We recently posted about the new Milwaukee M12 Fuel cordless torque wrench, and there was some confusion. When someone says torque wrench, my mind usually defaults to thinking about automotive applications. Depending on the context, I might also think about bicycle maintenance and machinery assembly tasks.
This new digital and motorized torque wrench from Milwaukee is something different. This torque wrench is designed for electricians, mechanical pros, and other such users.
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Yes, you can use it for some automotive maintenance tasks, but that’s not what these new torque wrenches are for.
I was very confused about this, but luckily Eric Rusch, Group Product Manager at Milwaukee Tool, was willing to hop on a phone call to talk more about their new torque wrenches.
A More Detailed Look at Milwaukee’s New Cordless Torque Wrenches
As you might recall from our previous post, the new torque wrenches, available in 3/8″ and 1/2″ sizes, are motorized, meaning the tool spins fasteners down to the “ballpark” of your torque setting, and you then you use it manually to tighten the fasteners to your pre-set torque. When used manually, the digital torque wrench will give you feedback, helping you stop when you’ve reached the preset torque.
Milwaukee’s goal is for users to only have to turn fasteners 1/4 turn or less to reach the desired torque. The amount you’ll have to turn the tool depends on the target torque and application.
If the rundown torque is too aggressive for smaller fasteners or user preference, you can turn it down from 100% torque to as little as 20%. Basically, a built-in strain gauge is responsible for shutting down motor power before the desired torque is reached. It tries to get you in the “ballpark” of the preset torque, but you can lower the rundown torque if you need to.
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The motor can drive fasteners to ~60 to 70 ft-lbs in hard-joint-type applications. Keep in mind that the 3/8″ torque wrench can be set up to 100 ft-lbs, and the 1/2″ wrench maxes out at 150 ft-lbs. In soft-joint applications, the motor turns off sooner, at ~30 to 40 ft-lbs. These are unofficial values, and it’s also worth mentioning that cordless drills and drivers are often rated similar, with higher hard-joint max torque specs and lower soft-joint specs.
A hard-joint application would typically involve metal-on-metal connections. Soft-joint connections typically involve a compressible material, such as copper wire cables that are being secured in a commercial panel via screw-down clamp terminal. Some applications are not strictly defined and fall between the two main types of fastener connections.
For electricians, most applications call for torque specs between 20 and 50 ft-lbs.
What this means is that the motor can rundown fasteners most of the way and close to the desired torque for most targeted users’ applications, but the tools do also have higher max torque ranges for manual use. If setting a fastener (or crimped wire connection) at say 50 ft-lbs of max torque, either tool (3/8″ or 1/2″ drive) will do most of the work to rundown the fastener. If you have a soft-joint application at 140 ft-lbs, the (1/2″ drive) tool will do some of the work, but you’ll have to apply a little more elbow grease than for the more common applications these torque wrenches were designed for.
If you’re using traditional tools instead of the new Milwaukee M12 Fuel cordless torque wrenches, you’ll need a motorized tool to run down them down fastener – either a cordless ratchet, drill, or impact tool – and a manual torque wrench.
Why are Torque Wrenches Needed in Electrical Work?
Milwaukee provided me with some background on the NEC code requirements:
Research has shown that up to 90% of electrical failures occur at connections. As such a critical part of the process, it’s not surprising that the National Electrical Code (2017) states that “listed and labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing and labeling” in installation standard 110.3(B).
A new addition in 2017 provides further clarification in regard to torqueing by requiring “where a tightening torque is indicated as a numeric value on equipment or in installation instructions provided by the manufacturer, a calibrated torque tool shall be used to achieve the indicated torque value, unless the equipment manufacturer has provided installation instructions for an alternative method of achieving the required torque.” (NEC 2017 110.14(D))
In other words, if manufacturers specify a torque range for connection or installation products, a calibrated torque tool must be used.
Some examples of where a torque wrench might be required include work on transformers, switch gear, panels, and anywhere wire is being terminated.
While primarily aimed at commercial electricians, the torque wrench can be used in mechanical applications as well. During our call it was also mentioned that these tools could be of benefit in solar panel installations and in datacenters.
Typically, I am told, electricians use an impact tool to run down fasteners and then a manual torque wrench, or they simply use a torque wrench by itself in a more time-consuming process. Milwaukee tool says that such methods can lead to overly-tightened connections or even repetitive motion injuries over time.
