Ryobi launched their line of USB Lithium cordless power tools in accessories in January 2022, and has expanded the line a couple of times since then.

Ryobi USB Lithium tools are powered by a 4V max rechargeable Li-ion battery that features built-in USB-C charging. A 3-port charging station is also available.

The tools are compact and relatively affordable. Perhaps more important than that, they are convenient.

Ryobi recently added two more tools to the lineup – a high-CRI LED worklight, and a “desktop vacuum.”

With these two additions, that brings the total number of tools and solutions to 18 products, by my count, not including the different batteries or charging station.

I find it especially interesting that there’s not much competition in this space, and no signs of any competing brand throwing much resistance into Ryobi’s path.

The lineup launched with just 4 tools and 1 size of battery.

Just a few months ago, there were 9 tools, 2 batteries, and the 3-port charger.

Now, they’re at 18 tools, 3 batteries, and the charger.

What kinds of USB Lithium tools do you want to see Ryobi come out with next?

Here’s the list of everything that has been launched or announced to date:

Ryobi USB Lithium Tools

Power Cutter (FVC51K)
Screwdriver (FVD50K)
Clamp Fan (FVF51K)
Power Scrubber (FVG51K)
Power Carver (FVH51K)
Glue Pen (FVH56K)
Soldering Pen (FVH61K)
Foam Cutter (FVH64K)
Desktop Vacuum (FVH67K)
High Pressure Inflator (FVIF51K)
Rotary Tool (FVM51K)
Compact LED Flashlight (FVL51K)
LED Flip Light (FVL52K)
LED Pivoting Laser Flashlight (FVL54K)
LED Magnifying Light (FVL55K)
LED Inspection Light (FVL56K)
1/4 Ratchet (FVRC50K)
3/8″ Ratchet (FVRC51K)

Ryobi USB Lithium Batteries and Chargers

2Ah Rechargeable Battery (FVB01)
2Ah Rechargeable Battery with Mobile Device Charging Capability (FVB02)
3Ah Lithium Rechargeable Battery with Mobile Device Charging Capability (FVB03)
3-Port Charger (FVCH01)

Read More:

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Home Depot has another round of tool deals of the day, and as usual there are plenty of deals from Milwaukee Tool, Dewalt, Ridgid, and Ryobi, plus a couple of other brands.

Some of the Milwaukee tool deals are new and especially compelling.

For instance, the M12 Packout-compatible LED work light and USB charger is regularly $129-149. With the deal of the day special buy, you can get the light with a 2-battery and charger starter kit for $139.

There’s also the M12 cordless blower, regularly $99 for tool-only, for $139 with a 2-battery starter kit.

Some of the deals are not good buys. A single M18 3Ah battery for $105, for instance, is not good. Instead, I’d get the 2-pack with M18 XC 6Ah and CP 3Ah batteries for $179.

The deals of the day end at 3am ET 8/15/23 unless supplies sell out sooner.

If you’re thinking that it’s unusual for Home Depot to be having so many tool-related deals of the day, it’s not you – I’ve noticed the same as well, not that I’m complaining.

Too many tool deals of the day sales events are better than too few, something I hope that Lowe’s realizes at some point.

A reader tipped us off about what looks to be a new USA-made Harbor Freight Icon pry bar.

This new Icon 58″ pry bar with curved tip clearly says “USA” right on its handle, although the online product listing does not talk about this at all.

I reached out to Harbor Freight, asking them to confirm that this new pry bar is made in the USA, and whether additional sizes or styles are planned, but have not yet heard back.

Harbor Freight has been steadily expanding their Icon line of professional mechanics tools, but this would be the first I know of to be labeled as being made in the USA.

They don’t actually say that it’s made in the USA, but “USA” labeling is usually indicative of this. Or rather, I don’t know any tools that are labeled with “USA” that aren’t made here.

Given the $99.99 pricing, it could very well be produced in the USA.

The Icon looks a lot like the Mayhew Dominator Pro 58″ curved pry bar, which can be purchased for ~$96.

Related Posts:

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Festool finally announced USA retail pricing for their new 18V X2 (36V) cordless table saw, and it’s cheaper than I had expected!

The complete Festool cordless table saw tool kit (CSC SYS 50 EBI-Set) will be priced at $1999, which is by no means inexpensive. The kit with batteries, but not the rolling stand, will be $1798.

I’m surprised – here’s why:

6 months ago, Festool USA announced the saw at a social media influencer event and via a rather uninformative livestream. As there was no press release or media kit, I turned to Festool’s European product pages for details.

