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Smaller milwaukee impact to compliment the high torque

Farmer888

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Merry Christmas everyone! Hope you guys have a good one

I bought the 2767 M18 high torque last week, It is awesome! Used it for removing some wheels and a bumper so far and it's just great. Haven't really pushed it yet on rusted/ big bolts but I will with time.

Wondering what you guys would recommend for a smaller impact to go with it?
M12 stubby? 3/8 or 1/2? I don't have m12 batteries so have to buy them

Or am I better with the 3/8 compact m18?

Thanks!
 
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ChrisLS8

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The stubby is superior to the M18 3/8 imo. What are you working on?
 

Zewnten

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I use the m18 mid impact in 3/8 but I'd probably get 1/2 mid torque so I wouldn't need extra sockets. If I was wanting power with decent clearance I'd get the 1/4 stubby impact
 

ca90ss

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The m12 stubby is pretty gutless in my experience. Unless you plan on only doing small fasteners with it I would go with something with more power.
 

ChrisLS8

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The m12 stubby is pretty gutless in my experience. Unless you plan on only doing small fasteners with it I would go with something with more power.

Maybe you got a dud. I just installed big brakes, coilovers, removed subframe, installed a new rack, transmission bolts and lug nuts etc with a 6.0. it won't pop off the crank bolt but that isn't expected. It's done 99 percent of the bolts on my cars
 

ca90ss

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Maybe you got a dud. I just installed big brakes, coilovers, removed subframe, installed a new rack, transmission bolts and lug nuts etc with a 6.0. it won't pop off the crank bolt but that isn't expected. It's done 99 percent of the bolts on my cars

Mine wouldn't remove lug nuts that had been torqued to 100ft lb a week earlier with anti seize.
 

ChrisLS8

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Are you using a small battery? It makes a huge difference to use a 3.0 or above
 

mdnelson86

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I bought the m12 stubby 3/8” drive after having my high torque m18 for several years. There are plenty of applications where the high torque impact is way too much. You need to be very careful not to over tighten or even twist off some bolts.

The m12 stubby 3/8” drive works great for those applications where the high torque impact is too much and/or you have limited space to get at something. The only downsides are the different battery (I already use and carry m12 batteries with me. So that wasn’t an issue for me) and the need for different sockets. Also, you need another set of impact sockets in 3/&” drive. I just bought a few 3/8 drive impacts sockets in the few sizes I use the most and just use standard sockets for anything else I run into (I know, any excuse to get more tools, but space is limited on the service truck)

I can’t complain at all about the power of the 3/8” drive m12. It obviously doesn’t have the same power as the bigger impacts, but that’s the whole point to me. I’ve never used it for this, but I’m pretty sure I would have no trouble at all removing lug nuts from a car with it.
 

Professional Tool User

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The M18 high torque is too bulky for doing much besides removing lug nuts. The mid torque is closer to the size of your average 1/2 air impact but doesn't have the power high end air impacts. If mobility is not an issue, I'll be using an air impact over those two. The M12 stubby has enough power to do most things you'd do with a 3/8 drive ratchet, thus making it the most useful out of the three.
 
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chipjumper

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I just sold my 3/8 impact on eBay this morning for $82 (net after $33 in eBay/PayPal fees and shipping). It was worth it before I bought the 1100 ft/lb high-torque. Yeah it’s bulkier than the 3/8 but I don’t need to fire up my compressor and grab the IR air gun anymore. It’s just so convenient. I’m still playing around with the OneKey too. I got my M18 Fuel high torque from CPO two weeks ago for like $180 shipped.


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kctyphoon

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Get the m12 stubby if you dont care about going out of the m18 platform. Then youll have small and big covered. Fill in later with the mid torque if you want. Just have realistic expectations of the m12. Its strong for its size - but dont expect it to break every bolt free simply cause every 3/8 drive socket fits on it.

