Looking to get a 12v drill and impact driver kit

[Sanny81]

So far I've been looking at the Milwaukee kit and the Ridgid kit. Home Depot has these two:

http://homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M1...act-Driver-Combo-Kit-2-Tool-2494-22/203111686

http://homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-12-Vo...-and-Impact-Driver-Combo-Kit-R9000K/205358335

For $10 more is the Milwaukee the way to go? From what I've looked at it seems Milwaukee has more tools in their 12v lineup.

 

[gdocktor3]

For $10 more, I'd definitely consider going Milwaukee, but Ridgid has lifetime warranty. Lifetime warranty is hard to beat.

 

[Sanny81]

Yeah I really do like that lifetime warranty.

 

[bcradio]

I would only go fuel if going 12v Milwaukee personally. There are big improvements with the brushless line. That is unless you're looking for a beater set that you aren't going to worry about as much.

 

[Frank Dukes]

i have the milwaukee fuel 12v and i seriously never even touch my dewalt 18v stuff anymore. worth every penny.

 

[shockwave]

I highly recommend looking a fuel m12 kit the drill has 1/2 chuck standard m12 only has 3/8 chuck

You will not be disappointed with the m12 kit and there warranty is great

 

[Buckgnarly]

I NEVER though I would go cordless until I started with M12 stuff.....I just purchased my first M18 stuff last week! The Milwaukee stuff is good stuff, and more importantly for me, I think it will be around and supported for a long time.

 

[petee_c]

They are probably both good. I have an older 18v brushed makita set and a newer m12 brushed Milwaukee set.

Like both.

Depends on deals, maybe see if something comes out for black Friday?

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[drink]

It looks like Northern Tool has the same thing at the same price with free shipping. I plugged in Coupon Code 248937 at Northern Tool and it dropped the price down to $109 with free shipping. I think both HD and NT have low price guarantees.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200466075_200466075

NT also says if you spend $121 or more you can get a free $10 gift card.

 

[Sanny81]

It looks like Northern Tool has the same thing at the same price with free shipping. I plugged in Coupon Code 248937 at Northern Tool and it dropped the price down to $109 with free shipping. I think both HD and NT have low price guarantees.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200466075_200466075

NT also says if you spend $121 or more you can get a free $10 gift card.

Awesome thanks for this, just placed my order for the Milwaukee kit.

Can the batteries in this kit can be used in the Fuel 12v tools if I eventually decide to pick some up?

 

[IndyGarage]

Awesome thanks for this, just placed my order for the Milwaukee kit.

Can the batteries in this kit can be used in the Fuel 12v tools if I eventually decide to pick some up?

All M12 tools have interchangeable batteries. That's the beauty of the Milwaukee. They have the biggest lineup of M12 tools. They have everything from caulk guns to awesome LED lights that all use the same batteries.

If not for the wide range of tools, I'd probably go with the cheapest between Bosch or Milwaukee. Makita also makes simlar tools that are also good, but they are going away from that platform to a slide-in type battery like the 18's and I think that defeats the purpose of having small compact cordless tools.

 

[LawnBoy-5247]

I have the m12 fuel drill and impact driver kit and use the impact driver every day at work. I would certainly recommend it; it is light weight, has a lot of power for its size and, is very comfortable in your hand

 

[FigureItOut]

I'd consider what your future needs in 12 volt are going to be. If all you'll ever need is a drill and impact, I strongly recommend Bosch. They're more compact and lighter than M12. Power levels are slightly less, but more than adequate for 12 volt needs IF you also have a full size 18/20 lineup. In other words, if your only battery platform is to be a 12 volt lineup, go Milwaukee. If you are wanting a lighter more compact complement to your bigger tools, Bosch all the way.

Edit: oops, didn't see that you'd already decided. You should be perfectly happy with the M12. It's nice stuff.

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

 

[Roobaix]

They have the biggest lineup of M12 tools.

They have the only lineup of M12 tools

 

[2002maniac]

another vote for Milwaukee Fuel

 

[Greg85mcss]

I've had that kit for 2 years & use the impact daily at work. Another good thing is if you decide to get into an 18v set the m18 charger does both. That saves space.


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[T45]

I have the fuel m12, but the standard kit is awesome for $100. The fuel tools are probably $200 plus.

