Starting an M18 collection

[theoldwizard1]

My son has a collection of DeWalt NiCad battery power tools. All of the batteries are dead and to be honest, they were never up to the standards of today's tools. I want to start him on the path to Milwaukee M18 !

One of the first tools he could use is a 1/2" drive impact, primarily for tire rotations. Which would be the best "bang for the buck" ?
• M18 full size non-FUEL
• M18 mid torque FUEL
• M18 stubby FUEL
• M18 full size FUEL (definitely over-kill)

 

[Snapped-off]

I'd have to recommend the current gen mid torque. Probably get more use out of that than the high torque, unless he really needs one. But it doesn't sound like it.

 

[tyyost]

Do yourself a favor and buy the current Fuel models, I use the full size fuel for nearly everything from tires to regular auto work. Is it big, sure, sometimes cumbersome, but it takes out every bolt I throw at it. I started with the non fuel years ago, both 1/2 and 3/8. Was happy to upgrade to the high torque.

 

[rlitman]

I regret having sold all of my old DeWalt 18V NiCd stuff. The batteries sucked, but the tools were fantastic, and adapters now exist to run them using M18 batteries.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I regret having sold all of my old DeWalt 18V NiCd stuff. The batteries sucked, but the tools were fantastic, and adapters now exist to run them using M18 batteries.

Link please !

 

[rlitman]

Link please !

Which NiCd? I had the older type that had the piece that went up into the handle.
This adapter would have fit my old tools with M18 batteries:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073VGMCFF/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Similar adapter use to DeWalt 20V batteries:

Amazon.com: Awoke Replacement DCA1820 Battery Adapter Compatible with Dewalt 18V Tools : Tools & Home Improvement

Buy Awoke Replacement DCA1820 Battery Adapter Compatible with Dewalt 18V Tools: Battery Packs - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

There was also a slide-on standard before the 20V-max IIRC, but I didn't have that.

They make all sorts of adapters. Here's one for 20V DeWalt tools to use M18:

Amazon.com: Awoke Replacement DCA1820 Battery Adapter Compatible with Dewalt 18V Tools : Tools & Home Improvement

Buy Awoke Replacement DCA1820 Battery Adapter Compatible with Dewalt 18V Tools: Battery Packs - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

If you search, there are ones for Makita batteries too.

 

[Neggy]

Spend the money, go Fuel.

Night and day difference compared to the brushed stuff.

 

[BmwTechZiggy]

personally id get the m18 fuel high torque. sure its overkill for tires but well worth it.

 

[CJM8515]

i have many M18 and M12 fuel tools

most handy is the mid torque and impact driver, the high torque is awesome but bulky and heavy.

i would buy the mid torque, impact driver, drill (make sure its the hammer drill the better fuel one), the led florescent type light, and the m18 flood light

 

[Kscardsfan]

I didn’t get the hype about the Fuel/brushless technology until I got to use them for myself. It hurts the wallet a little more up front, but they’re on a whole different level in actual use. I haven’t used my air impact gun since I got my M18 gun.

 

[Wiz02]

I went with the high torque fuel, and granted it's overkill for lug nuts, but since I was only buying one impact driver, I wanted to make sure that it had the torque if and when I need it.

 

[Neggy]

I have a M12 stubby mid torque that is great for a lot of things, but the M18 Fuel high torque is an absolute monster and mine gets a lot of use.

Hard to use on golf cart tires but it is great on cars and trucks, especially when you learn and master the 4 drive modes

 

[dnschmidt]

Always FUEL, if available, and the Mid-Torque. I don't live in the rust-belt so I never have had to bring out the big boy, which I do have. Normally if 450 Ft-lb isn't enough it's time for the plasma cutter to do an intervention.

 

[diernosaj]

My m18 Fuel High Torque Impact driver is undefeated so far.

I just amassed this collection last black friday.

 

[RTUmark]

Go with mid torque fuel. It has the beans to handle anything

 

[M635_Guy]

Another vote for the Gen2 Mid-Torque

 

[jonshonda]

Here's a pic of both from my spree this wknd. If he is just blasting away at typical automotive lug nuts, the mid-torque should be just fine. I remember reading some complaints of the stubby not getting the job done for users with larger 3/4 ton trucks if I remember, but it also has a lot of fans.

 

[mrvm]

One of the first tools he could use is a 1/2" drive impact, primarily for tire rotations. Which would be the best "bang for the buck" ?

If I knew what I know now I would only need the M18 Mid-Torque Gen 2 as the big powerful M18 2767 is too big for my daily use. Plenty of deals to be found. But if its the best bang for the buck the high torque Ryobi impact wrench is a contender.

 

[M635_Guy]

Here's a pic of both from my spree this wknd. If he is just blasting away at typical automotive lug nuts, the mid-torque should be just fine. I remember reading some complaints of the stubby not getting the job done for users with larger 3/4 ton trucks if I remember, but it also has a lot of fans.

Which two are those? Looks like the 2767 and the Gen 2 Mid?

FWIW - The Gen3 Compact seems like a pricepoint-meeter more than anything - I don't think it's much smaller than a Gen2, and only has the power of a Stubby. I love my Stubby for its size and power, but if it's M18-sized (i.e. the Gen3 Compact), I'd strongly recommend anyone save up a few extra bucks and go for the Gen3.

 

[jonshonda]

Which two are those? Looks like the 2767 and the Gen 2 Mid?

Good guess! 2767 and 2962.