I suspect we’ll see a new m18 3/8 compact impact soon anyway since it only makes sense that is probably the oldest model, and its being out performed by its 12v sibling. This is just a guess, but I’d imagine a new small m18 3/8 impact will come in a push a 250ftlb rating if/when it gets announced. Pure speculation mind you..
 
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plinker

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The m12 2554 2/8 stubby does out preform the m18 3/8 2754 by a little bit (I have both), it's not noticeable all the time, just depends on what you're doing with it. The 2554 is a very good and fairly compact tool. I use it a lot and it's a drastic improvement over any of the previous m12 3/8 impacts.

Keep in mind both are 3/8 impacts and have their limitations when compared to any 1/2 drive impact. Removing lug nuts isnt really a good test or use for any 3/8 impact.
 

CJM8515

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Mid torque and stubby are what I would want. Have both and love them.
 

WI-tractor-Dr

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I have the 2454 Milwaukee m12 fuel 3/8 and it has been used daily for 5 years now without any problems. I use it on pretty much anything that is a 1/2” bolt or smaller.
 
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Farmer888

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It would mostly be used for some automotive or even light farm equipment where I dont need the full torque of the 2767 m18.
It would have been nice to stay with the 18v but really dont mind getting some 12v batteries since my charger will do them too.

Really be nice to have all the sizes since every job is different. I'm surprised the m12 is more powerful than the 3/8 m18. And Is the m12 stubby overrated? I dont expect it to be taking lugs off or at least not reliably but be nice for brake calipers etc.
 

plinker

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I wouldnt say the 3/8 stubby is overrated by any means as both the 2554 m12 and the m18 2754 will keep up with and/or outpace a truck brand 3/8 air impact, I have not actually used my Matco 3/8 air gun at all in over a year since buying the 2554.

The 2754 is a bit older tech then the 2554 so that may explain some of the difference. The 2754 m18 was considerably more powerful then the 2454 m12 I have which is about the same vintage. Given the 2754 and 2454 are about the same housing size I dont get the power difference, I'd have thought it should have been similar. With the 2554, it runs circles around the 2454.

14/16mm loctited truck caliper bracket bolts typically need to be removed with a larger impact or loosened with a ratchet. My theory is if my 2554 wont do it, change plan accordingly (usually 1/2 drive).
 
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_Riddle

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I have the M12 3/8 stubby and I really like it. So far it’s been plenty powerful removing exhaust manifold studs/nuts, drive shaft bolts, valve cover bolts, and tons of other stuff. I think it’s pretty powerful especially for its size. I bought a Sunex 3/8 impact “master” set for it and it’s been really great so far. Worth every penny IMO.
 

Yarpo

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The m12 stubby is pretty gutless in my experience. Unless you plan on only doing small fasteners with it I would go with something with more power.

I've found the same to be true, also with a 4.0 XC. It's a good impact, but gutless.

Id certainly recommend it and think it would pair well with a high torque, but the mid torque is my most used gun.
 
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Farmer888

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I've found the same to be true, also with a 4.0 XC. It's a good impact, but gutless.

Id certainly recommend it and think it would pair well with a high torque, but the mid torque is my most used gun.

Yeah I'll probably get the m12, I could see the mid torque being nice with lot's of power still in a smaller size
 

chipjumper

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I think you guys are on the right track - get BOTH a stubby and a 1/2” beast. Looking back, my 3/8” 2754-20 with the small battery is handy for the small stubborn bolts. My 1/2” 2862-20 is indeed a heavy beast that is overkill. I had to sell the 3/8” to offset the cost of the 1/2” per the deal I made with the boss lady. I’m not a Pro so I don’t use these toys daily otherwise I’d have the whole assortment.


