The Best 12V Stubby Impact

Walmart now has a Gen 2.....
Product Links
Milwaukee Gen 1 2554-20 👉 amzn.to/4fxiQca
Milwaukee Gen 2 1/2 2563P-20 👉 Please see link above
Milwaukee Gen 2 3/8 2562-20 👉 Please see link above
Durofix RI12184-4 👉 amzn.to/3NOpRtd
Dewalt DCF903B 👉 amzn.to/3CcYqXu
Makita WT05Z 👉 amzn.to/3UvE2qU
Hyper Tough Gen 2 👉 Please see link above
Skill 6744A-00 👉 amzn.to/4f7Iggp
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[@FERNANDODELAROSA1]

Finally another channel that shows these stats. Good to see more channels interested in torque specs.

[@Tools-Tested]

Glad you find it useful!

[@james2042]

What a win for the hypertough. Even the harbor freight brands cant compete with that

[@rolandm9750]

Problem with HF is they have no proper compact impact, nor do they have a mid-torque even. They have two [Hercules] high torques, one of which they updated with a "Gen 2" already, but they got nothing [good] below that 🤦‍♂ They do have what they *call* a "compact" in the 20V line but it's relatively large by today's standards and pretty weak (meaning uncompetitive). They have a 12V impact wrench but it's not brushless and even more laughable. And then they have no true mid-torque either. I dunno what they're thinking but they're just got a "go big or go home" attitude about it, it seems. Their "Ultra Torque" high torque is decent, but that's really all they got worth buying for impact wrenches. They should be able to easily make a good mid-torque and a good compact, but they haven't.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep it’s sad, HF could do a lot with the 12v line.

[@james2042]

@rolandm9750 they have a compact 20v that does 325ftlbs, which is honestly enough for anything automotive. And I'd go as far as to say mid torques are useless. I rock a get 1 stubby 3/8th and a high torque ryobi, and between the two I've never met a bolt I can't break

[@jeremydoblinger3609]

I agree mostly but when your talking stuff where i live in wisconsin salt belt you have to have atleast a mid torque,and if your full time mechanic youll need high torque and air gun to be proficent.​@james2042

[@DharwinMoris]

This is my favorite channel now. Not bias at all. Wish you will have 6 or 7 digit views on your videos

[@toolscientist]

@DharwinMoris yeah, it's criminal how few views he gets. Puts much more effort into testing than most (who just use 1-2 diff batteries)

[@Tools-Tested]

@DharwinMoris Glad to hear it! Yeah me too, guess I just need to make them more entertaining. Idk why the views are so low, not the best but far from the worst IMO. @toolscientist Yeah honestly thats what got me into this, I was tired of people testing tools with just 1 or 2 different batteries. When as we know the battery is a main part of how the tool performs in most cases.

[@ThriftyToolShed]

Nice testing! I have been using the HT impact for over 6 months now and I really like it. It's not quite as powerful as my M12 I use at work, but oddly it's perfect for the DIY tasks. Is it just me, the torque level of around 120ft lbs is perfect for all my lug nuts etc around the house. I love that I can slightly tighten up the lug nuts and it's roughly 80ft lbs. So finishing up with the torque wrench is super quick. I always have the super heavy high torque for bigger jobs, but oddly, the light weight, good feel of the HT makes is always my go to.

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks! Good to hear the HT has held up well. The HT really is a great value IMO!

[@Gabriel-i1z1z]

The fact that hyper tough is on this list makes it the winner. Price and performance would be the better buy.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep the HT really is a good value IMO.

[@andricksonrodriguez1905]

Milwaukee is only 200 at homedepot lol Milwaukee best

[@Gabriel-i1z1z]

@andricksonrodriguez1905 there 12v combo is $99 right now. I don't need it but at that price I have to get it.

[@alexvillalobos7137]

@@andricksonrodriguez1905without the battery that makes it go. Battery and tool kit cost $280 rn

[@FacilitiesDIY]

I love my gen 2 hypertough. I use it doing full suspension work on my Subaru forester, and engine bay work. For me, it gets the job done with the size and accessibility of the m12 but less than quarter of the price.

[@toolscientist]

2:01 love these visuals. Thanks for not making us sit through a 5sec test and then a 10sec test, when the 10sec test shows everything.

[@Tools-Tested]

Good to hear! yeah I try to edit out the boring repetitive parts.

[@MustangAficionado]

I get that its cool to bag on TTC because they gets the most eye balls nows, but their 5 second test is in forward and the 10 second in reverse. For people who work with these for a living thats the difference between being able to drive a wheel bearing press in and removing a harmonic balancer bolt.

