Need Another M18 Impact - Compact 1/2" or 3/8"?

[bulletpruf]

I recently bought a 2967 - that's a full size high torque 1/2" impact - and I'm looking for something a bit smaller - something that will be a bit lighter, easier to maneuver in tight spaces, etc. Will see general use on cars and trucks.

I really don't want to go M12 because I'm trying to keep the shop all M18 (have a mix of M12 and M18 at home garage).

I'm thinking a compact M18 in 1/2" - maybe something like the 2855 - $175 at Amazon (tool only) - has 4.7/5 stars.

https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-2855-20-Brushless-Cordless-Friction/dp/B08VWDSKT6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The other options is the 2854, which seems to be the same tool, but 3/8" drive. It's $170 at Amazon (tool only), has 4.8/5 stars. https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-Compact-Impact-Wrench-Friction/dp/B08P3SRT5P/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Even though I'd rather not do the M12, the stubby M12 impacts have good ratings as well - the 2555 (1/2" stubby M12) and the 2555 (3/8" stubby M12) both have 4.8/5 stars and run about $155 each.

Any recommendations?

Thanks!

 

[Mgdoug3]

I have the compact 3/8 and with M18 batteries, it doesn't save a lot of room. If I were to do it again, I would have bought the M12 stubby or the M18 mid-torque. I still use it often, but I either want the smaller M12 batteries for tight spots or a little more torque. I ended up buying a stubby air impact for the shop and usually pick it over the M18 Compact because of power and size.

Edit: there's supposedly a new version of the M12 Stubby coming out soon so it may be best to hold off for another month or two.

 

[finn]

I have five impacts. I rate them this way, by what I use most frequently

Dewalt Atomic 3/8

Milwaukee M18 compact 3/8

Dewalt Atomic 1/2

Milwaukee M18 mid torque 1/2

Milwaukee M18 2767 high torque 1/2.

3/8 of either brand is the most useful to me, and although I rarely use the 1/2” high torque, it’s sure nice to have when you need it.

 

[mike93lx]

Mine is the Dewalt compact, but I went 3/8 to keep things as compact as possible, since that was the whole point of the impact. I do have a really small 3/8 to 1/2 adapter, but most of my use with the impact is with a set of Astro nano 3/8 sockets

 

[tak1313]

IF you can wait, with the new compact M12s coming out next month - both RATED at 550 ft lbs nut busting - I can't imagine that M18 compacts with similar, or even better, rating won't be coming out soon after that using the same method/tech.

Of course, that's assuming the M12s prove themselves. It's not like Milwaukee hasn't sold a few lemons before.

 

[AJHD]

IF you can wait, with the new compact M12s coming out next month - both RATED at 550 ft lbs nut busting - I can't imagine that M18 compacts with similar, or even better, rating won't be coming out soon after that using the same method/tech.

Of course, that's assuming the M12s prove themselves. It's not like Milwaukee hasn't sold a few lemons before.

From what I've seen so far, it looks like a winner. But then again, I'm sure every YT review is at least sponsored, if not paid for the review.
Won't really know for sure until it's "in the wild" and the general public have a chance to use them.

That said, I hope it's legit. I need a 1/2" and I would prefer M12 and something small.
I will be buying one as soon as the opportunity presents itself.

1/2" M12 FUEL™ Stubby Impact Wrench | Milwaukee Tool

Experience unparalleled power and compactness with the MILWAUKEE® 1/2” Stubby Impact Wrench. Faster speeds, lighter weight, and precision control.

www.milwaukeetool.com

 

[imagineer]

I have this one, and it's proving it's worth... https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/2854-20

 

[Mark_17]

Sorry I know you don't want M12 BUT I think it fits your needs best.

I have the M12 3/8" stubby impact and it is awesome. It is my go-to whenever I work on any vehicle. I used to reach for my M18 1/4" impact driver but the 3/8" M12 is better in every way.

