M12 vs M18

[gtsgarage]

Hey guys. I’ve been loading up on Milwaukee tools with the cyber week deals.

I’m torn between filling out everything i need in the M12 line versus having several pieces from the M12 and M18 lines.

So far I have the stubby 1/4 and 3/8 impacts the fuel hex driver, the band saw hackzall and multi tool.

I mostly work on cars and basic house repairs nothing crazy. I like the idea of the smaller tools with the more powerful Fuel motors but at the same time love some of the big stuff in the M18 line.

Specially I’m thinking m18 would be great for 1/2 impact gun, grinder, sawszall and circular saw. I would probably add just a grinder and circular saw in the m12 if I went that route.

Anyone stick completely with m12 vs m18? Or have both? There is a great set at Home Depot I’m liking a lot to go m18.

 

[slodat]

I have over twenty M18 tools, oldest is ten years old. Never had a need they didn’t handle. I don’t have any M12. I work on cars, my shop and rental property.

 

[Matti]

I've been using M18 for a number of years and am quite happy. I've got the sawzall, impact, light, screwdriver, grinder and jig saw.

 

[LeeG]

I have both. I use the M12 impact & drill a lot. Most other stuff is M18.

 

[86k10]

I'm all M12, two 3/8 impact, 3/8 ratchets, impact driver, hammer drill, screw gun, grease gun, rotory, solder gun.

M18, 1/2 high torque impact. I prefer the M12. I use Ryobi 18v for home work. Did take old M12 impact/ratchet home.

 

[ChevyEFI]

If the sets came with the 7.5" saw, I would have bought a set already.

 

[Shane6377]

I have both. I like the M12 drill and 1/4" hex driver. Everything else I stick with M18.

The M12 tools are good but honestly if I had it to do all over again I would just stick with all M18 to be on the same battery platform.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[fivespdcat]

I'm all in on the M18 line. As a homeowner it makes sense to go bigger in my opinion. Working around the house, you just never know when you'll need the power to drill a 6" hole or use a big auger and the weight is less critical since you're not using them all day everyday. With that being said, I love my 12v Bosch driver for putting kids toys together.

 

[M6erfan]

I was "18v only" for a couple years and then earlier this year I got a 12v drill/impact driver set. Now it's pretty much all I use in the garage and around the house. I do have an 18v hammer drill, 1/2" Impact wrench, & reciprocating saw. Now I want the 12v stubby 1/4" impact wrench. They're so small and handy.

 

[Rarified27]

After starting with the M12 thinking the advances in tech would allow me to handle nearly anything I'd encounter with them, I would hit the occasional "needs more" moment and added a few M18 tools.

The M12 stuff is outstanding, but sometimes things like the hackzall just aren't enough.

As far as other platforms, My Dewalt 18V nicad is on it's last XRP battery and I have some Ryobi stuff which never leaves the house. All of my M12 and M18 tools are the money makers and the dual charger means one less thing I'm dragging behind me.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

It isn't VS, they are a team.

 

[Showkey]

It isn't VS, they are a team.

X100..........q

 

[crewchief888]

i have tools in both.

in my service truck i have a fuel 18v 3/8" dr impact and fuel grinder, 12v fuel 1/2" drill and flashlight

in the house is a 12v fuel 1/4" hex impact driver, and 12v 3/8" drill.

for home DIY use i'd rather stay with corded tools for everything except the drill & driver..

i have air tools both in my service truck and garage

 

[BK13]

I would add at minimum a mid- or high-torque impact wrench in the M18 line...

 

[ddurrett896]

Had m12 and sold it for m18. I like the size of the m12, but the line of m18 is impressive. From the lights options to vacuums and huge batteries, it’s a more expandable platform.

I just bought a similar kit but that is the 6.5 saw. There is a 7 1/4 saw available that I’d recommend.

Home Depot has the 7 1/4 for $400 and includes (2) 12.0 batteries and a rapid Charger. That’s $480 in accessories. Then add a $300-$350 Drill/impact/3rd tool kit.

 

[tonyciambrone]

I have both and I want every Milwaukee cordless tool that is available.

M12 stuff is small and light, that is the only advantage.
M18 is bulkier and heavier, but more powerful and longer lasting.
Also M18 outdoor tools have been great to me so far.

 

[jgromada]

I have DeWalt for my 20v stuff and then added the Milwaukee M12 later. There were a few M12 I wanted (ratchet & Hackzall) so I jumped when HD offered a bundle deal.

