Favorite M12 tool

[cagullett1]

What's your favorite M12 tool? I notice a lot of people really like the M12 lines and I'm looking to purchase my first one (I've heard it can be a serious addiction). Where do I start? What's your favorite, most used one?

 

[rice rocket]

M12 Fuel impact driver (2453-20).

I use it for anything < 15mm on a car with a 3/8" adapter, and around the house driving anything into wood/concrete/whatever. The two modes is really nice...I can snug up anything quickly without snapping heads, or also unleash 100 ft-lbs if I need to crank something in.

 

[T_Roze]

I picked up a set. Drill, impact driver, sawzall and light. Came with two batteries and a charger. I got them for $175. The drill alone up here in Canada is $160. I would advise going to the fuel line if you want the next and newest thing (and in this case, it is a good thing, not just hype), but there is nothing wrong with the older regular M12. I love my drill. It is so light, and has a lot of power for its size. Picked up a small set of bits for it at work to carry along with it, and I love it. Quick, small, and no air line. Only thing I might change is a bigger flat bottom battery so it can stand on its own!!

 

[BK13]

2454 3/8" impact wrench

 

[72Anthony]

I don't use it all the time, but I have one of the inspection cameras.

It has saved my **** a few times while doing home improvement projects (almost cut/drilled into a copper water line in the garage ceiling when fishing wires for additional lighting).

Before I start cutting up drywall I will drill a 3/4 inch hole and place the camera inside.

It has a light with four brightness levels and also allows you to zoom in/out.

 

[92integra]

Impact driver for me I keep a 6 inch 3/8th locking adapter on it 90 percent of the time m12 is great can't wait to start getting some fuel stuff

 

[natas2000]

hacksall that is the most bad a** tool for a line of small battery line like the m12 series. Whenever I use it im happy as can be!!!

 

[raboyto2]

Iv been loving the m12 3/8' ratchet.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Impact driver/drill combo was my first purchase, and the perfect way to break into it. Since then I've bought a 1/4" impact wrench, 3/8" ratchet, and radio. Will be investing in a 3/8" impact wrench now that I already have the extended batteries on the way...

It is damn addictive with all the tools available.

 

[X1 Mike]

Not necessarily my favorite but in my opinion the best tool to start with is a drill/driver (I call it a screw shooter)

You can use it to drill will hex shank drill bits and also you can put a square drive on it with sockets. You basically get two tools in one to see if you like it. Add in the fact that it is probably the cheapest tool to get into. It's kind of like your neighborhood coke dealer giving you your first bump free. Buy one tool and you are hooked.

http://www.cpooutlets.com/factory-r...fn1=series&prefv1=M12&srule=price-low-to-high

 

[kingnba6]

m12 impact and the driver are great little tools. really good for the average joe. i also have the m18 for bigger jobs. i also bought a charger that can charge both m18 and m12

 

[Strouty]

Hacksall here too. On another note anyone have battery issues? I do not use my tools all the time, and I can't remember how old they actually are. When I went to charge up some batteries, two out of 8 charged, the rest show as broken with the chargers blinking red and green. None of the batteries are newer red lithiums, I went on the site and they say 2 year warranty and I know they are older than that. I just have never had bad luck with lithium battery packs. All my other milwaukee packs (V28) lasted about 6 years and even then they would take a charge but it would not hold that long. Is there a trick I am missing? I tried on three different chargers, I also put the packs on tools and they will start the motor, but it stops after a second. At least the batteries are cheap enough for these. I looked at replacing the batteries inside the packs, but they will cost almost as much as a new pack from home depot.

 

[cagullett1]

It looks like the impact driver is the route I will be taking. Any specific reason to buy the 1/4" impact, 3/8" impact, or the 3/8" ratchet? Seems like using the impact driver with an adapter would serve that purpose. Outside of the obvious reason like adding another tool to the collection.

 

[Flat-rate]

Hex drill/driver and the LED flashlight are my favorite. Also have 1/4 ratchet, 3/8 angle drill, Led stick light. All are great! When my Snappy 3/8 impact takes a dump will be getting a M18 replacement.

 

[firebox40dash5]

It looks like the impact driver is the route I will be taking. Any specific reason to buy the 1/4" impact, 3/8" impact, or the 3/8" ratchet? Seems like using the impact driver with an adapter would serve that purpose. Outside of the obvious reason like adding another tool to the collection.

I've got the Fuel hex impact. I usually use it with a 1/4" square adapter or bits. Used to use it with 3/8" too, but it's a bit low on power for most of that stuff, so I picked up an M18 Fuel in 3/8" square. I'm sure buying the M12 Fuel with a 3/8" anvil would help some, but I like having more powah, and I wanted to get into M18 as well.

I'd probably never buy the ratchet, but that's mostly my style. I have 2 air ratchets that mostly just hold my air tool drawer in place. Between the knuckle mashing and the fact the heads are huge, I just don't find power ratchets very useful.