 

[bulletpruf]

I have five impacts. I rate them this way, by what I use most frequently

Dewalt Atomoc 3/8

Milwaukee M18 compact 3/8

Dewalt Atomic 1/2

Milwaukee M18 mid torque 1/2

Milwaukee M18 2767 high torque 1/2.

3/8 of either brand is the most useful to me, and although I rarely use the 1/2” high torque, it’s sure nice to have when you need it.

I have the 2554 compact 3/8" M12 impact that I use in the home garage. Rated at 250 ft/lbs of breakaway torque, and I've been quite impressed by it.

 

[bulletpruf]

I have the compact 3/8 and with M18 batteries, it doesn't save a lot of room. If I were to do it again, I would have bought the M12 stubby or the M18 mid-torque. I still use it often, but I either want the smaller M12 batteries for tight spots or a little more torque. I ended up buying a stubby air impact for the shop and usually pick it over the M18 Compact because of power and size.

Edit: there's supposedly a new version of the M12 Stubby coming out soon so it may be best to hold off for another month or two.

The new M12 is supposed to be released on September 2 - said to have 550 ft/lbs of breakaway torque - https://www.milwaukeetool.com/News/...Generation-of-M12-FUEL-Stubby-Impact-Wrenches

 

[bulletpruf]

IF you can wait, with the new compact M12s coming out next month - both RATED at 550 ft lbs nut busting - I can't imagine that M18 compacts with similar, or even better, rating won't be coming out soon after that using the same method/tech.

Of course, that's assuming the M12s prove themselves. It's not like Milwaukee hasn't sold a few lemons before.

I like the 550 ft/lbs, but not sure I like or need the new features: "Featuring an updated 4-Mode DRIVE CONTROL™, enabling single handed mode changes by shifting into neutral and double tapping the trigger. The AUTO SHUT-OFF™ Mode also applies no more than 15 ft-lbs of torque for hand-tight applications that prevents overtightening when in forward mode delivering users greater control. While in reverse, bolt removal mode slows down the RPM once the bolt is free, preventing bolts from flying around the work area."

 

[bulletpruf]

I have this one, and it's proving it's worth... https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/2854-20

Ok, I have the 2554 for the home garage; I think it's an older version of the 2854. Good piece of gear.

 

[bulletpruf]

Sorry I know you don't want M12 BUT I think it fits your needs best.

I have the M12 3/8" stubby impact and it is awesome. It is my go-to whenever I work on any vehicle. I used to reach for my M18 1/4" impact driver but the 3/8" M12 is better in every way.

You just might be right.

Maybe I need a compact and/or mid-torque 1/2" and a 3/8" stubby to go along with high-torque 1/2".

 

[jayemm]

Here's the new Milwaukee Fuel stubby "bustin' nuts".

 

[bulletpruf]

Here's the new Milwaukee Fuel stubby "bustin' nuts".

Impressive!

 

[M635_Guy]

Unless weight is your main thing, I'd go for the Mid Gen2. It's not much bigger than the Stubby and they rated it for 650 ft. lb. nut busting.

Mine has done everything I've asked of it and is decently light (for an M18).


M18 Gen2 Mid left, M12 Stubby right


The Gen2 Mid is so short I haven't really missed 3/8" imact sockets, and having 1/2" offers the big sockets for hub nuts, etc. (you'd get those with your 2767 probably).

I got the 2767 knowing I was going to be a bunch of suspension stuff, but the Mid Gen2 arrived before I got to those projects and did all of it. I wound up selling the 2767 unused.

My Stubby doesn't get used as much as it did before the Gen2 arrived, but I ordered the new version. That much power in that package is going to be fantastic.

Hope all that helps!

 

[bulletpruf]

Unless weight is your main thing, I'd go for the Mid Gen2. It's not much bigger than the Stubby and they rated it for 650 ft. lb. nut busting.

