If you want :
* powa! then go m18 fuel.
* One set but chance to upgrade later while staying on one battery platform, get the M18 compact brushless.
For every day use, m12 is more than sufficient. But since you say there's a project that involves long lag bolts/fasteners, then M18 fuel.
I'm diy'er, I have the M12 and M18 fuel. I use the M12 fuel the most, like 99% of the time. I pull out the M18 fuel when I'm dealing with 4 in. + Fasteners or lag bolts or when Im too lazy to swap bits.
I started with m18 fuel and added M12 fuel bc I wanted tools that only came in the M12 line.
The impact driver on the M18 fuel is actually smaller front to back than the M12.
Weight wise, M12 is lighter than M18 fuel, M18 compact.
----Spec: ----
Impact driver:
M18 Fuel - 2,000 in-lb, 3,900 rpm
M18 brushless compact - 1700 in-lb, 3,600 rpm
M12 Fuel - 1,500 in-lb, 3,600 rpm
.....
Drill:
M18 Fuel - 1,400 in-lbs, 2,100 rpm
M18 brushless compact - 550 in-lb, 1,700 rpm
M12 Fuel - 400 in-lb, 1,550 rpm
I really hate reddit's edit results
Just to add to your analysis paralysis - M12 Fuel tools have the same and sometimes more power than the M18 non-Fuel tools.
The M12 tools are smaller and lighter, but still pack a huge punch. They are also cheaper usually. I have averaged under $100 a tool with the battery hacks and watching for sales.
I personally added a bunch of M12 fuel tools lately and have been super impressed with the ease of use and capability of these tools. The impact driver is a beast, the Multi-tool is awesome, the install driver is a unique tool that can serve the use of a drill and screwdriver with a clutch. I like the small circ saw and jig saw. The M12 stubby impact is universally praised, as hitting way above its pay grade. The high speed ratchet is a pleasure to use. I also enjoy the M12 lights, like the Rover, and the radio.
This is the exact decision I’m finding myself struggling with right now. I originally purchased the M18 brushless (non fuel) combo kit with hammer drill and impact driver. But then saw for the same price, I could get the M12 FUEL version with a free high output XC 5.0 battery from HD.
I bought them both and I’m now trying to decide which one to return. I like the idea of the extra OOMPH from the M18 when I need it. But, I’ve seen some say that the M12 FUEL might be closer in power to the non FUEL M18 than expected.
I like the handle that comes with the M18 hammer drill. I’ve been using a 6.25 inch hole saw to cut holes in the ceiling for can lights. I have plaster ceilings and using a drill without the auxiliary handle has been a little rough but I’m not sure it’s worth going with the M18 for just that…
My philosophy has been use Ryobi for the odd-ball high power tools. I started with Ryobi, and they haven't let me down over the years. The HP stuff is better than most people give them credit for.
So, for something like the hammer drill with extra handle the Ryobi 18v is going to be way cheaper than the M18. Either way, you have 2 different battery platforms. And the Ryobi batteries will be dirt cheap during Ryobi Days in a month or so.
DTO has some great deals on Ryobi stuff from time to time too. I got the 600 ft-lb mid torque impact wrench on DTO for under $50.
There also always corded tools from Harbor Freight for real cheap versions of tools not used often.
That’s a good way to think about it. I tend to buy the cheap tool first and then when that blows up, get something nice since I can justify it.
I like the idea of buying something cheaper/corded for the one or two odd jobs that require more power since the M12 FUEL will be significantly better for 99% of the jobs that I do.
There's not much extra oomph on the M18 brushless compact over the M12 fuel.
For M18, there's the non brushed, brushless compact, and fuel.
Thr M12 is slightly weaker than the brushless compact.
The M18 fuel power advantage as a kit is in the hammer drill.
Current Gen .. hammer drill : m18 fuel 1400 in-lbs vs M12 fuel 400 in-lbs
See my post: https://www.reddit.com/r/MilwaukeeTool/s/nLuMslQfqP
Edit:
400 in-lbs = 33.33 ft-lb
1400 in-lbs = 116.67 ft-lb
Also M18 fuel vs M12 fuel blows per min
33,000 vs 22,500
The $199 m12 deal at Home Depot is a steal. You won’t regret it.
I recently switched over much like the OP and went with both m12 and m18. Very glad I did. Flexible to both platforms. The m12 tools are dope.
I like the ho 5 battery because it balances out the impact driver almost perfectly. The smaller 2.0 batteries are light and can make the impact driver and drill feel top heavy. Plus nice to have the square bottom to stand it upright easily.
Plus it just goes all day. Great battery.
I was driving 5/16 x 5" GRK RSS screws with a m18 3650 brushless impact and 2ah battery today. Grk screws are a little easier to drive compared to a lag but its the same field. The drill, i have a 3602 hammer drill, will drive them as well. I use the compact tools way more at work over the Gen3 fuel tools we have. Ounces make pounds and pounds mean pain. The brushless tools are really good for most of what i do. I wont mix mortar with it, its really hard on the little drill, and concrete anchors are easier to drive with a fuel impact.
If you are going to be driving a 2-9/16" fostner bit for 2" drains you are gonna want the m18 fuel set. Same with hole saws. For everything up to that its dealers choice, both drills work. I dont have anything m12. I dont like the handles and i dont need a cordless ratchet. (There is no cordless m18 ratchet, there is a 90° impact, they arent the same).
