Milwaukee is coming out with several new upgraded M12 cordless drills and drivers to replace many of their first generation models.
Milwaukee’s new M12 Fuel brushless drills and drivers are said to be the most powerful and long-lasting compact cordless models (in their class) you can buy. From what we’ve seen, this very well could be true.
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Related Review: Milwaukee M12 Fuel brushless impact driver
But not all users necessarily need or want the most powerful, fastest, and long-lasting compact drills and drivers they can buy. And, quite frankly, not all users can or want to pay for features and performance they might not even need.
These new options look to offer great technical specs as well as updated ergonomics, and the kits come with Milwaukee’s higher capacity compact 2.0Ah Li-ion battery packs.
Comparison
Here is a visual comparison between Milwaukee’s first generation M12 3/8″ drill driver, their new 3/8″ brushed motor drill driver, and their Fuel 1/2″ brushless drill driver.
The new brushed drill shares some of the updated ergonomics of the Fuel model, and the same looks to be true for all of the other new models.
Under the hood, the differences between new brushed and Fuel brushless models aren’t just about the motors. There are differences in technical specifications**, features, and kit components.
For instance, the M12 Fuel brushless drill, 2403, features a 1/2″ capacity chuck and delivers 350 in-lbs peak torque. The 2403-22 kit comes with 1x 2.0Ah Li-ion battery and 1x 4.0Ah battery. The new brushed motor drill, 2407, has a 3/8″ chuck and delivers 275 in-lb peak torque, and the 2407-22 kit comes with 2x 2.0Ah batteries.
Looking at the 1/4″ hex impact driver, the brushless model features two electronically-controlled speed and torque settings, the new brushed version does not.
**Compared to the models they are replacing, only some of the new tools have improved peak torque ratings. As of now, it looks like only the impact tools have better torque specs. The new 2408 screwdriver is more powerful than the older model 2401, and will be sold alongside it.
New Drill and Driver Styles
- 3/8″ drill/driver
- 3/8″ hammer drill
- 1/4″ hex screwdriver
- 1/4″ hex impact driver
- 3/8″ impact wrench
- 1/4″ impact wrench
All new models feature an onboard fuel gauge and removable belt clip.
Technical Specs
M12 3/8″ Drill/Driver (2407-22)
- 275 in-lbs max torque
- 2-speed gearbox (0-400/0-1500 RPM)
- 3/8″ max Capacity
- 7-3/8″ long
- 2.5 lbs w/ battery
- Kit includes 2x Li-ion batteries, charger, carrying case
- Bare tool also available (2407-20)
- Replaces 2410
- $129
M12 3/8″ Hammer Drill/Driver (2408-22)
- 275 in-lbs max torque
- 2-speed gearbox with hammer function (0-400/0-1500 RPM)
- 3/8″ max Capacity
- 7-1/2″ long
- 2.7 lbs w/ battery
- Kit includes 2x Li-ion batteries, charger, carrying case
- Bare tool also available (2408-20)
- Replaces 2411
- $149
M12 1/4″ Hex Screwdriver (2406-22)
- 275 in-lbs max torque
- 2-speed gearbox (0-400/0-1500 RPM)
- 19+1 setting adjustable clutch
- 1/4″ hex quick change bit holder
- 6-3/4″ long
- 2.2 lbs w/ battery
- Kit includes 2x Li-ion batteries, charger, carrying case
- Bare tool also available (2406-20)
- Does NOT replace model 2401
M12 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver (2462-22)
- 1000 in-lbs max torque
- 0-2500 RPM, 0-3300 IPM
- 6-1/2″ long
- 2.3 lbs w/ battery
- Kit includes 2x Li-ion batteries, charger, carrying case
- Bare tool also available (2462-20)
- Replaces model 2450
- $129
M12 3/8″ Impact Wrench (2463-22)
- 1200 in-lbs max torque
- 0-2500 RPM
- 3/8″ anvil with friction ring
- 6-1/2″ long
- 2.3 lbs w/ battery
- Kit includes 2x Li-ion batteries, charger, carrying case
- Bare tool also available (2463-20)
- Replaces model 2451
- $149
M12 1/4″ Impact Wrench (2461-22)
- 450 in-lbs max torque
- 0-2500 RPM
- 1/4″ anvil with friction ring
- 6″ long
- 2.1 lbs w/ battery
- Kit includes 2x Li-ion batteries, charger, carrying case
- Bare tool also available (2461-20)
- New model/style, Oct. 2013 launch
- $149
First Impression
The creation of two distinct tiers of sub-compact cordless drills and drivers seems to be a smart move by Milwaukee. This should give users the opportunity to choose between lower pricing and higher performance.
