Best New Workshop Tools: Ryobi Creeper Seat and Milwaukee's Latest Releases

Introduction

Brand updates do not always mean dramatic redesigns. Sometimes the most interesting releases are the ones built around a specific, everyday problem: rolling around under a car, cutting steel pipe in a tight space, or hauling small parts between the truck and the job. This roundup covers three recent releases that fit that pattern, including a Ryobi creeper/seat with integrated lighting and Link storage, plus two Milwaukee additions that target trade work and jobsite organization.

Evaluation Criteria

For garage and jobsite tools, three things matter most: whether the tool solves a real, repeated problem, how easy it is to live with day to day, and whether the price matches what it actually replaces. Each of the products below was looked at through that lens, focusing on claimed specifications, design features, and the type of user each one makes sense for.

Ryobi 18V Link Creeper/Seat

Ryobi has a habit of releasing products people did not realize they needed until they saw them, and the 18V Link Creeper/Seat fits that description. It folds between a creeper for sliding under vehicles and a seat for working on wheels, tires, or bodywork, with 3-inch casters for moving around the shop floor. Transformation between the two modes is described as easy, and the whole system runs off Ryobi’s 18V battery platform.

The standout feature is on the back: built-in LED lighting producing up to 800 lumens combined. The two lights are adjustable, so you can angle them up or down when working in a dimly lit area, and each one has its own storage clip so they tuck away safely when not in use. There is also built-in tool organization, with slots for screwdrivers and sockets, a hook area for hanging an impact wrench or driver, and a spot for a tape measure.

The Link integration is the other big draw. The creeper/seat accepts Ryobi Link storage bins, so you can attach small parts, fasteners, or a screwdriver directly to the unit and carry them with you as you move around. The headrest adjusts through five positions, the unit supports up to 400 lb, and it carries a 3-year warranty.

At $159 tool only, it undercuts the cost of buying a separate creeper, work light, and seat setup, and it is one of the more creative uses of the 18V platform we have seen.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hackzall 1-inch Steel Pipe Cutter

For HVAC and plumbing work, Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL Hackzall 1-inch steel pipe cutter replaces the hacksaw, multi-tool, or grinding disc traditionally used for cutting steel pipe in the field. It handles pipe from 1/2 inch up to 1 inch. You lay the pipe edge into the tool, pull the trigger, and a 24-tooth steel cutting saw blade does the work, producing clean cuts.

Two practical advantages stand out. First, it is significantly faster than conventional pipe cutting methods. Second, it produces far less sparking than grinding, which matters a great deal on construction sites where hot work permits and fire risk are a concern.

On the spec side, the tool weighs 6.6 lb without the battery and stands 10.5 in tall, so it is manageable in tight areas. With a 5.0 Ah battery, Milwaukee claims about 50 cuts on 1-inch steel pipe per charge, and the blades are rated for up to 200 cuts before sharpening or replacement. Replacement blades run about $50. The tool carries a 5-year warranty and is priced around $400.

Who the Pipe Cutter Is Really For

This is a niche tool, and that is worth being upfront about. If you work in HVAC or plumbing and regularly cut steel pipe, the speed and reduced sparking make a strong case. For general DIY users or anyone who rarely touches steel pipe, it is not a tool you need, and the price reflects its professional focus. It works both for cutting new pipe during installation and for cutting out old pipe during repairs.

Milwaukee PACKOUT Rolling Drawer Box

Rounding out the Milwaukee announcements is the new PACKOUT rolling drawer box, available in May alongside the pipe cutter. It carries a price of $249.99 before taxes, placing it in the upper mid-range of the PACKOUT storage lineup. Details on this one are thinner than the other two, but it slots into the existing PACKOUT ecosystem for anyone already building out a modular storage setup.

The drawer-style rolling format is aimed at users who want faster access to small parts and tools without unpacking a traditional box, and the four flat sides are designed to keep it from rolling around when stowed. If you already own other PACKOUT components, it stacks into the same system.

Buying Advice

Match these to your actual work. The Ryobi creeper/seat makes sense for anyone who spends regular time under vehicles and wants lighting and parts storage built into the same unit. The Milwaukee pipe cutter is a clear buy only for HVAC and plumbing professionals cutting steel pipe frequently, where the time savings and reduced hot work risk justify the investment. The PACKOUT rolling drawer box is easiest to justify if you are already invested in the PACKOUT system and want drawer access to small parts. All three launch or become available in May 2025, with the Ryobi at $159, the pipe cutter around $400, and the drawer box at $249.99.

Conclusion

These releases share a common thread: each one targets a specific workflow rather than trying to be everything at once. The Ryobi creeper/seat is the most broadly appealing for garage users, while the Milwaukee pipe cutter and PACKOUT drawer box serve trade professionals with more focused needs. Whichever direction you lean, checking that the tool matches how you actually work is the best first step before buying.