Mine has done everything I've asked of it and is decently light (for an M18).


M18 Gen2 Mid left, M12 Stubby right

The Gen2 Mid is so short I haven't really missed 3/8" imact sockets, and having 1/2" offers the big sockets for hub nuts, etc. (you'd get those with your 2767 probably).

I got the 2767 knowing I was going to be a bunch of suspension stuff, but the Mid Gen2 arrived before I got to those projects and did all of it. I wound up selling the 2767 unused.

My Stubby doesn't get used as much as it did before the Gen2 arrived, but I ordered the new version. That much power in that package is going to be fantastic.

Hope all that helps!

Damn, that's worth considering. I like the adjustable torque on these, the size isn't bad at all, and 650 ft/lbs is really impressive! Looks like you have the 2962, right?

 

[M635_Guy]

Damn, that's worth considering. I like the adjustable torque on these, the size isn't bad at all, and 650 ft/lbs is really impressive! Looks like you have the 2962, right?

Yup - and while it's not nearly as light as the Stubby, it's way lighter than the 2767. It seems to be quite happy with the 3.0 HO battery on it too. There's a bit more grump if you go the 6.0 (and presumably the FORGE), but the 3.0 lives on mine most of the time.

I'm a big fan of the modes, and the tri-lights as well.

 

[Callelle]

Unless weight is your main thing, I'd go for the Mid Gen2. It's not much bigger than the Stubby and they rated it for 650 ft. lb. nut busting.

The head sizes aren't massively different, however the battery footprint is. There's been times I could get my 2967 head into a spot, but the battery size is what holds it up. With the stubby, since the battery is the handle, its not really an issue. If the Gen2 really does make the 550 it's advertising, and so far shop tool reviews has (biasedly) shown its pretty damn close. I ordered the Gen2 because my original took a swim in some coolant, but I have a feeling TTC will have similar results.

 

[Rusted Nut]

I reach for my M12 3/8” stubby the majority of the time. If I need more I’ll use my M18 1/2” mid torque.

 

[theoldwizard1]

The M12 3/8" non-stubby (2454) hZ been great for me ! I work on a lot of outdoor power equipment so it is the perfect size. It hits hard enough that it has broken chrome sockets. If you go 3/8", plan on buying 3/8" impact sockets.

It is always nice to stick with one battery size. The only M18 tool I have is a 1/2" mid-torque.

 

[M635_Guy]

The head sizes aren't massively different, however the battery footprint is. There's been times I could get my 2967 head into a spot, but the battery size is what holds it up. With the stubby, since the battery is the handle, its not really an issue. If the Gen2 really does make the 550 it's advertising, and so far shop tool reviews has (biasedly) shown its pretty damn close. I ordered the Gen2 because my original took a swim in some coolant, but I have a feeling TTC will have similar results.

Yeah - it was easy to let go of my 2767 but I kept the Stubby because it does get in spots nothing else will, and that's why I'll upgrade to the new Stubby and keep the Mid around. I have one Forge battery that will offer a little extra grump for any situation where the Mid struggles, but I haven't seen that situation yet. And a Stubby with nearly Mid power is a pretty cool thing.

But if you want to stick with M18, the Mid Gen2 is hard to beat IMHO.

 

[bulletpruf]

I ordered the 2962 - that's the Gen 2 M18 mid-torque. $150 on Amazon.com.

But I'm also going to pick up the Gen 2 M12 stubby when it comes out in a month or so.

 

[M635_Guy]

I ordered the 2962 - that's the Gen 2 M18 mid-torque. $150 on Amazon.com.

But I'm also going to pick up the Gen 2 M12 stubby when it comes out in a month or so.

Just know Milwaukee will give you grief about (or fully deny) warranty an an Amazon-purchased product. If it ever comes to it, tell them it was a gift and you have no receipt. They'll revert to the production date from the serial number for warranty.

(I hate that it takes not telling them the truth to honor their warranty)