Milwaukee Tool has been supplying tools for the plumbing and electrical trades since 1924, but continues to expend considerable energy in improving existing stalwarts like pipe wrenches, adjustable wrenches, hack saws, tubing cutters and the like. One might wonder how such basic tools could be made better, but the designs of even the most basic tools have left room for improvement.
The new pipe wrench is a good example. Expected later this spring of 2016, it looks much like such wrenches always have, but there are at least two significant changes; the points on the diameter of the pipe where the jaws engage have been altered to improve grip, and there is a leaf spring to assist the release when a new grip is sought or the wrench is removed.
Another innovative pipe wrench will launch this spring as well. “The Cheater” is a wrench that can be used in three different lengths simply by threading on the desired handle. It eliminates the necessity of two extra wrenches in the kit and begs the question “why didn’t I think of that?”
Another standby that Milwaukee has updated is the adjustable wrench. Actually, an assortment of adjustable wrenches. According to Bobby Shaw, Milwaukee’s Director of Marketing-Hand Tools: “The number one user frustration with adjustable wrenches are jaws that loosen or “back off” during use. Therefore, one of the most important considerations users have when choosing an adjustable wrench is the interaction between the adjustment screw and the wrench jaws. “Milwaukee engineers designed a proprietary adjustment screw with more threads and tight tolerances, so that when a user tightens the wrench jaws to a fastener, they can be sure that the jaws won’t back off during use.”
Also from their press release: “In addition to the 5 Standard wrenches, Milwaukee is introducing its 8” Wide Jaw Adjustable Wrench (48-22-7508) which features the jaw capacity of a 12” wrench combined with its compact 8” length for maximum versatility in confined workspaces.”
Copper tubing and PVC pipe can’t be installed without first cutting it to proper lengths, and Milwaukee has that well covered. Three new copper tubing cutters will launch in April of 2016. There will be a ½” Mini Cutter (48-22-4250) , a 1″ Mini Cutter (48-22-4251) and a 1½” Constant Swing Cutter (48-22-4252).
The 1½” cutter has room in the adjustment knob for an extra cutting wheel and an on-board reamer for deburring tubes after cutting.
All of the cutters have chrome rollers to reduce rusting, a good feature for tools likely in for frequent soakings.
A plumber will no doubt have a Sawzall and Hackzall on the job, but it’s still good to have a hacksaw in the tool box and the new Milwaukee 12″ High-Tension Hacksaw (48-22-0050) is the best I’ve used, the best I’ve seen.
The key to this saw’s performance is the impressive rigidity and strong tensioning mechanism. I have been able to cut straighter, truer lines with this than with any other saw. It has alternate mounting pins for setting the blade at a 45º angle to facilitate flush cuts. There’s also storage for extra blades in the frame.
The aforementioned tools may have taken care of the supply, but the venting and waste pipes will require something different. Once again, an M18 Fuel Sawzall might be the first choice, but the new 12″ PVC Saw (48-22-0212) is not to be overlooked. I used this saw to effortlessly cut a piece of 2″ PVC in 15 seconds. There was no blade bending or cut deflection, making a good, square cut. The blade can be quickly replaced with no other tool required.
Another tool that has been around for a long time now benefits from Milwaukee’s ability to find room for improvement: The basin wrench. Unlike other versions, Milwaukee’s Basin Wrenches (48-22-7001 & 48-22-7002) have ergonomically-shaped ends for comfort when applying upward pressure with the palm, holes for a screwdriver to add turning force, and sockets in the heels for a ratchet handle. And yes, they’re extendable.
Of course there’s no point in doing plumbing if you can’t use an M18 Fuel Super Hawg to bore massive holes in whatever you please. Add to that a Sawzall and the new Pex expanders and you will find that Milwaukee has a great deal of the trade well covered by cordless power and their growing hand tool line.
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