Milwaukee Tool recently showed off their new M18 FORGE battery technology, and it’s going to be a game-changer.

We had been expecting to see new Milwaukee M18 batteries with Li-ion pouch cells. And, that’s exactly what we have, with this new XC 6Ah battery. But, that’s not what Forge is about – Milwaukee Forge is bigger than that.

In Milwaukee’s words, REDLITHIUM FORGE increases the capabilities of the M18 and MX FUEL systems, providing the most power, the fastest charging, and the longest life without sacrificing compatibility.

Milwaukee’s M18 Forge XC 6Ah Battery

Milwaukee’s first M18 RedLithium Forge battery will be an XC 6Ah battery, featuring upgrades all-around.

To start off, the Forge XC 6Ah has upgraded plastic construction that is resistant to common oils, greases, and solvents.

The built-in charge level fuel gauge is all-new, not only for improved durability but easier visibility in sunlight.

The M18 Forge battery also has a new ingress coating that provides increased protection against the weather and jobsite conditions. Weep holes at the bottom give water a place to drain out of.

A similar ingress coating has been applied to the also-new MX Fuel Forge battery packs.

The XC 6Ah battery will feature pouch-style Li-ion battery cells.

You will not see this emphasized – or even mentioned in most product or sales pages – because Forge will encompass multiple battery technologies.

An upcoming Forge 12Ah battery pack, which was only touched upon, will feature tabless cylindrical cells – similar to the ones used in Milwaukee’s next-generation MX Fuel batteries.

Why this is a Major Turning Point

In the past 15 years or so, there have been just two major generational upgrades with respect to cordless power tool batteries.

First, brands shifted over from NiCad and NiMH to Lithium-ion. Improvements followed, such as in charge capacity and tolerance to cold temperatures.

For several years, tool brands introduced higher capacity batteries until a practical limit was reached with 18V 5Ah batteries. Some brands do offer 6Ah batteries built with the same technologies, but with diminished benefits.

In 2015, Milwaukee announced a new M18 High Demand battery with 50% higher cell count. Until then, most cordless power tools had 5 or 10 Li-ion cells. With the M18 HD 9Ah battery, Milwaukee went to 15 cells.

In 2018, Milwaukee launched their High Output line of batteries.

Milwaukee’s M18 High Output batteries were built using larger Li-ion cells that delivered more power and higher charge capacities. This led to a new generation of higher powered tools that users could operate for longer.

While the M18 HD batteries bumped things up a step, the HO batteries took things to new levels.

FORGE is going to do that again.

What happened every time Milwaukee introduced new battery technologies? New and higher powered and more demanding cordless power tools followed. You can be sure the same will be true here.

Other cordless power tool makers have also introduced new battery technologies, and I’m sure they’re not done yet. Competition is sure to drive innovation across the industry.

What does Milwaukee M18 Forge Mean for You?

With this new Forge XC 6Ah battery, you get:

• High Output 12Ah Power in a Smaller Size
• 15 minute charge to 80% with the new SuperCharger
• Longest life compared to earlier battery technologies

The new XC 6Ah battery – with its pouch-cell Li-ion battery technology – is 30% smaller and 40% lighter than the High Output HD 12Ah battery.

With High Output 12Ah-equivalent power delivery, this means that you can use the new M18 Forge XC 6Ah battery in more demanding tools with less arm fatigue – and without worrying about a potential drop in performance or the tool bogging down.

With new dual-port SuperCharger the Forge 6Ah battery can recharge to 80% in just 15 minutes (when charged at room temperature), and 100% in 25 minutes.

Milwaukee says that the new Forge 6Ah battery delivers “the longest life of any battery on the M18 system” while maintaining full system compatibility.

How Forge Compares

Milwaukee’s M18 batteries all fit into one of three categories – RedLithium, RedLithium High Output, and RedLithium Forge.

As mentioned, the Forge family batteries will deliver the most power, fastest charging, and longest life.

Milwaukee is also describing their batteries according to a new Power Scale:

• PWR 1
• PWR 2 (XC 5Ah)
• PWR 3 (XC 6Ah)
• PWR 4 (HD 12Ah, Forge XC 6Ah)

Power 1 likely includes compact batteries, like the CP 2.0 battery. Power 2 includes the XC 5Ah, and from what has said in the past, the compact HO batteries, such as the CP 3Ah and 4Ah batteries. Power 3 includes the HO XC batteries, such as 6Ah and 8Ah, and the now-discontinued HD 9Ah battery. Power 4 includes the HD HO 12Ah battery and the new Forge XC 6Ah.

This seems like a simplified way to categorize all of Milwaukee’s M18 batteries. I wonder if a similar system will be used to categorize their tools as well, so that users can always know which tools and ideally paired with different batteries.

It’s worth reminding readers that all Milwaukee M18 batteries fit all M18 cordless power tools.

I have used lower power and capacity batteries on heavier duty tools, and they’ll work for many tasks, but differences will become apparent during demanding tasks. Similarly, the highest capacity battery – the HO 12Ah – is not an ideal fit for more compact tools, with respect to size, weight, and balance.

That’s one of the reasons the new Forge XC 6Ah battery is so exciting – it delivers 12Ah power, but in a smaller and lighter package. It won’t match the runtime of the 12Ah battery, of course, but there are a lot of times when size and weight are higher priorities.

And with the new faster charging speed, you can back to work rather speedily.

Questions?

This is not first time that we have seen improvements in power deliver and features without an increase in charge capacity. Similar happened when compact High Output 3Ah and 4Ah batteries matched the power delivery and charge capacities of older 3Ah and 4Ah batteries.

We’ve only touched the surface here. I made it a point to learn as much as I could about the the Forge tech. While this post focuses on the M18 battery advancements, Forge tech will be coming to the MX Fuel line as well.

Let me know if you have any questions, and I will try my best to answer them.

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Milwaukee’s Pipeline 2023 media event is now over.

It will take me some time to sort things out and provide more details about everything that I saw and learned.

Readers had some great questions, and I wanted to briefly answer as many of them as possible.

What can you tell us about the FORGE battery line?

Forge will be the higher performance tier of Milwaukee cordless power tool batteries.

Technologies will be mixed. For instance, yes, the new M18 Forge XC 6Ah battery will be built with pouch cells, while the MX Fuel Forge batteries and the M18 Forge 12Ah battery (slated for the later half of 2024 if I recall correctly) will be engineered with next-gen tab-less cylindrical cells.

The tab-less battery tech is new to me, but seems promising.

Not only that, the endurance level of Forge batteries are taken to the next-level, such as with rapid cooldown capabilities via the new Super Charger.

It’s going to take me time to ensure I have the details correct, and I’m happy to field more questions in the meantime.

“Tabless” batteries? Seems like Milwaukee took a very incremental approach to providing higher output M18 batteries.

Not really. As I understand it, tab-less is a better solution here.

Pouch cells are an option, but the tab-less cylindrical cells in the higher capacity upcoming Forge batteries deliver performance, endurance, and thermal dissipation that batter match users’ demands.

There are engineering and user experience reasons why the 12Ah Forge battery is built with these new cells over Li-ion pouch cells.

Are the FORGE batteries their version of pouch cells?

Forge will not be tied to any specific Li-ion battery cell technology.

The new Milwaukee M18 Forge 6Ah battery is said to deliver the same power level as their current High Demand High Output (HD HO) 12Ah battery.

Can the brushless rotary tool pretty much use anything made for a dremel?

Yep! I’m told there is full collet and accessory compatibility.

Will the updated/new mechanics tools be made in the USA?

No. But… nearly everything is on the table right now.

I spoke with a few decision-makers to see what is and is not on the table right now.

USA-made mechanics tools are not something Milwaukee is actively developing right now – at least that’s the story and I believe it – but they are not done exploring options.

That power bank is technically a packout base, isn’t it?

* Witty response *

I liked the Packout integration – it made sense.

Any updates on launch timing and estimated runtime with whatever batteries they tested it with would be greatly appreciated, especially if it’s available for say both a table saw and a standard refrigerator.

I have a press kit in my inbox, and interview Q&A on video. Most of the products we saw today are slated for release before the end of the year.

Whereas Milwaukee’s power tool batteries are engineered with power cells, the Roll-On is engineered with energy cells, similar to what’s being used in the EV industry.

There are 2 duplex receptacles, each with 2 outlets for 4 total.

The unit can deliver sustained power of 3600W, and higher peak power. So that’s 2x 15A simultaneous load at 120V.

What is “Nitrus” carbide?

High longevity carbide saw blade teeth.

Hope you can ask why they don’t offer a wheeled packout drawer base like ridgid just announced.

Oh, I did. Short answer: they’re working on it.

The M12 Fuel Insider Extended Reach Box Ratchet has piqued my interest. Is it like a powered pass through ratchet?

Yes.

I want to be part of the power bank Seed program. Can it take any mix of batteries

It has a built-in battery that *will* be replaceable via service center.

So, the new Packout is a 4 drawer system? Still only one set of dividers included?

Each Milwaukee Packout drawer tool box will now ship with a full set of dividers for every drawer.

Any More Questions?

Please keep them coming!

See Also:

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Milwaukee’s Pipeline 2023 media event has kicked off – here is some of what we’ve seen so far.

There are some huge surprises, such as the M12 Fuel compact 18 gauge brad nailer, and M12 brushless rotary tool.

We’ll update this post when we can, and will follow up on everything we’ve learned about and tested.

Please let me know if you have any questions!

New M18 Forge batteries! There will be an XC 6Ah to start, with pouch cells, and a 12Ah to follow, with “tabless” cylindrical cells.

Following is a list of most of the newly announced Milwaukee products, sorted by category. A couple of these tools were discussed in recent posts.

