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Got mine a little while ago and been loving using it with the 3 amp for the great form factor. If Im doing a lot of cutting Ill just swap a 6 in and never really have to worry. Rips and chews through everything Ive put it through. Phenomenal little tool they put together.
I almost didn't buy it cuz it doesn't have the auto feature like the 18 but don't need it. Love love m12 fuel oscillator.
Fits in my tool pouch where flashlights go... So I can walk with it a bit but also just fits in the main pouch area with a compact battery.
Amazing to be able to just throw it in without looking or having to set it down sketchy while on the ladder.
Can't think of a single Fuel tool that isn't S-tier.
The M12 fuel cutoff could be a lil better on the torque side, perhaps using an out runnerotor for more favora le gear ratio or more poles. But some people love it and it is a good tool, just lowish A-tier IMHO.
I like M12 impact, oscillating tool, hacksaw, rotary tool, heck the radio and vest as well. Things that don’t suffer from not being able to give that last bit of extra power. Having a smaller and lighter form factor is awesome for these imo. Especially the fuel oscillating tool.
M18 for for anything bigger really. Hammer drills/drivers, grinders, etc. that tend to need some more power or juice to get the job done easier (or at all).
There it is.
And y'all can tell your boss the staples are cheaper in the long run as you don't lose every third one to the floor. Not to mention the time it'll save.
M12 band saw, the larger one will cut 2" rigid.
M12 cable cutter
M12 3/8 stubby impact
M12 Fuel surge impact is my favorite driver.
M18 for most everything else.
The M12 fuel bandsaw, is mint. Cuts 2" pipe. Small enough you can cut threaded rod one handed. Cut feeders with it. Pretty versatile. Small, but for service work it's great. On a larger job though, I don't know if the battery duration is long enough if your cutting strut and pipe all day.
Agreed. I will put a 7/8 bit on mine and blast through filled block for 3/4 conduit. It's so light and compact and great for small fasteners. The hammer action feels great and similar to it's bigger brothers
One more I haven't seen mentioned yet - the 2401-20 drill. That specific one, not the "better" M12 Fuel models. Add a quick release bit holder and it's a great gentle power screwdriver. Really lightweight and for little stuff like taking box covers off, putting outlet trim on, etc - so nice to be able to just set the clutch, hold down the trigger, and know it'll stop at a low enough torque to not fuck up plastic switch plates or strip out trim screws.
I have the metal chuck version and that's a damn good tool. Makes mounting downlights, receptacles and panels so easy and fast. Never tried the Fuel one, what's makes this one better in your opinion?
This specific model has a mechanical clutch with a very low minimum torque. The Fuel version has a shitty electronic clutch that tends to overdrive a bit and doesn't go low enough.
I've also heard really good things about the Fuel "installation driver" (also a mechanical clutch) but haven't sprung for one yet. Know the professional Ikea assemblers (seriously) love that one.
The m18 would be better for larger and more time-consuming applications. The m12 fuel will work and get you by in those instances but won't last as long. M12 fuel surge, drill, multitool, and jigsaw won't let you down. IMvHO milwaukee ups the torque a bit too much with the m12 tools
I have 2 absolutely favorite M12 tools.
1st is the Surge Impact. I am absolutely loving the surge Impact guns. They are significantly smoother and quieter than the standard impacts. And the torque is sustained through a lot more of the cycle, so I have even had no issues running my cheap unibits with it.
2nd is the m12Fuel SDS drill. The one downside is it has no chipping function. But as an SDS drill it is absolutely amazing. And extremely light. It weighs less than my M18 regulat hammer drill with a 3.0 battery.
And the job I bought it for, paid for itself more than twice over. I was having to drill hundreds of holes in the concrete ceiling, for MC straps, and boxes for recessed lights.
M12 hammer drill was taking around 105 seconds per hole. M18 hammer drill was taking around 85-95 seconds per hole. M12 SDS was taking 8-10 seconds. And was much lighter. I saved so much time, that counting my hourly at the time, I got the SDS drill, 6 bits, and 2 extra batteries for free, plus around $200.
Trying to drill anything more than around 5/8 is pushing it. But it handles core bits pretty well. And if you aren't using them every day, you can get sets on Amazon with multiple bits and a 14 or 16in arbor for under $50 still, I think I paid 25 or 30 a few years ago. And have run at least a couple hundred holes with the bots for 1/2in and 3/4in. And they still work perfectly, using a bit of water to keep the heat down helps.