*Please note that the pricing shown above is taken from distributors’ listings and might be subject to change.
Javier says
Nice!
Javier says
I wonder if the new brushed drills are a bit more compact than the first gen drills. The first gen look a bit bulkier. The new brushed hammer drill is nearly identical in stats to the current one. Same power and speed just a micro-smidge shorter in length. No need for me to upgrade there but the new brushed screwdriver’s specs are amazing. I might have to retire my m12 screwdriver and switch to the new one. Now the new brushed impact driver seems to be on par with the dewalt 12v max. Im really proud of the big M as of lately for kickin butt.
Aellynh says
I guess I’m going to be one of the few people in this camp, but I don’t really follow the direction Milwaukee is taking with some of their 10.8v/12v max products. Maybe its just me, but they seem to be getting a little bit porky considering their power output. 250-275 Ft/lbs for a 12v max drill seems pretty good, but I wonder if it isn’t worthwhile to just step up to a full 18v drill. I own a 12v max Makita and Bosch and neither one has nearly enough power to drill a 1/2 inch drill bit and they struggle with 3/8 inch in thick material (Yes I own more than one brand, the Stuart plague of buying too many good deals). Same goes for a unibit for a large hole saw. I’m doubtful an extra 20-50 Ft/lbs is going to give a drill enough power for those size of drill bits. Even with 18v, I can bog down a 1/2 inch drill bit in extremely dense material like 12 guage steel frames during door furniture installation (door contacts, hinges, magnetic locks, etc).
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t feel their new products are /bad/, I just am of the opinion that 12v max is purchased for low weight and low/medium power and 18v/20v max is better for any application that needs serious power. Also, Milwaukee doesn’t mention whether the weights they have listed are for the 2.0 AH or 4.0 AH batteries along with the weight of the drills. I’d imagine you’re looking at between an additional 3-6 ounces for the higher capacity.
I did a little searching around for drill/drivers of the 18v variety to get an idea of weights. On a casual glance (depending on battery size), it looks like you can get double to triple the power for another pound or two in a lot of 18v drills. I might dig up some other brands for comparison, but I doubt they’d fall too far out of the weight category. Add about a half-pound for the hammer-drill versions and another half-pound for the “heavy-duty” versions of some of these drills. I’m curious if some of the tier-two or three brands are of similar weight, such as Ryobi, Panasonic, Porter Cable, etc.
Makita LXPH01CW 480Ft/lbs 3.4 pounds w/1.5 AH
Makita LXFD01 480Ft/lbs 3.8 pounds w/3.0 AH
Bosch DDS181 600Ft/lbs 4.6 pounds w/4.0 AH
DeWalt DCD790 360UWO 4.5 pounds w/4.0 AH
Milwaukee 2603-22CT 650Ft/lbs 4.5 pounds w/1.5 AH
Javier says
If you only need 1 drill then sure an 18v seems like the right choice. Im with Stuart on his stance about drills. If only getting one drill then get the most powerful one you can afford.
Thats not to say theres no need for 12v drills. I have the m12 brushed hammer drill and its a tiny beast. It can effortlessly drill through a stud with a 1/2″ spade bit on the full speed setting. It can also drill with a 1-1/2 spade bit but only on the slow 1 speed setting. Even then its slow because on the high torque low speed setting its only 400 rpm but the thing jerks you around with its torque. Using such a big bit at that slow speed a side handle would be handy.
Anyways If you’re doing light duty work all day long then these compact and light tools are better suited for those tasks. Driving screws all day long and a larger heavier drill will not only become overkill but will exaust you quicker due to its extra weight.
Even most of the drills you mentioned were only compact 18v tools. What then if you need brute strength? Well on the milwaukee you mentioned you just slap an xc battery and bam you have almost an extra 100 lbs of torque but for the other brands you’re going to have to step up to their full size full weight models so effectively those compact 18v drills arent a one size fits all.
If a person can afford them I think they will be better off with multiple size drills using the one they need that better fits the task at hand.
