Milwaukee dropped a ton of new tools in 2023—we can’t wait to test them (2024)

Milwaukee is consistently towards the top of our round-ups of the best tools out there, currently capturing our award for most versatile electric screwdriver and appearing on our list of best cordless drills.

Over the past year, the tool company has released a ton of brand new tools in the M18 Fuel line-up, a successor to the popular Milwaukee M12 Fuel line. We're eager to get them all in for testing, but until then, we'll have to be content pouring over the product details.

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel design means each of these tools is equipped with the Powerstate brushless motor, compatible with Redlithium lithium ion battery packs, and backed-up by the Redlink Plus hardware and software suite.

1. Milwaukee insider ratchet

If you've ever had to reach for a hand tool because your powered ratchet wouldn't fit, the new Milwaukee insider ratchet is for you.

This ratchet is designed to go places that other power ratchets can't normally fit, with a 0.75-inch shorter build and head that Milwaukee claims is 35% more compact than other leading ratchets.

That's not to say this ratchet's smaller size sacrifices power. It's capable of up to 60 foot-pounds of torque and 350 RPM. It's also incredibly versatile, with a wide array of sockets available.

2. Milwaukee hedge trimmer

If you have some serious gardening work to get done, the Milwaukee hedge trimmer is here to help.

These trimmers can complete the job up to 75% faster than manual trimmers and are capable of cutting through branches up to 1.25 inches in diameter. For smaller branches, you can enable its half-cut capacity mode, which increases its shearing speed by 40%.

Best of all, the Milwaukee hedge trimmer's inline design and lightweight build means you'll have better control and maneuverability in tight spaces.

3. Milwaukee die grinder

The Milwaukee die grinder is all about safety.

It has two activation triggers, one on the main barrel and one on the side handle, which helps ensure safe, two-hand operation and additional control. The side handle can be repositioned to one of 15 different orientations, allowing you to use the tool in a wide variety of situations. The side handle also features an anti-vibration design to increase comfort and accuracy during use.

Additionally, the Milwaukee die grinder has the company's Autostop kickback control, which shuts the tool down when it senses extreme movement. It also features Rapidstop braking, which ceases wheel movement in less than a second. This means less time waiting for everything to stop spinning each time you need to set the tool down.

And you'll need the extra help getting everything to halt: The Milwaukee die grinder is capable of some impressive speeds, with settings ranging from 3,500 to 8,500 RPM.

As an added safety measure, you can also sync the tool to your phone or desktop with One Key, which can track the tool's location and prevent unauthorized use.

4. Milwaukee packout vacuum

We can't wait to get the Milwaukee packout vacuum tested for our round-up of the best wet/dry and shop vacs.

The Milwaukee packout vacuum's smart design keeps the hose and all its attachments corralled in one compact package. This vacuum is powered by rechargeable batteries, so you aren't limited by outlet availability and won't have to worry about a cord trailing behind you as a tripping hazard.

The vacuum also comes with a replaceable HEPA filter, which can help keep dust under control while you work.

For those who like to be able to hear themselves think as they work, the Milwaukee packout vacuum operates at a non-deafening 87dB—compared to the competition this is remarkably quiet.

5. High-torque impact wrenches

If you don't want to compromise on power, these high-torque impact wrenches are worth your attention.

When paired with the new M18 Redlithium Forge XC6.0 battery, you can get up to 1,200 foot-pounds of fastening torque and up to 1,600 foot-pounds of breakaway torque. It also has a bolt removal mode to prevent anything from flying across the shop floor.

If you're operating in smaller spaces, you'll love the compact, 7.6-inch build that stays out of your way while you work. We also like its built-in LEDs, which make it easy to work under any lighting conditions.

6. Freefix workwear collection

In addition to some great new power tools, Milwaukee also launched its new Freefix workwear collection.

The durable line-up includes shirts, pants, overalls, and jackets, though not all of the pieces are currently available. We like that each one is made with lightweight, stretchable fabrics that don't limit your motion as you work.

The Gridiron t-shirt has a relaxed fit and moisture-wicking properties to keep you cool. The Freeflex overalls have an insulated bib for added protection and articulated knees to ensure maneuverability. The Freeflex hooded jacket is excellent for layering, which makes it ideal for a wide range of temperatures and conditions.

Other Milwaukee tools and accessories we like

Just because Milwaukee launched a ton of new tools this year doesn't mean we've forgotten our old favorites. Here's some other great tools from Milwaukee.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.