[@toolscientist]

@MustangAficionado don't they do 5sec fwd, 5sec rev, then 15sec in whichever was better? 15sec fwd, 15sec rev would cover everything and be easier to follow. It just feels like filler to me, but I guess that's the YT game these days. Most vids used to be 5-10min, now everyone is trying for 20-30min

[@MustangAficionado]

@@toolscientist It's two established tests brands have used going back to the 1960's for impacts and then their own test. Back when few people were actually measuring these tools on YT, replicating a known standard was probably a good practice rather than picking one out of thin air if you want people to believe in the results vs advertised. You also might be more focused on cordless tools if you think the tests are the same, 90psi running vs 150psi flat allow me to see the difference air set up makes.

[@toolscientist]

@MustangAficionado 15sec fwd and 15sec rev gives you all (and more) info. Just draw a line at 5sec to give the 5sec rating.

[@justGio05]

i’ve had this one for a while now, it’s a beast man. so strong for the size and price

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep is a good value IMO.

[@harlanborders943]

Got the older m12 bought two of them years ago sold one to a friend. Can’t say either one of us can complain great little impact wrench.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep are a solid impact.

[@kendalgee5808]

friends don't sell friends hyper tough. friends don't let friends use gay ryobi drills.

[@toolscientist]

2:53 never seen an impact plateau that quickly. Kind of a good thing as it means you know not to bother tightening for more than 5 seconds.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep, no need in just creating more heat.

[@rickyh527]

Great timing! I was looking for a stubby yesterday 😂

[@Tools-Tested]

Hopefully this was useful.

[@jazroT]

I found a gen 1 hyper tough for 20 at walmart, its been a gem. Even with the stock 2 amp hour battery

[@Tools-Tested]

Nice! That’s a really good deal.

[@afellowinnewengland6142]

The Dewalt DCF921 compact (20v) is an absolute beast and one of the strongest on the market. That said, aside from Milwaukee, I think 12V tool development has just slid off with a lot of the companies. I still use 12v as a retired professional and know the benefits, but I assume most guys and homeowners think more is better and go for the 18/20/36v stuff.

[@Tools-Tested]

Im hoping to test the 20V's next year. Yeah most of the 20v stuff now is just as compact vs the 12v. That 1.7PS really makes dewalts 20v line compact.

[@Jeff-rk8hq]

Great vid bro always lookin for the new vids. Much appreciated

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks man! I'm glad to hear it!

[@dreambuilt-l9294]

Your right dewalt is super overdue on a new xtreme impact wrench. And an updated battery line for the 12v tools. Ive been waiting since the release of powerstack now we have powerpack.....

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah they really do need to update the 12v line, would be cool to see a powerstack or tabless 18650's.

[@georgedavall9449]

Tools Tested = G. O. A. T.

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks! Glad you enjoy the videos!

[@wty1313]

Put a small amount of silicone grease on the sliding areas of the new Milwaukee. It doesn't eliminate the tightness, but it does improve it.

[@Tools-Tested]

Interesting, I'll have to give that a try. Thanks for the info!

[@JonBoehm]

Hoping to grab a holiday deal on HyperTough 6ah and charger to match up with my clearance $20 Gen1. Fantastic for DIY.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep its a great deal IMO.

[@eldorripu]

hyper tough has a 6.0ah 12v battery now you should pick one of those up

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah, it was late to the game. Didn't make the line graph, but the date is in the bar graphs for the 6ah. The 6ah did provide a small boost, biggest jump is 2ah to 4ah.

[@mortgageguru]

I want to see the 20v lines next please

[@Tools-Tested]

Hopefully in January or February, really depends how long I’m away for work.

[@slimsqde7397]

great video man ty

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@crabjoe]

I've got Milwaukee M18 and was looking to get their 12v. But seeing how low cost the Hypertough stuff is... I'm gonna go with Hypertough. I can't go wrong based on it's price and being that I don't make a living off my tools since I'm just a DIYer.

[@gigilaco]

I own the Milwaukee 12v impact but I really want the hyper tough just to have fun

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah the hype tough is a good value imo considering the price.

[@jopa3458]

Hi, I love your video. Did you know Hyper Tough has 6AH battery also that recently came out?

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah it's in the bar graph, it provided a small boost. The line graph was already built before I received the battery.

[@turbro7185]

Bought the hyper tough and was disappointed I couldn’t take off the caliper bolts when trying to do a brake job but they’ve been really good for smaller stuff

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah I think they are a good value but don't have the highest power.

[@toolscientist]

10:50 is the M18 gen 2 really 1.5x times heavier? Milwaukee website says 2.2lbs

[@Tools-Tested]

Good eye, thats a typo. ... it should be 2lbs 3oz vs 3.

[@fantaseahorse4696]

We need to see the new Bosch GDS18V-230

[@toolscientist]

9:42 that's pretty bad damage for maybe a few minutes of running. I wonder how long before it compromises the pack. Did Milwaukee even test this?

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah I wash shocked how bad the battery housing was damaged.

