I just received a new Milwaukee newsletter that they sent out to consumers, and it perfectly sums up the modern general philosophy behind their M12 cordless power tool lineup.
I’m sorry, their sub-compact cordless power tool lineup. Milwaukee now describes their M12 platform as the largest sub-compact system on the market.
Our M12 Cordless System is the largest sub-compact system on the market, delivering industry-leading durability and power in a size that outperforms the competition in the tightest places.
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This might be their typical marketing language, but perhaps Milwaukee is throwing some jabs at Dewalt. Dewalt is Milwaukee’s top competitor and has now come out with new 12V Xtreme sub-compact cordless power tool offerings.
But to bring up the focus of the post, this is what Milwaukee says about their M12 cordless power tool system:
M12 solutions are designed to provide tool belt portability and increases productivity by speeding up manual processes.
M12 cordless power tools are aimed at increasing productivity by “speeding up manual processes.” In other words, by doing the jobs of hand tools, either faster, easier, or with less effort.
This is the motivation behind their M12 stapler, their rivet tool, and other such offerings. Tools such as their new M12 Fuel cordless torque wrench seem to be born with the same motivation and design goals.
Milwaukee also came out with an M12 Fuel right angle die grinder that’s intended to challenge the dominance of air-powered tools.
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There are of course cordless tools, such as Milwaukee’s M12 rotary hammer, which are intended as compact and even one-handed versions of full-sized M18 cordless power tools.
It’s important to know what’s going on behind the scenes, or to at least know and understand the why behind what a cordless power tool brand might be working on, because it makes it easier to think about what could be coming next.
Nobody wants to buy into a dead-end cordless power tool system. Sorry, let me rephrase that. Most cordless power tool users don’t want to buy into a dead-end system. Some beginners, homeowners, or maybe even apprentices, might buy a limited assortment of tools, or maybe even just one solution or gateway tool, but most will have their sights set on the next purchase even if it’s way down the road.
With Milwaukee, their M12 cordless power tools seem to be driven by three goals.
1. To strive towards a cordless jobsite.
Milwaukee has put a great deal of effort into creating M12 cordless power tools that take the place of corded and air-powered tools.
1A. To improve upon existing M12 tools or create new compact versions of M18 tools.
Every so often, M12 and M12 Fuel drills and drivers are improved upon in some way. Tools like the new M12 Surge driver bring the functionality and features of M18 tools, but in a smaller, lighter, and less fatiguing package.
Sometimes M12 just makes more sense over M18. For example, Milwaukee’s cordless ratchets are a part of their M12 system. Sure, they certainly could have made them into M18 power tools, but the M12 form factor simply makes better sense.
2. To speed up manual processes.
Basically, they want to make pros’ jobs and efforts easier by replacing hand tools with M12 compact cordless power tools.
Understand this, and a lot of their tools make more sense.
What kinds of tools do you wish Milwaukee added to their M12 cordless power tool system?
Do you think there are other design philosophies behind Milwaukee’s M12 system?
Adam
I use the M12 tools daily as a commercial electrician. Used 18 volt tools for many years, but these perform just as well and they are much more portable. The sds hammer drill and bandsaw are 2 of my most used M12 tools.
Derek
I’m also a electrician, and I agree. But my top 2 used tools are my impact & bandsaw. The sds hammer drill is great for cinder block, but poured concrete…not so much…it just doesn’t have the power.
Matt
I’m on the V20 system for the most part now and typically prefer that type of cartridge slide pack battery. I’ve been intrigued by Milwaukee impact wrenches though and have looked into their other stuff recently. Concerning M12, this battery style lends itself better to some tools better than others. One tool in particular is the stapler. My wife does upholstery and wants that bad after seeing it. I was waiting to see what the V12 system was like but I assume it will use a similar battery seeing as the charger accepts both V12 & V20 batteries. I’m not so sure that style of battery would work well for a stapler? I don’t know, the Milwaukee battery style for that particular tool looks ideal. And as you mentioned the ratchets.
Aaron
Slide packs allow for narrower handles and often better ergonomics. I like the m12 and even Ryobi but my wife prefers slide packs for her smaller hands.
