Checking out the Milwaukee Drill/Driver kits today and it seemed the M18 Fuel Hex driver was physically smaller than the M12 hex driver. If so isn't it best to get the M18? More power and able to fit into tighter spots.
M18 Fuel Hex Driver < M12 Driver
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The head portion is smaller, but the tool is taller and presumably heavier (I cant be sure because I cant find the weight spec) especially with a larger 18V battery. The Bosch 18V impact driver is very similar.
I think both the 12V and 18V have their uses but Ive found myself using my current 18V impact driver for things that are much better suited for a 12V version (do I really need a 7 lb 18V impact driver to drive drywall screws into drywall or 2" decking screws into 2x4s?)
firebox40dash5
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The head is like, what, 1/4" shorter I think?
But the battery is farkling HUGE. Especially the XC batteries, and they're not terribly light either. The M12 with a small battery is like a hand extension.
But the battery is farkling HUGE. Especially the XC batteries, and they're not terribly light either. The M12 with a small battery is like a hand extension.
firebox40dash5
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The M12 kit is $40 more than the bare M18, the M18 with compact batteries is $80 more than the M12.
I only have the 3/8" impact in M18, but I think they're the same general size/weight. The compact battery helps, but it's still not as easy to use as the little one. Honestly, I think 18V brushless drivers are overkill. I can break off hex drives with 12V if I can get enough grab with it, any torque beyond breaking bits isn't really accomplishing anything.
Wow now I want a Hex Driver even more. I'm tired of pulling out the air impact for those tough nuts/bolts. I always thought air impacts where better than electrics especially cordless impacts. Seems I'm wrong.
I believe Firefox is taking about 1/4" drive hex shank bits. Not to talk you out of getting a cordless impact, but I don't believe any 12v cordless is going to beat out an air impact. My m12 fuel in 3/8 is pretty powerful, but not really strong enough to make an air impact obsolete imo. I have had a chance to play with a matco 18v 3/8" and I feel like it will do anything I expect a 3/8 to do. Either way it is nice to not have a cord or line attached to your tool.
TheGrooveking
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I have all of the M12 impact drivers/wrenches including the FUEL series and I have the same in M18, including FUEL and will state the M18 series doesn't have the sensitivity to its trigger that the M12 has. This probably due to length of throw the trigger switch has versus current applied, so based on what I'm driving/loosening will determine which tool I use. The M18's will snap screws that the M12's won't.
As to 1/4" hex to square drive adapters, you MUST make sure you are getting impact rated, Irwin, DeWalt and Harbor Freight sell both impact and non-impact versions, and the non-impact will snap or the hex will peen over and will become jammed in the tool's chuck, a lesson I've learned the hard way.
TheGrooveking
As to 1/4" hex to square drive adapters, you MUST make sure you are getting impact rated, Irwin, DeWalt and Harbor Freight sell both impact and non-impact versions, and the non-impact will snap or the hex will peen over and will become jammed in the tool's chuck, a lesson I've learned the hard way.
TheGrooveking
cgv69
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This is a timely thread as I too want to get a new Milwaukee Fuel driver\impact driver kit and can't decide between the M18 and M12?
I already have an M18 Fuel Impact Wrench with 2 XC4.0 batteries. I like that the drill in the M18 kit is a hammer drill which means I can use it to replace both my current M12 drill and my corded Milwaukee hammer drill.
I do like the compactness of the M12 line but the M18 isn't much bigger or heavier. I'm looking at the 2791-22CT kit that comes with the smaller 2.0 batteries (I already have 2 of the XC 4.0 batteries). The M18 driver also has 3 fastening modes (i.e. "DRIVE CONTROL" which the M12 doesn't) so you don't have to worry about over torquing anything
I know me, which ever way I go I'll end up wishing I had gone the other way but I'm just not seeing any compelling reason to go M12 other then save a few bucks?
I already have an M18 Fuel Impact Wrench with 2 XC4.0 batteries. I like that the drill in the M18 kit is a hammer drill which means I can use it to replace both my current M12 drill and my corded Milwaukee hammer drill.
I do like the compactness of the M12 line but the M18 isn't much bigger or heavier. I'm looking at the 2791-22CT kit that comes with the smaller 2.0 batteries (I already have 2 of the XC 4.0 batteries). The M18 driver also has 3 fastening modes (i.e. "DRIVE CONTROL" which the M12 doesn't) so you don't have to worry about over torquing anything
I know me, which ever way I go I'll end up wishing I had gone the other way but I'm just not seeing any compelling reason to go M12 other then save a few bucks?
firebox40dash5
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You can snap off impact-rated ones too, only takes ~120 ft./lb. or so.
I usually use the Milwaukee adapters, since they're short and readily available. The Dewalt ones are longer, and in my experience snap much easier. The Milwaukee ones have only snapped sitting there hammering away at something... I've had Dewalts break within the first couple seconds on a really tight fastener.
And yes, I was referring to snapping those off, not being stronger than an air impact. The 1/4" shank is the weak link... you could have a tool putting out 800 ft./lb., but if you're running that torque through a spaghetti noodle it's not gonna do you any good.
I had an M18 drill for a bit, and decided with 4.0 batteries on it, it was just way too heavy for my needs. You can get an M12 hammerdrill too. I have one, and it works fine for me... I don't use the hammer every day, but I do all the building maintenence at work in a concrete block building, so I needed something to drill into the walls. The M12 impact also has "drive control", it's just only got 2 modes. The lower one is like ~12 ft./lb., I love it for times when I can't get a hand in there to start a bolt/nut by hand. With that little torque, it'll start hammering right away if it tries to cross-thread. Also works great for running on pan/valve cover bolts to torque by hand.
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Trey T
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I agree! M12 non-Fuel driver is strong enough for light duty construction. I was over my friend's place to build a 8'x10' shed foundation/floor and the M12 was strong enough to drive 2x6 PT lumber into 4x4 PT post.
I own a M18 fuel driver and the power is significantly more. However, M12 can get the job done on many occasions.
I own a M18 fuel driver and the power is significantly more. However, M12 can get the job done on many occasions.
If cost is a factor, have you thought about getting an adapter? Milwaukee makes square drive to 1/4" hex adapters, so if you have an m18 impact wrench you are happy with already, you could use it to pull double duty
http://www.zoro.com/i/G3653623/?utm...hopping_Feed&gclid=CMXByaba1MECFU9efgodWT0AsQ
First search result to pop up. There are a bunch of online companies that have it, all about $16. I found that after I bought my impact driver. If you would rather get a dedicated impact driver though, I have been satisfied with the m12
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cgv69
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Cost is not a factor. Its more of a matter of deciding which one is more appropriate for my needs? The M12 has size and weight on it's side. The M18's have power and capacity on their's.
I however was not aware of that adapter so thanks for that heads up. That could end up being the deciding factor for me? Seeing how I already an the 3/8" drive M18 impact wrench, I could used that with the adapter for those times when I need to the extra power or capacity and then get the M12 setup for the rest of the time. May be the best of both worlds?