All the main power tool brands make a ton of excellent tools and accessories, and you probably own several. And while each brand has its fair share of fans, they’re all somewhat similar in their offerings. That said, the tool lineups are different, and what gives Milwaukee an advantage isn’t what you think.
Milwaukee makes all the most common cordless power tools you’ll use around the house, as a DIYer, or even as a professional. I’m talking about your standard drill, impact driver, circular saws, lights, etc. But what makes Milwaukee so popular isn’t just the red color and insane power from its FUEL line of brushless tools. Instead, it’s all the oddball tools, weird items, and specialty tools that make jobs easier.
I’m talking about speed nibblers that bite through metal, PEX clamp tools, or the Milwaukee Installation driver with over 60 functions. The Milwaukee M12 and M18 platforms power over 500 tools for mechanics, electricians, and heavy-duty trade work.
All those unique, specific, task-oriented tools make a huge difference, and it’s largely why Milwaukee is so popular and successful. Here are a few of my favorites.
Milwaukee M12 Installation Driver
One tool you can use in dozens of ways
Milwaukee makes some of the most popular drills and impact drivers, but when you look beyond that, you’ll find truly amazing tools. As I mentioned earlier, Milwaukee makes a highly versatile tool that professionals swear by.
Milwaukee’s M12 Installation Driver is one of those tools. The secret to the Installation Driver is four user-replaceable heads, making this one tool capable of a variety of tasks. The Installation Driver comes with a 3/8″ Chuck, an Offset Driver, a 1/4″ Hex, and a right-angle head. Take off the 3/8 chuck after drilling some holes or driving screws, and you can add the offset or angled head for tight spots and weird angles, like cabinetry work.
It’s small, lightweight, angled, and each one of those heads can be switched to one of 16 different positions. Basically, any angle, spot, or approach you need to take, this tool is up to the task. That’s four different power tools at 16 different angles or positions. Think about it, then go buy one.
- Color
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Red
- Tool Type
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Drill
Take on any job, work in tight spaces, and complete DIY projects with ease using the Milwaukee 4-in-1 Installation Driver.
Milwaukee M18 Force Logic Underground Cable Cutter
There’s a wireless hands-free remote, too
This next tool looks like the jaws of life or something you’d find in a video game, but it’s actually a highly specialized tool used by professionals. I’m talking about the M18 Force Logic Underground Cable Cutter.
Those on the job dealing with communication cables, lead-sheathed power cables, and more can grab this M18 battery-powered tool and get to work. Its jaws are extremely strong and sharp, producing clean, termination-ready cuts. There’s a built-in LED for improved lighting and accuracy, and several other features you’ll love.
One particular aspect of this underground cutter from Milwaukee is its wireless remote, which is ideal for safely cutting high-voltage power cables. Mount it in place, get things ready, and use the remote to quickly cut dangerous power cables and other high-voltage equipment. It’s a pretty unique tool that most people won’t own, and there’s a reason it’s $7,699 at Home Depot.
For HVAC techs to DIY mechanics
As I mentioned earlier, Milwaukee makes a lot of tools for specific trades, and that’s key to its success. Two of the biggest areas of focus are electricians and auto mechanics. There’s a reason more and more Snap-On fans are switching to Milwaukee. The brand’s cordless angled ratchets and high-torque impact wrenches are invaluable on the job.
However, another popular yet niche item is the M12 battery-powered Rivet gun. If you’ve ever used a handheld rivet tool, you understand the frustrations that come along with them. Ditch the frustrations and get perfect rivets with Milwaukee’s capable tool.
A rivet tool (or rivet gun) is used to permanently join two things together, rather than using a screw or bolt. Common project materials include sheet metal, plastics, or leather, and rivets are used to install them. A rivet is a permanent fastener that’s essentially a long, cylindrical tube, but it looks like a nail and has a head on one end. I’ve used rivets on my off-road truck, metal panels in the backyard patio, and more.
Milwaukee M12 Low-Speed Tire Buffer
Tire patch repairs made easy
Speaking of automotive jobs, Milwaukee makes a low-speed tire buffer you’ll love for patching tires. This low-power tool has a gentle buff mode to smooth out a surface for commercial (or at-home) tire patch repair. You can use the drill mode to clean out a hole, buff the area, and then complete a durable, safe patch.
When this tool first arrived, it was the only cordless tire buffer, and it’s still an excellent option for those who need one. For under $200, it’s a better way to patch tires at home.
Milwaukee M18 Hole Hawg Right Angle Drill
Any electrician will love this
Other areas where Milwaukee excels are in electricians and similar trades, because it makes tools like the Hole Hawg or the PEX clamp tool. These are two tools most homeowners will never need, but professionals will love.
Electricians often find themselves trying to drill holes between two wall studs, ceiling joists, and other tight spaces that are too small for a standard drill. In those situations, this right-angle hole hog is the answer. This unique tool would have been great while I was running conduit for my Goal Zero home backup power system.
And if you’ve ever had to deal with water lines, hose clamps, cinching pipes, or creating water-tight seals, you’ll want the PEX clamp tool. It’ll save you hours of work.
Milwaukee M18 Cordless Caulk and Adhesive Gun
For big jobs
Most homeowners or DIYers have a small, handheld, manual caulk gun that’s a complete mess. And sure, it gets the job done, but if you’re doing bigger jobs or want an easier way, Milwaukee has you covered.
While Milwaukee has a battery-powered grease gun that’s great for mechanics, it also makes an M18-powered caulk gun ideal for fast, accurate, and easy caulk and adhesive applications. You might think this is silly, but if you’ve ever had to tackle a big job, multiple windows, or caulk an entire home, you’ll understand the value of this tool.
- Color
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Red
- Tool Type
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Caulk gun
Lay down the perfect bead of caulking or adhesive during any job with the M18 Caulk gun from Milwaukee.
Milwaukee makes tools for everyone
As you can see, Milwaukee makes something for anyone, any job, and all sorts of professionals. It doesn’t matter if you’re an at-home mechanic, a DIY enthusiast, or a professional laying pipe or power cables, Milwaukee makes something that you’ll probably benefit from using.
While I highlighted several weird tools from Milwaukee, these are only the beginning. The company also makes excellent PACKOUT-capable shop vacs, lighting, precision blowers, palm nailers, propane heaters, cordless soldering irons, and much more. Then there’s the MX FUEL gas-replacement items like jackhammers and breakers.
Milwaukee makes powerful power tools you’ll love, but its biggest strength is all the niche items built for demanding jobs.
