Milwaukee M12 1/4" Drivers for socket use?

[75' forty]

About to start my next bike build, and wanting to get away from hand ratchets and exploring powered options.
Have access to air as well, however trying to keep cables/hoses minimal for a cleaner working space.

Looking at something like the below; and then use a 1/4" sockets with an adapter.
Most bolts are typically M10 or below; I'm not expecting this to be doing torquing duties, just to run the bolt in relatively fast, and once i hit resistance the clutch to start slipping.

12-volt 1/4 Inch Hex two speed Screwdriver

Its compact, lightweight and durable design means greater comfort and efficiency on the jobsite.

www.milwaukeetool.com

The "gun" shape for some reason is more appealing than the ratchet style which they also offer, however not sure if i'm going to end up with something that doesn't work for what my expectations are.

Appreciate any feedback anyone has, these seem to be fairly well regarded but i know i'm not looking for the most typical use either.

 

[assassin10000]

If you don't have any m12 tools/batteries, I'd hop on the new 3497-22 kit at HD thats on sale right now.

Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit w/2 Batteries and Bag (2-Tool) 3497-22 - The Home Depot

Introduce a versatile device to your workstation with the choice of this extra ordinary Milwaukee M LithiumIon Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit w and Bag. Base is machined to

www.homedepot.com

The new impact driver tri-leds are very nice to have if working with less than ideal lighting.

Same gun style but even shorter and way more powerful if it's ever needed. For what your doing running on setting 1 or 2 would be plenty.


You can also get a smaller kit with just the new impact. It's currently on sale cheaper than the bare tool.

Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/4 in. Hex Impact Driver Compact Kit W 2.0Ah Battery and Bag 3453-21 - The Home Depot

The M12 FUEL 1/4

www.homedepot.com

I use my 3/8" drive converted hex impact driver way more than the m12 ratchets I've had. Ended up selling all my m12 ratchets.

 

[CJM8515]

the 1/4 ratchet would be a better choice. that thing is basically a powered screwdriver

 

[75' forty]

the 1/4 ratchet would be a better choice. that thing is basically a powered screwdriver

To an extent, that's about what i want and how i've gone down my path of searching for a tool. 95% of the hardware should be brand new w/ clean threads so there should be little resistance. Just trying to go for speed and comfort. I also like the idea that with the clutch, it'll slip with resistance, where the ratchet will twist your wrist.

Reading the torque ratings of the tool; i don't see why this wouldn't work for what i want, but if someone else has found out i'm way wrong in my thinking before i go plop down some money.

Edit: Comparing the torque #'s between the ratchet and the screw driver; the ratchet is 35 ft-lbs, the screw driver (fuel) is just over 31 ft-lbs.

If you don't have any m12 tools/batteries, I'd hop on the new 3497-22 kit at HD thats on sale right now.

Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit w/2 Batteries and Bag (2-Tool) 3497-22 - The Home Depot

Introduce a versatile device to your workstation with the choice of this extra ordinary Milwaukee M LithiumIon Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit w and Bag. Base is machined to

www.homedepot.com

The new impact driver tri-leds are very nice to have if working with less than ideal lighting.

Same gun style but even shorter and way more powerful if it's ever needed. For what your doing running on setting 1 or 2 would be plenty.


You can also get a smaller kit with just the new impact. It's currently on sale cheaper than the bare tool.

Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/4 in. Hex Impact Driver Compact Kit W 2.0Ah Battery and Bag 3453-21 - The Home Depot

The M12 FUEL 1/4

www.homedepot.com

I use my 3/8" drive converted hex impact driver way more than the m12 ratchets I've had. Ended up selling all my m12 ratchets.

Just watched a video on the fuel; and seems battery life has been improved a bit and torque is slightly higher. With the 2 speed and clutch, probably isn't a bad idea to get the latest model, and can always limit it with the clutch.

Trying to stay away from just an impact version so i'm not over torquing smaller hardware and like the idea of having a clutch that the screw driver version has.

 

[LWB]

We use these every single day at work in assembly. IMHO not much difference between this and the 1/4" impact, which I have personally. The 1/4" impact I have can be set to max out at 10 ft lbs of torque. Something to consider.

