Do we talk about Milwaukee Lighting a lot? That's because we are! They are very deep in this category and they usually put together a very effective work light. Leaving aside the M18 and RedLithium USB series, let's take a look at the Milwaukee M12 Rocket Dual Power Tower Light. We'll see if the M12 version of their collapsible tower light is right for your job.
advantage
- Easy to fold, unfold and transport
- Two power sources – M12 battery or AC via extension cord
- Lighter and more compact than the M18 rocket model
- TrueView color temperature gives you accurate color definition
shortcoming
- Only two extended positions – you can't clamp it in between
- Grip points when folding the stand
recommend
If the 1400 lumen output is good enough for your job, and the tower light features really make your life easier, the M12 Rocket is a lighter weight, less expensive option than other tower lights. However, you can get similar output from less expensive lights that are on the floor or suspended.
overall design
As a tower light, the Milwaukee M12 Dual Power Tower Light looks very similar to the Milwaukee M18 Rocket Light. A simple sliding mechanism extends and folds the legs. You need to hold down both tabs to unlock it.
There's a potentially painful problem here, though. When you fold the light, it's easy for your fingers or part of your hand to get in the way and pinch it. Just extend the center post another inch or two to stop the motion before the clips can secure it to future models. Meanwhile, just grab the rubber overmolding and stay out of danger.
The light fits into the bracket and extends from there to two positions. There are no clips or locks between them. There's also no pin detent for the locked position, so you'll need to pull on it pretty well to make sure it's in the fully upright and locked position.
The Milwaukee 2132 tops out at 5' 8'', so it's much shorter than the M18 model. Still, this keeps the light off the ground, and you have 210º of swivel action. The head is also twisted 270º. Since you can turn the lights in any direction you want, this isn't entirely necessary, but it does help when you already have an extension cord plugged in.
Of course, another bright spot is the dual power supply function. You can use a Milwaukee M12 battery pack or use an extension cord to connect to an AC outlet. You cannot charge the battery while the light is plugged in.
light output
One key to switch the two modes on and off. The first press will give you 1400 lumens, the second kicks it up to 700. You'll notice a set of 4 LEDs letting you know the battery level when you press the power button.
The big question is whether 1400 lumens is enough for you. It's low for a tower light, but high enough to match those LED work lights that sit on the floor. Whichever way you want to argue, it's more versatile than those floor lamps.
The output will let you see where you're going within 25' to 30', and it will do its best to illuminate your work within 7'.
The beam is square, but spreads out quickly at wide angles, without any crazy hot spots or artifacts. Like most lighting in Milwaukee, it's a neutral light with accurate color recognition, tending towards the orange side of the spectrum near the edges.
price and value
The bare-bones price of the Milwaukee M12 Dual Power Tower Light is $149. It works with extension cords alone, but if you're on the M12 platform, you'll get a lot more for your money. A starter pack with the charger and a few batteries starts at about $119, so if you have to add that, your total cost ends up being $268.
Other lights at this output level tend to be under $100, but are floor lamps with some hanging features. You'll need to weigh the dual power supplies and tower features they don't have. Other tower lights with higher outputs start at around $200 and go up from there. The best value will be for professionals who need tower functionality.
the bottom line
The Milwaukee M12 Rocket Dual Power Tower Light is a lighter, more compact option for professionals who want tower power but don't need the 3000 lumen output. The design isn't perfect, but it does offer mixed power and is a versatile little light.
Milwaukee M12 Rocket Dual Power Tower Light Key Features
- Light head swivels 210° and swivels 270° to provide light in any direction
- 45% smaller footprint than the M18 Rocket Tower Light
- Folds down to 31 inches with three side handles for easy transport and storage
- Impact resistant, reinforced legs
- Protective hood protects the head during transport and storage
- The low battery light blinks when the battery pack is low
Milwaukee M12 Rocket Dual Power Tower Light Specifications
- Model: Milwaukee 2132-20
- Battery system: M12
- Length: 5.75″
- Width: 5.5″
- Weight: 6.65 lbs
- Height: 30.5″
- Warranty: 5 years
- Price: $143.00
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