[@chrishoward4017]

I'm curious if the new skil batteries are any better ?

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah hard to say without testing them, hopefully I can get my hands on them soon.

[@JamesMJaime]

I would have thrown in Ridgid's Subcompact line.

[@Tools-Tested]

Hope to test 20/24v's early next year.

[@jimjames6990]

I got the 3-8 Ryobi impact it has 220 lbs of torque. do brake jobs , Lug nuts come off easy.

[@superspeeder]

I don’t think it’s safe to assume M12 users all have the HO batteries yet; they’re very expensive on their own and not offered in most kits. I only have one of each but lots of 2.0 and 4.0. Gen1 M12 here, both 1/2” and 3/8”. Both have been great. Can struggle with higher torque lug nuts sometimes (162 ft-lbs), but a solid tool otherwise. The Gen2 will fix that though!

[@juanc5149]

That’s interesting the stubby 12v Dewalt tested better than gen 1 stubby when they tested it. Your seems to be down on power by about 40-50 ft lbs in comparison.

[@omicrondec]

Did you mean to say when Torque Test Channel tested the DeWalt?

[@josephconsuegra6420]

Surprised the Bosch was not tested.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah just didn't make the cut, looks identical to the impact driver. Im guessing they just changed out the anvil.

[@Dexter_Solid]

Gen2 M12 is a little too strong and does have some getting used to, to avoid breaking fasteners... maybe leave it in power mode 2 for tightening...

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah it is really strong even compared to gen 1.

[@summerforever6736]

Fantastic test!! But I will just go for the $1000 snapon ..kidding

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks! I really do like the trigger on the 14.4 though.

[@Xaluber]

I have the Skil and was also disappointed by the performance. I'm pretty sure it's just the impact driver with a different anvil and is the only tool in their 12v line I don't care for.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah I agree, I was expecting much more. The driver and drill work well.

[@Tanktaco]

Was the latest DeWalt skipped?

[@Tools-Tested]

903 is the latest from what I could tell, really needs a update.

[@OdinsCloud]

Milwaukee claims 550ftlb guess not or is the tested model not the 550 spec?

[@Tools-Tested]

The 550 claim is for a bolt that was tightened to 550, it takes a lot less torque to loose so that’s how marketing claims 550. It’s really a bunch of BS.

[@jonathansaindon788]

If going Dewalt go for DCF921 with a 1.7 powerstack at this point. Not much bigger than the 12v and more powerfull.

[@FusionBoost2.0]

That's what I use most often

[@jonathansaindon788]

@FusionBoost2.0 Bought it a few weeks ago and I love it. Tested it on my father’s Ford Explorer police pack lug nut and it removed them right off.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah that’s a good point with the 1.7

[@alexhernandez657]

Is there a difference between using a 12v impact vs using an adapter on an impact driver?

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah impact drivers are normally lower torque but higher driving speed.

[@dylanwhite6539]

I got the v1 HT for $29.50.

[@AlphaUser777]

What about the Kobalts new stubby?!!! Kobalt should've been included.

[@Tools-Tested]

This was 12 volts only.

[@2down4up]

I’m surprised by two things and I’m honestly not sure which one is the more surprising. The huge improvement for the hyper tough or the rather sad performance of the generally overachieving Skil tools? Loving the new line graph, that’s truly a fantastic visual! Keep up the great work! I’ll keep sharing your videos!

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah it will be interesting if the 20v HT line will be updated. This 12v line has impressed me from a value stand point. The Skil was a big let down, I'm guessing it's just the impact driver with a 3/8 anvil. Thanks! yeah I think the moving graphs make it more interesting. Will do! thanks for sharing my videos, I appellate the support!

[@gvi341984]

No 6amp battery tes for thr hyper tough? Will you do ratchet tests as well

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah, it was late to the game. Didn't make the line graph, but the date is in the bar graphs for the 6ah. The 6ah did provide a small boost, biggest jump is 2ah to 4ah. Probably test the ratchets early next year.

[@ProxyFinal]

that's a deal breaker for me that it damages the battery

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah kinda crazy, also found it harder to remove the battery.

[@Iowa599]

Hyper Tough claims less power for the G2 than the G1, according to the packaging.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep I noticed that, seems they readjusted the claims to more realistic numbers.

[@kc0lif]

i pick milwaukee.

[@Tools-Tested]

Cant go wrong

[@34dawgsgo]

Never used a stubby. Don't know what they are for. As far as homeowner grade Ryobi has never let me down for things I do.

