Milwaukee Fish Stick Lighted Tip Accessory

Navigating through tight spaces and dark areas while managing electrical work can be a daunting task. However, the Milwaukee Fish Stick Lighted Tip Accessory (model 48-22-4158) aims to make this job a bit easier. As a professional who frequently deals with wire fishing, I found this tool to be a valuable addition to my toolkit. Here’s a detailed look at my experience using this lighted tip accessory.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that struck me about this lighted tip accessory is its build quality. Milwaukee has a reputation for durable tools, and this accessory is no exception. It feels solid in hand, and the LED light seems well-protected within its casing. However, the accessory is slightly bulkier than the fish sticks themselves, which can be a bit of a limitation in extremely narrow spaces.

Functionality and Use

Using the lighted tip was straightforward. It comes packaged with a cardboard insert to preserve the batteries during shipping, which I found to be a thoughtful touch. Installing it onto the fish sticks is easy, thanks to its compatibility with all Milwaukee fish sticks and accessories. The light is activated with a simple twist, providing a decent amount of brightness to illuminate dark, confined spaces.

One feature I particularly appreciated is the ability to connect the lighted tip at both ends. This means you can either have the light shine forward or reverse it to reflect toward you, depending on the task at hand. This flexibility is a significant advantage when navigating through different types of job sites.

Practical Applications

In practical use, the lighted tip proved invaluable in several scenarios. For instance, while working in an attic, the LED light helped me locate the end of the fish stick quickly, saving me several trips up and down. The light is bright enough to cut through the darkness, making it easier to maneuver and pull wires accurately.

Another scenario where the lighted tip shone (pun intended) was when fishing wires through insulated walls. The light helped me track the fish stick’s progress, ensuring I stayed on course without having to guess its location. This was particularly useful when working alone, as it eliminated the need for a second person to assist with locating the stick.

Battery Life and Replacement

The accessory uses three L736F button cell batteries, which are relatively common but not always available at local stores. In my experience, the LED light is energy-efficient, and the batteries last a reasonable amount of time. However, replacing the batteries can be a bit tricky. The light breaks down into three parts for battery replacement, and while it’s fairly intuitive, some instructions would have been helpful to avoid any potential damage.

Removing the batteries requires a bit of finesse, especially the third one, which is harder to reach. Installing new batteries is equally challenging, so it’s crucial to remember the original orientation to avoid any issues. Despite these minor inconveniences, the battery life and LED performance are satisfactory for most job site requirements.

Limitations and Concerns

While the Milwaukee lighted tip accessory is a robust tool, it does have its limitations. The bulkier circumference can make it unsuitable for extremely tight spaces, such as gang boxes. Additionally, the twisting mechanism to turn the light on and off can sometimes result in intermittent power due to poor connections. This is a common issue with devices that use a twist mechanism, and it’s something to keep an eye on over time.

Another point of concern is the plastic casing that houses the batteries. While it hasn’t shown any signs of wear yet, there’s a slight worry about its longevity. Given the rough conditions on job sites, a more durable material might have been a better choice.

Price and Value

The lighted tip accessory is somewhat pricey, which might make some potential buyers hesitant. However, considering the time and effort it saves on the job, it can quickly pay for itself. The convenience of having a built-in light source directly on the fish stick is a game-changer, especially in dark and confined spaces where traditional flashlights are cumbersome.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Milwaukee Fish Stick Lighted Tip Accessory is a well-designed, functional tool that offers significant advantages for electrical work. Its build quality, ease of use, and practical applications make it a valuable addition to any professional’s toolkit. While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as the bulkier size and the occasional intermittent power issue, these are outweighed by its benefits.

Would I recommend this tool? Absolutely. For professionals who frequently work in dark, confined spaces, the Milwaukee lighted tip accessory is an excellent investment. It enhances visibility, improves efficiency, and ultimately makes the job easier and faster. If you already own Milwaukee fish sticks, this accessory is a must-have to complete your set.