At the time, the cordless Festool table saw kit was $2185 (converted from GBP) in the UK, and $2164 in the EU (converted from Euros). The saw kit set – with the rolling stand – was $2548 in the UK (converted from GBP) and $2511 in Europe (converted from Euros).

At the time of this posting, the kit is priced at $2338, and the kit with rolling stand is $2726 (both converted from Euros) in Europe. These prices exclude tax.

Even the bare tool configuration is currently $1978 in Europe (converted from Euros, excluding VAT).

All of the Festool tools and accessories I have ever looked at cost either just a little more to buy in the USA than in Europe, or considerably more.

Given those prices, it seemed fair to think that the USA price would also be over $2000.

Festool USA just sent out a summarizing press release – about an hour and a half after their consumer newsletter hit my inbox, and also after I received preorder notifications from a retailer. (Note to marketing professionals: “better late than never” doesn’t apply to press releases, especially when they follow social media influencers’ hands-on coverage by 6 months.)

The press release had “starting at” pricing of $1499, and I found kit and set pricing elsewhere.

$1999 is indeed less than the $2000 price I predicted, at least until Festool’s next price increase. This is for the complete tool set kit, with the table saw, 2 batteries, charger, tool boxes, and portable work stand.

The most basic tool-only option is $1499, and the kit with batteries and charger is $1798.

The new Festool cordless saw has an 11″ rip capacity, max cutting depth of 1-7/8″ at 90°, and 1-11/32″ at 45°. (This means that the saw can cut through 2x material at 90°, but not at 45°.)

The saw is said to weigh 45 lbs without batteries.

As per the online user manual, you must use Festool 18V batteries greater than or equal to 4Ah. This seems reasonable to me.

With some digging through the online user manual, the blade size is the same as for the European model – 168mm, or 6-5/8″, with a 20mm arbor hole. This means that users will likely have to rely on Festool for replacement blades – at least unless or until third party options become readily available.

It seems that Festool USA is being very aggressive with the pricing, presumably to help drive sales and adoption. Maybe they see this as the type of tool to bring contractors and professional tool users over to their 18V cordless power tool system.

It’s unclear how long this pricing will last. Is this introductory pricing? Or will they stay at this level for a while?

I hope this sets a precedent, but doubt that it will.

Personally, I think the portable stand will be necessary, given the saw’s small table size. Other brands’ portable table saws offer much greater ripping capacity, along with greater table support for crosscuts. You shouldn’t use the rip fence for crosscuts, but most models have fold-down supports that prevent the weight of a long board from applying pressure across the blade.

What do you think of the pricing? Would you pay $1798 for the kit, or $1999 for the kit with rolling support stand?

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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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In a surprising move, the Makita XGT cordless microwave launched in the USA and is available now.

Makita’s cordless microwave, model MW001GZ, has an 2.1 gallon (0.28 cubic foot) capacity, 1.5 cubic foot exterior volume, and 2 power output levels – 350W and 500W.

It has a dual port battery bay, but only requires one battery to operate. The battery hand-off is sequential, meaning that the microwave will run on one battery and automatically switch to the other one when the first is depleted.

Features include an LED light, rotary control knob for setting heating time, and battery fuel gauge. There’s also a USB port (Type A, 2.4A max output) for charging electronic devices.

According to the user manual, the 500W setting is a “temporary boost function,” with the microwave switching down to 350W after about 8 minutes.

Runtime for 2x 2.5Ah batteries (18V 5Ah equivalent) is estimated to be 8 minutes at 500W or 14 minutes at 350W, and for 2x 4.0Ah batteries (18V 8Ah equivalent), it’s 15 minutes at 500W or 21 minutes at 350W.

The microwave can fit up to 2 of Makita’s BL4080F (8Ah) batteries. It’s also compatible with their PDC1200 backpack power supply.

Price: $929 (tool-only)

Since the microwave is built with a dual battery port, maybe Makita can also build an 18V X2 model.

Learn More:

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Olight has a new flash sale that’s running through 8/10/2023, and one of the highlights is the new Odiance worklight.

The Odiance is Olight’s first larger form factor cordless work light – or at least the first I have seen. They have other worklights, but not like this one.

The worklight features COB (chip-on-board) LED emitter tech, and can deliver up to 3000 lumens.

It features adjustable color temperature, an easy-carry form factor, IPX5 dust resistance, a remote control, and stepless dimming.

The Olight Odiance is recharged via USB-C in under 5.5 hours, and it can also charge other devices with USB-C and USB-A ports, up to 30W.

