I just gave one of those old M12 drills away. Slow and weak. I now have 3 of the newer Fuel models. They are great.
Opinions on Milwaukee 12 volt cordless tools?
- Thread starter dclark2171
- Start date
Wrench97
Well-known member
I use my 12v 1/4" and 3/8" impacts every day, they work well.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
M12 is where Milwaukee literally stomps on the necks of DeWalt and Makita. Both of these can compete head to head with M18 stuff but Milwaukee has such a depth of product in M12 they simply have to roll over and play dead. The only company that is close on 12V stuff is Bosch.
Ilikeike
ALLIANCE MEMBER
At home my M12 stuff gets used way more than my DeWalt 20v tools now days.
I have had some issues with battery life on three or four of the HO 5 and 6 amp batteries, no way they were abused and lasted less than a year.
Put them on the charger, and the charger would give me the fault blink of death. happened on a couple at work as well over the last couple of years, never on the little 1.5 amp ones though.
I have had some issues with battery life on three or four of the HO 5 and 6 amp batteries, no way they were abused and lasted less than a year.
Put them on the charger, and the charger would give me the fault blink of death. happened on a couple at work as well over the last couple of years, never on the little 1.5 amp ones though.
Ugh!
I just bought four XC6.0 M12 batteries. (48-11-2460)
I noticed that the XC6.0 batteries do not say "High Output", as demonstrated above.
The images in this post are copied directly from Milwaukee Tool's website, not an online retailer, so the artwork presented is genuine.
I also noticed that unlike the XC6.0 batteries, the XC5.0 batteries (48-11-2450) do indeed say "High Output", as shown below:
My question is, did you have equally short life with both the High Output 5.0 batteries and the 6.0 batteries that are not described as High Output?
Having both M12 and M18 tools, and being DIY, I find myself grabbing the M12 stuff for the vast majority of the time. They tend to be lighter and more than adequate. I do have "dupes" between formats, such as impact wrenches, impact drivers, etc. and as long as the M12 is capable, that is what I use - about 90+ percent of the time.
A good example is the new M12 stubby impact wrench. Whereas I used to alternate between the Gen1 stubby and my M18 mid-torque, since getting the new stubby, I have yet to need the mid-torque. Note that I have the mid and high torque in M18.
For the most part, the only time I find myself grabbing the M18 stuff is for things that ONLY work come in M18 - nailers, and M18 inflator, etc. I also have the M12 inflator but got the M18 when we got our Rav4 so I wanted a quicker inflator. I also grab the M18 drill when using boring bits in 2x lumber.
A good example is the new M12 stubby impact wrench. Whereas I used to alternate between the Gen1 stubby and my M18 mid-torque, since getting the new stubby, I have yet to need the mid-torque. Note that I have the mid and high torque in M18.
For the most part, the only time I find myself grabbing the M18 stuff is for things that ONLY work come in M18 - nailers, and M18 inflator, etc. I also have the M12 inflator but got the M18 when we got our Rav4 so I wanted a quicker inflator. I also grab the M18 drill when using boring bits in 2x lumber.
I may be wrong, but I don't think there has ever been a M12 6.0 HO battery. Only a 6.0 XC.Ugh!
I just bought four XC6.0 M12 batteries. (48-11-2460)
I noticed that the XC6.0 batteries do not say "High Output", as demonstrated above.
The images in this post are copied directly from Milwaukee Tool's website, not an online retailer, so the artwork presented is genuine.
I also noticed that unlike the XC6.0 batteries, the XC5.0 batteries (48-11-2450) do indeed say "High Output", as shown below:
My question is, did you have equally short life with both the High Output 5.0 batteries and the 6.0 batteries that are not described as High Output?
As far as I know as well, the only M12 battery designated as HIGH OUTPUT is the 5.0. I think TTC also pointed that out when they tested the new stubby and compared the 5.0HO to the 6.0XC (and showed the 5.0HO improved performance.