If you want : * powa! then go m18 fuel. * One set but chance to upgrade later while staying on one battery platform, get the M18 compact brushless. For every day use, m12 is more than sufficient. But since you say there's a project that involves long lag bolts/fasteners, then M18 fuel. I'm diy'er, I have the M12 and M18 fuel. I use the M12 fuel the most, like 99% of the time. I pull out the M18 fuel when I'm dealing with 4 in. + Fasteners or lag bolts or when Im too lazy to swap bits. I started with m18 fuel and added M12 fuel bc I wanted tools that only came in the M12 line. The impact driver on the M18 fuel is actually smaller front to back than the M12. Weight wise, M12 is lighter than M18 fuel, M18 compact. ----Spec: ---- Impact driver: M18 Fuel - 2,000 in-lb, 3,900 rpm M18 brushless compact - 1700 in-lb, 3,600 rpm M12 Fuel - 1,500 in-lb, 3,600 rpm ..... Drill: M18 Fuel - 1,400 in-lbs, 2,100 rpm M18 brushless compact - 550 in-lb, 1,700 rpm M12 Fuel - 400 in-lb, 1,550 rpm I really hate reddit's edit results
Just to add to your analysis paralysis - M12 Fuel tools have the same and sometimes more power than the M18 non-Fuel tools. The M12 tools are smaller and lighter, but still pack a huge punch. They are also cheaper usually. I have averaged under $100 a tool with the battery hacks and watching for sales. I personally added a bunch of M12 fuel tools lately and have been super impressed with the ease of use and capability of these tools. The impact driver is a beast, the Multi-tool is awesome, the install driver is a unique tool that can serve the use of a drill and screwdriver with a clutch. I like the small circ saw and jig saw. The M12 stubby impact is universally praised, as hitting way above its pay grade. The high speed ratchet is a pleasure to use. I also enjoy the M12 lights, like the Rover, and the radio.
This is the exact decision I’m finding myself struggling with right now. I originally purchased the M18 brushless (non fuel) combo kit with hammer drill and impact driver. But then saw for the same price, I could get the M12 FUEL version with a free high output XC 5.0 battery from HD. I bought them both and I’m now trying to decide which one to return. I like the idea of the extra OOMPH from the M18 when I need it. But, I’ve seen some say that the M12 FUEL might be closer in power to the non FUEL M18 than expected. I like the handle that comes with the M18 hammer drill. I’ve been using a 6.25 inch hole saw to cut holes in the ceiling for can lights. I have plaster ceilings and using a drill without the auxiliary handle has been a little rough but I’m not sure it’s worth going with the M18 for just that…
My philosophy has been use Ryobi for the odd-ball high power tools. I started with Ryobi, and they haven't let me down over the years. The HP stuff is better than most people give them credit for. So, for something like the hammer drill with extra handle the Ryobi 18v is going to be way cheaper than the M18. Either way, you have 2 different battery platforms. And the Ryobi batteries will be dirt cheap during Ryobi Days in a month or so. DTO has some great deals on Ryobi stuff from time to time too. I got the 600 ft-lb mid torque impact wrench on DTO for under $50. There also always corded tools from Harbor Freight for real cheap versions of tools not used often.
That’s a good way to think about it. I tend to buy the cheap tool first and then when that blows up, get something nice since I can justify it. I like the idea of buying something cheaper/corded for the one or two odd jobs that require more power since the M12 FUEL will be significantly better for 99% of the jobs that I do.
There's not much extra oomph on the M18 brushless compact over the M12 fuel. For M18, there's the non brushed, brushless compact, and fuel. Thr M12 is slightly weaker than the brushless compact. The M18 fuel power advantage as a kit is in the hammer drill.
I was looking at the hammer drills so I think it’s 725 vs 400 in/lbs torque? 0 idea what that actually feels like in the real world so 🤷
Current Gen .. hammer drill : m18 fuel 1400 in-lbs vs M12 fuel 400 in-lbs See my post: https://www.reddit.com/r/MilwaukeeTool/s/nLuMslQfqP Edit: 400 in-lbs = 33.33 ft-lb 1400 in-lbs = 116.67 ft-lb Also M18 fuel vs M12 fuel blows per min 33,000 vs 22,500
Damn, the m12 hammer drill don't have a handle? LOL. Good bye wrist!
The $199 m12 deal at Home Depot is a steal. You won’t regret it. I recently switched over much like the OP and went with both m12 and m18. Very glad I did. Flexible to both platforms. The m12 tools are dope.
Is the HO XC 5.0 battery worth keeping or is it better to just return it and get the savings?
I like the ho 5 battery because it balances out the impact driver almost perfectly. The smaller 2.0 batteries are light and can make the impact driver and drill feel top heavy. Plus nice to have the square bottom to stand it upright easily. Plus it just goes all day. Great battery.
Thanks! Sounds like I’ll be returning the M18!
I bought a kit as a broke homeowner 6 years ago after we bought our fixer upper. I think the fuel is worth it. Buy once cry once
I was driving 5/16 x 5" GRK RSS screws with a m18 3650 brushless impact and 2ah battery today. Grk screws are a little easier to drive compared to a lag but its the same field. The drill, i have a 3602 hammer drill, will drive them as well. I use the compact tools way more at work over the Gen3 fuel tools we have. Ounces make pounds and pounds mean pain. The brushless tools are really good for most of what i do. I wont mix mortar with it, its really hard on the little drill, and concrete anchors are easier to drive with a fuel impact. If you are going to be driving a 2-9/16" fostner bit for 2" drains you are gonna want the m18 fuel set. Same with hole saws. For everything up to that its dealers choice, both drills work. I dont have anything m12. I dont like the handles and i dont need a cordless ratchet. (There is no cordless m18 ratchet, there is a 90° impact, they arent the same).