toolenthusiast
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 21, 2017
- Messages
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How’s the power compared to pneumatic? How much runtime do you get out of a battery? I’m guessing multiple batteries to get a quarter panel off, right?
M12 Must have tools?
- Thread starter tyyost
- Start date
Yankeefarmer
Well-known member
Reading through this thread, it becomes obvious that different people have vastly different uses and expectations for these tools. One of my favorites and most frequently used is the Fuel cut off tool. Yes, it’s protective logic stops it if you load it up too much, and it can drain a battery quickly, but it’s reversibility let’s me always direct the sparks/chips in an appropriate direction, and I’m mostly using it on Small diameter fasteners, rods, or short cuts in sheet metal that is too thick for snips or my small shear.
For me, the M12 line is great for its compact size, light weight, and plentiful power for small, quick jobs where I’d spend more time setting up and stowing an extension cord or air line than actually running the tool. If long run times are involved, I already own powerful corded or pneumatic tools to get the job done without trying to replace those tools with cordless.
For me, the M12 line is great for its compact size, light weight, and plentiful power for small, quick jobs where I’d spend more time setting up and stowing an extension cord or air line than actually running the tool. If long run times are involved, I already own powerful corded or pneumatic tools to get the job done without trying to replace those tools with cordless.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I like M12 for light jobs. I also have a non-Fuel 3/8 drill. Perfect for drilling a few smaller holes. Keep it !
My M12 right angle grinder is my new "go to" tool ! Make sure you have a good supply of all the different attachments for it (Rolloc Scotch-Brite disks, carbide burrs, wood/plastic burrs, etc.). I even have a 1/8" collet for it !
My second M12 "go to" tool is the Rotary Tool. Replaced my Dremel.
I have an M12 3/8" impact (perfect for small engines). It gets used a lot with a 3/8" to 1/4" hex adapter for Phillips screws.
I actually bought it for the metal guy at my shop. He liked it right away. We have lots of batteries so being cordless was a bigger deal than run time. Not having a cord in cramped quarters is great. We don’t have a pneumatic version so I can’t give you apple to apples.
I'm not exaggerating when I say I own every m12 tool mentioned in this thread so far (and then some).
Standouts for me are the stick pump, rocket light, band saws (both of them), RA die grinder, and few that I don't think have been mentioned: the stapler, jobsite blower, and the nibbler.
Turds are the right angle drill and the (non-brushless) rotary tool.
Multi-tool is a meh.
Everything else is serviceable.
Standouts for me are the stick pump, rocket light, band saws (both of them), RA die grinder, and few that I don't think have been mentioned: the stapler, jobsite blower, and the nibbler.
Turds are the right angle drill and the (non-brushless) rotary tool.
Multi-tool is a meh.
Everything else is serviceable.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
For "light duty" soldering (16 AWG and up?) nothing beats the portability of the TS100 or TS101 !
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mngundog
Well-known member
Another nod to the stapler, it's great. My only turd has been the circ saw, the smallest amount of deflection instantly drains my largest batteries.
SRU1436
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I have this tool and it’s handy for so many things. So far I haven’t seen it for sale very often, but still a great tool. Worth the price for me.I was just looking at the Milwaukee Tools website, and I had forgotten about the M12 band file, did that turn out to be a good tool, or will it leave me disappointed like the die grinder does?
1/2" X 18" M12 FUEL™ Bandfile | Milwaukee Tool
MILWAUKEE® M12 FUEL™ 1/2” X 18” Bandfile is the first cordless bandfile that delivers pneumatic performance, size, and features for professionals in automotive, industrial & metalworkingwww.milwaukeetool.com
Southernbuild
Well-known member
I've had great luck with a ton of M12 tools, with two exceptions.
- The non fuel jigsaw is terrible. I threw it away, rather than subjecting anyone else to it.
- This is more subjective, but I'm not fond of the non fuel oscillating tool. A hex key is required to change the blade, and speed is adjusted via a thumb wheel, instead of a varable trigger. DeWalt has me spoilt on that feature.
In short, the lineup is perfect for most of my uses, and I'll continue to expand my lineup.
- The non fuel jigsaw is terrible. I threw it away, rather than subjecting anyone else to it.
- This is more subjective, but I'm not fond of the non fuel oscillating tool. A hex key is required to change the blade, and speed is adjusted via a thumb wheel, instead of a varable trigger. DeWalt has me spoilt on that feature.
In short, the lineup is perfect for most of my uses, and I'll continue to expand my lineup.
Black300zx
Well-known member
Agreed on the jigsaw. I got it because I needed to do a bunch of rough-cutting before routing the material to a template. Got the job done, but WOOF was it incredibly mediocre
Nosferatu
Well-known member
Milwaukee M12 12V Lithium-Ion Cordless 10 oz. Adhesive and Caulk Gun (Tool-Only) 2441-20 - The Home Depot
Lithium-Ion Cordless Caulk and Adhesive Gun from Milwaukee provides optimal application around corners and auto-reversing drip ensures a clean end point.
www.homedepot.com
I hate the stupid squeeze things that never work. The M12 caulk gun has changed my life.
