At the recent Milwaukee 2014 new tool media event, see all of our tool preview coverage here, they showed off several new M18 Force Logic tools, including a smaller knockout punch tool, a cable cutter, a crimper, and a new size of ProPEX expansion tool.
Since these are all somewhat specialty tools, you’ll have to express more interest if you want expanded coverage later on. The new knockout punch tool is well within my comfort and familiarity zone, the others are well beyond.
M18 Force Logic 6T Knockout Punch Tool
Shown above is the new 6-ton knockout punch tool, which will complement their existing M18 Force Logic 10-ton knockout punch tool.
The lower maximum punching pressure means the 6-ton knockout is smaller, lighter, and potentially less expensive.
A rep for Milwaukee expressed confidence in that the new punch will be quite capable, and if I recall correctly, he said it could handle knockout punches in the 2-1/2″ range. The larger 10-ton model can handle punches up to 4″ in 12 gauge metal.
We’ve established that the new Milwaukee Force Logic 6T knockout punch tool is smaller and lighter. While only a prototype was available at the media event, the knockout tool looked quicker to use, thanks to this new quick-attach threading system.
The new stud attaches to the Force Logic adapter with just a quarter turn.
I asked if this new method would be available as an upgrade for the 10-ton knockout tool, but was told that they’re looking into it, but it probably won’t be possible. The greater pulling force that the 10-ton tool can apply requires full thread engagement, and not just half as with the 6-ton tool’s new quick adapter.
As a reminder, this is what the 10-ton tool looks like.
And this is its full engagement stud.
The stud threads into the adapter, which is the part that the tool engages with. The cutter goes on the tool side, and the die is threaded onto the punch side of the stud.
ETA: Jan 2016
Fore Logic Expansion
One standout message is that Milwaukee wants to own the installation. Because of this, they’re going to keep pushing out Force Logic and other cordless tools that can be used during every step of an applications.
M18 Force Logic Utility Cutter
I remember testing Milwaukee’s M12 2472 cable cutter a few years ago, at the first Milwaukee media event I attended. Well, this is its bring brother.
I wish I could tell you more about the size of that copper cable. It was about as thick as a sausage, or maybe a banana. And the new M18 cutter sliced through it effortlessly.
The tool is somewhat large, but was easy and not at all fatiguing to operate. Then again, I only made a couple of cuts.
There are dual LED worklights at the bottom of the tool.
Hey, Milwaukee… now that you’ve got copper cable cutter, how about a branch lopper?
ETA: Sept 2015
M18 Force Logic Crimper
Here’s the new crimper. If you have any particular questions, I’ll make a point to write up an expanded preview once the official announcement and press release are out.
ETA: Sept 2015
M18 Force Logic 2″ to 3″ ProPEX Expansion Tool
ProPEX in a nutshell: ProPEX is a plumbing piping and connection system that is installed without glue, flame, or much hassle. To connect a section of pipe to a fitting, a ring is placed over cleanly cut PEX pipe end. A ProPEX expander tool is inserted within the ring and stretches it out a little over several cycles. A fitting is placed into the ring and the ring shrinks down to create a tight and leak-free connection.
There might be more to it. For those of you that have used PEX and ProPEX tools, did I miss anything important?
ProPEX is available in smaller sizes, matching up with copper tubing, but now there are new 2″ to 3″ sizes, and an M18 Force Logic tool that’s used to install fittings.
ETA: Nov 2015