A few weeks ago on social media, someone asked a tool-loving community about whether the Milwaukee M18 compact brushless drilling and driving kit was a good buy.
They were specifically looking for a drill and impact driver that landed in between M12 and “full-size” M18 tools, with decent performance and the ability to fit into tighter work spaces. They already had a couple of M12 tools.
Milwaukee’s M18 compact brushless drill and impact kit seems to be the best tools to fit this user’s needs, and the price they were looking at was good and very close to its seasonal-low.
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Milwaukee M18 Fuel tools are great, but at times it seems fanboys recommend them unquestionably without considering context or cirumstances.
In the case of the question about the compact brushless kit, there were just a couple of endorsements for M18 Fuel.
But often, someone might ask about a Milwaukee brushed combo kit, value-priced bundle, compact brushless product, or similar, and the automatic recommendation would be “M18 Fuel.”
A person might ask about a $149 2-tool combo kit, and they’ll be told not to bother with anything other than M18 Fuel.
I figure that recommendations for M18 Fuel without clear justification reflect either naivety or a thirst for internet clout. Or maybe it has something to do with conformity or herd mentality.
Maybe sometimes it’s helpful, but I would think that someone asking about a $149 to $199 2-tool combo kit isn’t in the market for a $399 combo kit.
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It seems ridiculous to tell someone that a $400 2-tool combo is the only option they should consider.
If you want a more compact drill and impact driver, or have a limited budget, the M18 compact brushless kit is a better buy than the M18 Fuel kit. Right?
But you’ll find people urging that M18 Fuel is the only way to go. It’s not.
At the time of this posting, the M18 compact brushless impact driver is available in a $99 kit with a compact 2Ah battery. The M18 Fuel impact is only available in tool-only format or in a 2-battery kit for $299.
If one doesn’t need multiple speed and torque modes, or max torque, the $99 kit might be perfectly acceptable. Or, the $299 kit might be priced out of one’s budget.
But you’ll have people harping about how M18 Fuel is the only way to go.
If tool pricing, size, and weight are higher priorities than features or performance, M18 compact brushless might be more compelling than M18 Fuel.
The “nothing but M18 Fuel is worth it” stance has become the de facto recommendation, even when unjustified.
You might be thinking “of course strangers on the internet aren’t known to give the best advice.”
We’re now in a world where strangers’ advice and recommendations, whether accurate, fair, or informed, are being used to train generative AI engines. Nobody is fact-checking everything that’s being spit out by these AI content generators. That’s going to be a problem.
M18 Fuel is the best Milwaukee offers in the realm of cordless power tools, and some tools might be the best in the industry. But that doesn’t mean they’re the best or most practical choices for everyone.
Here are some product links for current pricing:
The M18 compact brushless 2-tool combo is $199, and the M18 Fuel 2-tool combo is $399 and bundled with a free bonus battery. The compact brushless tools are smaller, lighter, and well-suited for light to medium duty everyday tasks.
The M18 Fuel tools offer more premium features and top performance, but not everyone needs that.
Nathan
But when you buy a car you get the platainium mega ludicrous model right. Otherwise your wasting your money come resale……
I see that a lot in car buying choices so I could see why this thought process would apply to other devices.
blocky
I use drills 200 days a year, but only need the high-torque of a ‘flagship’ drill 2-3 days a year.
Jared
Me too. I still use my anemic brushed Bosch DBD181 that’s over a decade old MORE than my “modern” brushless Ridgid. The Bosch is light and compact and all I really need the majority of the time.
Most of my drilling ends up being sub 3/8″ where the torque and speed of my bigger drill is unnecessary.
If my drills burned up in a fire and I could only buy one as a replacement? I might just choose a brushless compact model.
Not saying I wouldn’t miss the “powerful” drill, but the size and weight just gets in the way too much to be my only option.
MKY
Stuart –
“A few weeks ***ago***on social media, someone…” ?
Stuart
Thanks! *fixed*
Eliot Truelove
I think I saw the same post as Stu did, or a similar one to it, and the “Fuel or bust” majority can really get annoying to those of us who don’t have disposable income like many of the johnny homeowner types who have floor to ceiling Packouts with pristine unused latest and greatest model tools.
