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M series, M fuel, M fuel gen2...or dewalt?

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demolitionman

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Im a little perplexed, and I never gave much thought into cordless tools. I've been using Dewalt 18v and 12v set from back around 2002 and just last month my batteries have all took a dump and my brushed regular driver drill smells like hell when I use it(burnt brushes electric?). The impact is 12v and works like a champ but new batts are 70 bucks. I think it's time to make my jump to some newer tech and I've been told the m18 Milwaukees are the real deal. Does dewalt make anything close to what Milwaukee is doing or should I go Milwaukee and not look back? I will use these tools in an automotive, light fab setting more than in the wood/home remodeling aspect. I'm thinking I really want a 3/8 anvil impact gun.

Riddle me this; there are 3 different M series from Milwaukee right? The original m series, the m fuel series, and an even newer yet gen 2 M series. Correct?

If there are some epic deals on the original m tools I'm fine with brushed....as I don't know if I have the disposable income for whatever the newest tech cordless tools are costing. What are your thoughts? I need both N impact and a regular 1/2" drill. I'm not even opposed to sticking to a 1/4 impact if it's a super deal.
Thank you.
 
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FigureItOut

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Really there's 2 series i guess, just never heard it put that way: M12 & M18. Fuel line means it is brushless, and the drill and 1/4" hex driver are on their second generation.
It's always up for debate of course, but I'm happier since I switched from Dewalt 20 Volt to Fuel. For what it's worth, of hardware store brands, Milwaukee is the only one I ever see at shops. There's a reason for that.

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dacan23

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I think Dewalt has some equivalents to Milwaukee, but I'd vote go with Milwaukee. Dewalt should lose cred points for the 20V scam.

There are 3 types of M-series; Brushed (not called anything), Brushless (not labeled Fuel), and Fuel. I still havent investigated what the actual differences are in Brushless vs Fuel. While they have released some updated versions of Fuel tools, its not labeled generation 2, thats what we call it. They have new functionality coming out on some Fuel tools called One Key, it allows you to tweak settings and other stuff.

Most people have a combination of M12 and M18, many M12 tools are impressive and better than 18v of old days.

The Fuel Gen 2 1/4 hex impact does 150 ft-lbs, so it serves most peoples needs. HD still has the promo going on for the 2897-22 Fuel kit with the gen 2 hammer drill and 1/4 hex impact combo, which gives you 150 off when picking an additional tool or kit.
 
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one9gt

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There's m12 and m18 but within those there's brushed, brushless then FUEL...


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Ign

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Yeah, I guess it is confusing.

The original M will be brushed.

Then they came out w Fuel brushless. Now some Fuel stuff is coming out in Gen 2, just minor redesigns or updates.

Then they came out with "Brushless" which is not called Fuel but meant to be more or a compact/homeowner line. The 2701 drill is the best example (have 2, I like 'em).

Hard to go wrong w any of it, and any M18 battery fits ANY of them, regardless of age or amp hours.
 
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TXBDan

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DeWalt and Milwaukee are both pro grade quality tools.

Milwaukee has more variety with their cordless tools and slants more toward mechanic tools with their ratchets and variety of impacts.

DeWalt makes better saws and wood working tools and offers cordless nailers in their 20V line for example. DeWalt's new XR 1/2" impact is more powerful and smaller than Milwaukee's 1/2", but DeWalt has yet to release their brushless 3/8" impact. DeWalt has no cordless ratchets.

I like that DeWalt is an American company and some tools are assembled in the US with supposedly a continuing push in that direction. Check out the toolguyd article where he visits the US factory, it's a legit operation. Milwaukee is a Chinese company and all their stuff is made in China, but its very good quality.

I have a lot of 20V DeWalt stuff (including nailers which I love), but I'm thinking about getting some Milwaukee M12 stuff for the sheer variety of little gadgets in the line including the ratchets that DeWalt doesn't offer.
 
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Ign

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Left to right: 2604 Fuel hammer drill, 2701 brushless drill, 2701 brushless drill
 

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demolitionman

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Ok, wow thanks guys for all the awesome feedback. What's the scoop on the HD deal for Milwaukee?? I was in there yesterday browsing and saw nothing posted about any deals on cordless power tools although they did have a great array of Milwaukee tools, I can't recall if they were fuel brushed or not just m12 series. Anyway, I'm not opposed to mail order either. What's the best bang for a 1/2 drill and impact driver Milwaukee kit?

^ cool pic IGN
 
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demolitionman

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dacan23 said:
Buy the Milwaukee 2897-22 Fuel kit and get $150 off a second qualifying item or buy Milwaukee 2799-22CX Brushless kit and get $100 off a second qualifying item. Deal expires 1/31.

http://www.homedepot.com/c/Holiday_Combo_Kit_Offer
Click to expand...


Thank you thank you thank you. I about pulled my hair out trying to search on their own website for the details(I only use an iPhone). I plan on trying to get out tonight to score a milwaukee kit and get the ratchet to pop the deal. :thumbup:
 
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Greg85mcss

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I recently picked up the brushed version of the 2897 kit with xc batteries on clearance at hd. It was marked down from 350 to 208. For that savings I'm happy with the performance. The impact will take off properly torqued lug nuts but I doubt it would last long doing that all day. Main reason I went with that kit is supposedly the 1/2 impact will only work with xc batteries. I read that here & confirmed it with Milwaukee's local service shop. I'd like to have the fuel line but the regular ones meet my needs pretty well & when I get an impact I'll have about as much invested as buying the single tool kit so the drill & driver were basically free


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theoldwizard1

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SE MI
demolitionman said:
If there are some epic deals on the original m tools I'm fine with brushed....as I don't know if I have the disposable income for whatever the newest tech cordless tools are costing. What are your thoughts?
Click to expand...
For the average DIYer M18 non-Fuel is more that adequate and yes there are some good deals floating around.

I would question the M12 non-Fuel tool versions, unless what you want is real light duty. I have an old Black and Decker 7.2V 2 speed drill. The 3/8" chuck is fine, but moving up to a M12 (non-Fuel) drill would be nice. At the same time, I have been looking for an deal on an M12 Fuel 3/8" drive impact. I want the Fuel version because I want the extra torque. I don't want an M18, because I want the small size and light weight. Still waiting !
 
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demolitionman

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Well guess I'm sucker for a good tool :D

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Thanks guys!! Couldn't have saved the money without your help.
 
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rustbucket5

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if its just a drill and driver i think all the brands make decent ones the real difference comes with some brands only making certain tools or something like an impact wrench with higher reverse torque
 
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