As far as weight is my m12 3/8″ hammer drill is 2.8 pounds with the compact battery. I used a digital scale. I think thats pretty good considering its got 275 lbs torque, an all metal chuck which no other brand has on their 12v, and a hammer drilling mechanism which other 12v’s dont have.
Another thing about the compact 18v is that they are bigger and bulkier. I can throw my m12 in my tool belts big pocket and it fits. Also the 18v drills are longer too meaning the 12volts can fit into tighter spots. The only 18v drills that come close to the size of 12 volts are the dewalt 20v xr drills.
matt says
I have the old M12 hammer drill and I can say without a doubt it will drill 1/2″ holes without any issue at all.. For that matter I used it yesterday to drill threw about a 6″ floor stud in a century home with 3/4″ bit with zero issue.. I have the 18V and I could not fit it in the space I had to drill the hole so the compact size of the 12v was a hassle safer.. So size of the drill can be a pretty huge factor at times.. With the brushless I get even more compact, more power, longer run time and more capacity on the chuck. seems like a worthy addition to me..
I also find it pretty unlikely that the 2.0/4.0 adds any where near 3-6OZ.. I have had the packs in hand with the other comparable packs and felt no real difference in weight and size is pretty much the same..
LORDDiESEL (GJ Forum) says
I’m really liking where Red has been taking these tools. If i didn’t own a 36 volt dewalt kit and dewalt 18 volt li-on with a ton of tools and battries, i’d drop the money on Red.
Ken says
I have pretty much have the full M12 line and I love all the tools. One huge difference between the old/new versions besides the brushless motors is the ergonomics. The first generation placement of the reverse/lock switch on the rotary tools is too close to the grip and I continuously lock or reverse the button gripping the tools via my index finger. I end up squeezing the triggers with my middle finger and holding my index finger off the tool. The new series has eliminated that issue by changing the grip and assumedly by repositioning the button. I have handled the new versions and the are a lot more comfortable in your hand. I have been very satisfied with the power all of the M12 tools products and as a remodeler/trim carpenter, the line works perfectly for me.
Greg W. says
Why make a brushed model when the brushless is available? I really like the longer run times with the brushless.
Stuart says
Price. Brushless tools cost more than brushed.
The difference between Milwaukee’s new brushed tools and their Fuel lines aren’t just about brushed vs. brushless. Fuel = premium features and kits, with the brushless motors being a major – but not sole – difference.
Let’s say you wanted a new 12V drill/driver but Milwaukee’s M12 Fuel model was above your budget. Personally, I feel that some of Milwaukee’s first-gen brushed tools are bested by Bosch, Dewalt, and Makita offerings.
These new brushed models allow Milwaukee to better grab and hold onto the high-end and mid-level ranges of the market.
Not everyone is going to buy the latest and greatest 12V models, and these new offerings ensure that Milwaukee remains competitive against other brands.
Frank L. says
“Milwaukee’s new M12 Fuel brushless drills and drivers are said to be the most powerful and long-lasting compact cordless models you can buy.”
By whom? Look up ‘weasel word’ in Wikipedia.
Stuart says
Milwaukee.
Unmatched power and run-time and best-in-class claims.
So yes, I stand by my statement that Milwaukee’s new M12 Fuel brushless drills and drivers are said to be the most powerful and long-lasting compact cordless models you can buy. Perhaps I should add in a “in their class,” but I didn’t think it had to be spelled out.
Brett bobo says
Would like to have a catalog of accessories and attachments bits,blades,etc
Ken Taromino says
These tools are as good as there warranty they get wet they corrode and there done ive bought 3 impact screw gun sets recently took 2drills and 2impacts and one drill was repaired the other three they wanted more than the cost of a new set to repair from 115 to 130 $ i refused and had them returned to home depot were i bought them and ghey sent off for me no im not impressed how can a tool not have a small ability to withstand moisture when i bought it it was because i was small comparable to a snapon i had talk about water proof dropped it is a swimming pool took it out n went to work
Hh says
Are you pregnant? I think you missed a period or two.
Barry says
I’ve got a bagfull of 8 different M12 first generation brushed tools and love them all – the Sawzall is a beast for its toy like size and the little SDS is a pleasure to use on most materials – my heavyweight Bosch 36VFLi only comes out now when I have to drill into precast concrete, blue brick etc. or need to chisel. I have noticed they have just bought out a M12 circular saw – would my batteries fit it or have I got to buy Fuel batteries?