m12 vs m18 drill and impact sets?

[Farmer888]

I have been getting into more cordless tools the least while and have the m18 1/2 high torque impact m18 grinder and m12 stubby impact wrench all fuel versions.
Now looking into a drill/impact driver set.. I see they have the regular brushed sets brushless and then the top fuel sets.

I won't be using them for full professional use everyday. More use around the shop/home and I do some farming so it would be heavy homeowner use I'd say. I prefer to buy towards the top end if I can afford/justify it, but still buy cheaper stuff if I know I won't use it much.

The price is quite high for the m18 fuel set, So then got looking into the m12 fuel sets at Home depot #2598-22
How does it compare to the 18 volt? And would a fuel m12 be better than a brushed 18?
I think I would be fine with the 12v for most but I still want the ability to drill through steel occasionally.(try and use corded for real heavy work when possible) And at work we have a dewalt 20v impact driver I like to put the socket adapter for use on small bolts. Will the 12v fuel do it? It only shows 100 inch pound less than the dewalt I use

Anyways kind of long winded, In short just looking for opinions on the differences

 

[Odd-job]

Always lots of internet opinions on this one.

Here was my personal journey. Started with regular M12 drill and impact 6 or so years ago as my introduction to the m12 platform. Used them a lot in a DIY capacity. Along the way “upgraded” to an M18 2nd gen fuel drill and impact. For some reason donated my m12 drill and impact away. Realized I was missing the compactness and portability of the m12 stuff so bought and upgraded to the gen 3 m12 fuel drill and impact when Home Depot was running a special. It’s probably what I use 90% of the time. M18 comes out only when I am drilling a big enough hole that would tax the m12 stuff too much.

I think part of my issue with M18 was I only have XC 5.0 batteries and higher (meaning the battery is heavy) plus I am a weakling. Also I can’t use the belt hook without wearing a belt as M18 causes my pants to fall down and I forget to wear a belt a lot.

 

[u2slow]

I started with an 18v Makita 1/2" drill and flourescent flashlight ~10 years ago. Still work fine. Have added 1/4" impact and LED flashlight since then.

I have used the 18v Fuel 1/4" impact extensively at work (with socket adapters.) Its a powerhouse for how small & handy it is. Beats the Makita on nut-busting for sure - but my use is more of a handy speed-wrench and driving wood screws.

IMO, stick with one line of tools that use the same batteries. That's where the value is. Don't forget there's powerful corded tools at half the price.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Looking for a replacement for my corded holeshooter, I knew I'd be annoyed to no end with a drill lacking oomph. So I always figured M18 was the way to go.

Once in a while, the M18 is a space invader and the M12 would be nice. I felt that way doing trim around a dishwasher. But the M18 Fuel weight (with 5.0amp battery) isn't a problem to me, for no longer than it's being used. If you were doing all kinds of stuff for hours with lighter duty fasteners and small holes, I'd say go m12. Guys did just fine on HVAC and similar work for decades with lesser tools. But if you're a DIY who isn't going to get carpal tunnel carrying around M18, go for it.

Alternately, tape the M18 battery to your impact and carry it around a while. If it annoys you, go M12.

Milwaukee has a marketing hierarchy on Fuel vs. brushed. Someone posted a description a while back. Basically, the previous fuel version could become a brushless non-fuel version. Also, the incremental steps of "upgrades" can be seen in the Hackzall if I remember correctly. M12 + 1/8" stroke = M12 Fuel. M12 Fuel + 1/8" stroke = M18. M18 + 1/8" stroke = M18 Fuel. I could be slightly off on those. But there is some marketing to it. Gotta pay more for the woodgrain trim.

I'd say get the tool that will do it all, cut the cord, and if you find a job/need for a lighter tool that fits more places, they'll probably be easy to find and pick up as you need it.

Happy to add to the confusion.

 

[customh]

For the drilling you want to be able to do you'll be pissed with the M12. Go M18. No kind of kill like overkill.

