Wow, I am not sure where to begin. When it comes to hand tools, Milwaukee has been pounding the market with new tools. I feel like every day I open my email and there it is, a new Milwaukee hand tool. Now don’t take that as a complaint because I think it’s awesome. I have to be honest, the Milwaukee hand tools seem to be a hit or miss for me. I am not saying I have found any of them to be bad, but for some of the tools, I like the competitors versions better. That may just be because I am so use to some of the competitors and it’s hard for me to change. The tools I am going over today, don’t really fit into that category. I will be covering three types of tools and think they are all worthy of a closer look if you are looking at these types of hand tools. So for today we will be covering tubing cutters, adjustable wrenches and pliers. All of these tools come with a limited lifetime warranty.
Milwaukee Hand Tools – Tubing Cutter
Wow. Really that is all I can say about these tubing cutters. I never thought I would get excited about a hand tool, but I love these. These are probably the best tubing cutters I have ever seen or ever used. First thing first, one of the smoothest cutters I have used. You can really notice the difference between these and other high end models of cutters. Second, these are built to last. All of these have chrome rollers, so you don’t have to worry about rusting and causing issues once they get a little older. Okay here is the cool part of these tools, the knob. Instead of just having a round knob, they have an easy to grip knob where you can grip it much better when making your cut. On the large capacity cutter, this even has an on board reamer. I know these are just tubing cutters and how exciting can they really be, but trust me. You have to try these, they are awesome.
Milwaukee Hand Tools – Pliers
Milwaukee has a ton of pliers available, but the next combination pliers are also awesome. Basically they are a 6 in 1 tool. Now with a single tool you can ream, cut bolts, strip wire, make a loop, cut wire and obviously pliers. Designed for 8ga to 20ga wire, it pretty much covers the spectrum. These are forged strength and provide years, if not decades of use. The pliers are designed to resist rust. As with their other hand tools, these are designed with their comfort grip that will not peel. They also feature a small lock, so when not in use and putting them back in your tool belt, you can lock them shut. The one thing I really noticed about these pliers is how they open. I am not really sure how to explain this, but they don’t open easy and they don’t open hard. Yes, I know you’re wondering what I am saying. They just open nicely, it’s the right amount of pressure. It just makes them feel like a quality tool. I also noticed that when the jaws shut, they line up perfectly, where some pliers I have seen by other manufacturers don’t always line up. So it does seem like they took time to design and build these the right way. Again, I love these pliers and if you’re at the The Home Depot, swing by and see what you think.
Milwaukee Hand Tools – Adjustable Wrenches
The last item is the Milwaukee adjustable wrenches. I really don’t use these types of wrenches much because they tend to suck. It’s really my last go to tool. I understand that a ton of people use these all day, everyday. Maybe the ones I have used in the past have just been junk, but it always seems like when you apply a little pressure, the jaw backs off and your hand ends up slipping. Now with two kids around, they really don’t need to hear my potty mouth when I get hurt. Now Milwaukee claims these jaws won’t back off. I have to admit, I was a little skeptical when I first heard about them. However after trying them out, it seems to be true. These jaws seem to stay in place, which is a huge win for these tools. I know they are just adjustable wrenches and not a ton to talk about. So I will leave it there except to let you know that they are also chrome plated, so it does have rust protection.
Overall Milwaukee is making some great tools and I am digging these new hand tools. All these hand tools seem like quality tools and will last for years. With a limited lifetime warranty, it’s hard to go wrong with these. If Milwaukee keeps making tools like these, the other manufacturers better watch out. Next time you are at The Home Depot, take a swing by and take a look at these. Let us know your thoughts.
I’m excited to try the tubing cutters. I can’t give up on my ridgid though.
I would love to see a review on the new pipe wrenches Milwaukee has introduced. Keep up the great work.
I was looking at your old give always and drooling over them… We all love what you guys do, if it’s for free it’s for we… I’m a carpenter from NY and looking to buy a laser level for framing, my craftsman took a suicide dive R.I.P, I’m on a budget so I was thing on getting a Bosch reconditioned laser level. What do you guys think about factory reconditioned, I’ll take any suggestions on other L.L’s under $300. More like 2ish… As always thanks for the video’s, site and info…
Go over to the forum and pose this question. I know i’ve heard good things about reconditioned from CPO website. I have a small Bosch laser level, check out the forum for my page that I write in about it
Your right on Eric. Milwaukee hand tools are hit or miss with me as well. When you compare them to the tools you’re use to some are good and some are ok. The adjustables are ok. The wire strippers are good and the pipe cutters are ok. Pricing is not bad, you can catch a deal on them, grab them. #tiacrew
I must say, I was skeptical as well when I ordered the 2-piece adjustable wrench set and the fine line chalk box. I never really use adjustable wrenches for exactly the same reason as you, Eric: they almost always suck. However, I was highly surprised when I reached for the small adjustable wrench and found the jaws to stay in place throughout use! I couldn’t believe it. They found a place in my tool bag immediately. As for the chalk line, it’s now my go-to box. It reeks up quickly and the line is much more precise than a traditional box with a thicker line. There isn’t nearly as much “overspray” when you snap the line. These tools are just the newest additions to my Milwaukee hand took collection, and are evidence as to why I buy them. They aren’t too costly, they feel like quality tools, and they do the job without hesitation. My only complaint is that they aren’t made in the USA. If they were, I would even replace my Klein hand tools. However, because they aren’t, I keep the good old Kleins around. All in all, I’m very happy with my Milwaukee purchases and I agree with you in this article entirely.
