Milwaukee INKZALL™ Silver/Gold Metallic Fine Point Marker

The Milwaukee INKZALL™ metallic markers in silver and gold certainly bring a splash of color to the otherwise monochrome world of industrial marking tools. As someone who frequently needs to mark on a variety of surfaces, from metal pipes to dusty construction materials, I was excited to put these markers to the test. With Milwaukee's reputation for durable, high-quality tools, I had high hopes for these metallic additions to their INKZALL™ line.

First impressions matter, and the sleek design of these markers did not disappoint. The anti-roll body is a thoughtful touch, ensuring they stay put on uneven surfaces. This is particularly useful on job sites where tools can easily roll away and get lost. However, I was initially disappointed to find that these markers lack a pocket clip, a feature present in other INKZALL™ markers. For someone who likes to keep their tools within easy reach, this was a minor but noticeable inconvenience.

The silver marker performed admirably right out of the package. It wrote smoothly on various surfaces, including black metal and dusty materials, living up to its promise of versatility. The ink was vivid and easy to see, even on darker backgrounds. The durable acrylic nib held up well, maintaining its shape and delivering consistent ink flow even on rough surfaces like structural steel.

However, my experience with the gold marker was less than stellar. Straight out of the package, it seemed dried out and barely usable. After some effort, I managed to get it to write, but the ink flow was inconsistent, and the color was not as vibrant as I had hoped. This inconsistency between the two markers was disappointing, especially considering Milwaukee's reputation for quality.

One of the standout features of these markers is their ability to write on dusty and oily surfaces. In practice, the silver marker did well in these conditions, but the gold marker struggled. On moderately dusty surfaces, the gold marker's performance was underwhelming, often stopping mid-stroke and requiring frequent shaking to get the ink flowing again. This inconsistency makes it hard to rely on the gold marker for critical tasks.

Durability-wise, the markers are a mixed bag. The silver marker's nib remained intact and functional even after extended use on rough materials. The ink dried quickly, reducing the risk of smearing, which is a significant advantage in fast-paced work environments. However, the gold marker's nib wore out faster and seemed more prone to clogging, which was frustrating during prolonged use.

Milwaukee claims that their markers do not dry out quickly when the cap is off, and this held true for the silver marker. I accidentally left the cap off overnight, and the marker was still functional the next day. However, given the gold marker's initial dryness, I was hesitant to test this claim extensively with it.

The markers' ability to write on dark surfaces is another key selling point. The silver marker excelled in this area, producing clear, legible marks on black and dark-colored materials. This made it ideal for labeling tools and equipment, where visibility is crucial. Unfortunately, the gold marker did not perform as well, often producing faint and hard-to-see marks. This limited its usefulness in scenarios where high visibility is essential.

One aspect that could be improved is the markers' longevity. Both markers seemed to run out of ink faster than expected, especially the gold one. This was particularly noticeable during tasks that required continuous marking, such as labeling multiple tools or drawing long lines on large surfaces. While the silver marker's performance was generally satisfactory, the gold marker's short lifespan was a letdown.

In terms of value for money, the Milwaukee INKZALL™ metallic markers are a bit of a mixed bag. The silver marker justifies its price with reliable performance and durability, but the gold marker falls short of expectations. The inconsistency between the two markers makes it hard to justify purchasing the set, especially if the gold marker is a critical component for your work.

Overall, the Milwaukee INKZALL™ metallic markers offer a glimpse of what could be a fantastic addition to any toolbox, but they fall short of being a must-have due to the inconsistency in performance. The silver marker is a reliable workhorse, delivering on its promises and making it a valuable tool for anyone needing to mark on dark or rough surfaces. However, the gold marker's frequent issues with dryness and inconsistent ink flow make it hard to recommend wholeheartedly.

If you primarily need a marker for dark surfaces and can rely on the silver marker alone, this product could be a worthwhile addition to your toolkit. However, if you require consistent performance from both colors, you might want to look elsewhere or wait for Milwaukee to address these issues in future iterations.

In conclusion, while the Milwaukee INKZALL™ metallic markers have potential, the inconsistency between the silver and gold markers makes it difficult to recommend the set as a whole. The silver marker stands out as a reliable tool, but the gold marker's shortcomings are too significant to overlook. For those who can make do with just the silver marker, it remains a solid choice for marking on dark and rough surfaces. However, if you need both colors to perform consistently, you might be better off exploring other options.