Milwaukee's Best New Drill - M12 Gen 3 Fuel Hammer Drill

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While some of the new generation feel like incremental improvements over prior generations, the M12 Gen 3 Hammer Drill is a big step forward.
Links to Buy
M12 Gen 3: www.homedepot....
M12 Gen 2: www.homedepot....
Music Credits:
The Devil's Sway / I'm Not That Girl (Instrumental Version) / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Mai Ling / Trapped in 8bit/ courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

[@ZeGermanHam]

I fully agree with your assessment that the M12 Gen-3 hammer drill is the tool that saw the biggest improvement from the last gen among the newly released M12 and M18 hammer drills and impact drivers. I recently bought the M12 Gen-3 hammer drill, and with its mechanical clutch, small size, and big power, I think it's now pretty much a perfect 12V drill in all ways. It's a total winner.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I agree.

[@MegaFrank1960]

Hello ! New subscriber and admitted Dewalt fanboy here for the past 34 years of my commercial electrical career, in both corded and cordless versions. This 3477-22 12v M12 Fuel combo changed it all for me. Although I'll admit Dewalt makes fantastic tools, and will always be part of my arsenal, I find myself reaching for either this "do all" M12 micro mighty impact driver or drill/driver constantly, even over my recently purchased 20v Atomic combo. Hats off to Milwaukee, and can't wait to get my hands on some of these other M12 offerings, especially the oscillating tool. You're reviews are always fair and to the point. Looking forward to your next video. Regards from Big Frank in New York.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Hey Frank! Thanks for commenting. With the last gen M12 fuel I would have chosen the DEWALT 12v drill over it but with the newest Gen 3 stuff you mentioned I really love the drill!

[@IMPACT-NATION]

12volt is becoming the new 20 for drills and impacts man. Amazes me to death the power in such a small package

[@TinkerWithTools]

Amen to that.

[@procrastinator1842]

And according to Milwaukee this drill increases in power by 20 or 25% when used with the new 5.0 HO battery. I've been trying to keep to the M12 line of tools, but the Gen 2 hammer drill has really struggled. This will be a breath of fresh air. Now it's time for an m12 rapid charger.

[@ZeGermanHam]

@@procrastinator1842 Yep, the Gen-2 hammer drill was not very good, mostly due to the e-clutch and wonky electronics. I've had the Gen-3 for a week or so and it's a complete home run. They fixed all of the Gen-2's issues while also making it smaller and more powerful.

[@procrastinator1842]

@@ZeGermanHam It's just a shame that Milwaukee takes several months longer to release new products here in Australia...

[@philltafolla]

That’s what she said 😮😊😂

[@andre1987eph]

I bought the Milwaukee gen3 m12 in a kit just this week. The drill makes really clean holes and seems to have very little run out. 👍

[@kpakaify]

Здравия! Есть разница со вторым поколением? Рекомендуете?

[@Shmack_]

My first drill ever. Nothing to compare it to but i like it

[@TinkerWithTools]

You picked a good one!

[@TrueNomadSkies]

Might have to upgrade mine one of these days, especially knowing it has a mechanical clutch again.

[@Ezees23]

I did just that - and just got the Gen 3 bare tool today. I'm really impressed at how small it is when compared directly to the Gen 2. Plus, the Gen 3 feels like a much more refined tool - and the mechanical clutch shatters the Gen 2's E-clutch. I had a hard time with the Gen 2's E-clutch - there's no way to get it to "easily" work accurately - it was always a struggle and it ruined an otherwise great tool. I'll probably just keep the Gen 2 for backup or I might just sell it to a pawn shop if I can get a good price - it's barely used (I just started repairs on a house I just moved into on July 31st) and is practically brand-new......

[@jesterraj]

I have the Gen 1 also I use it for masonary saving my gen 3 wear and tear

[@Lloyd1885]

Great straightforward review, I yave just bought one of the gen 3, fantastic tool that feels like quality, its also very capable...goes into concrete block almost as easy as my corded one. 👍

[@TinkerWithTools]

Thank you! And yes it’s a great drill!

[@dirtysouthvol]

Yo running that 1 3/4 self feeding bit on a 12 volt is WILD! I subscribed btw

[@TinkerWithTools]

Thanks for the sub. Yeah the newest gen really impresses in what they are getting done on a 12 volt platform.

