Milwaukee 2878K-20 M18 FORCE LOGIC 12T Kearney Linear Crimper – Tool Only

The Milwaukee 2878K-20 M18™ FORCE LOGIC™ 12T Kearney Linear Crimper is built for fast, verifiable terminations on the Kearney die standard. A fully enclosed high-speed hydraulic pump, POWERSTATE™ brushless motor, and REDLINK™ electronics deliver consistent 12-ton force and quick cycles in tough conditions. The inline body and 340° rotating head allow one-handed use in vaults, overhead, and inside crowded gear. A pull-pin die retention system speeds toolless Kearney die changes, while Predictive Force Monitoring (PFM™) measures output during the stroke to reach full pressure on every crimp. A pre-crimp battery check confirms there’s enough charge to finish the cycle, and a green LED provides instant verification so crews can move to the next termination with confidence. Weather-protected electronics and sealed hydraulics help keep dust and moisture out from −4°F to 140°F. With ONE-KEY™ integration, the tool records and stores crimp data for reporting, tracking, and maintenance planning—all on the M18™ battery platform (battery/charger sold separately).

Milwaukee M18 FORCE LOGIC 12T Kearney Linear Crimper At a Glance

12-Ton Output: Power for common Kearney-die lugs and splices on utility and commercial jobs.
PFM™ Force Monitoring: Drives to full pressure every cycle for consistent results.
Inline, One-Handed Control: 340° head rotation improves access in tight panels and overhead runs.
Pull-Pin Die Retention: Tool-free installation/removal of Kearney dies to keep production moving.
Pre-Crimp Battery Check + Green LED: Confirms charge and verifies a successful cycle.
Sealed Hydraulics + Brushless Motor: Durable performance from −4°F to 140°F.
ONE-KEY™ Enabled: Stores crimp data; supports tracking, maintenance reminders, and lockout.
M18™ System: Works with all M18™ batteries and chargers (sold separately).

Markets

Overhead & Underground Utility Terminations where Kearney die compatibility is required.
Commercial & Industrial Electrical Feeder and switchgear lugs in dense equipment rooms.
Municipal Power & Co-Ops Documented crimps and fleet management with ONE-KEY.
Renewable Energy (Solar/Wind/BESS) Large-conductor connections at inverters and battery systems.
OEM & Panel Shops Throughput with quick die swaps and cycle verification.
Trade Schools & Apprenticeships Demonstrates force-verified crimping and data logging.

Installers and line crews need a 12-ton hydraulic crimping tool that reaches tight terminations, swaps Kearney dies quickly, and proves each cycle hit pressure. The 2878K-20’s inline design and 340° head make positioning easy around bus, bars, and cable trays. The pull-pin mechanism speeds die changes between sizes, reducing downtime on multi-size runs. PFM™ confirms full pressure during every stroke, and the green LED removes guesswork before tape or heat-shrink. Because it accepts industry-standard Kearney dies, teams can use the die sets they already stock. ONE-KEY™ captures crimp records for QA and closeout, while the M18 cordless platform removes cords and generators from the work area.

Milwaukee 2878K-20 M18 FORCE LOGIC 12T Kearney Linear Crimper – Tool Only Features

PREDICTIVE FORCE MONITORING (PFM™) ensures full pressure
Most balanced inline design delivers maximum control
Fastest 12T crimper for 12T Kearney dies
Inline design and 340˚ rotating head provides easy access in tight spaces
Pull pin die retention system allows for fast, toolless die changes
Compatible with all industry standard Kearney dies
Pre-crimp battery check automatically ensures enough charge to complete each crimp
Instant verification of successful cycle with green LED
Hydraulic system optimized for consistent performance from -4˚ to 140˚ F
Longer life with POWERSTATE™ brushless motor & weather protected electronics that keep dirt, dust, & moisture out
Records & stores every crimp made for professional report building through ONE KEY™
Compatible with the entire M18™ System

Milwaukee 2878K-20 M18 FORCE LOGIC 12T Kearney Linear Crimper – Tool Only Includes

(1) M18™ FORCE LOGIC™ 12T Inline Kearney Crimper (2878K-20)
(1) Carry Bag
Tool Only — battery, charger, and dies sold separately.

Milwaukee 2878K-20 M18 FORCE LOGIC 12T Kearney Linear Crimper – Tool Only Specifications

MFG Part # (OEM): 2878K-20
UPC / GTIN: 045242576739 / 00045242576739
Battery System: M18™ (18V Lithium-Ion)
Power Source / Motor: Cordless; Brushless
Crimp Force: 12 Ton (Kearney die standard)
Head Rotation: 340°
Operating Temperature: −4°F to 140°F
Length: 21.5 in
Width: 3.5 in
Height: 5.6 in
Weight (Tool): 15.8 lb
Material / Housing: Steel construction; weather-protected electronics
Variable Speed: No
ONE-KEY™ Enabled: Yes
Package Dimensions (H × W × D): 10.66 × 12.67 × 24.00 in
Package Weight: 26.23 lb
Warranty: 5-Year Limited Warranty (tool)

Milwaukee 2878K-20 M18 FORCE LOGIC 12T Kearney Linear Crimper – Tool Only Warranty

Milwaukee’s 5 Year Limited Warranty

Why Professionals Prefer the Milwaukee M18 FORCE LOGIC 12T Kearney Linear Crimper

Crews choose this Kearney-standard 12-ton crimper for speed, access, and documentation. The inline body with a 340° head reaches terminations that are awkward for bulkier frames, and the pull-pin system cuts time between die sizes. PFM™ helps ensure each cycle hits full pressure, while the green LED confirms success before moving on—reducing rework on feeders and splices. Because it accepts industry-standard Kearney dies, teams keep using existing die kits. The M18 cordless platform keeps the work area clear of cords, and ONE-KEY™ provides traceable crimp records for QA and commissioning.

Milwaukee 2878K-20 M18 FORCE LOGIC 12T Kearney Linear Crimper – Tool Only Notes for Buyers (quick tips)

Die/Connector Matching (Kearney): Match the Kearney die callout to the connector manufacturer’s chart; size and type must align for code-compliant results.
Alignment First: Let the jaw hold the connector, fully seat the conductor, and confirm flat-to-flat die faces before cycling.
Use the Pre-Crimp Check: If prompted, swap the battery before starting—avoid mid-cycle dropouts.
Cycle Verification: Wait for the green LED. If it doesn’t appear, release, inspect, and follow your rework procedure—don’t stack a second crimp on a questionable first.
Head Orientation: Rotate the head to keep force inline with the connector; avoid side-loading, especially in tight gear.
Temperature Practices: Tool is rated −4–140°F; keep packs warm in cold weather and shaded in high heat for best output.
Die Care: Keep Kearney dies clean and organized; inspect seating areas for burrs and replace worn dies to maintain uniform impressions.