Milwaukee M18 stubby 3/8 impact vs M12?

[Zebu Fellenz]

Hey Everyone,

I have the 2854 M18 compact 3/8 impact and am looking at the 2562 M12. Curious if anyone has both and can give a real-world comparison?

Going by the specs the M12 is much lighter, somewhat smaller, and over twice the "nut busting torque". Smaller size and lighter weight aren't hugely important to me, but significantly more torque would be really useful.

If the M12 really is significantly stronger than the M18 compact it seems like the clear winner, if it's more "marketing torque" I'll probably grab the 2960 M18 mid torque instead.

-Thanks

 

[tak1313]

I THINK Torque Test Channel did a test between the M18 and M12, and I THINK the M12 was either the same or better so they recommended the M12 if you already have the batteries for it - ESPECIALLY with the 5.0 high output battery which DOES make a difference for that model, but I'm not 100% sure, so will have to see if I can find it.

Edit: I think I found it. Could not watch the whole thing cuz I'm at work (shhhhhhh).

https://youtu.be/Sirk4_OeR0Q?si=ZNxpBXYcLKH2eGh8

 

[dnschmidt]

For reasons unknown the M12 stubby with the 5.0 battery (pretty much mandatory for max power) is much stronger than the M18. The Stubby 2.0 is a much newer design introduced only last year whereas the M18 has been around awhile. I've got both and the stubby 2.0 is the answer. Smaller, lighter, and more powerful. What else could you want?

 

[T444e]

I have both the 3/8" and 1/2" stubby M12 impact. I bought the 3/8" years ago and bought the 1/2" a few months ago when the local hardware store had refurbished ones at a price I couldn't pass up. I bought the 1/2" based on the performance of the 3/8". The 3/8" is my goto unless I need a socket over 1" or higher torque. If it died today, I'd go out tomorrow to buy another one.

 

[Lazy]

I also have the 2854 M18 3/8". It was an impulse purchase I found new second hand for $150. It's been regulated to my trunk exclusively for lug nuts as it doesn't really shine in any area. Plus it's bulky due to the battery!

I've found my m12 fuel 1/4 impact (3453-20) to handle any interior/under the hood stuff anyways.

Knowing all that now I'd definitely go with the m12.

 

[bcradio]

I have both the 3/8" and 1/2" stubby M12 impact. I bought the 3/8" years ago and bought the 1/2" a few months ago when the local hardware store had refurbished ones at a price I couldn't pass up. I bought the 1/2" based on the performance of the 3/8". The 3/8" is my goto unless I need a socket over 1" or higher torque. If it died today, I'd go out tomorrow to buy another one.

Gen 1 and Gen 2 stubbies are very different beasts

 

[Jeeper99]

I picked up an m12 3/8" stubby a couple weeks ago and have been very impressed. It's taken apart a lot of stuff put together with an m18 1/2" high torque. My coworker has an m18 stubby, working together on a pump there isn't anything the M18 will break loose the m12 won't.