So I say there's no reason not to get M18 & M12 if you want to stay all Milwaukee and be more faithful to one brand. I added Ridgid 18v too! so i got plenty of options.

 

[Locker537]

I have both. Started with an M12 set that was perfect as a homeowner. I ended up upgrading to M18 when I was building an 8x16 shed. Driving hundreds of 3" exterior screws was too much for a 7 year old M12 impact with a 1.0 battery. I actually abused my shoulder quite a bit leaning on the tool.

If I had to pick one, I'd go M18. Only item that would be a true bummer to lose is the cordless ratchets for automotive work.

 

[MrSurly]

Only M12 so far, only 7 or 8 tools. Yes, I know I'm not following the GJ standards for acquisition but it is what I've needed. I have a corded version of everything, so I don't lack a 'go to' when heavy power is needed and I'm not working out of a truck. I have thought many times about adopting M18 but I really haven't found much that the M12 *won't* do.

 

[jgromada]

Over at Tool Nut, they’re running a $25 off $100+ coupon right now, valid on Milwaukee M12 and M18 cordless power tools.
https://www.toolnut.com/milwaukee-t..._medium=web&utm_campaign=milwaukee-dec-coupon
expires today

 

[El Duder]

I'd probably say both have their place. I got sold on Milwaukee cordless products after renovating the entire 2nd floor of my house with my buddy and using his M12 drill and impact driver to put up about 70+ panels of drywall. Especially when doing ceilings, the lighter M12 was nice handle. I did however end up going M18 (non fuel) drill/impact set when I decided to buy my own. The power is nice although it's a bit heavier. I also have the mid tq impact and will prob invest in the 3/8 ratchet in the near future (M12) but my charger already accommodates both M12/M18 so.

 

[MushCreek]

I started with a set of M18 tools I bought 8 years ago to build my house. I used the cordless tools 90% of the time. I started with a drill, driver, SawZall, and circular saw. Since then I've added a new Fuel drill and a 1/2" impact. I have a total of 7 batteries. The tools are sturdy, and I've never seen the need to go with the lighter M12 stuff.

 

[jar944]

Both..

The new generation m12 fuel is impressive for its power vs weight. M18 for the 3/8+ impacts, saws, grinders.. any of the power hogs.

 

[...]

Another vote for both here too. I started with a m12 impact drill/driver combo to replace a craftsman one that went out. In about 4 months, I've swapped everything over to Milwaukee and added a few more tools to the collection. I'm really pleased with their light options and have recently been adding those to the tool pile.

 

[xkvator]

when my Dewalt 18v Ni-Cads started losing the ability to recharge, a few years ago, I bought a Mlwaukee 12v drill/driver set...since then I bought the 90* drill, heated jacket,, and the 12v air compressor...
all are great...
I bought the Porter Cable 20v drill/driver, sawzall, 1/2" drive impact, 3 LED lights, and the bigger LED light...all on sale at Lowes from time to time...

I love the LED lights...

I have bought a couple Dewalt 18v Li-Ion tower batteries to replace the ni-cads, but the price has gone up on those since.

 

[jd_1138]

I'd get both 12 and 18 volt stuff in the core categories like drills, drivers, circular/recip saws. They both have their advantages. The 18 volt stuff is more powerful but slightly larger so may not fit everywhere, while the 12 volt stuff is more compact and fits in more tight spots but may not be powerful enough. The 12 volt 3/8 impact is like 1,400 in-lbs of torque whereas the 18 volt impact wrench is like 10 times more powerful for breaking loose rusty old fasteners.

By repairing your own cars and house, you're saving thousands of dollars, so the cost is minor relative to paying a pro to do your repairs and improvements.

The bare tools are pretty cheap once you have 3 or 4 batteries in each voltage. But for categories like jobsite radio, small lanterns, inflator, 12V should be fine. No need for 18V in those categories.

 

[kctyphoon]

I have both. They fit different needs, not every tool is available in both platforms and some are superior to others in the size vs power dept. things like the ratchet and inflator only have a 12v option. Other stuff like big impacts, vacuums, powerful lighting - theres only one good choice.

That said - if you have to go with one for now, you’d need to decide what’s more important, size or power.. usually a point will come to find a good excuse to own both. At that point there is basically nothing that isn’t offered.. it doesn’t take much to invest in the begining of a few tools for the m12 stuff down the road.. once you have a couple batteries and a charger - it doesn’t matter what platform you buy anymore.

