When it comes to releasing new tools each year, Milwaukee continues to either raise the bar or keep it high. They delivered again this year at their annual New Product Symposium 2018 (NPS18). From power tools to mechanics tools, and chainsaws to framing squares, there seemed to be something new for every trade. We tried to cover it all, so let’s have a look at our thoughts on the Best Milwaukee Tools 2018.

From NPS18 Show – The Best Milwaukee Tools 2018

Milwaukee M18 RedLithium High Output Batteries

Milwaukee M18 Bucket Truck

To think that a battery would be the star of the best Milwaukee tools 2018 seems a bit lackluster, however, this is far from reality. While other manufacturers continue to test the waters with 36-volt, 40-volt, 60-volt, 2X batteries, and more, Milwaukee has stood their ground that 18-volts is enough. Many have wondered if Milwaukee would stray from this ‘M18 is king’ mindset. The murmuring about from the tool-insiders was that NPS18 would tell the tale.

For now, M18 reigns supreme, and Milwaukee announces the 12.0 Ah RedLithium High Output batteries at NPS18. Using the new 21700 lithium-ion battery cells, these new M18 HO HD 18-volt batteries output 33% more power and run 50% cooler than the previous 9.0 High Demand M18 batteries. The power tool race is on and Milwaukee doubles-down on the M18.

Milwaukee M18 High Demand H.O. Specs.

• 12 Ah and 6 Ah packs will be available
• Can deliver more power than a 120V, 15A wall outlet
• 50% more power, runs 50% cooler, and 33% more runtime than HD 9.0 battery
• 21700 lithium-ion cells
• 12 Ah pack delivers 216 watt hours
• 12 Ah pack should retail around $200
• Charge time on the existing M18 rapid charger is 2hrs 10min (new charger coming 2019)
• A handful of products will require a modification kit that Milwaukee will provide for free to install yourself or at a service center

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Milwaukee M18 FUEL 9-inch Cordless Angle Grinder

• Product: 2785-21HD (1-M18 Kit)
• Wheel Diameter: 7” /9”
• Switch Type: Trigger
• Spindle: 5/8” – 11
• RPM: 6,600
• Line Lock-Out: YES
• Overload Protection: YES
• Tool-Free Accessory Change: YES
• Tool-Free Guard: YES
• Electronic Clutch: YES
• Anti-Vibration Handle: YES
• Length: 18.5”
• Weight: 11.95lbs (8.7 lbs. bare tool)
• $279 bare, $399 w/ one 12 Ah pack, $579 w/ two 12.0 packs
• 5-year warranty
• Available July 2018

Milwaukee M12 FUEL Stubby Impact Wrenches

• Anvil Size: 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″
• Torque: 250 ft-lbs (3/8″ & 1/2″); 100 ft-lbs (1/4″)
• Modes: 4 Mode Drive Control; including Bolt Removal mode
• Size: only 4.8″ from front to back
• Price:
• Warranty:
• Release: August 2018

Milwaukee Ratchets and Sockets Sets

• Available in 1/4″,  3/8″, and 1/2″ drives
• 90-tooth with 4° of arc swing
• Slim profile ratchet head
• Square end on each socket
  • Prevents roll-away sockets
  • Allows for wrench leverage
• Stamped socket sizes for visibility and durability
• Lifetime warranty
• Available July 2018

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Jig Saws

M18 FUEL D-Handle Jig Saw

• Model 2737
• Cut up to 110-feet of 3/4″ OSB
• 3,500 spm
• 3 orbital modes plus non-orbital setting
• LED light shining on your cut line
• Blower to keep debris and sawdust away
• On/Off Blower switch
• Tool-less Base for setting bevels
• Dust extraction ready
• $299 with 5.0 Ah; $199 bare tool
• August 2018 release

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M18 FUEL Barrell-Grip Jig Saw