Budget no frills models or ones that are more compact or less powerful than their predecessor will always be looked down upon by tool fanatics and those in the know.
Makita does this and thus sees this vitriole regularly, releasing powerful models first and then more budget friendly, compact, or no frills yet more reliable models later, much to the chagrin of many because they jump all over the board with torque specs, features, speed, size, weight etc.
This happened in XGT with there flagship impact and then the less powerful, less feature rich models later, and with the latest LXT XWT19 impact wrench (that isn’t even listed as a high torque) in comparison to the 10 years older actual high torque.
The latest and greatest models needing all the frills, power, and speed often means that there is more on them to break, which is why many guys run their older models and claim they are more robust and durable because everything was mechanical rather than electrically or digitallly controlled. There’s even those who long for brushed models given the repairability of them.
Either way, there’s alot to be said for budget friendly, no frills, compact tools, it’s a reason why Ryobi is as successful as they are.
Stuart
This seems baseless. Do you have specific examples?
Multi-speed brushless impacts have been around for many years now, and I’ve never heard of that being a common failure point.
Chris
I don’t get many tool recommendation requests from non trades people, but when I do, I recommend Ryobi for price, weight, availability, and returns.
For trades focused people it’s M12/M18 Fuel or bust. The cheaper non-fuel versions just do not last.
But I also only get tools on sale, clearance, or with coupons.
Home Depot has their M18 Fuel driver/impact/battery combo on sale numerous times a year for $350 or less.
You are foolish if you can’t get that set for less than $400.
Dave (not here)
I had a brushed Milwaukee drill/impact that came in a kit that served me well for close to 8 years under near-daily use – my base-level sawzall and hackzall acquired at the same time are still going strong, but as the drill was getting a little tired I finally upgraded to Fuel with the $349-plus-a-bonus-tool promo last holiday season. I’m certainly loving the extra power, but even in a pro use setting nearly a decade of service on the low-end tools seems like I got my money’s worth.
Fuel is great and most of my M12/M18 stuff is now in that line, but if I were giving advice to someone new “buy the most expensive thing possible or just go without” wouldn’t be my starting point.
Chris
If you’re going to quote, at least use what I said…
I did not recommend to only buy the most expensive thing or go without.
I recommended Ryobi for someone that is “new”.
I also laid out a detailed response further down about why the M12 Fuel HAMMER drill/impact kit is better in almost every way.
The “new” person doesn’t need to buy FUEL because “it’s the best”. They should buy it because it’s a better deal.
Andy
Great advice.
As a homeowner, I have an M12 Surge and M18 brushless drill and brushless impact driver. I use the Surge for 98% of what I need because it’s quiet, compact, and lightweight.
I haven’t run into anything (driving fasteners up to 8″ structural screws) that the M18 brushless stuff can’t handle in the homeowner quantities I use.
Sure, there are times where an M18 Fuel model would handle things faster / easier, but IMO, the added price isn’t worth the incremental performance improvements.
Tucker
Similar for me. I have an M12 Surge and the M12 installation driver. Has to be a specific task to go break out the big hammer drill vs those.
Gotta remind myself I refinished my first basement with only a 1st Gen LXT compact drill as my main drill/driver.
Badger12345
Same here! I also have an M18 surge (just because.)
For big drilling tasks like 4″ diameter hole saws or anchors in concrete, I have a two rather large corded drills that work just fine for the rare times I need them.
I’m in the advanced DIY group and not a contractor.
Eric
At that $200 price point I think I would recommend the M12 fuel kit, especially for someone who already has M12 tools. It’s usually around the same price as the M18 brushless bundle, and they are almost always bundled with an extra “free” battery or a choice of “free” tools. They are a slightly less powerful than the M18 brushless set, but I honestly don’t think it’s enough of a difference to be big factor in choosing one over the other. And not at all worth upgrading from M12 fuel to M18 brushless. If the M12 fuel isn’t cutting it then M18 fuel or some other brands upper tier 18v tools are going to be the answer. Of course if someone has smaller hands then M18 is probably the best way to go since the M12 grips are on the large side.
Colton
This. Why buy this M18 kit with the weakest M18 batteries, when you could get M12 FUEL tools that although have slightly less output, are even more compact. Because if the M18 FUEL tools aren’t needed, are 18V tools needed at all then? On paper the M12 FUEL impact vs. this brushless impact differ in 16 ft-lbs of output, the drills differ by 12.5 ft-lbs.
