We recently posted about the new Dewalt FlexVolt cordless pipe threader, but since Milwaukee’s was announced earlier and showcased at NPS19, press and sales materials (rightfully) describe it as an industry first. With preorder shipping expectations of September 2019, it’s looking like the Milwaukee might also ship first.
Milwaukee describes the M18 Fuel cordless pipe threader, model 2874, as providing a pipe threading experience that’s unmatched by corded tools, and eliminates the need for cheater bars, ropes, or pipe supports.
Specifically, Milwaukee says that their new brushless pipe threader is faster than corded tools, and also lighter than the leading corded solution. The new pipe threader also offers “unmatched control,” and “simplifies the entire experience from start to finish.”
The new Milwaukee cordless pipe threader features One-Key and Autostop kickback control, which activates during lock-up situations to automatically shut down the tool.
It also features a dedicated support am which can clamp onto a pipe to hold the tool stationary during threading. Additional features include an integrated die head retention lock, to prevent unwanted die ejection. They say that this feature and the inline side grip eliminate the need to contact the spinning die head at the start of threading.
With One-Key you also get wireless tracking and managing. They also say the tool can be secured, which I would think means it can be locked out to prevent unauthorized use. (We’re working to confirm this.)
Milwaukee’s cordless pipe threader can work with black iron pipe, stainless steel, and rigid metal conduit up to 2″.
- 1/8″ to 2″ pipe capacity
- Compatible with Ridgid 12-R, Reed R12+ die heads
- More than 25 2″ BIP threads on a single charge (presumably with a 12.0Ah battery)
- Multi-speed selector
- Variable speed trigger
- Die head retention lock
The new Milwaukee cordless pipe threader will be available as a bare tool (2874-20) or as a kit (2874-22HD) that comes with a Rapid Charger and (2) HD 12.0Ah battery packs. Both versions come with the threading support arm and carrying case.
Price: $1399 for the bare tool and $1699 for the kit
Shipping ETA: Start of September 2019
Buy Now(Bare Tool via Acme Tools)
Buy Now(Bare Tool via Ohio Power Tool)
Buy Now(Kit via Acme Tools)
Buy Now(Kit via Ohio Power Tool)
If you need pipe threading heads, Ohio Power Tool has Ridgid 12R in several sizes, as well as a manual kit. You can also find these die heads elsewhere.
Buy Now(via Ohio Power Tool) – scroll down to see the 12R die heads.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Discussion
A lot of you might be wondering how this new Milwaukee cordless pipe threader compares with the Dewalt Flexvolt model. Good question. I’m not intimately familiar with pipe threaders, but can identify a few differences.
First, the Milwaukee has a simpler support clamp. The Dewalt seems to have a lever-actuated pipe clamp, compared to the screw-down clamp on Milwaukee’s, but the Dewalt accessory also looks much larger.
Dewalt has en enclosed battery box and specially enhanced FlexVolt batteries. The Milwaukee kit gives you 12.0Ah batteries, and Dewalt’s gives you 9.0Ah batteries. Both kits are the same price – $1699.
If I had to guess, I’d predict that there might be a “free bonus with rebate” deal, which is often true for their press tools. Here’s a previous discussion on Milwaukee E-Rebates, and here’s the direct page showing current offers.
Both tools have auto-stop or E-clutch features. Milwaukee’s has One-Key, for built-in tracking, management, and security.
You can get the Dewalt as a tool + die head bundle. Milwaukee didn’t invest in having to make or offer their die heads. Both are designed to be compatible with Ridgid 12-R die heads. Reed R12+ are said to be interchangeable with 12-R, so you could use that brand of die head – and other compatible brands – as well.
The Milwaukee cordless pipe threader has a speed selector switch, which I’m guessing is the black knob on top with “1” and “2” positions, as well as a variable speed trigger.
The two tools are different enough that someone more experienced with pipe threading tools will have to chime in about whether one design is more preferable over the other.
As of now, it looks like Milwaukee’s cordless pipe threader is still on track to be the “industry’s first.” NPS19 new tool show press materials originally had a July 2019 ETA, and preorder pages now give a September 1st, 2019 ETA. Dewalt’s model, which might have been announced earlier than anticipated, has a “late 2019” ETA.
So, what do you think about the new Milwaukee M18 Fuel cordless pipe threader?