 

[fitz11]

Hacksall here too. On another note anyone have battery issues? I do not use my tools all the time, and I can't remember how old they actually are. When I went to charge up some batteries, two out of 8 charged, the rest show as broken with the chargers blinking red and green. None of the batteries are newer red lithiums, I went on the site and they say 2 year warranty and I know they are older than that. I just have never had bad luck with lithium battery packs. All my other milwaukee packs (V28) lasted about 6 years and even then they would take a charge but it would not hold that long. Is there a trick I am missing? I tried on three different chargers, I also put the packs on tools and they will start the motor, but it stops after a second. At least the batteries are cheap enough for these. I looked at replacing the batteries inside the packs, but they will cost almost as much as a new pack from home depot.

The batteries before the red lithium version were notoriously terrible. It's probably time to get the new 2.0 or 4.0 versions.
As for me my favorite "tool" so far is the radio I use it everywhere.

 

[rice rocket]

I've got the Fuel hex impact. I usually use it with a 1/4" square adapter or bits. Used to use it with 3/8" too, but it's a bit low on power for most of that stuff, so I picked up an M18 Fuel in 3/8" square. I'm sure buying the M12 Fuel with a 3/8" anvil would help some, but I like having more powah, and I wanted to get into M18 as well.

I'd probably never buy the ratchet, but that's mostly my style. I have 2 air ratchets that mostly just hold my air tool drawer in place. Between the knuckle mashing and the fact the heads are huge, I just don't find power ratchets very useful.

This is what I do as well.

I keep the M18 Fuel 3/8" gun around if I come across an extra tight fastener, but the M12 Fuel gun carries the bulk of the workload.

The M12 Fuel w/ the 3/8" anvil only puts out ~17 more ft-lbs, so unless you're constrained on space and can't fit the extra 1.25" for the adapter, it won't be too much more helpful in pulling off rusty or overtightened stuff. Step up to the M18 Fuel there for sure.


On another note, M12 Hackzall kit w/ one battery is 20% off at Home Depot.

 

[Strouty]

The batteries before the red lithium version were notoriously terrible. It's probably time to get the new 2.0 or 4.0 versions.
As for me my favorite "tool" so far is the radio I use it everywhere.

I could not believe the price on just the cells from ebay, it would cost me a little over $30 for one battery and they were not even the same Mah as the new milwaukee red's. I may throw them up on ebay for cheap as parts or rebuild. Maybe someone will want them.

 

[Strouty]

I forgot to mention that it appears all M18 tools come with the dual M18 M12 charger now.

 

[cagullett1]

Would you guys choose the M18 3/8" anvil over a 3/8" air powered impact? Or do they each have their place in the toolbox?

 

[X1 Mike]

Would you guys choose the M18 3/8" anvil over a 3/8" air powered impact? Or do they each have their place in the toolbox?

If I could only have one I would pick the M18 over an air tool. You can use a cordless tool anywhere but you need an air source for an air tool. Depending on the tool you may lose a little power with cordless but the convenience more than makes up for it.

 

[cagullett1]

Anyone know the difference between the 2450-20 and the 2462-20? They both are showing up as M12 1/4 hex impact driver. They are the same price, but I'm curious which one so many people own.

 

[firebox40dash5]

If I could only have one I would pick the M18 over an air tool. You can use a cordless tool anywhere but you need an air source for an air tool. Depending on the tool you may lose a little power with cordless but the convenience more than makes up for it.

I have both. The M18 is great, but there's a lot it can't do, that my air gun can. I still love it for the convenience factor, and when there's no air, it's a whole lot better than nothing... in most cases you can break something loose by hand and then get it with the cordless.

 

[rice rocket]

The 3/8" Fuel gun definitely isn't as powerful as a IR 2115TIMAX, but at 200 ft-lbs, it's still beefier than most the consumer grade 3/8" air impacts.

 

[Jeeper]

Mine has to be the M12 Fuel 1/4 hex. It's is powerful enough to drive long screws without Phillips head caming out and slipping. I frequently put on a 3/8" adapter to use it with my impact sockets. Very versatile and powerful. Keep in mind it's not as strong as any decent air tool but for stuff around the house it doesn't have to be.

The LED stick light is another good one and the multi-tool is just surprising how it can bail you of jams (easy and fast flush cutting is a wonderful thing). I was thinking of getting the rotary tool to have. I hate my little dremel because of the cord. Bare tool is $79 and the kit is $99. Plus with the kit, they are adding an extra battery so basically I can get a 2 batteries and a charger for 20 bucks. Think I just convinced myself to order...

 

[bcradio]

Would you guys choose the M18 3/8" anvil over a 3/8" air powered impact? Or do they each have their place in the toolbox?

