Milwaukee Tool once again at its 2018 New Product Symposium showcased an unapologetic vision committed to the core trades of plumbing and mechanical.

The company introduced a new format for the event that broke each trade down accordingly. This meant that each group was allotted more time and focus in their trade areas.

Milwaukee Tool kicked off the two-day event, May 2-4, with a Harley Davison Museum tour and dinner at the Motor Restaurant in its namesake Wisconsin city.

We were up bright and early the next day for the product portion of the show. CEO Steve Richman welcomed everyone at breakfast and emphasized the continued delivery of disruption to core markets. He was followed by an introduction to the 2018 show.

“We have had relentless investment in the core technologies – battery and motor electronics – and the ability they have to deliver performance to the jobsite,” said Paul Frye, vice president of cordless product management. “Our vision is also about compatibility – about hundreds of tools that are all compatible with each other, which drives productivity and allows for a low cost of ownership for the long term.”

Though there were many new products to be excited about this year, including the table saw, chainsaw and 1-inch high torque impact wrench, Milwaukee Tool reminded everyone that it’s not a tool-driven company, it’s a solutions-driven one. New brushless technology, improved electronics, battery life and backwards compatibility, and innovations such as One-Key that connects everything together is what will continue to define the Milwaukee Tool brand. 

Here seven of our favorite products at this year’s show:

M18 Red Lithium
High Output HD12.0 

Generating the equivalent of 15amp corded power, the new HD12.0 Battery delivers 50 percent more power, runs 50 percent cooler, and provides 33 percent more run-time than their powerful HD9.0 battery. It uses new cell technology that provides a massive leap in the overall power and capabilities. To take full advantage of the high power cells, Milwaukee advanced the power delivery system and communication in the pack electronics, driving system compatibility. The advanced pack design of the HD12.0 also makes it the best cold weather performing pack ever made. Available this month.

Pipe Wrench Expansion

Milwaukee expands its lineup of pipe wrench solutions for mechanical contractors and plumbing professionals with a broad range of new sizes, many of which feature: dual coil springs, an overbite jaw and optimized grips. The 10-inch extended pipe wrench eliminates the need for a “breaker bar” on smaller pipe wrenches, providing the best access and leverage. Launches in August.

BIG HAWG with
Carbide Teeth

Engineered to deliver 50 times longer life in nail-embedded wood and abrasive material applications, these hole saws use advanced carbide technology to cut through material five times faster than any other hole saw on the market and stand strong against more than 1,000 nails. The three-tooth design and optimized carbide concoction work with the toughest materials. Saws also have 70 percent thicker backer material for extreme life in the most demanding applications. Available this month.

Extreme Metal-Cutting
Band Saw Blades

The new Extreme Metal Cutting Bandsaw Blades feature an aggressive variable pitched tooth design that delivers the versatility to cut all metal thicknesses with one blade, and also extends the life of the blade in common materials. While cuts through stainless steel are not new for bandsaw blades, this new blade delivers five times longer life in stainless steel than competitive bandsaw blades. This blade also unlocks the ability to cut cast iron – a huge productivity boost for users. Launches in September.

TORCH with Carbide Teeth

Engineered to deliver 50 times longer life over standard bi-metal blades, the new blades deliver longer life than other carbide metal-cutting blades in a wide range of the toughest metal-cutting applications, from cast iron to stainless steel and high strength alloys. An aggressive 7TPI design with an optimized carbide formula to tackle the toughest metal-cutting applications. These blades have 25 percent more carbide-per-tooth than any other carbide metal-cutting recip blades on the market. Available this month.

PACKOUT Modular
Storage Expansion

Expanding the PACKOUT Modular Storage System with seven new versatile and durable storage solutions, all of which connect to the PACKOUT System. The PACKOUT Low-Profile Organizers are impact resistant, IP65 Rated and have no-travel bin seals to keep products from shifting around. The PACKOUT Tool Case w/ Customizable Foam Insert brings the same durability and adds an extra layer of protection with a customizable foam insert, which users can design to secure items in the case. The 15- and 20-inch PACKOUT Tool bags have large open space for tools and deliver on the promise of durability with an impact resistant base, all metal hardware and tear-resistant material. The PACKOUT Mounting Plate allows users to easily secure all PACKOUT storage to the wall or floor of a shop, van, or truck for easy transport and organization. The PACKOUT Flat Dolly allows users to easily and securely stack and transport PACKOUT boxes, bags, and organizers, with loads of up to 250 pounds. Launches in September through December.

STUD Tape Measures

STUD Tape Measures are equipped with EXO360 Blade Technology. EXO360 protects the blade from ripping and wearing, delivering the longest-lasting blade. This technology is combined with a fully reinforced frame and impact-resistant over-mold. Launches in July.