Aaron
I was given the 12v stapler as a Christmas gift, and it sat on my shelf for 6 months. As a finish carpenter, I absolutely love my 12v driver for hinges, hardware, and knobs, where my 18v impact would be overkill. However, I really didn’t think that I had a need for a stapler. But when I was asked to help a buddy replace some marine carpet, I tossed it into my toolbox. It works absolutely great! It fires staples quickly and does a whole box on one small battery. I can’t think of a better use for it than upholstery. She’d definitely be one happy camper. And at about $100, it’d be an insanely cheap way to buy yourself out of your next couple domestic disagreements!
Jay k.
Lol… Very true!!!
Kent
I think that part of their idea is to create that one tool you just *have to have*. Once you’ve bought into a battery system, you might as well stay.
As an example, my dad bought the M12 grease gun (lots of heavy equipment) and now owns more M12. Because he liked the M12, he bought into the M18 – including the leaf blower and chainsaw.
If DeWalt had a grease gun, his tools might have been yellow instead of red.
Corey Moore
DeWalt has had a grease gun for awhile
PHILIP JOHN
I believe it’s also the highest rated.
Michael
They do! That was the first purchase I made to get into dewalt 20v, I now have well over 5 grand in yellow and black but if dewalt can’t make a big push to catch 12v up to the m12 system I probably be buying into it.
Corey Moore
12v is more of a convenience for me at times, and not really necessary in my day to day. But for what it’s worth I did recently pick up the new DeWalt 12v drill and impact, and they’re superb. Acme had a good discount code and I was under budget on the dcd470 I was shopping for, so I threw the 12v kit in the cart as an impulse, and they’ve received more envy on site so far than the new joist drill lol Don’t get me wrong, theres more shock and awe for the 470’s size and power, but no one’s offered to buy it off me like the 12’s or asked where they can get em.
Josh
They even get you stuck with them with theirheated jackets and gloves etc. Once you buy the heated jacket, might as well utilize the batteries on your next tool. It’s just smart. (I don’t use a single Milwaukee tool and probably own at least $10k in cordless equipment. Really liking the Metabo multi-volt system….. Cordless 10 inch table saw! (input Tim Allen sound here lol)
Corey Moore
The heated jacket is about all I don’t own lol I spend all winter planning to buy one and then come spring I buy other tools now that I don’t need done haha I’m in the same boat with that 60/54v ecosystem though- started with the recip because I can’t stand the vibration in the compact and I wanted brushless. Was super happy with that, so grabbed the grinder which is a phenomenal tool. Then my buddy sold me the table saw when his team red dropped theirs, bought the rear handle on sale with the 9ah and was blown away with that lol Just picked up the Gen 2 stud shooter, and I’m saving for the 2″ rotohammer now. I’ve got probably 10k in 20v and batteries already, so regardless of being mostly DeWalt, I think I’m good to go in just about any future line of work.
Aaron
18ga nailer please! In line screwdriver! Tiny trim router! Planer! Sander! Better OMT with quick release!
I want small low power versions of everything so that I can take a whole variety of tools with me at low space and weight cost. And only move up battery systems when I have repeat tasks. Most jobs are small and half the time is spent going back for more stuff.
The part of me in a total fantasy land wishes for an m12 shop vac compatible with DeWalt tstak cases lol
Chris
As an automotive tech the M12 battery platform is essential. I use both their fuel ratchets along with 1/4 and 3/8 impacts on a daily basis. About the only 18 volt I use daily is the big 1/2 impact for tires. Looking forward to the extended reach ratchet, the die grinder, and the 12 volt surge impact.
Joatman
I didn’t ever think I’d buy anything other than Dewalt. However, last Christmas I saw a deal for the M12 drill/driver and two batteries for $59. Had to get it. Love it…..mainly for light jobs in the house and shop. Love the compact size. Then the rotary tool caught my eye. Again…love it. Great for intricate sanding, polishing and cutting. Dewalt doesn’t have this. Then I had to get the M12 cut-off tool. That thing is tiny, but so powerful. Reversible blade direction. Awesome! Although I have no intention of replacing my Dewalt 18v collection with Milwaukee’s M18 tools, I do like these convenient M12 “sort-of-specialty” tools equally as well. I can’t think of anything new I’d like them to come out with…..but I do wish that the M12 cut-off tool had an optional speed that would allow for a wood cutting blade. That’s definitely not a complaint….but as long as we’re wishing here…….
