Milwaukee M12 VS M18

[Labradorian]

Hello Folks

I have a few M18 tools by Milwaukee but no M12 tools. one of my battery chargers will do both M18 and M12 batteries.

I have drill/driver, sawzall, flashlight, that's really all for now.

I'm just wondering what you use the M12 tools for. I do mostly wood working/carpenter stuff and was looking at the M12 screw driver at home depot and got me thinking....

I guess the M12 for driving screws, etc is lighter, etc.

Tks
Glen

 

[rlitman]

I've got an M12 drill I picked up for cheap at a pawn shop. It's quite nice, and has enough power to handle 90% or more of the things I use my M18 drill for. And having a smaller tool to carry around comes in handy.

I own a few Bosch 12V impact drivers and love them when driving screws. Yeah, my M18 does better on bolts and lags, but the 12V tools are very capable.

The M12 caulk gun is one of the best out there. I've the the M18, and while I think it is excellent, it is excessively heavy.

 

[Labradorian]

I've got an M12 drill I picked up for cheap at a pawn shop. It's quite nice, and has enough power to handle 90% or more of the things I use my M18 drill for. And having a smaller tool to carry around comes in handy.

I own a few Bosch 12V impact drivers and love them when driving screws. Yeah, my M18 does better on bolts and lags, but the 12V tools are very capable.

The M12 caulk gun is one of the best out there. I've the the M18, and while I think it is excellent, it is excessively heavy.

thanks for the feedback. I'm leaning on the M12 for driving screws for my lighter furniture projects. Although the M18 drill/driver is light for construction , a little bulky for the small jobs.

tks

 

[Bretny]

I got a new m19 1/4in hex impact. 2850-20 its very light compaired to my old brushed M18 1/4in hex. If you alreat have m18 stuff why get m12? Stick with the batterys you alreaty own.

 

[PNWguy]

The M12 tools are lighter and smaller. I always reach for the M12, unless I have a job that requires more power.

I originally bought some for my wife because of their small size, and found that I started using them instead of my DeWalt 18v clunkers. When I gave up the DeWalt, I got M12 and later added M18 to the mix.

When I am in the woodshop I rarely pick up the M18 stuff, as I have much more control with the M12.

 

[nieuport17]

M12 is lighter. Easier on the arm.

 

[bp460]

I have primarily M18 stuff but have added some M12 impacts and drivers to use in tight locations and also where I don't need the extra power and battery life.

-Brad

 

[mrvm]

M12 Fuel impact or drill are my go-to power tools and the M18s only come out for bigger jobs like lags or larger holes.

 

[mikehaugen]

I have 20v dewalt tools, but also m12 Milwaukee. I love the little 3/8 fuel impact, also the screwdriver. 3/8 ratchet isn't bad either. I prefer the smaller size for a lot of things. I may pick up a fuel drill as well.

I have contemplated the 20v 1/2" impact but it would only be used where there is no air available. Otherwise I couldn't imagine using it daily working in the garage. It's huge and heavy. Most 18(or "20") is bigger than needed for most jobs.

I have about 1/2 dozen in each platform and each has it's purpose. The m12 fuel "hackzall" is not bad, but I would probably prefer it in 18v, dewalt doesn't have something comparable and I wouldn't invest in a new battery platform for 1 tool.

Sent from my SM-G930V using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[tonyciambrone]

I have both and I use m18 96% of the time. for me the weight savings do not offset the lower battery life and power. I also find the grips of m12 tools too big for my hands over long periods of time. the only m12 tool I use a lot is the cordless PVC shear. m18 surge, newest gen fuel drill, 6 1/2 circular saw, sawzall, grinder.

 

[Labradorian]

Thanks all for the feedback. If I happen to come across M12 screw driver for cheap I might pick one up.

 

[Jackfre]

All of my larger tools sit and the M12's are my go-to's. drill, impact kits (2), saws-all and grease gun. The drill drives a lot of 3.5" screws and the re-charge is quick. They are excellent. Last week the fellow who helped me on my job had the M18 Saws-all. Really and excellent tool, but when you are in an awkward spot the 12 is great.

 

[paredown]

I'm also an M112 user. Used to have the big Nicad set, but as I got older, I appreciate the smaller size for most things. Just got my first M18--but it is a weed wacker. I did look at a compact set of M18s (drill and driver) and thought about buying them, but I have not killed the M12s despite a lot of hard use and a few drops...

I still use corded for stuff like right angle for pulling wire and hammer drill.

 

[Millwrong]

I have a buttload of M18, and love every single piece. I don't use a drill all day, so I much prefer the runtime and power of the 18 volt stuff over the 12. The only M12 item I have is the 3/8" ratchet, which I probably couldn't live without at this point!

And, I am patiently awaiting the arrival of the M12 right-angle die grinder. This could be a game-changer for me...

 

[DFB]

Hello Folks

I have a few M18 tools by Milwaukee but no M12 tools. one of my battery chargers will do both M18 and M12 batteries.

