Milwaukee M12 tools that are worth it?

[Skiff Builder]

This.

I've been saying this for years.

People here got all excited when the 8.0, 9.0 and 12.0 batteries came out for the M18 line. I'm over here thinking, "why do I want to run a driver/drill that's attached to a car battery?"











.

I hear Ya. I do like those batts for the string trimmer, blower and 7-1/4" circ saw though.

 

[Rarified27]

I got one of the original M12 non-fuel hackzalls back in 2011 and not only is it still going, the utility of it's small frame has been tremendously helpful. Inside walls, around pipes, etc. It's slower, but in those confined spaces, sometimes you don't want something too aggressive.

The M12 compressor is also outstanding. Being able to start it and walk away is a great feature.

The Fuel hammer drill is great, but is actually longer than my M18, which seems odd, but hasn't been an issue. The regular 3/8 M12 drill is about as general purpose homeowner as it gets. It's plenty of drill for anything around the house.

A lot of people don't like the jig saw and the right angle drill, but they've been helpful to me in tight spots and where power isn't a priority.

The M12 fuel impact is great to toss in a bag for quick stuff, but can be a lot indoors. I'm looking at the Surge with hopes of a more crowd-friendly noise level.

 

[DeeKay]

I forgot one, The M12 trouble light. I had been looking for a smallish rechargeable lantern for camping but couldn't find anything that didn't have bad reviews and that wasn't super expensive. Found this little guy for 50 bucks and never looked back. Also handy for working under the hood, I'll just have to figure out some kind of magnet mount for it.

 

[ThatSickRip]

I forgot one, The M12 trouble light. I had been looking for a smallish rechargeable lantern for camping but couldn't find anything that didn't have bad reviews and that wasn't super expensive. Found this little guy for 50 bucks and never looked back. Also handy for working under the hood, I'll just have to figure out some kind of magnet mount for it.

Those are great, I have 2. With the USB port, its a great power outage, emergency light

 

[sparky 1971]

I can't say what tools will be good for your applications. I can, however, tell you what M12 tools I have experience with that I would never recommend to anyone. The dustbuster type vacuum, the right angle drill, the oscillating multi tool, and the non fuel drills and impact drivers. As far as I am concerned, those are all junk, with the impacts being marginal at best.

 

[tyyost]

I’m more of a fan of the 18 volt line than I am of M12.

That said, my first M12 tool was the 3/8 Ratchet and it has been a great tool. Like many of you I have added to the list an inflator I absolutely love, the RT Angle Die Grinder, and the inspection tool. The only tool I wouldn’t buy again if it broke was the inspection tool.

I often find myself looking at the lineup and trying to decide if there any other tools that I have to have. The fuel hackzall tempts me from time to time, as do the stubby impacts but I’m happy with the 18 volt impacts I have, and not sure if the hackzall would be better in 18 volt too.

I Tend to stay away from battery operated lights as I have several choices that use cords now that I am happy with, but have seen some great cordless lights in the last few years.

 

[slackdaddy1]

I was thinking of a cut off wheel on the straight die grinder??

The die grinders are great.

The ratchets are handy. I just got the extended reach 3/8" and very impressed, but also the head is HUGE and access can be an issue.

The 3" cutoff is great during custom builds for cutting bolts. I've even cut u-bolts with it -- less likely to get away from you and knick a brake line or electrical.

Love the underhood light.

Love the rivet gun.

 

[slackdaddy1]

Thanks,
I "WAS" eye ballin the jig saw.

^^+1 on this^^

I have quite a few M12 tools, my favorites are the right angle die grinder, Fuel Hackzall, sander/polisher, Rotary Tool, OMT, and Fuel 3/8 drill.

The jigsaw is worthless, swivel lock is a joke, it won't stay locked and drifts when cutting. Hasn't been out of the drawer in months. Save your money, skip this one.

Flashlight and 3/8 ratchet are also good, but don't get used as much.

 

[slackdaddy1]

Anyone have the M12 polisher, Thoughts?

Also I was think about the "Straight" Die grinder,, but everyone says they have the rt angle grinder,, what task do you use the rt angle for? I was thinking about the straight with grinding burs and a cut off wheel.

For cutting off bolt ends - the m12 sawzall, cut off wheel in die grinder, or 3" cut off saw??

 

[plinker]

Anyone have the M12 polisher, Thoughts?

Also I was think about the "Straight" Die grinder,, but everyone says they have the rt angle grinder,, what task do you use the rt angle for? I was thinking about the straight with grinding burs and a cut off wheel.

For cutting off bolt ends - the m12 sawzall, cut off wheel in die grinder, or 3" cut off saw??

Referring to angle die grinders in general, not just the M12, Mine get used with end type knot wire brushes and roloc disks mainly with the occasional burr or flap drum getting used.

My preference for cutting bolts or anything similar is the m12 bandsaw. No sparks and a clean cut.