[@michaelwells7348]

~ I all ready Ordered it Cuz I need a Second M12 for dedicated home Use ~ I was just wondering how they upgraded a Tool, that I already hold in such High Regard ~ I keep trying to convince all the ( 18 volters ) that the only thing those tools do better is strip things ~ But most of them are Content with stripping all the Screw Heads on the Planet ..... thanks for the informative Video Bruh.

[@TinkerWithTools]

The latest generation especially is really powerful for the size that it is. Glad you like them!

[@gabimen7460]

Thanks Dude just bought one 👍🏻

[@TinkerWithTools]

Nice choice!

[@benjaminwayneb]

I bought a Gen 2 last year and I hated the the electronic clutch, the clutch only works if you run the drill at low speeds. I disliked the clutch so much that I just bought a Gen 3 to replace the Gen 2.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I have liked the gen 3 a lot more myself.

[@fercho.7776]

I will switch it too, hated that clutch and the delay to full speed action. that's why you have the trigger!!

[@Ezees23]

I did the exact same thing a few days ago, LOL. Though my Gen 2 is only a couple of months old - when I saw that the Gen 3 had a mechanical clutch - I looked found a good price on the bare tool and I jumped on it. It's a much more refined tool with the mechanical clutch - and I don't have to fumble and struggle with non-functional E-clutch on the Gen 2. I don't know what they were thinking - that E-clutch ruined what was otherwise a great tool......

[@DanielGomez-cf6vk]

Still love my gen 2 drill and impact I’ll wait for gen 3 m12 and m18 gen 4

[@bread-gz3rl]

They're gonna need to start putting a side handle on these soon lmao

[@drew5992]

That would be cool

[@magnusa24]

Nice video as always. Would you consider making a short video or something showing the clutch differences? The gen 2 annoys a colleague of mine with the slow wind up and lowered speed when using medium to low clutch settings. He had an old bosch 12v with mechanical, then bought the m12 and was surprised it did not run at full speed before stopping on clutch settings. He’s a lock installer and basically tightens all screws with the same torque by using the clutch, and the wind up as well as the lowered speed quickly gets annoying

[@TinkerWithTools]

I’ll see what I can do. Look out for a short in the coming week or so.

[@weldonpinder7295]

I noticed that you didn't do a concrete test that I was really hoping to see because I drill quite a few small tapcons on a daily basis so that was a bummer but I'm sure the gen 3 would've won

[@TinkerWithTools]

I haven't done much concrete testing yet because I am in a small confined basement shop with little in the form of circulation, but I am looking for a way to do it in the future.

[@weldonpinder7295]

@@TinkerWithTools still a good video but besides yours I've seen many many drill review videos and they don't have concrete testing. I think that if possible those making these videos should because they are hammer drills. But I still enjoyed the video

[@TinkerWithTools]

@@weldonpinder7295 I get it. As the channel grows so will the testing.

[@UncleIvan1]

I like my m12 surge, don't see a purpose for the drill though. my makita subcompact is perfect

[@KevinPGA]

I really appreciate seeing the comparison between Old and new versions. Definitely think I will upgrade. Thank you! 👍

[@TinkerWithTools]

Glad it can be helpful!

[@jesterraj]

Sold my Bosch drill / impact to this this combo

[@Snowmannorth]

I caught that…”impactful…😁”

[@luisinhoens90]

I'm surprised with the added performance. Driving a 1" spade bit on speed 2 is no joke. A few 18V compact drills actually require speed 1. This new drill looks like a game changer, hopefully competing brands take notice and release more powerful tools

[@TinkerWithTools]

It’s quite the drill!

[@billAek]

Great video... The problem here in Greece it's that this cost about 380 euro with 2 6amps batteries... And it's made in prc... Not made in USA...

[@damon323]

Best review on this, thanks!

[@TinkerWithTools]

Thank you! Glad it was useful!

[@damon323]

@@TinkerWithTools It was 100%! Keep doing what you’re doing. You’re gonna have a huge channel on here.

[@GrumpyFelo]

Why didn't you test the hammer function drilling in concrete for example? Like a piece of cinder block

[@TinkerWithTools]

Testing concrete drill is something I need to do this year. I have a small basement shop and film when my kids sleep so I haven't wanted to do it but I just need to find a way.

[@victorortega5158]

Nice and big difference

[@TinkerWithTools]

Yep. Its the biggest jump forward of all of the newer generation.