“bUt iTs a fOoThOLd iN thE m18 SySTeM”
Who cares? Those 2.0 batteries won’t do much good in the bigger M18 tools and you’ll still be buying bigger packs or another starter set with 5.0A or larger batteries.
Stuart
It’s not “slightly less output.” You need to look at torque, speed, battery energy capacity, and price.
Jeff
Latest gen M12 fuel vs m18 compact
Drill: 33.3 vs 45.8 ft/lbs. of torque
1550 vs 1700 RPM
Impact: 125 vs 141.7 ft/lbs of torque
3,600 vs 3,600 RPM
4,000 vs 4,900 IPM
M12 impact has 3 led’s vs M18’s single led.
Is the mild increase in power worth the larger size?
I’d stick with M12. If your going for M18, why only a small upgrade over M12? What application exists where the M12 fuel can’t do it but the M18 compact can?
The M18 compact is such a special niche… small hands or those not interested in getting M12 at all.
Stuart
You have to look at the low-end speed too (550 vs 400 RPM).
18V x 2Ah = 36 Whr
10.8V x 2Ah = 21.6 Whr
The compact M18 battery has greater energy storage than the M12 battery.
Ignoring differences in motor consumption or efficiency, the M18 battery will deliver greater runtime at the same power consumption level.
M18 2-tool kit is $199, M12 Fuel 2-tool kit is $229.
Objectively speaking, the M18 compact brushless tools are faster, more powerful, not much larger, and less expensive.
M12 Fuel is great. But it’s also not the best pick for everyone’s needs.
Chris
Stuart,
Your example may be “apples to apples”, but is not realistic to all facts available.
Quote:
“18V x 2Ah = 36 Whr
10.8V x 2Ah = 21.6 Whr
The compact M18 battery has greater energy storage than the M12 battery.”
End Quote.
The M12 kit also comes with a 4ah battery.
10.8V x 4Ah = 43.2Whr
and yes, you can say the (2) M18 2.0 is equal to 72Whr and is higher to the M12’s combined 64.8, but that would be ignoring what is available.
The M12 Fuel kit also comes with a “free” M12 HO 5.0 battery adding an additional 54Whr to the kit.
M12 Fuel kit total Whr =118.8 at $1.93 per Whr
M18 Brushless kit total Whr = 72 at $2.76 per Whr
https://www.homedepot.com/p/321639499
You can also return the 5.0 for a prorated value of $78.42.
That brings the kit down to $151.57 with 64.8Whr at $2.34 per Whr.
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/free-cordless-power-tool-deals-value-calculator/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Using todays values, the M12 Fuel kit is a greater value in almost every aspect. The average person that has to question if the M18 brushless if for them will not know or feel the difference in torque and motor speed.
Other bullet points that are not mentioned for some reason but absolutely count.
M12 drill has a better clutch.
M12 drill is a hammer drill (the M18 brushless has NO hammer function).
M12 impact has modes (3 speed/torque limiter modes and a special driver mode I never use).
M12 kit comes with a bit set (perfect for this theoretical person that doesn’t know what they want).
This is clearly a blowout in the M12 Fuels favor in my opinion. HVAC pros use M12 Fuel kits all the time because of how compact and powerful they are.
M18 2.0 batteries are also very limited in use in modern M18 tools. Anyone with a 3.0 or 5.0 battery will notice a large boost in performance in any modern M18 tool. I argue that the 2.0 is almost useless and should be replaced just like they did with the 1.5. 3.0 batteries are the replacement, but Milwaukee will not put those in kits because there is too much money to be made selling them separately.
Stuart
The 1-battery M18 and M12 impact kits come with 2Ah batteries.
M12 Fuel Impact Driver Kit
There are sometimes 1-battery hammer drill kits.
The M12 combo kit costs more.
You can argue it’s a better value, but that’s a slippery slope and how people end up recommending $400 kits to people asking about a $149 kit.
M12 Fuel and M18 compact brushless are well-suited for different users and applications. I’ve used ALL of them, and multiple generations of each line. They’re all good.