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DFB

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M12 Stubby over the 2754 anyday. In fact I would take a 2755 over that 3/8" any day too lol. The market on 2454 is pretty limited now and IMO the current M12 impact driver would most likely outperform it. Still I do like the one I have and use it often

Seems the only reason to choose a M18 compact would be because you would only want to stay on one battery platform and possibly just buy the bare tool only

Personally not really seeing a new M18 compact being introduced in the future but who knows
 

WittHay

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I have a bunch of M12 batteries but have zero interest in buying a stubbett. Too big and uncomfortable to replace a 1/4 drive or small 12 volt impact

The M18 3/8 compact is just right for a lot of equipment covers and the battery interchanges with the 1/2 mid torque or 1/2 compact. Have 5 M18 impacts from 3/8 to 3/4 and I would say except for the 3/4 they get equal use
 

theoldwizard1

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If you are willing to have 2 sizes of batteries, I love my M12 (non-stubby) 3/8" impact (2454). I do a lot of work on yard equipment and this is "just the right size" ! I added a 3/8" to 1/4" hex adapter and I have the best of both worlds.
 

BMack37

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My M12 1/2" stubby(with 4.0) has no problem with my lug nuts which are torqued at 150 ft lbs. It does struggle with a 2.0. I sold my compact Fuel M18 impact because the stubby out performs it...maybe the compact m18 will perform on-par with the stubby with a HO battery but I didn't have an HO when I sold the compact M18.

I do think it's a good idea to supplement with the mid-torque.

BTW, buying into the M12 lineup is a great excuse for "having" to add M12 ratchets.
 

04chase

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m18 fuel 3/8 impact < new m12 stubby 3/8 impact from my experience.

the m18 isnt bad but not as strong or small. i have both one in the shop one in my truck. the one in the truck gets the most use and is my go to for most things.

Id like to think the mid torque 1/2 would be close to the m12 3/8 stubby but be able to use more compact tooling.

Turn down the power on the high torque for power output. it is bigger but also more capable depending on application.

Milwaukee , can we get a rep to monitor this board? seems like the real world results are mostly found here and many of the contributions here have put a big chunk of change in their tools. Just saying .... if you need a real world tester .

#milwaukeetools
 

chipjumper

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Real world results are that my “1100 ft lbs” isn’t 1100 or even within 15% of that lol. There are some interesting YT videos of people testing the real world vs manufacturer rated strength.


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chipjumper

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I need to add though, I think that many working with autos use extensions and or wobble adapters thus reducing the real world torque at the business end. That itself justifies overbuying a cordless impact. I’m glad I did and I don’t regret it. I still might entertain the idea of a M12 Stubby in my armament.


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billford

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Dec 26, 2016
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When I bought my high torque, it came with two 5.0 batteries and a charger.
I also bought the 3/8 compact, 2754 and use one the the batteries with it.







Its narrow nose gets into tight spots and I use 3/8 impact sockets up to 19mm with it. Its rated at 210 ft lbs. I find it very handy on automotive work.
 
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Elvisidal

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M12 1/2”

THEN prepare yourself to buy all those sweet m12 skins like the ratchets,cut off saw, die grinder, torch, dremel, soldering iron,
 

Bad Ronald

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Just got the 1/2 mid-torque.It came with the 2.0 battery.Is a 5.0 battery good enough to run this or should I go higher?
 
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Farmer888

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Well I found a good deal on a new not used m12 stubby with a battery still in it's package on kijiji ( Canada craigslist for those In the US) Got it bought reasonable quite a discount from new in the store.

It has enough power to take my lugnuts off my pickup and other family members cars no problem. I don't over tighten them though and I do use antiseize so that helps. I was quite impressed though still.

I think it's going to be very handy for quite a few jobs with it small size and weight.
 

BMack37

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Just got the 1/2 mid-torque.It came with the 2.0 battery.Is a 5.0 battery good enough to run this or should I go higher?

Depends on what you want to loosen. If it's just lug nuts, either of those batteries will work fine. My mid-torque doesn't even impact when taking off my 150 ft/lb lug nuts with a 5.0...It feels a little head heavy with anything smaller than a 5.0.
 
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