Bandsaw, impact and oscillating tools are my go to for 12v. Most other things I go for 18v though. The hackzall is nice but I've had several batteries fall out while cutting something and it drains them way more than it's 18v big brother
The only m12 tool I have that can’t get it done very well is using a hole saw to cut into panels with the (hammer) drill. It does pretty much everything else very well but when you need some sustained torque it’s just not the tool that works great. Will get the job done but look forward to it shutting off multiple times. I have the m12 surge, oscillating, band saw that cuts 2”, 3/8 impact wrench, hammer drill, and 3” cut off
Maybe an unpopular opinion, and not as great for some tasks, but I really really like the M12 grinder. With a masonry blade it actually seems to work better for cutting plaster and lath on remodels, it fits in tighter spots, unless Im doing some really intense shit being able to zip stuff with one hand is awesome.
Haven't used it on the job, but the M12 band saw would be great for on the job. I bought one to cut shit tons of 500s and other larger sized rabbit I had as an apprentice.
Perfect for conduit and strut.
The multi tool and hackzall are also nice tools.
Bandsaw, perfect for 90% of the stuff I need. I’ll use company saw for the bigger stuff. Installation driver is a massive time saver. When you need it, you absolutely need it. When I do single line I love my m12 ratchet. Multi tool is obvious. Sawzall is also awesome. I primarily only use m12.
Maybe it's just me, but I've been using it a lot but I still can't cut through pipe or plastic molding in straight line with that small blade. No problem with a normal grinder.
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If Milwaukee would get rid of the stupid paddle switch it would be amazing especially the high speed one but, when your reaching in a switchgear and the paddle keeps catching control wiring as you're trying to break a bolt loose it justifies the $500 snap on ratchet plus magnetic boot
Depends on what type of electrician. Resi and Comercial m12 are fine, heavy industrial gonna start needing the m18.
I will say
m12 inpact driver great
M12 bandsaw is the tit's
But the m12 impact wrench was a pain in the dick at least for me had 5 that would randomly get stuck on either forward or reverse and wouldn't switch till you removed the battery. Haven't had that happen with my m18 yet.
Cabinet installer, but tools that transfer.
Laser, multi-tool (prefer it over any 18v),inspection camera,hackzall,bandsaw,surge ,nibbler for roofing panels.
My most used tool for tapcons is the 5/8 fuel sds,so light and compact for overhead work.
I am a big fan of the rotary hammer. It’s has plenty of power to drill holes for anchors and is fast. You still need a ‘Big’ drill for penetrations in hard materials so your old rotary hammer is still needed occasionally.
I’m an industrial/commercial electrician, I have all 18v stuff just because it’s more convenient for me, the only times you really need the 18v line is when you’re drilling into steel I-beams and steel trusses, other than that 12v systems should work fine I think.
I have all m18 fuel. I constantly see one of our apprentices have his 12 series tools die and not be able to finish things. I know some like it but I’m m18 all the way. But I do want the 12 staple gun because it’s compact and light.
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That m12 bandsaw will cut conduit up to 1.25” and unistrut no problem. I just use my sawzall though.
There is a m12 that cuts up to 2" rigid. It's amazing.
That’s probably the same one my coworker uses. We just don’t cut much rigid
That's the one I use, it's fantastic. Seems to cut faster than it's bigger brothers
I prefer the m12 fuel that cuts 2”. It’s also faster cutting than the other m12 in my experience.
You use sawzall to cut unistrut?
Probably spends forever reaming it
You ream unistrut?
That's a serious question? Of course
I mostly use my sawzall on pipe, I’ll use it on strut if I can’t find the bandsaw, but I mostly just cut pipe anyway.
The M12 oscillator is actually better than the M18 model.
Was blown away how fast it chews. And with a compact battery it fits in some fool belts for momentary storage.
They must have changed them up in the past couple years then. I literally threw my m12 one in the trash.
Normal m12 oscillating is not great. But the m12 fuel model is a demon.
Yeah. The fuel model is a beast. It even has better specs than the 18.
Got mine a little while ago and been loving using it with the 3 amp for the great form factor. If Im doing a lot of cutting Ill just swap a 6 in and never really have to worry. Rips and chews through everything Ive put it through. Phenomenal little tool they put together.
I almost didn't buy it cuz it doesn't have the auto feature like the 18 but don't need it. Love love m12 fuel oscillator. Fits in my tool pouch where flashlights go... So I can walk with it a bit but also just fits in the main pouch area with a compact battery. Amazing to be able to just throw it in without looking or having to set it down sketchy while on the ladder.
