Milwaukee Cordless Unboxing: M12 Drill/Drivers 

You would think this was on the Milwaukee Website. This is why I trust Matt Obsessed at its finest

Clicks video... sees a time of 1:04:39 and gets comfortable in chair

You should make a list of ‘must haves’ and ‘nice to have’ so we can cut through it all, thanks for doing this by the way! Really appreciate it!

This is so awesome. No one does stuff like this on RU-vid. Thank you Matt. Suggestion: Timestamp each tool for someone who is only interested in one or a few tools. Ordinarily an OG video is longer than the average and welcomed! If I was looking for a tool I would really appreciate a timestamp...even though I’m probably gonna watch the whole thing hahah.

As someone who has M18 tools, the idea of a M12 screwdriver is very appealing. The M18 impact and hammer are ridiculous overkill for a lot of simple household tasks, a low power, light screwdriver is appealing.

I don't know how I just watched an hour long video about ONE line of Milwaukee drills. But I have no complaints :)

The screwdrivers are fantastic for light duty work, electronics, kids toys, delicate jobs. I use my screwdriver over impact driver 3-1 for household use.

I have to defend the basic cordless screwdriver. For tons of basic household applications, it's a far better tool than an impact driver. Putting kids toys together, taking electrical face plates off, adjusting cabinet hinges... the list goes on and on. It's slower speed and lower torque is what you actually want for more precise tasks where a simple electric screwdriver is needed. It's absolutely worth the money, and it's one of my most commonly used tools.

1/2 chuck hammer drill, gen 2 impact, 1/2 stubby all you need and the best for money my opinion. good luck.

My understanding is that the hex DRIVERS are impact drivers primarily for driving screws. I don’t personally see the need for the screwdriver. The stubby impact WRENCH has a significantly higher amount of torque and I use it more for taking off lug nuts, suspension work etc. Stubby is awesome for getting into tight areas when you use short impact sockets. You can put the “square driver thingers” on the hex drivers but you won’t see nearly as much torque. Ideal setup is the fuel hammer drill, surge hex driver, 3/8” stubby impact wrench and an m18 1/2” impact wrench

The screwdriver is intended for electricians installing face plates and such. It’s also for heating and air conditioning mechanics opening up the cabinets on furnaces and ac condensers so you don’t strip the screws with an impact.

Matt don’t underestimate the m12 screwdriver. You DONT need a brushless version of that, it doesn’t exist. It’s literally to make driving screws easy in low power applications. After you strip 5,000 screws you’ll appreciate that and the installation driver much more. Just about everything else go fuel. ONLY buy brushless lights ;P

On the 1/4 drive impacts the fourth setting is for driving sheet metal screws. It will stop before it snaps of the screw head.

yes we were all screaming the words clutch and anvil at the screen

For the impact drivers. The 1/4” hex input is called a “collet”. I have the m18 3rd gen fuel impact and the m12 surge. I use the surge for 90% of my daily tasks. Such a sleeper impact driver, quiet when you want but can drive home 3 1/2” fasteners better than the m18 brushed impact

I can’t tell you how helpful this comparison is. It’s quite daunting going through Milwaukee’s line up of tools, so this segment is GOLD.

For all those wondering, “cp” compact and “xc” extended capacity for the batteries.

Just to note. The M12 Surge is a great tool, but it's 450 in-lbs (37.5 ft-lbs) of torque. The M12 3/8" Stubby Impact Wrench has 250 ft-lbs. The Stubby has over 5x more torque than the Surge. The Surge and any other Impact Driver will be used for screws, lags, or small bolt applications i.e. 10mm or less. With the Stubby Impact Wrench you would be able to take care of higher torque applications like lug nuts on a personal vehicle. Look forward to the next video. Love seeing the comparison between all of the tools. Yes everyone it's an Anvil, don't act like you have never forgot anything before. He could have edited out that bit or re-shot, but instead shows that he's human like all of us. Keep it up.

Def helpful as I am currently shopping for my ultimate Milwaukee setup!

I use my m12 3/8" stubby for all my suspension work, I rarely attach an extension on there so I went with the 3/8". For heavier jobs like axle nuts or crankshaft pulleys, I use my m18 high torque 1/2"

Digging this series Matt I absolutely love Milwaukee Tools. I used to be a DeWalt guy with a wall of yellow. But the marketing team at Milwaukee has just taken over with the amount of amazing options for the home garage.

This video is great. Seeing these on their website vs a video of them in your hand is a huge difference. Thanks man!

OG will quickly become one of Milwaukee's most valued retailers for sure!

All the stubbies are keepers. When your tearing a motor apart you don’t want to be swapping sockets left and right just grab another impact. It’s all about time in automotive. But personal preference is what it is. I appreciate you putting in the effort to do such long videos for us. Can’t wait to buy from the store.

