Milwaukee Green Laser
Milwaukee Rechargeable Green Lasers
Lasers have been one of the most requested new products for Milwaukee for a long time. Being late to the game they knew they had to up the ante and needed a way to differentiate and innovate in the space.
They focused on improving efficiency for layout and install applications and their goal was to eliminate performance pain-points by focusing on rechargeable solutions pushing all-day runtime and visibility w/ high-intensity green lasers.
Milwaukee Green Laser Lineup
Milwaukee has five new lasers which include
o M12 Green 360º 3-Plane Laser and a
o M12 Green Cross Line & Plumb Points Laser
and three lasers powered by REDLITHIUM™ USB
o Green Cross Line & Plumb Points Laser,
o Green Cross Line Laser
o Green 3-Point Laser.
Laser lines take at 34-feet in a brightly lit room
Milwaukee Green Laser Light
Studies show that our eyes see green better than any other color in both day and night. Red lasers are better visible in low light conditions but the human eye naturally detects green with ease, allowing it to appear brighter especially in daylight conditions.
Features and Durability
All these lasers feature micro-control adjustments that pivot on point delivering precise control and faster point to point alignment. This control is a nice feature and one that eliminates trying to fight to get your laser and measure point dialed-in and lined up.
The laser bases have rare earth magnets that provide a secure hold and ensure the laser won’t slide on steel studs or other metal material, allowing users to set up anywhere.
When lasers are being stored or in transit, it’s critical that the pendulum is locked to prevent damage. The nice thing about these Milwaukee lasers is that the pendulum lock is tied to the on/off dial on the laser. That means no more forgetting to lock the laser once you turn it off.
These lasers also have a locked and on mode which is great for installing stair railings or completing other applications that need to be straight but not necessarily level.
With the lasers in locked and on mode, you have the freedom to complete applications at any angle, but when you want to work in level or plumb, it’s best to have the laser unlocked and on so it will self-level.
IP Protection
All of these lasers are IP54 rated. Just what does that mean to you? The IP Code or International Protection Rating consists of the letters IP followed by two digits. It classifies the degrees of protection provided against the intrusion of solid objects, dust, accidental contact, and water in electrical enclosures.
The standard was designed to provide users with more detail on the product’s durability in the elements.
- The first digit represents protection against ingress of solid objects
- The second digit represents protection against the ingress of liquids.
The larger the value of each digit, the greater the protection. For example a rating of IP54 means:
- 5 = Limited protection against dust ingress.
- 4= Protected against splash water from any direction.
Class 2 Lasers
All of these lasers are listed as a Class 2 laser. Lasers are classified for safety purposes based on their potential for causing injury to humans’ eyes and skin.
Class 2 lasers’ output power is below 1 milliwatt and emit visible light only. Lasers in this rating normally would not harm an eye unless a person deliberately stared into the beam. Laser protective eye-wear is normally not necessary and it is not a skin or materials burn hazard, which is a plus on a job site with a lot of flammable combustibles around.
My thoughts on the Milwaukee M12 vs USB Lasers
Milwaukee M12 Lasers
The M12 Green 360° 3-Plane Laser and Green Cross Line & Plumb Points Laser utilize M12 batteries, and users can expect 15+ hours of continuous run-time and use their M12 cordless tool batteries to achieve this.
M12 Lasers target existing M12 tool users and rechargeable 12v competition in the market. The laser is able to use all M12 batteries compatible up to a 6.0Ah. Milwaukee’s main competitors include Dewalt, Bosch, Hilti, Makita, Spectra (line lasers)
Milwaukee USB Lasers
The USB Rechargeable Green Cross Line & Plumb Point Laser, Green Cross Line Laser, and Green 3-Point Laser are powered by REDLITHIUM™ USB,
One REDLITHIUM™ USB Battery is equivalent to the consumption of 6,000 alkaline batteries, eliminating the dependency on disposable batteries. Capable of being charged either in the product or in a separate charger. This eliminates the dependency on disposable batteries in applications that require extended use.
