M12 3/8 Impact: Fuel vs. Brushed

[MrGiggles]

I've been looking at getting a better impact and already have two M12 batteries for my ratchet.

I see the 3/8 Fuel is listed for 149.00, bare tool. 117ft lbs.

I can get the non-Fuel brushed model reconditioned for 65 bucks. Rated at 83ft lbs.

http://www.cpomilwaukee.com/factory...ies&prefv1=M12|FUEL&prefn2=voltage&prefv2=12V


Has anybody used these side by side? Is the Fuel impact that much better? I'm currently using the Lowes 129.99 Porter Cable 20v impact with a 1/4" adapter. Mechanic's use primarily.

 

[BK13]

I have the Fuel. I like it a bunch, but if it had any less power I'd probably be pretty disappointed with it.

 

[mrvm]

The M12 brushed impact works fine as a regular 12V impact tool, small enough for tight spots and enough power to drive small fasteners. The M12 Fuel feels and sounds more powerful, some say rivaling past of generation 18V tools. IMO its worthwhile spending some more for the Fuel. Every M12/M18 deal I found I unloaded the brushed power tools for the battery as there is no comparison.

 

[Ign]

Since they should use the same platform/motor as the 1/4" hex drivers, I'd say, yes, in this case the FUEL is that much better. However I don't see that the Fuel 2454 has 2 speeds like the Fuel 2453 1/4" hex, so maybe they're not identical?

Comparing the brushed 1/4" hex 2450 the the brushless 2453, the brushless is way stronger. I accidentally twisted the head off a new 1/4" Gr8 bolt with my 2453 while tightening it down. Not incredibly impressive as 1/4" bolts (even in Gr8) aren't rated for THAT much torque.

In this case, go Fuel

FWIW I do also have the brushed 3/8" 2451, I just keep it at the lathe w hex bits for quick jaw swaps. Love it for that. But for mechanic work, even an extra 100 in lbs can be all the difference in the world, so get the most powerful tool you can.

 

[BK13]

My 2454 has two speeds.....

 

[theoldwizard1]

I've been looking at getting a better impact and already have two M12 batteries for my ratchet.

I see the 3/8 Fuel is listed for 149.00, bare tool. 117ft lbs.

I can get the non-Fuel brushed model reconditioned for 65 bucks. Rated at 83ft lbs.

http://www.cpomilwaukee.com/factory...ies&prefv1=M12|FUEL&prefn2=voltage&prefv2=12V

There are a bunch of videos on YouTube doing head-to-head comparisons and most people say the Fuel version wins, because of the additional torque.

I am in te same boat as you. I can't bring myself to "pull the trigger" on a tool that would only get occasional use. If I could get a reconditioned one for under $100 ...

My son has an 18V DeWalt with the 1/4" hex drive, so I just borrow his !

 

[03protege]

I almost bought the recon version you are looking at until I spotted the "buy an m12 fuel and get a free tool" Promo home depot runs a couple times a year.

instead I was able to snag the 3/8" Fuel impact, 3/8" ratchet and 2 2.0 batteries for $200

I currently don't have a stronger impact (will eventually get an 18v) so I wanted the most bang for the buck I could get and can say I am certainly satisfied. It has taken off everything I have asked of it, mainly a bunch of lug nuts and a couple decent size rusty fasteners.

Either way you go I think you are getting a great tool and not having to deal with those shitting 1/4" hex adapters anymore is liberating.

My 2454 has two speeds.....

Word.

 

[03protege]

I am in te same boat as you. I can't bring myself to "pull the trigger" on a tool that would only get occasional use. If I could get a reconditioned one for under $100 ...

Once you have it you start finding uses for it, at first I hardly used it now when I am working on something mechanical it stays within arms reach.

 

[Ign]

My 2454 has two speeds.....

Thank you. Milwaukee's site wasn't immediately clear on that, but once I drilled down into "Overview" it lists "2X drive control." They also only show 2 basic pics of it but no top view which would show the selector
http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2454-20

 

[bindernut]

I just got the fuel version. I work at a john Deere mower dealer. I've only had it a few days but so far it's exceeded my expectations. I was installing a loader on a compact tractor Wednesday and installing the frame mounting bolts with my MG325. Just for kicks I decided to see if the M12 fuel would take them back loose. It did without too much effort. I was amazed. Also used it to remove some factory installed blades. Spend the money for the fuel, it's worth it

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I have the 3/8 in both M12 FUEL and M18 FUEL.

The M12 Fuel gets used a WHOLE LOT. Don't get me wrong, but it is not super duper powerful. The M18 FUEL feels 2x as powerful. (I was removing rusted/seized nuts/bolts on picnic tables, that took a 9/16" socket and the M12 had to hammer away for a little bit, where the M18 had no problem)

What I'm getting at is if the M12 Fuel needs upgraded to M18 on normal 3/8" sizes (the PITA ones) I would think the M12 brushed would not be very pleasant at all. IMO....