Milwaukee Tool

Milwaukee Tool introduces its new M18 FUEL™ Drill and Impact Driver with ONE-KEY™. This expansion of their next-generation drilling and driving solutions, with the new M18 FUEL™ ½” Hammer Drill with ONE-KEY™ and M18 FUEL™ ¼” Hex Impact Driver with ONE-KEY™, delivers users with the fastest driving speeds, enhanced safety, and advanced customization technology.

M18 FUEL™ ½” Hammer Drill/ Drill Driver with ONE-KEY™  

The new M18 FUEL™ ½” Hammer Drill/ Drill Driver with ONE-KEY™ is the most powerful solution in its class, maintaining the highest power under load. Delivering 30% more power, it provides users with less bog down when drilling to improve productivity and efficiency on the job. At just 6.9 inches in length, this hammer drill is the shortest in its class. With a compact, ergonomic design, users are provided more access in tight spaces without the need to sacrifice power.

Milwaukee’s new hammer drill also features adjustable AutoStop™ technology to deliver the best-reacting bind-up protection. Designed to prevent over-rotation in application, this new machine learning technology offers adjustable Low, Medium, and High sensitivities to best meet the desired performance, offering users the capability to create customizable RPM settings via the app. As a complete problem-solving solution, Milwaukee’s new hammer drill is integrated with ONE-KEY™ technology, allowing users to sync the tool wirelessly with their mobile device or desktop via the free ONE-KEY™ app. Users can upload data and history to create custom reports, identify where and when the tool was last seen, and track the utilization and service intervals of the tool to maximize uptime and maintain inventory.

M18 FUEL™ ¼” Hex Impact Driver with ONE-KEY™ 

The new M18 FUEL™ ¼” Hex Impact Driver with ONE-KEY™ is the most powerful in its class, providing users with the fastest driving speeds. Increasing productivity with the ability to drive through a full range of applications, this impact driver delivers 30% more speed than other manufacturers. Featuring a POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor, users can complete more applications back-to-back without losing speed or power. The M18 FUEL™ ¼” Hex Impact Driver with ONE-KEY™ is designed with ultimate trigger control to improve application control without the need to sacrifice power, while specialized tri-LED lighting provides greater visibility for a brighter workspace. Featuring a machine learning self-tapping screw mode, this impact driver offers custom drive control via in-app customizable RPM settings to deliver ultimate customizable control in application. With integrated ONE-KEY™ technology, Milwaukee’s new impact driver provides users with advanced tool tracking capabilities, allowing customization, tracking, and management via the free ONE-KEY™ app.

Milwaukee is committed to improving productivity by providing performance-driven and trade-focused solutions so users can perform an entire day’s work on one battery system. The M18 FUEL™ ½” Hammer Drill/Driver with ONE-KEY™ and M18 FUEL™ ¼” Hex Impact Driver with ONE-KEY™ are fully compatible with the entire M18™ line, now offering more than 250 power tool solutions.

*M18 FUEL™ is engineered for the most demanding tradesmen in the world. Delivering unrivaled performance, all M18 FUEL™ products feature three Milwaukee®-exclusive innovations—The POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor, REDLITHIUM™ Battery Pack and REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence Hardware and Software—that deliver unmatched power, run-time and durability on the jobsite. Simply put, M18 FUEL™ tools are the most powerful 18V cordless tools in their class.  

 **ONE-KEY™ is the first digital platform for tools and equipment. By integrating industry-leading tool electronics with a custom-built cloud-based program, ONE-KEY™ provides a new level of control and access to information that revolutionizes the way work gets done. The ability to customize, track, and manage through ONE-KEY™ fundamentally changes the way users interact with their tools.  

Specifications  

M18 FUEL™ ½” Hammer Drill/Drill Driver with ONE-KEY™ (2906-20) – $249.00

• Volts: 18V
• Torque: 1,400 in-lbs
• RPM: 0 – 500 / 0 – 2,100
• BPM: 33,000
• Chuck Type: ½” All-Metal
• Tool Length: 6.9”
• Tool Weight (Without Battery): 3.2 lbs

Includes: 2906-20 M18 FUEL™ w/ ONE-KEY™ 1/2″ Hammer Drill Driver Bare Tool

M18 FUEL™ ¼” Hex Impact Driver with ONE-KEY™ (2957-20) – $199.00

• Volts: 18V
• Torque: 2,000 in-lbs
• Speed: 4-Mode Drive Control
• RPM: 0 – 3,900
• IPM: 0 – 4,400
• Single Hand Bit Insertion: Yes
• Light: Tri-LED
• Tool Length: 4.47”
• Tool Weight (Without Battery): 2.3 lbs