• Model 2737B
• Power switch on left and right
• 6-speed dial and Auto soft-start
• Auto soft-start mode starts slow and ramps up as it senses pressure
• LED light
• Blower with on/off switch
• Dust extraction ready
• $199 bare tool; no kit price yet
• November 2018 release

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 8-1/4″ Table Saw w/ ONE-KEY

• Model 2736-20/-21HD
• 6300 RPM
• 8-1/4″ blade diameter
• 24-1/2″ rip capacity right
• 12″ rip capacity left
• 2-1/2″ cut depth at 90°
• 1-3/4″ cut depth at 45°
• One-Key enabled (lockout and tracking features)
• Dado ready (6″ x 3/4″ max)
• Easy release/install lever for riving knife/blade guard
• 45.8 lbs
• 5-year warranty
• $549 w/ one 12 Ah pack
• Scissor-style stand optional at $79
• Available July 2018

M18 FUEL 1-inch High Torque Impact Wrench w/One-Key

• Model 2763
• Max torque TBA
• Up to 8 lbs lighter than corded models
• 4 mode control
• One-Key enabled
• Dialed in for construction, road & bridge
• Supplementary tool for mechanics – not a direct D-handle replacement
• Price: TBA
• July 2018

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-inch Chainsaw

• Model 2727-21HD (Kit)
• 16” Oregon bar and chain
• Speed: 6,600 RPM
• Length: 33”
• Chain Gauge: .043”
• Chain Pitch: 3/8” Low Profile
• Oiler: Automatic
• Dual Stud for improved bar and chain retention
• Variable Speed Trigger
• Weight: 13.9 lbs w/battery
• $399 – with one HD HO 12.0 Ah Battery and charger
• 3-year warranty
• July 2018

Empire Squares – Rafter, Framing, and Combination

The Empire e2994 True Blue® Laser Etched 7” Rafter
Square features SCRIBE-GUIDE™, a uniquely designed
scribe notch pattern from 1” – 3 ½” at ¼” increments.
Permanent laser etched markings give superior readability
in any light condition, and an increased heel width that is
15% wider than leading competitors providing increased
stability. The e2994 is back by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Rafter
Squares
Launches Oct. 2018
The Empire e1190 True Blue® Laser Etched Framing
Square features ARC-SCRIBE™, a new to world innovation
that is the ideal solution for marking arcs for windows, doors
and hallway arches. The e1190 also features permanent
laser etched markings that give superior readability in any
light condition, graduation marks at 1/8”, 1/10”, 1/12”, and
1/16” and convenient conversion tables. The e1190 is
backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty
Framing
Squares
Launches Oct. 2018
Empire’s 6”, 12”, and 16” True Blue® Combination Squares
are the market leader and preferred choice among
contractors. Empire® continues to innovate this category by
redesigning the True Blue® Squares to include updated
Blade Lock™, Dual-Pitch™ vial, and rational head
dimensions making them the most versatile and easy to use
combination squares on the market. The True Blue®
Combination Squares are backed by a Limited Lifetime
Warranty

Also From NPS18 for Best Milwaukee Tools 2018

Other notable mentions for the Best Milwaukee Tools 2018 at the NPS18 are as follows.

• Compact M18 Brushless Drill/Driver & Impact Driver
• M18 FUEL w/ONE-KEY Drill/Driver, Hammer Drill & Impact Driver
• M18 FUEL Super Sawzall Recip Saw – July 2018
• Drill/Driver & Hammer Drill M18 FUEL – July 2018
• M18 FUEL Impact Driver – July 2018
• M18 FUEL 7-1/4″ Circular Saw – July 2018
• Compact Brushless M18 Drill/Driver & Impact Driver – August 2018
• M18 FUEL 3/8″ Mid-Torque Impact Wrench – June 2018
• STUD Tape Measures – July 2018
• M12 FUEL 3-inch Cut Off Tool – August 2018
• Circular Saw Blades – Available Now