I have drill/driver, sawzall, flashlight, that's really all for now.

I'm just wondering what you use the M12 tools for. I do mostly wood working/carpenter stuff and was looking at the M12 screw driver at home depot and got me thinking....

I guess the M12 for driving screws, etc is lighter, etc.

Tks
Glen

M12 Fuel screwdriver is a sweetheart of a tool, loads of power and quiet especially compared to an impact driver. It's the same body as the M12 Fuel drill but shorter more balanced and of course a quick change 1/4 collet vs the jawed drill chuck.

There are 3 models of M12 screwdriver with varying levels of power so you could more a bit more explicit in which one your interested in with those 3.

I have an extensive lineup of M12 tools both brushed (many of my starter tools) and then Fuel brushless (upgrades) and within their performance standards have generally been happy with all of them. 3/8" ratchet, RA drill RA impact driver, impact drivers, impact wrenches, hackzall, cutoff tool grease gun, speaker, radio, vac, numerous lights, solder iron, air inflator.


I want to get the polisher/sander still

 

[A**holes Garage]

M18 tools here, never been a cordless tool fan but the Milwaukee line of tools is changing my mind

 

[BPJOOP93]

I have the m12 ratchet. Love the tool. Has anyone else ever broke the m12 battery? I did and superglue is now holding it together

 

[Jason280]

I use them with 1/4 & 3/8" ratcheting impacts, but my current favorite M12 tool is this one:

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

It started with the Milwaukee jacket. Then instead of buying one 5 tool kit I bought 3 and gave 2 of them to my daughters for Xmas. Then I replaced my corded DreMel (stolen) with a M12 Milwaukee. Oh when will it end!

 

[RKA]

There are some tools that only come in M12. Ratchets, pipe cutter, etc. For those tools that come in M12 an M18, think about your primary application and choose accordingly. I chose an M12 caulk gun because I’m usually running beads of caulk around interior trim. It has more than enough power and the lighter weight is preferred. If I was applying construction adhesives by the case, an M18 might be more suitable.

 

[mc4life27]

I use them with 1/4 & 3/8" ratcheting impacts, but my current favorite M12 tool is this one:

This is my favorite m12 tool as well. I borrowed my bosses for a job few months the back and he had get to get it back. But now he said he ordered one for me so he can get his back lol. It's due in this week. Lol


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[f121]

I mostly use m12 for lighting, the Under Hood Light and Rover are excellent and get used all the time, the stick light is pretty good (although I wish they would make a flexible, magnetic stick light).

I also use the 3/8 m12 ratchet a lot, extremely useful bit of kit.

 

[FredWurlitzer]

All of my tools are M18 and I'm just a DIY'er. I've considered investing in the M12's, but what DIY'er needs 2 impact drivers, sawzalls, etc.. ? My train of thought is you can always limit or govern the power of the M18 if need be with the variable speed triggers.

I guess what I'm trying to say is if the tool is offered in both the M18 and M12 platform, I'm going with the M18. Although, these M12 specific tools like the ratchet and screwdriver are tempting me to open my wallet.

I am looking forward to the cordless framing nailer coming out this fall. If I do decide to pull the trigger on a new garage, that will most definitely be joining my arsenal.

 

[sqznby]

I like the M12, great tools and pretty strong for the size. Especially with the 6.0 batteries.

And, I am patiently awaiting the arrival of the M12 right-angle die grinder. This could be a game-changer for me...

I'm with you. That die grinder has been getting some attention that's for sure. Cant wait until Oct 1st haha

 

[TMcCay]

Lot of good information here. My Dewalt stuff is getting long in the tooth so to speak and I have been thinking about upgrading. This will give me some serious thinking to do.

 

[Kaervak]

So far I only have M12 gear, but I'm wanting to add the mid torque M18 impact. My M12 gear is as follows:

Fuel stubby 3/8 impact. Hugely useful and actually pretty powerful for its size. It has a lot more grunt than my Craftsman C3 1/2, but that C3 has been pretty heavily used.

Non fuel 3/8 ratchet. Plenty powerful for what I use it for. I've actually broken bolts with it. The fuel version would have been nice, but again it's powerful enough and very very handy in tight spots where you can't effectively swing a ratchet. So glad I bought it.

Fuel 1/2 chuck hammer drill. Nice metal 1/2 chuck, hammer drill option. Very very nice drill. I could have gone with the M18 version, but for how seldom I need a drill and the price of the bare hammer drill when I was looking, I couldn't pass it up.

Non fuel 3/8 chuck drill. This one is in the house and sees very very light duty. The chuck however is metal and feels very solid too. It's a very nice 3/8 chuck drill.

And then, the M12 stuff that got me started. The heated vest and hoodie. The vest sees much more use now, always under my windproof carhartt hoodie when I'm out. I'm never cold with that combo. The only downside to the hoodie is it's not windproof.