Includes: 2957-20 M18 FUEL 1/2″ w/ ONE-KEY™ Impact Driver Bare Tool

M18 FUEL™ with ONE-KEY™ Two Tool Combo Kit (3696-22) – $449.00

Kit Includes: (1) 2906-20 M18 FUEL™ w/One-Key™ Hammer Drill Driver Bare Tool, (1) 2957-20 M18 Fuel™ w/One-Key ™ Impact Driver Bare Tool, (2) M18™ Redlithium™ XC 5.0AH Battery (48-11-1850), (1) M12™ & M18™ Multi-Voltage Battery Charger (48-59-1812) (1) Drill Side Handle

 M18 FUEL™ ½” Drill/Drill Driver with ONE-KEY™ (2905-20) – $239.00

• Volts: 18V
• Torque: 1,400 in-lbs
• RPM: 0 – 500 / 0 – 2,100
• Chuck Type: ½” All-Metal
• Tool Length: 6.9”
• Tool Weight (Without Battery): 3.1 lbs

Includes:  2905-20 M18 FUEL™ w/ ONE-KEY™ 1/2″ Drill Driver Bare Tool

Milwaukee Tool is driving innovation by offering the ability to clear clogs in more drain lines at larger capacity with the new M18™ FUEL™ High Speed Chain Snake for 1-½” – 4” Pipes. Featuring a user driven design to provide a portable solution with the power to complete multiple jobs on one charge, the chain snake leverages high speed and chain knocker heads, which are optimized to efficiently clear grease and descale pipes. This tool is the ideal solution for tackling blockages in kitchen sinks, floor drains, toilets and main lines.

Delivering full power at max distance, the M18™ FUEL™ High Speed Chain Snake can descale up to 75-feet out for the easiest, most controlled wall-to-wall clean. The chain snake’s user driven design features a variable speed dial and durable electronic foot pedal for more control in the line, along with a mechanical clutch to protect the cable in the application. The partially enclosed drum allows for mess containment and easy access for cable cleaning and field repair. The telescoping handle paired with the durable wheel base gives users the portability needed for easy transportation on and off the jobsite. With the power to complete multiple jobs on one charge, the high speed chain snake can clear up to 150-feet of scale build-up when paired with the included M18™ REDLITHIUM™ HIGH OUTPUT™ HD 12.0 battery packs.

In addition to the high speed chain snake, Milwaukee is launching 1-½”, 2”, 3”, and 4” Standard Chain Knockers, as well as 1-½”, 2”, 3”, and 4” Carbide Chain Knockers, both for 5/16” Chain Snake Cable. The standard chain knockers are optimized to clear grease and soft blockages and are best used in PVC, clay, or fragile pipes. The carbide chain knockers can tackle scale build-up, hard deposits, grease, and tough blockages and are best used in cast iron and other hard-walled pipes. All the new chain knockers have a rust-guard coating and feature stainless steel set screws for corrosion resistance.

Milwaukee Tool is committed to providing drain cleaning professionals with the most portable and versatile sewer and drain maintenance solutions. The company is dedicated to continuing investment in technology to build solutions from the ground-up that provide drain cleaning professionals an easier way to get on and off the job with less hassle, so they can service more calls. Milwaukee offers the only complete lineup of cordless drain cleaning tools and pipe inspection solutions for fixtures to sewer lateral lines. This high speed chain snake is part of the M18™ System, now offering more than 250 power tool solutions.

*M18 FUEL™ is engineered for the most demanding tradesmen in the world. Delivering unrivaled performance, all M18 FUEL™ products feature three Milwaukee®-exclusive innovations—The POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor, REDLITHIUM™ Battery Pack and REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence Hardware and Software—that deliver unmatched power, run-time, and durability on the jobsite. Simply put, M18 FUEL™ tools are the most powerful 18V cordless tools in their class.