The RedLilthium USB lasers use battery technology to drive a strong, green laser for 8+ hours of runtime to get through a full day and the 3-Point Laser delivers 15+ hours.
One cool feature with the USB lasers is that you can charge or operate the laser with a charging cord attached to an M18 or M12 battery and USB plug.
With USB charging, Milwaukee is going after competitors that use alkaline batteries like Dewalt, PLS, Hilti, Bosch. Alkaline lasers struggle to achieve all-day runtime, especially with a green laser, so users are forced to choose between runtime (using a red laser) or visibility (using a green laser). But the struggle is real if you’re trying to achieve both performance expectations when using AA batteries.
Using the Milwaukee Green Laser
I use the cross line and 3-plane lasers the most, and mostly for plumb or level-line applications. Rarely do I need a 360 3-plane laser, but having that option is nice!
The lasers are easy to operate and adjust beautifully. The micro-adjustment knob is a super nice feature and one that’s been long overdue with small lasers. A mode button allows you to choose between plumb and level lines, or both.
I found the laser line to be bright and crisp. The longest distance I tested the lasers, so far, was 45 feet. The M12 laser distance has a working range up to 125’ and the USB is 100’. Both lasers have a rated accuracy of +/- 1/8” @ 33ft.
Milwaukee Green Laser Runtime
- USB 3 point 3510-21: 15+ Hours
- USB Cross Line 3521-21: 8+ Hours
- USB Cross & Points 3522-21: 8+ Hours
- M12 Cross & Points 3622-21: 15+ Hours Compatible w/ all M12 batteries – kitted w/ 3.0ah CP battery
- M12 360° 3 Plane 3632-21: 15+ Hours Compatible w/ all M12 batteries – kitted w/ 4.0 XC battery
Price
Lasers aren’t cheap and Milwaukee is no exception.
- M12 Green 360º 3-Plane Laser Kit (3632-21) – $599
- M12 Green Cross Line & Plumb Points Laser Kit (3622-21) – $499 [Bare $399]
- USB REDLITHIUM™ Line & Points Laser Kit (3522-21) – $349
- USB REDLITHIUM™ Cross Line Laser Kit (3521-21) – $299
- USB REDLITHIUM™ 3 Point Laser Kit (3510-21 – $249)
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Milwaukee Green Laser Accessories
Milwaukee is offering three laser accessories for all their lasers. While sold separately, at least they had the foresight to create storage space for them in the plastic molded cases. I was disappointed that do not offer a tri-pod or other mounting pole accessory. I currently use a Bosch telescoping pole system and a small camera tripod.
The three accessories are:
- Responsive Laser Alignment Target (48-35-1111) – $14.99
- 360° Laser Bracket (48-35-1311) – $59.99
- Track Clip (48-35-1313) – $24.99
The responsive laser target is complete with responsive centering alignment and high visibility illumination which easily directs users to the center of their target for the fastest, most visible alignment.
The 360º Laser Bracket features multi-plane rotational adjustment for adaptable placement overhead or on other vertical or horizontal surfaces. This allows you to set-up your laser on narrow material that is running horizontally and still maintains contact with all 4 magnets. Think ductwork, metal decking, or piping. It also can attach overhead and keep the laser upright so that it will still self-level. It also gives you a 3-inch up and down adjustment for dialing in the laser line.
The Track Clip is designed for a quick connection and secure hold on the wall angle and features rubber teeth and a low-profile head.
Laser Specifications
M12™ Green 360º 3-Plane Laser Kit (3632-21) – $599
- Working Range: 125ft
- Range w/Detector: 165f
- Accuracy: +/- 1/8” @ 33ft
- Thread Mount: ¼”-20 & 5/8”-11
- Locking Pendulum: Yes
- Self-Leveling: +/- 4º Tilt
- IP Rating: IP54
- Impact Resistant: 1m
- Class 2 Laser
- Kit Includes M12™ Green 360° 3-Plane Laser, M12™ REDLITHIUM™ 4.0ah XC Battery, M12™ Charger, Laser Target, and Carrying Case.
