milwaukee M18 vs. Fuel?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - milwaukee M18 vs. Fuel?

Posted: 12/9/2018 4:41:37 PM EDT

I've been researching the web but cannot get an understanding of the various grades of 18V products.

Seems like a lot of apples and oranges sets being offered on sale.

I have learned that all the batteries are interchangeable but that is about it.

Is there some numbering system or other way of determining what is what within the Milwaukee line?

Thanks

Posted: 12/9/2018 4:46:30 PM EDT

[#1]

I believe the Fuel line is brushless, where the standard line is not.

Same batteries/charger as they are all part of the M18 line. Brushless should run a little more.

Posted: 12/9/2018 4:52:47 PM EDT

[#2]

They have Brushless models which are a grade below the Fuel Brushless.

Posted: 12/9/2018 6:29:01 PM EDT

[#3]

I have a brushless ‘non-fuel’ Milwaukee driver. It’s less powerful than the fuel (125 ft/lbs vs 150 ft/lbs) and does not have the different power settings that the Fuel model has. Had I known about the power setting feature I’d have spent the extra dollars.

Posted: 12/9/2018 7:46:16 PM EDT

[#4]

Ya, I get it.

I want to make sure to buy Fuel but the way they bundle combo kits I want to make sure that is what I get.

And that is why I'm asking if there is any model numbering or other way to make sure of what is being purchased?

Posted: 12/9/2018 10:28:50 PM EDT

[#5]

Quote History

Quoted:
Ya, I get it.

I want to make sure to buy Fuel but the way they bundle combo kits I want to make sure that is what I get.

And that is why I'm asking if there is any model numbering or other way to make sure of what is being purchased?

View Quote

I'm dealing with the same thing right now, considering both the FUEL and the Dewalt FlexVolt systems. Trying to decide, trying to understand.

It's not apples-apples, which makes it really hard.

Posted: 12/9/2018 11:07:23 PM EDT

[#6]

Fuel say Fuel on the plastic somewhere.

I always buy then fuel version if it is available.

The Fuel kits usually come with the bigger batteries in the 5.0 amp range. That may make the kits appear to be much more expensive than the non fuel ones, which usually have much smaller batteries. So check that out.

More amp hours on a battery makes it last longer and it is more powerful.

Posted: 12/10/2018 7:09:43 AM EDT

[#7]

So, related question:

Are 1/4" impact drivers of any use? I'd expect that a driver would need to be 3/8" at a minimum.

The 1/4" pop up frequently in the kits offered.

Posted: 12/10/2018 7:49:59 AM EDT

[#8]

I've got a 1/4 brushless fuel impact. It's definitely pretty handy. Obviously not as much torque as it's big brothers but you'll need a breaker bar to remove anything you tightened with it.

Havent tried breaking lug nuts with it but haven't found anything it won't do yet.

Posted: 12/10/2018 7:54:20 AM EDT

[#9]

I have sets of both we use for work.

I won’t buy anything but the Fuel line from now on. They have taken quite a beating and keep on ticking.

Posted: 12/10/2018 8:39:59 AM EDT

[#10]

Quote History

Quoted:
So, related question:

Are 1/4" impact drivers of any use? I'd expect that a driver would need to be 3/8" at a minimum.

The 1/4" pop up frequently in the kits offered.

View Quote

Impact drivers are not the same as impact wrenches. While you can add attachments to the driver that allow sockets to be used, they are not specifically designed for that purpose.

As to their use, I can't recall the last time I sank a screw using a drill. Once you've learned to drive screws with a driver, you'll probably never grab a drill again.

Posted: 12/10/2018 12:51:28 PM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:

Impact drivers are not the same as impact wrenches. While you can add attachments to the driver that allow sockets to be used, they are not specifically designed for that purpose.

As to their use, I can't recall the last time I sank a screw using a drill. Once you've learned to drive screws with a driver, you'll probably never grab a drill again.

View Quote

Granted they may not be DESIGNED for it but they do a very decent job spinning off lugnuts on my car and removing blade bolts from my mower. Roughly 90 ft lbs torque for each of them. I just had to make sure I use GOOD socket adapters or it’ll twist them like a pretzel. Also use impact rated sockets. They are DEFINITLY awesome for driving lagbolts.

Posted: 12/10/2018 7:05:56 PM EDT

[#12]

Quote History

Quoted:
So, related question:

Are 1/4" impact drivers of any use? I'd expect that a driver would need to be 3/8" at a minimum.