New Milwaukee Batteries, Chargers, Power Supplies

• M18 RedLithium FORGE
• MX Fuel FORGE
• M18 & MX Fuel Super Chargers
• Roll-On 7200W/3600W 2.5kWh Power Supply

New Milwaukee Carpentry & Remodeling Tools

• Nitrus Carbide Open-Lok Oscillating Multi-Tool Blades
• M12 Brushless Rotary Tool
• M12 Brushless 2″ Planer
• M12 Fuel Jig Saw
• M12 Fuel 18 Gauge Compact Brad Nailer
• M18 Compact Brushless Drills & Impact Driver
• M18 Fuel 1/2″ Router
• M18 Fuel 16 Gauge Straight Finish Nailer

Packout Expansion

• More Drawer Tool Box Options
• Structured Tool Bags

New Milwaukee Automotive & Equipment Maintenance Tools

• Tap & Die Threading Solutions
• Mechanics Hand Tools
• M12 Auto Technician Borescope
• M12 Fuel Insider Extended Reach Box Ratchet
• M18 Fuel 1/2″ High Torque Impact Wrench

New Milwaukee General Contracting Tools

• Diamond Ultra Segmented Blades
• One-Key
• M18 Red Exterior Dual Slope Rotary Laser
• M18 Red Exterior Rotary Laser
• M18 Green Interior Rotary Laser Kit w/ Remote/Receiver
• M18 Fuel 1-1/4″ SDS Plus D-Handle Rotary Hammer w. One-KEy
• M18 Fuel HammerVac 1-1/4″ Dedicated Dust Extractor
• MX Fuel 36″ Walk-Behind Trowel
• MX Fuel 24″ Walk-Behind Edging Trowel
• MX Fuel 20″ Plate Compactor
• MX Fuel 4″ Green Concrete Saw

New Milwaukee Landscaping & Tree Care Tools

• New Quik-Lok Attachments
• M18 Brushless Telescoping Pole Pruning Shears
• M18 Fuel Telescoping Pole Saw
• M18 Fuel 17″ Dual Battery String Trimmer
• M18 Fuel Blower
• M18 Fuel Dual Battery Backpack Blower

New Milwaukee Power Utility & Electrical Tools

• Electrical Hand Tools
• M18 Fuel 3/8″ Controlled Torque Compact Impact Wrench
• M18 Force Logic 5″ Underground Cable Cutter w/ Wireless Remote
• M18 Force Logic Single Channel Strut Shear & Shearing Dies
• M18 Force Logic 12T Latched Linear Crimper
• M18 Force Logic 12T Kearney Linear Crimper
• M18 Force Logic11T Dieless Latched Linear Utility Crimper
• M18 Force Logic6T Latched Linear Utility Crimper

New Milwaukee Plumbing, Mechanical, HVAC Tools

• Faucet Swap-Out Wrenches
• Aluminum Self-Adjust Pipe Wrenches
• M18 Fuel 5 CFM Vacuum Pump
• M18 100′ Flexible Pipeline Inspection System
• M18 Fuel High Speed Chain Snake for 1-1/2″ – 4″ Pipes
• M18 Fuel 4-1/2″ / 5″ Dual-Trigger Braking Grinder
• MZ Fuel Pipe Threading Machine & Universal Pipe Threading Dies
• MX Fuel Core Rig & Diamond Ultra Wet Core Bits

Thoughts?

Which of these new tools are you most excited about?

Here are answers to many of your questions:

Did you guess these were coming?

See Readers’ Predictions Here:

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Milwaukee announced a new M18 Fuel cordless router, 2838-20, which they describe as “a complete replacement for a corded mid-sized router.”

The router delivers 2.25 peak horsepower, with Milwaukee also emphasizing its control, comfort, and runtime.

There are two bases available for use with the router motor – a fixed base, and a plunge base.

The router motor features a variable speed dial, from 12,000 to 25,000 RPM, and over two inches of travel with both macro and micro-adjust knobs. It also has a dual LED worklight.

A guide rail adapter is available separately, 48-11-2838.

Key Specs

• Collet Sizes: 1/4″, 1/2″
• Weighs 8.8lbs (tool-only)
• 10.9″ length x 10.5 height (tool-only)
• 12,000 – 25,000 RPM
• Variable speed
• Spindle lock
• Dual LED light
• Dust collection shroud

With respect to runtime, Milwaukee says that the mid-sized router provides best-in-class run-time with up to 225 linear feet per charge, when routing 5/8” roundovers in pine.

The kit, 2838-21, comes with the router motor, plunge base, fixed base, 1/4″ and 1/2″ collets, XC 6Ah battery, rapid charger, tool bag, dust shroud, edge guide, collet wrenches, template base.

A bare tool is also available, 2838-20, bundled with the fixed base.

Price: $349 tool-only, $599 for the kit
ETA: September 2023

Discussion

There are very few cordless mid-size routers on the market. You can get a lot done with a compact 1/4″ trim router, but there are a lot of times and tasks where a 1/2″ router is more suitable, whether for its power, typically wider base, or router bit compatibility.

I have warmed up to trim routers over the years, not so much because of their size, but because of the convenience modern cordless versions offer.

With the new M18 Fuel cordless router, it seems that tool users don’t have to choose between power and cordless convenience. I am extremely eager to see if Milwaukee’s new mid-size router can truly serve as a corded replacement.

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Milwaukee Pipeline 2023 is next week – Tuesday, August 8th, 2023. Pipeline – formerly NPS (New Product Symposium) – is Milwaukee’s annual media event where they showcase their latest tools and innovations.

What are your predictions as to what will be announced or revealed?

Also – what questions do you want me to ask?

Pipeline is an opportunity to ask questions direct to Milwaukee Tool product managers, VPs, design and development engineers, and those in charge. Even Steven Richman – Milwaukee Group President for the last 16+ years – is available to answer questions.

Here is what I think we will see next week, in addition to recently-announced tools.

M18 Pouch Cell Lithium-ion Batteries

Even if the launch might not be imminent, I think there’s a good chance of new M18 stacked pouch-style batteries.

It’s about time.

When touring Milwaukee’s battery lab last year, I saw pouch cells under test. There weren’t many, but enough to hint at what Milwaukee was working on. Since last year’s media event was their first since 2019, it’s unclear how long they’ve been working on things.

If a new M18 battery will be announced, what types of new tools might be announced alongside it?

Packout… Something?

The modular tool storage system market has been heating up, with a couple of recent launches and more on the way.

Milwaukee Packout has been steadily expanded upon over the past few years. They expanded in a new direction in recent years, with the workshop storage system.

But, I think we’re due for an enhancement of some kind – maybe accessories that latch or clamp onto the metal rail corner protectors found on full-size Packout tool boxes.

Updated… Miter Saw?

I’m just guessing a bit now, but it’s an educated guess.

Milwaukee just announced a new M18 Fuel 16 gauge straight finish nailer, and a larger cordless router. There could be more that they’ve been working on with a residential construction and remodeling focus.

Your Predictions and Questions?

What do you think is coming? What do you want to see announced next week?

What kinds of questions should I try to ask? I’m hoping there will be plenty of time for candid conversations.

Related Posts:

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Milwaukee is soon launching a new M18 Fuel cordless 16 gauge straight finish nailer, model 3020.

The new Milwaukee cordless finish nailer joins the brand’s M18 Fuel 15 gauge and 16 gauge angled finish nailers, which launched in early 2022.

Milwaukee says that they “redesigned the nailer from the ground up, giving carpenters and remodelers the power, performance, and runtime they need.”

This is not Milwaukee’s first cordless 16 Gauge straight finish nailer; the 2741 launched in 2016.

Advertised as having a zero ramp-up time, the new nailer is ready to drive nails without delay. There’s no delay between pulling the trigger and the nail firing, giving users “a pneumatic fire rate without the hassles of an air hose.”

As with Milwaukee’s other M18 Fuel cordless nailers, this one does not require any gas cartridges to operate, and no maintenance is required.

Features include a built-in nitrogen air spring mechanism, tool-free depth adjustment, sequential and bump-fire actuation modes, LED work light, tool-free jam clearing latch, dry fire lockout, reversible belt hook, and spare tip storage built into the magazine.

The nailer is compatible with all 16GA straight finish nails 1 – 2-1/2″ long.

• Drives 16GA straight finish nails
• 1-2.5″ nail capacity
• Brushless motor
• LED work light
• 110 nail magazine capacity
• 12.9″ L x 11.7″ x 5″ wide (tool-only)
• Weighs 6.2 lbs (tool-only)

Price: $329 (tool-only, 3020-20)
ETA: August 2023

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Which is the BEST cordless power tool brand? Dewalt? Milwaukee? Ryobi? This seems like a simple question, but the answer isn’t.

I last attempted to tackle this question in early 2021, and there have been enough developments and changes in the 2-1/2 years since then to justify an update.

Here is the question that started it all:

If you had to stick to one brand for most of your tools which would it be? Taking into consideration tool reliability, power, ergonomics, batteries and number of cordless tools.

Just one brand?! Dewalt. Wait, no – Milwaukee. Metabo HPT?

Most cordless power tool brands have their distinct innovations and selling points, and tool brands continuously and fiercely compete for a spot in your tool box.

Whether the question is about the best cordless power tool brand overall, or even which one brand I would stick with, the answer depends on the user.

Are you an electrician? Plumber? Carpenter? Deck builder? DIYer? Every user’s needs are different, and there’s really no singular best brand overall.

The real question to answer is this one – which is the best cordless tool brand for you?

Instead of simply answering the title question, I will offer my opinions on each particular tool brand to help you make your own determinations.

As always, readers’ opinions are extremely valuable. What would you say to anyone looking to buy into a cordless power tool system?

