool brand should offer some type of cordless infiltrator. Greenworks has a cordless 40v compressor with a .5 gallon tank. I be you could run a finish nailer off that system. It’s prefect some some one that wants cordless convenience in a small job but doesn’t want to invest in all of the other cordless nailer options
Stuart
Stanley Black & Decker manufactures the Bolt-On system for Craftsman. Has nothing to do with Milwaukee or TTI. Are you thinking about Ridgid’s JobMax system?
Jason
Sorry if my comment was confusing I was just trying to say that every company should either offer an inflator that runs off their battery platform, or do something the SBD is doing and offering a bolt on adapter that does the same thing. I was trying to say its a tool that gets more use than some one would think.
Dennis
Dammit Milwaukee, you couldn’t come out with DynaCase sooner? I mean before I bought a bunch of Bosch LBoxxes… The design looks more sleek than the Lboxx and it’s black (a bonus in my book). Plus I’m guessing that even though the tool cutouts aren’t available yet, “yet” is the operative word and at some point they will be down the line. Which then creates 2 questions, how long before I can boy boxes and accessories, and does anybody want to buy some slightly used Lboxxes?
Mike cherrington
Hi there, Just a few things as a UK (Northern Ireland) MILWAUKEE user.these so called “new ” dyna boxes have been out since I 1st bought MILWAUKEE tools in late 90’s..all MILWAUKEE ,AEG AND ATLAS COPCO tools were cased in these ,basically the clip on side locks them together to make easier carrying..
The MILWAUKEE CORDLESS 18V LI-ION MITRE SAW – M18SMS216-0
As it’s known here is out today and retails for £422….. But as you know you,ll get it soon in North America at better price,but if need one now look up monkski-robski on the E of Bay ness..me!
As for the new multi headed m12 drill kit,if you check up AEG UK you,ll see same tool in orange .and as you may or not know AEG & RIDGID are exactly same tools and battery,
Cheers mike
Zach
Im in the usa, i want the 18v mitre saw, i tried lookin u up on ebays, please help, i have to have one
Ron McKey
Do you have an update on when the Compound Miter Saw Batter operated saw from Milwakee will be available (SMS216 18V)
adam
that looks like one of the tool I’ve been waiting for, though I wish it came in a more common blade size, rather than 8.5.”
Stuart
Sadly, no. It’s looking like this saw might not even come to the USA.