 

[PugetDude]

I used my M12 Right Angle die grinder for a couple of hours today, running 2" Scotchbrite discs, taking 3 coats of paint off a 3/4 Hp Baldor c-face motor, getting it ready for repainting.
The 3.0 XC batteries really came in handy

 

[Jon_E]

We use M12 and M18 at my workplace, got a whole bunch of stuff. Favorite M12 tools are the rotary tool (think Dremel), the caulking gun, and the surge hydraulic impact driver. Also have a Fuel hackzall which gets a lot of use. For M18, we have a bunch of drills, hammer drills and drivers, a drain snake, and a 3/4" impact wrench which is a beast. We also have a lot of different LED lights in both M12 and M18, the stick-style work/trouble lights are the favorites. We drowned an M18 stick light a couple months ago, once it dried out it survived just fine.

 

[Rickster]

This is funny to me because I’ve been thinking if there’s anything in 18v that would be beneficial to add to my home garage! 12v tools I use: Right angle die grinder is great (use it all the time .. even used a 2” flap disc to cope crown molding edges). Impact driver is nice but now my new compact screw driver has taken its place (for non-impact). Their dremel is great. Just bought the 3/8dr stubby impact and soldering iron, haven’t had a chance to work with them yet. I upgraded their old light by adding a Cree LED bulb I got of eBay and now their light is actually worthwhile. You’re getting into 12v at a good time just stick to the Fuel versions and you won’t be disappointed.

 

[ThatSickRip]

With a few exceptions (and these were wants, not needs) I wish I wouldve stuck with just the M12 from the beginning instead of getting into the M18 line, for my needs.

*OPE and 0880 shop vac are my favorite and most used M18 stuff

 

[littlelebowski]

The M12 dud: the "Dustbuster" vac. Don't waste your time or $

Weird, I find mine indispensable. Just bought another for downstairs.

 

[autobon7]

Really like my stapler, fuel impact driver, inflator, and right angle die grinder. Only dud I have is the rotary tool (2460-20) had to send it back twice for repair. Highly recommend NOT getting that one.

 

[Newell33]

I will second the rotary tool comments above. I used mine 3 or 4 times lightly before all four lights starting blinking at once and the tool wouldn't spin. It took around 2 weeks to get it repaired, or replaced to be more specific. Of course, I needed it more during that two week period than I ever had before. It's nice to have a warranty, but sometimes it's easier to buy the local disposable tools and take the gamble than to wait while the tool is being repaired.

 

[pizza]

2505: M12 fuel Installation Drill/Driver

View media item 97607

i'm in love with this tool. it's my go-to screwdriver and drill for everyday stuff. i have more powerful drills and impact drivers, but i don't use them unless the 2505's not powerful enough.

the magnet thing on the front is so handy. i use it to hold screws and bits.

the side clip isn't useful to me and was getting in my way, so i removed it.

yeah, the direction button on top is a real wtf, but everything else about the tool is sweet, so whatever.

 

[dnschmidt]

Normally I'm M18 rather than M12 although I've got a boatload of M12. M12 3/8" stubby impact is the pick of the litter. With respect to the die grinders the right angle is much better than the straight as it has far more power for reasons I've not got a clue about. The M12 High speed Fuel ratchet is the best of the ratchets. In most cases, and particularly with the die grinders Milwaukee is full of **** when it packages these with the tiny 2.0 M12 batteries. The die grinders are useless with anything less than the 4.0 XC battery and frankly that's the way both to these tools should be packaged in a kit. You will need the larger batteries for any high speed tool. The little batteries work on low demand tools but for anything that spinning at high speed you need the 4.0 or the 6.0.

 

[dnschmidt]

I am a big fan of the m12 screwdriver. Grabbed a deal last year during black Friday. I know some guys don't love the ergonomics of the m12 stuff, but it fits my hand like a glove and the balance feels great to me.

I agree this is a keeper.

 

[Keep]

I started my M12 journey about 2 months ago, my much used Porter Cable 12v finally started to die.

I picked up the Fuel hammer drill/impact kit. Then I promptly went and bought the 1/4 fuel ratchet. Probably the best addition of the bunch. Of course now I want the 3/8 fuel ratchet, and the multitool etc etc etc.

The ratchet is damn handy when you are climbing on a roof or up a tower trying to tighten up pipe clamps on for your WWAN wifi antennas.

(Then I went and picked up a new packout bag to fit it all that pops into the small packout container for misc parts)

Damn these people!!!

 

[Badgerstate]

I know there must be 100 Milwaukee cordless threads, but I did not find one specifically about M12 tools "usefulness"
When I added my M18 Fuel Impact to my home shop, I have not taken the air impact out of the drawer. I also have a M18 cordless drill and a driver, along with a combo M12/M18 charger.

So I want to add some more cordless to the shop.
Along with my 1/2 SAE and Metric sockets, I have a large set of 3/8 drive SAE/Metric sockets, so I am looking at the M12 stubby 3/8 impact.
Looking at the 3/8 M12 ratchet?
Also looking at the 1/4" collet straight die grinder.