[@ChrisBranleh]

impacts in tight spaces, hence why they offer 3/8 drive for shorter impact socket lengths. it’s more of a luxury item for the homeowner and a time saver for pro. i personally have the first gen M12 in both 3/8 and 1/2 after finding amazing sales over the years but i honestly could function and get things done without them. the biggest limitation to the first gen is despite being a stout and strong compact impact wrench, the minute you put a wobble socket or extension for weird angles like in a brake job, the torque loss is very high. for those reason they do not necessarily replace a mid or high torque impact

[@34dawgsgo]

@ChrisBranleh Thanks for the explanation. Assumed it was the size compared to a normal drill. Take care Sir. This is way far advanced for my needs.

[@ChrisBranleh]

@@34dawgsgo np. don’t listen to youtube shills that make you feel like you’re missing out by not having the latest tools. i fell for this and bought way more tools than i needed as a DIY car dude and home owner. fortunately everything i bought was a holiday sale up to 40-60% off and a fraction of the MRSP

[@34dawgsgo]

@@ChrisBranleh Can't say I've ever faced a situation where a normal drill or impact driver didn't work. Good to have one I guess.

[@jonathansaindon788]

They are mostly good for working on car or mechanical stuff.

[@funkmon]

Hyper tough huh

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep crazy

[@ceronv]

What if the Milwaukee battery is what makes the tool run great. An adaptor to use that battery on low performers would be great

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah the battery plays a huge roll in the tools performance.

[@jvepps]

As always you go with what you already have batteries for.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep

[@saiiiiiii1]

Numbers of the gen2 are without a doubt impressive but even more so the price. This is just too much

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah really is crazy considering the price.

[@ChrisBranleh]

right now the first gen hyper tough 3/8in 12v is $20 for the 2ah battery kit which is crazy. i own both 1/2 and 3/8 gen 1 stubbies. i ain’t upgrading unless they do a crazy holiday deal that’s too good to pass bc i hate money but im not impressed by the mode select mechanism. in fact its annoying that milwaukee does this, as seen in their installation driver. what i really want to see is them beef up that m12 right angle impact wrench that is getting clowned on by its 18v competition.

[@earl3358]

Yea, I scooped up a HT 20v Impact kit $23. A 6 1/2 circsaw kit 20$ and recip kit $20 . They are priced to move get em if you can

[@three-phase562]

They have some serious power now, pretty sure I could swap out my 18V 1/2" impact in my tool bag for one of these and save some weight.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah it really is crazy how powerful they are now.

[@g8beast679]

What i hate about Dewalt is their attention on the 12v line. They did come up with pretty nice tools and then all of a sudden they go mum. No direction whether new Gens will be coming or thats it. I want one 12v small impact wrench, but am waiting for the xtreme upgrade or any 12v upgrade. If nothing next year, I am switching to milwaukee.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep Dewalt for the most part has forgot about the 12v line. Hopefully we see some new 12Vs from Dewalt in 2025..

[@toolscientist]

Damn, that Makita is pretty sad. Barely good enough for fastening M10. Realistically probably limited to M8 for fastening. It is the smallest and lightest, but it's not half the size, whilst nearly all the others are twice as powerful.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep, I'm guessing the Makita is just the impact driver with a 3/8 anvil.

[@Mike-sf7ex]

The Makita shouldn't be in this mix it's not a stubby nor is it meant for higher torque. Makita doesn't have a tool for this segment unfortunately

[@nickthompson529]

The DeWalt dcf903 is only a year or two old, and the dcf901 which is the same tool but in 1/2 drive tested slightly better than the gen 1 Milwaukee stubby on the Torque Test Channel. I’m confused as to why it did worse here.

[@Tools-Tested]

I would have to test the 901 to know for sure.

[@nickthompson529]

@@Tools-Testedit tested slightly better on the Torque Test Channel, I meant to write that and didn’t.

[@2hotscottpro]

Not buying trigger mode china model.

[@Dexter_Solid]

sounds like youre trigger mode

[@lorenzovega8716]

That's not a DeWalt stubby.

[@Tools-Tested]

It's honestly 1/4 longer compared to the Milwaukee.

[@frankeewagner]

I don’t think Mexican manufacturing is any better than China

[@riba2233]

They use 100% chinese parts just assemble them in Mexico where they have cheaper labour

[@Dexter_Solid]

not any better than made in usa either sadly

[@THEBEARDEDTOOLGUY]

Hey TEST The NEW KOBALT SUB COMPACT IMPACT WRENCH HAVE IT AND IT'S NICE for it's size

[@Tools-Tested]

Will do when I compare the 20V's.

[@BoBandits]

wow, crazy, its more torque than my Mastercraft 120v....

[@jsplasha]

An electric toothbrush is more torque than your Mastercraft 120V

[@BoBandits]

@@jsplasha my older model Bosch 18 v is just as bad...

[@wIzKid16100]

I no longer wait for ttc to make a video I’ve found their video to be so bias lately and honestly for the price the ht gets the job done and it hold me down until I got my stubby back from Milwaukee

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah the HT is a good value IMO, the rotary tool and cut off tool worked well for the money as well.