Milwaukee Tool has launched a new Packout-compatible M12 battery-powered accessory, officially the “M12 Packout Flood Light with USB Charging,” model 2356-20.
As the name indicates, this is a Packout-compatible M12 battery-powered LED worklight.
But, there’s more to it – open the lid to access a 3-compartment organizer.
Here, you can stash parts or accessories, such as screwdriver bits, nutdrivers, and fasteners, or tools such as utility knives and markers.
The light also features built-in USB charging ports.
There are USB-A and USC-C charging ports. From the online user manual, the USB-A port delivers 5V at up to 2.1A, and the USB-C port delivers 5V at up to 3A.
The larger compartment is big enough to fit [most if not all] modern smartphones.
The light head is adjustable, with 300° of horizontal rotation, and 180° of vertical rotation.
When placed on top of a Packout tool box tower, you can aim the light upwards to brighten up your task area.
You can also aim it downwards. The wide adjustment range allows users to aim the light where they need it, without having to first remove the light from its place on a Packout tower.
You can also remove it and place it on a flat surface in either horizontal or vertical orientation.
The removable bins can be swapped with those in Milwaukee’s low-profile organizers, allowing for quick loadout changes.
The carrying handle can be folded down to save space.
Milwaukee also shows that the light has a pivoting battery holder, which makes it easier to install and remove any M12 battery. This also helps the light maintain a low-profile form factor.
Key Features & Specs
- 1400 max lumens
- 3 lighting modes
- High: 1400 lumens, 4 hrs runtime w/ XC 4Ah battery
- Medium: 700 lumens, 7 hrs runtime w/ XC 4Ah battery
- Low: 350 lumens, 12 hrs runtime w/ XC 4Ah battery
- TRUEVIEW “high-definition” light output
- IP54 rated dust and water protection
- Packout-compatible (top-stack only)
- Impact resistant
- USB-A 2.1A output
- USB-C 3A output
Price: $129 (tool-only)
ETA: February 2023
Discussion
This is not Milwaukee’s first Packout-compatible lighting product – they previously came out with an M18 Packout worklight with built-in charging.
The new M12 flood light with organizer compartments and USB charging looks to be less than half the size of the M18 model, but not without compromises.
As a top-stack-only Packout product, you can attach the M12 light and USB charger on top of any Packout tool box, organizer, or base accessory, but cannot place anything on top of it.
This looks to be incredibly convenient, and the price seems fair. I think it’s going to be very popular with M12 cordless power tool users, whether they use Packout system tool storage products or not.
Is this something you are likely to buy?
