With much excitement and anticipation, we tested Milwaukee’s new M12 Fuel brushless impact driver (2453-22). It features a 1/4″ hex quick release bit holder, 2 speed settings, a new grip design, and phenomenal torque specs.
Okay, so it looks good and has great on-paper specs, but how well does it work? The short answer is that it’s absolutely amazing.
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Related: Milwaukee M12 Fuel Brushless Preview, Specs Update
Comfort and Ergonomics
All of Milwaukee’s new M12 Fuel drills and drivers, with the exception of their new brushless rotary hammer, feature the same hourglass-style grip design. This might not seem like much, but it makes the grip much more comfortable, at least in my opinion. For reference, I usually wear medium-sized/9-inch gloves.
Quite frankly, Milwaukee engineers got it perfect. The new pistol grip design feels great to me, and seems like it would be equally comfortable for users with smaller or larger hands.
I previously considered Dewalt’s 12V Max drill/driver handles to be the most comfortable, but Milwaukee’s design now has my favor.
It’s hard to tell exactly why and how the impact driver is so comfortable to hold and use, but it feels to be a combination of superb front-to-back balance, overall weight, top-to-bottom center of gravity, and handle shape. The design is well thought out and expertly executed.
The textured soft rubberized overmold provides a secure grip for bare or gloved hands.
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Speed Control
The impact driver has a 2-mode electronic speed control, not unlike the 3-mode settings found in their M18 Fuel impact driver. Mode 1 is the lower speed and torque setting, for higher precision work, and Mode 2 is the higher speed and full torque setting, for higher performance.
Mode 1: 0-1200 RPM, 0-2700 IPM, 175 in-lbs max torque
Mode 2: 0-2650 RPM, 0-3550 IPM, 1200 in-lbs max torque
In practice I found this to be quite handy, as Mode 1 helps prevent damage to smaller fasteners. This setting’s shorter speed range also allows for more finessed speed control.
The maximum torque is rated at 1200 in-lbs, and while this approaches the ~1400 in-lb rating of many compact 18V/20V Max impact drivers, it’s not high enough to warrant a third speed or torque setting.
The switch only works when your finger is off the trigger, and a white LED illuminates the mode numbers so you know which setting it’s on.
Electronic drive control is a great feature I’d like to see implemented on all new cordless impact drivers.
Torque, Power, and Speed of Application
A lot of people, myself included, look at torque specs sometimes to compare tools and to see which one is better than the other.
1200 in-lbs of maximum torque is both great on paper and great in practice. But such a high torque ceiling isn’t always needed to drive the fasteners most users will reach for this impact for. Even so, there are times when the extra power might come in handy, such as when an application calls for a heavier-duty 18V-class tool but you want to just get the job done right then and there and move on.
If you’re looking for a 12V-class impact driver with the best torque rating, this is it. If you’re looking for the best impact driver in terms of ergonomics and features, this is it. I tend to value features, comfort, speed, and quality over on-paper specs, which is why I discussed some of these things earlier in the review.
Quick Release Chuck
This impact’s 1/4″ hex chuck doesn’t disappoint either. Impact-rated power groove screwdriver bits are inserted without users having to unlock or otherwise touch the chuck, and they lock in securely. The large knurled spring-returned quick release knob pulls out when you want to remove the bit.
I can remove bits with one hand on the handle and one hand on the chuck, but some users might prefer to hold the top of the driver to toggle the quick release with one hand and pull out the bit with the other.
Impact-rated 2-inch power bits are very easy to find these days, and if you prefer 1-inch bits there are plenty of adapters available. The bits you use must have power bit grooves, as shown here, in order for the driver’s chuck to lock onto them.
Trigger, Control Switch, Fuel Gauge, LED Worklight, Belt Clip
This might sound strange, but I find the trigger switch to be finely sculpted. I’m not even sure what that is supposed to mean, but sculpted is the first word that came to mind.
No part of a product design is by chance, and it’s evident that Milwaukee engineers thought about how they can make the trigger even more comfortable than on previous M12 drills and drivers.
The control switch clicks to the left for forward driving, to the right for reverse, and it snaps to the center when you want it to.
A fuel gauge is built into the left side of the tool, with four LEDs reporting the charge level of the battery. I find this to be absolutely essential on premium tools. 3 LEDs would have been okay, 4 are better.
The driver also has a delayed-off white LED worklight that works reasonably well without much shadowing.
It also comes with a pre-installed well-placed, compact, and unobtrusive belt clip that you can remove or move to the other side of the tool.
RedLithium 2.0
The kit comes with two M12 2.0Ah RedLithium lithium-ion batteries that provide up to 33% more runtime than Milwaukee’s 1.5Ah M12 batteries. A full charge takes 45 minutes, but they last for so long that during testing I never found myself waiting at the charger.
Kit Box
Many users like kit boxes, some don’t. Personally, I like to have the option.
The kit comes with a sturdy plastic case that has a comfortable handle and sturdy metal latches. What I also like is that the boxes have labels that tell you exactly what’s inside.
