This Milwaukee M12 cordless screwdriver kit, with charger, 2 batteries, and kit bag, model 2401-22, is currently on sale at Home Depot and Acme tools for $69. This is $10 less than it was for the 2020 holiday shopping season.
$69 is a decent price for a cordless power tool kit that typically sells for $99.
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Should you buy it? Well… yes, if you’re looking to buy a cordless screwdriver.
So you have a drill? This tool’s going to be a little lighter and quicker to load with 1/4″ shank accessories. You already have an impact driver? This tool will give you more repeatable torque controls.
I find it’s a great complement to more powerful drills, and with a little more low-end torque control for use on smaller fasteners.
Buy Now via Home Depot
Buy Now via Acme Tools
But maybe a cordless screwdriver isn’t right for you. That’s up to you to decide.
Frankly, I’d say that if you’re leaning towards getting a cordless screwdriver, either wait to see if this Milwaukee kit drops in price for an online-only Black Friday promo, or budget a little more for the Dewalt brushless option.
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And if you’re undecided, maybe the following alternate options will help.
But I Really Want a 12V Cordless Drill Kit
This (excellent) M12 Fuel hammer drill kit is a special buy for $99 right now.
Buy Now via Home Depot
Buy Now via Acme Tools
Actually… I Want a 12V Impact Driver
This Milwaukee M12 Fuel impact driver kit is also a $99 special buy for the 2020 holiday shopping season.
I Want More Versatility!
Milwaukee’s M12 Fuel installation tool is part drill, part screwdriver, and part awkward spaces problem-solver.
You can buy the kit right now for $199, which is how much the bare tool typically sells for.
I really like the M12 modular drill/driver, but for a lot of tasks not in tricky situations, I prefer the Dewalt a little better.
Buy Now via Home Depot
Buy Now via Acme Tools
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I Don’t Like Red
Okay, how about this one?
This Bosch PS 21 is an older design, but it’s still a decent design and priced very nicely at $69.
And I Want it to Stand up By Itself
I highly recommend the Dewalt 12V Xtreme brushless screwdriver kit, although it’s not on sale at the moment.
Actually, I Want a Drill and an Impact Driver and I’m NOT GOING TO PAY A LOT FOR THIS MUFFLER Cordless Combo!
This Makita combo kit is $99 right now, and it comes with a 12V-class drill, impact driver, charger, 2 batteries, and a tool bag.
What About an 18V Drill?
Milwaukee’s M18 brushless drill kit is always a good holiday season promo at $99. This is the one I’d get on a $99 budget.
Jaycob P.
I bought one last year and its a pretty good driver. I’ve even used it to drill some smaller holes and it does a pretty good job. It’s way quicker to pull it out and load a bit than my Ryobi drill.
Jay Dee
I never see the FUEL version of the M12 screwdriver on sale (2402-20 / 2402-22)
Tom D
11% off at CPO today it seems.
Stuart
To be honest, I forget that model even exists.
Tim E.
I have the fuel screwdriver, and agree it’s an odd-man-out type product. It’s as bulky as the fuel drill, but with a hex chuck, so you aren’t saving on size. For screwdriving tasks you really don’t need the power it offers, by the time you are utilizing the power you’d probably be stepping up to an impact driver anyway (particularly with the surge drive out now). It’s heavy. The regular M12 screwdrivers have decent enough battery life anyway so brushless efficiencies never really played in. It is 2 speed as well, so overlaps into drill territory. I mostly think of it more as a drill with a hex chuck, which has limited uses because of the slop in a hex chuck, and as such it gets pulled out almost never. I think the only times I’ve used it recently are when I needed two drills or a drill and a driver but didn’t want to put up with the impact noise, and it was what was closest (the brushed M12 screwdriver is usually in the house).
I have the same problem with Makita’s CXT screwdriver, it’s too expensive, too big, and basically is a drill with a hex chuck. And the Bosch. Actually all of these two speed screwdrivers that cost the same as their drill counterparts. They’re just drills with a hex check, which adds minor convenience in certain situations, but rarely enough to justify the price to get them as a dedicated tool. Single speed screwdrivers geared for that lower torque and repeatable low torque – yes. But given it’s low torque, don’t spend the money on a brushless motor, unless it’s being used to provide miniscule size comparatively.
Big Richard
I agree, it is more of a drill with a permanent quick change 1/4″ hex collet. That said, I do use it a lot with the Shockwave quick change drill bits and even spade bits for small drilling jobs. There is a bit of wobble compared to standard drill’s 3 jaw chuck and standard drill bit, but that’s expected.
For a straight up screwdriver, I think DeWalt’s DCF601 is probably my favorite.
Lance
Agreed 100%. The M12 2401 driver is an amazing tool, no need to add considerable cost/weight by making it two speeds and brushless (Fuel version).
