Milwaukee M18 Fuel 3/8 Impact - thoughts?

[AndrewH]

As the title states I'm looking into buying this:

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-...bileweb_pip_rr-6-_-203807309-_-203807306-_-N/

Does anyone have one? How do you like it? Have you tried it with the 2.0 ah compact batteries, if so how's the battery life?

Thanks!

 

[BBC71Nova]

I actually just got one not long ago. Not a lot to report yet. Just for grins I did throw it on a lug nut on my GM half-ton and it loosened it right up. It is rated at 200 ft lb so as expected it should handle that no problem. I just had to see it . Oh, and that was with the compact battery because that's all I have. I purchased the bare tool since I had a spare battery.

Maybe I'll make some time this weekend to do a little more testing on it.

 

[Anotherrcguy]

I have the same impact, but in 1/2"' and I love it. I am just a shade tree guy, but I have rotated the tires on both my car that are always torqued to 100 ft lbs. and it takes them off with no issue at all.

It is quite compact also...

 

[diggerrick]

Last week I got the kit w/ (2) 4.0 batteries for $263.20 during the 20% off sale. Love it!

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M18-Fuel-18-Volt-Brushless-Lithium-Ion-3-8-in-Brushless-Impact-Wrench-XC-Battery-Kit-2654-22/203807312

 

[ianguilly]

Got mine this week, so far no complaints.

 

[Greatbear]

I picked up the bare tool version a few weeks ago. Haven't yet had a chance to put it to serious work, but I tested it on some of the yard/garden machinery. It's a little beast. The torque control settings are nice to have. On the lowest setting you can zip together engines and the like without overtightening anything, then follow up with the torque wrench.

 

[rice rocket]

I like mine as well.

I used to have the W7150 IR gun as well, but once I got the Fuel gun, I barely ever picked it up. The smaller size (and weight) is much appreciated and makes it a much more versatile tool.

I also have the M12 Fuel impact driver that I use for most engine/interior stuff and save the M18 for brakes/suspension/etc, gives me an even more compact and light setup.

Get the compact battery version if you can (or at least supplement with a compact battery), it knocks off .8 lbs and still can run through hundreds of bolts before giving up.

 

[blacK20]

I have one that I use professionally all day everyday. Loooove it. Not having to drag an air hose around is such a luxury. I use mine mainly for engine tear downs. Good power that is easy to control. Great battery life with the 4.0ah. Don't expect it to take apart a front end or suspension components. I tend to do a lot of research when it comes to purchasing tools, especially the larger ticket items. This one definitely lives up to its hype.

 

[sc105b]

Love it! Got it for about $250 with a Northern Tools coupon.

 

[cgv69]

Sorry for the tag on question but I have been seriously considering this tool as well but I've been having a hard time deciding between this one and the 1/2 version?

Mine would be used for general automotive work (Wheels, suspension, etc.).

I can't afford or justify both so part of me thinks the 3/8 would be the better overall choice but the other part of me thinks the 80-90% of the stuff I'd use this on is stuff I would normally use 1/2 drive tools for?

 

[joedodge]

I use the m12 tools, but the guys I've worked with who have the m18 love them

 

[ADSR]

Had mine for a few months now and love it! Under the hood work has never been so easy.

 

[rmsg0040]

Its good for most things, when it cant do what I need it to do, I break out its big brother.

I wish that Milwaukee would make an in-between impact wrench.

Something between the power of the 3/8" 200 ft lb and 1/2" 1100 ft lb, with an in between weight too.

 

[Voi]

Sorry for the tag on question but I have been seriously considering this tool as well but I've been having a hard time deciding between this one and the 1/2 version?

Mine would be used for general automotive work (Wheels, suspension, etc.).

I can't afford or justify both so part of me thinks the 3/8 would be the better overall choice but the other part of me thinks the 80-90% of the stuff I'd use this on is stuff I would normally use 1/2 drive tools for?

There are some interesting discussions on this in previous threads. Unfortunately I really can't summarize the discussions nor can I even begin to think about wading through all of the hits you'll get if your run a search. Hopefully at the very least this will bump you question back to the first page.