 

[Rory Bellows]

I know you want 12v but Lowes has a deal on Bosch 18v drill and impact driver for $149.00. I am biased I have Bosch drill, driver, sawzall.

 

[t1snwbrdr12]

What would your guys advice be on m12 fuel vs the new makita sub compact 18v stuff?

 

[rice rocket]

Unless you plan on getting an extensive line of 12v tools, I'd get Makita's sub-compact brushless 18v stuff and have access to the rest of their 18v lineup.

The head of the drill/impact is smaller than even the 12v Milwaukee stuff, and the grip is way better.


<iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ifu_mJqlCcQ?rel=0&showinfo=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[IndyGarage]

They have the only lineup of M12 tools

You got me there. Actually M12's aren't really 12 volt. They are 10.8 just like all the other compact tools.

Unless you plan on getting an extensive line of 12v tools, I'd get Makita's sub-compact brushless 18v stuff and have access to the rest of their 18v lineup.

The head of the drill/impact is smaller than even the 12v Milwaukee stuff, and the grip is way better.

Not for me. The beauty of the M12, and similar Bosch (and Makita 12v max)tools is the compactness of the entire tool with the battery installed. When you hang the battery pack from the end of it, then I think it's a totally different tool.

BTW I like those compact Makitas - just not as a replacement for the M12 style tools.

 

[buckwheat_la]

Please PLEASE, don't go with the Rigid. Makita, Milwaukee, Bosch are all great options.

 

[rice rocket]

The beauty of the M12, and similar Bosch (and Makita 12v max)tools is the compactness of the entire tool with the battery installed. When you hang the battery pack from the end of it, then I think it's a totally different tool.

BTW I like those compact Makitas - just not as a replacement for the M12 style tools.

I get what you're saying, but hanging the battery off the bottom usually doesn't impede access, it's the length of the tool from the **** end to the tip. The M12 tools aren't that compact, in fact the impact and screwdriver are LONGER than their 18v counterparts. Versus the Bosch tools, they're like 25-50% larger.



Comparison from instagram of the 12v Fuel vs the subcompact Makita:

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:54.7685185185% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BK909JkhuP5/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Haven't you heard? Black is the new black!!! Makita XFD11 18v SUBCOMPACT next to the compact 12v fuel drill. This is insane! This will be my favorite drill for a long time������ #construction #makita #makitatools #18v #cordless #cordlesstools #powertools</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Worksmarter With Better Tools (@toolpig) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-09-30T04:06:35+00:00">Sep 29, 2016 at 9:06pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BK9z-HcBmag/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Smaller and more powerful than the 12v fuel impact driver! This is really a sweet sweet impact. The XDT15 from Makita. This is part of a kit with the worlds smallest 18v brushless drill the XFD11 the kit is CX200RB I got this one from @aokpower they are one of the very first to get these in the US. They repair and sell tools and outdoor power equipment check them out and give them a follow! #Powertools #makitacordless #makitatools #makita #construction #outdoorpowerequipment #toolrepairs</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Worksmarter With Better Tools (@toolpig) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-09-30T03:57:59+00:00">Sep 29, 2016 at 8:57pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>

Screengrab from a Youtube video.

M12 Fuel screwdriver vs Bosch brushless.

The 1/4 hex impact is almost the same length front to back as my 300 ft lb Metabo brushless gun.

 

[T45]

That pic measures the bosh at 12% shorter. Its also alot fatter, which in some cases also has issues for access (ie, the centre axis to the top, not sure about sides tho). Of course 12% is still useful if it works out to 20mm or something for sure on a 6-7 inch long tool.

 

[gdocktor3]

Within a year every platform will have this "subcompact" option... probably...

So how does the subcompact Makita compare to normal size as far as power/torque?

 

[rowerwet]

If you are interested in the Milwaukee 12V set, home depot has a driver/ drill set for about $100 in the front of most stores where they sell the deals for Christmas shopping, you won't get the same deal the rest of the year

 

[theoldwizard1]

I would only go fuel if going 12v Milwaukee personally. There are big improvements with the brushless line.

Sadly, it is a big step up in $$$ also !

 

[rice rocket]

Within a year every platform will have this "subcompact" option... probably...

