Ryobi's New LINK Wet/Dry Vacuums and a Milwaukee Six-Ton Latch Crimper: Four New Tools Worth a Look

Introduction

Both Ryobi and Milwaukee keep shipping new tools at a steady clip, and this batch of releases is a good example of why platform buyers pay attention. Ryobi has added three new cordless wet/dry vacuums in 1, 3, and 6 gallon sizes to its 18V ONE+ lineup, all compatible with the Ryobi LINK modular storage system. Milwaukee, meanwhile, has expanded its utility-focused line with a Six-Ton Latch Crimper Kit aimed squarely at linemen. Here is what each one offers and who it makes sense for.

Ryobi 18V ONE+ 1 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum

The smallest of the new vacuums is built for portability. The battery mounts on top, there is onboard tool storage, and a couple of clamps let you open the drum to empty it. The filter sits inside the drum, and the whole thing is compact enough to keep in the car for vehicle detailing or move around the garage and shop without thinking about it.

The standout feature is LINK compatibility: the vacuum hangs directly on the Ryobi LINK wall storage system, which keeps it off the floor and out of the way. Specs include 45 CFM airflow, 40 inches of water lift, and a five-foot, 1-1/4 inch round hose, with a blower port, HEPA, foam, and standard filter options, and a three-year manufacturer warranty. It runs $79 tool only, or $129 bundled with a 4Ah lithium battery.

Ryobi 18V ONE+ 3 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum

The middle size steps up to 50 CFM and adds a six-foot, 1-1/4 inch round hose, with onboard hose storage and room for your attachments. This appears to be an updated version of a vacuum Ryobi already offered, now with the same LINK storage compatibility so it hangs on the wall system alongside your other gear.

Pricing lands at $129 tool only or $179 as a kit with a 4Ah battery, and it carries the same three-year warranty as the smaller unit. If you already own the LINK system or are considering getting into it, it is good to see Ryobi extending the platform rather than stopping at the storage and tool boxes.

Ryobi 18V ONE+ 6 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum

The six-gallon is the larger, more powerful option of the three, and the numbers back that up: 80 CFM and 36 inches of water lift, fed by a seven-foot, 1-7/8 inch hose. It also has room for extensions, rides on casters plus two larger wheels so it maneuvers with you, and is sized for bigger job cleanups. It takes a single 18V ONE+ battery for cordless convenience.

Pricing is $149 tool only or $199 with a 4Ah battery, again with a three-year warranty. The hose diameter suggests standard filters used by other shop vacs will fit, which makes replacement filters easy to source. If you want one cordless vacuum that can handle most shop and jobsite messes, this is the pick of the three.

Milwaukee Six-Ton Latch Crimper Kit

This one is not for everyone, and Milwaukee does not pretend otherwise. It is part of the company’s expanding line of tools built for utility workers, and it is aimed at linemen making crimps on splices. The kit lists at $299.99.

The headline feature is the latch mechanism: you lift it, slide the tool onto the line, and pull the trigger, with an audible click confirming the crimper is locked and secured onto the conductor. Because the tool latches on, you do not have to hold it in place or worry about the jaw slipping out of the grooves mid-press, whether you are pressing an H-tap or a sleeve. A green light signals when the press is complete.

The inline design is another practical advantage over a pistol-grip layout: the back of the body does not encroach on minimum approach distance when you are working in tight quarters around phases, and it is easier to get into position overhead or in a trench. Feedback on the tool highlights smooth latch operation, straight and uniform crimps with little flashing left behind, and a press action that puts less strain on the user so you can concentrate on keeping the press straight.

Overall Buying Advice

If you are invested in the Ryobi 18V ONE+ platform, the new vacuum lineup covers three clear size tiers: the 1 gallon for maximum portability and car detailing, the 3 gallon as a balanced middle option, and the 6 gallon for heavier cleanup with the strongest specs of the trio. All three work with the LINK wall storage system, which is a genuine differentiator if you already use that ecosystem. The Milwaukee crimper is a niche purchase, but for linemen on the six-ton platform it addresses real day-to-day frustrations around tight quarters and consistent crimps.

Conclusion

Ryobi’s three new wet/dry vacuums show the LINK system maturing into a full workshop ecosystem, while Milwaukee continues to build out a serious utility-line lineup. Match the vacuum size to the messes you actually clean up, and if crimping splices is part of your work, the Six-Ton Latch Crimper Kit deserves a close look.