The adjustable color temperature seems neat (this is common in video lights, AC and rechargeable), as does the remote, light stand and tripod compatibility.

The design looks sound so far, but I was reluctant to give it a shot, given how I – like many of you – am reluctant about worklights with built-in batteries.

Olight sent over a sample for consideration anyway, and added in a coupon offer. I’ve started working with a review sample, and I’m intrigued by the convenient form factor – please let me know if you have any questions.

Regular Price: $179.99
Sale Price: $152.99

Use coupon code 5TOOLGUYD for an extra $5 off.

Not for you? They have other EDC flashlights discounted as part of the new flash sale. The sale ends at 11:59pm EST 8/10/23.

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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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We recently posted about how our local Home Depot stores seem to be pushing Klein Tools out on clearance, and how Lowe’s stores are prepping to receive them as part of their new retail partnership.

Klein Tools answered some questions we had about the matter, and about their future availability.

Thank you to Klein Tools for being open to discussing this. Following is what they said, with the key takeaways being my own interpretations:

Will any Klein Tools remain at Home Depot?

Yes, Klein Tools’ continues to value our relationship with The Home Depot as a distribution partner for Klein Tools. The Home Depot manages their own inventory and ultimately decides what products will be made available to Pros. While there will be a decrease in Klein’s overall presence, we will still have many products available in store and on The Home Depot’s website.

Key Takeaway: Many select Klein tools will still be available at Home Depot stores, and you can also buy the brand’s tools at Home Depot’s website.

How extensive of a Klein Tools lineup can we expect to see at Lowe’s now, and in the future?

When everything is set, Lowe’s will have the largest in-store selection of Klein Tools nationwide. From Big Box exclusives like the MODbox mobile work station, Personal Protection Equipment and many core Made in USA SKUs, customers will be able to find all the tools they love, as well as hundreds of new innovative products.

Key Takeaway: Lowe’s will have the largest in-store selection, as well as specific exclusives.

When will the initial Klein introduction at Lowe’s be completed?

Klein Tools will be rolled out in all Lowe’s Prozones in late August and then there will be a continuous flow of product into the stores in the electrical, tools and personal protection equipment aisles throughout Q4 and into 2024.

Key Takeaway: The kickoff at Lowe’s will begin soon and continue in coming months.

Why is Klein leaving Home Depot after 14 years of exclusivity? (I understand if this one cannot be answered.)

The demand for Klein Tools has never been higher. Our customers needed more products available to them at more locations. With our expansion into Lowe’s, we are making more Klein Tools available to all contractor trades.

Over time, Lowe’s and Lowes.com will stock the broadest assortment of nearly 2,000 unique Klein Tools products ranging from the brand’s iconic lineman’s pliers and other hand tools, a full line of personal protection equipment, as well as Klein Tools’ all-new mobile MODBox storage system.

These look to be exciting times for Klein Tools.

I particularly like this part – “as well as hundreds of new innovative products.”

Read Also:

Home Depot Dumps Klein Tools with Huge Clearance Sale
Lowe’s is Clearing out Ideal Tools to Make Room for Klein

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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.

Related Posts:

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I bought a Farm Tuff plastic deck wagon a few years ago, and was recently looking at a metal-deck wagon from the same brand.

I ultimately went with a hand truck-style convertible cart, but kept this Farm Tuff in my Amazon shopping cart as a “save for later” item.

It has a 38” x 20” metal deck, and can hold up to 800 lbs.

The undercarriage is different compared to my plastic-deck cart, which is what I was looking for.

The price recently dropped to $152 from around $190 or so if I recall correctly.

I don’t have space for one, but I figured I’d share about this in case any readers were in the market for one.

It’s made in Canada, except for the wheels, I believe.

Update: Sorry, it looks like Amazon caught wind of the attention and jacked the price back up.

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Leatherman’s hugely popular Wave+ multi-tool is on sale right now, with a $20 discount bringing the price down to $99.95 with free shipping.

The Wave+ features 18 tools and functions, and in a relatively compact package that can be carried on your belt, in your pocket, or tool bag, or stored in a junk drawer, vehicle, or cabinet.

I’m most a fan of the Wave+ one-handed locking knife blade, flattened 1/4″ hex screwdriver bit holder (additional bits and standard adapters are available), combo-style pliers jaws, and the removable wire cutting blades.

Hmm, that’s most of the tool, isn’t it.

While I have yet to have to replace the wire cutting blades on any of my multi-tools, I like to know that I can. For the tools I can’t do this with, I shy away from certain tasks, just in case a too-hard wire or nail can permanently mar them.