Milwaukee says that their new motorized digital torque wrench increases productivity during the overall torqueing process by delivering faster, more accurate connections. According to them, the M12 Fuel torque wrench can deliver up to 50% faster installation times, and with higher accuracy.
The accuracy is ±2% in the clockwise direction and ±3% in the counter-clockwise direction.
Users can set the target torque, such as say 40 ft-lbs, and a torque range, such as 10%. The torque wrench will then indicate that you’ve reached the desired torque. If you exceed the set range, it will indicate so as well, and you’ll have back out the fastener and try again.
If the same application is done with a click-style torque wrench, there won’t be any indication if you’ve exceeded your set torque and acceptable torque range, potentially leaving the fastener over-torqued.
One-Key
We also talked more about the One-Key and reporting features, which seems like almost as big a deal as being able to use the same tool for fast-spinning and final torqueing.
With a click-style torque wrench, reporting has to be done by hand in the field and then digitized later for record-keeping, or on an iPad or other tablet. Either way, I’m told that most users are now entering fastener torque logs manually.
With these new Milwaukee torque wrenches, the data is saved within the tool – up to 28,500 torque events – and can be exported and customized into reports through the One-Key app.
For each fastener, the report will contain a log of the i) preset target torque, ii) torque range setting, and iii) actual applied torque.
Milwaukee’s Philosophy
Similar to how Milwaukee aimed to provide solutions for every step of a plumbing installation, they designed their new digital motorized torque wrenches to be a part of their electrical installation solutions.
Cables can be cut with Milwaukee cordless cable cutters, prepped with their cordless stripper, terminated with their cordless crimper, and now torqued down with these new cordless wrenches.
More Complete Features and Specs
Here’s our preview post again.
M12 FUEL 3/8″ Digital Torque Wrench w/ One-Key Kit
- Torque Range: 10 – 100 ft-lbs
- Tool Accuracy
- CW: ±2% of Full Scale
- CCW: ±3% of Full Scale (Range: 20% – 100% of Full Scale)
- Ratcheting Angle: 4.5°
- Anvil Size: 3/8″ Ball Detent
- RPM: 0 – 100
- Available Presets: 15
- Data Storage Capacity: 28,500 Events
- Calibration: 1 Year or 5,000 Cycles
- Measuring Units: ft-lbs, in-lbs, Nm, kg-cm
- Tool Length (w/ battery): 23.3″
- Weight (w/ battery): 5.5 lbs
- Warranty: 5 Years
- Languages: English, Spanish, French, Dutch, Italian, German
- Torque Notifications: LED Lights, LCD Screen, Sound, Handle Vibration
The kit (2465-22) comes with (2) 2.0Ah batteries, a charger, and carrying case. A bare tool (2465-20) is also available and comes with a carrying case.
M12 FUEL 1/2″ Digital Torque Wrench w/ One-Key Kit
- Torque Range: 12.5 – 150 ft-lbs
- Tool Accuracy
- CW: ±2% of Full Scale
- CCW: ±3% of Full Scale (Range: 20% – 100% of Full Scale)
- Ratcheting Angle: 4.5°
- Anvil Size: 1/2″ Ball Detent
- RPM: 0 – 100
- Available Presets: 15
- Data Storage Capacity: 28,500 Events
- Calibration: 1 Year or 5,000 Cycles
- Measuring Units: ft-lbs, in-lbs, Nm, kg-cm
- Tool Length (w/ battery): 23.5″
- Weight (w/ battery): 5.7 lbs
- Warranty: 5 Years
- Languages: English, Spanish, French, Dutch, Italian, German
- Torque Notifications: LED Lights, LCD Screen, Sound, Handle Vibration
The kit (2466-22) comes with (2) 2.0Ah batteries, a charger, and carrying case. A bare tool (2466-20) is also available and comes with a carrying case.
Pricing: $599 for the bare tool, $749 for the kit
ETA: November 2019
Buy Now(via Tool Nut)
Questions?
There are other torque wrenches and indicator tools that can be used, but Milwaukee says this is the first and only tool that can be used for fastener rundown and proper torqueing. From what I can tell, that’s 100% accurate.
It came as a big surprise to me that these new torque wrenches were aimed at electricians and other commercial trades, and not automotive users. But, it all makes a lot more sense now.
Do you have any questions we could try to answer?
And yes, I did ask whether Milwaukee would be coming out with M12 digital motorized torque wrenches designed for automotive users. They can’t answer that just yet, but they do know that automotive users and others would want a lot of what these wrenches offer, plus 1) an angular displacement sensor, and 2) higher torque range.