[@lukesb3025]

Great video Did you mention ergonomics and thickness of the handle? I went with Dewalt sub compact 805 recently as wanted something smaller but powerful, with a narrow handle But that Gen 3 looks sweet

[@TinkerWithTools]

The handle is seemingly unchanged from the Gen 2 so I didn’t mention it. If you didn’t like they one then you likely won’t like this one either. The 805 had a more comfortable grip.

[@procrastinator1842]

Great video, exactly what I was hoping this drill would do. I've been using the Gen 2 daily and one of the issues is that the air intake is right up the front, just below the chuck. It has a habit of sucking in whatever you are drilling, I had a peek inside and it was full of plaster, metal, wood flakes etc, which can't be good for anything. Where is the air intake on this new Gen 3? Thanks!

[@TinkerWithTools]

Sorry it took me a few days to get back to you. I took yesterday off from reading and responding to stuff. The Gen 2 had some air vents directly above the trigger. The Gen 3 doesn’t have its vents until half way though the Milwaukee logo and then has a larger exhaust directly at the rear.

[@DiligentDave1966]

The main problem with M12 tools is that they get hot pretty quickly when working hard. They need to improve the fans to compensate for the size and power.

[@TinkerWithTools]

While they get hotter I have never had it present a problem under my normal use.

[@WeldingForJesus]

Main problem with M12 as I see it is that they eat battery charge for breakfast, lunch, dinner and for snacks in-between meals. They should really get us some 8 or 9 Ah batteries in 12V.

[@DiligentDave1966]

@@WeldingForJesus I think the xc 6.0 last fairly long, but I don’t know because I don’t really like the ergonomics of the M12 Fuel.

[@WeldingForJesus]

@@DiligentDave1966 I know what you mean. My M12 tools are mainly stuff that doesn't exist as M18 (or didn't exist at the time of purchase) like the angled die grinder, the cut off tool or the inflator. The 6Ah is ok, but I'd say it is the only one. The 2Ah and 4Ah gets used up so fast it just ain't funny.

[@DiligentDave1966]

@@WeldingForJesus The xc batteries are always better than the cp. Anyway, that’s why plumbers use M12. The M12 lineup has a lot of specialty tools that other platforms don’t offer.

[@zonkeymaker]

I just got one for 70 bucks just the tool on Amazon. I triple checked that it was a scam before buying as much as I could. It Came in a bag that wasn’t sealed with the manual thrown in it. I was pretty sketched out. Charging the 2.5 AH high output batter right now. This has the hammer drill and everything.

[@TinkerWithTools]

You can get actual tools from there and but yes it’s not always legitimate packaging. Typically if a price is too good to be true there is a chance it might be fake but I am hoping you get a good one.

[@rcud1]

I personally would opt for the non-hammer drill version 3503 and use my larger hammer drill when I need to.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I had thought about that. Obviously the hammer function isn’t going to do a lot of heavy work but when I got it there wasn’t a kit for sale with the drill driver and an impact so I just went this route.

[@ZeGermanHam]

IMO, since there is no change in size between the 3404 hammer drill and 3403 non-hammer drill, there's pretty much no reason to buy the 3403 non-hammer drill. No, the 3404 hammer drill won't be as effective at hammer drilling as a larger 18v tool, but it can still handle some stuff. And when you buy it in a combo kit, which is the only way it should be purchased, the cost savings really make the slightly cheaper 3403 non-hammer drill irrelevant.

[@rcud1]

@@ZeGermanHam When I need a hammer drill I use my larger hammer drill with a handle or else use my rotary hammer drill if its anything more than 3/8". I rather not have that hammer contraption in the drill I use for 99% wood.

[@procrastinator1842]

@@ZeGermanHam Personally I would opt for the non hammer drill every time. Why? Because the mechanism to allow the chuck to move forward and backward will always have more play/wobble, and develop more play/wobble over time. This can and does causes the sprag clutch to slip when you're trying to tighten the chuck. I'll never buy a hammer drill again if I can help it.

[@mookah2696]

@@procrastinator1842 you make good point, and helped with my decision for the non-hammer version over the hammer version

[@jesterraj]

where is the concrete test ???

[@TinkerWithTools]

Haven't gotten to it yet.

[@frankcherry3810]

Wish you had drilled some masonry

[@TinkerWithTools]

While I didn’t do it in that initial testing I have a KZbin short where I do drill into a concrete block with that drill and the prior generation I believe.

[@jesterraj]

Drilled into 3/8 steel with a 7/32 bit....drilled like 3 hole and cut off over temp......with the gen 1 didnt heat up as much same 2.5 HO battery

[@tomjohnson5885]

Why no testing using hammer mode?

