12V Milwaukee More Powerful Than 18V? Head 2 Head Torture Test! 

I’ve ran m18 fuels for a few years and they’ve out performed anything else I’ve used! Finally broke down and just bought a 12v fuel set which is why I am watching this. This video is a perfect example of using the right tool for the job. 18v is good for install, 12v is more convenient for service and repair! Just my opinion as an electrician who’s worked in residential, commercial and industrial settings.

I brought the M12 Impact into the shop and it was laughed at Now: Everyone in the shop has the M12 Impact and nobody's laughing

Total 2021 wood budget for this video: $7,000.00

Simple fact that the M12 is doing what the M18 is makes it the winner

I found that with the 18v. The cheaper bits do not hold up. I drill into a lot of masonry to mount anchors. I have found that when I first got it, I was destroying the tips off the bits. It has so much more torque and speed. The bits where glowing red hot and broke the masonry bit ears right off. Great drill and impact set. I am so glad they have improved to this point. The first tools were so under powered. The most popular tool was the Makita drill. They were hard to kill. We had to carry a Milwaukee corded hammer drill to back it up for the tough drilling. We did beat them pretty hard also. I have always like the corded drills. Now it seems they have worked out the bugs over the years. They are a great set. Would recommend to anyone on the fence. Since we use ours every day for work. I actually use both a hammer drill and a standard drill on some projects together. This helps to keep from changing bits and cuts down on time. They have become more job specific with the battery setup. Keeps down on the weight for handling the tool all day. I keep some of the 1.5ah batteries for that. Which is nice for the flashlight also. I have found it helpful to have a variety of batteries. I currently carry 1.5, 3 and 5 ah batteries. I have two of each with two chargers. I have not run out of charged batteries on a project yet and help so keep them charging quickly. The tools are well worth the money.

18 volt Milwaukee is like a 7-11 being open 24 hours. I don't need a slurpee at 2am. I just need the option to have a slurpee at 2am.

These 12v drills are perfect for carrying under a house as a plumber to hang straps for drain lines etc. Super convenient and lightweight when having to drive screws laying on your back or stomach

I'm not a milwaukee guy but I really enjoy u trying out all these things, I appreciate your time and effort❤

I have the m12 and the spade bit, I figured it was going to super struggle. Then when you got to the forstner bit Ive had 18volt drills that couldn't handle that in 1st gear.

I'm so glad someone knows the difference between a lag bolt and a lag screw great review man

This is painful to watch when the guy doesn't know to manually tighten and lock the chuck. Having said that, I own a large amount of M12 tools and Makita 18V. There is a HUGE difference in power once you start going over any bits that are half inch.

The fact that he has a whole workshop filled with wood, nails, screws, wood, and a whole lot of various tools makes this video so much funnier. Imagine how many years he has been screaming at his keyless chucks for dropping bits 😂😂 without discovering the ratcheting function of a keyless chuck

My M12 Fuel are My Favorites as Well! but got the M18 Fuel for a just in case situation! this is one of my favorite videos on the entire RU-vid Platform! Love this video!

While I won’t argue that 18v is more powerful, I’m an electrician and I use m12 impact and drill at work every single day. Serves my needs just fine. About the only thing I really need an 18v drill for is hole saws. I run the surge impact though because it’s a lot easier on the ears. It crazy how much quieter the hammer is on it.

Perfect vid for Father’s Day! Thanks

I have several examples of both the M18 and M12, the main difference is power, if I have a simple task I'll use the M12 because of the weight, but when power is required, I'll used the M18... an example was putting long screws into 2x4 stock, the M12 could start the task, but didn't have enough power to force the boards tight, when I switched to the M18, not only did the gap disappear, the screw was counter sunk into the wood.

Thanks, helpful comparison

I have M12 tools, I got them for the smaller size and ease of handling. If I needed the added power of the M18, I use a plug in tool. I have the impact driver, hammer drill, reciprocating saw, multi tool, 3/8 ratchet and 3/8 impact wrench. They have been great tools, very ergonomic and reliable.

using drill bits on an impact driver is AMAAAAZING!! Especially on the paddle bits.

Perfect timing! Getting ready to snag some of these.

I'll always choose m12 for the impact. The m12 drill is also good, but for certain tasks I'd rather have the m18 drill.

Great video but when you tighten down Milwaukee chucks don’t hold it and spin the drill to tighten it, that’s why your bits kept falling out if you spin the chuck by hand with the drill off there is a ratcheting system that gets the chuck super tight. On a side note the m12 is great for light duty but for large paddle bits and hole saws the m18 is the top dog

Thank you, good test!

