Largest Product Launch Ever for Milwaukee Power Tools
In October Milwaukee Power Tool will launch its largest release of new products ever. The 2 lines of products currently exist but this will greatly expand on both of these lines and truly give them a foothold into several new markets. The new products will be part of the new M12 (12 volt) & M18 (18 volt) tool lines.
The Milwaukee M12 tool line currently features the Micro Driver 2401-22 and M-Spector Camera 2310-21. Soon to be released (October 1st - target date) are an Impact Driver 2450-22, Copper Cutter 2471-22, Flashlight & Hackzall 2420-22. These new tools will be very popular among plumbing and HVAC contractors. The copper tube cutter especially will be a huge time saver and can handle 3/8” to 1” copper tube. The Hackzall is ideal for cutting pvc tubes or putting boxes in drywall and plywood. It will be a handy tool to have but will not replace your Sawzall for all jobs. You can find a few extremely well priced M12 combo kits available on Ohio Power Tool which will be available in very limited quantities to promote the new tool launch.
The Milwaukee M18 line expands on the current battery system used by the compact 18 volt model 2601-22. The 2601 however has a slim battery which is light weight but not powerful enough to use with the new hammer drill 2611-24, Sawzall 2620-22 or circular saws 2630-22. A new larger M18 battery will work with all the tools and will be called the XC battery. The new M18 line features a light weight hex impact that outperforms the competition in speed, torque and run time available with compact batteries 2650-21 or XC batteries 2650-22. The new line will also add additional tools in the following months such as a grinder, jigsaw as well as other new tools. The new M18 will eventually replace the current line of V18 tools as the only Milwaukee 18 volt tools but that will not happen until some time in 2009 and the batteries and accessories will of course be available for at least 5-10 more years.
All the new M12 & M18 tools are available now for Pre-Sale from Ohio Power Tool. The Pre-Sales will be fulfilled in the order they are received so if you want to be the first kid on the block with the new tools you should probably make a pre-order ASAP. On the other hand if you are looking for a great deal on great tools you can get a V18 4 tool combo 0920-29 for $426.36 or a V18 Hammer Drill & Hex Impact 0824-24 for $299.
Look for several in-depth tool reviews and more information on the M12 & M18 tools over the next week.
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Comments
Someone please tell me they are going to make an adapter to fit these new batteries into the current 18V line of tools? If not, they are going to p*ss me off and I'll move to DeWalt or Makita.
Posted by: anonymous | August 20, 2008 06:58 PM
I think the idea is that you will need to buy all new tools.
Posted by: Anonymous | August 26, 2008 12:48 PM
The M-18 batteries will not work with your old tools and I assume the V-18 system will now go away. This will mark the second time in 3 years Milwaukee has changed batteries and thier system....I am not to happy at all.
Posted by: AW | August 26, 2008 04:24 PM
I agree many people are already upset about the compatibility issues and they haven't even launched. It would have been better if they just switch systems when they went to lithium in the first place. Tough call on their part because other brands have new compact tools which make the V18 seem bulky. Upgrading means pissing off their customers but sticking with the boxy V18 batteries means people might switch to another compact anyway.
Posted by: Jay A | August 27, 2008 04:27 PM
I have V18 tools, and it would be nice if they make some sort of adapter to fit these new M18 batteries into my V18 tools. Assuming the voltage is similar and the current draw from the V18 and M18 tools are similar, I would think such an adapter is definitely possible.
Posted by: anonymous | August 27, 2008 07:28 PM
I'd rather they build a better tool personally. The 5 point connection thing would sound bogus to me if not for the crazy torque rating on the high performance drill. It has more torque than the V28. Not sure if that means it's as "powerful" in every way though.
I'm more annoyed by the m18 line's introduction because I've been contemplating going with the V28 but there's just enough overlap in performance but not in all the places I'd like to make the m18 a sure-buy. For instance, I have no idea if the m18's lower RPM circ saw is slower to make it more versatile or if it just doesn't have the oomph that the V28's apparently does.
Not to mention that the V28 is the original Li-Ion line. Won't that make it overdue for an upgrade? I guess I'll just content myself with the m12 toys for now. Can't wait to get that Hackzall and the sub-compact will suit my needs handily until I start getting into woodworking.
Posted by: Erik R | November 6, 2008 02:24 PM
Loyal Milwaukee customer for years but not sure if these compatability issues with the m18 batteries reflects desire for the repeat customer. Take notes from Dewalt! Make an adaptor we have the technology.
Posted by: Dave | February 24, 2009 08:17 PM