Milwaukee Fuel vs Milwaukee Brushless 

As someone who has held a job repairing power tools, one of the biggest killers of a drill is improper use. Anytime you are drilling a large hole, 3/4 and up, you should be using speed 1. Speed 2 is really for drilling thru metal. It will cause failure in the gearbox if you are using speed 2 to drill big holes. Nowadays, with the electronics, the tool stops when it's over torqued. Back in the day, the gears would crack and snap. It doesn't matter if..."well the Fuel can do it on speed 2"... It's still improper use!

I only have the Brushless Impact and it has never let me down.

I have the brushless combo. I use them at home for DIY type stuff and repairing fences etc. Since I enjoy doing that kind of stuff, I don’t care how long it takes. If it was for work, that would be different. I bought Milwaukee for its quality. I didn’t know what the difference was between the versions until I saw this video. That’s amazing.

Thanks !!! honestly didnt expect that much of a difference, good to know that I have the best drill & impact for the truly demanding jobs.

I'm so glad this was here. I saw the promo impact at home depot yesterday. I'm not too proud to admit I thought the onlyt difference between Milwaukee tools was fuel meant brushless and anything else was brushed.... That kit spun my gears and now I know.

Thank god I found this video, I was so close to buying the regular BL drill and impactor set. But now I’m 100% buying the fuel !

Honestly was not expecting that much of a difference. Glad I took time to watch your video.

Ok only 9 minutes in and I already see what I needed to see. The fuel is far superior. Why do I have to be poor I really need that fuel set driver and impact. Thanks for doing these you really help people out. It lets us know what tools will do what we need or not before wasting money on them.

Thanks for this. I have both the brushless and fuel versions of the drill and same with the impacts though the brushless impact I have is the variable speed version. The fuel drill is definitely more powerful, but I do prefer the form factor of the brushless a bit more. It's just more comfortable to hold and use. The impacts I prefer the fuel version though.

Didn’t know there was such a big difference between the two. Thanks for another great video!

I know I’m late to the party on this but I can confirm the trouble the brushless drill driver has when boring holes I use it daily to cut holes in metal traffic signal poles and it works better in speed one. Now as for the impact I use it to drive lags into wood poles and it works but it’s an impact driver not a impact wrench so I normally use my 2454 3/8 impact wrench for those. These are good tools but the fuel are obviously build better. Thanks for the video.

something to keep in mind, the brushless non fuel tools dont utilize the upwards pf 30% more power output on the HO batteries, the chip in the fuel tools recognizes the 21700 cells and uses that extra juice for output, the brushless versions only have a longer run time but not a power increase

I have the gen 3 fuel impact driver and hammer drill. I also own the M18 brushless non fuel set. To be honest they both work great. I found a sale on the brushless non fuel and bought for batteries.

You just summed my next purchase.. nice job great video. You the man!!!

Love how you always rep my boys vcg, thanks for the vid man!

The 8ah high output actually has weaker cells than the 6ah version. Not that either drill can really take advantage of the extra juice from the 6.0 vs the 8.0 anyway though.

This video is the reason I went to fuel tools. Very glad I did.

I like how you always support other tool guys out there

Just joined the Milwaukee owning family and already bought a fuel Angle Grinder and a brushless impact driver. Since then I have found a double fuel deal on impact driver and Gen3 Combi Drill. I’ve used these tools for a while at work so already familiar with their quality. Been a Snap-On cordless man from early days, however I have to migrate as I find them lacking in power and technology in comparison to Milwaukee. Will always be using my Snap-On tools though 😅

Thanks bro! That's exactly what I was looking for; you dissipated all my doubts.

I always knew the Fuel was more powerful but not that much more. Nice video!

Ok Dave, we know you in love ♥️♥️♥️ with the drill fuel set . It's weird the relationship you have with those tools , i am shocked !!!😂😱😂👍🇫🇷

Although I knew that the fuel would outclass the brushless, you definitely proved it. I don't think that the difference in battery amperage was necessary. Would've liked an even comparison because I'd wanna see just how much the better the fuel in an even test.

Just what I asked for last video thank you very much.

Aaand... time! Thank you for this comparison. Im stuck in the Dewalt Microverse because of batteries but you make me want to defect, Comrade. Heh

Thank you . I just ordered my set.

Despite my smart ass comment, this was a helpful video. I’ve used the Brushless combo non fuel duo for a year. This was a year of drywalling two houses and other daily uses as a tradesmen. Next pay, I’m gonna buy myself the latest Fuel impact (tool only) to add to my arsenal. I’m not gonna get the Fuel Hammer drill, but I am gonna add a Fuel Grinder to my Milwaukee collection. I have a mix of Milwaukee Brushless and a Brushed sawzall and M12 Hackzall and I have the Brushless non fuel circular saw. I’ve been around home building and remodeling all my life, but started doing it full time as a career last year. I could start my own company, but I enjoy working for a couple investors that flip and turn homes into rentals. I’m happy with a fair daily rate. Here’s a tip I’ve been doing to keep my tools clean. They get dirty and scuffed up, but nothings worse IMO than a grimy tool. I mix a little hot water with Gojo and oxy powder and after blowing them off with the compressor, I get a rag and dip into my solution and wring out thoroughly, then wipe the exterior down. I’ll then use the shop vac to get anything left behind. Tools are an investment and I’m a minimalist, so I take good care of everything I own. Again, great video!