The brands below are listed in alphabetical order.

Table of Contents

Bosch
Craftsman
Dewalt
Festool
Flex
Hart
Hercules
Hilti
Kobalt
Makita
Metabo
Metabo HPT
Milwaukee
Porter Cable
Ridgid
Ryobi
Skil

Bosch

Benefits: Good performance and reliability.

Downsides: Historically, Bosch has not kept up with competitors in the USA, and some innovations are released here later than in Europe or not at all.

What I Said in 2021: Bosch makes some spectacular tools. Looking at the greater picture, their 12V and 18V platforms aren’t as compelling as competing platforms. While I was impressed with some of their past releases, there are fewer reasons to buy into either of Bosch’s cordless power tool systems today.

What’s Changed? Bosch recently launched AmpShare, where their 18V battery will soon power a range of tools from numerous partnered brands. They have been releasing new tools at a faster pace, and also seem to have abandoned the somewhat silly names given to certain tools, such as “the Freak.”

Bosch still has holes in their cordless lineup, but they’ve been filling some of the more glaring ones. I anticipate that AmpShare will greatly help with this.

Top ↑

Related Tool News: Bosch 12V Max Tools, Bosch 18V Tools

Craftsman

Benefits: Affordable price points for DIYers.

Downsides: Limited selection.

What I Said in 2021: Craftsman has been slow to expand their V20/20V Max cordless power tool lineup, but there are some interesting entries, such as a cordless air compressor.

What’s Changed? Craftsman has steadily been expanding their line of V20 cordless power tools, but still not at anywhere close to the pace of their top competitor. Their Brushless RP tools offer higher performance.

See More: Craftsman V20 Cordless Power Tool News

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Dewalt

Benefits: Excellent tools, expansive selection, comfortable ergonomics, great reliability. Dewalt has been continually expanding their 20V Max cordless power tool lineup, as well as their FlexVolt lineup, and they have also been actively expanding their 12V Max Xtreme Subcompact line.

Downsides: Sorting through some of their core options can be a little confusing. For instance, you can now choose between 20V Max brushless, 20V Max Power Detect, FlexVolt 60V Max, and 20V Max FlexVolt advantage saws.

What I Said in 2021: Dewalt continues to have a lot of “firsts.” They’re no longer playing catch-up and are once again pushing boundaries.

Quite simply put, you cannot go wrong with Dewalt cordless power tools. Dewalt’s cordless platforms continue to have a lot of strengths, and few weaknesses.

If I had to choose a “Best Cordless Power Tool Brand Overall” winner, Dewalt would face off against Milwaukee in a battle too close to easily call.

What’s Changed? Dewalt has entered the automotive tool market with new ratchets, and recently launched new rivet tools. They’ve been filling noticeable holes. Dewalt’s PowerStack batteries provide numerous benefits over older technologies.

Notable Products: Power Detect and FlexVolt Advantage lines bridge the gap between 20V Max and FlexVolt 60V Max platforms. Even so, FlexVolt still provides a power benefit that most other 18V/20V Max systems struggle to match.

Related Tool News: Dewalt 12V Max, Dewalt 20V Max, Dewalt FlexVolt

Top ↑

Festool

Benefits: Unique tools, such as hybrid corded-cordless sanders, good quality, brand reputation.

Downsides: Very limited product selection, very high pricing.

What I Said in 2021: If you want a Festool power tool, and you want it to be cordless, you have some options. Festool made a push in 2020 to consolidate some of their cordless power tools into combo kits aimed at contractors and remodelers.

Festool’s cordless platforms are limited, presumably because they are more of a finish and fine work brand. The brand is not focused on the broader needs of users involved in construction or the trades.

Additionally, Festool’s high pricing can make the tools inaccessible to many individual users.

What’s Changed? Festool has made some questionable design choices, such as launching a cordless dust collector vacuum that can only be used with smaller low capacity batteries. There’s also a new cordless reciprocating saw, which fills a hole in their cordless lineup, but doesn’t seem to be in the spirit of the brand’s core competency – fine finishing tools.

See More: Festool 18V Tool News

Top ↑

Flex

Benefits: Competitive performance (at least), next-gen Stacked Lithium batteries, numerous innovations and tools with distinct user benefits.

Downsides: As a relatively new brand, Flex is going to be playing catch-up for a few years, in terms of product selection and market share. Their 24V battery is going to be slightly larger than 18V batteries, but not without positive traits (such as in power delivery).

Overall: Flex has expanded their line of 24V Max brushless cordless power tools at a rapid pace. The brand recently launched new compact core tools, and a strong selection of specialty tools, such as a cordless router, sander, and band saws.

Flex aspires to be a major player in the professional cordless power tool industry, and so far it seems they’re doing everything right to get there.

Top ↑

Hart

What I Said in 2021: Hart is a Walmart-exclusive brand that offers entry-priced cordless power tools that are similar to Ryobi’s most basic offerings. If you’re shopping for the lowest cost cordless power tools on the market, I’d go with Hart (or any of these other brands) over the no-name stuff on Amazon and other online marketplaces.

What’s Changed? Hart doesn’t share product news, but it looks like they added a couple of new tools since I last checked. Hart still looks to be an entry-level cordless brand aimed at beginners or Walmart shoppers buying on impulse.

Top ↑

Hercules (Harbor Freight)

Benefits: Better cordless tools for Harbor Freight shoppers.

Downsides: Limited selection, young brand reputation, still Harbor Freight.

What I Said in 2021: Harbor Freight launched the Hercules cordless power tool platforms with name-brand competitors in sight. I purchased earlier samples, and while respectable, the tools lacked the fit and finish I would expect from true professional-grade cordless power tool brands.

Harbor Freight and their Hercules line have potential, but it seems they are still striving to make cheaper tools. With new brushless tools on the way, it’s possible they are trying to walk down a different path, at least as far as the Hercules lines are concerned.

Harbor Freight has the potential to disrupt the core cordless power tools market, but they still have to prove they can deliver quality.

What’s Changed? Harbor Freight has been steadily expanding their Hercules lineup of “professional” tools. The quality seems to have improved – from pretty good to almost great – and the tools now boast a 5 year limited warranty.

Harbor Freight has been bouncing between different marketing strategies, and with the latest changes they’ve been following examples set by major industry players.

The tools are not quite on even ground with those from the tool brands Harbor Freight claims Hercules compares to, but they are inching closer.

See More: Harbor Freight Hercules Tool News

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Hilti

Benefits: Strong reputation, gimmick-free solutions.

Downsides: Limited retail availability, limited tool selection, high prices.

What I Said in 2021: Hilti tends to target commercial users, rather than individuals. They have a strong focus on masonry tools, but also some exceptionally capable tools for working with wood, metal, and other common construction and fabrication materials.

What’s Changed? Hilti launched Nuron, a new line of 22V cordless power tools. While not as comprehensive as competing professional tool brands’ lineups, Hilti quickly converted over dozens of tools from the outgoing tool system. There are still a lot of holes that need to be filled.

Hilti still needs to do a better job at appealing to individual tool users.

Top ↑

Kobalt

Benefits: Brushless motors, inexpensive pricing on spare/replacement batteries.

Downsides: Limited selection.

What I Said in 2021: Lowe’s Kobalt 24V max cordless power tool platform focuses on brushless-motor tools, and with reasonable and competitive pricing.

There’s not much compromise when it comes to performance, and the newer XTR tools take things to another level with respect to power and features.

What’s Changed? Kobalt launched all-new core cordless power tools. They seemed to have all but dropped the XTR performance line of tools, except during holiday shopping seasons when the combos make a quick reappearance.

Lowe’s never seems to have a clear direction in mind for their exclusive tool brand.

See More: Kobalt 24V Max Cordless Power Tools

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Makita

Benefits: Broad 18V cordless power tool system.

Downsides: Makita has been slow to adapt to industry trends, and certain product categories are difficult to sort out with an excessive number of options. The 18V line hasn’t kept up with competing tool systems, and the new XGT line is very limited and expensive. Their revamped 12V Max cordless system has been stagnant.

What I Said in 2021: Some of Makita’s 18V LXT cordless tools are competitive, but the system has hit its limits. The new Makita XGT 40V Max platform is due to launch in the USA at some point, but the new system is not backwards compatible with their 18V cordless system.

What’s Changed? Makita has finally brought a couple of tools from the XGT line to the LXT line, but many premium features remain XGT exclusives, such as cordless drill anti-kickback tech.

Makita launched Outdoor Adventure in the USA, a new line of existing 18V tools but in an olive green color.

They have two main cordless systems – 18V LXT and 36V/40V Max XGT, and aren’t throwing their full weight behind either one.

Makita USA recently cut jobs company-wide, following their third price increase in just over a year.

Related Tool News: Makita 12V, Makita 18V, Makita 18V X2, Makita XGT 40V

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Metabo

Benefits: Great quality, performance, and reliability, and a strong reputation. Metabo offers more specialty tools that cater to fabrication and metalworking industries.

Downsides: Limited selection, less market availability and visibility compared to other pro-grade brands,

What I Said in 2021: Metabo has a lot of great cordless power tools, and has been expanding steadily. Its 18V cordless platform is more expansive in Europe, but an increasing number of tools have launched in the USA as well.

Metabo has embarked on a mission towards enabling a truly cordless jobsite, and each year they move closer and closer to that goal.

What’s Changed? Metabo used to do their part in driving the industry forward, but lately it seems like they’ve been falling behind. Where’s the cordless table saw, dust collection systems, air compressor, or other tools needed for the “cordless jobsite” they talked so much about over the years?