The Bosch PS20 was my favorite driver of all time and was my favorite part of their 12v lineup. It didn’t have much torque and wasn’t brushless, but it was narrow/compact, had perfect and responsive variable-speed trigger response (something SORELY lacking from most brushless tools), and the speed/torque it did have were perfectly suited for the task it was intended for; driving small fasteners.
This is a clear case of one step forward, two steps back. Power isn’t everything. Ergonomics, feedback and response are far more important. Tool testers often get this wrong and crown the more powerful tool the winner, doing a real disservice to everyone.
Paul
Makita cxt with centrotec https://imgur.com/gallery/3MULV0Y
King duck
It is definitely one of those tools that no longer really serves a purpose I have and still use the original model but today I would buy the surge or compact driver no question. I really wish the would update the M4 electric screwdriver but I’m seriously looking at the Dewalt electric screwdriver
Tom D
Oh sneaky not using the YouTube link!
The screwdriver is great if you’re doing a lot of fastening – think assembling metal shelves or similar.
If you’re driving screws into wood I reach for the Surge every time.
Stuart
The YouTube link auto plays an ad pre-roll l, completely ruining the effect. Using Vimeo , I set autoplay for desktops and it at least shows the thumbnail title screen on mobile. It won’t autoplay on iOS, but that’s still better than an ad.
Tom D
Putting a preroll ad on that is a violation of the Geneva convention or something.
fred
This is one of my favorite tools. I was introduced to it by our installers who said they really liked it. I bought mine 12 years ago.
When I’m working on a furniture or cabinet project with multiple fasteners – I’ll typically have at least 3 drills and 2 drivers set up – each with different bits. Sometimes I’ll be using Phillips/Robetrson/Torx drive screws. But if I’m working with brass hardware with slotted screws – this tool can be controlled to run up most of the screws – although sometimes I’ll do the final seating by hand.
Joellikestools
I agree. We do a lot of machine screws that require low torque at work and this tool excels. It bought it in a similar black friday deal in 2019 and it has become my most used power tool.
Aaron
I bought 2 when they were $59 but I sold them and haven’t been able to bring myself to repurchase at a higher price. a lot of my work this is perfect for but what I actually carry is my m12 fuel impact. Why do I want a less powerfull tool? Noise. in an occupied office or home having a tool that does the job without the racket would be pretty great!
fred
As I think I hinted at above – sometimes you want power – other times finesse is what’s needed.
MoogleMan3
Most definitely Fred. I use my screwdriver more often than my impact. If I can avoid the noise of an impact, even my beloved surge, I will.
Lyle
If you want it to stand up by itself, then you really want the poltergeist model.
If you want it to stay standing up when you put it down then the Dewalt 12v one pictured is awesome. 😀
Tom D
The 6ah bigfoot battery from
Milwaukee makes most of the m12 stand up. But kinda defeats the purpose of m12 to have such a large battery.
Stuart
And the 3Ah XC as well. But why add more weight to a 12V-class tool if you don’t need to?
I wear medium sized gloves and for some tools (drills, impacts, screwdrivers), I prefer the Dewalt grip over Bosch and Milwaukee 12V tools that have the battery in the handle.
Lyle
The older version of the Dewalt 12V screwdriver and this new one are my favorite and go to for nearly everything. The ergonomics are simply the best. Makita is right there as well. I’ve had and used the Bosch and Milwaukee 12V versions and their ergonomics aren’t nearly as good even with the flat battery packs that allow them to stand up.
Lyle
This was a joke and I’m a bit hurt that it didn’t garner a single comment. I guess I’ll have to try harder next time.
Stuart
I smiled. 😊
Sometimes it’s hard to discern humor intent from sarcasm.
Lyle
Ok you smiled. I feel better. Thanks for all you do.
Koko The Talking Ape
That M12 screwdriver looks sweet, but I’m sure I’d mistake my impact driver for it one day and ruin some fasteners, or some workpieces.
I’ve done that a few times with my hammer drill, but the hammer action isn’t so emphatic, and no damage was done.
Lyle
I regularly use my Dewalt impactor to drive screws and haven’t had any problems stripping out anything or damaging anything. Granted this isn’t for fine furniture work or anything. I did notice that my newest Dewalt impact driver has different modes now and the first most is a screw driving mode that detects slippage or something and reduces torque/power to help prevent damaging fasteners. I haven’t tried it for that purpose yet.
KLM
I have an older 18V dewalt drill (non-hammer) and a driver and the batteries are long in the tooth and before I re-up on 18V replacements I’m considering a platform change. As a woodworker and diy’er around the house, does it make sense to invest in getting the M12 versions of the hammer drill, surge driver, and the 4-in-1 Installation drill/driver or is there too much overlap?
Stuart
That might not be the most cost-effective combination of tools, but there are enough distinctions where all 3 would be beneficial and clear choices to use.