LAUNCH DATE
May 2023

MSRP
$2,499.99

Specifications

M18™ FUEL™ High Speed Chain Snake for 1-1/2” – 4” Pipes (2819-22)

• Pipe Capacity: 1-½” – 4”
• Length: 24.5”
• Height: 28”
• Weight w/o Battery: 63 lbs
• Tool Warranty: 5 year

Kit Includes: (1) M18™ FUEL™ High Speed Chain Snake for 1-1/2” – 4” Pipes (2819-22), (2) M18™ REDLITHIUM™ HIGH OUTPUT™ 12.0 Battery Packs (48-11-1812), (1) M18™ & M12™ Rapid Charger (48-59-1808), (1) 5/16” x 75’ Cable (48-53-2819), (1) 1-½” Standard Chain Knocker for 5/16” Chain Snake Cable (48-53-3020), (1) 2” Standard Chain Knocker for 5/16” Chain Snake Cable (48-53-2021), (1) 3” Standard Chain Knocker for 5/16” Chain Snake Cable (48-53-3022), (1) 4” Standard Chain Knocker for 5/16” Chain Snake Cable (48-53-3023), (1) 250ml Oil Bottle, (20) Stainless Set Screws (2) Cable Replacement Pins (1) Hex Key (1) Extra Sheath Segment

Accessories and Cables

5/16” x 75’ Chain Snake Cable                                                                 48-53-2819
1-½” Standard Chain Knocker for 5/16” Chain Snake Cable                    48-53-3020
2” Standard Chain Knocker for 5/16” Chain Snake Cable                        48-53-2021
3” Standard Chain Knocker for 5/16” Chain Snake Cable                        48-53-3022
4” Standard Chain Knocker for 5/16” Chain Snake Cable                        48-53-3023
1-½” Carbide Chain Knocker for 5/16” Chain Snake Cable                      48-53-3024
2” Carbide Chain Knocker for 5/16” Chain Snake Cable                          48-53-3025
3” Carbide Chain Knocker for 5/16” Chain Snake Cable                          48-53-3026
4” Carbide Chain Knocker for 5/16” Chain Snake Cable                          48-53-3027
Grease Penetrating Head for 5/16” Chain Snake Cable                           48-53-3028

Standard anode rods are sacrificial devices meant to protect tank water heaters from corrosion and failure. Annual maintenance on tanks is typically not carried out resulting in the depletion of the anode rod and corrosion buildup in the tank.

Either replacing an old anode rod with new or replacing with a power anode rod is a great step in doing what you can to prolong the life of a tank water heater.

Master plumber Eric Aune talks about what an anode rod is, how it works and what are some of the options for replacement.

Tools and products used in this video:

Power Anode Rod Shown: https://amzn.to/3QzdykS

Milwaukee M12 Stubby Impact Wrench 1/2″ https://amzn.to/3irIdUU

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Mid-Torque 1/2″ Impact https://amzn.to/3GXDPX2

Monumental concerns in the industry—from supply chain issues and inflation concerns to electrification and decarbonization—challenge contractors and manufacturers alike to be ready to rise above the fray.

On September 28, Hurricane Ian, a Category 4 storm, hit the Florida coast, leaving a trail of destruction, loss of life, and people without power, and a place to live. The following week, after the residual rains moved through the South Atlantic states, PHCC CONNECT attendees, exhibitors and staff were fortunate to convene in Charlotte, N.C. for the annual show.

One of the many bright spots during CONNECT was the annual Industry Perspective panel—back by popular demand—which featured some of the industry’s finest: Elisabeth Sutton, Director—Marketing, Professional Channel, Kitchen and Bath Americas, Kohler; Bruce Carnevale, President and CEO, Bradford White Corporation; Randy Roberts, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Rheem; Scott Teson, Senior Vice President of Skilled Trades, Milwaukee Tool; Jeff Fetters, Chairman, Federated Insurance Companies.

As I prepared for the panel, I would have been remiss if I didn’t mention those people still struggling in the Sunshine State. And the more I thought about what was happening in Florida, the more I could draw some symmetry of what has been plaguing our nation the past few years.

Things like supply chain. Are the right people getting what they need in Florida? Labor shortage. Do we have the manpower to provide assistance? Or, do we have the proper infrastructure in place? What about electrification? I mean, I had just seen a meme that said something like, “2.8 million people without power, time to fire up the Teslas.” Now that could be perceived as a bit naïve, but when you look at California, for instance—declaring no new gas cars sold in the state by 2035—concerns about adequate infrastructure are real.

It’s a good thing we had the right people on the panel to address such concerns. I learned that Federated Insurance sent “catastrophic teams” to Florida to help. “We needed to have boots on the ground as quickly as we could,” said Fetters. “Businesses need to have high expectations for employees to remain safe. Disasters can strike at any time. A risk management culture has to perpetuate through every single employee,” said Fetters.