I would choose air for sure... no ifs/ands/buts or questions about it. Good air tools can last the average user the rest of their lives whereas a battery tool will need (at least) the battery replaced every few years.

Battery impact would be a nice addition once you have air though.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Anyone know the difference between the 2450-20 and the 2462-20? They both are showing up as M12 1/4 hex impact driver. They are the same price, but I'm curious which one so many people own.

Buy the 2462-20. The 2450 is the older model. If you're buying standard and not Fuel tools, get the ones with the belt clip on the side.

 

[Flat-rate]

Sounds like an addiction

 

[cagullett1]

Buy the 2462-20. The 2450 is the older model. If you're buying standard and not Fuel tools, get the ones with the belt clip on the side.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...ver-Impact-Driver-Combo-Kit-2481-22/204316385

The 2450 comes with the screwdriver, 2 batteries, and a charger for just $99!

 

[X1 Mike]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...ver-Impact-Driver-Combo-Kit-2481-22/204316385

The 2450 comes with the screwdriver, 2 batteries, and a charger for just $99!

That's what started my addiction. I got that same kit.

 

[cagullett1]

That's what started my addiction. I got that same kit.

The 2450-20 is being discontinued and Milwaukee is phasing in the 2462-20. Looks like it added a belt clip and that's about it. But that impact driver set is the same price as the older 2450 set with the additional screwdriver.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

That kit is a great starting point. I think I just got spoiled from the beginning when HD was having a BOGO deal on M12. Bought the newer drill kit and got the newer impact driver free.

That sale price on the hackzall kit is WAY too tempting... Probably for the best that I'm kind of broke at the moment.

 

[X1 Mike]

That sale price on the hackzall kit is WAY too tempting... Probably for the best that I'm kind of broke at the moment.

I just got the hackzall last week and it is awesome. I trimmed the dead branches off my palm trees.

 

[cagullett1]

That kit is a great starting point. I think I just got spoiled from the beginning when HD was having a BOGO deal on M12. Bought the newer drill kit and got the newer impact driver free.

That sale price on the hackzall kit is WAY too tempting... Probably for the best that I'm kind of broke at the moment.

Was this a recent deal? How often do they do this?

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Was this a recent deal? How often do they do this?

It was this last August (had to go back and check the "Show your new tool arrivals" thread for my post). I don't know how often they do the promo, hoping it will come up again sooner than later.

I just got the hackzall last week and it is awesome. I trimmed the dead branches off my palm trees.

Like I said, WAY tempted to pick one up. Would be much better than dragging out the corded dewalt and another cord to try and cut up pallets for the firepit, or cutting branches for the smoker... Dammit, I'm convincing myself I need one now.

 

[woody 73]

I only own one 12 volt Milwaukee tool and let me say it is the best tool in the World hands down ; I will never touch my old dremel tool ever again:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...less-Rotary-Tool-Tool-Only-2460-20/203111683#

 

[X1 Mike]

Like I said, WAY tempted to pick one up. Would be much better than dragging out the corded dewalt and another cord to try and cut up pallets for the firepit, or cutting branches for the smoker... Dammit, I'm convincing myself I need one now.

Just stop talking and get it already.

I actually got it just to get another tool and it looks cool, but I can see so many uses for it. Someone on here also showed me this attachment kit for it:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_537049-6808...ntURL=?Ns=p_product_price|0&page=3&facetInfo=

Now I just found this:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_525901-3130...ntURL=?Ns=p_product_price|0&page=1&facetInfo=

Yeah sure honey, I'd love to scrub the shower......

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Just stop talking and get it already.

I actually got it just to get another tool and it looks cool, but I can see so many uses for it. Someone on here also showed me this attachment kit for it:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_537049-6808...ntURL=?Ns=p_product_price|0&page=3&facetInfo=

Now I just found this:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_525901-3130...ntURL=?Ns=p_product_price|0&page=1&facetInfo=

Yeah sure honey, I'd love to scrub the shower......

I saw a link to that first kit too, oh the temptation

 

[crewchief888]

Would you guys choose the M18 3/8" anvil over a 3/8" air powered impact? Or do they each have their place in the toolbox?

If I could only have one I would pick the M18 over an air tool. You can use a cordless tool anywhere but you need an air source for an air tool. Depending on the tool you may lose a little power with cordless but the convenience more than makes up for it.

i use my m18 fuel 3/8" dr impact more than i use an air impact.

 

[Not Bob]

With some at work, and some at home, I have 7 M12 tools now. They all do their jobs well. I agree that the driver/drill would be a good first purchase.

I think the LED flashlight at work actually gets used the most, and although I really like my FUEL impacts, my favorite is the Hackzall. Tree limbs, exhaust pipes, fabricating parts, it does it all. It saved me a trip to the dump by hacking my fuzzy old resin chairs and some other stuff, into little chunks that fit right in my toters.