I do light metal fabrication and jeep/car builds.

Any other M12 tools I should consider?
Any I should stay away from ?

Thanks,
Slack

I love my M12 tools. Ive got the impact driver, Fuel hammer drill, jig saw, compact vacuum and the circular saw. As someone who is just a weekend woodworker/DIYer; Ive never felt like I was missing anything with the M12 vs the M18.
Honestly, the only thing that I use my M18 batteries for is for the string trimmer and leaf blower.

 

[GeoBruin]

All the obvious choices have been listed over and over but I've only seen a few mentions of the m12 bandsaw. It's Awesome! I have a full size corded portaband and I used to have to detach it from the Swag table to use it in certain circumstances until I got the m12. Its awesome for tubular products but I recently used it to cut the flanges off some wide flange beam (.300" thick steel) and it didnt hesitate a bit. It's a little workhorse. If I had one that was just slightly larger (could accomodate 2" square tube) my bandsaw trifecta would be complete. Dewalt has one that is in that range but it's not brushless. Ive been hoping for a refresh but maybe I should just buy it.

Edit: I see Milwaukee has an m18 compact saw that looks perfect (3-1/4 x 3-1/4 capacity). Looks like im going to be out another few hundred dollars.

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

yup,

I have the 3/8 Impact, 3/8 ratchet, die grinder and under hood light so far.
All have been great tools.

 

[Ilikeike]

For home use. I don't really need my 20volt stuff. the M12 line is perfect for most home projects, the 12volt brushless motors are plenty strong now days.

But, even at work, I have the M12 stubby impact and 3/8" fuel ratchet. those are great tools.

 

[Formula]

I’ve got a ton of both M12 and M18 tools, and the M12 stubby 3/8 impact is my favorite most used tool.

 

[Sgtboz]

I know there must be 100 Milwaukee cordless threads, but I did not find one specifically about M12 tools "usefulness"
When I added my M18 Fuel Impact to my home shop, I have not taken the air impact out of the drawer. I also have a M18 cordless drill and a driver, along with a combo M12/M18 charger.

So I want to add some more cordless to the shop.
Along with my 1/2 SAE and Metric sockets, I have a large set of 3/8 drive SAE/Metric sockets, so I am looking at the M12 stubby 3/8 impact.
Looking at the 3/8 M12 ratchet?
Also looking at the 1/4" collet straight die grinder.

I do light metal fabrication and jeep/car builds.

Any other M12 tools I should consider?
Any I should stay away from ?

Thanks,
Slack

I like my 12v impact driver, porta band and handheld dremel style grinder. I also use a 12v vacuum. The jigsaw is nice to reach for instead of dragging out the corded one.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I bought an M12 Fuel 3/8" impact about 2 years before the stubby came out. I do like, especially with the 1/4"hex adapter. I also have an M12 3/8" drill. It was the "right size" for around the house when I didn't want to pull out my high torque corded 1/2" drill.

I wish the made an M12 "stick" screwdriver so I could get rid of my old B&D Versapak !

 

[plinker]

I bought an M12 Fuel 3/8" impact about 2 years before the stubby came out. I do like, especially with the 1/4"hex adapter. I also have an M12 3/8" drill. It was the "right size" for around the house when I didn't want to pull out my high torque corded 1/2" drill.

I wish the made an M12 "stick" screwdriver so I could get rid of my old B&D Versapak !

That would be something I'd buy.



I had gotten a 1/2 drive fuel ratchet for Christmas from work last year, It's a bit of a club (weight wise) but pretty impressive for what it is. It's got decent torque for removing 14mm caliper bracket bolts without a lot of trouble.

I also picked up a clean used 3/8 fuel ratchet from the Matco guy two weeks ago (50$, was a trade in), I'm actually liking it better then I thought. I'm not finding it overly large to where it's bulk over the non fuel version has been a problem, though I've not used it under hood yet, just on brakes & suspension. Really good torque for what it is, but I think it could easily twist off a 6mm bolt without trying too hard. You defiantly wont overtorque stuff with the non fuel ratchet. Kind of apples/oranges though.

 

[FuzzyTiger]

I love my M12 Installation Drill/Driver. It seems like a gimmicky 4 in 1 tool that shouldn't do anything well but so far its never actually let me down. It also fits in places traditional drill/drivers never would.

 

[mike93lx]

I liked the M12 installation kit so much, I bough a second one. I also really like the 'surge' hydraulic driver and inflator, although it is very noisy, really comes in handy.

I've almost pulled the trigger on the installation kit many times and I know it would be helpful for what I like to use my m12 stuff for.
I have the non fuel impact and it *****. I also know the surge would be a big improvement a d it would be nice to have a quieter impact around...

 

[pl_silverado]

M12 ProPress is awesome. I'd replace it in a heartbeat if anything ever happened to it.