Matt
I agree with that. On my drill & impacts I much prefer that battery style for the same reason. Even with my larger hands I find it more comfortable to hold. I’d rather have an M18 drill or impact over the M12 because of the battery style. I also like to set my drills/impacts down upright for whatever reason so the flat bottom surface is ideal.
Things like the stapler or ratchet though just seem like a more natural fit for the M12 style of battery. Seeing pictures here the other day of the Makita ratchet compared to the Milwaukee demonstrated that. The Makita looked more awkward to use. Perhaps it’s not but it looked that way. Both battery styles definitely have their place. I can see why Milwaukee does both.
I can also see advantages to the compact versions of the slide pack batteries like DeWalt just came out with and I assume V12 will have. I suppose there’s no right or wrong way, just whatever’s most comfortable.
Chris S
I really really really want them to come out with a romex stapler now that I’ve used Dewalt’s new stapler. I was able to staple a 3,000 Sq. Ft. house by myself while easily keeping up with everyone else. Easily in my top 10, but I don’t own dewalt…so milwaukee needs to produce something along those lines. I have the t50 m12 stapler and I don’t think it would be much of a stretch to add a wider rail and firing pin for bigger staples.
DannyK
Thanks for that, definitely making it into my next tool bucket list. It’s model DCN701 in case anybody is interested.
Chris
It’s on Home Depot’s “Deal of the Day” today (9/17/19).
https://www.homedepot.com/SpecialBuy/SpecialBuyOfTheDay
Jon
Two things:
I’m interested in an upgraded M12 SDS plus drill with CHISEL function. Right now there is just hammer and regular drill functions. The much cheaper Ryobi SDS plus drill has all three functions. Why not Milwaukee?
A tool shaped like the M12 Dremel-like tool but has 1/4 inch hex bit on the end. Gear it for a few hundred RPM, maybe an adjustable clutch. Basically a heaver duty version of that Craftsman screwdriver written about a few days ago.
Stuart
The Milwaukee was made for specific tasks – smaller-sized holes in masonry materials for anchors and what-not. It does that well. Do you want a chisel-model if it can’t skillfully handle larger accessories like that?
I think we’re more inclined to see a RedLithium USB screwdriver than M12. The form factor would be so much better.
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/milwaukee-redlithium-usb-4v-max-cordless-screwdriver/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Roger
Bought into Bosch 12V with a drill since it was the smallest at the time. Now I consider it a semi-dead-end line, and have replaced it with Ryobi. I have one M12 tool, but my needs are met with the cheaper RY18. Keeping an eye on DX12 recent update, but until they do a true expansion to compliment DW20 I’m going to keep watching.
Patrick
I’d love to see a 23ga pinner! Have recently switched over all my other nailers to cordless (mix of Paslode and Milwaukee, will probably go all Milwaukee just to not have to deal with the fuel cells even though I like the Paslode 16ga angled finish nailer better) and I really hate lugging out a compressor just for that one.
Ryobi has a cordless pinner, but no way am I buying into a new tool system just for one tool.
Altan
12V tools are useful depends on the type of the job you do, for fixing cabinets, wardrobes, plaster board and etc. you really don’t need 20V drill driver, 12V caulking gun, reciprocating saw, multi tool, laser, torch, rivet gun, can perform well also, but SDS+ and grinder would be very limited, probably for maintenance guys only.
blocky
Idk. I’m probably in the minority here, but I have 7 battery systems. My core carp kit is Makita 18v (bc I work with a team that runs Makita) and I also have a lot of Bosch 12v, which I favor for install.
But then… my partner wanted a heated vest and the M12 was $60 – guess we’re a red family, too.
