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Which Milwaukee 3/8" impact?

signcrafter

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May 9, 2012
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12,325
Looking to get a milwaukee 3/8" impact for stuff like brakes and suspension and what not. I have the big boy m18 1/2" already for the bigger stuff. But want something for doing brakes and other tasks in the medium torque range that can get into close quarters.

Options I see are m12 or m18 stubby or the m18 mid torque. Which would be the best choice for the best power to size ratio?
 
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dsimatt

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Dec 9, 2012
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6,454
Get the 3/8 mid torque which will have all the power you need, the m18 stubbie is a waste for what you pay for the power you get.
 

ihateminimumwage

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Jan 26, 2012
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I picked up the M18 2754-20. Same compact size as my M12 3/8 at work, but more power. No complaints so far.
 
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M635_Guy

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Dec 5, 2019
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Why 3/8"?

I mean, the new FUEL Mid Torque has plenty of power to overcome the loss you have from a lower-mass anvil/sockets, but unless you already have impact sockets in both sizes it's a whole other set to buy and store.

I've been doing a drawn-out suspension job on my Mini, and the Mid Gen 2 1/2" has done everything I've asked, including stuff my 1/2" Stubby couldn't manage. Since it's a Mini, there were a couple spots where I had to use a wobble or extension, but it's not flinching at any of that: If a can get the socket over the fastener, it's coming off.

It's also a pretty great size, even when compared with the Stubby:
PvBFTS.jpg


Even with that small battery, the Mid is still achieving virtually all of its power, which makes it a great package.

Get the 3/8 mid torque which will have all the power you need, the m18 stubbie is a waste for what you pay for the power you get.

I wouldn't generally recommend the 3/8" Stubby, but the 1/2" is a rock star. It's probably not a Single-Tool for a serious DIY-er (that would be the Mid), but it does 80% of what I need an impact for, and pretty much all the common stuff (lugs/brakes) unless they're over-torqued. And it's so light and easy I genuinely enjoy using it.
 

ihateminimumwage

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Jan 26, 2012
Messages
3,960
Why the 2754? From what I see that only has 210 ft lbs of torque. The m12 stubby has 250 and I would assume is smaller.
I guess it depends on the space you're working with. I bought and returned the 3/8" stubby (I know, GJ heresy) because of how much fatter around it is versus the older style 3/8" Fuel impacts.
 
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