Related Tool News: Metabo 18V, Metabo 12V

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Metabo HPT (Formerly Hitachi Power Tools)

Benefits: Metabo HPT offers many excellent-quality 18V and MultiVolt cordless power tools, and occasionally innovates with unique offerings.

Downsides: Limited selection, Hitachi to Metabo HPT name-change has resulted in quite a bit of confusion. There’s added confusion between Metabo HPT and Metabo, as there is zero compatibility between the two brands’ cordless platforms.

What I Said in 2021: As a system, Metabo HPT offers a much smaller selection of cordless power tools than other brands. They have quite a few competitive and compelling tools, making the brand a potentially good choice if their strengths align with particular user needs and wants.

What’s Changed? Metabo HPT has been releasing new tools at a steady pace. Their MultiVolt cordless platform is excellent, and remains a very competitive choice. The brand needs greater market visibility; select tools are available at Lowe’s, but the retailer has done little to promote the brand or drive consumer awareness.

Notable Products: Metabo HPT’s 18V Triple Hammer impact driver remains a personal favorite.

Related Tool News: Metabo HPT, Hitachi Power Tools

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Milwaukee

Benefits: Great quality, reliability, and performance. Fantastic M18 (18V/20V-class) cordless power tool system and unmatched M12 (12V-class) tool selection. Milwaukee Tool is a very active innovator.

Downsides: M12 tools have a stem-style battery that inserts into the hand grip, resulting in a chunkier grip than some other brands can accomplish with slide-style batteries.

What I Said in 2021: Milwaukee seeks to be a “solutions provider,” and they charge into new markets with a disruptive ferocity. Their philosophy for the M12 cordless system has been to provide user-friendly alternatives to hand tools, and their expanding M18 system offers all the core tools pros and demanding users might need, plus many trade-specific options.

Milwaukee Tool cordless power tools can carry premium pricing, but they regularly offer very aggressive promotions in the form of free tool or battery bonus bundles.

While not the market-leader in every category, Milwaukee is an easy recommendation. Quite simply put, you can’t go wrong with Milwaukee cordless power tools.

If I absolutely had to choose a “Best Cordless Power Tool Brand Overall” winner, Milwaukee would face off against Dewalt in a battle too close to easily call.

What’s Changed? Milwaukee has continued to innovate and push forward in recent years. I expect to see the brand shake up the entire industry once they launch – and heavily advertise – next-gen power tool batteries built with pouch-style Li-ion cells.

The MX Fuel line of cordless equipment redefined what can be powered with a cordless battery, and still holds untapped potential.

Notable Products: Milwaukee’s M12 Fuel and M18 Fuel brushless power tools are often considered the gold standard.

Related Tool News: Milwaukee M12, Milwaukee M18, Milwaukee MX Fuel

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Porter Cable

Benefits: None.

Downsides: Limited selection, limited availability.

What I Said in 2021: Porter Cable was effectively pushed out of Lowe’s when Craftsman (also a Stanley Black & Decker brand) came along, and out of Walmart after TTI launched their exclusive Hart tool brand there.

Porter Cable announced a new partnership with Tractor Supply in late-2021. No new tools or developments have been announced since then.

The brand doesn’t appear to be investing any time, effort, or resources into their cordless platform.

What’s Changed? Nothing.

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Ridgid

Benefits: Ridgid has a strong selection of core 18V cordless power tools, and some unique and innovative tools sprinkled in. The brand offers a good balance between performance and price.

The Limited Lifetime Service Agreement covers parts, service, and batteries – with some restrictions.

Downsides: Smaller selection of 18V tools compared to other brands, 12V system has been abandoned (although you can still buy replacement batteries or chargers).

What I Said in 2021: Ridgid is a good brand and they have continued to expand and enhance their 18V cordless power tool system over the years. Some of their tools offer innovations not found in other cordless systems, giving some users reason to choose Ridgid as their primary or secondary brand.

What’s Changed? Ridgid has continued to launch new 18V cordless power tools. They haven’t been as innovative as in recent years, but are still going strong. Ridgid’s 18V line continues to be exclusive to Home Depot.

See More: Ridgid 18V Cordless System Tool News

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Ryobi

Benefits: Ryobi’s 18V One+ platform is huge, and satisfies a broad range of user needs, from beginner DIYer to value-minded pros.

Downsides: Ryobi’s commitment to DIYer users (a great thing) also means they haven’t updated their battery system to a slide-style form factor yet. Lower-priced tools have compromised features or performance.

What I Said in 2021: Ryobi is a very customer-centric brand that is well-liked and well-regarded among their many loyal DIYer users. Some pros will use certain Ryobi tools as well, especially for specialty tasks where a tool might not see frequent use.

What’s Changed? Ryobi has expanded their line of compact brushless 18V One+ HP tools, and added new home, hobby, and lifestyle tools, including from a new USB Lithium line of 4V-class tools and accessories.

Ryobi tools remains exclusive to Home Depot.

See More: Ryobi 18V One+ Tool News

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Skil

Benefits: Skil’s new cordless power tool platforms offer very high bang for the buck – competitive performance and above-average features for what you pay.

Downsides: Limited selection.

What I Said in 2021: Under new ownership, Skil has refreshed their branding and launched all-new cordless power tool lineups. They’re definitely worth a chance for DIYers looking to get modern features at affordable pricing.

What’s Changed? Skil has launched more tools and updated their core 12V and 20V class offerings. They have also expanded their cordless outdoor power tool offerings. With respect to core offerings – drills, drivers, and saws – Skil tools in many cases outperform competing products while also being more affordable.

Skil is definitely worth paying attention to.

Related Tool News: Skil 12V Max, Skil 20V Max

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Reader Recommendations

Which cordless power tool lineup(s) did you go with? What would you recommend to someone looking to buy into a new cordless power tool system?

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Milwaukee announced “user-driven innovation with new taps and dies program” today, bringing innovation to a tool category that “has seen little to no improvement in decades.”

Milwaukee Director of Product Marketing, Brad Urban, says that the new Milwaukee taps and dies deliver on the brand’s “promise to disrupt the market.”

The new taps and dies feature innovations that stem from “countless hours of field research,” with a focus on understanding users’ pain points, needs, and applications.

Milwaukee new thread-cutting tools are described as having three premium features:

• Black oxide coating to fight against corrosion
• Clearest markings for quick and easy size identification
• Precision machined threads for precise threading

There will be tap and die sets with different part counts, as well as separate accessories such as tap and die handles and thread pitch gauges.

It is notable that individual taps and dies will be available.

Milwaukee will be launching straight flute plug taps in SAE sizes from #4 through 3/4″, and metric sizes from M3 through M14, and in coarse and fine sizes for both.

They will also be launching tapered pipe taps from 1/8″ NPT through 3/4″ NPT, as well as 1/8″-28 BSPP.

2-piece tap and drill bit sets will be available for select fastener sizes.

Dies will be available in SAE sizes from #4 through 3/4″, and metric from M3 through M14, also in both coarse and fine sizes, plus pipe taps to match the taps.

The higher part count tap and die sets will be packaged in clear-lid low-profile Packout tool boxes, for convenient storage and portability.

Milwaukee Packout organizers are great tool cases, even if you don’t use them as part of a larger system.

If you don’t plan on transporting the sets around very much, the included removable insert is drawer-friendly. This allows for convenient low-profile placement in a tool cabinet, chest, cart, or other fixed or mobile storage system.

There are two types of tap and die handles – standard handles that are included in some sets, and a Hex-Lok 2-in-1 handle that’s included by itself and in other sets.

The new Milwaukee Hex-Lok handle is said to provide maximum leverage and control. It has an ergonomic grip and all-metal design (which I suppose can be said about all tap and die handles), and is optimized for smooth operation.

It can be used with 1-inch hex-shaped dies, and taps up to 1/2″ when paired with the Milwaukee tap collet.

Milwaukee says that, “with this innovative [Hex-Lok] 2-in-1 handle design, users can easily swap between internal or external threading providing the most versatile threading solution. Ultimately, reducing the number of total components carried on the job.”

Milwaukee Tap and Die Set Pricing and Availability

• 17pc SAE tap and die set (49-57-5600) – $45
  • Buy it at Acme Tools
• 17pc Metric tap and die set (49-22-5601) – $45
  • Buy it at Acme Tools
• 15pc SAE tap and die set w/ Hex-Lok (49-22-5602) – $80
  • Buy it at Acme Tools

• 38pc SAE tap and die set with Hex-Lok (49-22-5603) – $200
  • Buy it at Acme Tools
• 38pc metric tap and die set with Hex-Lok (49-22-5604) – $200
  • Buy it at Acme Tools

The new tap and die sets and accessories will be launching in August 2023.

Discussion

The new Milwaukee Hex-Lok handle is advertised as delivering the “most controlled” and “smoothest threading” and “ultimate user comfort.”

I haven’t had the best experience with 2-in-1 tap and die handles, mainly because the one I have has a rather useless ratcheting function. This new one looks interesting. Improved user comfort sounds good.

The Packout organizer looks to be a great inclusion with the larger sets, especially the similar 2-in-1 storage option as provided with Milwaukee’s Packout-equipped socket sets. You can carry everything around together, or place the insert into a tool drawer.

This is a surprising product category for Milwaukee to enter, and I think the Packout organizer will be one of the more meaningful features for the higher part count sets.

In my opinion, this has the potential to win Milwaukee a piece of market share over time, and perhaps enough to where the existing competition is forced to pay attention and shake things up themselves.

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How have Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel cordless hammer drills changed over the years? Is the latest model a big upgrade? Let’s take a look.

In a recent post, I compared all of Milwaukee’s M12 and M18 cordless drills, or at least all of the current and upcoming models.

A reader gave me the idea of comparing just the M18 Fuel hammer drills, to potentially help anyone looking to upgrade from an older model.