It’s called the clutch. To adjust the torque setting to avoid over tightening.

The impacts that have the four molds on top. The mode you keep calling drill mode is actually a self tapping screw mode. It’s designed to drive the self tapping screw and then stop as soon as it starts impacting so you don’t stripped out screw.

Missing the point on the M12 Installation Drill Driver. It’s a tool that works great for cabinet making and install. It allows drilling and driving in tight quarters, where once you drove a screw in sideways, you’re now able to use the offset chuck to drive it in straight or drill a straight hole, etc... It competes with the Bosch Flex Click and Festool ....(whatever).

42:00 Impact wrenches are far superior for doing automotive work. You end up not having enough torque with the 3/8 to 1/4 drive and you then snap the adaptor. 1/2 Fuel Stubby is absolutely amazing best tool I own.

Also, keep in mind that the quick release chucks found on the impact guns can be used with quick release drill bits. Can be very useful for driving and drilling!

CLUTCH!!! For the love of God, man.... it's a freaking CLUTCH!!! 😁🥃👍🏻

Something that you missed was the M4 screwdriver. I have that and the M12 screwdriver. The M4 screwdriver is a tool that many people should have around the house. The issue is that very few people know it exists.

I’m in the m18 platform but I got the fuel hammer drill and surge combo. It’s straight🔥the surge is so quiet.

The M12 surge is rated at 450 in-lbs max torque which is 37.5Ft Lbs where as the Stubby impacts are rated at 1/4 100 Ft Lbs, 3/8 250 Ft lbs, 1/2 250 Ft Lbs. So the 1/4 stubby has 3 times more torque than the surge. Now the Gen 3 1/4 hex impact is rated at 1300 in lbs which is 108 ft lbs so this is on par with the 1/4 stubby impact driver. One thing that Matt does not mention when you use adapter then a socket it always adds more wiggle to the bit using a dedicated tool with only a socket on it reduces the wiggle and removes torque lost from extensions. This is awesome that Matt is reviewing all these tools since no one ever gets a chance to compare and contrast a whole tool lineup. Usually reviews are always the newest version versus the previous version.

Hammer drill, 1/4 surge, 3/8 stubby impact. That’s my setup everyday at work. The 1/4 impacts can do everything the screw driver can so no need for that. Also, the torque specs are inaccurate, especially on the surge (it can’t compete with the 3/8 fuel impact). I use the surge primarily for interior work when I’m in an enclosed space (under dash/interior work) as it doesn’t have the high pitched impact noise.

Matt, one more thing...the CP 2.0 batteries are nice, light weight and compact. For most tasks their sufficient, however for more intense applications the 6.0 amp will give you more power, torque and run time. If you haven’t tried it yet...runs 2.0 amp in your Fuel Drill Driver or Impact, then run the 6.0 amp. You’ll notice a significant difference in how the tool runs, e.g. more torque and power!

Oh and not sure if someone already mentioned, but the surge impact is 450 in/lbs not ft/lbs. You need both! Though lower torque spec over the traditional, the surge design is supposed to have better sustained torque over the traditional impact and last longer.

Matt thank you for doing this.

That installation driver is going to be a game changer for you. The main difference in the surge and the other impact is that the surge is quieter. It also has a little less power than the normal fuel m12 impact. It's best for indoor or closed area applications. It's still an awesome impact driver. I own the m18 version

I’m sure Matt will review these videos 3 months from now and will learn the words collet, clutch, ball bearings and will shake his head, bravo Matt for sharing your learning experience with your followers!

I went through learning Dewalt, Makita and Milwaukee and subscribed VCG Construction channel to learn what i know now about the differences between tools. That channel did a great job of sharing the finer details of how each tool was engineered, ill be curious to see now Matt differentiates himself. Either way, I’m a lifelong subscriber

The extendable electric ratchet, the M12 Brushless drill+driver, and the M18 BIG BOY 1400lb Impact are the tools I use every single day as a technician at BMW. They outlast my coworkers Snap-On tools and I still do have an air Impact for leaving on the ground and doing wheels etc.

The dial on the drill drivers and screw drivers with the numbers is a torque setting that will stall the tool when that torque is reached. not sure what scale the numbers actually refer to. the 4th setting on the m12 fuel impact driver and surge is a “self tapping” mode, used for driving self tapping screws into sheet metal, it will start the tool on a high speed, as the the self tapping portion of the screw is drilling. when the tool senses the screw is beginning to fasten, it will slow the speed automatically to avoid stripping the self tapping screw!

The 1/2 and 3/8 Stubbs are beloved by mechanics

3/8 stubby impact gun is the must have for sure!! I also have a 1/4 impact wrench, but the gun can do absolutely everything, esp with a swivel.

