Several years ago we all lived in ignorance with NiCD batteries on our power tools. Then came Lithium Ion a new technology that promised better runtime and a more consistent power curve and the people rejoiced. But all was not well, on that first cold winter morning when you went to the truck and the new Lithium tools wouldn’t work because they were too cold.
In the northern part of the country this is obviously a bigger issue but we have contractors going back to NiCD tools in the winter time because NiCD currently performs better in the cold. We certainly aren’t the only ones who think this is completely ridiculous.
Back in July we were lucky enough to be invited to Milwaukee Tool to see some of their new tools and accessories. One such product was the REDLITHION M12 & M18 Batteries which will be on all their new tools and eventually on all the existing tools. We saw some power point slides that said the batteries promised “up to” 40% more runtime, “up to” 20% higher speeds and “up to” 20% more torque on existing M12 & M18 tools. This is great news especially since there is no upcharge on the new batteries just better performance.
Then we got to the part where they had a demonstration and this was where they really drove home the biggest selling feature in our minds. It was freeze full of REDLITHIUM M12 & M18 as well as current M12 & M18 and all the competitors’ batteries. We got to take them all out of the freezer and use them and they were cold, hard to touch cold. The REDLITHIUM batteries blew everything else away (some competitors tools barely moved); they operated just as you would expect a normal temp battery to work. The official press release says they operate down to 0°F/-18°C. The reason we say that’s the most important feature because giving a battery 40% more runtime doesn’t mean squat if they don’t work 1/3 of the year.
The First Milwaukee Tools to come with REDLITHIUM Batteries in 2010:
2432-22 M12™ ProPEX Expander
2331 M12™ Heated Jacket
2411-22 M12™ Hammer Drill Driver
2458-22 M12™ Palm Nailer
2426-22 M12™ Oscillating Multi-Tool
2632-22 M18™ ProPEX Expander
2682-22 M18™ 5-3/8” Metal Saw
2615-22 M18™ Right Angle Drill”
Eventually down the road all the Milwaukee Tools in M12 & M18 will convert over to the new REDLITHIUM batteries. Currently however there is a great deal with Milwaukee M12 Tools available only from Ohio Power Tool where you can get a FREE M12 XC Battery ($80 value) with any kit that includes battery & charger. This unfortunately does not apply to pre-orders on the 2432-22 Pro-PEX tools.