 

[jimreed2160]

I just bought what I needed and ended up with a mixture of M12 and M18. I like the M12 size and use those drill/drivers more. But my tired eyes voted the M18 rocket light as my favorite tool.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Currently I'm only M12 with a 3/8 fuel ratchet. My 18V drill and impact driver are Ridgid. I don't see myself buying any Milwaukee M18 impacts because at this point air tools are more compact and can be lighter. I'll take my MG725 any day over the full sized Milwaukee impact.

 

[mrvm]

My collection:
M12: Light-weight powerful Fuel drill + impact drill for smaller projects
M12: heated jackets
M18: powerful impact drill, impact wrenches 3/8+1/2 auto/construction
M18 for LED lights

 

[PR1Gneon]

Why choose just one line? You can even use the same charger.

I suggest starting with a M18 combo and then add a M12 battery and bare tools of both lines.

Sent from my LG-LS993 using Tapatalk

 

[jshillin]

I have a lot of both... Really have a need for both. Vac, miter saw, porta-bandsaw, big impacts, lights, circular saw and other tools like that really need the extra power from M18.

 

[DFB]

Ya already its been beat to death you most likely need both dependent on the tool. For any major project you are really going to need 18V in the circular saw, recip, and angle grinder for sure. 18V Fuel drill a must for things like roughing in electrical wiring and plumbing on any scale.

M12 and Fuel can really cover a lot within reason especially general light duty drilling screw driving and the new cutoff tool and stubby are great for mechanical work.

Like its be mentioned some platforms only support certain tools so expansion opportunities would be shortened if you limit yourself just to one line, Example cordless fan, heat gun, drywall screwdriver, finish nailer all M18. Solder iron, rotary tool, clutched non impact screwdriver, stapler tool all M12

Yes they do compliment and enhance each other. I personally would like to see some more dual battery option on things if at all possible and a great example is the BT speaker

 

[86k10]

Having owned the M12 grease gun and using the shop M18 grease gun if a grease gun is on your shopping list go M18. Way better.

 

[Elvisidal]

M12 Fuel does everything better than my 18v Dewalt (brushed) did it.

 

[majorbanjo]

I have both, and think once you get started you'll eventually end up with both as well.....

M12
Grease Gun
1/4 and 3/8 ratchets
Drill and Impact
Multi tool
Oscillating tool

M18
10" Sliding Compound Miter
Sawzall
2 Rover Lights
Circular Saw
Drill and Impact Driver
High Impact 1/2"
Fan
Angle Grinder
.16 Gauge Angled Finish Nailer
Leaf Blower
Weed eater
Hedge Trimmer

I'm sure I'm forgetting something.....but you get the point....

 

[Need more space]

I do auto repair daily and a ton of small constrution projects, it always seems that im using my m12 stuff while my m18 collects dust most of the time.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I have a mix of both. The gen2 M12 Fuel impact driver and the M12 Rocket light are two of my all-time favorite tools.

 

[KamiCrit]

I'm all in the M12. If I need power, I get real power, corded power. Usually really cheap used as well.

All or nothing, no middle ground.

 

[2manytools]

I'm sure there could be plenty of exceptions to this division, but if your tools are intended for inside house work or not re-building cars kind of auto work, I think the 12v line is more than capable.

If you plan on more outside work (yard tools), large projects, shop work (grinding), or tractor/implement work, M18 is calling your name

If you do car work, and you deal with a decent amount of rust, you may need an M18 impact wrench. My M12 stubbie struggled taking some caliper bolts off. It took a decent amount of hammering before they finally broke free. I'm sure some penetrating oil would have helped, but you never know.

There is a decent upgrade in going to M18 for lighting. The M12 lighting is a fantastic lineup, but you need to go M18 for any large area flood lighting. M12 lighting is more personal space.

* The M12 circular saw is capable of cutting 2x material (only at blade 90deg) and ripping sheet goods.
* M12 Fuel hackzall can handle quite a bit for homeowner tasks. Now you want a sawzall that doubles as a wanna-be chainsaw, got to go M18.
* M18 if you want a (decent) vacuum.
* M12 rotary tool is amazing & no big brother equivalent
* M12 soldering iron
* While you can use M18 batteries in the heated gear (with adapter), not as comfortable as a M12 battery


If were only able to own one at any given time, I'd go 12v. It will be easier to pawn that off on a family member or friend if you choose to upgrade. Not that 18v doesnt sell, but I think you will be more than happy with 12v. And if it is a SO watching your tool purchases, go 12v. She won't notice when a 18v eventually creeps in