Which Milwaukee Combo Kit Should You Buy? M18 Fuel vs M12 Fuel vs Compact

You're in the market for a Milwaukee combo kit, but there are so many to choose from! M18 Fuel or M18 Brushless? M12 Fuel or M18 Compact? In this video, we're gonna highlight the differences between each Drill and Impact Driver Milwaukee Combo Kit, to help you decide which set is best for you.
The field we have in this video is the new Milwaukee Tool drill and impact driver combo kit, featuring the Gen 4 Hammer Drill (2904-20) and the Gen 4 Impact Driver (2953-20). Representing the M18 Compact Brushless combo kit we'll be detailing the drill driver (3601-20) and the impact driver (3650-20). Rounding out our group is the M12 Fuel Combo Kit, that includes the M12 Fuel Hammer Drill (3404-20) and the M12 Fuel Impact Driver (3453-20).
We'll go over the specifications, features, and performance of each of these tools as well as give you a rundown of where you can find these combo kits, and how much they'll cost you!
READ MORE HERE: bit.ly/MilwaukeeDrills
00:00 Which Combo Kit Should You Buy?
00:30 M12 Fuel Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit
03:37 M18 Compact Brushless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit
05:37 M18 Fuel Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit
07:34 What is Milwaukee One Key?
09:17 Pricing

[@LessEnergy]

If you’re a tool addict like me you just buy them all

[@Protoolreviews]

That works too! 😂

[@endurement]

@@b-real695same lol, I might go for it and get the big combo kit for $1400 😂

[@joseareias5910]

😂

[@Mickeystyles1]

You ain't lying,lol

[@musonius.x]

150k $ tools announced or realeased in 2023 only... can you afford em all?))

[@APO1029]

From the instant I saw your eyepatch I knew I could trust your word on power tools, thank you kind sir

[@MyKonaRC]

He started playing Metal Gear Solid

[@mikejrog]

Bought my first M12 fuel tools in Feb 2023 and fell in love immediately! Lightweight and packs a huge punch. Started with hammer drill and impact driver. Added the hackzall and hatchet later. Love them all! Highly recommend for sure.

[@Protoolreviews]

Thanks for watching, Mike!

[@mums_poop_sock]

Same here! Bought the M12 drill+driver and have used them 90% the time and my M18 collects dust and only gets used when I need to do something that actually needs the high power like drilling thick steel plates

[@kentheaps2115]

@@mums_poop_sock Thanks. I am currently trying to decide between the M12 Fuel and the brushless m18. Your comments have helped me in the right direction.

[@jamesgoens3531]

Nice explanation of the different platforms. I just upgraded from the Gen 1 M12 set to the Gen 3 set today. I really like all of my M12 tools and lights. Can’t wait to try the new set out.

[@davidperry4013]

I have an M12 gen 3 fuel impact driver and pushed it hard for by doing a project that recommends M18 fuel. Got the anvil hot and I let it cool down but no harm done. My M18 fuel gen 2 circular saw acted up but got it repaired under warranty and it’s stronger than ever. Even the best power tool manufacturers have made lemons. Damaged my M18 fuel mower under operator error which isn’t covered under warranty but quick turn around. I’m just one of those DIYers that chose to pay the premium for commercial grade tools and I see the value of it.

[@user-lp7dd7dz9m]

Dan Crenshaw is a Milwaukee fan!

[@garrettmiller1822]

I’m mostly homeowner/diy but I do I little bit of restaurant/cafe equipment repair and building maintenance stuff at times. I got the newest m12 combo kit and it’s been absolutely amazing. Does way more than it should be capable of

[@james2042]

M12 is great for both homeowners and trades who use their tools as a resource rather than the main means of doing their job. General contractors aren't going to carry M12s as their primary tool for industrial construction. But for automotive it's a goldmine being compact and having the ratchets. My buddy is a plumber and uses m12s. I know his favorite is the one hand fuel recip saw. M18s are for when you're going to beat on them all day rather than a few screws here and a cut there. The m18s are truly contractor tools. While they try to bleed into the home market with the OTE stuff, dual 12ah batteries to power the mower they might as well make it MX based.

[@fabiantaveras8458]

For work I use a combo of the M12 gen 3 impact and the gen 4 hammer drill. I love the power to size/weight ratio of the M12 and the M18 hammer drill crushes whatever task I give it.

[@pointnozzleaway]

The M18 Compact Brushless Drill is a Favorite. I have one at Work & Home 👍👍

[@zeroelus]

I chose M18 mostly because of the other tools available. Critically I was looking for the M18 cordless inflator since I wanted it on my wife's car. She drives quite a bit, is sometimes far away from my home office and can be carpooling not just with our kids but with other children, if she needs it I wanted the fastest one possible, it's size not being an issue since she drives a minivan and there's always more space in that car :) From there I backtracked into the M18 2892-22CT combo. The included impact driver is more than enough for what I need, and it mostly is ready for tire changing duties/car maintenance. It has successfully loosened lug nuts overtightened by unscrupulous tire shops using air impact wrenches and has enough power to also jack up the car, using a scissor jack adapter, and driving screws or bolts into wood with it is not something I do often, but it's obviously great at that too. The only weak point of that combo is that the included drill does not have hammer mode, which is critical since most of the constructions over here are brick or concrete. I ended up buying just the 2904 tool, and it's a beast. I've seen newer combos do include a brushless hammer drill. I dobut I would have bought the 2904 in that case. Some 3...or 4? years ago now I bought my dad the M12 hatchet saw and that was my first experience with Milwaukee's system. It is an awesome tool and just right for what my dad needed.