Conclusion
For such a compact tool, the M12 Fuel impact sure packs a powerful punch. I tested it with 2-1/2″ and 3″ screws (mainly Spax), 1/4″ lags into structural wood studs, and 3/8″ lags into structural foam (pre-drilled/molded holes), without any difficulty.
What I liked most, aside from the fantastic ergonomics, was the ability to dial down the speed and torque. Impact drivers don’t have adjustable clutches like cordless drills, but an electronic speed range selector is the next best thing.
I very highly recommend this impact driver, and even feel that it could be the best 12V-class compact 1/4″ hex impact driver currently on the market.
Pros:
- great ergonomics and comfort
- the brushless motor delivers an abundance of power
- great runtime, especially when paired with 2.0Ah batteries
- 2-mode speed control is a very useful feature
- rubber bumpers protect delicate work surfaces
- built-in fuel gauge
- durable-feeling construction
Cons:
- none so far
Buy Now(Kit via Home Depot)
Buy Now(Bare Tool via Home Depot)
MSRP is about $169 for the kit, which comes with 2x batteries, a charger, and carrying case, and $119 for the bare tool.
Specifications
- 2-mode Drive Control (high precision/top performance )
- Maximum torque: 1,200 in-lbs
- Speed: 0-2,650 RPM
- Impact speed: 0-3,550 IPM
- 1/4″ hex chuck with one-handed bit insertion
- Length: 6″
- Weight: 2.2 lbs with 2.0Ah battery
- Kit (2453-22) and bare tool (2453-20) are available
More Info (via Milwaukee)
Thank you to Milwaukee for providing the review sample unconditionally. Review samples are typically given away, donated, or retained for benchmark and comparison purposes.
Michael Quinlan
Nice review… I’ve been waiting with baited breath for it. In the meantime I picked up my own set of M12 Fuel kits, including the impact driver, screwdriver and hammerdrill. While I haven’t had time to put them to the test yet, I’m disappointed with a few things. First – the grip is still mite bulky than I would like (glove size: large), but I think they did the best that could be expected while remaining with the torpedo style battery. Second – the chuck doesn’t work with 1″ insert bits directly (unlike DeWalt’s 12V Max model, or even the M12 Fuel screwdriver). Third (and already known) – the electronic drive control has only two settings. There’s a big enough gap (in my opinion) for a middle setting, somewhere between the 1200 rpm / 175 in-lbs and the 2650 rpm / 1200 in-lbs.
On the bright side, I love that the torpedo style battery let’s it fit in my Veto bag much better than my DeWalt, and the fuel gauge is absolutely appreciated.
One thing I find strange though is that the tool is actually slightly longer than my M18 Fuel impact driver.
Thanks again… I look forward to more on the M12 Fuel line.
Stuart
Ergonomics is definitely a very subjective and personal opinion. What’s comfortable for some might not be comfortable for others.
As you said it’s the “torpedo style battery” that is responsible for the bulk of the bottom part of the handle, an effect not seen on Dewalt’s slide-pack-battery 12V tools.
My feelings about 1″ vs. 2″ bits keeps yo-yoing. On one hand, I like to be able to use 1″ bits with cordless screwdrivers. On the other hand, I mainly use 2″ bits with impact drivers, even the few that I can use 1″ bits with.
With one of Dewalt’s impact drivers, I believe their 20V, 1″ bits fit, but with the bit holder kind of awkward and not fully closed.
Technically you can fit 1″ bits in the Fuel’s bit holder, but it’s not recommended and they don’t lock in.
I don’t know why there are only 2 speed ranges, but I’m sure Milwaukee’s design team has good reasons. One potential explanation is that the electronic speed control works via voltage regulation, in which case there might not be much room for intermediate settings because of technical limitations or cost considerations. Or maybe they just decided 2 speed range settings would be enough for most users.
I am finishing up testing of the screwdriver (which I also find to be excellent), and the impact wrench will take a bit more time after that. After those two reviews are up and published I’ll see if I can get my hands on the new M12 Fuel drills.
Javier
I dont mind and actually like m12 tool (non fuel) grips and I have small hands. More comfy for me much like dumbells, thicker handles are definitely more comfortable well atleast for me. I havent gotten my hands on any m12 fuel tools but the biggest difference I see that would make them more comfortable is the slimmer profile at the top of the grip which makes room for the web between ones thumb and pointing finger.
I cant wait for your review on the m12 fuel hammer drill.
Mitch (route246)
I’m all-in with Makita 18V and Bosch 12V and partially with Milwaukee M12. It was purely because of Amazon and their various too-good-to-pass-up “deals” that this came to be and also because of slickdeals.net. I just bought to Gold Box deal a few days ago in order to get the Makita 18V impact and the radio. I have plenty of batteries and two chargers already so I’ll have a third charger. I got the M12 stuff because HD had a closeout that included the Hackzall and a spare extra capacity battery. To me, these are all pretty much the same. I use the Makita when I need more power and capacity and use the Bosch when I’m doing normal stuff that it can handle. I would have preferred to go 18V Dewalt or 18V Bosch but that’s the way it goes. No other way to explain it. I’m happy with all three brand-voltage combinations but I’m not about to add another one.
I think if I see a “deal” on a combo including this brushless impact I would probably consider it in a heartbeat.