In a comment, JR Ramos wrote:

I am generally upgrading from an older tool/broken-stolen tool which is usually a previous generation of some flavor. In this instance, if I want to use your charts, I can’t see anything about Fuel Gen 2 vs Gen 3 vs Gen 4 so I have to go snoop listed specs and reviews anyway.

That’s a good point. So, let’s compare all of the four generations of Milwaukee M18 Fuel cordless hammer drills.

Milwaukee also has cordless drill/driver models that share almost all of the same features and specs as the hammer drills. But, as the hammer drills are significantly more popular, that’s what we’ll focus on here, for simplicity. Most of the same features and specs carry over to the non-hammer model M18 Fuel drills, but not all, such as the lengths from the back of the motor to the front of the chuck.

In the last 11 years, Milwaukee has launched 4 generations of M18 Fuel hammer drills.

Milwaukee launched their first M18 Fuel hammer drill in 2012. This and the corresponding drill/driver were Milwaukee’s first M18 Fuel cordless power tools, and their first tools to be engineered with brushless motors.

Upgraded models launched every 3-4 years since then, each with generational improvements in either features, performance, size, or a combination of factors.

* The One-Key versions of these M18 Fuel hammer drills, models 2706 and 2806, offered customizable anti-kickback settings. The latest 2904 drill (and non-hammer 2903) is the first non-One-Key model to feature anti-kickback tech. The AutoStop feature is customizable in the latest model 2904 and 2906 (hammer) M18 Fuel drills with One-Key.

The AutoStop feature is designed to prevent over-rotation, such as when the drill binds up during an operation. When it senses a potential kickback event, the AutoStop tech turns off power to the motor to help protect the user.

Let’s start off by looking at the max torque and speeds. The latest generation M18 Fuel hammer drill, 2904, is Milwaukee’s most powerful and fastest to date.

Is it a significant upgrade? I think so.

As you might know, the lower speed range should be used for higher torque applications. The maximum (no-load) low speed setting has been reduced between 3rd and 4th generation drills, from 550 to 500 RPM, a difference of 10%. The maximum torque increased from 1200 to 1400 in-lbs, a difference of 16.7%. The maximum high speed has also increased from 2000 to 2100 RPM, a difference of 5%.

From my conversations with a Milwaukee product manager at last year’s media event, there are differences beyond what you can see in the technical specs. For the latest model, the tool’s endurance has been improved compared to previous models.

Basically, you can push it harder than you could with earlier models, without overheating the tool as easily or quickly. Can it still overheat? Probably, but I have not heard any complaints about this so far.

Here’s a look inside the latest generation M18 Fuel hammer drill (2904) and impact driver (2953).

Part of the greater endurance comes from improved thermal dissipation, with the internal heatsink over the electronics package having been completely redesigned.

The 4th generation model also has more ventilation holes around the motor housing. It seems logical that more airflow would mean greater cooling.

Additionally, Milwaukee went back to a mechanical clutch for the latest model. I have found cordless drills with adjustable mechanical clutches to provide more consistent and repeatable torque than those with electronic clutches, especially with smaller fasteners.

It’s okay to take a step backwards – I see this as an upgrade.

Milwaukee reduced the length of the M18 Fuel hammer drills for the first three generations, from 8.1 inches to 7.75 inches and then 6.9 inches.

While the 4th generation model isn’t any more compact than its direct predecessor, it does deliver higher torque and a faster top speed.

If you want a smaller or lighter drill, look at the new M18 compact brushless drills, or maybe the M12 line.

The 4th generation M18 Fuel hammer drill is a significant upgrade compared to 1st and 2nd generation models.

Compared to the 3rd generation model, the latest flagship drill can deliver more torque, higher maximum speed, has greater endurance, and in my opinion an improved chuck.

There are modest upgrades in what you can see in a list of technical specs, such as the max torque and high speed range, and significant differences in what you can’t – most notably the AutoStop anti-kickback tech, greater endurance, and return to a mechanical clutch.

I have tested all of the models, and really like the 4th generation hammer drill. I have mainly used it for drilling larger holes in wood, but have also it to drill in steel and packed soil, and drive fasteners. It delivers – in my opinion so far – a very polished user experience. I have zero complaints about its power, size, or comfort.

Milwaukee has upgraded their M18 Fuel hammer drill every 3 to 4 years since the first one launched in 2012. With that in mind, it might be late 2025 or maybe 2026 before we see the next iteration. Frankly, I can’t imagine what types of upgrades a 5th generation model could offer.

The 4th generation model, 2904, is as good as it gets.

Compared to the previous model, I think the newest Milwaukee M18 Fuel hammer drill is definitely a worthwhile upgrade. Hopefully I provided you with enough details to answer the question for yourself.

At the time of this posting, Home Depot has a very good deal bundle, where you get the hammer drill, 2x M18 Li-ion batteries, and a charger for $199 – the same price as for the tool-only option.

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Are you considering a new Milwaukee cordless drill? Hopefully we’ll make things clearer, and with as little fluff as possible.

While it is a bit easier to navigate Milwaukee’s selection of cordless drills than many other cordless power tool brands’, it can still be daunting for anyone who isn’t intimately familiar with all of the latest models.

Milwaukee has introduced 8 new models in the two years since I last wrote up a quick comparison, and so an update was due.

There are plenty of Milwaukee cordless drill buying guides out there, but I haven’t seen a single one that would actually help me if I were researching a purchase.

So, I’m approaching this post as if I were an end user looking to make sense of all of Milwaukee’s different cordless drill offerings for the first time.

After going over some comparisons and specs, I’ll offer my recommendations on the best Milwaukee cordless drills for different user requirements, or rather what I’d purchase for my own needs depending on what I’m looking for.

Please let me know if you feel there’s something missing that could help make this buying guide better, and also if you would like the same approach applied to different brands or types of tools.

Milwaukee Cordless Drill Torque and Speed Comparison Chart

Most tool users will start off their research by looking at a cordless drill’s maximum torque rating. The comparison chart above shows the maximum torque, and maximum no-load speeds.

All of Milwaukee’s M12 and M18 cordless drills have 2 speed settings – low and high – and I feel it’s important to see how torque and speed compare between various models.

How to Read the Graphs

In the graphs featured on this page, above and below, the vertical y-axis values on the left corresponds to the maximum torque values for Milwaukee’s different cordless drill models, and the values on the right correspond to the maximum speed range values.

If this is your first time seeing a two-axis chart, note that the scales are different. The vertical y-axis labels are also color-coded to help guide you.

Basically, compare red to red and blue to blue. The numbers for the torque specs are on the left, and speed specs on the right.

Model numbers and basic differentiating details are on the horizontal x-axis.

The First Two Decisions to Make

If you want the highest torque and performance possible, there’s one clear choice. If you’re looking for a cordless drill for light to mid duty use, that’s where you get a lot of overlapping options and tough decisions to make.

The first decision you need to make – or have already made – is whether you want an M18 cordless drill, or M12. The M18 drills are great choices for most users, and the M12 are great choices where tool size, weight, and cost are higher priorities over speed and power.

Milwaukee’s M18 cordless drills operate at 18V nominal voltage, and the M12 drills operate at 12V Max, or 10.8V nominal voltage, with the same being true for competing brands’ offerings.

Milwaukee M18 Cordless Drills

There are 7 models of M18 cordless drills, plus 2 more One-Key models (more on those below).

2606 – This brushed motor drill is most commonly available as part of high-value combo kits that are popular with DIYers, homeowners, and possibly tradespeople and pros on a very limited budget.

2607 – Although technically still available, the hammer drill version of the 2606 is increasingly rare to come across these days. I see no reason to discuss it further.

3601/3602 – Milwaukee recently announced these two new M18 compact brushless models, a drill/driver (3601) and hammer drill (3602).

As an aside, cordless drills and hammer drills are both considered drill/drivers, but it seems unnecessary to write out “drill/driver” or “hammer drill/driver” every time. A lot of tool users delegate fastening tasks to impact drivers, but the repeatability of a drill with adjustable torque clutch is still very hard to beat.

The 3601 looks to be replacing the 2801, which has been a highly well-regarded compact brushless drill in the years since it launched.

2902 – This hammer drill fills the gap between the compact brushless drills and M18 Fuel heavy duty models. With Milwaukee now having launched a compact brushless hammer drill, the 2902 seems almost unnecessary.

2903/2904 – These are Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel flagship models – their best drills with the latest tech and features. The hammer drill (2904) is more popular and featured in more sales, promotions, and combo kits.

The 2606 (and 2607 hammer drill) are older tech. As mentioned above, they’re included in high value combo kits, but they can be safely ignored. If you’re looking just to buy a cordless drill, you get much more with Milwaukee’s compact brushless drills, and often at lower prices too.

The outgoing M18 compact brushless drill (2801) is a strong performer and great value. It’s not shown here as it’s seemingly being replaced by the new 3601.

There’s a single battery promo kit version, model 2801-21P, that has been regularly discounted to $99 seasonally. Hopefully the same will be true for the new 3601 model.

As mentioned, the M18 Fuel drill (2903) and hammer drill (2904) are Milwaukee’s flagship models. These are Milwaukee’s best and highest-performing cordless drills. If you’re simply looking for Milwaukee’s best cordless drill – the 2904 is what you want.

I should add that the M18 Fuel drills have an AutoStop feature, an anti-kickback technology designed to help prevent twisting injuries that can happen when a drill binds or jams.

All of the weights are tool-only specs.

If you want to narrow things down quickly, I’d say look at the M18 compact brushless drill, model 3601 (or outgoing 2801 if you’re in a hurry), or the M18 Fuel brushless hammer drill, model 2904. I’d say that these two models will serve most users’ needs.

