Last year Milwaukee introduced their RedLithium USB batteries and 3 different flashlights that used this battery form factor. They essentially created yet another battery platform that isn’t compatible with any of their previous platforms, including the RedLithium M4 platform.
These Redlithium USB batteries consist of a single 4V Max 185650 li-ion battery encased in a plastic shell with a temp sensor. They can be charged by either connecting a USB cable to the tool or in a special charger that is also powered by a USB cable. Milwaukee claims these batteries offer 3x faster charging over other rechargeable flashlights, and can last for over 2,000 recharges.
This year I wondered if they would extend the RedLithium USB platform, and I wasn’t disappointed. Milwaukee Tool introduced 2 new flashlights, heated gloves, and a Redstick digital level that all use the RedLithium USB battery platform.
Pivoting Flashlight
Milwaukee’s new pivoting head flashlight is both a flashlight and a floodlight that can deliver 500 lumens using a single RedLithium USB battery. As a flashlight, it has a spot beam that can illuminate at a range of up to 100m. With the press of a button you can switch the light to a flood beam for close work.
Stick the magnetic base to a ferrous surface and pivot the head from 0 to 110° to shine the flood beam exactly where it’s needed, freeing up your hands for working on the task.
The pivoting flashlight should be available October 2018.
Rover Pivoting Flood Light
The compact Rover pivoting floodlight folds up small enough to fit in your pocket, yet delivers up to 550 lumens with a single RedLithium USB battery. The light unfolds, providing a 210° pivoting light head with a stable base.
The light has three different lighting intensities, with the lowest setting providing up to 10 hours of run time. The light also has a magnetic base so you can stick it to a ferrous surface, and a carabiner clip for hanging the light or storing it on your belt loop.
The Rover pivoting floodlight is set to launch October 2018.
Heated Gloves
Milwaukee heated gloves are made from GridIron rip-stop polyester and have 100% leather palms and fingers for durability. They have an extended cuff to make it easy to pull over your jacket sleeves to keep out water, snow, and dirt. They also feature smart swipe index finders on both hands and a snot wipe on both thumbs.
Each glove needs one RedLithium USB battery to operate and will keep your hands warm for up to 6 hours on a charge.
The gloves are set to launch in September 2018.
Digital Levels
Finally, Milwaukee introduced their new Redstick digital levels, powered by the RedLithium USB battery. The strong frame can hold over 450 lbs while still maintaining an accuracy of up to 0.03°.
The levels have a built in auto calibration process, a full color display on the front that shows the measurement both numerically and graphically, and a secondary display on the top.
The levels have oodles of measurement options, including Pin mode where you “pin” the measurement at a particular angle and that angle becomes your “level.” Another option allows you to adjust the tolerance of the measurement based on your application.
The Redstick digital levels will be available in 14″, 24″, 48″ and 72″ lengths. It should launch around October 2018.