The 1/4" pop up frequently in the kits offered.

View Quote

1/4” refers to the 1/4” hex socket you pop screwdriver ends into. Industry standard.

If you need to use sockets, get an impact wrench. Not impact driver.

Milwaukee will confuse the living shit out of you trying to figure out their lineup. I think they offer 5 or 6 different impact wrenches. Now the offer a “hydraulic” impact driver too. Take you time comparing their tools. I wish they had a chart making comparisons, but could not find one when I was getting into M18.
Go with Fuel when you can.

Posted: 12/10/2018 7:22:38 PM EDT

[#13]

One thing is, the drills, drivers, wrench will have a 4 digit part number with something like -20 if sold as a bare tool. If sold in a kit, the 4digit number will get appended with something like -22. Where the last digit is the number of batteries included. Add a CT and you get the compact batteries.

A 2754-20 would be a bare tool, no battery, no charger. 2754-22 would be a kit, with charger, and 2 batteries, 2754-24 would be a kit, charger, 2 compact batteries.

Bare tools :
[url=https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Fastening/Impact-Wrenches#f:_B73355DB-5CB5-4816-8FCD-AD8723487407=]https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Fastening/Impact-Wrenches#f:_B73355DB-5CB5-4816-8FCD-AD8723487407=[Cordless][/url]

kits :
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Combo-Kits/2-Piece-Kits

Posted: 12/10/2018 7:53:02 PM EDT

[#14]

Quote History

Quoted:
So, related question:

Are 1/4" impact drivers of any use? I'd expect that a driver would need to be 3/8" at a minimum.

The 1/4" pop up frequently in the kits offered.

View Quote

You have the wrong idea about what a 1/4 impact driver is.

I use it more than any other tool in my box by far. Screws and fasteners of all sorts, especially Tapcons. Boring holes in wood.
If your bits are 1/4” hex, they get used in my impact.

Posted: 12/10/2018 7:56:27 PM EDT

[#15]

Quote History

Quoted:
They have Brushless models which are a grade below the Fuel Brushless.

View Quote

interdasting didnt know they had non fuel brushless. the fuel line is supposed to compete directly with their corded 120v stuff. we use lots of it in construction and its good stuff.

Posted: 12/10/2018 7:57:35 PM EDT

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:
One thing is, the drills, drivers, wrench will have a 4 digit part number with something like -20 if sold as a bare tool. If sold in a kit, the 4digit number will get appended with something like -22. Where the last digit is the number of batteries included. Add a CT and you get the compact batteries.

A 2754-20 would be a bare tool, no battery, no charger. 2754-22 would be a kit, with charger, and 2 batteries, 2754-24 would be a kit, charger, 2 compact batteries.

Bare tools :
[url=https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Fastening/Impact-Wrenches#f:_B73355DB-5CB5-4816-8FCD-AD8723487407=]https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Fastening/Impact-Wrenches#f:_B73355DB-5CB5-4816-8FCD-AD8723487407=[Cordless][/url]

kits :
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Combo-Kits/2-Piece-Kits

View Quote

-24 implies a four tool set. -22ct is two compact batteries. -22po is two batteries with a Packout case. -21HD is a single 9.0 or 12.0 amp hour battery.

As you can see, I am all about Milwaukee gear.

Posted: 12/13/2018 12:59:22 PM EDT

[#17]

Quote History

Quoted:
So, related question:

Are 1/4" impact drivers of any use? I'd expect that a driver would need to be 3/8" at a minimum.

The 1/4" pop up frequently in the kits offered.

View Quote

Oh hell yes. Compared to using a drill for driving screws, they are magical.

You can't beat them with a stick for screws and lag bolts.

Posted: 12/13/2018 10:51:21 PM EDT

[#18]

Quote History

Quoted:
So, related question:

Are 1/4" impact drivers of any use? I'd expect that a driver would need to be 3/8" at a minimum.

The 1/4" pop up frequently in the kits offered.

View Quote

I use my driver Every. Freaking. Day.

A normal cordless drill often will not drive a long screw into very hard, old wood.

My little bitty Dewalt 12 V driver? WhirrrrBUZZZZZZZZZ!!!!

Sunk.

Every time.

It is my favorite tool. Especially because I'm small, it's small, so it's a good fit. FWIW, my favorite HVAC contractor carries one on his belt all the time. Never see him without it, and never seen him show up on a job where he didn't use it. I bought mine because he bragged on his so much.

I do have bigger ones, butt that little one is not as weak as it looks.