M18 Cordless Drills with One-Key

Milwaukee recently launched new One-Key versions of their M18 Fuel cordless drill and hammer drill.

The One-Key models, 2905 for the drill/driver and 2906 for the hammer drill, are nearly identical to the 2903 and 2904 drills, but with app-based customizations.

Most notably, the One-Key versions give you more control over the AutoStop anti-kickback tech, as well as customizable speed settings.

Milwaukee M12 Cordless Drills

2407 – Milwaukee’s M12 brushed motor drill is a bit long in the tooth, but still delivers solid performance. It’s a decent value-choice and is included in a couple of seasonal “special buy” kits and combo kits.

2408 – The brushed motor hammer drill isn’t widely available, but it’s still around.

3403/3404 – Milwaukee’s flagship M12 Fuel cordless drill (3403) and hammer drill (3404) are an improvement over the previous generation. They offer a great balance between power and size. The hammer drill is more widely available and included in more discounts and promos.

2505 – The M12 Fuel 4-in-1 drill/driver is a problem-solver that comes with different attachments for drilling holes and accessing fasteners in tight or awkward locations.

If you’re set on an M12 cordless drill, the choices are easy. The 2407 is still a decent budget pick, the M18 Fuel hammer drill (3404) is the performance pick – and often included in deal bundles and promos – and the 2505 is the “you’ll know if you need it” specialty option.

Best Milwaukee Cordless Drill for Power Users

Do you want the do-it-all cordless drill? Go for the Milwaukee M18 Fuel hammer drill, model 2904.

You might be thinking “but I don’t really need the hammer drill functionality.” I get it – I’m the same way; I prefer cordless drills to hammer drills where there’s a meaningful difference.

However, there’s not much difference here, and good reasons to look at the hammer drill over the non-hammer drill.

If the hammer drill is any longer, it’s by a rounding error, and it’s less than 1/10 of a pound heavier. There’s no obvious downside anymore.

The drill/driver (2903) is $10 less for the tool-only, and the same for the 2-battery kit. But, there are many more opportunities to score the hammer drill at a discount.

The 2pc combo kit with a hammer drill and impact driver is a popular way to get Milwaukee’s latest and greatest drilling and driving tech.

At the time of this posting, Home Depot has a promo bundle where you can get the tool-only M18 Fuel hammer drill with a bonus charger, 5Ah battery, and 2Ah battery. The tool-only drill/driver is regularly $189, and the tool-only hammer drill is $199. But here, you get the hammer drill, 2x batteries, and a charger, for $199.

Do you see what I mean about how the M18 Fuel hammer drill is worth looking at over the drill/driver, even if you don’t plan on drilling into masonry materials?

Best Milwaukee Cordless Drill Where Size Matters

Milwaukee did a great job with their latest M12 Fuel cordless hammer drill, model 3404.

It’s compact, powerful enough for most light to medium duty tasks, and comfortable to use (at least in my opinion). These are Milwaukee’s best M12 Fuel cordless drills to date.

As with the M18 Fuel drills, the M12 Fuel hammer drill (3404) is featured in more deals and promos than the non-hammer drill (3403). If you just want a cordless drill without hammer function, you can save $10.

Personally, I tend to favor compact 18V-class cordless drills over the M12 Fuel, as the nature of how M12 batteries attach to the drill makes the handle thicker. I feel that the ergonomics have gotten better with each revision, and it’s hard to argue with the small size and light weight of these drills.

The M12 Fuel hammer drill can be a good one-and-only compact drill, or a complement to a higher power 18V-class model.

Milwaukee makes it highly compelling for tool users to upgrade to the latest M12 Fuel hammer drill and brushless impact driver at the same time.

If you’re interested in the Milwaukee M12 Fuel hammer drill, you might want to consider the 2pc hammer drill and impact driver combo kit for just $20 more.

Best Milwaukee Cordless Drill for Most Casual Users

The new Milwaukee 3601 and 3602 M18 compact brushless drill and hammer drill are expected to launch in late summer 2023, and so I have not been able to test them yet.

However, they build upon the previous generations of Milwaukee’s M18 compact brushless drills – tools that I have been especially fond of over the years – and so I am very optimistic that they’ll perform at least on-par if not better.

The new models compare well against the last generation with respect to power and speed, and are more compact.

Here’s a quick comparison:

If you can wait, I think this will be the model for most casual users to get, as it offers a balance between power, size, and cost.

Best Value Milwaukee Cordless Drill

I fully expect for the new 3601 to also be the new best value pick.

Milwaukee’s cordless drill kits always feature 2 batteries, except for special promotional kits that are sold as seasonal special buys.

Shown here is the 3601-21P, which is the upcoming compact brushless drill kit with a 2Ah battery, charger, and tool bag.

There’s no guarantee it’ll be discounted to the same low price point as the previous generation model, but I’m hoping it will. (Home Depot is currently showing the promo kit at $99 but out of stock, all but confirming that my optimism won’t lead to disappointment.)

In the meantime, if you can’t wait, the 2801-21P promo kit is still a great bargain at $99.

Best Milwaukee Cordless Drill for Working in Tight Spots

Milwaukee’s M12 Fuel installation drill/driver is a convenient and versatile problem-solver.

With the drill chuck attached, it’s a fairly compact drill. (The length listed in the specs table above is for the tool-only.)

Or you can add a quick-change chuck, right angle adapter, or offset adapter to drill or drive around obstacles or in corners and tight spaces. The drill chuck can be attached to the right angle adapter as well.

As mentioned above, this is a “you’ll know if you need it” type of drill. If you’re on the fence, keep track of all the types of tasks and applications you’d use it for, and wait for the next deal bundle or sale.

It has an adjustable torque clutch, which makes it a convenience option for driving fasteners to repeatable depths.

I tend to use it more for driving fasteners than drilling holes, but your needs and habits might be different..

The design takes a little getting used to, but I think it’s worth it.

Some users don’t like the style or placement of the electronic direction control switch, but I have not found it to be a problem.

Where to Get the Best Deals

A lot of buying guides point to listings at Amazon and Walmart as places to buy Milwaukee drills and other cordless power tools, but neither are authorized dealers for the brand. Most 3rd party listings are from resellers who shop the same retail sales and deals you can.

Acme Tools, Home Depot, Ohio Power Tool, and Tool Nut are recommended sources for Milwaukee tools.

You can sometimes get great discounts on drill kits, but a lot of the time the best deals are on bundle or combo offerings.

I included some shopping tips in the post, such as how the hammer drill versions can be better buys than the non-hammer model drills. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Reader Recommendations?

I covered what I’d pick and why – I narrowed it down to the M12 and M18 Fuel hammer drills, the M18 compact brushless drill, and the M12 Fuel 4-in-1 installation drill/driver.

I put together the information I’d find helpful when shopping for a drill, and would appreciate any feedback.

Do you agree with these recommendations? What would you pick differently?

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Milwaukee came out with a new compact knife sharpener, model 48-22-1590.

It’s a simple tool accessory with a very user-friendly-seeming design.

There are two v-shaped pull-through sharpening slots, one with coarse carbide blades, and the other with fine ceramic blades, and also a fixed diamond rod for specialty blade sharpening.

A large finger loop helps provide for a secure grip, and there’s also a lanyard loop for tethering.

Milwaukee also built the sharpener with a magnet for an additional and convenient storage option.

The sharpener can be carried in a pocket, or attached to gear via a lanyard or tether.

Milwaukee says that the sharpener is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.

The sharpener measures 3.625″ long x 1.5″ wide x 0.5″ thick, and weighs around 1 oz.

Price: $12.99
ETA: August 2023

Discussion

It’s for products like this that I wish I had a window into the design process and decisions.

A compact knife sharpener? Milwaukee Tool?

I wouldn’t have guessed that something like this would be on their roadmap, but at the same time the sharpener looks like a compelling buy.

There are plenty of pocket sharpeners out there, but this one’s different.

None of the other popular models I’m familiar with have finger loops. Or a magnetic for pointing purposes. Some have lanyard holes, but they’re itty bitty.

It’s almost as if someone on Milwaukee’s product team is a backpacker and wanted some useful on-the-go features, and then someone else who’s avid in the workshop, yard, or garden expressed interest in added storage options.

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Milwaukee has announced new M18 compact brushless drills – a drill/driver (3601) and a hammer drill (3602).

The new Milwaukee cordless drills are said to be designed for the needs and applications of the service trades, as well as the residential electrician, plumber, remodeler, and HVAC technician.

In other words, they’re compact cordless drills for pros and demanding users.

Milwaukee says that their newest generation of compact brushless drills deliver more capability and faster applications while measuring more than 3/4″ shorter compared to previous generations to improve access in tight applications and reduce fatigue.

Translation: they’re smaller and more powerful.

The new Milwaukee M18 compact brushless drill features a 1/2″ chuck and delivers up to 550 in-lbs max torque.

The 3601 drill measures 5.7″ long, and the 3602 hammer drill 5.8 inches.

Both drills will be available as bare tools and in 2-battery kits. Milwaukee’s product images also show both models in single battery promotional kits, and with other battery sizes (such as the hammer drill with an XC 4Ah battery).

Features & Specs

• 1/2″ keyless chuck
• All-metal chuck and gearcase
• 550 in-lbs max torque
• 0-550/0-1700 RPM
• Length: 5.7″ (drill), 5.8″ (hammer drill
• Weighs 2.3 lbs (tool-only)
• Weighs 3.2 lbs with 2Ah battery

Pricing and Availability

Drill/Driver

• 3601-20 bare tool – $139
  • Buy it at Acme Tools
• 3601-21P 1-battery kit – $169
  • Buy it at Acme Tools
• 3601-22CT – 2-battery kit (2Ah) – $199
  • Buy it at Acme Tools

Hammer Drill

• 3602-20 bare tool – $149
  • Buy it at Acme Tools
• 3602-22CT – 2-battery kit (2Ah) – $219
  • Buy it at Acme Tools

Combo Kit

• 3692-22CT – 2-battery kit (2Ah) with 3601 drill and 3650 impact driver – $239
  • Buy it at Acme Tools

ETA: August 2023

How do They Compare?

