Power tool systems’ new line launched in Southern Africa

Hand-held power tool supplier Milwaukee has launched the patented Red Link Plus Intelligence electronics system for hand-held power tools.

“The Red Link Plus system introduces new electrical controls throughout the hand-held power tools that the company supplies. It starts with the battery packs that are used in conjunction with the tools,” says tool distributor Upat Milwaukee product specialist Werner Koch.

The company uses two battery platforms – the M12 which is a 12 V battery pack and the M18 which is an 18 V battery pack. The M12 battery packs are available in 2 A/h, 3 A/h, 4 A/h and 6 A/h battery packs, while the M18 battery packs are available in 2 A/h, 4 A/h, 5 A/h and 9 A/h battery packs.

“Each battery pack has a Red Link Plus computer board that monitors the battery cells for optimal temperature and load. This helps to improve the overall charge strength of the batteries and increases the life span of the battery packs,” Koch highlights.

Further, he explains that these battery packs are called red lithium-ion batteries which is a unique Milwaukee patented technology. The M12 battery platform can be used on more than 70 power tools, whereas the M18 battery platform can be interchangeably used across more than 120 different Milwaukee power tools.

Milwaukee is unlocking the digital jobsite with the launch of ONE Key application for Android and iOS which connects Bluetooth-enabled tools with any ONE Key enabled smart device, says Koch. This freely available app enables tool owners to monitor, track and change the behaviour of tools conveniently through their smart device.

He highlights that, with the app, it is possible to track tools within a 30 m radius from a device that has the app installed. Through the app, it is possible to lock tools, preventing their use by unauthorised users.

However, the most important feature of ONE Key is its ability to program custom settings into the tool for optimal use of the tool for the job at hand. A tools torque, speed and performance can be customised and saved to the tool’s memory.

An added benefit is the inventory management system which allows for multiple tools to be connected to one Android or iOS device with the ONE Key app. Koch says that, with the app, it is possible to track several tools at once, without having to interact with each tool independently or, for example, walk around a construction area.

“Using the ONE Key app can result in accessories lasting three to four times longer, depending on where they are being used,” he highlights.

The Milwaukee range of tools are designed in such a way as to allow water to flow away from crucial electrical conductive components vital to a tool’s continued performance.

Upat has invested in a travelling showcase trailer that is taken to events such as the MTE shows or possible clients to demonstrate the capabilities of the Milwaukee tools. Koch concludes by showing how the tools work, together with the ONE Key app.