If you compromise and skip the Surge, you could opt for an 18V brushless drill and impact combo for $199 and the installation driver for $179 on sale.
Or maybe the installation driver + Surge bare tool or promo.
What do you need a hammer drill for vs. a non-hammer drill? If you don’t anticipate needing light masonry-drilling capabilities, there is no shortage of 18V drill kits – and the M12 Fuel hammer drill – for $99 right now, and even less.
The hammer drill is the most interchangeable if you’re willing to consider other brands and platforms.
KLM
Thank you for the thoughtful response. The paradox of choice is real!
The primary spots I’d use the hammer drill are all unfinished, mostly brick or cinderblock spaces (basement, shop, and garage). Hanging/mounting anything generally falls into that light masonry category, and my previous drill struggles with that. I have a cordless Makita track saw, so their 18V platform is an additional hammer drill option.
Punting on the hammer drill at this time and replacing my drill and driver with the M12 tools seems like a more cost-effective way of upgrading, reduce the number of battery platforms I have, and not limiting future options for adding a hammer drill.
Stuart
You’re welcome!
It’s tough knowing what to advise, partly because there are a lot of different approaches you can take, but also because there’s no telling what the best deals or discounts might look like.
Let’s say there’s a really good price on the M18 Surge kit. Yes, you would have another battery platform, but also the M18/M12 multi-voltage charger that can support your M12 tools as well.
There’s the “buy an M18 starter kit, get a free tool” promo, leading to $199 pricing on a Surge kit.
That and the installation driver kit might cover most of your drilling and driving needs, and you have the option for more M18 or M12 tools in the future.
The M12 Surge and battery for $149 deal is also very good and you’ll have the charger with the installation tool or the M12 Fuel hammer drill kit if you opt for that one.
Or you might decide to get a corded hammer drill or rotary hammer or compact rotary hammer for frequent masonry drilling tasks.
The M12 hammer drill, installation driver, and Surge gives you a lot in the M12 platform – 2 chargers, 4 batteries, and total cost of $99 + $179 + $149 = $427.
With this deal – https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/milwaukee-m12-cordless-power-tool-deals-early-black-friday-2020/%3C/a%3E , there are some combination deals, but nothing more aligned to your needs than the bare Surge with battery for $149.
There’s an M12 Surge kit for $199, or Surge and hammer drill combo for $299.
It’s not easy finding a good combination deal that might be able to help make the decision for you.
If you’re not set on the Surge, there’s also the Makita path since you already have the track saw.
$86.31 for the compact non-brushless hammer drill, eligible for $25 off $100+ right now: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AD1007I/?tag=toolguyd-20
The Milwaukee M12 3-tool trio still seems the most fitting, I just can’t help shake the feeling that there’s a better deal for you that I’m missing.
Scott F
I don’t have this screwdriver, but will liken it’s strength to the installation driver which I do have. Ergonomics and otherwise I can’t speak to, but I am tempted to buy this for it’s LACK of strength. My impact driver is the M18, and a couple weeks back I was pulling deck boards to fix up the structure underneath. I started with the M18 driver, and was snapping every screw instantly. Brought out the 12V 3/8″ drive impact gun (mechanic style driver often included with inflator) to try a bit less power, it worked on one screw and then back to snapping. So I brought out the installation driver, my least powerful driver of all – it pulled 99% of the remaining screws out without breakage.
I am tempted to buy this for that sorry of application – removing old rusty fasteners that you expect to snap from wood. But at the same time I can always just drag the installation driver out since it worked so well.
Or you all might know of the perfect tool/technique for this with any of the tools listed, but that’s my pitch for a low power driver, that assembly tool saved me a lot of frustration! I don’t do a lot of repeated screwing to have a specific need for the cordless screwdriver, but I do like having a dedicated 1/4″ bit tool to grab or give the woman for her needs.
The M18 driver is my go-to, with the 3/8″ impact behind it – long in the tooth but good for general purpose. I always leave the 1/4″ hex adapter in it that was included in the 3/8 socket set also included in the inflator bundle last year. For $69 I’ll ponder this one for a little bit…
Leo Bauer
I found a somewhat similar driver (the Skil 4v pistol grip driver) invaluable assembling a plastic, Rubbermaid-type shed. You could almost punch through the first layer with pressure, but a quick hit of the trigger seated it nicely. It was quicker than doing it by hand and it didn’t strip the material. A Surge impact driver complimented it nicely for the self-tapping metal screws and more stubborn plastic ones. It’s not an all the time tool for me, but I find it very handy for occasional uses. The Skil isn’t as powerful as the M12, and the battery is built in, but it’s $20 and has done very well for me. The shed application is sort of unusual, but the screwdriver was definitely worth it, even for just that job alone.
Joellikestools
The format of this article made me chuckle. 👏