 

[Odd-job]

+1 for 1/4 impact or a locking adapter on the regular hex impact. Impacting action is nice for disassembly and so long as you feather the trigger you will probably not get yourself in trouble tightening either.

The screwdriver is awesome for screwing where you want more speed and control. Think screws into plastic and assembling Ikea furniture.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Used to, but hardly ever since I got the m12 stubby impact.

 

[CJM8515]

the ratchet wont wist your wrist, its not powerful enough. it also fits places the gun just wont.

i know! BUY BOTH! both is good!

 

[ecotec]

the 1/4 ratchet would be a better choice. that thing is basically a powered screwdriver

That is a screwdriver. The m12 impact driver is a better tool for screwdriver bits and 1/4” sockets.

I use my 1/4” impact driver way more than I use my 1/4” ratchets. It is nice to have both, though.

I would always advise people to fill needs before wants. It is not a bad idea to have a notebook with a list of needs and wants in your toolbox. An impact driver and a drill/driver should be among the first cordless tools to buy.

 

[dave*99]

Try this.....

Milwaukee M12 12V Lithium-Ion Cordless Combo Kit (5-Tool) with Two 1.5 Ah Batteries, Charger and Tool Bag 2498-25H - The Home Depot

The 2498-25 12V Cordless M12 5-Tool Combo Kit includes the M12 3/8 in. Drill/Driver (2407-20), M12 1/4 in. Hex Impact Driver (2462-20), M12 Hackzall Recip Saw (2420-20), M12 3/8 in. Ratchet (2457-20) and M12 LED Worklight (49-24-0146). The innovative M12 cordless system provides the power and...

www.homedepot.com

You will have both.

 

[alinc100]

Not to muddy the waters further but the M12 Surge 1/4" impact is very smooth,very quiet. I will admit I have ONLY used it on screws,tapcons,drywall screws,self tapping screws into wood/drywall/metal studs/masonry. I have not had an opportunity to ~ wrench~ with it yet.

 

[alinc100]

If you act quickly today this might be a good deal to get you going https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...ickid=zifQiRw4ZxyNTeG0Qm1x72PTUkA0DqVZw2tPX40

 

[Al Borland]

Been using a Ryobi for this for a year or two, already had batteries and the impact driver was $49, had HD gift cards set to expire.
Works fine, doesn't really have the torque to hurt your wrists if you pay attention.
If you are using it while engaging in a Recto-Cranial interface,,,

 

[Odd-job]

If you act quickly today this might be a good deal to get you going https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...ickid=zifQiRw4ZxyNTeG0Qm1x72PTUkA0DqVZw2tPX40

this is a great deal. Maybe I retract my prior impact comment as for the $ I would go with this and see how it does. Worse comes to worse you end up using the screwdriver for other things.

 

[gjusername]

Not to muddy the waters further but the M12 Surge 1/4" impact is very smooth,very quiet. I will admit I have ONLY used it on screws,tapcons,drywall screws,self tapping screws into wood/drywall/metal studs/masonry. I have not had an opportunity to ~ wrench~ with it yet.

I just used mine last night to remove all the 10mm transmission pan bolts from 2 transmissions. IDK what they're torqued to, but that thing has plenty of power on setting 3. But then you can tighten small bolts setting 1 and it only makes them finger tight. It's great. I've never used an electric screwdriver but I don't see why I would want to, when I have this.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Have you considered a straight/screwdriver handle style ? Several brands (Skil, Craftsman) available and they are very affordable ! Most include a 1/4" hex to 1/4" square drive adapter.

They have be slow, but they have decent torque because of their gear reduction.

 

[Kurt4440]

I clicked on this thread thinking I could offer some valuable advice.
Now I am forced (Garage Journal mandate # 214b) to buy more Milwaukee tools.
Buy one, or them all, my advice is to get the ratchet and the impact since I have both. For $100 I am getting another ratchet and the screwdriver.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I clicked on this thread thinking I could offer some valuable advice.
Now I am forced (Garage Journal mandate # 214b) to buy more Milwaukee tools.

I fought the urge for a couple of years, swearing I was only going to buy M12 tools. I failed this year, buying a 2/2" mid-torque impact and a 1/2" drill with both impact and hammer capability.