IIRC, in their testing, the new stubby was the only tool where the high output made a diff - on everything else they tried testing the HO battery on, there was no or insignificant difference.
Ilikeike
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I know I had issues with the 5 and 6 amp, at work and home, some I've had work fine for a few years,Ugh!
I just bought four XC6.0 M12 batteries. (48-11-2460)
I noticed that the XC6.0 batteries do not say "High Output", as demonstrated above.
The images in this post are copied directly from Milwaukee Tool's website, not an online retailer, so the artwork presented is genuine.
I also noticed that unlike the XC6.0 batteries, the XC5.0 batteries (48-11-2450) do indeed say "High Output", as shown below:
My question is, did you have equally short life with both the High Output 5.0 batteries and the 6.0 batteries that are not described as High Output?
so just a bad batch maybe/hopefully ?
I've had issue with 1 or 2 new DeWalt 20v batteries over the years as well, I also just had a brand new stubby atomic brushless 20v impact die after a couple of months with minimal use, would only go at very low speed. finicky new electronics in them I would guess.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
The 5.0 is definitely better than the 6.0. More power. I've had to send two 6.0's into Milwaukee for replacement but none of the 5.0 knock on wood. KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS FOR ANY MILWAUKEE BATTERIES. If you don't have the dated receipt they will go by the date of manufacture and that can be two years ago taking two years from you three year warrantee.
The new XC6.0 batteries that I bought the other day worked out to $67 a piece on sale.
With that low price, against backdrop of what was reported in Post #'s 46, 51, and 52 above in mind, is it worth returning the XC6.0 batteries and buying XC3.0 batteries for the same price instead?
With that low price, against backdrop of what was reported in Post #'s 46, 51, and 52 above in mind, is it worth returning the XC6.0 batteries and buying XC3.0 batteries for the same price instead?
There is a 2.5 HO.
Small impact wrench’s that are good? Wide variety of ratchets?
Arguably the SO 14.4v range is comparable for impacts and ratchets, but the SO range is limited to automotive, is ~3x the price and has less than half the warranty. Dewalt and Makita don’t come close for 12v range.
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theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I have one complaint regarding M12 tools. I have an M12 Angle Grinder (older model 2485-20). When using it with a grinding disc to cut sheet metal it will frequently stall.
Anyone with first hand experience with the new model (3485-20) versus the older one ?
Anyone with first hand experience with the new model (3485-20) versus the older one ?
MushCreek
Well-known member
I just got into the M12 line. I got the subcompact drill, driver, and jigsaw, all Fuel. So far, I'm really impressed, although I wish the little drill had much higher RPM. I'm going to be using it to drill smaller holes, after all. I've been using M18 tools for about 15 years, and wanted smaller tools for the little projects.
ChevyEFI
Well-known member
I am trying to avoid M12 but . . .
Which batteries might not fit the inflator?
Which batteries might not fit the inflator?
dnschmidt
Well-known member
Are you using it with a big battery? You can't use the little batteries with this tool. XC3.0 is the bare minimum. The 4, 5, and 6 work much better. You can use the newer 2.5 compact but that's just a stop gap. This is true with the newer model as well for that I use a 5.0 just like the new Stubby likes.
Wrench-Polisher
Well-known member
This is probably going to sound silly but I got the new m12 subcompact non fuel drill and impact driver.
They are an absolute joy to have around the house for miscellaneous stuff. Need to drill a couple small holes to relocate the latch in your garage, perfect and wont strain your wrists. Couple of mounting holes or need to drill a 2x4 go to town. It wont build a deck but its there and will get into any tight space and the weight dear god the weight. I have severe arthritis so this makes or breaks it for me.
Impact bit driver. This thing is AWESOME.
I got round and ball nylon brush attachments for it on an extension.
Tub/shower soap scumb? GONE! Blasted in seconds, bathroom sink? Shiny!
Dirty stove top? Scrubbed clean. Oh yeah it drives bits too.
