Just 3 days ago, Milwaukee asked Sarah and I to jump on a Teams call, to show us a brand new M18 Tool that has never been seen before. And not only is it the first time Milwaukee has made a tool like this, it’s also the most EXPENSIVE Milwaukee tool every made. Think you know what it is? Let’s GO!
This is the completely new Milwaukee M18 Modular Pipeline Inspection System, and it starts at a surprisingly reasonable $9,400, and it aims to disrupt a very specific industry. Until now, pipeline inspection cameras have been expensive, clunky, and plagued by several quarks that drive inspectors nuts. But Milwaukee thinks they have the solution.
The entire system is based on the M18 500 GB Control Hub, which can easily be swapped between either the 120’ or 200’ pipeline inspection reels. Powered by an M18 battery, it stores recordings, and can wirelessly playback the videos on either the M18 wireless monitor or a tablet, up to 200’ away making it easy to bring the results to your customers or coworkers.
Let’s talk about the individual reels. The 120’ version features a 25mm 1080p HD self-leveling camera head and a 10mm push cable that’s specifically designed for 2” to 6” pipes, but able to withstand harsh conditions when navigating through cast iron, clay and PVC pipes. Users can digitally zoom up to 4x to help focus on specific points of interest in the pipe.
Being portable is incredibly important when you need to bring 36lb tool to remote locations like a roof. So to help you get around there’s this clever removable backpack attachment, which I’m guessing will be stolen by the PACKOUT community and hacked to work with that system too. Calm down Jake of All, there’s more info to get through.
The 200’ reel features a 34mm 1080p self-leveling camera head and a 12mm push cable, perfect for 3” to 10” pipes.
Both reels have built-in telescoping handles and wide wheels making it easy to drag it around all types of terrain. So once you have your camera where you need it, what makes this different from other solutions?
Well, for one, the interface can be accessed either through a new M18 wireless monitor that offers maximum durability or through a free app on either iOS or Android for a clearer image and faster sharing. Both of which feature a ridiculously easy to operate interface, that makes it easy to record video, and descriptive audio, store it, organize it, and share it with customers or coworkers. You can easily edit the footage, and delete audio in case it’s not something you don’t want to share. Inspectors know what I’m talking about.
We got a chance to talk to Morgan, a Senior Product Manager for Milwaukee, and he said their team has been working on this new system since 2016, and it took this long to get everything right. They had no plans of adding just another option in this space, but aim to bring a solution that makes their competitors obsolete on day one. I reached out to a couple industry people outside of Milwaukee, and after seeing this new system, they agree it’s something special.
John Thompson, better known as the OG Plumb God, called it amazing. He loved the interchangeable reels, how user-friendly the interface was, and said editing videos will be far easier now. He also said “One of the most genius things about this camera and monitor system is that they will be able to add new features without purchasing new equipment.”
So is this game-changing? Only time will tell for sure. If you’re a line inspector, be sure to speak up in the comments, and let us know what you think.
If you’re already convinced you can head over to OhioPowerTool.com so you can pre-order yours TODAY: https://www.ohiopowertool.com/m-2948-milwaukee-m18-pipe-inspection.aspx
Oh and one more thing, this new tool has produced another Milwaukee first, the most expensive Milwaukee tool accessory ever. We’ll have more details on that later today, so be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it!