I bought a pocket clip for my older Wave, but never used it. The Wave+ comes with a sheath, and the newest ones are – in my opinion – much better than the older ones.

This is an extended promotion, giving you plenty of time to think it over.

Sale Price: $99.95
Deal Ends 9/17/23

$99.95 is still quite a bit of money for a multi-tool, but it’s appreciable better than the regular price of $119.95.

My older-style Wave was not my first multi-tool, it was my second, after I bought and enjoyed the use of a Gerber Suspension tool (the latest model is $29 at Amazon).

This is a great all-around multi-tool, with Leatherman describing it as “an international bestseller.” I don’t regret not splurging on my Wave first, as the less expensive Gerber helped me learn what I like and don’t in a multi-tool.

Today of course, I’d go straight to the Wave+ unless I had specific needs or preferences better met by other multi-tool designs. The Leatherman Skeletool, for example, is a minimalist tool I can more comfortably clip to my pocket.

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Ridgid will be launching a new Pro Gear 2.0 XL 3-drawer tool box at Home Depot later on in 2023.

This is the first expansion to the Ridgid Pro Gear 2.0 modular tool box system that launched around this time last year.

And yes, just in case you haven’t noticed, it’s 100% compatible with the Pro Gear cart!! In other words, you can build a mobile tool box stack with this 3-drawer tool box at the bottom.

The Ridgid XL drawered tool box will come with removable dividers. There are 2 sizes of drawers, with two shallow and one deeper drawer.

Latches at the front help to keep everything secure for transport.

It is unclear as to whether the Pro Gear 2.0 cart will be available separately. At the time of this posting, you can only purchase the cart as bundled with the standard XL tool box.

I really like the way the XL tool boxes are interchangeable with the removable cart.

When I first posted about the newest Ridgid tool box system, I said:

IF – and that’s a big if – Ridgid comes out with other XL-sized tool boxes, this could allow users to customize their bottom tool box component as they please. For example, if Ridgid comes out with a drawered tool box or front-door cabinet-style tool box, an Attach-and-Detach cart base would allow any of those or other XL-sized tool boxes to be used as the bottom of a Ridgid mobile tool box stack.

Readers have mentioned wanting customizable bottom boxes before – such as tool boxes with drawers – and THIS would be the way to do it!

This is one of those times I’m glad to have been right.

The Ridgid Pro Gear 2.0 tool boxes are backwards compatible with their earlier generation Pro Gear tool boxes and organizers. I haven’t seen any exceptions so far, aside from the removable hand cart only working with 2.0 system XL tool boxes.

The drawer tool boxes are also wall-mountable via Ridgid’s Pro Gear 2.0 Fix & Go hangers (not included).

More details will be available later this year.

I’ve got my hands on the test sample shown above – please let me know if you have any questions.

I bought two Ridgid XL tool boxes last year (one with a rolling cart and one without) and love how I can swap which one serves as the base of a mobile stack. Being able to use drawers at the bottom creates so many more options!

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Here’s a first look at the new Dewalt FlexVolt cordless snow blower!

The first-ever Dewalt cordless snow blower, DCSNP2142, features a brushless motor, single stage auger design, and 21″ snow-clearing width.

It’s got a 7-inch steel auger, for chopping through heavy wet snow, dual LED headlights, an electric 2-way chute control, push button start, ECO mode for prolonged battery life, boost mode for quicker driveway cleanings, 9-inch wheels, and a quick-fold handle for convenient storage.

The electric chute control paddles are located at the operator’s fingertips.

The 3 power modes – max, standard, eco – gives users the flexibility to choose between maximum clearing power, longer battery life, or balanced performance.

At the max power setting, the snow blower can throw snow up to 40 feet, with the distance measured along the snow discharge arc.

Dewalt says that the new FlexVolt snow blower can clear up to 16 parking spaces (9′ x 18′ average with 3-5″ snow depth) on a single battery charge with 2x DCB612 (12Ah) batteries.

As usual, runtime and snow throwing distance can vary depending on environmental conditions.

The kit comes with (2) 4Ah (20V Max 12Ah equivalent) batteries, and (2) DCB1104 single-port chargers.

Price: $999 + $99 shipping
ETA: September 2023

Discussion

The cordless snow blower requires (2) batteries to operate, which is standard for most competitive cordless snow blowers currently on the market.

Dewalt equipped the cordless snow blower with premium features I haven’t seen in competing models in the same sub-$1000 price range.

