Power Tools
New Ryobi and Milwaukee Tool Releases: Five Additions Worth a Look
A brushless pole saw from Ryobi and a wave of new Milwaukee hand tools and Packout attachments, broken down by what they actually offer.
Introduction
Both Ryobi and Milwaukee have rolled out a fresh batch of tools, and this roundup covers five of the most interesting additions: a brushless pole saw aimed at replacing gas trim equipment, plus several Milwaukee hand tools and modular storage upgrades. Some of these are fully detailed releases, while others are lineup announcements still awaiting full product pages. Here is what each one brings to the table and who it makes sense for.
Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 10-in Pole Saw
Ryobi’s new 40V HP brushless 10-inch pole saw is the headline release here. According to Ryobi, the 40V HP brushless technology delivers more power than a 30cc gas pole saw, positioning it as a genuine gas replacement without pull cords, fuel mixing, or engine maintenance. Ryobi claims it cuts 2.5 times faster than the previous model and delivers over 60 cuts per charge when paired with the included 40V 2Ah lithium battery.

The reach numbers are practical for typical yard work: the pole extends up to 10 feet, and the saw has an 8-inch cut capacity, which makes it suitable for pruning and light limbing of tall, overhanging branches. An integrated branch hook adds leverage while cutting and helps pull severed branches away, and an automatic oiler with a clear reservoir keeps the chain lubricated while letting you check oil levels at a glance. It is compatible with the wider Ryobi 40V platform and carries a 5-year manufacturer warranty.
Pricing comes in at $179 for the tool-only model, which makes sense if you already own 40V batteries, and $229 for the kit that includes the 2Ah battery. Availability may still be rolling out, so check current listings before committing.
Milwaukee 5/8-in Ratcheting Pipe Cutter
Milwaukee’s new 5/8-inch ratcheting pipe cutter is aimed squarely at plumbing work. The ratcheting mechanism is the key design choice here: instead of needing one continuous squeeze, the tool advances the cut through repeated ratcheting strokes, which reduces hand fatigue on tighter jobs and gives more control through the cut.

This is a focused, single-purpose tool rather than a universal cutter, so it only earns a place in the bag if you regularly work with pipe in that size range. For plumbing-focused pros and serious DIYers, that specialization is exactly the point.
Milwaukee 12-in Magnetic Combination Square
Also new to Milwaukee’s layout and measuring lineup is a 12-inch magnetic combination square. A combination square is one of those tools that gets pulled out constantly, and the magnetic feature is the practical upgrade: it helps hold the blade against ferrous work surfaces and metal edges for more stable, one-handed layout work.
At 12 inches, it covers the majority of general carpentry, metalwork, and layout tasks where a smaller square runs out of blade. Detailed specifications and pricing had not been fully published at the time of this release, so it is worth checking Milwaukee’s current product page for the latest figures.
Milwaukee Wire Stripper
Milwaukee continues to expand its electrical hand tool range with a new wire stripper, which the company notes is manufactured in the United States. Wire strippers are a daily-driver tool for electricians, and a well-built stripper with consistent stripping performance can genuinely speed up repetitive prep work.

As with the combination square, this release was announced with limited imagery and spec detail, so confirm the exact features and availability on Milwaukee’s site before buying. The US manufacturing note is a meaningful detail for buyers who factor sourcing into their tool purchases.
Milwaukee Packout Toolbox Attachments
Rounding out the announcements, Milwaukee is growing its Packout modular storage system with several new toolbox attachments. The additions include a two-bin attachment, a magnetic bin attachment, and an accessory case attachment, all designed to clip onto Packout toolboxes and expand how you organize small parts, fasteners, and loose accessories.

The appeal of these attachments is straightforward: they put frequently used small items exactly where you need them instead of buried inside a larger box. If you are already invested in the Packout ecosystem, these are low-cost ways to squeeze more organization out of the boxes you already own. Full product pages were still being added as of this release, so check the Milwaukee website for the latest lineup.
Overall Buying Advice
The Ryobi pole saw is the most fully specified and purchase-ready release of the group, and it is the clear pick if your goal is replacing a gas pole saw without the maintenance burden. The Milwaukee hand tools make sense as additions within a system you already use: the pipe cutter for plumbing-heavy work, the combination square and wire stripper for general layout and electrical tasks, and the Packout attachments for anyone building out a modular storage setup.
Conclusion
This batch of releases shows both brands pushing in familiar, useful directions: Ryobi toward capable battery-powered yard equipment, and Milwaukee toward a more complete ecosystem of hand tools and storage. If the pole saw fits your property’s needs, it is the standout of the group. The rest are worth a look as your existing tools wear out or your storage system grows.