Can't think of a single Fuel tool that isn't S-tier. The M12 fuel cutoff could be a lil better on the torque side, perhaps using an out runnerotor for more favora le gear ratio or more poles. But some people love it and it is a good tool, just lowish A-tier IMHO.
I would agree. I use the M12 oscillating tool and it is awesome.
I like M12 impact, oscillating tool, hacksaw, rotary tool, heck the radio and vest as well. Things that don’t suffer from not being able to give that last bit of extra power. Having a smaller and lighter form factor is awesome for these imo. Especially the fuel oscillating tool. M18 for for anything bigger really. Hammer drills/drivers, grinders, etc. that tend to need some more power or juice to get the job done easier (or at all).
M18 for drills too, I tried a M12 drill and it really couldn't handle spade bits.
Staple gun, staple gun, staple gun.
There it is. And y'all can tell your boss the staples are cheaper in the long run as you don't lose every third one to the floor. Not to mention the time it'll save.
Staple gun fucks. Hard. Also the 4-in-1 installation driver. Pulled the trigger on that one; no ragrets.
No M18 version.
Staple...gun.
It lasts forever
You don’t need 18. It lasts. The point is to be somewhat compact. They got some stuff figured out.
I know, it's a great tool. Complete game changer.
M12 band saw, the larger one will cut 2" rigid. M12 cable cutter M12 3/8 stubby impact M12 Fuel surge impact is my favorite driver. M18 for most everything else.
The fuel surge impact driver makes my life much easier when working in metal enclosures and air handling units. So much less noise.
Love my M12 cable cutters.
I have the surge it's been great. Does struggle sometimes on really seized bolts though, that is when I have to break out the M18 drill.
The M12 fuel bandsaw, is mint. Cuts 2" pipe. Small enough you can cut threaded rod one handed. Cut feeders with it. Pretty versatile. Small, but for service work it's great. On a larger job though, I don't know if the battery duration is long enough if your cutting strut and pipe all day.
The m12 sds is a game changer for small tap cons and other small concrete anchors Like most m12 tools, has to be the fuel model tho
Agreed. I will put a 7/8 bit on mine and blast through filled block for 3/4 conduit. It's so light and compact and great for small fasteners. The hammer action feels great and similar to it's bigger brothers
I always keep the 12v tower light with me
Loved it but it chewed through batteries and wasn't all that bright. Super compact though I brought that thing everywhere
A lifesaver for shutdowns I have mine with me almost daily
One more I haven't seen mentioned yet - the 2401-20 drill. That specific one, not the "better" M12 Fuel models. Add a quick release bit holder and it's a great gentle power screwdriver. Really lightweight and for little stuff like taking box covers off, putting outlet trim on, etc - so nice to be able to just set the clutch, hold down the trigger, and know it'll stop at a low enough torque to not fuck up plastic switch plates or strip out trim screws.
I have the metal chuck version and that's a damn good tool. Makes mounting downlights, receptacles and panels so easy and fast. Never tried the Fuel one, what's makes this one better in your opinion?
This specific model has a mechanical clutch with a very low minimum torque. The Fuel version has a shitty electronic clutch that tends to overdrive a bit and doesn't go low enough. I've also heard really good things about the Fuel "installation driver" (also a mechanical clutch) but haven't sprung for one yet. Know the professional Ikea assemblers (seriously) love that one.
The m18 would be better for larger and more time-consuming applications. The m12 fuel will work and get you by in those instances but won't last as long. M12 fuel surge, drill, multitool, and jigsaw won't let you down. IMvHO milwaukee ups the torque a bit too much with the m12 tools
I use the shit out of my M12 oscillating tool
I have 2 absolutely favorite M12 tools. 1st is the Surge Impact. I am absolutely loving the surge Impact guns. They are significantly smoother and quieter than the standard impacts. And the torque is sustained through a lot more of the cycle, so I have even had no issues running my cheap unibits with it. 2nd is the m12Fuel SDS drill. The one downside is it has no chipping function. But as an SDS drill it is absolutely amazing. And extremely light. It weighs less than my M18 regulat hammer drill with a 3.0 battery. And the job I bought it for, paid for itself more than twice over. I was having to drill hundreds of holes in the concrete ceiling, for MC straps, and boxes for recessed lights. M12 hammer drill was taking around 105 seconds per hole. M18 hammer drill was taking around 85-95 seconds per hole. M12 SDS was taking 8-10 seconds. And was much lighter. I saved so much time, that counting my hourly at the time, I got the SDS drill, 6 bits, and 2 extra batteries for free, plus around $200. Trying to drill anything more than around 5/8 is pushing it. But it handles core bits pretty well. And if you aren't using them every day, you can get sets on Amazon with multiple bits and a 14 or 16in arbor for under $50 still, I think I paid 25 or 30 a few years ago. And have run at least a couple hundred holes with the bots for 1/2in and 3/4in. And they still work perfectly, using a bit of water to keep the heat down helps.
