12 Milwaukee Tools Under $75 You'll Wish You Had Sooner

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Arming yourself with the right equipment can make an enormous difference in your ability to do DIY. However, if there's one thing that gets in the way for most of us, it's our budget. For that reason, it may come as a surprise to learn that Milwaukee — one of the world's leading names in power tool production — has a long line of tools that cost less than $75. Not only that, but some of them are designed to handle multiple jobs without the need to buy additional equipment.

To help you discover these lesser-known finds, we've curated just 12 Milwaukee tools that currently sell for less than $75. If you're moving up the property ladder, there are tools to help you set, and stick to, your home moving budget. There are also solutions to help you see when your project runs into the night, and if you're starved of storage space, you'll find some small but useful Milwaukee tools that are sure to earn their keep in your toolkit. If you value the brand assurance that comes with the colors of Team Red, you just might find what you're looking for in the guide below.

Best for moving home: 1,000-pound Capacity Furniture Dolly

Now, while we promised tools that feature the iconic black and red Milwaukee colors, this one technically doesn't. However, it is, at least, stamped with the brand logo. It's Milwaukee's 1,000-pound Capacity Furniture Dolly, and it's designed to move heavy items. You could use it to move your couch on your own, perhaps during your spring cleaning routine. Or you could put it to work during a house move for larger appliances like your washing machine. Either way, it simply slides underneath the item in question and allows you to wheel it wherever it needs to go.

As for price, it's currently listed at Home Depot for $34.98. That may sound like a lot for what is, essentially, wood and wheels. However, if you regularly need to move heavy appliances or furniture around your home (or you just don't want to pay someone else to do it!), then you may come to see it as money well spent. As one homeowner explained, it "Works perfectly. I needed something to help me move around a 300 pound two-sink vanity in the garage. These worked out great and were affordable. Once the vanity is installed I can use these for other projects around the house. Great purchase."

Best for hands-free lighting: 300 Lumen USB C Rechargeable Clip Light

Being able to see when you're working in the darker corners of your home not only makes it easier. It's also much safer, especially if you're working with power tools or sharp equipment. Milwaukee's 300 Lumen USB C Rechargeable Clip Light is one of many lighting solutions. It's built with a clip, to hold it in place while you work with both hands. It can also be mounted magnetically to metal surfaces. The head rotates 165 degrees to help you set it up in awkward positions, and it offers up to three hours of lighting on its highest setting.

Price wise, it currently fetches $59.97. And since it's rechargeable via USB, you don't need to spend extra money in order to pair it with Milwaukee batteries. It's also reliably rated, earning an overall score of 4.6. One buyer, who used it to help them fix their washer and dryer, described it as a "Good light for mounting in tight spaces." Another user explained, "I cannot believe how bright this little light is! From just a couple LEDs Milwaukee makes an impressively bright light. I usually use it magnetized, but it would also be awesome clipped to the bill of a hat to use as a headlamp."

Best for quick cuts: FASTBACK Folding Utility Knife and Compact Folding Utility Knife

For those just starting out on their tool-collection journey, a utility knife is among the most useful tools for homeowners. It's a simple tool, and once again, it's one that you won't struggle to find at retailers. But if you like Milwaukee tools, its FASTBACK Folding Utility Knife and Compact Folding Utility Knife set currently costs $15.97. That includes two knives. One is a basic, folding utility knife, which is ideal for basic cuts. The other features storage for spare blades, which is ideal on heavier-duty jobs where blades may break. It also has a gut hook, which can help when cutting things like twine or plastic packaging straps.

Regarding the price, there are several buyers who've praised the set's value. "Fantastic deal on one of the most useful and effective tools ever designed," said one buyer. Others praised the knives' build quality and the textured grip, including one who said, "This knife might outlive you." They explained that they've owned the FASTBACK knife for four years, and that during that time, it's continued to prove its durability. "It's been with me through rain and snow, I've dropped it off ladders. This knife will not die no matter what I throw at it."

Best for drill-bit changes: 5-piece Hex Bit Holder with Carabiner

For many home DIY jobs, it's inevitable that you'll need to switch out drill bits from time to time. Milwaukee's 5-piece Hex Bit Holder with Carabiner is designed to make this constant switching easier. Per the name, it features five hex pieces looped around a carabiner, which in turn attaches to your belt. Those hex pieces are compatible with ¼-inch drill bits, which can be slotted inside them when not needed and kept conveniently at your waist. It saves putting drill bits down and forgetting where you put them. It's also useful if your DIY to-do list takes you to the top of a ladder.