Love watching all your videos man.

I own both impacts, i prefer the regular brushless because the fuel doesn't seem to work well with the 5.0 packs, it makes the trigger stop working

I spent the extra for the fuel and was wondering if I wasted my money. Appreciate the video!

I think Torque Test Channel (TTC) did a comparison test of all the Milwaukee M18 batteries and they found the 6.0 HO battery outperformed the 8.0 HO. This might play a bigger factor on tools that are more "Direct Drive" like a drill vs an impact driver.

Thank you for saying that about Amp hour I get people that try to argue with me constantly. “Well they both put out 18 V so how is it different”. the best way I can put it is under no strain or resistance they will test they same but once variables like resistance is Introduced the smaller Ah will not sustain power like the higher amp hour will.It’s not that the higher amp hour puts out more than 18v it’s that it can sustain its output under load or stress.

Great video and something I’ve been wanting to see for awhile now. I have the compact brushless set and it serves me well but man , I want the fuel impact with that kind of performance. Have a great Sunday MCT!

Fuel line is darn impressive. I got a battery adaptor just so I can get into Milwaukee stuff without havi g to totally switch platforms.

I just bought the fuel brushless Drill/Driver combo with 2 5ah batteries, I also bout 2 4ah batteries and the packout box. I'm looking forward to using these I drive hundreds sometimes thousands of screws in a day and my Dewalt brushless wasn't cutting it anymore even with 5ah batteries. mostly because it's been so heavily used in 8 months but millwaukee is better from whst I've experienced.

Got a fuel brushless m18 hammer drill AND m 18 surge impact. Love them. I do still need a good job where I can actually put them to the rest

I think a home tool this brushless kit is actually good. A daily worker needs fuel though.

I own both of those fuel tools and they are hands down by far the best tools I have ever owned. The impact driver can easily take lug nuts off of a half ton truck if the adapter doesn't break and I have yet to find anything the drill driver struggles with. If you want power then these are the tools you need. They make my Dewalt tools feel like toys.

This video makes me want to get the Fuel, despite it is totally overbuilt for my needs haha

thanks for the video! how do the non-fuel compare to the XR line of Delwalts? (I am confident the fuel version beats them...but not sure about the brushless M18 non-fuel)

Way to go brushless! Riding with the big boys!

I own both of these tools and quite frankly I prefer the regular brushless impact over the fuel 9 out of 10 times. The fuel on the third setting has a lot of power but when driving screws it is quick to cam out and strip screws. You have to really put a lot of pressure down on the tool. I love the brushless pack it is faster than heaters and dewalts but does not cam out as fast as the fuel

Brushless 2902 Milwaukee Drill Driver vs. Fuel? The Fuel outperformed the 2801 series BL handily, but the compact size of the 2801 (only 2.45lbs) makes it pretty attractive as a day to day drill. What are your thoughts on the 2902 BL, with 50% more torque but only slightly less heavy than the Fuel. Is the Fuel still the hands down winner?

I have the Milwaukee M12s fuel and they are small and kick ass too, well made

Well done Dave. Merry Xmas!

Your bias towards the fuel is too obvious towards the FUEL. you handle the brushless very differently. Less serious. No fair comparison

I got the M18 Brushless Combo Kit that had the Brushless Hammer Drill/Driver version (2802-20), and both the impact driver and hammer drill/driver hasn't disappointed me at all. It was the first ever Milwaukee products I bought, and they've been my moneymakers for nearly 2 years. Hasn't let me down so far. Down the road, I'll upgrade to the Fuel versions, but until then, they're my go-to on my installs. Great video as always!

Killed this review. Damn

That settles it then..I have both brushless models, but will definitely be making the upgrade to fuel..I suppose I wait for Gen 4 to be available in my area

Look at you supporting the VCG crew

I have the little M12 Fuel with the tri light LED. Power is about the same as the M18 Brushless (non fuel) despite it's miniature size. Considering an M18 Fuel drill and impact driver as well.

Which Milwaukee tool is best then? The fuel or the brushless to buy?

That fuel is an undoubteldy awesome tool but I find my BL too powerful in my day to day use doing studwork and boarding, I can only think how many more screws I'd send straight through timber out the other side with the fuel

How you like that ryobi air blower? Need something to blow out dust in my backhoe , looks strong and perfect! Bought a stupid "power" duster that is pretty weak for what I need. Don't have any ryobi, but it would just stay in my backhoe and use it once a week. Recommend?

I do declare. Glad I upgraded to the fuel!!! I have the variable speed Fuel grinder waiting for me 2888-20. I'm wondering if I should upgrade to the 6 in, 2880/1-20 any insight? I thought the variable speed would save on battery juice. Just for random jobs they'll be for.

M18 brushless are good for remodeling and cabinet work, Fuel impact and drill perfect for everything remodeling and construction

The brushless impact is a beast..