They are an absolute joy to have around the house for miscellaneous stuff. Need to drill a couple small holes to relocate the latch in your garage, perfect and wont strain your wrists. Couple of mounting holes or need to drill a 2x4 go to town. It wont build a deck but its there and will get into any tight space and the weight dear god the weight. I have severe arthritis so this makes or breaks it for me.
Impact bit driver. This thing is AWESOME.
I got round and ball nylon brush attachments for it on an extension.
Tub/shower soap scumb? GONE! Blasted in seconds, bathroom sink? Shiny!
Dirty stove top? Scrubbed clean. Oh yeah it drives bits too.
mngundog
Well-known member
Do you recommend the brush attachment you got? If so post a link. I see there's are tons of different types available.
Wrench-Polisher
Well-known member
There was one at aldis but honestly any brush attachment with 6-10 inch extension to keep the flying crud away.
here is one that should do the trick:
https://www.harborfreight.com/power...Rf1fH-bb5DY3gIltyuUHSPNas42SPmqgaAiP5EALw_wcB
here is one that should do the trick:
https://www.harborfreight.com/power...Rf1fH-bb5DY3gIltyuUHSPNas42SPmqgaAiP5EALw_wcB
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
To many people disrespect the M12 non-Fuel tools ! For household chores, they are MORE THAN ADEQUATE !
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Roloc. 3M are good but there are a million others. You need the disc/backup pad first. Then get a bunch of fine, medium and coarse fiber discs. I have tried the bristle brush Rolocs. Not wild about them.
Also get 1" and 2" 1/4" mandrel and some sanding bands. You have to keep the RPMs down, but they work great.
Wrench-Polisher
Well-known member
I think he was asking about something like this:
Attachments
mngundog
Well-known member
Yes, that what I was asking for.
I have a mix of M12 and M18, and the only M12 I'd consider unsuccessful is the Hackszall. Other than that I've been really happy with everything. The M12 Surge is a dream to use vs. a regular impact driver, and the power everyone says it lacks hasn't been a problem for me yet. I'm getting ready to help put down 1000sf of decking, and while I'm guessing I won't get done as fast, I'm pretty sure my hands and ears will forgive that. The Installation Driver is pretty darn powerful, and my M12 Stubby Gen2 is just amazing in terms of power for something so small.
Milwaukee was very smart to make their regular and quickcharger compatible with both M12 and M18.
Milwaukee was very smart to make their regular and quickcharger compatible with both M12 and M18.
I really like the m12 non-fuel drill, small, light, works well. It was $28. I can’t fault it at that price.
PelicanPines
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I have about 20 m12 tools and 20 or so batteries.
All is great.
All is great.
Obviously mileage varies. I've seen several posts with folks not liking the M12 Hackszall. I love mine. I've got a yard with lots of large trees, and regularly use it to cut up small and medium size downed limbs into City sized lengths for pickup, along with trimming yaupons, roots, etc. It's a lot easier for me than going out to the tool shed and cranking up the chainsaw.
YesIHaveAHammer
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2025
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One thing I like about my drill and impact is they're not much of a bother to have hanging off your belt, due to the weight, and the low bulk of the batteries.
I have a lot of trees in my "new" (actually older and poorly maintained) house, and had a lot of reno to do. I never felt like the Hackzall had a lot of power. I got the M12 Hatchet and have used that thing a ton. I got a great deal on the M18 version and it's even better. Early in my reno I had some pretty heavy stuff to get down/demo and got the M18 FUEL Sawzall, and it's a complete beast. For me, there's a lot less distance between the M18 and M12 Hatchets than there is between the Hackzall and Sawzall.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
If it ain't FUEL pass it by. If it's still brushed then run don't walk. The brushless is acceptable but brushed tools are for home gamers only.
The non-FUEL Hackzall was weak sauce the FUEL version is the real deal. At one time Milwaukee's punch line was "Nothing But Heavy Duty" that's no longer the case. Like everybody else you now have to be all things to all people. As a tool snob I find this revolting but that's just me.