Jared
I felt like there was a lot of criticism in the comments from the last post about this tool – mostly centering around the big price tag and the lack of utility the wrench provided for that money. I think it’s a pretty neat innovation though. I’d love to have one.
Sadly, like many others, can’t see myself justifying it at this price-point. I hope Milwaukee does come out with one aimed at automotive type uses (and may finds a way to make it cheaper too – though if they’re adding features I suspect that’s not how it will go).
Stuart
With tools like this, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s not a consumer product. Like many others, I had the preconception that it was like most other torque wrenches and intended for broad applications.
Matt
I did too Stuart. I’d bet they have something coming though. They’re making a strong name in the automotive field. I’ve mentioned this before but I know several mechanics, automotive and heavy duty truck/tractor both who are all using Milwaukee impacts now. My father in law owns a trucking company and Milwaukee has made a name there. In that place they still use air tools as well but everything cordless is Milwaukee. They keep impacts on every truck. The other two auto shops I’m thinking of rarely bring out air hoses at all now. Milwaukee there too. It’s what turned me on to their impacts though I don’t own any.
KMR
I own a professional vintage auto race shop, and I brought in the first Milwaukee tools about 5 years ago. Initially the first generation M12 ratchets, which we haven’t had any durability issues with, but we also don’t use them beyond their abilities. And then I brought in the M18 system because of its diversity and the impact wrenches are fantastic.
I’ve always hated air tools in the shop environment. I hate being tethered to anything when you’re working on something. Not to mention the air hose can get stuck on things, drags on the ground, limits your freedom of movement of tool use, etc etc etc.
We’ve bee using strain gauge electronic torque wrenches since 2006. They’re fantastic, and the ones we have are actually more accurate than their rating… they all have calibrations that show accuracy to 1/2% of the torque value across their usable range.
I might be a buyer of the Milwaukee powered torque wrench. I can see it making things like repetitive fastener installs easier, like cylinder head studs (when you have 14 to do, and they have to be done in stages 30lb ft – > 55lb ft -> 80lb ft final torque). So you have 42 measured torque events just in that process on that one particular engine.
I’m interested to know if the Milwaukee powered torque wrench can measure angle for torque to yield applications that require say an additional 90 degrees after reaching the initial torque? Someone else the other day in another posting also wanted to know if this torque wrench had the the angle display feature .
Also interested to know how the logging feature has the ability to differentiate between the 28,500 stored events. How do I give them a job or customer name and a sub-process (like Bob’s Engine -> Cylinder Head Stud Final Torque)?
Stuart
They don’t have an angular displacement sensor.
fred
To Matt’s point – I would add that Milwaukee also seems to be targeting (as in this case) Commercial Electric and Utility trades that were once the province of companies like Klein and Greenlee. They have also made some inroads into supplying plumbing tools as part of their Force Logic line. The competition may not be as fierce in these arenas – and profit margins may be better than in the dog-eat-dog world of their selling tools off the rack at Home Depot.
Jared
I’m commenting again because I just noticed something – all the other tools in that photo compilation under “Milwaukee’s Philosophy” are M18 tools. But this is M12…
If this is part of Milwaukee designing solutions for “every step of an electrical installation”, isn’t it kind of odd to come out with one piece on a different battery platform from the rest of its companion tools?
Stuart
Why? Single-port M18 chargers also have a slot for M12 batteries.
M18 = cordless jobsite solutions.
M12 = hand tool replacements that ease time, effort, and/or user frustrations.
An M18 battery would have driven up costs and tool size, and might not have been needed.
I’d all but guarantee that Milwaukee sent out prototypes with both battery form factors and that they went with M12 following favorable field testing.
Jared
I don’t have any good counterarguments. Just seemed odd to switch between battery platforms if these tools are designed around a particular job. If it’s a better tool because of the M12 form factor, I suppose that’s a good reason to do it.
Corey Moore
We use m12 cable cutters and soldering iron, and the M18 crimpers and KO set. To their credit, Milwaukee’s offerings on both platforms compliment each other very well. All the trades people I can think of right now, who use Milwaukee, have some combination of both 12 and 18.
A W
The torque tracking capabilities are really cool. I can see this behind really useful in an aerospace/manufacturing context.
Does it have any calibration capabilities (e.g. lockout if it’s gone more than 12 months since calibration) or the ability to detect drops?