So how does the subcompact Makita compare to normal size as far as power/torque?

350 in-lbs drill, 1240 in-lbs impact, which is on par w/ the M12 Fuel (Makita specs an extra 40 in-lbs on the impact) if you believe either of the specs.

 

[DFB]

350 in-lbs drill, 1240 in-lbs impact, which is on par w/ the M12 Fuel (Makita specs an extra 40 in-lbs on the impact) if you believe either of the specs.

I suppose it has it's place but wow those do seem like fairly weak specs for 18v tools especially the drill driver against what we are becoming used to in the marketplace.

I do like that black. I have seen some of the earlier Makita white tools used in a garage setting before..what where they thinking!

 

[Dingleburry]

The lifetime warranty on ridgid as far as i know is only on batteries. We got the milwaukee combo kit for work on a sale.
The drill that comes in it; if its the compact drill, it *****. It lasted about 4 hours and the motor burnt out. It spins under no load for about 3 seconds then shuts off and smells like burning electronics. But the full sized brushless drill is awesome. Gets put through hell at work and works well still. Also stays cool under load for exrebded peroids of time. Only about 6 months old though so we will see. As far as the impact, well they dont see much load on the motor so any impact should be good.

 

[winlinmac]

Not to go off-topic here, but is there anyone here owning both M12 and M18 versions of Milwaukee's Brushless Drills and Drivers and see the usefulness of using both? Do they necessarily complement each other depending on the extent of task at hand?

 

[maintguy]

I'd consider what your future needs in 12 volt are going to be. If all you'll ever need is a drill and impact, I strongly recommend Bosch. They're more compact and lighter than M12. Power levels are slightly less, but more than adequate for 12 volt needs IF you also have a full size 18/20 lineup. In other words, if your only battery platform is to be a 12 volt lineup, go Milwaukee. If you are wanting a lighter more compact complement to your bigger tools, Bosch all the way.

Edit: oops, didn't see that you'd already decided. You should be perfectly happy with the M12. It's nice stuff.

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

I have the Bosch to. It's awesome

 

[FigureItOut]

Not to go off-topic here, but is there anyone here owning both M12 and M18 versions of Milwaukee's Brushless Drills and Drivers and see the usefulness of using both? Do they necessarily complement each other depending on the extent of task at hand?

My personal opinion is that m18 and m12 do not complement each other very well. The m12 line is so close to being full size tools in both power levels and bulkiness/weight. I don't own any m12 but I've used it, and I do like it, but I don't see much of a gain in compactness to own a whole other line. That's why I have a half dozen or so m18 tools for heavier use, and the smaller Bosch for 12 volt needs.

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[DFB]

Not to go off-topic here, but is there anyone here owning both M12 and M18 versions of Milwaukee's Brushless Drills and Drivers and see the usefulness of using both? Do they necessarily complement each other depending on the extent of task at hand?

Just ask yourself how many drill/drivers do you think you need. With the advance of 1/4 impact drivers I really cant remember last when I drove a screw with a clutched drill. For me now a cordless drills now is mainly just for drilling whether that be wood, metal or masonry. But with the proper shanked bits you can also drill with an impact driver too. In general M12 (and Fuel) will handle most routine chores just fine

Now that's those tools but obviously none of the M12 impacts are what you are really going to need to do lug nuts or larger sized fasteners when you start getting up over 3/8" in size. Plus some of those larger tools offer additional features like 1 sec stop. And if you want cordless in a framing saw or recip for doing construction or demo or rough-in drilling or large masonry, that's where you also want to step up with many of M18 tools. The M12 circular saw is sweet for light work and so is the brushed hackzall (where the Fuel is comparative to an M18 tool but you do pay for it). So pretty much with day long work and with M18 you will normally go faster, be more powerful and last longer with the bigger batteries. Plus there are multiple optional cordless items available not found in M12 like the fan, transfer pump, blower and two vacs now.

Overall M12 is pretty capable stuff, especially with Fuel improvements. I have much more M12 than M18. I like the different impacts a lot and 3/8 sq. drive anvil is even more capable than the 1/4 hex. The work lights are great, and their inspection tools are decent too.. And some things like the right angle impact or drill even spec very close to their M18 counterparts.