I know, these are like "gateway drugs" ! Nothing on the horizon, but GJ will get me !

 

[Kurt4440]

I fought the urge for a couple of years, swearing I was only going to buy M12 tools. I failed this year, buying a 2/2" mid-torque impact and a 1/2" drill with both impact and hammer capability.

I know, these are like "gateway drugs" ! Nothing on the horizon, but GJ will get me !

Why fight the urge, this is Garage Journal. If you use the tools and you enjoy working, why not.
Black Friday deals = gateway drugs

 

[joe_pinehill1]

About to start my next bike build, and wanting to get away from hand ratchets and exploring powered options.
Have access to air as well, however trying to keep cables/hoses minimal for a cleaner working space.

Looking at something like the below; and then use a 1/4" sockets with an adapter.
Most bolts are typically M10 or below; I'm not expecting this to be doing torquing duties, just to run the bolt in relatively fast, and once i hit resistance the clutch to start slipping.

12-volt 1/4 Inch Hex two speed Screwdriver

Its compact, lightweight and durable design means greater comfort and efficiency on the jobsite.

www.milwaukeetool.com

The "gun" shape for some reason is more appealing than the ratchet style which they also offer, however not sure if i'm going to end up with something that doesn't work for what my expectations are.

Appreciate any feedback anyone has, these seem to be fairly well regarded but i know i'm not looking for the most typical use either.

You may find you are snaping the hex to socket adapters if you use this tool for a sockets

 

[f121]

You may find you are snaping the hex to socket adapters if you use this tool for a sockets

Those screwdrivers are very low torque, won’t snap an adapter. Even a 1/4” hex impact is unlikely to snap an adapter.

 

[KnurledNut]

You may find you are snaping the hex to socket adapters if you use this tool for a sockets

With only 23 ft-lb, unlikely.
He mentioned using the clutch anyway.

 

[ex-x-fire]

I use my M12 bit driver to snug up car wheels for final tightening with a torque wrench. It gets them close to what I was using before, a 1/2 impact and an 80ft/lbs torque stick. It seems like a little less than a quarter turn till the torque wrench clicks off at 100ft/lbs.

 

[AirMech#406]

OP I have the single speed version of the 1/4 driver you listed and use it daily to remove/install screws and to run down small bolts. I find that it works perfect for my needs and I think for what you'd want to do it would work well.

 

[75' forty]

Well ended up ordering a fuel 2402 screw driver a couple days ago

Then while I was poking around tonight I found the fuel impact 3/8” drive on sale with the larger battery so figured between the 2 that should cover most of what I’d need to do

Now to figure out how I want to store them for ease of use in the shop. Been looking at what some of the sellers on Etsy have but not sure I want to mount anything on my cabinets or peg board. Afraid of cluttering up any area if at all possible.

 

[75' forty]

Just to give an update if anyone is researching this type question in the future.

The screw driver works perfect for what I was hoping.
Great for running in screws, setting the clutches and changing speed depending on how tight you want it to go.
I did use it to run in some long screws into a door frame and it had no problem.

For anything requiring more juice, the 3/8" impact works great. Nice to not have to deal with an air hose for majority of work, and they are small enough that it's not bulky and awkward to use.

Ended up storing on the wall with the belt clip. Not sure this will be my long term storage method, but for now it's easy to get to while working on the bikes.

 

[DerekV]

Just to give an update if anyone is researching this type question in the future.

The screw driver works perfect for what I was hoping.
Great for running in screws, setting the clutches and changing speed depending on how tight you want it to go.
I did use it to run in some long screws into a door frame and it had no problem.

For anything requiring more juice, the 3/8" impact works great. Nice to not have to deal with an air hose for majority of work, and they are small enough that it's not bulky and awkward to use.

Ended up storing on the wall with the belt clip. Not sure this will be my long term storage method, but for now it's easy to get to while working on the bikes.

Have you used the screwdriver similar to a cordless ratchet as a nut/bolt runner? If so do you like it for that purpose?

 

[75' forty]

Have you used the screwdriver similar to a cordless ratchet as a nut/bolt runner? If so do you like it for that purpose?