The non-FUEL Hackzall was weak sauce the FUEL version is the real deal. At one time Milwaukee's punch line was "Nothing But Heavy Duty" that's no longer the case. Like everybody else you now have to be all things to all people. As a tool snob I find this revolting but that's just me.
I converted from my many years old Makita lxt 18v when it Became clear makita was going to orphan it in favor of the xgt series.
So far the gen 3 fuel drill, impact driver, and the gen 2 stubby impact have been awesome. Really not a whole lot of difference from the brushed makita stuff.
So far the gen 3 fuel drill, impact driver, and the gen 2 stubby impact have been awesome. Really not a whole lot of difference from the brushed makita stuff.
When did "it become clear that Makita was going to orphan it (18V LXT)?"
Was that just your assumption, or did Makita make it "clear" in a press release, like Makita did 3 years in advance of retiring gasoline OPE?
Thus far, Makita has made the opposite very clear, stating that the LXT line is continuing indefinitely, concurrent with the newer XGT line.
Speaking of press releases...
Just within the last 6 months, between May of 2025 through November of 2025, Makita has introduced a dozen brand new 18V LXT tools, including, but not limited to, a new 18V LXT 21° framing nail gun for plastic collated full round head framing nails, a new 18V LXT 30° framing nail gun for paper collated clipped head framing nails, a new 18V LXT power washer, a new 18V LXT LED lantern and Bluetooth Radio, a new 18V X2 LXT dual stage HVAC vacuum pump, a new 18V LXT compact sander and polisher, a new 18V LXT 2-1/2" 16 gauge Straight finish nail gun, a new 18V LXT 2-1/2" 16 gauge Angled finish nail gun, a new 18V LXT 2" 18 gauge brad nail gun, a new 18V LXT 1/4" 18 gauge narrow crown stapler,
2025 New 18V LXT® Cordless 320 PSI 0.7 GPM Power Cleaner (XWH02)
2025 New 18V LXT® 21º Full Round Head 3‑1/2" Framing Nailer (XNB03)
2025 New 18V LXT® 30º Clipped Head 3‑1/2" Framing Nailer (XNB07)
2025 New 18V LXT® Bluetooth® Radio and L.E.D. Lantern (XRM13)
2025 New 18V X2 LXT® Cordless 4 CFM Dual-Stage Vacuum Pump (DVP181ZK)
2025 New 18V LXT® 3" Polisher / 2" Sander (XVP01)
2025 New 18V LXT® Brushless 2-1/2” Straight Finish Nailer, 16 Gauge (XNB05)
2025 New 18V LXT® Brushless 2-1/2” Angled Finish Nailer, 16 Gauge (XNB06)
2025 New 18V LXT® Brushless 2” Brad Nailer, 18 Gauge (XNB04)
2025 New 18V LXT® Brushless 1/4” Narrow Crown Stapler, 18 Gauge (XTS02)
The above linked 18V LXT tools were just released in the USA just within the last few months.
However, even newer 18V LXT introductions were recently released in Australia and the UK, not the least of which are two new batteries:
2025 New 18V LXT 9.0 Amp Hour Battery (BL1890)
2025 New 18V LXT 12.0 Amp Hour Battery (BL18120)
Far from being orphaned, the 18V LXT line not only continues soldiering onward... Makita is still expanding it in all directions.
I realize this is a Milwaukee thread, and a 12 Volt thread at that, but I just wanted to quench any unfounded rumors with a few facts.... while waiting for answers to any of my foregoing Milwaukee M12 questions.
lol. Xgt is a replacement for their gas range, not a replacement for lxt.
finn
Well-known member
Problem with that is there are other brands with the same performance at a much lower price. They don’t have the “Milwaukee tax”.
An example is the 20 vSkill drill and driver I picked up at Menards last year. Great for small jobs around the shop or house. The 12 v Bosch is another one I keep around. Better ergonomics, too.
I’m well aware of what it is - my statement still stands.