The electric 2-way chute control feature in particular sounds interesting and potentially convenient. Having 3 power modes, with an eco mode, turbo mode (max), and balanced standard setting gives users the best of all worlds. I like the idea of this option.

The snow blower/thrower looks to have a very compact footprint, which makes it appeal to me even more.

This is a very exciting development, at least in my opinion.

It’s looking like Dewalt might beat both Makita and Milwaukee Tool to market in the cordless snow blower race. We know that Milwaukee has been working on one, and Makita tends to be highly focused on cordless outdoor power tools.

I suppose we shouldn’t be surprised, as Stanley Black & Decker, Dewalt’s parent company, owns a growing portfolio of outdoor power tool brands, such as Cub Cadet and Troy-Built.

The two-way electric chute controls and three power modes definitely have my attention.

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Acme Tools has hit the next stage of their 75th anniversary sale. Now thru 11am CST 8/4/23, save 15% on select tools from Dewalt, Milwaukee, and most of the other tool brands they carry.

There are the usual brand exclusions, and promo-priced tools also aren’t eligible for the sale.

This promo saves you $200 max, which is a higher savings cap than usual.

However, there is a catch. You can only get the discount if you receive a unique promo code, and that requires you to sign up either via email or text message.

If you’re looking to buy something right now, 15% off most items site-wide is a great trade for your contact info.

They also still have other promos ongoing right now that might be worth a look.

If you’re the “nah, I’m not giving you my personal info!” type, use a new email address or wait for the next promo.

Amazon has the rOtring 600 mechanical pencil on sale right now, and at a very good price.

It’s the black-barrel 0.5mm pencil that’s on sale, for $17.66 at the time of this posting. This is a steep discount compared to the pencil’s regular price of $29 to $31 at other reputable sellers.

I bought mine for a little more 5 years ago, and it is one of the finest mechanical pencils I have ever used.

In my experience, the rOtring 600 has a comfortably balanced metal barrel and a very satisfying and precise lead advancement mechanism.

Do you need one? Probably not. But maybe you want a fine precision tool at a discount.

Unless something has changed that I didn’t hear about, the rOtring 600 is made in Japan.

Sale Price: $17.66

“I want a great mechanical pencil but that’s too much money.”

I’ve got two recommendations for you – the Staedtler 925 series (~$11-12 at Amazon), and the Pentel GraphGear 1000 (~$8-12 at Amazon).

The Staedtler feels like a finer writing instruments, but the GraphGear 1000 is a more durable and even workshop-friendly mechanical pencil, thanks to its retractable lead tube.

I prefer 0.5mm mechanical pencils for most tasks, and use 0.7mm sizes for rougher markings and such.

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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.

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Lowe’s stores have started to put most of their Ideal electrical hand tools on clearance, presumably to make room for Klein tools.

As we reported earlier this year, Klein Tools are coming to Lowe’s, following 14 years of exclusivity at Home Depot.

When the announcement was made, it was said that Lowe’s stores would start selling Klein products in the second half of 2023, which we are now in.

None of the Lowe’s stores near me had any Klein tools on the shelves or pegs. I also checked overhead but didn’t see any Klein-branded boxes.

Lowe’s is labeling the tools as being a special value for a limited time, but that’s likely just a euphemism for the tools being on clearance.

I don’t see how there could be room for both Klein and Ideal electrical tools, but maybe there will be some intermingling. Time will tell.

As of the time of this posting, it looks like the deals are only available in-store, but this could change.

In other news, Home Depot is clearing out Klein tools but have not yet announced which tool brand or brands will take their place.

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I visited a couple of Lowe’s stores recently, looking to see if a particular batch of new tools came in yet (they haven’t), and was met with some Halloween decorations at each entrance.

There’s a giant scarecrow with a scythe, and an animatronic skeleton that plays a “I Love Halloween” to the tune of “I Love Rock and Roll” by the Arrows (and made popular by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts).

I must admit – I found this to be ridiculous at first. These Lowe’s stores were all still selling patio furniture and grills, and in front of all of that – Halloween decorations in July.

But… I kind of like the idea.

Oh, I’m not buying Halloween decorations anytime soon, but it made me smile.

The skeleton was motion or proximity-activated, and it constantly attracted and held the attention of a lot of people as they walked into the store.

Because of where the display was positioned right in front of the store, the tune carried. I didn’t tire of hearing the song every time customers came in and walked up to the display, but I feel for the workers at the returns and customer service desk.

There’s a sound and video clip on the Lowe’s product page, although you can’t buy it there yet, if you want a quick chuckle (or eyeroll).

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