Stuart
I don’t think so, although it might be possible to serve the user with calibration reminders.
Nate B
I would also hope the logging includes the date and time of each fastener, otherwise it’s tricky at the end of the day to figure out which ones pertain to which panel. But that wasn’t explicitly stated…
I’d love to see some screenshots of the app, too. This is a fascinating tool with a lot of possibilities!
Bob
I find it interesting too. An M12 comingled with m18 that is. I see a lot of the measuring tools like lazer levels or distance measures are always 12v? Its not that hard or costly to add in a step down transformer from 18 to 12v. So what gives?
I think Stuart is right tho. Big battery adds extra bulk you don’t need. Makes the package unwieldily I guess.
Joseph
It seems to me, that the biggest problem with Milwaukee is that the product engineers don’t ever get to talk to the marketing people. Marketers go out and try to sell everything as “the best tool ever for anything! It slices, it dices, it will cut through this hardened steel file and still cure hemorrhoids.” Meanwhile an engineer is sitting in a corner watching this while getting fitted for one of the nice white jackets with the extra long sleeves.
Nathan
while an interesting marketing use case and I do indeed see the need for it. I think their only competition in this tool use is IR.
If you have the guy’s e-mail handy might tell them they need to look into aviation settings too. and add a feature in their next model for torque angle.
I like that they specify you can set the motor run down torque limit which is another feature on some of the IR products. Based on the pricing here – this would be a touch cheaper.
From a liability standpoint and other issues I can see more and more tools have features like this. Torque spec logging – or the like. Both construction and automotive/aviation.
DR DB Karron
As someone who does a *LOT* of electronic assembly, over-torquing a motherboard or connector can wreck the board. A ham-handed employee can be dangerous. But these are low torque applications on smaller fasteners. That is a big gap in the tool field; low torque electric torque wrenches. Right now we use the slip clutch on the m12 drills to limit overtorqueing or to get a consistent torque but we have no idea what we are actually torquing fasteners at. I would love to see and would pay for, high-end electronic torque screwdrivers that run down a screw and then leave it to the operator to be responsible for the final twist (of fate?).
Anon671
If they wanted mechanics to get on board I think it needs to have angle torque options as well at that price point. Since this is not marketed towards mechanics it should work great.
hangovna
Keep in mind Milwaukee has never been and will continue to not be a consumer brand. They are heavy duty tools with a focus group in the trades, automotive, electrician, plumber, MRO and remodeling categories. The prices are higher than homeowner grade as a result. Many homeowners are getting on board with their tools though, because they are sick of dealing with the likes of Stanley Black & Decker discontinuing things every couple years or majorly revamping the lineups, and they want a longer lasting, higher quality & performing tool. If you want low end, consumer grade, that’s what Ryobi is for.
Corey Moore
Milwaukee really thinks commercial and industrial electricians are Nascar’ing gear? My guys will continue to take the 5 seconds to run down their bolt or lug, and then click it with a mechanical stick, it’s not nearly as big a deal or remotely the hassle Milwaukee is making it out to be. Infact it’s a task I’d much rather the guys took even an extra second to do carefully. 50% faster is a ridiculous claim, for a task that I can’t even say I’ve timed, it’s that easy a process. They’re not elbow grease high torque values. And citing NEC’s, “Do it how the manufacturer says,” like it’s secret members only info, isn’t going to impress any of the electricians they’re pandering to. Created something cool, and misrepresented the circumstances and it’s necessity, as usual.
Benjamen
It’s interesting they say that it’s for electricians, yet at NPS19 they had it both at the “automotive” and electrical rotations. It’s almost like they wanted non-electricians to mistake it for an automotive tool and build up hype.
It’s not the first time that Milwaukee has said something about a new product then pulled back from their marketing. I’m thinking about how they emphasized tracking down stolen tools with ONE-KEY in several rotations and then had to back away from that claim.
Stuart
The explanation was that it was in the electrical section at first, but because of limited foot traffic into those areas it was moved to the transportation maintenance section.
Jack
It seems like a great tool. But the price $599 !!! for just the torque wrench, is way too much.
Zachary Williams
Can it be used to loosen fasteners? I have heard that you’re not supposed to break away fasteners with a manual torque wrench. Is this one any different?
Stuart
I wouldn’t think so.
Dan
I do assembly and prep of new motorcycles, ATVs, and side by sides. This tool looks like it will save me a lot of time.