Honest and great tool reviews. Just curious, do manufacturers send you tools? I have known of manufacturers not sending tools to channels 4x your size in subscribers

You took your sweet time drilling the 2x4 with the brushless I feel like I could drill those holes faster than that.

TIM from Canada don’t start now by giving me the feedback did not work the first time I love the show.

Nice video Dave

@mancavertools hey what is that little blower thing that you use?

great video bro.

I own a LOT of tools, I am a Milwaukee fan for a reason, I always grab a Milwaukee over my other brands if possible

Checks out. Milwaukee Fuel are epic tools. Non-Fuel are average at best. Only worth buying if you already have Fuel tools and want one specific tool for a job that doesn't have to be heavy grade. Mechanic probably doesn't need a Fuel drill, etc. Milwaukee non-Fuel don't make a lot of sense otherwise, there are better mid-range tool lines out there usually for less money. Rigid, Ryobi, Kobalt etc. Kobalt for example, yeah they are made to a lower price point than Milwaukee Fuel. But each tool is aiming to be the best possible for that money, some of those Kobalt tools are really very good. Meanwhile non-Fuel are clearly intended to be a step below Fuel and that shows in performance.

@mancavertools great video. Very entertaining.

For a contractor, fuel is better, for handyman or homeowner probably the brushless compact is a better fit, I have the compact brushless and it works for me

This I wanted to see I love both but fuel is awesome

Would be really interesting to see the m12 fuel compared to that m18 brushless

It would be interesting to see how the m12 fuel stacks up against the m18 brushless.

I like your channel better than vcg construction when it comes to tool tests

Just bought the fuel impact driver and combi along with a 3ah ho and 8ah ho.

It is true, that model of Milwakee the impact screwdriver there is nothing to give it with, here in Argentina the tool with two batteries and a charger are uss 900, crazy, like the hilti, all very expensive. the video is very good

Nice video bro. Have you made a comparison between this brushless (not fuel) combo and the cheap DeWalt xr combo (DCD796 and DCF887 w/ 2ah bats)?

The 6.0 battery actually has higher output than the 8.0 because the lower capacity cells in the 6.0 have higher output than the cells used in the 8.0

I Wonder if you could compare 2 impact drivers with 1/4 & 1/2 and about Same torgue using BIG bolts, beacause i have a feeling that even with less power on paper 1/2 would still win.

Boss how can i use my pact driver to drill what adoptor i need ?

I wonder how an M12 fuel impact would compare to a M18 brushless impact.

They are the older one I have just the brushless ones to mine are different looking the drill is 2902.20 and drill driver is 2850.20

I’d like to know what the difference is between the two models components/motor/gearing etc.

I’m glad I watched this... I actually think my gen 1 brushed will give that a run for its money... not in size or weight... but power, it keeps up with my fuel pretty well... dropped my fuel into water the other day... almost got a “brushless” non fuel one...

Hello, Is the brushless Drill and impact charger is 60 hertz or 50 hertz ?

Does the fuel collet need adjustment as well or are you just pushing in the bit? I am considering buy one of the impacts pretty soon.

Would you choose fuel combo kit/system over any other systems? Several of their tools just seem to be tops overall. There yard tools look pretty competitive, as far as I know? Wish they did legit top handle chainsaw!

I'm wondering if the results would be different with non high-output batteries. I dont think the standard brushless stuff can take advantage of the high output can it?

Can you please do the fuel M18 impact vs the fuel surge impact? I'd love to see the difference and nobody does that

Saw the new Milwaukee preview for the NEW impact wrenches...it looks like the future “Gen 4 impact” might have the tri-lights???

Can you do a review on the Ryobi table saw?

The 6.0HO has a higher peak watt output over the 8.0ho. Compare samsung 30t v 40t cells. This is a massive advantage for the Fuel drill.

..what worries me, though, is the additional electronics in these tools...like appliances, I worry that an otherwise good tool will be rendered useless(possibly prematurely) by an electronic board going bad..and of course, said board being either unavailable, or so expensive that repairing the tool is not economically feasible... :(

When I look at Home Depot is says they are booth brushless but the fuel is stronger and the other one they call the surge

TIM from Canada and to your question from another show.. you say you read all the questions.. give feedback on this.. I would have to call you out on this one... I have put in some half decent questions on the station. Never have gotten any feedback from people on this channel or from the host.Thats u DAVE Man cave tools

Fuel over brushless all day baby!!!! Thanks for all the vids my dawg! You’re the man!!

Insane...the -22 now has a hammer 🔨 definitely worth the extra hundred for thr fuel

Can you compare m12 fuel to milwaukee brushless (non-fuel)?

Today were going to fond out the ttt ttttt lol

3:10 damn I should used this one over my mid torque wrench with the drill having 1200 lbs of torque. I'm sold. Though I'd be scared of broken fingers, wrists, arms, and backs (maybe). I know it should be in inch pounds. but it sure looks like LBS.

Those milwaukee fuel are a beast

What is the blower you blew the dust off with?

Man the fuel is a beast