There were some valid arguments on both sides.

 

[cgv69]

There are some interesting discussions on this in previous threads. Unfortunately I really can't summarize the discussions nor can I even begin to think about wading through all of the hits you'll get if your run a search. Hopefully at the very least this will bump you question back to the first page.

There were some valid arguments on both sides.

Thanks - I'll try some searches and see what I can find?

 

[rmsg0040]

^^ one compliments the other. If you buy the 3/8 kit you could always buy the bare 1/2 later.

I got both, I like them both. When the smaller one cant do it, I break out the bigger one.

I also like having options at my disposal.

Was using both today in the garage.

 

[jim keris]

just picked up a Milwaukee fuel cordless drill. Looking closely at the tag it says "Professionally built in China" sad

 

[lightning02]

Its good for most things, when it cant do what I need it to do, I break out its big brother.

I wish that Milwaukee would make an in-between impact wrench.

Something between the power of the 3/8" 200 ft lb and 1/2" 1100 ft lb, with an in between weight too.

Where you getting the 1100ftlbs from? I thought the 1/2 drive was 450ftlbs.

 

[AndrewH]

Thanks for all the feedback guys, I think I'm going to go ahead and pick one up as soon as I can find a great deal. It looks like I can get the bare tool from Zoro tools for roughly $135 with a coupon.

 

[rmsg0040]

Where you getting the 1100ftlbs from? I thought the 1/2 drive was 450ftlbs.

the fuel 1/2

 

[GSteg]

Where you getting the 1100ftlbs from? I thought the 1/2 drive was 450ftlbs.

450 is the rating on the old gun. 1100 is for the new bushless fuel.

 

[Banjorear]

Thanks for all the feedback guys, I think I'm going to go ahead and pick one up as soon as I can find a great deal. It looks like I can get the bare tool from Zoro tools for roughly $135 with a coupon.

Please let us know where you find the best deal. Thanks.

 

[Banjorear]

450 is the rating on the old gun. 1100 is for the new bushless fuel.

That seems crazy high. Top 1/2" air guns are 800 ft. lbs.

 

[kball]

That seems crazy high. Top 1/2" air guns are 800 ft. lbs.

Actually it's rated at 2400 Inch lbs

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...6af-49e8-bd11-d0ac96b03b26-_-x#specifications

 

[rice rocket]

There's three 1/2" current guns (actually, there's like 6 or 8 once you count all the variations).

There's the 1/2" compact brushless, which is no larger than the 3/8" that kball linked above, there's the large 1/2" older model, that makes 450 ft-lbs, and the new 1/2" fuel brushless that makes the 1100 ft-lbs of "nut busting" torque.

http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2655b-22
http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2663-20
http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2763-20

 

[lightning02]

So the 1/2in compact only has 10ftlbs more then the 3/8s??

 

[92integra]

So the 1/2in compact only has 10ftlbs more then the 3/8s??

i dont think anyone here has purchased one but hey thats what all the spec sheets say

 

[rice rocket]

Yeah, I assume it's the exact same motor, the larger anvil is stiffer and transfers more torque.

 

[AndrewH]

Please let us know where you find the best deal. Thanks.

I just bought it at Zoro Tools for $133 + free shipping for the brand new bare tool after a $35 off coupon. It was the best deal I could find.

Thanks everyone, now I'm off to find a metric impact set in 3/8

Andrew

 

[lightning02]

I just bought it at Zoro Tools for $133 + free shipping for the brand new bare tool after a $35 off coupon. It was the best deal I could find.

Thanks everyone, now I'm off to find a metric impact set in 3/8

Andrew

you have a link?

 

[rice rocket]

Search 2654-20

 

[Banjorear]

I just bought it at Zoro Tools for $133 + free shipping for the brand new bare tool after a $35 off coupon. It was the best deal I could find.

Thanks everyone, now I'm off to find a metric impact set in 3/8

Andrew

May I ask were you found the $35 coupon as well?

 

[AndrewH]

ZOROLYPMIC $35 off $150+ purchase. Not sure when it expires.

Andrew