I agree -if I’m going to use the heck out of a tool for even one job, then I’ll probably just get it and keep moving. I like that all these solutions are out there, but I don’t think the price point on batteries is a compelling reason to stay in one platform, especially if you’re using your tools for work.
All my chargers live in the same dark drawer, where they all look the same to eachother, and it’s been yeeeaars since I’ve bricked a battery from disuse. Even my old Milwaukee V18’s (lithium) had probably seen 500 cycles before going to recycling.
Then again, we’re all reading pretty deep on a tool blog so probably I’m not alone.
teicher
Me? I much prefer the lighter weight and smaller form factor of the 12V tools. I’ve yet to run into a scenario where my M12 drill drive couldn’t handle what I was doing.
I’d love to see the M12 line go more for a market like the Ryobi line, with lots of tools for DIYers and homeowners like the USB charger, vacuum, inflator, etc. Cordless tools are just so good these days that you can do well using most reliable brand names, regardless of specs.
Bonson
Huge fan of the m12 system so it’s awesome to read an article like this. Understanding their objective gives definition to the why the line exists when many can look at the overlap in tools between m12 and m18.
Brian A
This has been my expectation of the M12 line all along.
But why oh why is the M12 Surge taller, longer, and heavier than the M18 one……
JKC
Another vote for a M12 23 Gauge Pinner. Simple as that!
BK
I love the m12 line up. Soo many great choices for the serious DYI , as well as Pros.
But for 1 tool.
I went into the DeWalt 12v due to the ‘sawsall’ . The form factor of the sawsall in m12 is funky and doesn’t fit well into tight spots.
The 12v model from DeWalt is perfect.
Otherwise I wouldn’t have strayed.
I like the Chuck’s far better on the m12 drills.
I have drills in 12, 18, and 20v series from DeWalt, and don’t like any of them.
The Chuck’s on my m12 drills are far better.
Due to the heat gun, I went into the Milwaukee 20 line.
But haven’t bought a 20v Milwaukee do drill yet or driver yet.
I have drivers and impact drives in all 12 and 20v DeWalt, and m12 Milwaukee, they all treat me well.
Evadman
I am a dewalt person, with probably 15 20v tools. Then I saw the soldering iron from Milwaukee and had to have it. Because of that, I basically bought into m12, so I have probably 15 m12 tools now.
Having 2 different battery types and manufacturers let’s me fill tools I need from one or the other.
I probably use the m12 tools more often with the exception of my two 1/2″ impact drivers from dewalt and my dewalt 20/60v grinders. The smaller form factor and weight is easier to use all day, when either one fits the need. Before using the m12 tools, I never would have expected that.
Steve
This is where I’m at…I have a lot of red tools and love them, but they are expensive and I see yellow tools at a better price point that are appropriate for most jobs where I don’t need/want the extra kick. I’ve split a lot of boards, etc. and sometimes I want a more delicate Bosch or Dewalt tool that isn’t overpowered.
Chip
As probably one of the former biggest users of M12, I love the light weight of these.
I just changed jobs from fencing, to cabinets.
Sds, impact, impact wrench, right-angle impact, drill, lighting, heated gear, hackzall, portaband, and grease gun are all top notch.
Mini straight (dremel like) die grinder, omt are ok.. But limited.
Circular saw is way under powered.
Vacuum is just ok for inside the house.
All were fuel if available
I use only, 4 and 6ahr batteries.
Have never had 1 issue, or had to warranty anything.
Unlike the M18.
Very rarely did I need to get the M18 backup out, except for chipping with the sds, and driving 8inch Grk’s, and mixing concrete.
Pin nailer would be great.
Will be getting the stapler, and angle die grinder in the future.
Kurt
Track saw in M12 would be fantastic to break down sheet goods, especially if it fit the commonly available tracks that people might already have.
PAntonvich
I have the M12 Saw – it’s a little under powered and binds easily – I do like it but it’s got it’s limits….
Kurt
A good blade helps there. No argument it’s not for a cabinet shop, but it would be great for the kinds of things most of us do – break down a couple of sheets, do the occasional long trim, that sort of thing. Seems like a relatively simple matter for Milwaulkee to design a shoe the saw could clamp into. Or maybe this would be a winner for Kreg.
