G P NATIONAL CRANES LTD: Milwaukee Pipeline Ep 2 Recap: PACKOUT Expansion and Laser Levels

Every year, Milwaukee Tool organizes an invite-only media event, called NPS, in order to showcase dozens of new products that they plan to release over the next year. This year, the company had to pivot to an online event – and everyone is invited.

The online event, called Milwaukee Pipeline, is being split up into 4 different events over the next few months. The first one, showcasing M12, M18, and MX Fuel tools was held last month and the second one, focusing on their extremely popular modular storage unit, PACKOUT, was held last night. The company also announced a brand new product segment

Here are the highlights:

Milwaukee PACKOUT Modular Storage System

Milwaukee had already spilled the beans on one of their new PACKOUT products that will be released soon, the 2.5 gallon wet/dry vacuum, in the first episode, but there was still plenty of exciting developments. The biggest, of course, was the much anticipated drawer units.

PACKOUT 2 Drawer and 3 Drawer Tool Boxes

Estimated release: February 2021

When Milwaukee first announced the PACKOUT system a few years ago, the first question was, “Where are the drawers?” Well, now we know. The new drawer boxes will come in two varieties: a 2-drawer and a 3-drawer unit, both equal height. Each drawer will have a 50 pound weight capacity and feature Quick-Adjust Dividers. The boxes are also equipped with an integrated metal security bars that will keep the drawers from opening when they’re in the back of a truck or van.

The 2 Drawer Tool Box (48-22-8442) will retail for $134.99 and the 3 Drawer Tool Box (48-22-8443) will retail for $149.99.

PACKOUT 2-Wheel Cart (48-22-8415)

Estimated release: October 2020

The 2-wheel cart will be another welcome addition to the PACKOUT system for many users. Not only can PACKOUT boxes mount to the bottom plate or to the frame, it can also carry 400 pounds of materials like water heaters and sacks of concrete mix, and it has a functional storage area on the back for long items like levels, brooms, and conduit benders. The cart also features industrial 10” flat-free wheels that are tucked underneath the frame.

The cart will retail for $199.99.

M18 PACKOUT Light/Charger (2357-20)

Estimated release: October 2020

The product that came as a bit of a surprise last night was the M18 PACKOUT Light/Charger. Milwaukee is still the king of battery powered jobsite lighting and this looks to be another useful addition to the lineup. Rated IP54 for dust and water protection, this light features 3 different lights delivering up to 3,000 lumens and providing up to 31 hours of runtime on a 5.0ah battery. The light also features an integrated AC input for unlimited runtime and will also charge the M18 battery and/or a device via the 2.1AMP USB port.

The PACKOUT Light/Charger will retail for $199.99.

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PACKOUT Customizable Work Top (48-22-8488)

Estimated release: October 2020

The top of the PACKOUT boxes are not flat, but they could be with the new customizable work top. Constructed of impact resistant polymers and a marine grade wood top, it can be used as a flat writing surface, for a jobsite laptop, or an assembly table. The wood top allows you to attach fasteners directly into it for a vice, chargers, or anything else you can think of. It also has a total weight capacity of 50 pounds.

The Customizable Work Top will retail for $49.99.

PACKOUT Racking Shelves

Estimated release: Early 2021

Many PACKOUT users want the option to mount their boxes inside their work vans or their workshop and this new shelf racking system will provide a flexible option for that. The shelves mount on an E-Track so they can be moved up and down based on your needs at the time. each shelf, made with a reinforced frame and impact resistant body, will allow a 50 pound weight capacity.

Laser Lines

With the amount of tools that Milwaukee continues to add every year, it’s always surprising when they don’t have a product that other brands have. This year, they have finally jumped into laser levels and they’re making some big claims. In their Pipeline presentation, the red tool brand said they focused on 3 main areas: visibility, runtime, and ease of setup.

The new laser line will initially feature 5 different models, 2 on the M12 lineup and 3 more using Milwaukee’s USB REDLITHIUM rechargeable battery. Since they have jumped all-in on the crisper and more visible green line laser (as opposed to red lines), they decided to skip the disposable battery versions due to long term cost.

All of the models are IP54 rated, have an accuracy of +/- 1/8” at 33 feet, are impact resistant up to 1 meter, are self leveling within 4 degrees, and have a 1/4” thread mount (the M12 versions also have a 5/8” thread mount).