The 2 bigger bits were wrist twisters 😳😂, fun video Adam, can’t wait to see the upcoming projects 😉😉 keep them coming 👍🏻, have a great weekend 🙋🏼‍♂️

I have both these sets, like yourself I started with the 12v Fuels and absolutely love them. For most of what I do they are more then powerful enough, however there was a few times where I was pushing them to and yes beyond there limits. So like yourself I upgraded to the 18volt set along with an 18v sawzall. Now I don't think there is a job I do that these tools can't handle.

How come you never lock the chuck until it clicks? Think you might find that's why the bits keep spinning and falling out!

I'm a cable guy, so I'm driving screws to hold up wires, occasionally drilling into concrete for small anchors, etc. I've been carrying around an M18 on my belt but it's getting a bit heavy...I think I'll do the M12! It's incredibly powerful for being so much smaller.

Great reviews video, Thank you

Great video man! Anecdotally at least The CP batteries provide the best performance to size ratio and have 21700 cells in them which allows more power to be pulled from the battery at a given tim si always go CP3 if possible, aside from the high output 6.0, 8.0 & 12.0 HO batts. In general it’s alwayss safer to go with CP and high output batteries

Thanks for the video!

love this review! been looking for a comparison in the milkyway 12/18 range for a while.. ive watched lots of reviews but where im domestic sparks im thinking to go m18 combi for hole drilling metal/wood and go m12 impact but also have m18 hammer/chisel drill

I love how with the 1 inch paddle 12v he’s canted the whole time and it’s still digging that only makes willwakee look better

YESSSSS!!!! Been waiting for someone to doing this!!!! 😞 but 4 months to late. I already bought the m12.

You are my new favourite RU-vidr 😂 I have so much to learn and your videos are really helpful

I bought an M18 screwdriver in 2017, and I find it very strong; later a screwdriver, M18, but without impact, the second one is too big and too strong, so I think about buying the M12.M18 is cool, for holes in wood, metal, but for what I do, M12 or any additional accessories is enough on 1/4 inch. cool episode 👍👍 PS. smaller is often weaker ...

I love my M12 tools and will buy more !!! I never need to drill inch hole in 4X4 lol... and for lag screws I always pre-dill !!!! You can split wood without pre-drilling. And I use my m12 Stubby anyway.

Who doesn't love running powertools? Great video!

I have the 18v set it's an impressive beast, to much of a beast for some jobs so just bought the 12v set for lighter/smaller jobs, arriving Thursday, I don't get excited about much but..... I GOT A NEW DRILL COMEING!!! 😃😃😃 ❤ MILWAUKEE From South Wales pembs!

I drill holes with a Milwaukee drill and hole hawg all the time at work yet still watched this entire video.

Interesting comparison. That 12 volt sucker pretty dam impressive compared to the 18v. Ah of the battery also helps if working on large projects. To me, the 12vs come into thier own on smaller limited space projects. Whereas the higher torque of the 18v whilst good on bigger stuff, can sometimes be too bulky into tight spaces. Another point to add. It does seem, if you worked a 12v like an 18v it may wear out quicker, and long term an 18v may last longer being ever so slightly under-worked compared to the 12v. Couple years ago had to build some wooden scaffolding to fix an elevated frozen sash window. Using a DeWalt 12v with 2ah battery constantly screwing 3" screws approx about 20/30 of them. Battery lasted 20 minutes. The top/end of the drill got so hot couldn't hold it even with gloves lol. Dugga Dugga! Team America; f.... Yeah

I do a lot of cabinetry and fine carpentry and for those applications the M12 set has been amazing, I'm even able to get winter rusted lug nuts off the car with the impact gun. Obviously if you're in a more heavy duty type of trade then the M18 set would make more sense, both great tools though!

I run a set of m18 fuel drivers/drills. The impact driver is awesome. The drill is very powerful but clunky and I've never liked the chuck. I this the m12's are good for about 80% of what I do, and I'm looking to add a set for myself. Very tempting package.

Hey man; great video but the m12 was on self tapper mode for a few tests.. if you has it on 3 would of been a different story

Just got my gen 3 m12 and it’s impressive

I have been wondering if the m12 impact would be good for cabinet installs. Driving 3" interior install screws. I currently use DeWalt atomic drill and driver

6.2 lbs vs 3 lbs... I have both. I use the m12 drill and driver to mount boxes on to concrete block. Those stay on my tool belts but sometimes I need to drill a large 2 inch hole into concrete block. I would not carry around the m18 with 5ah battery on my tool belt. Use the correct size tool for the job.