I was putting in a few thousand feet of Joint trench and decided to by the M12 conduit cutter. That was the best tool for the job I have ever purchased. My hands would have been destroyed doing the cuts with a manual cutter.
I have a lot of M18 and various M12….but that is the best task specific tool I own for an M12.
I have a lot of M18 and various M12….but that is the best task specific tool I own for an M12.
txvwnut
Well-known member
You’re required to have all of them as per the Garage Journal bylaws. 
Most used for me would be a toss up between the older fuel impact driver (non-surge) 2553 and the 3/8 stubby impact for automotive work
Also have the fuel hammer drill and high speed ratchets in 1/4 and 3/8 at work. Next purchase would probably be a 1/4 long neck ratchet
At home I've only got the tower light for M12, long run time with 6.0 batts. Was great for a half a week power outage last winter after an ice storm
Also have the fuel hammer drill and high speed ratchets in 1/4 and 3/8 at work. Next purchase would probably be a 1/4 long neck ratchet
At home I've only got the tower light for M12, long run time with 6.0 batts. Was great for a half a week power outage last winter after an ice storm
whateg01
Well-known member
I have mixed feelings about the knob thing. The way you described it, maybe it's different than I'm thinking. My old old craftsman jigsaw, a rebadged DeWalt, had a knob that limited the max speed. It still had a variable trigger. When cutting metal, it was nice to be able to set the max speed and then just pull the trigger to the stop. With my new 20v DeWalt jigsaw, I find it harder to maintain the slower speed. I don't have the m12 oscillating tool, so maybe its function is different.
I got the M12 inflator to replace my old Ryobi one, and it has been great for me, but I just have a Prius and Tacoma to take care of, and occasionally my daughter's Civic, so can't make a comment about any heavy duty use.
I have both the Fuel and non-Fuel 3/8 ratchet, but for some reason (I don't know why), I grab the non-fuel first.
I have both M18 impact wrenches and the M12 stubby. I always grab the M12 first unless it can't handle the job - so much lighter and easier to handle, and gets most things done (though as stated, I'm not a pro (my wife says so too...)).
Although I have the 15ga and 21 deg framing M18, I also have the M12 pin nailer, and it works better than any of my pneumatic pin nailers.
I also tend to use my M12 impact DRIVER more than my M18 (for the same reasons as the impact wrench).
I have the M18 drill, but not the M12, so can't compare. If I did have it, I would likely use that more often too (see impact wrench and driver reasons). I DO have the quirky "installation Driver" (2505-20) but I actually use my "regular" drill and/or driver more often. I got the installation driver more for the different heads in case it's needed. It's supposed to be a great tool though (other than the weird handle setup), and I've had no issues when I have used it.
I also have the M12 right angle die grinder, and it's true what people say about the lack of power/cutting out if too much pressure is applied, but I've only used it a few times, and mostly use it for Roloc stuff on hubs and brakes. I wouldn't buy it again. In fact when I decided to get a cutoff tool, I just went with the Ryobi because I read that the cutoff off tool has similar limitations.
The M12 palm nailer works great - better than any of my pneumatic palm nailers, but it's bulky as h*ll and heavy (compared to pneumatic).
Other M12 that I have but have not used enough (or not even used yet), so can't comment - right angle non-fuel drill, Fuel mini reciprocating saw, ProPex expander tool.
I have both the Fuel and non-Fuel 3/8 ratchet, but for some reason (I don't know why), I grab the non-fuel first.
I have both M18 impact wrenches and the M12 stubby. I always grab the M12 first unless it can't handle the job - so much lighter and easier to handle, and gets most things done (though as stated, I'm not a pro (my wife says so too...)).
Although I have the 15ga and 21 deg framing M18, I also have the M12 pin nailer, and it works better than any of my pneumatic pin nailers.
I also tend to use my M12 impact DRIVER more than my M18 (for the same reasons as the impact wrench).
I have the M18 drill, but not the M12, so can't compare. If I did have it, I would likely use that more often too (see impact wrench and driver reasons). I DO have the quirky "installation Driver" (2505-20) but I actually use my "regular" drill and/or driver more often. I got the installation driver more for the different heads in case it's needed. It's supposed to be a great tool though (other than the weird handle setup), and I've had no issues when I have used it.
I also have the M12 right angle die grinder, and it's true what people say about the lack of power/cutting out if too much pressure is applied, but I've only used it a few times, and mostly use it for Roloc stuff on hubs and brakes. I wouldn't buy it again. In fact when I decided to get a cutoff tool, I just went with the Ryobi because I read that the cutoff off tool has similar limitations.
The M12 palm nailer works great - better than any of my pneumatic palm nailers, but it's bulky as h*ll and heavy (compared to pneumatic).
Other M12 that I have but have not used enough (or not even used yet), so can't comment - right angle non-fuel drill, Fuel mini reciprocating saw, ProPex expander tool.
micromind
Well-known member
The sub-compact bandsaw.
