Milwaukee just announced that they will be launching a new line of electrical hand tools in April. The new line includes an 11 in 1 multi-tip screwdriver, a Fastback utility knife, a side sliding utility knife, and a rasping jab saw. Milwaukee promises that “additional innovative tools” will follow later in the year.
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Milwaukee 11 in 1 Multi-Bit Screwdriver
The new screwdriver comes with 9 of Milwaukee’s patented ECX bits that prevent tool wear from hardened screws. These ECX bits are designed to be more durable than conventional bits when fastening specialty screws found in electrical boxes, outlets, and other typical jobsite fixtures.
The new 11 in 1 driver also features an integrated wire stripper and wire bending hole, which Milwaukee says will reduce the time tradesmen spend digging in their tool bag looking for the right tool.
Milwaukee Fastback Utility Knife & Sliding Utility Knife
Milwaukee’s new Fastback lockback knife has definitely attracted our attention. The Fastback features one-handed blade opening, tool-free blade change, an integrated gut hook and wire stripper, and a thin body design to make the knife more comfortable to carry.
The new sliding utility knife, while not as impressive sounding as the Fastback, features a side sliding mechanism instead of a “cumbersome” top button. Other features include a tool-free blade change, an integrated wire stripper, on-board blade storage, and a rubber over mold for increased comfort and grip.
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Milwaukee Rasping Jab Saw
This new jab saw utilizes grating holes along the back of the blade to rapidly expand holes or smooth rough cut edges in sheetrock after a cut has been made. To enable the saw to be used in this manner, Milwaukee developed a new 6″ blade that they are calling the most durable plaster/drywall blade on the market.
The new Rasping Jab Saw does not include an integrated wire stripper, wire bender, or on-board bit or blade storage. This also isn’t Milwaukee’s only jab saw – their Quik Lok saw has been available for a while, and has received quite a few positive reviews.
Did you see what we did with the title? Get it? Cordless? Well, they are! Anyways, I wonder what other types of tools are awaiting release. Hammers? Shears? Cutters and Pliers? I think that pliers would fit in well with the electrical tool theme of the initial launch. Please free to leave a comment with your own best guess.
Milwaukee Tools via Amazon
Product Information via Milwaukee Hand Tools
Stephenw
The rasping jab saw is a nice looking tool. Do you happen to know the country of origin? I didn’t see it listed on the Milwaukee website.
Stuart
I cannot seem to find any COO info either, but I’ll ask around and keep looking.
uthscsaedu
I would be very very surprised if these new tools are not imported
Stuart
@ uthscsaedu, as would I, but one could still hope…
mikex1
By you putting this garbage tools on your site, you help promote garbage even if you give it a bad review.
uthscsaedu
I don’t see how these are garbage, they aren’t even out yet…
uthscsaedu
Although I should say I’ve already seen a few of these multi function screwdrivers that have the integrated wire stripping and bending, for example the IDEAL brand of electrician tools
uthscsaedu
Since Milwaukee has power tools, my guess for new stuff they will make will be things like electrical testing equipment, like circuit and non-contact voltage testers
Stuart
Mikex1, it’s hard to judge tools that have yet to be released. My job and the focus of ToolGuyd is to provide information to help readers and consumers make their own decisions. Sometimes we do share our personal preferences and biases, but we cannot exclude discussion about tools just because their production might be outsourced.
Milwaukee makes excellent power tools, and as of now there is no reason to believe that their new hand tools won’t meet the same quality standards whether they’re built domestically or overseas.
Uthscsaedu, those are good possibilities as well, but I cannot see such tools being as well embraced by tradesmen who may already have strong preferences as to which testing equipment they use.
uthscsaedu
The pliers make sense, like you said. Possibly some wire stripping or terminal pliers.
Kristie Beccue
Great Post as always. I must admit I have popped in a read a good number of your blogs but I have no idea how to post a response over there, so I\\\’ll tell you now how good you are at describing the stuff your at – I must admit I find it insightful to read your blogging. Keep up the good work.