It's being used mainly for ~8-10mm bolts on a few of my bikes.
Running in clutch cover bolts, removing/installing plastics, breaking loose triple clamps, removing shock bolts, etc.
For the large majority of trials/motorcycle work, it's the perfect little tool.

Hand ratchet has been very rarely used in the last few weeks except for places the gun won't fit. I've been leaving the clutch on a very low setting, and then will increase it and change the speed if I need a little more oomph. I haven't found much it won't do yet from what I was hoping it would and is honestly exceeding my expectations.

I can see the value of the ratchet in tighter spots, but really like having a gun over a ratchet shape.

 

[dnschmidt]

You got it right the first time. Either this clutch based screwdriver or the high speed 1/4" ratchet, you don't want an impact as those can overtighten things faster than you can react. I have the FUEL version of the screwdriver you've shown which is a brushed tool and I use it for exactly the purpose you're asking about. Once the bolt is set you get out the torque wrench to finish the job. If you're working on bikes then everything is aluminum and aluminum will strip out faster than a New York minute. An impact is fine for removing things but not so good for assembling things.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

All the fuel impacts have a sissy setting for those without trigger discipline

 

[DerekV]

It's being used mainly for ~8-10mm bolts on a few of my bikes.
Running in clutch cover bolts, removing/installing plastics, breaking loose triple clamps, removing shock bolts, etc.
For the large majority of trials/motorcycle work, it's the perfect little tool.

Hand ratchet has been very rarely used in the last few weeks except for places the gun won't fit. I've been leaving the clutch on a very low setting, and then will increase it and change the speed if I need a little more oomph. I haven't found much it won't do yet from what I was hoping it would and is honestly exceeding my expectations.

I can see the value of the ratchet in tighter spots, but really like having a gun over a ratchet shape.

If you’re backing a nut/bolt out in, say, drill mode for the clutch setting, and the tool can’t break it free, are you able to keep holding the trigger down and manually break the fastener free by rotating the tool in the same direction it’s trying to turn? And similarly in the fastening direction to snug a fastener up? This is all assuming torque ranges that are just beyond what the tool can manage on its own, not talking like 100+ lb/ft.

 

[DerekV]

You got it right the first time. Either this clutch based screwdriver or the high speed 1/4" ratchet, you don't want an impact as those can overtighten things faster than you can react. I have the FUEL version of the screwdriver you've shown which is a brushed tool and I use it for exactly the purpose you're asking about. Once the bolt is set you get out the torque wrench to finish the job. If you're working on bikes then everything is aluminum and aluminum will strip out faster than a New York minute. An impact is fine for removing things but not so good for assembling things.

The one in his photo is the Fuel version.

 

[Zeus36]

I switched from the M12 impact driver to this M12 Fuel Installation Driver for motorcycle work.

 

[dnschmidt]

The one in his photo is the Fuel version.

No, it isn't. This is: https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Fastening/2402-20. The one he has pictured is this one which is brushed: https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/2406-20

 

[DerekV]

No, it isn't. This is: https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Fastening/2402-20. The one he has pictured is this one which is brushed: https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/2406-20

…

 

[75' forty]

If you’re backing a nut/bolt out in, say, drill mode for the clutch setting, and the tool can’t break it free, are you able to keep holding the trigger down and manually break the fastener free by rotating the tool in the same direction it’s trying to turn? And similarly in the fastening direction to snug a fastener up? This is all assuming torque ranges that are just beyond what the tool can manage on its own, not talking like 100+ lb/ft.

Honestly, I'm unsure and haven't come across a scenario where I've needed to do that. At most, I've needed to adjust the clutch setting and then let the gun work for a second or so to bust things loose. I can give it a whirl tomorrow and see how it acts in that scenario.

 

[75' forty]

No, it isn't. This is: https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Fastening/2402-20. The one he has pictured is this one which is brushed: https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/2406-20

I did end up with the fuel version (2402) after doing some more research after my original post.

 

[75' forty]

Honestly, I'm unsure and haven't come across a scenario where I've needed to do that. At most, I've needed to adjust the clutch setting and then let the gun work for a second or so to bust things loose. I can give it a whirl tomorrow and see how it acts in that scenario.

Tested it out today. I was able to manually turn the tool and tighten the bolt with my finger on the trigger.