I recently purchased a Milwaukee 1/2 inch mid tq impact wrench. Love this thing it’s awesome. I’m going to start purchasing more Milwaukee automotive tools. Then eventually replace my Dewalt drills.

With that said my next purchase is going to be a 3/8 inch compact impact wrench. I’m looking at the M18 fuel and the M12 Stubby. I’m going to get M18 and M12 tools anyway. For the 3/8 inch impact I just don’t see the point in buying both at least for my situation. I’m not a pro mechanic I’d just rather use power tools than spin wrenches when I can while working on my old trucks.

So the charger that I have is the one that can do both the M18 and M12 batteries. I believe you can charge one M18 and one M12 at the same time. So all I really need is the tool and a battery. I’m drawn to the M12 because Of the paper specs. But it’s is a gimmic or real? Which way would you go? I’ve read that the M12 burns up batteries fast. The M18 lasts a lot longer with comparable amp batteries. I’ve also read that yes the M12 has more power but in practical use they are not much different then obviously I’ve read the direct opposite. Anyway thanks.

 

I have just one Milwaukee M18 tool--the 6" circular saw BUT have at least 25 separate M12 tools---so obviously I'm a huge Fanboi of Milwaukee cordless tools!

I don't think the combination M12 & M18 chargers will charge both at the same time--I think there're sequential meaning while one is charging the other will wait until the first is fully charged. Otherwise the charger would draw too much power through its circuitry which isn't good.

The M12 stuff is rarely a good substitute for an M18 version however with the impact tools you'll need to decide if the torque you'll need would be better suited to the M18 or M12. As for the M12 "burning up" batteries quicker than an M18 that's probably because its working harder so uses more juice. In my use the M12 stuff works well because they're physically smaller and lighter which works perfectly for my windshield installation chores. I have used the M12 3/8" drills to their maximum capacity of bit size and materials drilled through and they work fine. I do use the XC M12 batteries mostly because their larger footprint allows them to be stood up, easier to grab if you have just one free hand.

The M18 3/8" drive impact tools are typically smaller at the working end and they have a lot of power---some of my customers use that size for nearly every task they take on and they seem to work well over a long time. If you don't have need of the larger 1/2" drive impacts the 3/8" will do fine. If I were making this choice I'd go with the M18 3/8" and not even consider the M12 version.

I would suggest if you have a retailer near enough to visit who also has a large selection of Milwaukee tools---you could compare physical size to see which might best fit your needs. Since you're doing the homework on spec's the only real choice is which size tool you need. (I think my girlfriend shops for men that same way. )

 

(I think my girlfriend shops for men that same way. )

LOL!

I do have the 1/2 inch mid tq I’ve used it a lot. It will break loose suspension bolts like no other. I’m going to wind up getting both M12 and M18 tools. I really want the M12 3/8 and 1/4 inch ratchets. But I think I’m going to primarily stick to M18 tools.

 

Look: I am a high school shop teacher that is about to retire. For the entirety of my career I have bought Milwaukee tools for my students to use.
Now if you don't know anything about high school shop kids, here is what matters: There is no such thing as bulletproof, idiot proof, or fool proof.
If it can be broken or made to be FUBAR in any way, shape, or form, leave it to a high school shop kid to figure out how.
The exception is the Milwaukee tools I have bought over the years. In the past 5 years, I have been transitioning from corded to cordless tools from Milwaukee.
The standard has held and I love the M18 series. I know every one wants newer, faster, stronger, etc. but these M18 portable circ saws and 1/2" impact drills have proven to beat the kids!
I have the same at home and recently bought an oscillating tool to compliment my home arsenal.
I know other brands can be/are good, but I'll never buy any brand other than Milwaukee.

 

More true words have never been spoken!