I dont have very many milwaukee tools hand or power. I do have some of their razor knives I like,I also have their hand held pex/tubing cutter that I find amazingly awesome and useful. Everytime i go to HD I look at their selection and man they have brought alot to the table, I really have been eyeing those tubing cutters you posted above they seem designed very well. In fact most of their hand tools really seem to have ergonomics and ease of use in mind. I like that. While I cant really justify buying into their powertool lines yet because they offer way too much stuff I dont need,i find their hand tools are pretty darn good. I know alot of guys really like the Milwaukee tape measures too.
I will say this its about time the tubular cutters have a reamer built in, and more rollers for a smoother cut. Just comparing them to the rigid brand (which I’ve used) is not even a close comparison. It’s nice Milwaukee is getting deeper into hand tools, but I’m skeptical with the adjustable wrench and the pliers. They’res better brands for a wrench and an all-in-one pliers in my opinion. But maybe I’m just close minded because I use Klein Tools mostly. All in all I’m intrigued great review Eric.
They have really been pushing the hand tool line, I like the look of the adjustable wrenches, they look nice. My only complaint like on my “Channellock” style pliers from milwaukee is the teeth are softer than a lot of competitors. #TIACREW
Home Depot is really starting to push both the Milwaukee and DeWalt lines of hand tools. I have a few of both and they are of comparable quality. Can’t go wrong with either one.
I agree with Milwaukee hand tools being hit or miss. Though I do love their plyers and I use their folding razor utility knife everyday. I highly recommend it for its quick release of the razor blade and his small it folds up into my pocket. Also the belt clip doesn’t snag on my pocket when I put it away. All around great tools with a middle of the road pricing.
Hi guys I just want to say thanks a lot for your review of the tools iam not a pro at anything but like to fix things around my home I always watch your videos on YouTube and now have sign up for your email news letter I am always interested in any tips on how a tool performs I am thankful for the info that you give so it make’s it easy for me to disside what tool I will buy thank you guys .
PS I would like to enter my name to win some of your give aways thanks again
Edward Annable
Been waiting for a good adjustable wrench. Tried craftsman with the thumb slide but it slips all the time and just feels cheap. And these come in all sizes not just one.
TRY A CRESCENT BRAND OR AN ACE HARDWARE BRAND 1 THE ACE BRAND HAS THE SAME AS SEARS WARRANTY
Knipex pliers wrench is a viable option. They’re on my short list at the moment
I own the 6 in 1 pliers and their versions of channelocks they r great hand tools also their 11 in 1 screw drivers and ratcheting ones these tools r awesome tools and Dan I to LIKE SHOCKWAVE BITS BRO THESE BITS TAKE A BEATING AND A WHILE TO BREAK AND WEAR OUT BRO ALSO ERIC AND U ROCK i USE THE HAND TOOLS ON A HANDYMAN JOB AT MY GIRLFRIENDS AND EXCUSE MY FRENCH HAVE BALLS 4 HAND TOOLS MILWAUKEE AND U 2 BETTER GO WITH YO BAD SELVES THEM 4 GREAT HAND TOOLS AND U GUYS 4 A GOOD WEBS SITE AND YOU TUBE SHOW WERE U TALK MY KIND OF TALK 1 DAY I WOULD LIKE TO TALK TO U GUYS ABOUT WHO BELONG TO WHO AND WHO MAKES WHAT AND THAT i NO A LOT ABOUT TOOLS AND USED TO WORK AT A HARDWARE STORE FOR MY EXPERIENCE
Milwaukee is flooding the market with a steady stream of new and improved tools. It’s great to see a tool company putting effort into marketing/servicing a wider variety of construction trades and hopefully the serve as an motivator for other companies to engage a wider range of tradespersons. I’m a regular shopper of Home Depot and just today I saw a new display for the jobsite lights
TIA reviewed in the last year. Bringing items like these to the big box stores is a great way to engage consumers of all levels from DIYers to Prosumers.
AS NOTED IN ANOTHER REVIEWER, THE HOME DEPOT IS CARRYING MORE MILWAUKEE PROBLEMS. I WAS GIVEN THE RECICPROCATING SAW FOR A CHRISTMAS PRESENT (PER MY REQUEST). I WASN’T SURE HOW IT WOULD HOLD UP COMPARED TO THE DEWALT OR OTHER MORE EXPENSIVE BRANDS. HOWEVER, I HAVE HAD NO ISSUES WITH IT. THE HEAT GUN ADVERTISED AS A GIVEAWAY WOULD BE PERFECT FOR ISSUES WITH POOR INSULATION IN MY HOME. THANKS FOR THE GREAT WEBSITE AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY OF THAT GIVE AWAY. BLESSINGS TO YOU BOTH.
Timely article! I need tubing cutters and am looking forward to seeing Milwaukee’s take on the tool. I love their M12 line, so hopefully the hand tools are just as well executed.
Thanks for taking the time to explain the highlights in better detail i didn’t quite understand a few things with the spin cutters and the adjustable wrenches, however, it’s becoming more clear since i read your review. I do understand your sway toward the competitors on some hand tools, and that is why i’m not sold on all Milwaukee hand tools. But the spin cutters are a very attractive one for me, i have a decent one right now, plus i almost always use the m12 tubing cutter, so i’m set, but when the time comes to buy a new one, i know the Milwaukee will find a nice place in my toolbag
I use the first generation 6 in 1 pliers everyday and have for the past year and a half. They are fantastic, still cut and strip like new, love them. Since they work so well I will definately be buying the Gen 2’s when they hit the store.
Gonna give em a try.
Those tube cutters are going to make a great gift to one of my contractor friends. I saw him whip his old cutter out and man has it seen better days. He’ll appreciate the extra features.