 

[AngryBeaver]

I have the M18 fuel on the service truck that get used daily. M12 for drilling steel will work, but I too can whittle down a tree with a pocket knife....

I have the M18 brushless (non fuel) at home in the fab shop. other than the 1.5/2.0 batterie they come with, they are fine. if you already have m18 stuff with big batteries, get the middle grade brushless stuff on sale with a combo tool for free, like the hackzaw

 

[tarbellb]

I have both Fuel M12 and M18, I grab my M12 90% of the time. And I do primarily metal work...

Avoid the non Brushless stuff.

 

[u2slow]

other than the 1.5/2.0 batterie they come with, they are fine.

Agreed. The smaller 'kit' batteries are often junk (most brands, not Milwaukee in particular).

The largest amp-hour batteries... may just add to bulk, and be lightening your wallet.

 

[pstemari]

I have both Fuel M12 and M18, I grab my M12 90% of the time. And I do primarily metal work...

Avoid the non Brushless stuff.

Word. The M12 Fuel is a torque-y little beast and any additional torque would be quite hard to control without a side handle.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[LeeG]

I have both Fuel M12 and M18, I grab my M12 90% of the time. And I do primarily metal work...

Avoid the non Brushless stuff.

+1
M18 and M12. I almost never have to break out the M18 drill or impact driver. I do woodworking and metal fabrication.

 

[homerboy21]

I just order kit -
Milwaukee 2494-22 M12 Cordless 2-Tool Combo 1.5Ah Kit

And got two extra 1.5ah batteries for free.
FREE - Milwaukee 48-11-2411 M12 REDLITHIUM Compact Battery 1.5Ah, 2-Pack

Great deal for M12 drill and impact kit.

Got this for lighter duties were my M18 Fuel impact or drill are too much and for the kit with two batteries plus two batteries for $149 hard to pass up -

 

[Farmer888]

So have a few questions Looking at home depots selection
What is the difference between these 2
2997-22CXC $379
And
2997-22 $579 I am in Canada so exchange rate is quite high.
I can only see that the cheaper one has a 5.0 and a 2.0 vs two 5.0s on the expensive one?

I am leaning towards the m18 brushless or fuel at this point. I think the m12 would be fine for 90% but It's nice to have some overkill. Although I still have corded tools when I need too.

Other option is watching facebook market place or kijij for a good deal on a m18 fuel. I try to avoid buying stolen stuff though and there is lots of new in box unopened power tools that I question on there. Got my m12 stubby impact that way but it had a receipt and a actual reason I believe.

 

[homerboy21]

So have a few questions Looking at home depots selection
What is the difference between these 2
2997-22CXC $379
And
2997-22 $579 I am in Canada so exchange rate is quite high.
I can only see that the cheaper one has a 5.0 and a 2.0 vs two 5.0s on the expensive one?

I am leaning towards the m18 brushless or fuel at this point. I think the m12 would be fine for 90% but It's nice to have some overkill. Although I still have corded tools when I need too.

Other option is watching facebook market place or kijij for a good deal on a m18 fuel. I try to avoid buying stolen stuff though and there is lots of new in box unopened power tools that I question on there. Got my m12 stubby impact that way but it had a receipt and a actual reason I believe.

I just bought 2997-22 here in the US from Home Depot for $349 usd
Which would be around $460 cdn. I believe batteries are the only difference.

 

[Farmer888]

Yeah I'll likely wait for a sale on the m18 fuel or brushless. See what comes up anyway. Trying to save for a tig welder too lol

 

[mc4life27]

I just bought 2997-22 here in the US from Home Depot for $349 usd

Which would be around $460 cdn. I believe batteries are the only difference.

There is more then just batteries that are different. Look at the specs of the gun. They are close but noticeable different


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[homerboy21]

There is more then just batteries that are different. Look at the specs of the gun. They are close but noticeable different


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

Correct - 2997-22 is fuel and 2799-22cxc isn’t close but not close.

- I was just stating that the Fuel kit is less expensive at US Home Depot’s - as I stated I got 2997-22 M18 Fuel kit for $349.00