Personally, I like the M12 Fuel and M18 compact brushless about the same, but if I want something smaller and lighter than M18 Fuel, I usually opt for other brands’ premium compact (non-hammer) drills and multi-speed impacts.
Chris S
Stuart,
I’m only going by what you presented. Your article is presenting a 2 tool combo kit and that is what I was debating.
I also showed my work that the M12 Fuel kit is cheaper.
~$152 is cheaper than $199. I’m not sure how else to say it.
Stuart
I don’t consider “deal hacking” or prorated refunds of free bonus inclusions as out-the-door pricing.
Otherwise you get advice like:
“Hack the deal, return a free bonus battery for a prorated refund, sell the unneeded tool, and voila you get a drill for $20.”
With rare exceptions, I strictly look at and compare out-the-door authorized dealer pricing.
Stephen
I’m with you. I’ve sunk over a dozen concrete anchors with my M12 1/2″ fuel hammer drill on a job (3/8 anchors) and that thing impressed me every step of the way. Maybe it’s just my bias talking here but I feel I get more work out of that M12v than I do one of the brushless jobbies we have at work. On the same job an old pre fuel hammer drill kept crapping out and overheating. I know it’s not apples to apples but still…
If all you are doing is light work around the house or light duty home installation stuff it might be ok to go brushless especially if you are flirting with getting into the outdoor yard tools or you are drooling over other M18 tools (Battery homogeney). Otherwise, the size to power ratio of the M12 wins in my book any day.
A W
As a homeowner, I have upgraded my brushed M18 kit to (first) the M18 Surge impact driver and (recently) the M18 fuel drill.
The surge is one of my favorite tools, and is an incredible combination of power, weight, size and capability. It meets over 90% of my needs.
The biggest thing I noticed with the Fuel drill is that the chuck is so much more usable than on the entry level Milwaukee drills. I had an issue where maybe 10% of the time with my older drill, the chuck would loosen and I would have to re-tighten it mid task. With the Fuel, the chuck twists tight and then twists further to lock the bit into place.
vipkl
I’m admittedly a DIY fledgling “tool enthusiast” but one who’s fixated on small size and/or lightweight. Doesn’t hurt that this end of the spectrum tends to have reasonable prices (though I like to pick top models with the most features in a given size/weight envelope).
Light and easy to carry are also good qualities when you don’t have a huge truck, and might be dealing with various aches and injuries. Heck I went with the Hart Stack tool storage to stuff into the back of an SUV.. those modules are so light and space efficient compared to Packout etc.
Anyways I’ve stuck to just the Dewalt 12V & 20V battery systems (plus Ryobi 4V) to keep things organized. Got the Xtreme and Atomic and cherry picking from XR, now I’m tempted to broaden into Milwaukee and other unique tools. But that would mean way more clutter — and I already have redundancies just between Xtreme and Atomic from lack of planning and OCD lol (ex. both compact rotary hammers are so similar I couldn’t decide on just one). Plus I’ve already invested in dozens and dozens of yellow batteries (3Ah, 5Ah, pouch, 21700).
VindalooDiesel
As an enthusiastic DIYer l, I always start out with the lowest priced not-total-trash model (budget models burned me hard with sucking dying, time waste. Etc). I’ll upgrade only if I need to.
The result? Over 80% of my tools are in the budget-but-decent category and handle my pro-level, but infrequent, needs. The other 20% that I upgraded were passed on to family or sold for minimal loss.
Ironically, the drill/driver is the only one I wish I’d gone full pro from the start.
JR Ramos
I think I’d first ask them what drill they are used to now, where it didn’t perform like they needed it to, and what “bigger” jobs they might be using it for. The fact is that most drills these days are pretty damn good. If they aren’t stuck on the branding, I’d even suggest they take a peek at TTC’s dyno/watts tests and see if that helps them choose. The M12 Fuel is quite a capable little thing and can punch above its advertised recommended limits for general repair and diy projects. With the newer 5Ah battery it’s a real winner but was no slouch with the older 4 and 6 batteries. If they really need more than that then those tests might be helpful if they are able to translate the relative watts into real world work needs. Fuel products are generally fantastic but if they don’t want the M18 Fuel then it might make more sense to look at other brands and maybe get the same (or more) power from those as they would the M18 compact, and save some coin in the process. Bosch is certainly worth a look especially when Lowe’s has those free battery deals (and the batteries are usually more reasonably priced anyway, and imho they are better than the Milwaukee batteries in a few ways). DeWalt often beats Milwaukee in power, too, so they may have something that fits their in-between needs nicely. Even the cheaper brands often surprise these days with what they can deliver. With the non-Fuel Milwaukee I think the most attractive aspect is that they have a great warranty and you know they’ll be around (and with parts) to support it down the road if need be (something homeowners don’t often need or really consider, but…).
If they went with the M18 compact I’d really encourage them to pick up some of the 3Ah batteries instead of the typical kit batteries…that or the 6Ah HO if they need the juice (not sure if that tool can benefit from the lower voltage drop but it certainly won’t sag like the others). But they do need to try to understand what level of power they are going to need so they don’t end up disappointed if underpowered.
It’s impressive what we have these days in cordless drills, really. When I see cheapies like the Hart and HF lines performing as well as they do, even beating larger established brands at times, it’s just pretty cool to see and to know that people don’t have to spend a lot anymore to get excellent power and performance.
Smokey
I got the Orange Store Brand version of the compact brushless dill-impact kit a couple years back and I’m a big fan. I initially got it for the free tool sale as I already had the flagship hammer drill and brushless 1/4” with larger batteries, and I use the compact tools way more than I imagined.
The nearly 200ft-lb top line impact drivers are too much for 90% of screws I’m driving around the house, and the “rip your wrist off” torque of the drill is too much for drilling pilot holes in wood. So only time the big drill comes out is for metal or masonry or hole saws, and the full size 1/4” impact barely gets used since it’s the subcompact does PH2 and T-25 screws just fine and I’ll use an impact wrench for larger fasteners than that. The 2.0Ah packs are also nice for most DIYer jobs, not many things I need a 4.0Ah+ battery in an impact driver, I’m rarely needing to drive 400 screws at home without time for a recharge.
My 2¢
Stephen
The compact impact is my new go to. I have the M18 Fuel impact, but the mode select switch apparently wants to switch to “sheet metal” mode whenever it feels the need, which makes me feel the need to unload it out the nearest window….that’ll fix its wagon 😉
The compact impact is GREAT, lighter weight, no PITA selector switch, and it has more than enough torque to do ANYTHING i need, without destroying fasteners like the M18 Fuel can with little provocation
also the battery life isnt terribly less for it NOT being a FUEL, so the fanboys can just rub a lamp….sometimes you DONT need bells and whistles
Charles
I have the brushless kit. My wife bought it for me. I was going to take it back for the fuel but decided I didn’t want to spend the money. For diy it more than capable. If I were using it everyday fuel all the way. I have the brushed version also still going strong.
Mike
I think $399 or even $299 on sale is a bit much in this glorious age of awesome cheap drill and impact driver combos. If you’re chasing the highest specs, you’re the tool companys’ dream because the arms race seems to reshuffle the rankings nearly every year.
Milwaukee is on their what, 4th fuel impact now? This is great for consumers as the leaders keep innovating and all this technology filters down to the budget models and even brands.
If you’re driving 1000s of screws a day, small efficiency gains add up quickly. Who does this? Maybe commercial framing with steel studs? Lots of metal Ag roofing? Those guys I could see tweaking the modes on some app. If you’re screwing lots of deck or subfloor screws or drywall I’d think you’d run a collated gun.
If you’re driving lags or really anything much bigger than deck screws or with hex head, etc. I’d just use an impact wrench. The compact 1/2″ models are only slightly larger and heavier than an impact driver, and 3/8 are probably comparable. Faster and less wear on your impact driver. The engineers have to pick a fastener and design the anvil system with those in mind, one size won’t fit all.
Why even get brushed anything now? I don’t think they’re more durable, even setting aside maintenance since many cordless tools never see enough use to wear out brushes. The difference in power and run time is substantial, however.
If you want to start small with non fuel on your way to an “I bleed Milwaukee red” tool collection the non fuel kit makes sense. It seems like a handy and well spec’ed kit, and a decent value easily available all over North America.
If you just want a drill/driver combo or… if you’ve let go of the one battery charger dream or… are open to other brands not available in the orange big box store…
I’d recommend the Metabo HPT kits:
KC18DEX
It’s less than $100 for drill, impact driver, 2 batteries and charger
The impact is basic but not bad.
The drill is pretty powerful yet compact with a metal chuck.
If you want lighter, this kit is under $120, I’d go with above instead though.
KC18DDXS
The impact is very small/light and a bit anemic, maybe nice for trim screws, etc.
The little drill, DS18DDX, also available separately, is great, only wish it had the nut installed for belt clip. It’s not going to be as small and compact as something with a battery in the handle. I can’t see many situations I’d prefer a smaller drill than this, maybe carrying in a tool pouch, I’ve gotten used to belts clip though.
Not saying these are the best, I haven’t tried every make/model… so many great choices these days.
Alexk
My first gen fuel m18 hammer drill and driver stay in its case for most of the year. It’s much too powerful and heavy for almost everything I do. Love having it, but would hate it if that was my only drill/driver. My first gen m12 fuel hammer drill and driver is so good, I don’t see a need for 18v unless it requires the m18 fuel. However, I could see someone feeling more comfortable with the balance of the 18v non fuel. And it’s light. I think I’d prefer the Dewalt 12v if I was starting out. Not a fan of the battery detachment on m12.
Curtis
I work at a tool store and we got one of these new compact brushless drills and we were all impressed with the quality feel of it, even in comparison to the DCD800B, it’s very worthy DW competitor. Just feels well made – that’s my first impression.
Timothy
Another option for “tight spots” that is my current default is the M12 FUEL installation drill/driver set. Excellent handle design plus four interchangeable heads (drill, driver, angle, offset). The “go to” tool for cabinet installation; I have the appropriate drill bit for cabinet screws in the drill head and Torx bit in driver head. I quickly switch them back and forth for installation. The offset head is great for base cabinet to countertop attachment. https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/2505-20
Matt C.
As a DIY mechanic, I prefer M12 because its compact size allows for more flexibility. My primary concern is having a tool that can fit in tight spaces. I’ll sacrifice power for compact. My M12 impact wrench has 250 ft/lbs of nut loosening torque. I haven’t worked on a car that needed more than half of that.
Nick B
I see this all the time with the M12 lines as well. I’ve got both the Fuel and brushed versions of the drill and impact driver. I had the brushed version first because I was looking for extra batteries for my M12 detail sander and it was $79 for batteries or $99 for the brushed drill/driver with the same 2 batteries so I bought the kit. I used them for a quite a while before I decided that I wanted a set to keep in my truck so I moved those into the truck and bought the Fuel set.
I’ve rarely run into anything that the brushed set can’t handle that the Fuel set can though I do like the multiple speeds on the Fuel impact.
Jeff
Like Chris also said, what other M18 tools would the 2.0 batteries be good for? It would seem that those 2.0 batteries would live in the compact drill/driver & thats it, and thats fine… i have some 2.0 M12 batteries that live in certain tools. Maybe one of the small M18 flashlights might enjoy the 2.0 batteries…
JR Ramos
Nailers run fine on the small batts as long as you don’t need all that run time – the lighter weight and balance is nice.
TomD
Wait wait wait stop.
For the last billion years I thought Fuel just meant brushless. Are you telling me I’ve been living a lie?
Stuart
Fuel is premium brushless. There’s added tech for high performance delivery.
Milwaukee’s is on their 3rd generation compact brushless drill and impact, with the first having launched in early 2015.
So, there’s been non-Fuel brushless tools for at least 9 YEARS now.
There are other brushless tools, as Milwaukee continues to introduce more non-FUEL brushless models.
CMF
What you say is quite true, be it fanboys, koolaid, or “without clear justification reflect either naivety or a thirst for internet clout. Or maybe it has something to do with conformity or herd mentality”; all these apply and very prevalent these days.
This is frustrating and the other problem is the “black sheep” mentality. Many repeat what is the cool thing or idea, without having basis to do so.
All the “team red” fans, how many have what they are recommending, AND have enough use or experience with the competing models to actually justify making any kind of a recommendation?
BTW, not picking on Milwaukee, this happens all day long on other forums for other products, non tool or otherwise.
Hard to imagine life without PC’s and the internet, but sometimes it would be a nice vacation.