Tracking down tools and equipment is a perennial headache for professionals across industries. Milwaukee offers an innovative solution – the Milwaukee Tick. This Bluetooth-powered device promises to end the hunt for misplaced gear.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Tick.
We’ll also provide tips from industry experts on getting the most from this emerging jobsite technology.
What is the Milwaukee Tick?
The Milwaukee Tick is a small Bluetooth tracker designed to attach to tools, equipment, and other valuables. It interfaces with Milwaukee’s One-Key smartphone app to provide location updates whenever the item comes within range of a One-Key user’s phone.
The Tick won’t prevent outright theft, but it can aid recovery by showing the last known location of gear. For most users, the inventory management abilities are the main appeal.
How the Tick Tracking System Works
- The Tick device emits a Bluetooth signal that the One-Key app detects when in range
- Detection range is approximately 100 feet
- The Tick sends a location update every 8 seconds when connected
- To preserve battery, updates only sync to the cloud every 5 minutes
- You can view current and last-updated location in the One-Key app
- If phone is asleep, most devices will “wake up” the app when detecting a Tick
- Network grows as more One-Key users join
This crowdsourced system allows everyone’s devices to act as receivers for location updates. The more One-Key users on a job site, the more accuracy and coverage.
Core Features and Specs
- IP67 rated waterproof and dustproof housing
- 1 year battery life from replaceable CR2032 coin cell
- Attaches via screws, zip ties, glue, magnets
- Dimensions: 2.13” x 1.88” x 0.49″
- Weight: 0.05 lbs
- Warranty: 1 year
Streamlined Setup Process
Getting up and running with the Tick tracker takes just minutes:
- Download and open the Milwaukee One-Key app
- Create a user account
- Select “Add New Device” and choose the Tick
- Remove Tick battery for 10 seconds to reset Bluetooth
- Replace battery and position near phone
- Verify device details and assign custom name
- Attach Tick to target item via preferred mounting method
And that’s it – your equipment is now trackable within the One-Key network.
Hands-On Testing and Real-World Performance
In my testing, the Tick performed well for tracking tools and assets across a number of environments:
Durability
The rugged housing survived an accidental washing machine test. Milwaukee’s waterproof rating held up. No issues for the farm dust and dirt either.
Tracking Accuracy
Updated locations mapped closely to actual placement on our rural property via Google Maps integration. Any One-Key user getting within Bluetooth range triggers a spot check.
We did encounter some tracking delays after extended periods of no phone detection – once over a week when placed in a remote barn. This technology works far better with regular crossover from One-Key phones.
Overall, tracking proved accurate and reliable during daily working conditions.
Who Can Benefit from the Tick Tracking System?
General contractors juggling multiple jobsites are prime candidates for Ticks. Attach them to valuable gear that moves between projects. If something gets misplaced at a site, you’ll know which one.
Specialty subcontractors dragging expensive equipment on and off sites will appreciate the insurance of tracking. Use Ticks as a simple way to monitor your assets.
Farms and agricultural users can employ Ticks for managing all types of dispersed machinery and gear. It provides oversight across extensive rural properties.
Repair and maintenance pros running service calls can track critical tools that are tough to keep eyes on at all times while working. If you leave something behind at a client site, detection is much easier.
Small construction crews benefit from using Ticks to watch over shared power tools, generators, scaffolds and more that are prone to being borrowed.
Individual trade workers can track personal box tools and accessories which are easily misplaced across job sites.
What to Consider Before Buying Milwaukee Ticks
The Tick tracker comes with a budget-friendly $26 price tag thanks to an ongoing sale. But there are a few factors to weigh:
- This product is more of an inventory assist rather than anti-theft protection
- Tracking range is limited to ~100 foot Bluetooth connectivity
- Accuracy depends on regular crossover with One-Key enabled phones
- Lone Ticks won’t update locations without the network effect
- Lifespan capped at 1 year based on non-rechargeable battery
If constant tracking is less important than periodic audits, the Tick checks off a lot for $10. Scaling to outfit an entire fleet simply takes quantity.
For assets requiring more permanent monitoring, look into dedicated GPS trackers. Those cost more but provide unlimited range. You can also compare it to alternatives like AirTag vs Milwaukee Tick or the Milwaukee Tick vs Tile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Tick actively track items or rely on Bluetooth crossover?
The Tick broadcasts a Bluetooth signal that One-Key phones detect when in range. It does not include active GPS tracking capabilities. Pinging other users provides periodic location checks.
Can anyone see and track my Tick-connected gear?
By default, your equipment visibility is limited to your personal One-Key account. Items can be labelled as missing to widen the search. For community sharing, Ticks can be made public.
How many Ticks can I connect and manage through the One-Key app?
There is no hard cap. You are limited only by the number of Ticks you can reasonably monitor. Location updates are power-efficient for Bluetooth broadcasting.
What mounting options work well for attaching Ticks?
The most popular mounting choices are screws, zip ties, glue and magnets. Ticks can be transferred between items but work best when kept steadily in place.
Will I need an ongoing subscription for the One-Key app?
No. Milwaukee states the app will remain 100% free including full functionality. No in-app purchases or subscription model seems planned.
Can the Tick batteries be replaced when they run out?
Yes, the Tick uses a replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery. Simply twist off the housing cap and swap in a fresh battery to renew operation. Batteries cost under $1.
Key Takeaways on the Milwaukee Tick
- Delivers approximate location tracking of gear via Bluetooth and crowdsourcing
- Excels for inventory oversight rather than constant real-time monitoring
- Works best with regular crossover from One-Key mobile app users
- Easy to scale up number of tracked items as needed
- App remains free with no required subscription fees
- Housing rated for dustproof/waterproof protection
- At $10 per Tick, low-cost job site tech with productivity potential
The Tick provides cost-effective, connectivity-based tracking for worksite tools and equipment. Limitations exist, but capabilities suit many pro use cases.
Hopefully this guide gave you a thorough overview of the Milwaukee Tick’s strengths along with factors to consider before purchasing. Let us know in the comments if you have any other questions!