Mitch (route246)
Oh yeah, I have the Bosch 12V equivalent of the Hackzall and I also have the 12V drill with chuck (not 1/4″ hex) and the Bosch inspection camera thing in 12V. Like I said, this is a lock-in for now until the batteries start dying off.
Javier
Seems like you only buy whats on sale. When you need your next tool and are waiting for that deal of a lifetime, instead skip the wait and buy from ebay. Theres plenty of top rated sellers selling new baretools for dirt cheap. Im talking about buy it now prices without having to bid or haggle. Even kits can be had for a deal but are harder to come across at substantial savings.
Just a thought. Dont let deals dictate what you will buy next.
Napolean
Just bought one. Home Depot is now offering the kit online with a Free 2.0 Ah Red Lithium-Ion Battery. Just type “Free 2.0 Ah Red Lithium-Ion Battery” into the search box and the same kit should pop up but with an extra battery.
Michael Quinlan
Son of a… Why would they have a promotion like this on new products that many have been drooling over just waiting for them to be available?
Michael Quinlan
Thanks for the heads up. I just got off the phone with Home Depot, and they can’t just provide the batteries (didn’t think they could). So I re-ordered all the kits, and will return the new kits (minus the free batteries) with under the old order.
Jason
Right now Home Depot’s web store has the 12v Fuel tools on sale they are giving you a free battery with they kit it’s either a compact or high capacity depending on the kit
Michael Quinlan
Stuart – maybe you could change the “buy” link for the kit to the model that includes the free battery? http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M12-FUEL-12-Volt-Brushless-1-4-in-Hex-Impact-Driver-Kit-with-Free-2-0-Ah-Red-Lithium-Ion-Battery-2453-22-48-11-2420/204235340#.UXIsWIrNzPI
Or since that product won’t be available long term, maybe a link to a Home Depot search page that shows both side-by-side? http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/catalog/servlet/Search?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&keyword=2453-22&Ns=None&Ntpr=1&Ntpc=1&selectedCatgry=Search+All
Stuart
Thanks for the headsup! I added the product and search links to the end of the post. It looks like the promo bundle for this particular kit is sold out already, but there’s a chance it will come back.
There’s no indication when the promo ends, but the promo bundles are online-only with free shipping or “free ship to store” options.
Promo Impact Driver Bundle
All M12 Fuel Promo Kits
All M12 Promo Kits
Gary
cpomilwaukee.com has ame deal going.
Stuart
Update: the promo kit is back in stock at Home Depot. You get the full kit plus a free extra 2.0Ah battery for $169.
Napolean
Cpomilwaukee has the same kit with free battery but for 20 dollars less.
Nathan
I’m really liking this impact driver, but the one thing that I already wish it had was some kind of on-tool bit storage (for example see this one on the brushless Bosch tools). I noticed that there’s a potential mount for something like this using the threaded belt clip hole (on the opposite side from where you have it attached if you use it). Has anyone jury-rigged anything like that? It would require a small bit rack of metal (or that could be reinforced with metal) and some way to mount it. Any thoughts/suggestions? This is just in the conceptual stages for me: I don’t even know what size bolt that takes, yet.
Rusty shackelford
I bought the m12 two years ago it was amazing at first then the drill started malfunctioning, I’d pull the trigger and nothing would happen so I called Milwaukee service and the said to replace the trigger, which was not as easy as Other triggers I’ve replaced. Long story short it still had the same problem, I also had an m18 impact that had the same problem, I think it’s a design flaw but the drill is so great I’m still thinking about getting a new one
Luke Dunne
I have a similar problem after just 3 days of use with the m12 fuel brushless 1/2 impact wrench.
I pull the trigger and nothing happens unless I take out and put back in the battery then it works fine until it’s idle for 2 mins then it’s fails to work again, very frustrating as I’ve had it less then a week..
Stuart
Since you just bought it, can you return it for an exchange?
If it’s of any consolation, I haven’t heard many complaints about these tools having defective triggers.
siacri
my m12 fuel drill/driver suddenly has an issue with the reverse function 2 months after the warranty is up.. it spins slow with the trigger about a quarter in and will gradually speed up as i press it further but at full trigger and under load it stops.. with an immediate full trigger press it works in half second bursts.. does anyone know if its pointless to take it apart? can i live with it? at home maybe but not at work.. ive had this beast for a year and 2 months without issue and it has outperformed most 18v guns and the 4ah battery outlasts everybody in the shop.. any ideas?
Ritch
im having an identical issue with both my M12fuel and my 12v Bosch… all i can think is on seperate occasions they were set down outside for about half an hour in a light rain (something ive done with pretty much all my cordless tools in the past without issue) But i cant be sure if that had anything to do with this. It started out (with both tools) reverse would only work with a half trigger pull but now three months after it began i can only reverse by repetative trigger bursts of about one second each.. I tried spraying contact cleaner into the trigger and that did nothing.. i will be taking them both apart to see what i can do.. it has to be a switch issue unless its that dreaded computer chip that is the weak point of all brushless motors (so im told..but never told what or why or how it serves to be such)…im going to find out though..