Drilling through a 4 x 4 at today’s wood prices is just flonting your money. Show off. 👍

I have the m12 fuel impact gun, impact driver and combi drill and they do exactly what I need

What I'm buying the M12 for is for tight areas and the m18 for my daily driver. I worked in a shop that made AC units for data centers I always looked down upon m12 but now I see the value! Looking back there's been times where I'd rather sacrifice power for compact multiple times a day for the longest time all I valued was power.

With the impact ive found drastic difference even driving decl screws using a 2ah vs a 4ah. On the drill not soo much. The m12 fuels are what I grab now and I love em.. im not in the trades etc but they just feel less bulky than my Ridgid/Kobalt 18v counterparts

Hi guys! If you're interested I've got Amazon links to these tools in the description. Thanks for watching!

Hey Adam Great video👍 I am sure glad you used your tools for the test. 🤣 cool music choices too have a great weekend ☀️😁👍

I’m just amazed at how well the M12 compares to almost any 18 or 20 volt tool, especially with the 6 amp battery. By the way, the 6 amp battery provides more power in most cases.

I don't have the 12v Fuel but the non-fuel drill has a torque limiting feature that protects the motor/battery. It turns the drill off and you have to release the trigger to reset. It can be a huge pain in the *** at times!

I'm no expert, but from my personal experience I can say that the xc batteries (at least on the m12) have more power. You can definitely hear the rpm difference between the two different batteries. My scientific take on this is that because the larger xc batteries have more cells in them, they can distribute the load more evenly between the individual cells, which causes less strain/draw and more rpm due to the amperage draw being more equally distributed. Once again, I have no idea, but it sounds good to me...lol

I just bought an M 18 fuel combo kit with a hammer drill and a surge impact along with two batteries a 12 V and 18 V charger and a hard case offer like $220 or so.

I love how nobody on RU-vid knows how to lock a chuck I feel like it’s top-secret at this point

The lack of tightening and locking your bits in the chuck was a bit frustrating…and you can add the handle to save your wrist a little

Be sure to hand tighten the chucks please to prevent injury and bits flying out.

I don’t think I realized your name was Adam and I’ve been watching for a couple months now. I don’t know why I’m commenting about it, but it seemed….noteworthy.

very good thanks

Why would you set the power drill to drill function when you're driving in screws? Should it not be in screw /driver mode?

For daily user, M18 is your choice. Being a non-daily user, I have a full set of M12 torque rachet, drill driver, impact gun for DIY mechanics. M12 Hammer drill will be my choice on top my M12 batteries and charger. Thanks for you guidance, always glove and safety glass.

Lost the paddle bit on the first pass… impressive Milwaukee!!!

TL;DR: More Ah doesn't directly mean more power, but a smaller battery could limit your tool's ability to pull power from the battery. The capacity of a battery doesn't change the power the battery can deliver. HOWEVER, for power tools, a bigger battery usually means more "rows" of batteries. A row consists of a couple of cells that are put in series. This increases the voltage from roughly 3V per cell, to a total of 12V or 18V. Now to add more capacity, you need more cells, but you can't put them in series, since that would increase the voltage, so they put the next row parallel with the previous one. When cells are hooked up parallel, they increase the amperage, which in turn can make your tool more powerful (or really, a smaller battery can make your tool less powerful, the max power is always determined by the tool, not the battery).

Hey Adam, Do you know the trick to tighten your chuck then back it off until it clicks to lock the chuck? May be helpful for these types of tests in the future. I love your channel. I spend my time watching usually with a huge smile. Keep it up.

Finally a comparison video! Looks like m18 is a beast

I was gonna get upset that the bits were never put in the chucks right but he's missing 20% of his hand because of a chainsaw lol you get a pass

Ive tried the m18 fuel set from a coworker and it felt exactly the same as my normal m18.

Who doesn't like a clean hole 😌 Awesome video 😁

Lock your chuck the correct way and you will stop losing your bits…tighten all the way, then loosen the chuck 1 ‘click’…you will save your chuck in the long run

Man, I've never used the M18 stuff but I LOVE my M12 tools... I'm an accessories fitter at a dealership for 4x4's so I'm working with brand new bolts/screws, the M12 stuff has PLENTY of grunt to deal with the thread locked, factory tightened bolts. Awesome stuff, I've not once thought, hmm I need more powerful tools. ( I use the M12 multi tool, die grinder, 3/8 Stubby, and 1/4 impact driver... and a couple different heated M12 jackets/vests..)

M12s look surprisingly good

I love my Kobalt 24volt impact, and drill

I got both those sets. Use them daily

I like the M12's because they are less expensive and smaller and lighter. I can load up my tool box and my tool belt with m12 drills and impact and the batteries are much smaller and i have a bunch of them. M18 is great and sure more power ...but if I really need power then a plug in tool is the way to go for me.

