Another honest and fair assessment video. For those who haven't used them, the sound level difference is NOT accurately represented in videos. I don't know why. But the Surges are WAY less noisy. I have broken a few drill taps and screw heads with the M12 Surge. It is, as described here, deceptively powerful. Once you understand that and use the right settings, it's a non issue. I have big hands and the M12 tools fit me very comfortably. I've never pinched my fingers, but can see if you are used to the Makita how that could be an issue. Feel is a subjective topic. If it's uncomfortable for you, there is no argument. It just isn't a good fit for you. It's like arguing over what food you like best. There is no wrong answer. I believe I've mentioned this many times here or on other videos, but I very rarely pull out the M18 drivers. Even with the compact batteries, the M12 drivers do almost all I need them to. I own all of these tools. The one I reach for first is the M12 Surge. Lots of power, smooth, and quiet. It's one of my favorites. Keep up the great content.
Recording software levels out volume to an extent, it makes quiet things louder and loud things quieter. Frequency also messes with loudness perception, some sounds just sound louder to us. I know my surge doesn’t seem quieter than my 2nd gen in my hand even though it is, just because it sounds different.
Your comments in regards to ergonomics are spot on. I thought I was crazy because my finger kept bumping into the forward and reverse switch while putting up a fence and I thought it was only me. I don’t understand why people don’t talk about this more.
i absolutely love my M12 surge! 😍 best part is i’ve done exactly what you did- M12 surge and M18 gen 3 ID for when i need real power 👌🏼 i was doing roofing and guttering last year and the guy i worked for tried my surge and 2 days later he bought one, then helped out on a job doing commercial furniture and the coordinator saw mine and had a try- he now owns one haha. thanks for the great video comparison 👍🏼
I use the M12 Surge daily and like it, I had the M12 Fuel before it and sold it to a co-worker. It's hard to hear the decibel difference between the two styles on camer but it is substantial. The Fuel is noticeably more powerful though. I made the same choice as you by having the M18 Fuel and M12 Surge.
I have the m18 fuel impact and the m12 surge. The surge is better for most smaller fasteners. Lags and 4” screws need the m18 but honestly I don’t deal much with those and the m12 surge can get it done it just takes longer
I use milwaukee m12 surge, probably my most faforite driver. Technically it has ton of issues like overheating, excessive vibration, extremely fast battery depletion. Ergonomically I find it quite good, especially when working in gloves. But most importantly it really saves my ears while containing enough power to cover almost all of my fastening demands(btw found it great to change blades on saws and other likewise situations). Most my tools are Makita and Milwaukee can't beat them in ergonomics, but I wish makita had compact 12v hydraulic impact, It would be like "shut up and take my money!" I know that makita's Hydraulic is not that big either, but after using their most compact driver(df032d) It is hard to go back to those bulky tools(yep after that little beast even Makita's impacts are bulky)
Great video. I understand the need for power with people. On the other hand, what good is all this power if it makes you not want to use it after a few hours of discomfort? Some people get too caught up in name brands and stats.
Great video! You have definitely earned this sub. Thank you. I'm struggling between Makita and Milwaukee and I hope you'll help with this choice. All the best, from Texas.
I'd like to see a short on B&S of the M12 Surge doing lug nuts. My M12 Fuel smokes them but I want to change it out for the Surge so I can use it indoors more. The Fuel alone was a huge upgrade over my Gen5x Ridgid, so much faster driving, and the old Gen5 couldn't do 75lb/ft lugs.
Problem with that is, it’s the wrong tool for busting lug nuts, it was never designed for that. That’s like using an impact wrench for drywall And I own the M12 surge. It’s fantastic
I have the M18 Surge. The slight loss in power is so worth what you gain in decrease in sound. The videos sound doesn’t do justice. It’s a substantial reduction
I have both M18s. I work on boats and end up using a drill inside confined spaces quite a bit, and I would definitely agree that the Surge driver makes a big difference inside enclosed spaces. In general, when using these 2 impacts, there isn't enough difference in the speed to where the Surge feels slower. Yeah, you can see that the Fuel is faster when you watch them drive screws back to back, but in practical use, it isn't enough to notice. I do think it's kind of interesting though, if I'm using the standard fuel driver and switch to the surge, it seems a little quieter, but not a huge difference. However, if I've been using the surge driver and switch to the standard, the standard fuel seems not only really loud, but also super harsh in the way it sounds and feels. All of that probably just comes down to something about the way we perceive sound though.