The outgoing compact brushless drill/driver, model 2801, delivers 500 in-lbs max torque and has 0-500 and 0-1800 speed ranges. The new models are slightly faster in the low end (550 vs 500 RPM), and slightly slower in the high end (1700 vs 1800 RPM).

This does have the potential for higher application speeds where higher torque is needed, but also slightly slower low torque high-speed applications. The differences are small enough that we can’t get the full picture from on-paper technical specs.

The compact drill length has been shrunk from 6.5″ to 5.7″, a reduction of about 12.3%. That’s a substantial difference.

It’s also slightly lighter, at 2.3 lbs compared to 2.45 lbs, for new and older tool-only cordless drills, respectively.

We also have for the first time an M18 compact brushless hammer drill. There is a brushless hammer drill (2902) that’s a step down from the M18 Fuel model, but it’s not anywhere as compact as this model. That brushless model delivers 725 in-lbs max torque, measures 7″ long, and weighs 3.05 lbs without battery.

Compared to the 2902, the new 3602 compact brushless hammer drill is not as powerful but is considerably smaller and lighter.

The new model Milwaukee M18 brushless drills also have a new mechanical clutch, for “wider range of torque settings and improved fastening performance.” They also sport a new chuck design for “improved bit retention and increased durability.”

Overall, they look to be quite the upgrade over the outgoing model.

I’m a bit surprised that Milwaukee didn’t follow the trend and call this a subcompact cordless power tool, but its specs seem to do enough talking.

Discussion

To sum things up, Milwaukee is updating their M18 compact brushless drill and launching an all-new compact brushless hammer drill.

The drills deliver a bump-up in max torque, and a faster max low speed and slower max high speed compared to the outgoing model. I feel that the slightly lower max high speed spec is a reasonable tradeoff considering the significant reduction in tool length.

The next-generation M18 cordless drills are looking competitive and compelling. Let’s hope that the singly battery promo kits (3601-21P and potentially 3602-21P) are as attractively priced as the 2801-21P, which typically had a holiday season “special buy” price of $99.

It has been around 5 years since Milwaukee updated their M18 compact brushless drill, and it looks like the wait was worth it.

There are also new impact drivers – we’ll have more on them soon.

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Milwaukee Tool’s scissors are quite possibly the only tool in their entire product catalog that can serve everyone’s needs.

I had to open some packaging last week, and my Milwaukee scissors were the go-to.

Cutting rubber sheet material? Twine in the garden? Twist ties holding a bunch of wire together? Cardboard? Milwaukee scissors got it done.

They’re plenty durable, too.

I used my scissors in a way I’m not proud of yesterday, to tap a garden stake a little deeper into the soil. I should have walked back to the garage and grabbed a mallet, but the scissors were already in my hand.

It was kind of asking for it, with the exposed metal through-tang part of the handle all exposed like that.

The scissors are comfortable to use, and after several years they’re still easy to open.

It also turns out that the scissors are 100% true to Milwaukee’s claims, that the “bolt lock technology” prevents the blades from loosening over time.

There are two versions – straight scissors, and offset.

Technically the title should be “the two Milwaukee tools for every tool box,” but I consider them to be variations of the same tool.

I have found that either one will do the job maybe 95% of the time. If I had to pick one over the other, it might be the straight scissors.

The straight scissors are more compact, and I tend to favor them for this if given the choice.

The offset scissors keeps my hand a bit further away from whatever I’m cutting, which can make a difference when cutting sheets of something.

So, I will generally use whichever is closest to me, but will grab the straight scissors when moving around or on the go, and the offset scissors when making longer cuts.

The straight scissors look to be more popular, judging by the review count for the new version on Home Depot’s website. They’re also less expensive by a few dollars.

Milwaukee calls these jobsite scissors, and while I don’t doubt their usefulness in a construction setting, they’re definitely highly versatile, convenient, and well-performing beyond pro usage environments.

I have bought quite a few of these scissors over the years, and like to give them as gifts. Everyone can use strong high quality scissors, right?

Price: $15.97 (straight), $18.97 (offset)

Home Depot is offering free shipping for either model right now, with no minimum order amount required. Both styles can usually be found at most stores.

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Home Depot has another round of Milwaukee tool deals of the day for 6/20/23.

I’d say that about half of the deals are repeats of recent promotions, and the other half are new ones we haven’t seen in a while.

Some of the highlights are deals on M18 Fuel cordless nailers, specifically framing and finish nailers. There are different bundle deals, with the nailers, such as with a magazine extension, bonus battery, batteries and circular saw, or batteries and air compressor as shown above.

That last particular bundle deal, shown above, is somewhat ironic. A cordless nailer bundled with a cordless air compressor? Maybe it’s for users that are just converting over and can’t spare the expense for an all-cordless nailer kit.

There are also Milwaukee hand tool deals, accessory sets, and more.

Home Depot’s daily deals end at 3am ET 6/21/23 unless supplies sell out sooner.

Acme Tools has a new Milwaukee Tool flash sale, ending 11:59pm CST today, 6/20/23.

Save 12% on select purchases $249+ with coupon code 12OFF. The maximum savings is $150.

There are thousands of eligible tools and accessories, including Milwaukee Packout tool storage products, cordless power tools, power tool accessories, and batteries.

My local Home Depot has “new lower price” flags for some of the Milwaukee Tool pliers and cutters on the hooks.

A closer inspection showed that many of the other models also have reduced pricing, with differences of $2 to $3 depending on the tool.

Given the timing, this could have to do with the new USA-made hand tools that Milwaukee is set to launch just a few weeks from now.

The “new lower prices” are not too far off from where they were, and not every pliers or cutting tool looks to has been reduced.

Interestingly, the aviation snips also have “new lower price” flags.

This has me wondering if the advertised price changes are connected to the launch of the upcoming USA-made screwdrivers and pliers, or if there are other strategies at play.

For example, Apex Tool Group has pushed more tools onto Home Depot’s pegs and shelves, such as in how they took the place of Estwing hammers and striking tools.

Wiss has always enjoyed a regular presence at Home Depot. There are some Crescent SKUs at Home Depot, but only a couple of pliers sizes and styles.

The lower prices could potentially be a strategy by Milwaukee to ensure they command a strong presence in the pliers aisle, especially as pricier USA-made hand tools head for the electrical tool aisle.

Looking online, standard straight-cutting Wiss aviation snips are now $16.97 at Home Depot. Milwaukee’s are now $14.97, from $16.97.

Placements for Milwaukee’s USA-made tools have not yet been made public, but we do know that Lowe’s and Klein Tools announced a new partnership earlier this year.

So, lower prices on Milwaukee pliers and cutters could potentially have been done to widen the difference between import and USA-made models, as a strategic move to counter competitive efforts, or some other completely unrelated reason.

Whatever the reasons, the lower prices seemed noteworthy.

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Milwaukee is launching a new M18 cordless forced air propane heater, model 0801-20.

The new Milwaukee heater is advertised as delivering “best-in-class heat output” and is rated at 30,000 to 70,000 BTU.

It’s designed for heating “well-ventilated small to mid-sized spaces.”

The 0801-20 heater is compact, measuring 21″ long x 18.5″ tall x 10.5″ wide, and has a large carrying handle on top.

It can run for over 8 hours when powered with an M18 XC 5Ah battery.

Milwaukee’s fact sheet says that the heater is suited for providing heat to spaces up to 1,700 square feet.

The user interface is simple, with in-off, ignition, and variable temperature controls. There is also an auto shut-off gas valve to prevent leakage.

For users that prefer it, or are short on charged M18 batteries, the forced air heater can also be powered via AC extension cord.

It comes with a fuel regulator and 10-foot hose.

Price: $229
ETA: July 2023

This product is NOT for use inside confined spaces, vehicles, or recreational spaces. It MUST be used in a properly ventilated area. Keep the heater no less than 7 feet away from the propane tank and combustibles.

Discussion

Just in time for… summer? It makes sense for cool weather equipment to be announced in warm weather, and warm weather gear when we’re coming out of winter, but I find it amusing nonetheless.

I’m not very familiar with forced air propane heaters, but they’re fairly straightforward. The fuel – propane – provides the thermal energy, and the battery (or AC) power turns the fan to help heat up a room or open space.

Given the combustion-based heat, this, and other heaters like it, can only be used outdoors or in very well-ventilated spaces.

From what I have seen and experienced, heaters like this work well for targeted heating of work spaces. There is some area heating, but you generally aim the heat towards where you want it – generally where you’ll be working.

Milwaukee claims that theirs delivers “best-in-class” heat output, and the 70,000 max BTU specs do support this. Dewalt’s has a 68,000 BTU sticker, and Ridgid’s tops out at 60,000 BTU.

With the heater said to deliver over 8 hours of runtime with a 5Ah battery, the AC power option is a good-to-have feature, just in case.

But if you’re looking primarily for an AC/corded machine, Mr. Heater has a 125,000 BTU model for just under $200 at Amazon.

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Milwaukee has launched a new M12 TrapSnake urinal auger, model 3574, which looks to be an update to the original 2574 model that was introduced in 2017.

The new Milwaukee M12 TrapSnake is part of a modular system, allowing users to select between manual and powered drivers and different auger attachments depending on the application.