This is why I love my makita 18V...😁

Do this test again but use the 6.0 HO on the M18 and the 6.0 XC on the M12

Tip for ya, do the chuck up tight then gently turn the chuck back and you feel it lock. Stops the bit sliping ❤️

I love my 1/2” 18v impact. You remind me of the actor John C Reilly

Got to have both

Amazing and lovely power tool... I have Milwaukee M12 FPD-0 (Asia version), the power is almost similar to Dewalt DCD7781... It's really small red devil👌🏼🤩

Great video👍👍🌹🌹

I like the m12 3.0 compact batteries just like 2AH but more power! But the 6AH is awesome

Anyone else notice the 12v 1/2 paddle test involved the 12v going straight into a knot in the 4x4 about 2/3s the way through and slowing... DEFINITELY not a professional test. That snark said, I really do like to see these little guy Vs Big Guy showdowns.

I learned today that the M12 needs to be on speed 1 for larger bits.

Be careful and always take care of your own safety, even that is still the cordless type (DC), not the home electric type (AC). Because I've experienced finger injuries from a 7 inch Makita circular saw with full power, luckily because the reflex pulled my hand and it didn't break, but it was quite a deep wound on the finger. OMG..

12 volt driver / drills are great up to about a # 6 wood screw and then there just isn't enough torque to handle the larger diameter screws . Fortunately i convinced my wife that i needed both a twelve volt and an 18 . She actually didn't buy my argument but when i started to shake from new tool withdrawals she took pity on me and let me buy both .

Whenever my dad gets mad enough at a project he just gets out the corded drill from the 80's. That thing can drive a 3" forstner through hardwood. As long as you can hold on😁.

lol, another comment in the archives. Looking around for M12 stuff; figures you have a video for it. My sons (10 and 7), are finally into woodworking, but an 18V Ryobi with a 4ah battery weighs about as much as they do. Time for compact/subcompact. Took the plunge and got an M12 kit (with bonus battery).

I have burnt up 3 of the fuel 18v drills 2 of the brushless 18v impacts and 2 m12 drills but still have the same m12 fuel impact well built.also for some reason Milwaukee can’t keep a bit.

I have a bunch of M12 tools. And then the M18 came along and made them look, amateur. Both good sets of tools but just buy into both and be done with it. M12 for light duty. M18 for heavier-than-light duty.

I have the M18 Impact driver and the M18 Mid torque wrench along with a few other M18 things but I think the impact driver is my favorite tool ever. The M18 (non Fuel) one handed hacksaw is probably my 2nd most useful power tool. Pair it with some Diablo blades and I haven't found anything I can't cut with it and it gets into some tight spaces.

TL;DR most modern power tools - bigger battery more power ! most modern power tools do get more power with higher capacity batteries, lithium cells have a Discharge Rate usually specified in C, say the cell is 1.5Ah and discharge rate of 1C, you can pull 1.5Ah x 1C=1.5A from the cell, say its 20C, you can pull 1.5Ah x 20C = 30A from the cell, then you add more cells in parallel (increasing the battery capacity) say instead of 1 row you put 3 in parallel it triples the current you can pull from the battery, meaning you can pull 60A (with previous example) and this counts. tools an batteries have electronics in them monitoring the currents and voltage to protect the tool and the battery, so if the m12 shuts off when it binds its because the 2Ah battery told it to cut the power because it cant provide more current, the 6Ah battery would of had 3 times the limit of the 2Ah, of course you need to take into consideration the amount of current the tools motor can handle, that why the tool and the battery constantly "talking to each other", this is why its very important to match a tool with a battery to get the most out of it, there is a video on youtube of a guy using the m18 12Ah battery on the m18 driver or impact and its just shuts off when he pulls the trigger because the tool is overwhelmed with the amount of current is gets (also an engineering fault) also bigger batteries are better for battery performance and overheating, when you are really pushing the tool - with bigger battery the battery can push more amps and run cooler.

If you roll the chuck back after being tightend, in each drill it will lock all bits into place

Just a word of advise Chuck the bit it turn it all the way to the left till you hear the small clicks. Then barley rotate it back to the right one click and it locks the bit in

Oh yeah, start off with the Robertson square drive head. The ultimate in screw driving technology! None of that “stupid star bit” shenanigans.

RU-vid! Why doesn’t this video have a million views already????

Good lord my wrists and arms hurt from watching you with those hole saws and paddle bits! Fun video! :)

You need to tighten the chuck by hand pretty much til you can't anymore