Milwaukee Tool adds to M12 line

Milwaukee Tool has expanded its 12-volt cordless power tool line and will be introducing six new tools this winter as part of its new M12 Fuel line. The tools will include three drills — a two-speed screwdriver, drill/driver, and hammer drill/driver — and three fasteners — a 1/4” hex impact driver, 1/4” square impact wrench and 3/8” square impact wrench.

Group product manager Mark Senske says the new line complements the company’s previous offerings.

“The current line of M12 tools already has over 40 tools and this is important because some of our existing tools are perfect for the woodworker.”

But the technology of the M12 Fuel line is more advanced than the current line in that it allows for the same compact and portable tools to have better power, run time and durability, according to Milwaukee. Integrated into each new tool is the combination of a new Powerstate brushless motor, Redlink Plus intelligence electronics package and a new Redlithium 2-amp battery pack.

The brushless motor is designed to have a longer life, while reducing noise and cooling more rapidly to deliver years of maintenance-free performance. Senske says the significance of the brushless motors is that they convert energy into power and torque more efficiently.

“The custom woodworkers are looking for precision. The new screwdriver will be a two-speed screwdriver. If they’re looking for a slower speed, they shift it to the lower gear. If they’re looking for a higher speed for some of the higher fasteners, they can put it at a higher speed and get a little more torque.”

The electronics systems in the new tools are designed to maximize performance by integrating full-circle communication between the tool battery and charger and by monitoring internal networks to maintain ideal conditions.

The 2.0 lithium-ion batteries are designed to provide up to twice the run time, 20 percent more power and twice as many recharges than the standard lithium-ion batteries. The batteries are a new technology for Milwaukee, an improvement to the company’s current Redlithium batteries. The batteries also operate cooler and perform in climates below 0 degrees with fade-free power, according to the company.

Senske says the new drill driver features the addition of a 1/2” chuck. “Currently, in the lithium-ion subcompact marketplace, all of the manufacturers including Milwaukee have stayed with a 3/8” chuck. But with this Fuel line, because we’re getting more power, we’ve added a 1/2” chuck to both the drill and the hammer drill. That allows the woodworker, if they have accessories with a 1/2” chuck shank, to be able to use the drill with them versus having to go to a separate drill with a 1/2” chuck.”

The line will be available in December and prices will be announced at that time.

This article originally appeared in the October 2012 issue.