I'm in the M12 game now- What next?

[MushCreek]

After years of thinking about it, I finally pulled the trigger on an M12 combo. I got the subcompact non-fuel drill and driver, plus (2) 2.0 A batteries. I love the small size and light weight for lighter-duty tasks. I've been using 'full-size' M18 tools for about 15 years. That being said, I don't know much about the M12 line. What tools are must-haves? What are the preferred batteries? While I love the small batteries, the tools fall over easily. Maybe some batteries with the wider base? I'm an aggressive DIYer (I built my own house) with a wide range of hobbies.

 

[AEAdam]

Hard to say without knowing more about what is next for you. I’m still building my house and I only have a few M12 tools but I want more.

I like the batteries with the small rectangle at the end for the reason you stated (and hooks to hook on tool belt).

I really like my right angle driver. Use it for pocket hole screws, which I’ve been using a lot of between joists, studs etc. plenty of power.

The multi tool thing is pretty handy. Mine is M18 which is overkill for that. Wish I had bought M12.

Does Milwaukee have a nice 3 beam m12 laser? I have the 12v Bosch model and I love that.

I think some sort of ratchet and a 3/8” impact is in order for automotive type work.

 

[MovingAlong]

After years of thinking about it, I finally pulled the trigger on an M12 combo. I got the subcompact non-fuel drill and driver, plus (2) 2.0 A batteries. I love the small size and light weight for lighter-duty tasks. I've been using 'full-size' M18 tools for about 15 years. That being said, I don't know much about the M12 line. What tools are must-haves? What are the preferred batteries? While I love the small batteries, the tools fall over easily. Maybe some batteries with the wider base? I'm an aggressive DIYer (I built my own house) with a wide range of hobbies.

Bought my little M12 circular saw for working on the roof of a new shed, changed my life.. quick spritz on the blade with fluid film once in a while and it slices through 2x6's like butter. Have cut 4x12's (single pass on each side) without issue too. Diablo blades I think...

 

[signcrafter]

All depends on what you want to use them for. The lights are nice to have. Go to homedepot.com and search for the deals they have going on right now. Think if you buy a starter kit(2 batteries and charger) you get a free tool.

 

[Buckaroo5]

I have a number of M12 tools including the driver that you bought which Is the one I use the most. The smaller 2.0 battery powers that just fine. No need for the extra weight of the 4.0. I also really like the stubby 3/8 inch impact wrench which can handle almost all of the automotive jobs I get into and can get into tight places. I typically use the 4.0 on that one.

 

[GeoBruin]

- Gen 2 right angle die grinder
- Bandfile (1/2", 3/8, or both)
- Straight die grinder
- High speed ratchet
- Riveter
- Installation Driver
- Soldering Iron

 

[Shiftless]

I’m very happy with my M12 tools. I have the fuel version which everybody says has more “oomph”
The hammer drill and impact driver get a lot of use. I have a fuel version of the hacksaw that I use mostly with a long carbide blade for pruning jobs. The tool that I got free with a kit is more useful than I thought it would be. This area light has a strong magnet for holding onto metal things and a strong clamp that will grip a 2x4 or a ladder. It has 3 light levels and a 4 light indicator for battery level. When the battery goes WAY down and is getting ready to shut down, the circuitry gives you blinking on the main light so you can plan what you‘re going to do without light.

 

[cgrutt]

Most of my cordless tools are M18 but just bought an M12 drill and driver they seem great. I have a smallish M12 circular saw that rarely sees any use. An M12 Drain Snake that, fortunately (haha), rarely sees any use. An M12 bore scope that's OK think there are others that work with your cell phone and may be better. I also have an M12 ratchet that I've been using more frequently I still prefer good old fashioned ratchets but the M12 is definitely a time saver. 4.0 battery on circular saw and ratchet. Not enough time with drill or driver to know if the 2.0 holds up or not.

 

[LopezBart]

I have found the M12 sheet metal nibbler to be the perfect tool for cutting metal building panels. Cuts any direction, over ribs w/ a bit of care, etc.

 

[tak1313]

Even if all you do with it is to change tires the 2563 stubby impact wrench is WELL worth it, but to get the FULL rated output, you need the 5ah high output battery. It's one of few M12 tools where using the high output ACTUALLY makes a diff - see TTC review on YT.