The tool currently comes with a $19.97 price tag, which, depending on how often you use your drill (and how often you tend to lose bits) could prove to be money well spent. Certainly, there are plenty of buyers to-date who believe so. "Perfect for keeping whatever bits I'm going to be using for the job on my person," said one. "I can easily insert or remove a bit with one hand." Another buyer, who described it as an "Awesome accessory from Milwaukee!" added that they've tried similar products from other brands, but struggled to find one of any quality. But about this one they said it's "Great when working on jobs that require you to shift between bits and tips, and right on your belt! Love it and at a great price!"

Best for electrical work: 9-inch 7-in-1 Combination Wire Stripper/Cutter Pliers

A simple set of pliers is among the tools that most homeowners can make use of, especially if their DIY involves cutting or stripping wires. Milwaukee's 9-inch 7-in-1 High Leverage Combination Wire Stripper/Cutter Pliers are built with such jobs in mind. They're actually designed for professional electricians. They can strip 8-18 AWG Solid and 10-20 AWG Stranded wires, and cut wires up to 12 AWG. They can also cut #6 and #8 bolts, and feature notches in the nose to help you strip cables without damaging the metal. High leverage handles make cuts and stripping easier, and a small hole in the base of the nose helps to form loops with your cables.

Admittedly, it's a specialized tool. And since homeowners should leave most electrical projects to the professionals (to ensure it's done safely), it may not be for everybody. However, its $29.97 price tag makes it potentially very attractive for qualified tradespeople who want separate tools for home work. "Nice to have all 7 tools in one package," said one buyer, who explained that, paired with a combination screwdriver, it can handle most electrical tasks. Another 5-star reviewer, who praised the tool's sharpness and the ease with which they can be stored (thanks to the tool lock), added that they're also highly versatile. In their own words, "These pliers are amazing!"

Best for working in the dark: Free Standing Pivoting Task Light with Spot Mode

Another lighting solution, Milwaukee's 600-Lumen Free Standing Pivoting Task Light provides a degree of versatility for different situations. It can be used to either flood- or spotlight an area, depending on what you need. It features a kickstand for easy placement, but it's also magnetic, so you can mount it on metal surfaces. The head pivots a full 360 degrees for versatility, and as for the lighting, it can deliver up to 600 lumens and last for up to eight hours on the lowest setting.

Of course, the big question here is what it costs. It's currently listed for $69.97 at Home Depot. There, while only 11 buyers to-date have offered feedback, it scores a solid 4.9 stars. As for why, one user explained that, not only is the tool bright, but it's also compact, weighs very little, and that the battery life is excellent. To quote another, "This Milwaukee Rechargeable Pivoting Task Light is a great addition to any toolbox." They highlighted its versatility thanks to its different light modes, and pointed to its strong battery runtimes. In other words, they said, it "Looks and feels like a good old and trusty Milwaukee product."

Best for cutting metal and plastic: 10-inch Straight-Cut Aviation Snips

If your weekend DIY to-do list includes installing a wire fence or updating your home's siding, a pair of aviation snips are a useful tool to have in the box. As an example, Milwaukee's 10-inch Straight-Cut Aviation Snips are designed to make clean cuts with minimal effort. They can be used to cut various materials, such as metal and plastic. The edges are laser hardened for durability, and the design helps material to "curl away," instead of getting in the way while you cut. Comfort-grip handles help to reduce strain during longer projects, and between uses, a metal swing lock ensures that they don't pop open in your tool bag and catch your fingers off-guard.

Now, while it sounds like a specialized tool, you don't actually need to work in aviation to make use of it. At least, that's true according to the reviews. One user, who used the snips to cut metal for a flower bed border, explained that the snips did exactly what they should do. Others praised the $15.97 price tag, including one who said that, "For the price, these are amazing. Cut through my tin mailbox with ease." Some described them as the best snips available, including one 5-star reviewer who described the tool as the "Best cutting pair of snips that I have found at this price point."

Best for furniture assembly and quick fixes: Electrician's SAE Folding Hex Key Set (17-piece)

Milwaukee's SAE Folding Hex Key Set (17-piece) is kind of like a multitool, only it's fitted exclusively with hex keys. It's designed for electricians, with 17 built-in hex key sizes, plus high-contrast markings for easy tool identification. Those keys are also longer than regular hex keys, and they rotate 270 degrees, making it easier to reach your fasteners. Materially speaking, each key is made from heat-treated alloy steel, with a black-oxide finish for durability and corrosion resistance.

