While we've already released the new 2015 and 2016 Milwaukee hand tool line, in the power tool segment the company really surprised us with its focus on the premium second generation brushless Milwaukee Fuel tools. Launched in 2012, the M18 Fuel range has rapidly expanded to include the introduction of the Milwaukee M12 Fuel tool. Now, the Fuel aims to literally redefine what a cordless tool can accomplish—and quite possibly make some more corded tools obsolete in the process. Given what we've seen so far, and Milwaukee's emphasis on wireless over wired, that seems like a goal with some weight.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1-1/2″ Magnetic Drill
We started working on the new Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1-1/2″ Magnetic Drill (Model 2787-22) and the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1-1/2″ Lineman Magnetic Drill (Model 2788-22). The tool was developed over three years and has driven more than a dozen innovations in the category. The idea is to provide freedom of portability with a tool that typically requires bulky cords — often stretching far into the air on elevators or other equipment. Eliminating generators and hundreds of feet of power lines offers the potential for a new way of drilling and working. Of course, designing the tool to maintain its magnetic grip even without power and be ergonomic for both horizontal and vertical cutting applications were some of the key challenges.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Magnetic Drill Features and Specifications
- Forty (40) 13/16" holes per charge
- Features a patented magnetic base for the strongest magnets on 1/4" steel
- Utilizes permanent magnets to keep the base fast without electricity
- Automatic stop lift-off detection cuts power to the motor if excessive rotational motion is detected while drilling
- Use 3/4″ Weldon quick change chuck
- Includes 3/4″ Weldon to 1/2″ chuck adapter
- Tool-less motor head height adjustment
- 2 speed gearbox
- Optimized for ring cutters up to 1-1/2″ and twist drills up to 1/2″
- Available July 2015
Check out the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Mag Drill for drilling half inch steel with a 13/16 bit:
Milwaukee Fuel Brake Grinder
The new Milwaukee Fuel Braking Grinder (Model 2783-22 ) addresses new safety features including a dual drive switch, advanced clutch and electric brake (which they claim is a world first). This is a vastly improved model compared to the current Milwaukee Fuel Grinder. Of course, eliminating the power cord also removes a major problem. Brake grinders can slow down accessories very quickly and eliminate accidental deformation and injury caused by wheels contacting objects they shouldn't. In fact, Milwaukee's "RapidStop" brakes stop the wheels in less than 2 seconds. The new brake grinder also has a paddle switch–my personal favorite. The new M18 Fuel Grinder is also completely tool-free. This means you don't need a wrench to adjust the guard or change the puck, thanks to the handy FIXTEC nut with flip-up handle. The new Fuel grinder will be available July 2015.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Drill and Impact Drill
The newest Milwaukee Fuel 1/2" Hammer Drill (Model 2703-22) is a full 1/4" shorter than previous models and offers 1200 inch-pounds of torque! It also comes with a 5.0 Ah battery. Milwaukee reduced the perimeter dimensions of the gearbox and only increased the diameter of the main shaft by a small amount. We had to test the Milwaukee 2703-22 against Makita, Hilti and others using a device that would lift the weight to test longer lasting torque. The new Milwaukee Fuel drill rig and Milwaukee 2703-22 Fuel impact drill will be available starting August 2015.
Milwaukee Compact M18 Fuel Impact Wrench and Impact Driver
Showing us the new Milwaukee Compact Fuel impact wrench and driver range at the media event with 25% more run time and 4 mode drive control. These include the 2754-22 (3/8″) and 2755-22 (1/2″) impact wrenches and the 2753-22 impact driver. One of the first things we see on these drivers – an improvement over their predecessors – is the way Milwaukee has sealed the electronics inside the handle, providing more protection for the tool components. It also shrinks the handle profile in the process.
A new lug design also helps improve the performance of the impact mechanism on Milwaukee's new Fuel impact driver and wrench, providing more surface area for the point of impact. The current Milwaukee M18 Fuel Impact Driver uses traditional lugs (see below). All of these new Milwaukee Fuel tools also feature four-mode drive control and a 5.0Ah RedLithium battery. Drive control is an improvement as it gives you special speed and torque settings that are not the same for all tools. For example, Mode 4 of the Milwaukee 2753-20 M18 Fuel Impact Driver is designed for self-tapping screws. It kicks up to max RPM so the self-tapping screw engages the metal, then slows down to 750 RPM near the end to keep you from pulling out the screw. For Milwaukee M18 Fuel 3/8″ Impact Wrenches and 1/2″ Impact Wrenches, Mode 4 features a special torque control – automatically shutting off the rotation of the tool when the fastener stops. This prevents overdriving and damage to fasteners and work materials.
Editor's note: Check out our comparison of 18V cordless impact drivers with current models.
These new Milwaukee Fuel Impact Drivers and Milwaukee Fuel Impact Wrenches will be on store shelves September 2015.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Super Hawg 1/2″ Right Angle Drill
The new Milwaukee M8 Fuel Super Hawg Right Angle Drill with 1/2″ and Quick-Lok collet even surpasses the Milwaukee M18 Hole Hawg we were so impressed with last year. This new tool allows plumbers to truly drill cordless on the job site Holes – This is a huge necessity as they are usually there before power is applied. This drill is incredible, supporting up to 4-5 /8" self – feed drills and up to 6" Hole saw – no kidding, we tried it!
The Milwaukee Fuel Super Hawg delivers up to 1000 inch-pounds of torque before the clutch engages (Milwaukee is kind enough not to let the tool reach its full potential on your arm). For a tool with this much torque, clutch control is a necessary and welcome addition. We were invited to tie it up with a big hole saw, and the automatic clutch protected our wrists and arms every time. Using the included 5.0 Ah battery, the Super Hawg can drill seventy-five (75) 2-9/16" holes in a 2×4 from a single battery pack! Probably the best news is that you can look forward to getting this tool this winter (2015)!
Milwaukee SDS Max Fuel Rotary Hammer
Yes, you read that right – SDS MAX. The Milwaukee SDS Max Fuel Rotary Hammer was the first of its kind to feature a maximum drilling capacity of 1-9/16 inches. In chip mode, the included 9.0 Ah RedLithium battery can last a full 20 minutes of continuous use. This is the first tool in Milwaukee to be equipped with the new 9.0 Ah Li-Ion M18 battery pack. We'll go into more detail on this in another article, but it's that extra power that enables the type of capacity and run time this SDS Max hammer requires.
Milwaukee has committed to rolling out this new tool in January 2016, so it will take patience…but I believe the wait will be worth it. We look forward to reviewing it when it comes out.
There is no doubt that the second generation of Milwaukee Fuel tools will see a sea change this year and next. Rather than just modest upgrades to the motor or battery, Milwaukee has gone out of its way to make some highly advanced changes to the electronics, improving the quality and capabilities of these tools. And, if the availability of the wireless SDS Max tool and wireless Super Hawg is any indication, Milwaukee has set its sights on eliminating power cords for most applications. We can't wait to get these tools up for review – several pull requests have already been submitted!
Shop Milwaukee power tools from our friends at Acme Tools: