I took advantage of Home Depot’s free delivery offer on this Milwaukee cordless screwdriver doorbuster deal, and it’s such a good deal on a great tool that I might have to get more.
This was a Black Friday in-store doorbuster deal for $59, and as of today Home Depot activated online ordering and free delivery.
So, I ordered one and sent it to my cousin – I know she needs it and I’ve been waiting for this deal. Her mom opened up the box to make sure everything was there, and in talking about it on the phone, it seems she’s sold on getting one too.
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She didn’t believe me when I said the kit was only $59!
The more I talk about this Milwaukee M12 cordless screwdriver, the more convinced I am that I need one back in my own tool kit.
I really like cordless screwdrivers over drills or impacts for driving smaller screws into wood – I’ve found that they offer a bit more control and this helps reduce the chance of stripping out the wood or fasteners.
Plus, the form factor makes these more compact than 18V-class drills or drivers.
Check it out while you can. As of the time of this posting I’m seeing plenty of local inventory, and there are a few days left on Home Depot’s deal countdown timer.
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Harry
Am I missing the Fuel or brushless logo? Is it a brushed version?
Stuart
Brushed motor/non-Fuel.
The M12 Fuel version is $199, which is the same price as the M12 Fuel 4-in-1 installation drill/driver.
$59 vs $199 is a big difference.
fred
I paid $60 for the are tool in 2008. That may have been the best $60 I spent on tools that year. IMO – the brushed motor is just right for this tool – which is more about finesse than power When I want to drive construction screws, I grab my 2760-20 (M18 Fuel Surge) impact driver. When its lags – I have 2765-20 7/16 hex impact driver. But the 2401-20 is just right for woodworking and furniture projects.
Mr. C
The brushless-fuel version is absolutely more powerful….but I have to ask myself, why?
If you’re using it as a screwdriver, how much torque do you really need? You’re at the mercy of the weakest link in the chain, which is usually the fastener…then the bit itself.
For heavier duty work, I’m reaching for an impact driver.
I’ve owned the brushed model since 2010 (when it was more silver + red instead of black + red). The only time I wanted it to do more is when I was using it as the wrong tool.
It’s a bargain at $59.
Terry
Thx Stuart I bought one. Good deal.
Chris
As much as I’m not a fan of brushed tools, these little screwdrivers are great. Mine is slightly different cause it has a silver clutch collar.
It’s awesome for light assembly or sinking reasonably sized screws into pre drilled holes. Maybe even some sheet rock. It’s not fast but it has great control. I never overdrive fasteners with it.
Mike
Anyone have this and the m12 installation driver? I have the latter and use it all the time. Been on fence about this because I’m not sure whether there’d be too much overlap to justify the purchase.
Stuart
If you have the M12 Fuel installation driver, where do you see this one coming in handy?
Duplication isn’t a bad thing, but would it provide you with practical benefits?
e.g. welders often swap grinders, rather than switching accessories. But with quick-release 1/4″ hex bit chucks, the same logic doesn’t really carry over here.
If still on the fence, is the price low enough where you can pass the kit to a friend or family member if it doesn’t work out for you?
Mike
Thanks. It’s funny; I didn’t see a use case, but today I was using the Crescent pulled pliers I got a while back after you linked them and realized how useful they’ve been but I’d never realized until buying them they filled a very specific need a lot better than anything else I had. Wasn’t sure if this was similar. Sounds like better places to spend that money (well, same store but other things).
Stuart
Ah, so it’s a case of “wow that’s a great deal, I want to get in on the savings opportunity!”
I understand that all too well. In that case, maybe sleep on it and reconsider tomorrow. Maybe it’ll sell out and that will make the decision for you? How would you feel about that, if it sells out before you can buy one – would you have any regret? If not really, it’s a great deal, but not for you.
CA
If it were the right angle I would say yes.
Yadda
I bought one last year and another this year.
Nate
Hey I found a good deal on 3/8 stubby fuel impact, been watching for a little while.
Comes with a 2ah and 4ah, with a bonus 4 ah!
https://www.acmetools.com/milwaukee-m12-fuel-stubby-1-2-in-impact-wrench-kit-2555-22/045242521203.html
Nate
$229! (Couldn’t edit my first comment)
Also Napa has these on sale too:
$209 but doesn’t have the bonus 4ah.
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/MIL255422
Mitherial
Just keep in mind that there is a newer version of this tool–biggest change seems to be the addition of three lights on the tool head.
Ed Lindler
I volunteer with a couple of local Habitat for Humanity affiliates. We use these screwdrivers to install/remove electrical plates, cabinet knobs & pulls, doorknobs & locks, lighting & bathroom fixtures, etc. & they are absolutely wonderful for this type of application. They are lightweight, offer excellent control to prevent overdriving screws, & at this price seem to me to be too good of a deal to pass up. & they hold up well under the stress of being used by a myriad of volunteers. So, I just ordered 3 of these, one for my use & 1 for each of my kids as Christmas presents. Thanks so much for highlighting this particular item.
Mitherial
Anyone have experience with how this M12 screwdriver compares with the M12 “Surge” impact (which has to be my favorite “compact” power tool)?
With the variable sensitivity trigger on the Surge, I can usually use it pretty well for low-torque screwdriving, but I have definitely stripped screws with it.
Stuart
Screwdriver is better for driving smaller fasteners with greater depth control and lower speed.
Surge is better for driving medium to larger fasteners at higher application speeds.
Screwdriver is better for control and repeatability, Surge is better for speed and torque.
There aren’t a lot of deals on the M12 Surge right now, but this bundle deal has been on my radar to post about.
Evan
I was not going to pick this up because I did not understand my use case. After reading your comments I think it will come in handy when I am removing/installing screws to clean my wood stove chimney pipe, with an upcoming kitchen cabinet remodel (Im thinking about those cabinet door and hinge screws), with those long electrical outlet screws, and Im sure in many other applications. Sounds like the brushed option is plenty perfect for this type of tool and I can use the small CP1.5s in the m12 fuel drill/driver combo I also purchased this BF. Thank you for another great addition to my kit!
Aaron SD
I went out and bought it as I’ve been interested in the M12 lineup. I’ve been using Dewalt 20V max XR brushless impact driver (model 886) for years and thought try the M12 with the door buster sale.
I’ve tried it out and I’m a bit underwhelmed. Both drills feel about the same weight with similar size batteries. The power is way less than I expected, even with its battery fully charged.
No issues using the impact driver for everything as a DIY without a ton of small projects.
It’s now hard to justify keeping it and I want to like it. I think if it weighed much less than the 20V impact I wouldn’t be questioning the purchase.
I’m surprised since there is a lot of love for the drill.
Thoughts? Thanks!
JR Ramos
Well…for one, it’s a very old design, not using newer/better motor and electronic controls. So that combined with the smallest weakest battery option (1.5Ah and older models of 18650 inside)…underwhelmment might be expected, but it’s still plenty capable as a basic clutch screwdriver for typical smaller screw lengths and small hole drilling.
I would never recommend someone buy in to M12 with this tool only. M12 has a lot going for it (several underwhelming tools but some are just excellent) but I don’t know if this old model is helping the image of what 12v power is capable of. Comparing it to an 18v impact driver isn’t a fair comparison at all in terms of speed or power, as you see now. I would say try out the M12 Fuel drill or hammerdrill and pair it with a better battery (the HO 2.5 for compactness or the H0 5.0 for all the power…the older XC 4.0 and 6.0 are fine, too (and the 6.0, while not good for higher drain tools, is fine on drills and drivers)).
If you were to pair this tool with a better battery like the HO models, I don’t know if you’d see much improvement really…maybe a little power, certainly longer run time, though. Maybe consider returning it and buying something else, or just stick with your impact driver if you’re happy enough with that.
Even at $60 I don’t think this particular old tool is worth a whole lot for most people. Like I’m not sure it’s even worth mentioning in an article or sales ad slick (kind of like that ancient cheap DeWalt drill model that always gets featured). It’s certainly not useless, though.
Aaron SD
Thanks for confirming. I think I’ll pass on it then. Not worth it to me if I need to buy better batteries as not looking to spend any more on a backup; especially since the weight is so close.
Your comment is just in time as I’m at Home Depot now with it at their monthly kid project Saturday…
JR Ramos
Yeah, unfortunately Milwuakee most often provides the weaker/smaller packs in their promo kits (and even normal kits). For this one it makes sense I guess but even an XC 3.0 would keep the price down and be better in use. The Fuel tools often get a little better pack but usually the small ones. It keeps the price down which is the main focus but I have long thought that if they really want to wow the socks off of new users then they need to pair the capable tools with the better batteries so people can see what is really available.
Batteries are a racket, though, always have been, from every major brand. I’ll bet the profit on battery sales is as large or larger than for the tools themselves, and this industry has always somewhat clouded the details that help people make informed decisions on batteries (as if people are stupid or can’t understand the basics…). So you get a kitted tool and then “need” to buy another battery pack or two…it’s a grand profitable scheme.
Mike
I feel like this is Milwaukee’s only M12 screwdriver.
The 2402-20 (Fuel) and 2406-20 are 1/4″ bit holder versions of the 2403-20 and 2407-20 Drill/Drivers. I’d avoid both like the plague.
Stuart
Yes, and there’s also the M12 Fuel installation driver.
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/new-milwaukee-m12-fuel-cordless-installation-drill-driver/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E