Opinions on Milwaukee 12 volt cordless tools?

[KnurledNut]

Since this is largely an opinion thread, I don't like the ergonomically-lacking handle bulge where the battery resides on tools like the drills and impacts. It's uncomfortably large for me. Not as noticeable with my ratchets.
The soldering iron is nice for portability, but I have had one die, which they replaced.
I also like the trouble light. I use both M12 and M18 versions. I do wish they had put the USB power button elsewhere though. Its in a terrible location.

Milwaukee batteries do not have the highest build quality. I have both M12 and M18 damaged, cracked, broken and dead.

 

[All]

A couple Brad nailers

This once again either misunderstands, or intentionally mischaracterizes, the published facts, which were linked before, and are now shown below:


The 18V LXT® 21º Full Round Head 3-1/2" Framing Nailer drives 21º plastic collated framing nails from 2" to 3-1/2" in length and .113 to .148 in diameter.


The 18V LXT® 30º Clipped Head 3-1/2" Framing Nailer drives 30º collated framing nails from 2" to 3-1/2" in length and .113 to .131 in diameter.

 

[KFBR392]

Awful ergonomics compared to other 12V systems, especially Bosch, but they’re very powerful and despite what you read online, batteries and tool only deals are easy to find online from reputable dealers for affordable prices. Not hard to build out a really decent little M12 Fuel kit for well under 500 bucks.

 

[tarbellb]

If you are looking for ultra compact tool line- NOTHING comes close to breadth of options that M12 Milwaukee offers

Its not even close



They are the only choice right now if you are looking for one battery to cover all fields of work. If you are buying onesey twosey tools, who cares, go grab a non supported brand like Skil or Hypertough. Bosch could be a contender but their USA team is just horrible

 

[All]

To support @tarbellb 's point:

Just look at the sheer number of various ratchets available in the M12 line... and these 16 different ratchets below does NOT include ANY of Milwaukee's Impact wrenches and ratchets, of which there are just as many more.

 

[engineer2]

The kid wants a 1/4 hex impact driver for basic apartment DIY stuff; assemble furniture, tighten screws, drill an occasional hole. No car stuff at this time, but you never know in the future. Since this would be her first cordless, she is not tied to any platform. I'm on Makita LXT, but I think a lighter and compact M12 would make more sense. I'm thinking the Milwaukee M12 Fuel 1/4 hex kit. My question is, which model? 3453-20, 2551-20, 3450-20, 2553-20, or?

 

[tarbellb]

M12 SURGE is by far the easiest drill driver to control- huge for newbies and not stripping out fasteners


ps. my wife loves mine

 

[Wrench97]

I use my 12v Dewalt 1/4" everyday it has a good trigger and push button power adjustment, I also have a M12 surge it works equally as well.
So pick a brand and get her started.

 

[assassin10000]

Any M12 aficionados try Milwaukee's "Insider" convertible wrench?

It's great.

I've had the original non-fuel, high speed and 2nd gen long reach before it. It has just enough power and speed. Being able to use it as 1/4", 3/8" or 1/2" (additional adapter) is nice.

The kid wants a 1/4 hex impact driver for basic apartment DIY stuff; assemble furniture, tighten screws, drill an occasional hole. No car stuff at this time, but you never know in the future. Since this would be her first cordless, she is not tied to any platform. I'm on Makita LXT, but I think a lighter and compact M12 would make more sense. I'm thinking the Milwaukee M12 Fuel 1/4 hex kit. My question is, which model? 3453-20, 2551-20, 3450-20, 2553-20, or?

Get her the 3453 in a kit with the drill.

Although the subcompact kit may even work for her.

 

[Hannahranga]

How big are her hands? I've not had issues but some of the smaller women I've worked have found the handles a smidge big to easily hold, guess that's the trade-off with that style battery