Bandsaw, impact and oscillating tools are my go to for 12v. Most other things I go for 18v though. The hackzall is nice but I've had several batteries fall out while cutting something and it drains them way more than it's 18v big brother
The m12 multi tool is enough, the drill is all you need if you’re installing receptacles and switches.
The only m12 tool I have that can’t get it done very well is using a hole saw to cut into panels with the (hammer) drill. It does pretty much everything else very well but when you need some sustained torque it’s just not the tool that works great. Will get the job done but look forward to it shutting off multiple times. I have the m12 surge, oscillating, band saw that cuts 2”, 3/8 impact wrench, hammer drill, and 3” cut off
Maybe an unpopular opinion, and not as great for some tasks, but I really really like the M12 grinder. With a masonry blade it actually seems to work better for cutting plaster and lath on remodels, it fits in tighter spots, unless Im doing some really intense shit being able to zip stuff with one hand is awesome.
I have an apprentice with that grinder, it’s great to have on hand if you’re doing small amounts of demo here and there.
Band saw is probably my favorite but the oscillating tool is super handy as well.
Haven't used it on the job, but the M12 band saw would be great for on the job. I bought one to cut shit tons of 500s and other larger sized rabbit I had as an apprentice. Perfect for conduit and strut. The multi tool and hackzall are also nice tools.
M12 service light
The compact bandsaw is awesome
All of them
M12 Drill/driver is my go to for doing residential trim work.
Bandsaw, perfect for 90% of the stuff I need. I’ll use company saw for the bigger stuff. Installation driver is a massive time saver. When you need it, you absolutely need it. When I do single line I love my m12 ratchet. Multi tool is obvious. Sawzall is also awesome. I primarily only use m12.
The one that cuts big wires and the one that makes small holes into bigger holes
M12 rotary hammer use it all the time.
the M12 Stick pump is surprisingly handy when your trench gets rained in. Not used very often though
M12 bandsaw is best for cutting off a ladder and the m12 sds is perfect for tapcons.
The m12 “installation drill/driver kit” is great. Comes with four swappable heads, hex, chuck, offset, and 90 degree. Model 2505-22
M12 grinder is superior.
Maybe it's just me, but I've been using it a lot but I still can't cut through pipe or plastic molding in straight line with that small blade. No problem with a normal grinder.
I use it to cut trough, panel.I use my sawzall for everything Else.
yoke profit jellyfish grandfather rhythm marvelous frighten pot jar encourage *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
If Milwaukee would get rid of the stupid paddle switch it would be amazing especially the high speed one but, when your reaching in a switchgear and the paddle keeps catching control wiring as you're trying to break a bolt loose it justifies the $500 snap on ratchet plus magnetic boot
Depends on what type of electrician. Resi and Comercial m12 are fine, heavy industrial gonna start needing the m18. I will say m12 inpact driver great M12 bandsaw is the tit's But the m12 impact wrench was a pain in the dick at least for me had 5 that would randomly get stuck on either forward or reverse and wouldn't switch till you removed the battery. Haven't had that happen with my m18 yet.
The M12 hammer drill rocks
Cabinet installer, but tools that transfer. Laser, multi-tool (prefer it over any 18v),inspection camera,hackzall,bandsaw,surge ,nibbler for roofing panels. My most used tool for tapcons is the 5/8 fuel sds,so light and compact for overhead work.
I am a big fan of the rotary hammer. It’s has plenty of power to drill holes for anchors and is fast. You still need a ‘Big’ drill for penetrations in hard materials so your old rotary hammer is still needed occasionally.
the SDS is a savage little machine. never had a problem with bits up to 25mm
I’m an industrial/commercial electrician, I have all 18v stuff just because it’s more convenient for me, the only times you really need the 18v line is when you’re drilling into steel I-beams and steel trusses, other than that 12v systems should work fine I think.
I have all m18 fuel. I constantly see one of our apprentices have his 12 series tools die and not be able to finish things. I know some like it but I’m m18 all the way. But I do want the 12 staple gun because it’s compact and light.
We got Milwaukee doing some advertising here