@11:27 - wholeheartedly agree with you Mate! No doubt the M18 Gen 3 Impact is the beast it is, but the damn triggers and sharp edged plastic molding! Horrible! And I do happen to own and Love my M18 Surge! Milwaukee needs to revamp those triggers, and do some QC on their moulding processes, and they will be hard to beat. Like I said, love love my M18 Surge, and my Metabo Triple, but always come ‘round to my Makitas! Cheers Mate! 👍👍👍👍👍👍😁✌🏻🇳🇿🇺🇸
Hello Tools! 1st youtube comment of my life... First of all a big thank you for all your videos. Any chance you will be able to do a comparison (not just impact drivers) between your main 4 colours and that you usually discuss and the newer Bosch BiTurbo + 8/12Ah ProCore battery system? Would be very interesting to know how they compare to the 40v max/flexvolt/multivolt etc.
Well I'm glad you popped your comment cherry on my channel, as for the Bosch stuff... it's a possibility... but don't hold your breath. I would love to add a few more brands to the mix, but financially it would be to crippling at the moment. When I get more subs and more views then who knows! I was looking at the Bosch stuff a few days ago and nearly bought some, but this is an expensive hobby, and something has to give. So spread the word and get me some more subs and views and hopefully I will be able to add Bosch to the mix. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Darn, I got an m12 impact driver a few months back, I got the non-surge because i thought the surge was less powerful, I was willing to spend the extra money too, darn, o well, I am still incredibly happy with it and my m12 stubby impact wrench!
"Its a pretty hard to beat tool. When it comes to power." Yeah thats the issue with the M18 Gen3 (the non-surge one). Its only the best in power, but it lags behind in reliability as someone who uses one and has coworkers using them. I actually use the M12 Gen2 (non-surge) on a daily basis over the M18 Gen3. Quick tip to make your M12 tools more comfortable, hold them up as HIGH as possible, using your index finger as a guide (put it right where the LED light is at, though it does block the light unfortunately), and use your middle finger as the trigger finger. Its not perfect but I enjoy it for everyday use. Altogether as someone who uses Milwaukee Impacts on a daily basis at work, I will say I prefer Makita Impacts if you have the choice. However I need the small size and low weight of the 12 volt stuff, so the 12 volt stuff stays with me.
Good honest video. Absolutely right about the large grip on the Milwaukee. Most of my tools are m12 and recently i changed the hammer drill to Dewalt 12v xtreme. Day and night difference in ergonomics. Power is not everything, it has to feel good in your hand and not cause fatigue. In the process of returning the m12 fuel driver and getting the Dewalt 12v xtreme. The only tool i am keeping from m12 is m12 stubby. Occasion use but that thing is a beast.
Actually I've seen other test where the Hydraulic impact Surge faired better is when not driving screws into wood but rather nuts & bolts where it's impactor showed better results with the Longer impact cycle. they then used a torque wrench to show which tightened the nuts & bolts better & it was the Surge. Wood use the standard but for machine screws & nuts use the surge.
I just got the m18 hammer drill and impact fuel combo kit. The damn m18 fuel impact is such a beast of a little impact. Did some testing earlier and I feel the m18 impact has more balls then my m12 stubby which I'll need to look at the specs on them both.
I like how the surge "hits" good for not stripping stuff like Phillips screws. Won't wear out your arm putting in 1000 sheet metal screws all day either.
@@MrJruta it feels very cheaply made, especially the trigger and switches. But I’ve been spoilt with nicely made gear over the last 20 plus years so it’s all relative I suppose.
@@noskills9577 thanks for the response. Yes I’ve heard not-so-great things about their triggers and collet issues. Luckily I haven’t experienced them and hopefully won’t lol
Would have like to see a few different size fasteners, have seen plenty of videos where different drivers outperform others on different sized lags and screws, only using one size doesnt really give a full picture of the differences.
Hard to beat indeed. I'm a superintendent, I do some of every single trade and though I've got both m18 and m12 I find myself almost always reaching for the m12. How often does everyone else have to push their tools to the absolute limit? If I have to build walls or something substantial i reach for the m18. But I can hang the m12 from my pocket without issue. M18 isn't near as comfortable. The bigger handle of the m12 just feels better. And when I need to go back and say, hang a door in a office in use they appreciate the m12 surge. It's not a whole crazy lot quiter but it does make a difference. The trigger hasn't bothered me yet. I digress, great tools nonetheless.
