Question on battery configurations for Milwaukee M12 Fuel 1/2" drill.

[evintho]

Just received my new Milwaukee M12 Fuel 1/2" drill and I'm quite pleased with it. Question: Why the 2 different sized batteries that come with it? Why didn't Milwaukee just include another XC4.0 instead of the smaller 2.0? Am I missing something or are they just trying to save money?

 

[shockwave]

I am curious on this as well I would like to see a test on power of drill between the 2 as well. Where my makita lxt had more power with bigger batteries

And looks nice I am interested in there new fuel lines

 

[GortonsFisherman]

Sure, it keeps the cost of the kit down, but it's nice to have options. I own most of the M12 Fuel tools, using them professionally daily, and almost always run the smaller battery in them, as I bought them for their compactness. I normally reserve the 4.0's for using in the lights, and also the Hackzall.

 

[firebox40dash5]

I don't think any of the M12 tools come with a pair of 4.0s... pretty sure just to keep costs down. I've got at least one of each Redlithium battery type, and I can't say I've ever noticed a power difference with my drill or impact. Although I pretty much keep the 1.5s for piddly stuff like the dremel tool, and my lone 3.0 is in the grease gun it came with.

If you buy during a free battery deal, the Fuel drills do come with a free 4.0 battery though.

 

[Ign]

Us ******** Milwaukee guys are just glad it comes with one XC battery as virtually no kits used to; they all had 2 compact batteries w a few exceptions like the grease gun as mentioned and the portaband, sometimes optional on the jigsaw.

However some of it arguably is for options; I've seen cabinet guys on the forum say they don't like big batteries hanging off the tool. Also in the Milwaukee holster the compact batteries do better as they don't try to pull the tool out of the holster; I realize most of these come w a belt clip now but I really like the old-school holster for what I do.

So yes, sometimes bigger is not better, which is some of the premise behind 12V tools in the first place.

 

[kctyphoon]

The purpose is suppose to be to give you the flexibility of having the different packs and not confining you to one type if your "need" is more specialized. The 2ah pack is much smaller and will allow you to get into tighter spaces, but if that's not your primary need, then the 4ah will give you that longer runtime and the convience of being able to stand the tool up..

I'm sure some of it is marketing, knowing that most people will not need the smaller pack, but this will at least demonstrate the abilitly of the 4ah if you ever decide to buy more batteries. You may come to appreciate the larger pack if you ever decide to buy a bigger hammer drill or the new circular saw in the m12 line.

 

[Fcvapor05]

For drill/drivers, battery capacity has no impact on power. They don't draw enough current for it to matter. Bigger battery just means longer run time.

As several people have already said, the smaller battery is often convenient for things like installing cabinets, where you care more about the tool weight and maneuverability in a tight spot than you do about being able to drive 800 screws instead of 400.

For what it's worth, all the M12 Fuel tools I own will still stand up on end with the small battery in place.

 

[cheechi]

For drill/drivers, battery capacity has no impact on power. They don't draw enough current for it to matter. Bigger battery just means longer run time.

I can't say that there is or isn't more current draw, but the harder you are working some of these, the more you better have an XC battery. It's not for the amount of working time, but the amount of work output you need. one 3" hole through brick vs 100 1/4" holes through brick, same motor speed, same time on the trigger, guarantee the drill is working harder through that one hole than the 100 combined.

The M12 Fuel drills run at lower speeds when using older 1.3 AH or 2.6XC batteries, and correct speeds using either the 2.0 or 4.0XC. It might not be because of the amperage draw but the circuitry inside either the battery, drill, or both.

This is not comparing a depleted battery to full either. Both my (hammer) and my buddy's regular M12 Fuel drills exhibit the same behaviour. So far haven't noticed it from the impact wrench or driver.

 

[rice rocket]

I'd rather have two 2.0 batts than one XC 4.0.

Or four 2.0s instead of two XC 4.0.

Why burden yourself with extra weight when you can just slap another battery in? FWIW I haven't noticed a difference in power, but I don't bog my drills.

 

[Ign]

I can't prove a damn thing but I can tell you anecdotally that the drill/drivers unquestionably have more power with the XC batteries. I DID NOT expect this, so this was not me deciding upon an expected outcome. I was somewhat surprised to discover this.

Again, if you want hard data or facts there's no way I could provide it to you, so argue away, but I know what I've experienced.

 

[usdemt]

The smaller packs are nice because you can put the driver in a hammer holder on your toolbelt. I put an extra hammer holder on my hip to throw the driver so I dont have to put it in a pocket. The fuel have the little clip IIRC so it might not be a big deal but mine are earlier versions without a way to hang them. That being said the bigger battery pack also allows it to hang from a "meat hook" that you can place on your belt. Just gives you more options for how to use it.

 

[SASORacing]

I think 1 2.0 and 1 xc 4.0 is a perfect setup. Does anyone like the fact that the xc 4.0 battery makes your cordless impact m12 fuel stand up on its own easily? The battery makes a good platform for the tool to balance on. Does this make sense? Does anyone like the xc batts for this?

I feel like the xc batt sort of defeats the purpose of the m12, because the m12 tools are so compact, the xc batt makes them look like the m18 tools right?

 

[Stuey]

Think of it as a sampler. Sometimes you want a smaller and lighter tool, other times you might want more runtime,

 

[Fcvapor05]

I can't prove a damn thing but I can tell you anecdotally that the drill/drivers unquestionably have more power with the XC batteries. I DID NOT expect this, so this was not me deciding upon an expected outcome. I was somewhat surprised to discover this.

Again, if you want hard data or facts there's no way I could provide it to you, so argue away, but I know what I've experienced.

NOT saying your wrong- but I've used my M12 drill and impact a LOT, with both 4.0 and 2.0 batteries, and for driving screws, drilling holes with spade bits, etc, there's no difference in my experience. It's certainly possible you've done different work than what i've done and noticed some change.

 

[Fcvapor05]

I think 1 2.0 and 1 xc 4.0 is a perfect setup. Does anyone like the fact that the xc 4.0 battery makes your cordless impact m12 fuel stand up on its own easily? The battery makes a good platform for the tool to balance on. Does this make sense? Does anyone like the xc batts for this?

I feel like the xc batt sort of defeats the purpose of the m12, because the m12 tools are so compact, the xc batt makes them look like the m18 tools right?

The drill and/or driver will stand up on the 2.0 battery also. Granted, it's easier to tip over.

 

[SASORacing]

Are 1.5 batteries able to stand up the same as 2.0?

Also I believe milwakee advertises a power gain from the xc batteries. I assume there is a noticeable deference between 1.5 and xc 4.0 batts.

 

[Fcvapor05]

Are 1.5 batteries able to stand up the same as 2.0?

Also I believe milwakee advertises a power gain from the xc batteries. I assume there is a noticeable deference between 1.5 and xc 4.0 batts.

All of my M12 batteries are 2.0 or 4.0, but I'm pretty sure they will stand up with any battery. The 1.5 still has a flat bottom, and if the cg of the tool wasn't in line with the handle it wouldn't stand up on a 2.0 battery.

 

[bcradio]

NOT saying your wrong- but I've used my M12 drill and impact a LOT, with both 4.0 and 2.0 batteries, and for driving screws, drilling holes with spade bits, etc, there's no difference in my experience. It's certainly possible you've done different work than what i've done and noticed some change.

Agree with this.