For many uses, it actually supplants the M18 mid-torque (though not COMPLETELY).

 

[308guru]

Lights, lights, and more lights.

Tools fall over easy? Why are you standing them up? Tools always get laid on the side.

The High Speed ratchet (2567-20) is absolutely gutless. It's more frustrating to use than the benefit it provides. Wait until the updated ones (3053) are available.

For batteries, I use the CP2.5 for the small option and XC5.0 for the big option.

 

[MushCreek]

I'm seeing a two pack of 3.0 batteries (with the big square base) for $99. WalMart shows it for $65, which is half the retail price. I don't know if they're counterfeit or real Milwaukee, though. I like my M18 1/2" impact, although it is heavy. I could see getting a 3/8" impact, though. I'm also eyeballing the multi-tool. I have a cheap HF that works, but it is LOUD. It surprises me how much I use a multi-tool around the place.

How is the M12 inflator? Any good to carry on a road trip?

 

[Steel_Rain]

The bulk of my power tools are Makita, but I do have several M12 items.

I'm shocked how often I use these two:



You don't NEED the Fuel version of the above screw gun on the right, and I've seen the brushed version of it going for HD for less then $100 bucks with the full kit including 2 batteries and the charger.

 

[LXCam]

Let the world be your oyster




I’d suggest the 3485 right angle die grinder. Also that 2505-22 ^^ four piece kit. That’s become a handy tool for me.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Because I work on a lawn mowers and small engines, one of my first M12 tools was a I bough an M12 Fuel 3/8" impact (2454-20) (before the stubbies came out). I added a 3/8" to 1/4" hex adapter. This is by far my most used M12 tool !

I added a non-Fuel 3/8" drill (2407-20). Adequate for what I needed it for. (Eventually I bought an M18 Fuel 1/2" drill with a hammer function.)

I bought an M12 rotary (2525-20) because my Dremel was ****.

My new "favorite" M12 tools is the angle grinder (2485-20). With a cut off wheel, it will cut ANYTHING ! Love the Roloc adapter with the fiber (Scotch Brite) pads. Works well with 1/2" - 1" sanding drums (use low speed).

I am in line for the new M12 3/8" ratchet when they start shipping.

 

[richfinn]

I love my M12 Soldering Iron

 

[livinloud11]

I have mostly Dewalt but I grabbed some M12 tools as well. I got a great deal on the 1/2 stubby impact which is cool. I also like the 1/4 screwdriver and the ratchet. I also have the rotary tool which is okay just eats up batteries depending on the task.

 

[sparky 1971]

Everything depends on what you do. I wouldn't know what to do without my M12 bandsaw and SDS rotary hammer as well as the Fuel impact driver. I have a couple of the original style ratchets, those are nice. Stay away from the right angle drill, the oscillating multi tool, and any vacuum; those might be available now in Fuel which would be a game changer but the non Fuel versions are junk. And when you buy more batteries, get at least 3.0. I use those and 4.0 almost exclusively and really can't tell the difference. I use 6.0 in the SDS, it eats batteries like it's going out of style.

 

[drmarkr]

Right angle driver, small cutoff wheel, Fuel 3/8 ratchet (much stronger than the standard) straight die grinder, portable band saw (if you don't have the M18 already?), I keep the rotary tool in the stacker trailer for the races as well as the soldering tool, and of course the Fuel impact.

 

[mngundog]

I have a bunch of them, the drill/driver kit, the light shown in post #7 and the Stubby impact are my favorites, my only disappointment is in the circular saw. I like both style batteries, the wide base one is useful for standing up the drills/drivers/impacts.

 

[Skyman]

Drill/driver. Impact driver. 1/4" long-reach and 3'8 standard-reach ratchets. Cut-off tool. OMT. I've put all of them to work at various times on various tasks.

 

[bwringer]

The M12 lights are fantastic -- Milwaukee uses something called "trueview" for their lights that puts out a warm full-spectrum light that lets you perceive colors a lot more accurately compared to the usual harsh, blue-tinted LEDs.

The screwdriver is torquey, inexpensive, and ridiculously handy.

The soldering iron and a few more 3AH batteries are next on my list.

Fakes are everywhere, so only buy from Home Despot, Northern Tool, or similar legit, well-known sellers. Christmas sales and Father's Day usually spark some great sales, but sign up for notifications from HD and NT.

