M12

[goldie lox]

Looking at getting some m12 tools I already have a few m18 and wonder how many have both and which one you use more

 

[sqaurelizard]

love the rachets and the new 3/8 impact, depends what you work at. I use mine in a auto repair workshop every day

 

[Alexander]

I've had Makita's 18v line for coming up on ten years. Dozens of tools, about a dozen 5ah batteries (the old 3's all died in the last couple years). They do what I need them to do. I fabricate and install scenery and displays. Wood, metal, plastics, etc.

I recently picked up one of those 5 tool M12 kits on a whim, because I've been wanting to get a smaller 12v drill for doing installs, and I really wanted to play with the 3/8" ratchet.

I was definitely underwhelmed by the brushed drill and impact.

Then I went and spent even more money, picked up the M12 brushless drill and impact kit. I am quite impressed in the couple weeks I've been using it, and I can already see the impact driver becoming my main driver. It's just plain awesome for me, and I would highly recommend it. It has plenty of speed and power for most uses, and it's just so much smaller and lighter than any 18v option. I could carry it around on my belt in the shop all day and never feel like I wanted to put it down.

So to answer your question, I did just fine with only 18v tools for a long time, but now that I have both, I plan to keep both. Each voltage has its place in my toolbox. I don't plan to get a 12v circular saw, but a tool like the impact driver I'll use every day.

 

[danielbuck]

1/2" ratchet gets used pretty often when working on vehicles

the small hex driver gets a lot of use for small projects inside the house

 

[Rogers954]

I have both but kind of different fields, my m18 consist of a drill, impact drill, sawzall, and grinder. My m12 tools are completely centered around auto work, 3/8 ratchet and the new stubby 3/8 impact. Lately I’ve been wrenching a lot so the m12’s have been getting worked a lot and so far I’d give them both two thumbs up they are great. Love all my Milwaukee tools pretty equally but I’m really digging the light weight and more compact m12 tools, not sure how many more i would add for instance I’ve been hearing good thinks about the small m12 drills but i can’t really justify buying one since my m18 drill does everything i need.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[ChrisLS8]

This exact thread was started not too long ago.

 

[jshillin]

This exact thread was started not too long ago.

Yeah, I think it just started this week also...

But to answer his question. I have more M18 because I have a lot of the bigger tools like the Miter Saw, Vac, nailer, big impacts, circular saw, etc...

However, I use my M12 stuff more often, 3/8" Fuel impact, 1/4" Fuel Ratchet, 1/4" Fuel Hex Impact, etc.

 

[Zewnten]

1/4 and 3/8 ratchet, impact driver and the wife has the drill and speaker

 

[Voi]

This exact thread was started not too long ago.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=408997

 

[majorbanjo]

I've got both.....for impact driver and drill I probably use my M12 more due to size than my M18 hammer drill and impact driver....

But my M18 sawzall, circular saw, weed eater, and hedge trimmer are absolutely essential......

 

[BroncoAZ]

I was all M18, then the M12 stubby impact was released and I bought in. Now I have have more:

3/8” stubby impact
3/8” fuel ratchet
1/4” non fuel ratchet
Soldering iron
Rotary tool
2401 screwdriver
Bluetooth jobsite speaker

 

[Tonyuk]

I only have the ratchet and stubby impact.

I use the stubby now and then, and the ratchet barely ever.

I use the M18 compact impact the most, followed by a snap-on 3/8 for interior work.

 

[SilverBulletZ06]

As a homeowner the 12v stuff is used most, I fix cabinets and other menial tasks all the time thanks to my 2 tornados of destruction known as children. For any woodworking/framing/etc I don't bother with the 12v and grab my 18v.

Another poster put it bluntly when they said 12v is a luxury. I did splurge on a M12 caulking gun which saves me a bit load of time when I do molding and save my hand cramping.