Behind the Build: Designing the M12™ Rivet Tool Insert
Welcome back to Inside the Lab — the design journal from Code Breaker Labs, where we break down how we turn everyday tools into purpose-built systems for your Milwaukee PACKOUT™.
In this instalment, we’re walking through the design of the M12™ Rivet Tool Insert — a job-ready layout for the PACKOUT™ Compact Organiser that focuses on ergonomics, rivet management, and fast access on site.
Starting Point: A Home Built Around the Tool
The M12 Rivet Tool doesn’t live on a shelf — it lives in your hand. It’s used constantly across a job, from setting a few quick rivets to banging out full runs on sheet, channel, and brackets. So when we started designing this insert, we treated it less like a storage project and more like building a compact workstation inside a PACKOUT™ organiser.
Like all our Milwaukee PACKOUT inserts, the goal was simple: reduce the time between “I need that” and “I’m using it”.
Layout & Ergonomics
Channels That Guide Your Hand
User-centred design is baked into everything we do at CBL. With the rivet tool, that meant paying close attention to how often it’s picked up, how it’s gripped, and how it’s put back.
We built scooped channels along the grip area so your fingers naturally slide in under the handle. Instead of pinching the tool out of a tight pocket, you get a smooth, positive lift — even with gloves on. The geometry also keeps the belt hook clear so it doesn’t clash with the wall of the organiser.
Rivet Storage That Actually Helps You Work
Three Removable Bins + Hidden Space Underneath
One of the key requirements for this insert was simple: the storage couldn’t just “hold” rivets — it had to help you use them.
We designed a stacked system of three independent containers for different rivet sizes. Each bin drops into its own pocket and can be lifted out using the side tabs, so you can take just the sizes you need to the job instead of dragging the whole organiser around.
Underneath the stack there’s another compartment for extra rivets, tips, nozzles or spare parts — turning otherwise wasted vertical space into usable storage.
The top container also includes a built-in measuring tool. Based on 5 mm increments, the scale lets you quickly compare rivet length against the ruler so you know you’ve got the right one before you load it. No more guessing off the packet or hunting for a tape.
Battery-On Storage
Built for Tools That Never Really Get Put Away
When the rivet tool is in use, the organiser is often open beside you. You grab the tool, set a few rivets, drop it back in, grab it again — over and over. Pulling the battery off every time would be painful, so we made sure you don’t have to.
The insert is shaped to comfortably store the M12 Rivet Tool with a 2.0 Ah battery still attached. The pocket gives enough clearance around the base to keep the lift-out motion clean, while still locking the tool in place when the organiser is shut and bouncing around in the ute.
Making the PACKOUT™ Compact Organiser Work Harder
Like the rest of our Milwaukee packout accessories, this insert is designed to make the organiser pull double duty:
- Crisp internal walls maximise usable volume
- Layered structure strengthens key impact zones
- Guided channels help rivets pour smoothly back into the bins
- Snug tolerances keep everything locked down during transport
Combined with the removable rivet stack and ergonomic tool pocket, the Compact Organiser stops being “just storage” and becomes a dedicated rivet station that lives on top of your Milwaukee packout stack.
Built the CBL Way
Every curve, pocket and wall in this insert was tuned through testing with tradies who run the M12 Rivet Tool on real jobs. It’s printed in our high-strength, high heat-resistant material, tough enough for hot utes, dusty sheds, and daily abuse on site.
It’s built for function, not fluff — everything has its place so you can stay focused on the work in front of you.
Proudly designed, tested, and made in Australia by Code Breaker Labs.