Edit: Forgot to mention that the vest is the current generation of heated gear and it gets much warmer much faster than the first generation hoodie that I have. If you don't like the cold, don't go after the first gen heated stuff. Spend the extra money and get new current stuff. It's worth the extra price.


So, that's what I use M12 for. Great stuff and I'm very happy with all my purchases.

 

[AngryBeaver]

I work for a worldwide rental company. I bought a M12 drill and impact driver while working the US. Open in SanDiego in 2008....

I still have that drill and driver. The damn thing won't die. I mainly use M18 for serious drilling and impacts, but have since expanded my M12 line. the LED stick light is frickin awesome, as well as the M12 impacts. the new stubby impact is a game changer. While my old drill isn't brushless, the damn thing won't Die. ITs ran thousands of 3" wood screws. None of my dewalt tools ever lasted that long... The Fuel M12 impact driver and drill are light years ahead of that old brushless stuff.

 

[Firefighter1406]

I run M18 and M12. M18 for the heavy tasks, M12 for everything else. I use them to set cabinets, around the house, so much lighter and easier to fit places. Use the M12 more then the M18 stuff anymore.

 

[rmack898]

I made the jump from yellow to red about 2 years ago and have a bunch of M12 and M18.
I wouldn't want to give up any of them. M12 is what I use every day as a full time wrench.

The M18 stuff gets used on the weekend projects.

You need to have both.

 

[1Garageman]

I have a lot of M18 tools, and LOVE THEM! So my wife's birth was this June and she does a lot of upholstery work, and stuff. HomeDepot had a sale going on, M12 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8 in. Crown Stapler with two batteries for $99!!!!!!

I jumped on that deal for her as a one of her birthday gifts and she LOVES it! So much easier than going out to the dirty garage and firing up the loud air compressor. I highly recommend it, when it goes on sale.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

I have as I mentioned the M12 kit. But still have my Bosch 18volt cordless tools. The Oscillating saw is definitely a hit with me.
I like the 12 volt due to the size. If I didn’t have the Bosch set I might be of a different option.
The aspect I don’t care for is the drill will not stand up and it is always mixed in with the other items already laying on my small work cart. The Bosch stands up which is handy as I might get have 3 drills with different items inserted to save time changing out different drivers or drill bits.

 

[Labradorian]

awesome feedback. Thanks all

 

[Labradorian]

I got a new m19 1/4in hex impact. 2850-20 its very light compaired to my old brushed M18 1/4in hex. If you alreat have m18 stuff why get m12? Stick with the batterys you alreaty own.

Why...Like some folks have mentioned here, depends on the job and some tools are only available in M12. I didn’t say I was switching.

 

[moab11]

I've been a longtime Ryobi fan, but recently got the m12 screwdriver and absolutely love it!
It now sits on my workbench ready to go and gets used often.

I have also now bought the m12 3/8" stubby impact, and fuel impact driver and hammer drill combo. The stubby impact is a game changer for me and I really like the small size and light weight of the other tools.

To me, for general work around the house/garage the m12 stuff is more than powerful to do the job. But when I start on a project or something then I tend to turn to my Ryobi tools just because of the selection I have and 12 batteries ready to go on the two chargers. If I were to have to buy new, I'd probably own more m12 tools, but still have a bunch of the Ryobi stuff since the cost is very hard to beat.

 

[Hammer1963]

I have a buttload of M18, and love every single piece. I don't use a drill all day, so I much prefer the runtime and power of the 18 volt stuff over the 12. The only M12 item I have is the 3/8" ratchet, which I probably couldn't live without at this point!

And, I am patiently awaiting the arrival of the M12 right-angle die grinder. This could be a game-changer for me...

Same here. This ought be be a very handy and often used tool!

 

[walrus]

M12 is lighter. Easier on the arm.

I used to think, more power but now I think whats light and will get job done.

I have M12 fuel impact and M18 Fuel impact, both used for driving screws, the M12 is used way more as it gets the job done and is smaller and lighter.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Two of the best things you can have on a service truck, especially for baseboard install work:





Tommy

 

[Crabman]

Lab,

I do mostly wood working/carpenter stuff and was looking at the M12 screw driver

Like one of the other responses, I bought a light weight driver for my wife (the M18 was a bit big for her hands), and ended up liking it for myself. It is a 2407 compact driver and I love it. Very light and plenty of power for 90%+ of what I do.

Good luck finding a tool that fits your needs.

Bruce

 

[manwithtools]

I had mainly M18 tools at first and was reluctant to enter the M12 world due to duplicating tools. I bought a M12 Fuel drill/ impact combo and use them more frequently than the M18's due to their compact size and light weight. Once I made the entry to M12, that allowed me to get some other tools that are not available in M18.

In short, I think there is a need for both platforms.

 

[FIVE_LITER]

I'm mostly all yellow but I did pick up a m12 3/8 ratchet last winter. Use the hell out of it and I'm glad I picked it up.