It's priced at $32.17. And while it is, technically, listed as an "Electrician's" tool, there are users who suggest it could come in handy for even the most average homeowner. "Got a million little bolts and fasteners to wrangle?" asked one. If so, they explained, this tool could prove to be a lifesaver. They said that it feels surprisingly solid without any wobble in use, and they joined other users in praising the tool's reliable build quality. In their own words, "I've tossed it in my tool bag, glove box, and junk drawer. For quick bike adjustments, furniture assembly, or random DIY fixes, it's my new go-to."

Best for drilling in tight spaces: SHOCKWAVE Impact Duty Right Angle Drill Adapter

For more awkward jobsite situations, like trying to drill at an angle, Milwaukee has several tools that every homeowner should have. They include a dedicated right-angled drill, however, if you don't want to fork out big bucks on a new power tool for just one or two uses, an attachment for your existing drill may be the better option. Milwaukee's SHOCKWAVE Impact Duty Right Angle Drill Adapter covers this need. It's priced at $26.97, almost $100 less than the M12 right-angle drill. But it handles the same kind of job, allowing you to drive fasteners at awkward angles. It's compatible with all ¼-inch hex-shank accessories. Importantly, it can also be used with both impact drivers and regular drill drivers, depending on which tool is currently in your arsenal.

As for reviews, it seems to have impressed buyers to-date, earning a 4.7 star overall rating. One user, who is currently embarking upon a home renovation, explained, "We bought this to help with punching holes in studs to redo the electrical in the house. It works great and has been super helpful with getting in those tight areas." Other buyers have described it as one of the tools they simply couldn't be without, including one who explained, "It has sped up the time it takes me to get the job done! No more busted knuckles for me."

Best for daily screw driving: 11-in-1 Multi-Tip Combination Screwdriver

For toolkits that are bursting at the seams with countless types of screwdrivers, a multifunctional tool can help to pare things back and restore order. That's what Milwaukee's 11-in-1 Multi-Tip Combination Screwdriver sets out to do. It comes with the eight bits and three nut drivers that Milwaukee says are "most requested by professionals." They include both Philips and slotted driver heads, and all in, the set costs $11.97. That's not bad, considering what you'd probably pay to buy the equivalent collection of individual hand tools.

It's also reassuring to know that most who've bought the tool said that it was worth the modest investment. "This tool allows you to keep 1 tool in your pockets that will handle the needs of most tasks," said one. Another, who said that it's a must-have tool if you want to save on space with a full driver set, added, "This will cover about 85-90% of fasten or dismantle tasks you come across in the average home."

Best for installing shelves: 24-inch Magnetic I-Beam Level

We'll start by saying that it's entirely possible to hang curtain rails or install shelves without a level. However, if you're now sitting and staring at a wonky shelf, you may well rue your decision not to invest in one. They come in various types and sizes, and for larger installations, like a new floor, you might be better off investing in a laser level to ensure pinpoint accuracy. But if it's really just shelves and pictures that you need to straighten, a spirit level will cover your needs. Milwaukee's 24-inch Magnetic I-Beam Level is one of several such tools. Being magnetic, it can hold itself in place if used on a metal surface. It features clear vials to cover level, plumb, and 45 degree reads. It can also be used to set a "pitch" of 1 or 2 degrees, which is useful if you're installing, say, a patio and want to ensure it drains. It's durably built to prevent rust and corrosion, and as a nice finishing touch, it has a hanging hole for easy storage.

As for price, you can expect to pay $32.97 to add it to your toolkit. And we'll level with you, that's quite expensive, especially since you can often pick up a 24-inch level for less than $5. Even so, it earns its 4.7-star rating for a reason Not only that, but it even garners high praise from trade professionals. One, who said it's ideal for those light-duty jobs like hanging shelves and installing cabinets, explained, "I really like the easy-to-read vials with quite distinct pitch lines. As I've aged in the trades, these [are the] kinds of details I've come to appreciate."

300-pound-Capacity Hand Truck

If you have lots of heavy lifting to do around the house, a hand truck will make your life easier. Milwaukee's 300-pound Capacity Hand Truck, while less heavy-duty than the dolly we featured earlier, should nevertheless be capable of handling most of your heavy lifting. It's compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car or store in your closet without soaking up too much room. It also features puncture-proof tires, which is handy if you're wheeling it over rough ground, like in the garden.

Price wise, it retails at Home Depot for $49.98. As for how it's useful, some buyers said that it helped to make moving home easier; others said it's proved invaluable when lugging heavy soil around the garden. One reviewer used the truck to move their refrigerator, and one said that it halved the amount of trips they take from the car when unloading the groceries. "Great hand truck to move just about anything!" explained one happy shopper. "It's sturdy and easy to maneuver."

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