I do a lot of electrical conduit work and this is by far the best tool I've ever used for small stuff. It's pretty good on unistrut too.
I do a lot of electrical conduit work and this is by far the best tool I've ever used for small stuff. It's pretty good on unistrut too.
sparky 1971
Well-known member
There should also be a list of "don't waste your money" tools. I am going to nominate the M12 dust buster type vacuum to be at the top of the list. I had one for all of about 15 minutes before I gave up and tossed it in the dumpster. Even though I don't have any experience with it, the M12 right angle drill should probably be on it as well. I have the M18 and it is the most gutless drill I've ever used, the M12 can only be worse.
Oh I forgot about that one!! It's great!!! I got for automotive seam sealer, but used it with caulk also. It seems stupid but man it's so niceMilwaukee M12 12V Lithium-Ion Cordless 10 oz. Adhesive and Caulk Gun (Tool-Only) 2441-20 - The Home Depot
Lithium-Ion Cordless Caulk and Adhesive Gun from Milwaukee provides optimal application around corners and auto-reversing drip ensures a clean end point.www.homedepot.com
I hate the stupid squeeze things that never work. The M12 caulk gun has changed my life.
whateg01
Well-known member
I have a DeWalt 20v I bought after watching the Safelite guy replace the back window in my srx. It is so nice for long continuous rubs of stuff from a tube. I only wish they were slightly less bulky.
Well....I didn't have the transfer pump, the die grinder or the caulk gun, but damn you guys for me heading to CPO or Amazon to grab them right now!
As for favorites, the soldering tool is awesome - instant heat. The cutoff wheel, after you learn its torque limits, is amazingly easy to use (size/weight), the Fuel 3/8 ratchet is way faster than the regular so spend the $$ to get it, and the hackzall of course. The ProPex is pricey as hell, but is a godsend on a big job (I didn't buy this one....I borrow it from a buddy). I have a several M18's also, but the main one of those I use is the 1/2" impact.
As for favorites, the soldering tool is awesome - instant heat. The cutoff wheel, after you learn its torque limits, is amazingly easy to use (size/weight), the Fuel 3/8 ratchet is way faster than the regular so spend the $$ to get it, and the hackzall of course. The ProPex is pricey as hell, but is a godsend on a big job (I didn't buy this one....I borrow it from a buddy). I have a several M18's also, but the main one of those I use is the 1/2" impact.
GrayFlattop
Well-known member
I’d agree with your assessment- the m12 inflator is great, but can seem slow, but you just screw the hose on the Schrader valve and do something else while you wait a few minutes since it shuts off once you reach your set point. If you consider the time for your stationary compressor to get up to pressure, it’s fine.
I did get the M18 inflator a few months ago as part of a bundle. It’s faster and is probably butter suited if you have truck tires that require higher inflation pressures, but for standard car tires 35-40 psi, I don’t think the M18 version is needed.
whateg01
Well-known member
My compressor is always ready to fill something with air. But this is easier.
Your statement on the M18 supports my notion that one day I may spring for the DeWalt 20v inflator. For now this does the job and is smaller.
I have the m12 circ saw. I bought it specifically to cut vinyl siding. I keep the blade turned backwards and it works great. It’s never touched a 2x4. Just a one purpose tool that does its job - for me.
Yankeefarmer
Well-known member
I’m a big fan of the M12 circular saw. Used it earlier this year to shorten and chamfer some 4x4 posts, then later to shorten a bunch of bed slats for my brother-in-law who’s toolless. Again, a bunch of quick little jobs.
I’m in the same boat, may keep the M18 inflator on my good deal list. The caulking gun that keeps coming up is a great suggestion. I always forget such things exist and squeeze my way through jobs. The stapler is one I have seen before but forgot as well. May have an insulation job coming up where it would be a godsend.
bcradio
Well-known member
I would definitely step up to the Fuel version for the circ saw. they work great
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
As mentioned before, I have non-Fuel M12 3/8" drill. Yes, it has lower power. Yes, it will not drill a zillion holes. I knew that going in.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Any circular saw, regardless of the blade size or power source, is **** without a carbide blade !
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I really want to grab the installation driver. Looks like it would be very useful in lots of applications
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Get the 3/8" unless you really do a lot of work with small sockets.
Also get a 1/4" hex adapter. Great with short bits when in tight spots.
The caulk gun is great. However, one must be careful with it as it will easily blow out the caulk tub and it's not fun to clean up after. I wish I could say that I've only done that once.
whateg01
Well-known member
After I bought me yellow one, I hadn't had a chance to use it when my daughter and her bf were recaulking their tub. So they borrowed it. I don't think either had ever used a caulking gun before at all. And they forgot to poke a hole in the foil. And they made a huge mess of things. Thankfully, they were able to clean it all up. And they learned a lesson.
manwithtools
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Do you seriously know of any circular saw today that comes without a carbide blade? I'm not sure where I'd even look to buy a non-carbide circular saw blade if I wanted one?
manwithtools
ALLIANCE MEMBER
It is VERY handy for the certain situations where other tools just won't work! It's great for cabinet work.