M12™ Green Cross Line & Plumb Points Laser Kit (3622-21) – $499
- Working Range: 125ft
- Range w/Detector: 165ft
- Accuracy: +/- 1/8” @ 33ft
- Thread Mount: ¼”-20 & 5/8”-11
- Plumb Point Access: 2”
- Locking Pendulum: Yes
- Self-Leveling: +/- 4º Tilt
- IP Rating: IP54
- Impact Resistant: 1m
- Class 2 Laser
- Kit Includes M12™ Green Cross Line & Plumb Points Laser, M12™ REDLITHIUM™ 3.0ah CP Battery, M12™ Charger, Laser Target, and Carrying Case.
*Also available as a bare tool (3622-20) – $399
USB REDLITHIUM™ Cross Line & Points Laser Kit (3522-21) – $349
- Working Range: 100ft
- Range w/Detector: 165ft
- Accuracy: +/- 1/8” @ 33ft
- Thread Mount: ¼”-20
- Plumb Point Access: 2” w/Riser
- Locking Pendulum: Yes
- Self-Leveling: +/- 4º Tilt
- IP Rating: IP54
- Impact Resistant: 1m
- Class 2 Laser
USB REDLITHIUM™ Cross Line Laser Kit (3521-21) – $299
- Working Range: 100ft
- Range w/Detector: 165ft
- Accuracy: +/- 1/8” @ 33ft
- Thread Mount: ¼”-20
- Locking Pendulum: Yes
- Self-Leveling: +/- 4º Tilt
- IP Rating: IP54
- Impact Resistant: 1m
- Class 2 Laser
USB REDLITHIUM™ Green 3 Point Laser Kit (3510-21) – $249
- Working Range: 150ft
- Accuracy: +/- 1/8” @ 33ft
- Thread Mount: ¼”-20
- Locking Pendulum: Yes
- Self-Leveling: +/- 4º Tilt
- IP Rating: IP54
- Impact Resistant: 1m
- Class 2 Laser
Why No Packet Case?
Currently the Milwaukee Green Lasers ship in red molded plastic cases. I’m disappointed that Milwaukee is not releasing these lasers in a PACKOUT. I’m sure they will in the future, but it seemed like a no-brainer to me to do it now.
Overall Thoughts on the Milwaukee Green Laser
The Milwaukee rechargeable green lasers are a great new addition to their tool line.
While the USB laser option is certainly a rechargeable solution you have to use a setup like a phone charger to do it. I prefer less charging cords and as a result, my favorite laser style was the M12 battery laser. This is because I don’t want to deal with flimsy, cheap charging cords, and charging blocks. I’d rather charge the battery in a charger that’s also charging my tools on the job.
We found the green laser lines to be super bright and crisp. They offer precise lines with high visibility for the professional user.
Robust, fast horizontal and vertical alignment of lines, easy to operate and precise self-leveling allow these lasers to be used both indoors and outdoors.
The bottom line, these Milwaukee Green Laser should give you years of reliable service.
Milwaukee Green Laser Video Review
About the author
Rob Robillard
Robert Robillard is a remodeler, general contractor, and principal of a carpentry and renovation business located in Concord, Massachusetts, and serves as the Editor of Tool Box Buzz and founding editor of A Concord Carpenter . Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review - Tool and Product Review - Video Channel, , where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the remodeling industry. The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob
http://www.aconcordcarpenter.com/@https://twitter.com/robertrobillardRob Robillard
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Product reviews on this site contain our opinion of a product or service. We will always strive for objectivity and transparency in our reviews. Our goal is to provide readers with honest, objective information based on our own experiences. We never have and never will accept payment in exchange for a positive review. Many of the products that we review are provided to us for free by a manufacturer or retailer. In some cases, we also have advertising or affiliate relationships with manufacturers and retailers of products and services we review. For additional information please visit our additional disclosure policies.
Hi Rob, what is the horizontal and vertical fan angle of the Milwaukee 3622 cross line and plumb dot?
not sure
Is there a part number for the hard case shown as accessory?
The hardcase is how it ships, it’s not an accessory
Apparently not all models come in a case.
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