Just coming back to this video for a recap. I have the Surge and it can do everything the other tools do at a 90% level of that particular dedicated tool. Smooth and powerful for drilling and driving, and it’ll bust lug nuts with some effort. Just a great all rounder with the right hex bits.

thank u for doing this, so I don’t have to do . The M 12 line was the best business decision I’ve ever made , for the cost the flexibility the reliability and the overall weight a ounce I can feel like a pound at the end of the day . I just finished a all night engine replacement, my feet hurt but my hands done.

3/8 square drive impact is the tool for a full-time mechanic. If you're constantly taking off wheel nuts and other larger-sized bolts/nuts, the square drive is a better fitting than having to use a hex to square adaptor.

You should pick the best tool for the application. I dont need 300ft/lbs of torque on a 1/4" drive impact gun to screw in a 4mm bolt. Torque should *not* be the only measure of how good a tool is imo. Ease of use, battery life, practicability, portability, torque level adjustments etc should all be made priority over just looking at the torque specs.

Lol I laughed when you said if your rich & famous I would go with both but that's you bro rich & famous....

Yes you're right Matt. Brushless tools will last much longer and run a lot more efficiently. Great content again, keep it up guys.

the tension adjustment is called the clutch. So you would say it has 15 clutch settings or whatever the number of clutch settings is

Thanks for the super informative video Matt and OG team. Feel like a way more informed potential customer after watching this. Keep up the great work.

And so it's starts, the great journey, and many more to come.

The surge is quieter because it hits softer which in turn means less power. Always buy the non surge versions if your looking for power and if you want a quieter impact buy the surge versions

I'm glad I went for the 3/8" stubby impact wrench,if you have a bigger 1/2" high torque gun,the 3/8" for smaller areas is great

Can’t get over how cool it is the lifts can double as a bench 🤟

"my milwaukees blocking all my drawers" lmaooo flex of 2020?

Matt, we call the sku ending in 20...”Tool Only”. Because that’s all you get is the tool, sans the battery(ies), Charger and bag or box.

Honestly I use my installation drill/driver kit as a main for my heavy duty automotive a/c job. The offset and the 90 are my favorite; and the fact that they just snap on and off to swap them is great. That and the fuel stubby. That stubby is bad A..

You really should have had a Milwaukee rep with you going over the specs as you talked about the products.

Daily use the 1/4 screwdriver, and just like you said, you definitely need an extension. I use a hex 1/4 and a 6" extension. Perfect for small screws and delicate work. I might upgrade to either the stubby 1/4 or the fuel.

a drill without hammer function has less wobble "run out"

The half inch stubby is the best!!!!! 250 ft pounds. Fits in tight places for break jobs and suspension work and will remove most lug nuts. I love mine

Nice. I have regular drill driver and Impact. I didn't know what I was doing but so far they have been great. Will probably upgrade to the stubby and hammer drill. The others can be backup.

I TOO WAS SCREAMING AT THE SCREEN !!! "LOL" - love your "OCD" Bro !!!! Thanks for the great content!!!

From a mechanic point of view the anvil impacts are way easier to use from everyday use the quick connects are more practical but also that 1/4 inch quick connect isn’t as strong as that 3/8 or 1/2 anvil

As far as the screwdrivers go for me I prefer the 2401 over the fuel 2402, I like that the 2401 chuck pops the 1" driver tips out, and battery life just driving interior screws and such is very good on a 2.0, on drill mode it will do pretty much anything you can ask of ot, I've run 4" lags into pressure treated without predrilling just to test

You're going to love the PACKOUT product line. You had my subscription on your first Milwaukee video. I'm a big Milwaukee collector.

3/8 long ratchet, 3/8 stubby impact, and 1/2 high torque are the place to start, sub in the die grinder if you don’t work on trucks...

The stubby 3/8 or 1/2 will zip lugs off all day long on the small battery. I have the 1/2. Compact and great for travel or track days. The surge is not the same application, it’s a driver and not a wrench designed for removal torque.

I've never had luck with Milwaukee. Impacts never last more than 3 months when using it every day. My 5 Dewalt impact guns are 4 years old and i rotate them 5 days a week 8+ hr days but i guess if they are gonna sit on the shelf i do like the red look better

If you work, or primarily use the drill in an automotive setting, you would never need to use the hammer drill function. So, the little bit of money, as well as the lighter option would work in that situation.