[@TinkerWithTools]

At this point making videos I hadn't done any hammer drill testing. I have since done a short on this actual model testing the hammer function against the prior gen and it's been included in newer videos with other drills.

[@charlschuck6]

I’ll think the new battery 2.5/5A will improve even more the performance speed of the tool vs the older model all new and old model will come soon a real beast test 😂

[@TinkerWithTools]

I have a 2.5 right now and so far I am not seeing something special. But I still need to do some testing. Might take the 5.0 to get a big boost.

[@charlschuck6]

@@TinkerWithTools like that you are so honest not many reviewers say the truth !!

[@procrastinator1842]

@@TinkerWithTools correct, the new 2.5 sits above the 3.0 cp, but still below the 6.0 xc battery for power output. Somebody made a comparison video. The 5.0 HO + Gen 3 will be a killer combo and will finally be up to the task of sending 25mm speedbores for electrical rough in, which is a big thorn in my side for rhe current Gen. I do wonder though, either all that power and more heat...Is it going to last?

[@ognyandimitrov1379]

tinker with clutches channel

[@RodSquad-Reviews]

I’m on the dewalt platform and was looking at these M12s. Should I jump over or stick the with dewalt 12v? Thoughts?

[@TinkerWithTools]

If it was the previous generation, I would say stay put... but the performance bump from each tool on the new generation vs the dewalt is pretty noticeable. I think both are great tools but if you are inclined to make a switch, I think Milwaukee has more power.

[@TinkerWithTools]

In 12v, in my opinion there is not better platform than M12. But it really depends on what tools you will use. If all you need is a drill and an impact, Milwaukee has more performance but it’s not like DEWALT is bad. When you start talking about the ability to have other tools like an inflator, pin nailer, brad nailer, sanders, die grinders, lights etc… M12 really pulls ahead.

[@hrkougb453]

Hi a question is the drill (Gen2) with you after a short time also very warm so it is with mine and Milwaukee says that would be normal so I know it but not from other brands

[@TinkerWithTools]

The M12 drills and impacts to get warmer than the other competitors. I have never noticed performance degradation from it but it is something that stands out.

[@hrkougb453]

@@TinkerWithTools Yes, I also noticed that the thing is after one minute of work as warm as my Bosch after 10 hours of work haha

[@Thomas-nz4uh]

What's the difference between the Milwaukee Model# 3404-22 and 3403-22 hammer drill they both have the same specs? Any help would be appreciated...

[@TinkerWithTools]

The 3403 is the drill/driver, or in other words it doesn't have a hammer function. The 3404 is the hammer drill version. If you don't need or want the hammer drill then the drill driver can work for you. Other than that they feature the same specs

[@wallacelawson9027]

@@TinkerWithTools Thanks for responding so quickly, I purchased the 3403-22 kit but the following day before Home Depot ship it I found the 3404-22 which both products looked identical and came with the same batteries and bag. The only difference was the 3404-22 kit was ten dollars more, so I thought I'd ask before canceling my order and going with the 3404 model. But in both cases either model would be a upgrade from the Black and Decker hammer drill, so I'll be receiving the 3403 model today, thanks again man........

[@TinkerWithTools]

@@wallacelawson9027 yeah I think you will really enjoy that drill. I don’t have the drill driver version but I don’t expect it to be any less awesome that the 3404!

[@jesterraj]

Why use strips of chip board rather than a solid piece of wood?

[@TinkerWithTools]

Chip board or OSB as it's known to me is a relatively cost effective material to test in that doesn't split or tear apart. It lets me get more test in without splitting especially when I get close to the edges.

[@jbdulay]

How about the dewalt dcd706 compare to this?

[@TinkerWithTools]

I’ve for a comparison video on the channel. Can’t link it here but it’s called 12v Hammer Drill Showdown - Round 2.

[@H8HotWeather]

Do you know if the gen 4 m18 hammer drill has a mechanical clutch?

[@TinkerWithTools]

It does.

[@jhm054]

Watching this after breaking my gen 2

[@TinkerWithTools]

Sorry it broke. The gen 3 is awesome though

[@jhm054]

@@TinkerWithTools plan on getting it. Between buying the kit and selling my gen 2 impact or just buying the bare tool

[@benjaminwayneb]

@@jhm054 I just bought a Gen 3 kit, in Canada pricing of bare tool doesn't make sense. Bare drill is $198.00, drill kit with 1 2 amp and 1 4 amp battery and charger is $248.00, drill and impact kit with 2 batteries and charger is $249.00.