As with the original, Milwaukee maintains that the TrapSnake delivers “versatility and capabilities never seen before in a urinal auger.”

The TrapSnake system is designed for clearing clogs in toilets, urinals, floor traps, sinks, bathtubs, and shower drains.

The auger features a cable lock, for holding the cable in place during extension and retraction, and a fixed rubber boot to help prevent scratches to porcelain fixtures.

This particular configuration, with a 3/8″ x 4′ urinal auger configuration, is recommended for use in drains 1-1/4″ to 2″ wide. Common applications includes clearing out clogged urinals and floor traps.

If you need something different, the TrapSnake 25′ auger has a 1/4″ x 25′ cable for use in sinks, bathtubs, and showers, and the TrapSnake toilet auger has a 1/2″ x 6′ cable for use in toilets and floor traps.

The new TrapSnake looks to have all the same features as the previous model.

The original model also featured a modular driver, cable lock, rubber boot, and replaceable auger cable.

It’s not clear to me what’s different or improved in this new model, at least from a functional standpoint, but it seemed worth giving you a heads-up.

For all you residential and commercial plumbers out there – is the TrapSnake part of your kit?

Price: $159 for the kit with charger and 1.5Ah battery, $59 for the manual auger kit, $99 for the M12 driver kit

Following is a demo video for the original model. Much of what’s said and shown about that model looks to be carried over to this new one.

I recently came across the manual toilet auger at Home Depot, in a seasonal promotional display. It’s currently advertised as a Father’s Day Savings deal only.

Happy Father’s Day, here’s a toilet snake?! It does look to be a handy tool to have. The M12 snake is great, but perhaps a bit much for most home users.

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Milwaukee has expanded their hand tool lineup with two new pry bar sizes – 36″ and 42″.

The new Milwaukee pry bars feature an I-beam design for greater prying strength, an all-metal core, and hammer-ready strike cap.

The tips have checkered grip zones to help prevent slipping.

The handles have a tri-lobe shape, with user comfort and control.

The shaft has a chrome finish for easy cleaning and corrosion resistance.

These and the other pry bar sizes are backed by Milwaukee’s lifetime guarantee.

Here’s the full lineup with MSRP pricing as of the time of this posting.

• 8″ (45-74-9208) – $14.99
• 12″ (45-74-9212) - $19.99
• 18″ (45-74-9218) – $29.99
• 24″ (45-74-9224) – $39.99
• 36″ (45-74-9236) – $89.99
• 42″ (45-74-9242) – $99.99

ETA for the new sizes: June 2023.

If you need the smaller sizes, the 4pc set seems reasonably priced at $74.97.

If ordering from Acme Tools, coupon code TOOLGUYD takes $10 off $79 (one use per customer, resets after 30 days).

Discussion

There’s not much to say here, as this is a rather straightforward hand tool expansion. I see these as a “if you’re in the market for new pry bars or sizes” type of tool, rather than “toss your existing still-functioning tools aside for an instant upgrade”.

I’ve used Milwaukee’s pry bars before, and they’re well-made. I would add that I prefer Milwaukee’s handle style to other brands’.

The lifetime guarantee is noteworthy.

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Over at Home Depot, they have some Milwaukee accessory deals that are going to be very hard to pass up.

First, they have the Milwaukee Shockwave 15pc impact-rated drill bit set for $9.97 and FREE SHIPPING. This looks to be an all-time low price for this set. I’d buy this without hesitation.

This deal – and others mentioned here – are set to end at 3am ET 5/29/23 unless supplies sell out sooner.

Are you looking for some Shockwave impact-rated screwdriver bits too?

This bundle includes the Shockwave Red Helix 15pc drill bit set, plus a 25pc Shockwave screwdriver bit set for $19.97.

The 25pc bit set comes with a Packout-compatible case. You can buy this set separately for $15.97, making the under-$20 bundle deal price a great buy.

Home Depot is offering free shipping on the 40pc bundle set, as well as the 15pc drill bit and 25pc screwdriver bit sets.

This Milwaukee Shockwave 100pc impact screwdriver set is a special buy bundle at $39.97 with free shipping.

It was priced slightly lower as part of a limited time deal last month ($35), but $40 is still a bargain for what you get – an assortment of mostly 2″ and longer power-style bits and accessories, plus Packout-compatible customizable bit cases.

This bundle deal features Milwaukee’s recurring 100pc plus Packout organizer special buy, which is usually either regularly priced at $100, or on sale for $50. Sometimes it’s higher or lower; at the time of this posting, this bundle is $59.97 by itself.

It also comes with a Milwaukee 120pc drilling and driving bit set bundle, which is a $29.88 special buy at the time of this posting.

The price for both together is $69.97. So that’s around $70 for a bundle typically promo-priced at $50, and another bundle currently promo-priced at $30.

If you want a different assortment, Home Depot also has the same 100pc Shockwave and Packout organizer promo bundled with a 75pc assortment.

As mentioned, the 100pc promo special buy is regularly on sale for $50 (but $60 at the time of this posting). The 75pc Shockwave assortment comes with an assortment of impact-rated bits, plus a carabiner bit holder attachment, and is a $19.88 special buy at this time.

So with this deal, the 100pc Packout and Shockwave bit set bundle (usually $50 or $100, promo-priced at $60 at the time of this posting), and the 75pc Shockwave bit set bundle ($20 at the time of this posting), is its own special-buy bundle at $63.97.

Buying the two sets separately would cost $80 at this time, or $70 if you take into account historical pricing for the 100pc set. $64 seems like a very good price for the combo. Home Depot is also offering free shipping on this promo.

I really like when Milwaukee and Home Depot promo math works out like this.

The 15pc drill bit set looks to be at an all-time low price, and while the 100pc Packout plus Shockwave bundle is priced higher than in past sales and promos, the combination bundle sets offer deeper discounts.

I think the 15pc + 25pc Shockwave bundle for $20 and free shipping is an especially good bundle. I believe that only one of the cases is of the new customizable Packout-compatible style, but it’s hard to beat the value of the Red Helix drill bit set.

There’s more! Home Depot has a lot more special buys on Milwaukee Shockwave impact-rated power tool accessory sets. For example, this 43pc SAE and metric 3/8″ impact socket set is a special buy for $109.97.

FYI – the same set was $10 lower for Black Friday last year. If you can use this now, keep in mind that Home Depot has an easy return policy. In my experience, they offer hassle-free price adjustments within 30 days.

Thank you to Clay for the heads-up!!

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I was talking with an HVAC tech yesterday, and sold them on the Dewalt 20V Max cordless air compressor.

They had some common-seeming requirements, and my advice was fairly generalized, and so I thought a quick discussion would be interesting.

It all started with a question about Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel cordless air compressor.

They saw my M18 air compressor test sample, and asked how I like it.

I’m very pleased with this model. But, why the M18? I asked the tech, as their cordless power tools were from the Dewalt 20V Max platform.

They were considering the M18 cordless air compressor, as well as the Packout vacuum.

The tech is also considering going with Milwaukee Packout to better organize their van. For our job, the tech had a small Veto Pro Pac bag, and if I recall correctly, a small bucket with Workpro tool organizer.

The Milwaukee cordless air compressor is quite good, but it’s designed around the Packout footprint. It doesn’t attach to Packout tool boxes, but can ride on top.

Dewalt’s cordless air compressor has a more compact footprint, which isn’t very surprising as this is a major selling point of pancake-style air compressors in general.

As the tech already had Dewalt 20V Max batteries and chargers, it makes sense to stick with Dewalt.

The DCC2520B is a 20V Max FlexVolt Advantage model. When powered with a Dewalt 20V Max battery, its 2.5 gallon air tank can be pressurized to 125 PSI. If you need more than that, powering the air compressor with a FlexVolt battery allows it to be filled to 140 PSI.

Forget about storage systems. If you have to move an air compressor around, the Dewalt is noticeably lighter – the Dewalt weighs 21.5 lbs, and the Milwaukee 31.25 lbs.

The Dewalt has a higher capacity tank (2.5 vs 2.0 gallons), but is noisier (80 dB vs 68 dB).

For portability, Dewalt’s is better. If you’re already on Dewalt’s cordless power tool platform, the Milwaukee air compressor is great, but not worth the added expense of buying into another system.

If you want an air compressor that can be easily transported on top of a stack of Packout tool boxes, that’s where the Milwaukee definitely has an advantage. Or, if you need a quieter air compressor, there’s a big difference in favor of the M18 Fuel model.

As I have access to both cordless systems, I have yet to part with either model – both are fantastic performers. I tend to use the Milwaukee for longer projects where I don’t plan to move it around too much, and retrieve the Dewalt instead for quicker ones.

Dewalt’s FlexVolt model is still available, which is surprising, as I thought it was going to be replaced by the 20V Max FlexVolt Advantage model. The 20V Max model, when powered by a FlexVolt battery, achieves a higher fill pressure (140 PSI) compared to the FlexVolt model (135 PSI).

I’m wondering if I should have tried harder to steer the tech towards Milwaukee. There are other brands as well, but I couldn’t think of any that offered more than these two models, at least not for this particular user’s needs.

Would you have made a different recommendation?

The Dewalt 20V Model is available by itself (DCC2520B), while the FlexVolt model is commonly available in a kit format with FlexVolt 6Ah battery and fast charger (DCC2560T1). The Milwaukee M18 model is typically sold by itself.

At the time of this posting, the Milwaukee model is eligible for a free 5Ah battery.

• Buy the Dewalt 20V Max at Home Depot
• Buy the Dewalt FlexVolt at Home Depot
• Buy the Dewalt FlexVolt at Acme Tools
• Buy the Milwaukee M18 at Home Depot
• Buy the Milwaukee M18 at Acme Tools

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