Brushless also means longer runtime and increased power due to higher efficiency. The designers essentially build a dc to ac inverter into the brushless tools in order to eliminate brushes. After adding that electronic complexity the motor can effectively be a three phase ac design with permanent magnets, even though most call them dc brushless motors because the battery is dc. The downside of brushless is slightly lower reliability because of its power electronics, which a brushed version does not have. In most cases a brushed version never needs new brushes in the hands of anyone other than a tradesman who uses them constantly. So in many cost propositions, the lower cost of a brushed version wins the sales competition. Especially when you can get a two brushed tool set (drill & impact) with batteries and charger for less than $200. At that point the casual user may simply buy the tool only recip and or circular saws.

you will LOVE the stubby 3/8 its such a great tool

Reason you may not want the hammer is it kills the battery if you don't use it. I have both and use the hammer free version for my job

The surge doesn’t have the same torque as the 2554 stubby. Surge has a lot less peak torque but it’s sustained longer. So the work it does is similar to the 1/4in impact driver.

I use the 1/2 Stubby for suspension work all the time it’s a must.

I'm sure that you'll get to combos eventually, but the huge combo winner from these guys is the Fuel hammer drill and the Surge impact driver combo (2582-22) - It feels expensive for 2 smaller tools, but it's the perfect kit (two compact 2.0 batteries, which are perfect for this size tool). Please, PLEASE stock this kit! Sure, I can go order this from Home Depot (stores don't stock it, because presumably Home Depot is clinically insane), but I'd rather honor the source on this one.

Great job Mr. Obsessed! 👏 I started a mikwaukee addiction this last year -- like a needle to a vein my man!

in all honesty, why would you buy the m12 fuel surge 1/4" hex when you can slap a hex shockwave impact adapter #48-03-4405 on the m12 fuel 3/8" stubby and call it a day

The hammer drill mode at least on the m12 line is ok in a pinch, but if you really need to drill into concrete you will want to use a proper SDS hammer drill. So I would recommend the non hammer version if you can afford a dedicated SDS hammer drill.

You will love the combo drill/driver set and all of its attachments! The offset is very useful. I also have the 3/8 stubby and it is sweet. The M12 has a lot of value, I own several. I'm a tool junkie though. The drill drivers and the installation driver are meant for different applications versus the impacts. You use them when you need the benefits of a clutch. Nice video but a little hard to watch at the same time.

Get ready for the worlds longest ongoing unboxing ladies and gentleman. Stay obsessed.

I wish I had a video like this when I first started buying milwaukee tools 😄

Dang man you gotta use a Milwaukee knife to open those boxes, already screwing up 😅.

The Stubby's are the best... performance is amazing... I have the 3/8.

I have the 3/8" Stubby and I would say it's one of my most used tools when working on cars. I would say it's a need. Though I did just get the new 3/8" Right Angle Impact and that's pretty nice also. Can fit into more areas the Stubby can't and has pretty similar power. If I need more power I bring out my big M18 1/2" High Torque.

The stubby impacts are a must have, I have the 3/8 impact wrench and it an amazing tool. Good enough for everything, does wheel nuts and suspension. I just adapt it to 1/2in drive if needed.

Extensions and adapters cause torque loss, that’s why the have the different size anvils on the impacts

Some OG cases like that would look sick especially with that pick and pluck foam inside like a pelican case to create your own set up.

As far as the screwdriver being used as a drywall gun, I've never seen one used like that. They have a specific, dedicated/purpose built drywall screw gun that has a lot more features on it. Although I am obviously not on every job site on this planet, so there can be that one, off chance that a new guy only has that screw driver. But he'll be so slow, that he'll either not make enough money, or get the hint and buy an actual drywall screw gun. I know a lot of electricians that use those screw guns. They are light and easy to use, plus they don't sink the screw all the way through the plates, and crack them.

Noooo!!! I'm looking to move into a new platform. My suff is very old. Was thinking about Makita but gonna be watching this series closely.

41:36 Matt you didn't end up unboxing the fuel impact version.

Let's see how that surge and the regular fuel compare with 4 to 6" lag bolts.. Also, that's some crispy video on the B camera. Can't wait for the rest of this series, I will definitely be a buyer

An actual Auto Tech will use 1/4 stuff like crazy. 1/4 & 3/8 stubby along with the fuel ratchets will be their go to.

With my experience in racing and doing a lot of repetitive maintenance, using a 1/4” hex type impact with a 3/8” drive socket adapter, I have snapped 2 adaptors after continuous use. In a racing environment I would rather have the dedicated 3/8” drive impact than using a 1/4” hex type impact with a 3/8” socket adapter just for the reliability purposes. If I was a diy home owner then the lesser would be acceptable and more versatile. If you are only going to be using it with sockets, I would say go for the dedicated driver.

Every time he said you want this. I have this.

“Drag setting” is the “clutch” aka setting at what point the clutch engages to allow slip so you don’t thanos snap your workpiece

After watching you provide this for us, I would feel so guilty buying it from anywhere but you.

Forget the hammer function on any of these drivers. A purpose built hammer drill is the only way to go when drilling masonry.