I have alot of hearing loss in my left ear that's why I always wear ear plugs but the surge makes a difference. I had one job in my life where I put in in hundreds of screws in a day thousands a week, I'm considering both lines but I'll only buy a M12 skill saw and hackzall since most companies don't supply them and the skill saw has better ergonomics.
@HerrenGamingNews ya the m12 circ saw is great for finish carpentry. Super straight controlled cuts but if your trying to cut doors or ripping 2X6's it def lack power and stalls easily. Like I said though, trim, base, cabinetry end caps whatever. The m12 is great.
Have you had the issue of the 18v FID randomly changing from forward to reverse in the middle of chucking in a load of bolts or screws, sending whatever you're trying to work on flying? Ours do it all the time. They also break once a month and have to go in for repair.
I know you don't want to spend your money but could you please get a new High Output 6 or 8 Ah battery for Milwaukee. You get a much better performance gain and if were putting these tools up against other 40v tools then I think it would be good to give Milwaukee a fighting change without it being as big with the 12Ah battery.
TIM from Canada. Why is it that they put the quick release on these impact.drills when test show the quick release does not work.. The quick release has a fill in it and it will.. go out overtime when you were doing your jobs and it will release the bits from the drill there is a big problem with the Milwaukee the older versions have tested and shown that the quick release does not work but yet they still put quick release on all of the impacts out today.... they need to fix this and not put quick release on them packs anymore but they will not do this because they want people to keep buying their tools and when the tools go crappy people have to go to the store can either return them or buy a new one they know this
They're not quick release, but they're one hand insert. The bit slides in and clicks. To release, you lift up on the chuck, and pull the bit out, or just shake it and the bit will fall out. Quick release is when there's an eject button, or lifting the chuck will eject the bit. Either way, they work fine
Sometime use my mate's m12. It is good impact driver. Power enough and weight is good. I used to own gen 2 m18 for few year then change line to Makita. Just dislike the weight distribution for M18. Milwaukee accessories are very wide, this part they did the excellent job.
Dead star dtd171 (xdt16) is the top model in most of the world at the moment. I have done a shit ton of videos on makita impacts if you are interested.
@@deadstar962 can't remember 8 piece for 10. But with additional 2 x 5ah battery on top of that. $1999 is a very good deal. I am still using them until today being so many years without any drama. I used to have Bosch blue and Milwaukee, some of skin was faulty that reason I swap to makita.
I had the M12 Surge and within a month, it has lost practically all torque. It’ll keep RPM, but has next to no torque. I can’t even drive an inch screw into a 2x4. It’s essentially a giant paper weight now. Meanwhile my M18, non-fuel impact from 2014 - runs circles around it.
Doesn't seem much quieter in this video but the surge is way way quieter you don't have to wear hearing protection while the standard impact will give you tinnitus , especially if you work on roof sheet steel
Before watching I will say the m18 has more power due to 18v but m12 are power for their size but I love the m12 I owe tools for the compact size and weight way more efficient for my jobs
I don’t think you want to disassemble a surge. Nothing to see until you’ve ruined it. That hydro drive is sealed tighter than my sister. I’ve had mine two years and beat the hell out of it. If I get it hot I notice she falls off a lil. But me too.
The m18 impact is too strong for small screws. It spins it all the way in and will pop out of a Phillips head screw if you’re not bearing down on it. Its pretty much a drill at that point. I got the m18 surge and its much easier for smaller screws since it impacts the whole way in.
@@erickempf2505 of course. I carry nothing but torx with the exception of drywall screws. Drywall screws are particularly bad with the m18 impact because they’re short and ph2. I”m guessing you’ve never set foot into a remodel either. Yea let me just avoid all ph2 screws because I don’t like them... ph2 is everywhere and it seems as though you’ve never seen one before because you think it’s avoidable.
I would not buy the new line of fuel power tools .. worst option for recharge batteries.. after charging., and clipping back on power tool there is an on /off power button on batteries .. since when did we need it. Inconvenient especially when doing sheetrock over head. Oops forgot to turn on my already charged battery. Onsite accident bound to happen