[@jakechef994]

gr8 vid, i push my gen 2 till it quits fairly often, seriously considering the gen 3 🤔, ps. I enjoyed the livestream you did with the Roberts

[@TinkerWithTools]

Thanks. I appreciate it.

[@procrastinator1842]

Same here, nearly gave up on it and went M18...but now I won't have to.

[@jeffvoght1632]

Do you think that the chuck will hold up?

[@TinkerWithTools]

I have had it a year now and no issues. It’s a workhorse of a drill too?

[@AutodidactEngineer]

Does the 12v battery outlast the 18v counterpart?

[@TinkerWithTools]

Don’t know that I have ever really tested that. I would say the 18v tool would handle certain tasks easier so it might used battery power more efficiently.

[@AutodidactEngineer]

@@TinkerWithTools I agree but for a DIY-er the 12v lineup is more than adequate! Gotta love the cute m12, wasn't a big fan of the gen 2 but gen 3 got my wallet :D.

[@ryanbray7100]

What brand are those blue bit’s

[@TinkerWithTools]

Wiha terminator blue. They are sold at Lowe’s.

[@pattyfran9186]

Muito bom!!!!💪💪💪👊

[@JuanGarcia-kk3ux]

There are gen 3 and gen 4

[@TinkerWithTools]

If you are referring to the M18 then yes but in M12 the newest is the Gen 3.

[@JuanGarcia-kk3ux]

@@TinkerWithTools you right

[@JustaCuriousity]

Hi, im sorry, but you didnt test hammer drill on concrete

[@TinkerWithTools]

You are right. At that point in time I hadn’t done any concrete testing. I have since done a small test in a short (about 11 months ago) and I have included limited testing in other videos since then.

[@user-rb8iv4nm1k]

I bought it together with the impact Perfect tools

[@mikeolito8077]

The gen 2 is that a new tool or is it a used tool, could make a difference

[@TinkerWithTools]

About 2 years old but still in decent condition. I don’t think it’s condition had a significant impact on the results.

[@alexxcu5toms268]

Isnt it gen 4?

[@TinkerWithTools]

The M18 is on the 4th Gen. M12 is only on the 3rd generation.

[@alexxcu5toms268]

@@TinkerWithTools ah i see thanks yes was bit confused

[@harlanborders943]

What about the heat, do y’all think it will be as reliable

[@TinkerWithTools]

I think if you push it beyond what they recommend the heat could become a problem. It’s not designed to do an 1 3/4” bit. But it will be awesome at the stuff it’s supposed to do. Time can only tell if it’s going to be a bigger issue but the testing pushes it in terms of doing back to back tests over maybe 10-12 minutes

[@mathiassmith5667]

They said heat management was something improved with the new drills and impacts because it’s been the Achilles heel of Milwaukee. It doesn’t seem like it did much in this case, it probably won’t be an immediate problem but as the tool gets worked I imagine the higher average heat will degrade it faster.

[@kellyjaques9047]

That gen 2 sucks in comparison! I'll give you $20 for it ;)

[@TinkerWithTools]

Give me until the end of the year to do some more testing and there might be a deal to be had.

[@fishgaming8599]

The gen 3 sounds like the m18 more

[@TinkerWithTools]

I agree.

[@jenar]

jadi fokus keperutnya gede banget

[@ashleysanderson474]

Where are the cool tshirts? Plain red? Blah…😂

[@CodyLamson]

My 3rd gen m12 drill overheats in 1.5 minutes of essentially no load use. Sometimes 2-3 minutes if I’m lucky. It’s absolutely ridiculous. I got it to run drill brushes detailing and it’s honestly the worst power tool I’ve ever used and it’s not even close. My old m12 brushed drill would last hours on end running without stopping. This “better” one doesn’t even last 2 minutes. Terrible drill

[@TinkerWithTools]

I haven't put the 3rd gen into that exact situation necessarily, but I have run my Gen 2 Fuel like that in a tile cleaning application and it ran fine. Sorry it's not working out better for you.

[@CodyLamson]

I bought a second kit to try out a new one, and this one the fuel gauge doesn’t fully line up with the holes to check battery which is also pretty annoying. Brand new and it’s already flawed. Quality control is getting bad clearly. Lots of people who said their trigger came off right away too

[@youpattube1]

You should give us two options : watch the video alone, or watch it with your stupid long intro.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I appreciate the feedback.