Milwaukee came out with their first M18 LED tripod worklight back in 2015, and have since added a higher powered AC/M18 model to their lineup.
As Ben posted about after NPS18, Milwaukee has come out with a new version of their M18 Rocket LED light, boasting a 25% increase in brightness and new dual power capabilities.
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The new “M18 Rocket Dual Power Tower Light,” model 2131-20 has started shipping.
Brightness and Runtime
- 700 lumens: 12 hrs with 5.0Ah battery, 22 hrs with 9.0Ah
- 2500 lumens: 4 hrs with 5.0Ah, 7 hrs with 9.0Ah
The rotating and pivoting head can be extended from 4′ to 7′, and collapses down to 40″ for transport and storage.
The dual power feature means you can use the new Milwaukee M18 Rocket LED tripod light with a battery pack, or with a standard extension cord.
How does it compare?
The 2135-20 M18 tower light/charger is brighter, with a 3000 lumen brightness rating, it has 3 independently pivoting light heads, and it has a built-in battery charger. It also has 3 brightness modes, instead of 2.
The 2135-20 is currently priced at $299.
The new M18 Rocket LED tower light, the leftmost one in this product family image, is brighter than the original, it has the addition of an AC power option, and its launch price is $50 less than the original. I would even dare to say that its design or construction might have been updated to reflect 3 years worth of lessons learned since the original came out.
Price: $199 for the bare tool
Buy Now(via Acme Tools)
Buy Now(via Tool Nut)
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
Note: Acme Tools has a FREE 5.0Ah starter kit promotion at the moment.
Purchase the Milwaukee 2130-20, 2131-20 M18 Rocket LED Tower Light, or the Milwaukee 2360-20 M18 ROVER Dual Power Flood Light and receive a Milwaukee 48-59-1850 M18 5.0Ah Starter Kit FREE! Promotional item will automatically be added to your shopping cart. Expires October 31, 2018 or While Supplies Last.
Compare(M18 2135-20 Rocket Charging Tower Light via Acme Tools)
pete says
Aug 27, 2018 at 10:35 amThe updated rocket light looks much more put together.
Any update on when the m12 rocket light will come out?
Stuart says
Aug 27, 2018 at 10:52 amI believe it’ll be available in the Fall. We’ll have a reliable ETA once it’s officially announced in a press release.
Whiskey and Wood says
Aug 27, 2018 at 11:13 amI’m holding out for that one as well, it’s smaller size is really appealing to me! I have the first rocket light with the single head and no AC, love it, but would prefer the smaller m12!
pete says
Aug 27, 2018 at 12:31 pmYa i would really like to carry two m12 rocket lights in my truck rather than one m18. Ideally the two m12’s will give less shadows.
Kevin says
Aug 27, 2018 at 11:04 amThey did update the design. The original had plastic cam locks on the telescoping mast, which broke on us. Milwaukee replaced them with aluminum. They did provide us replacement parts to fix ours, which I appreciated.
Adam says
Aug 27, 2018 at 11:11 amI’ve now had the opportunity to use all 3 rocket lights. By far, the new 2131-20 is the best in my opinion. It obviously beats the 2130-20, as it’s brighter, AC power, and cheaper.
The 2135-20 while brighter, does not cast an even light output on a wall if you have all 3 heads pointed in one direction. So not great for painting or several other tasks you need even light. It is also heavier, but not like you are moving it once set up, so not as big of a con, buts it’s there.
I woud go with the 2131-20 or the new M12 version for a stand light.
Home Depot is also running the free starter kit as well in store, w/ Rocket Light or the $149 Rover light.
Jason says
Aug 27, 2018 at 12:22 pmI picked up the original model on clearance at Home Depot for $140 a while back and absolutely love it. I figured I would rarely use it – I’ve got plenty of flashlights and other little LED lanterns that can sit on the floor (and are much brighter).
But just being able to get the light where you need it is awesome. I used the Rocket light with a 9.0ah battery for a multi-day project recently while power was unhooked and I needed to paint and do drywall. It worked great and even made for a great “platform” for the laser level when it came time to hang cabinets.
For the price, you can’t beat these lights. I may have to pick up one of these new versions. Wish there was a spot that I could drill through and put a tripod screw somewhere so that I could use it as a better laser level holder in a pinch, or maybe a couple hooks or pockets on the side to put your phone and wallet in so they aren’t laying on the floor while working.
Framer joe says
Aug 27, 2018 at 12:51 pmWish the dewalt had an AC option…DeWalt is the same other then that…..of course they copied it…
I’m also waiting for the M12 tripod ….two will do a better job then 1 of these…also easier to store
S says
Aug 27, 2018 at 1:10 pmAnyone know what the color temperature is on the 2131?
Jim Felt says
Aug 27, 2018 at 4:01 pmYou can buy a Kelvin (“color temp.”) meter App for iPhones and, I suppose, Androids as well.
They work. Really well as the camera sensor and IC in the phones is very effective in this use.
Just do it.
Isaiah says
Aug 27, 2018 at 7:01 pmDoes the new model fit the 12.0 batteries. I was very disappointed to discover the current Rocket lights don’t have a large enough opening.
Stuart says
Aug 27, 2018 at 9:40 pmI’ve asked, will let you know. I imagine that it might since it was developed at the same time as the 12.0Ah battery, but I don’t remember this being mentioned.
Adam says
Aug 27, 2018 at 10:24 pmYou might talk to Milwaukee. I know for some things they’ll do a no-charge factory retrofit to make larger batteries work, like for the M18 vacuum (0880-20).
SmokedNeckbones says
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:15 amYes the new 2500 lumens dual power lights fit the new 12.0 batteries. Unlike the 2135, it will not charge the batteries when you plug it into an outlet
Paul C says
Aug 28, 2018 at 12:02 amWhat do you use for a bag to carry it in? I’m having trouble finding one. Milwaukee sells the big 3000 lumen light/charger with a bag but they don’t sell the bag separate and at 40″ long it doesn’t fit in most standard tool bags/boxes.
Was going to pick up another of the older style rockets but at that price might as well get the updated model. I love the first rocket. Only thing I would want is a second one for more even lighting (fewer shadows) and to get the damned thing out of taking up half the back seat of my truck.
pete says
Aug 28, 2018 at 10:33 amWould a camping chair bag work? Just a thought lol it’s not super professional but if it gets the job done.
Dustin Wright says
Sep 3, 2018 at 11:07 pmDoes anyone know of using an extension cord if it charges the battery if one is inserted?
Dustin Wright says
Sep 3, 2018 at 11:12 pmSorry, English is my first language and somehow I still can’t type correctly…
If using it on corded power with a battery inserted, will it charge the battery at the same time?
Adam says
Sep 3, 2018 at 11:12 pmIt looks like the 2131-20 doesn’t, but the 2135-20 does.
Dustin Wright says
Sep 4, 2018 at 7:24 pmThanks for the reply.
That would have been a nice updated feature to have