 

[never rest]

Yep, the lights are worth using M12 all on their own, let alone the rest of the tool lineup. I seem to use the underhood light on just about any project at some point, whether or not a hood is involved.

 

[BWWgarage]

I'm seeing a two pack of 3.0 batteries (with the big square base) for $99. WalMart shows it for $65, which is half the retail price. I don't know if they're counterfeit or real Milwaukee, though. I like my M18 1/2" impact, although it is heavy. I could see getting a 3/8" impact, though. I'm also eyeballing the multi-tool. I have a cheap HF that works, but it is LOUD. It surprises me how much I use a multi-tool around the place.

How is the M12 inflator? Any good to carry on a road trip?

FBMP has quite a few unopened batteries for relatively cheap ... must be folks getting the free batteries and don’t need them.

 

[stonesfan68]

I have some M12 tools and like them a lot. I recommend the M12 screw gun. I have the non-Fuel version and it works great. The right-angle drill isn't so great.

I use the inflator quite a bit and really like it.

I just picked up a M12 6.0 XC battery from Home Depot for $49.

 

[Radio Flyer]

I’m with the “light“ guys. The rover was my first Milwaukee purchase, and my most used.

 

[alinc100]

Fuel Oscillating tool, dremel style die grinder. right angle die grinder, Surge impact if you drive a lot of screws

 

[brockmub]

I have the light that Radio Flyer suggested, stays attached to my toolbox so I can grab it easily. Love it. Have the tire inflator as well, goes with me every where. Just grabbed an extended reach ratchet as well, it's super helpful.

 

[mngundog]

I haven't used the stapler a ton, but I used it to insulate the garage and odd and ends, and it's great for $100,

 

[AEAdam]

I haven't used the stapler a ton, but I used it to insulate the garage and odd and ends, and it's great for $100,

Oh I forgot that. I LOVE that thing. Did a ton of house wrap with it. Game changer. Light, cheap, and battery lasts forever. Love it

 

[NightSky]

The heated hooded jackets are nice, too. And good for three seasons.

 

[goodWood]

I started with FUEL surge impact driver and followed with the crown stapler and 23 gauge pin nailer. All work great, light and easy to handle and plenty of power for my use.

I have the Rover LED but I actually prefer this Klein light
form factor is more flexible and seems to output the same or more light.

Also not a fan of any tool where the battery is enclosed and you have to reach your hand in to release the battery. I have the rocket tower light and its a ***** to push in the tabs to remove the batteries... Had the inflator which I returned for this reason.

My favorite is the FUEL Detail Sander. We restored about a dozen windows on the house recently and this thing saved hours and hours and enabled better results. Allows you to get into places most other sanders can't and works really well. Just an outstanding tool.

 

[MushCreek]

Those lights look handy, but that's strong money for a light. A couple years ago I bought a cheap rechargeable head lamp, and it's my go-to.

 

[MushCreek]

Any feedback on the Fuel jigsaw? I use a jigsaw quite a bit, and have been wanting a cordless one. The reviews on the M18 one aren't that great. The M12 seems to get better reviews. Anyone have one?

 

[rmack898]

I have the barrel grip version and really like it. I’ve had it about a year or so and my Bosch jig saw hasn’t seen the light of day since I got the M12.

 

[R07AG]

My favorite M12 tools have been the right angle die grinder, 3/8" impact wrench, impact driver, and oscillating multi tool. Can't go wrong with any of the batteries, but I'd suggest getting the 2.5 HO and 5.0 HO if you have the option. The 5.0 HO with the new impact wrenches are great. Hard to go wrong with the M12 lights too.

For me, if I need the power I will go M18 otherwise M12 has been more than enough for majority of my needs.

 

[gleman]

My most used M12 is the pruner. If I broke it I would buy another without a second thought.

 

[reader2580]

I will only buy brushless cordless tools since most of my brushed tools have burned up . I have half a dozen M12 tools, and all are Fuel or Surge.

 

[MushCreek]

All of my old 15 y/o M18 tools are still working. I did have to put new brushed in the driver- about $12.

 

[BWWgarage]

Anybody have the screwdriver? $60 (on sale at HD) with battery and a charger seems pretty reasonable and a handy tool to have around.