Steve
Hell, a track saw in m18 would be nice, but I shudder at the price.
PHILIP JOHN
Milwaukee seem to be more susceptible to moisture. The motor will stop and lights will flash. Also the motor will spin the wrong way. Or the brake does not come on.
Dewalt is pretty much the same when a bit of water gets on them .
M12 pretty good offerings in a huge line up.
The What?
Provide tool belt portability? I wasn’t aware that there were tool belts made that aren’t portable. And increasing productivity has nothing to do with what brand of tools are being used. Experience and knowledge of how to execute things properly are what increases productivity. This so called philosophy that you mentioned sounds like some bullshit that was made up cuz it makes no sense at all. The dots aren’t connecting on “tool belt portability” and any sort of philosophy. The bags and pockets on tool belts aren’t meant for cordless tools and batteries. Who the hell is going to put an m12 hackzall in a tool belt pocket? Exactly. Seems like this was fabricated out of boredom to have something to post.
Stuart
Increased productivity IS related to brand selection if that cordless power tool brand offers very many tool solutions that competitors do not.
And WHY does this particular tool brand offer more 12V-class cordless tools than other brands? Because their philosophies are well defined, with one major goal being to design tools for more productive completion of tasks typically achieved using manual tools.
Corey Moore
Are you really so dense and over eager to criticize that you’re sincerely saying that you don’t understand what the belt clips on power tools are, and how that function applies to small form factor tools in relation to a tool belt?
PHILIP JOHN
Most pros love to do their work In the least amount of steps or work.
David
As an electrician, I’m still waiting for a cordless (m12 or otherwise) emt cutter.
I tried using the m12 copper tubing cutter, but it just didn’t work.
David.
Corey Moore
S’called a portaband, brother lol m12 has the smallest one ?
jayne
I say some of there stuff is worst than harbor freight. I had a impact driver and a multifunction tool . Both failed after two years of light diy use never again milwuakee.
Brent
Why don’t you allow reader view on your website or desktop version requests from mobile?
Why is the option to comment below ALL the other comments?
Stuart
The site is responsive. There’s no “mobile” version, just a mobile rearrangement. We’re working on redesigning the mobile look and feel, but it’s impossible to get the “desktop” experience due to a lack of pixels.
That’s the way it usually works with comments on blogs, news sites, or forums. There are ways to create comment “pages,” but it’s clunky. 3rd party commenting systems might allow for more options, but I haven’t found a system that I like yet.
But, maybe I can add a shortcut so you can skip to the comment box. Update: Here’s a direct link to the comment box. I added this to the end of the post. Good idea, thank you!
MarylandUSA
In April 2019, I bought my first cordless power tools. It was an M18 hammer drill. I followed that M18 tool purchase with about 14 more, telling myself I didn’t want to mess with two systems. But here’s the thing: On my smaller M18 tools, I’ll never want to use a battery larger than 5AH. On my larger tools–notably, my Super Sawzall and outdoor power equipment–I’ll never want to use a battery smaller than a 6.0AH High Output.
But recently, I added two M12 tools that have no M18 counterparts: the inflator, and the flashlight. Since both would live in my car, I added a third M12: a Rover floodlight. Had I anticipated that I’d end up with M12 tools later on, I would have gone with M12 for my smaller hand tools, reserving M18 where power mattered more than size or weight.
I would advise newcomers like me not to treat “one system” as a religion. Pick two systems–M12 and M18, or M18 and Bosch 12V, or M12 and Makita 18V. You’ll probably be glad you did.
Chris Fyfe
The breadth of the M12 line is unequaled , everything from band saws to plumbing snakes to kick butt jobsite lighting !
Rudabaugh
Have you heard if they’re planning on updating the M12 Oscillating tool? I’d love to see a brushless (hopefully quieter) and toolless design.
Stuart
I have not heard anything about that. Yet?
Christopher Trafnik
I have 3 m12 tools
Hackzall,drill&impact driver. I only built some bookshelves I really like them. I do concrete and demo work. Had some hand tools by Milwaukee I a sold.