Do I need an 18V fuel?

[NorCalWrenchin]

So I looked around, and I see some pros and cons. Has anybody bought an m12 1/4" quick release impact driver over the 18 volt and been happy with it? I'd mostly just be using it to remove skidplates, and lots of little stuff. I keep leaning towards the 18v "in case" I need the extra power, but it will live in my toolbox, and I already have 3/8 air ratchets, and an MG725... any input is appreciated.

 

[ADSR]

I love the m12 Fuel 1/4 hex impact. It has a lot of balls for the size of it. It will drive 3" screws all day long if you have a couple extras batteries. If you're just going to blast smaller nuts, bolts and screws, i would go with the lighter, smaller M12.

That being said, i also have the M18 Fuel for 4"+ larger screws.

 

[joejeep92]

I have the fuel...love it. Not horribly heavy and great for the extra uumph. Have the 12 I use for most things but if I could only have one it would be the Fuel.

 

[CJM8515]

Have the regular 18v 1/4 impact, I LOVE IT. Its very powerful and honestly is my fav go to tool now. Comparably I have a porter cable impact driver rated to 100 inch lbs less than the milwaukee and the milwaukee blows it away.

The milwaukee for instance I used to tighten some shock bolts on my sport atv. All I did was run them bolts home and I tried to tighten them to double check with my hand tools and they were good and tight!

 

[abvw]

Get the M12, and a set of 106flipset from Snap-on.

 

[NorCalWrenchin]

Cool. I was thinking the 12 will be all I need. Thanks for the good replies! abvw, thanks I had never seen that set before, another GJ related buy haha

 

[abvw]

Even if you decide not to buy the whole 106flipset, the two extensions and the 8/10mm socket is a must!

 

[nesw20]

yes. i'm sorry, i didn't read your post, but the answer to your thread title is "yes" regardless.

 

[NorCalWrenchin]

Oh I will! My snap on driver actually asked me why I started spending so much money on his truck the last three months haha

 

[joshs74nova]

Do any of you have any experience with the Dewalt 20V? I own some of that line and find them "ok". The grip is great, and I like the LED's that are on most of the line. They place it in a usable position. However, it's a small line.

Because of that I'm thinking of switching to the Milwaukee 18V Fuel. Especially because most of my work is automotive and Dewalt seems to have a focus elsewhere lately.

(Sorry to hijack your thread)

 

[SASORacing]

Get the brushless versions fuel? M12 vs 18 is a sacrifice on inch pounds vs compactness.

 

[theoldwizard1]

If you don't need the smaller size, I would get the M18 just because you will likely buy more tools in that same line and you will likely need the additional power there.

 

[IUEC Medic]

Get the brushless versions fuel? M12 vs 18 is a sacrifice on inch pounds vs compactness.

All "fuel" branded milwaukee's use brushless motors.

The regular M18 is not brushless.

 

[crewchief888]

i'd get the 18v fuel 3/8"sq drive impact.

i use mine daily wrenching on const eq.

variable torque from 35 ft/lb (?) to 200 ft/lb.


ive removed lug nuts torqued to 160 ft/lb with no effort

 

[NorCalWrenchin]

So, pretty much sold on the m12. Friend of mine has a 12 volt bosch 1/4 impact driver, and I borrowed it for the day. Did everything I need, so I think I'm just going to stick 12v. As for adding tools down the line, the only ones I really think I'd use would be the hackzall and the 1/4 ratchet.. anything bigger and I'll grab the makita 18 volt drill, or the new MG725 I picked up last week. Love that gun! Thanks again for the excellent replies.. probably going to pick it up friday!

 

[ADSR]

So, pretty much sold on the m12. Friend of mine has a 12 volt bosch 1/4 impact driver, and I borrowed it for the day. Did everything I need, so I think I'm just going to stick 12v. As for adding tools down the line, the only ones I really think I'd use would be the hackzall and the 1/4 ratchet.. anything bigger and I'll grab the makita 18 volt drill, or the new MG725 I picked up last week. Love that gun! Thanks again for the excellent replies.. probably going to pick it up friday!

If you're looking at the makita 18v drill, take a look at the m12 fuel drill as well. I used one and couldn't believe how strong it was.

 

[abvw]

The M12 will not let you down. I have the 3/8" ratchet, impact driver and 3/8" Fuel wrench (can do wheel lugs under 100ft-lb) for dry jobs like tune ups, brakes and other lighter duty work such as exhausts. Just don't expect them to pull suspensions and sub frames, and don't completely dismiss air tools for greasy, oily and leaky jobs.

 

[mybuick6]

i changed from makita to milwaukee m12 and will never go back. but i will still keep my ir231 for heavy work.

 

[Badger 13]

I'm slowly changing over to the Milwaukee M18 Fuel from my Dewalt 20v max stuff. Nothing wrong with the Dewalt, just like the Milwaukee brushless better, and a lot more options.

 

[KingCobra98]

I am going with the M18 line since I bought the 2763-22 impact.

 

[sberry]

I am going to consider adding a smaller drill driver. I put up with the weight to power trade off with the 28V and we can use 1 for everything as out use is super intermittant and often demanding but it would be nice to have for light screw work.

 

[NorCalWrenchin]

Get the M12, and a set of 106flipset from Snap-on.

So.. I ended up getting a great deal on a Milwaukee 18v non-fuel 1/4 impact driver and drill set, so I picked it up. Also picked up the 106flipset from my driver today, and used the hell out of it Thanks for that recommendation! Everyone else, if you don't have one, you need one haha

 

[BikerDad]

Do any of you have any experience with the Dewalt 20V? I own some of that line and find them "ok". The grip is great, and I like the LED's that are on most of the line. They place it in a usable position. However, it's a small line.

A small line? Good lord man, they have drills, hammer drills, impact drivers, impact wrenches, high torque impact wrenches, jigsaw, circular saw, reciprocating saw, oscillating multi-tool, grinder, lights, demolition hammers, radios and more. Their tools are available brushed and brushless, compact and "full sized."

They may not have what you're looking for, but they don't have a "small line."

Because of that I'm thinking of switching to the Milwaukee 18V Fuel. Especially because most of my work is automotive and Dewalt seems to have a focus elsewhere lately.

Lately? Lately DeWalt has been expanding their focus which is why somebody who mostly does automotive is aware of them, as opposed to "back in the day" where the only place you'd see them would be construction sites, woodshops and lumberyards. (Raymond E. DeWalt is arguably the "Father of the Radial Arm Saw")

 

[bcradio]

So.. I ended up getting a great deal on a Milwaukee 18v non-fuel 1/4 impact driver and drill set, so I picked it up. Also picked up the 106flipset from my driver today, and used the hell out of it Thanks for that recommendation! Everyone else, if you don't have one, you need one haha

Shoulda got the Fuel