As a side note, how can contractors prepare for such an event? “Make sure you sit down with an agent to see what it would cost to replace your business, and any personal property in the event of any potential catastrophe,” said Fetters.

Supply Chain Woes

Nonetheless, supply chain issues dominate conversation almost daily among working contractors. “We are still challenged by supply chain issues, and it has forced us as a company to better manage our supply chain. We do things differently now,” said Carnevale.

As a manufacturer, you’re never getting what you need from plastic resins overseas, nickel component slowing lines down to component issue challenges,” said Roberts. “This makes us be creative on managing supply chain.”

According to Sutton, “We see that luxury side of remodeling is still high. The thing impacting supply chain is that distributors are receiving more products, managing inventory for distributors.”

Investments in People/Training

Milwaukee Tool has made an $400 million investment in domestic manufacturing. “We want to control our own destiny,” said Teson. Yet, Teson pointed out that with more commercial construction projects on the books, how do we find the right people to support those jobs? “We need skilled tradesmen and women to support those efforts,” said Teson.

Sutton suggests that technology in products is a viable avenue to attract the younger generation. C’mon, who doesn’t like the way an impact driver or press tool feels in their hands?

“We also need to attract people to the industry to show them how wonderful it is, and that should not be specific to one type of person,” said Sutton. “We need more diversity, not just one profile,” continued Sutton.

“This is a fantastic industry, and once people are a part of it, they stay,” said Roberts.

Yet, once in the building, how do we get people to stay? Training. “It has always been a critical part of what we do. We have been very flexible with our training—we will take it to customers and also bring them into our facility,” said Carnevale.

How do employees continue to get better year after year? The panel agreed that it’s about establishing a culture of training in your office. This gives employers a competitive advantage in keeping people and attracting people because they will be seen as investing in them.

Electrification is the Buzzword

According to Carnevale, topics surrounding electrification loom large. For example, will the infrastructure be in place to support the new products? How will the infrastructure build out in a very short time? This puts the consumer in a bad position and puts our national security at risk—i.e., supply chain issues and the country’s fragile relationship with China.

“Electrification and decarbonization, whether we like it or not, we need to be prepared. We have the products available,” said Roberts.

Government Regulations

Carnevale noted that he receives email relating to a regulatory issue almost daily. “The DoE is extremely active, and there’s a requirement that is in the foundational law that once the DOE sets a new minimum efficiency standard, it cannot go backward.”

According to Rheem’s Roberts, there is an “Install Date Standard for Air Conditioning Systems” looming and, “Contractors will be breaking the law if they install an AC system not rated to the new standard come January, 1 2023.” Efficiency standards dictate that sell through of existing systems will be allowed in the northern states if the product was manufactured prior to January 1, 2023. This is not the case in the South and Southwest. AC systems must comply with the 2023 federal minimums to be installed after January 1, 2023. Current Heat Pump systems can continue to be installed in all regions as long as they were manufactured before January 1.

And who is enforcing this, you may ask? “Contractors and distributors will be self-policing installations to make sure they meet the new standard. In addition, manufacturers cannot ship products that don’t meet the new standards or allow them to be registered for warranties if installed after January 1. A standard based on install date will ultimately create inventory challenges for everyone in the industry,” said Roberts.

That Dreaded ‘R’ Word

There are whispers of the “R” word and I don’t think it means that “relief” is on the way anytime soon. From inflation to fuel prices, contractors have faced economic hardships that may continue to linger into 2023, and beyond. “We’ve been bearish on the economy longer than the financial press has been,” says Carnevale. “It is pretty clear that we are in a recession. There have been some positive signs, the fed is getting aggressive, and we will see significant drop in housing market.”

Carnevale continued that he is concerned about the macro economy, even though there are some good signs. “Labor shortages continue to be a vexing problem, and we need to focus on the labor participation rate compared to pre-pandemic, meaning there are a lot of people who are choosing not to work,” said Carnevale.

Teson said that interest rates are the real threat. “We’re watching it very closely and trying to make decisions that will make us come out stronger than our competitors.”

Carnevale added that there is a very distinct demand for discretionary vs. non-discretionary products. In the end, “As the demand starts to soften, we are subject to the laws of supply and demand. It is not going got back to where it is pre-pandemic, but will see some softening on pricing.”

Roberts says that overall, we should see a correction. “How do you position yourself to come out stronger than you go into it?” That’s the question.

For more info, visit PHCC.