[@michaelpoczynek]

Very helpful and informative. Thanks.

[@Protoolreviews]

We appreciate that, thanks for watching!

[@michaelpoczynek]

I did a lot of research and came to the conclusion that for power tools Milwaukee was the best. I have since converted over, and been loving these tools ever since. I highly recommend them! 😀

[@Dhughe9]

M12 fuel set is on sale at Home Depot right now for $145. You just return the free gift (extra battery)

[@andresmadrid2160]

Can you return a gift?

[@Dhughe9]

@@andresmadrid2160yes you can return the free item to get the other item for cheaper

[@lifegoeson1007]

@@andresmadrid2160 So, the battery isn’t necessarily free at Home Depot, they’ll charge you a price for M12 Fuel Drill and Impact Driver Kit and a certain price for the “free” battery

[@twtrucks1549]

M12 for homeowners? Great video here

[@arthurschamne]

I just bought the 3497-22 m12 fuel combo at a steal, as I got the combo along with the 2522-20 M12 cut off tool and a 48-11-2425 M12 2.5ah battery for $270.

[@TheAlpineShepherdBoy]

After watching the video, and figuring my specific needs/wants, I went with M12 Fuel combo kit and am very happy with them. They perform perfectly for me and what I need from them. Thanks for the straight-forward and informative video. The problem now is, I already want to start getting the M18 Fuel line as well. Not because I need them, just because I want them, too... My best justification so far is "just in case" I may find myself not being able to tackle a job with the M12 tools.

[@user-qq7cs4pq3b]

What do you do?

[@mr-toyota]

If you don’t use them for work then there’s really no need. I am guilty of buying a lot of tools for work that never leave my workbench at home. Bigger capacity batteries for the M12 are good for the diy guy unless you also repair your own car then yeah you should get a gen 4 impact m18.

[@chrisanthony144]

awesome explanation and video buddy. God BLess!

[@Protoolreviews]

Thanks, Chris! We appreciate it!

[@devonboyer626]

When I was doing electrical work my favorite combo was the m18 fuel drill and m12 fuel impact!

[@Protoolreviews]

Mix and match, we like it!

[@thatdudeinmaroon]

My exact combo as an electrician right now

[@devonboyer626]

@@thatdudeinmaroon exactly. A tiny impact carry on my belt, and a powerful drill for rough ins!

[@wuldntuliktonoptb6861]

The m12 isn’t just for DIY home guys. I work in the HVAC field and you’ll see people carrying the hammer drill, impact, and the surge all day long. Those drills are super small especially with the battery so ya can easily fit it down in your bag.

[@taii_]

great video

[@timothybayliss6680]

The m18 brushless hammer drill does come in a kit. 3610-22. It is 0.1" longer than the drill/driver

[@jeffleake1960]

i bought the m18 fuel twin pack and they've been awesome but if I'm honest i could of easily gotten away with using the m12 versions some of my work mates have them and seem to have no problems with . but i do like how long the 5 amp batteries last on the impact driver as even with a lot of use i rarely charge more than once maybe twice a week at most . except on the multitool that thing eats batteries like no ones business

[@wildosvt]

M12 all day!

[@potvinsuks8730]

From reading alot of these comments, it seems that the new Sub Compact Brushless model gets quite alot of hate but I suppose I can understand it if you're someone who has already been established. However, for someone like me who is only getting into this stuff for the first time in his adult life, starting off with the Compact M18 line makes sense. It's lighter, faster and more powerful then the M12 line and the Charger that comes with it is also good for M12 gear so you future proof in that sense. Picked up the combo kit with the compact drill and 3 CP 2.0 batteries for $235 over Labor Day Sale and just returned one of those batteries for $70 bringing my cost down to $165 for both tools (Compact Drill + Brushless Impact Driver + 2 2.0 CP 2 Batteries) which is on sale now (Black Friday) for only $189. So in my situation, this is the more prudent move in my opinion. Edit: Wanted to also say that it was between the new Mikwaukee Compact Brushless and the DeWalt DCF 850 Atomic. I still want that DCF 850 one day for sure but how come there are no comparisons between the two? Seems like they are the two perfect head to head duelers along with Metabo's Triple Hammer etc.

[@avrdrums]

I don't know if you already made your purchase but I would go for the M12 model over the Sub Compact M18. A little less power yes, but you are getting a better lighting system, a hammer drill and way more settings to use on the M12s.

[@Crystals_and_Witchcraft]

I picked up the Compact M18 kit also. Has a little more power n speed then m12s......yes I'm brand new buying my first tools too

[@kailanfrazier6786]

I have zero experience with tools as a whole. For someone who just needs to do work around the house. Which combo would suggest for a person like me?

[@scottthewozznijak359]

I WANT THEM ALLL

[@1978garfield]

Milwaukee still has a ton of brushed tools out there. I was looking at HD's Spring Black Friday ad. They had a bunch of Milwaukee combos. No Fuel and nothing that said brushless. I could not see buying a brushed set now when even HF has brushless tools.

[@busman2050]

Excellent presentation

[@busman2050]

Im getting the middle kit for home use

[@Protoolreviews]

Thank you! Glad we could help!

[@Wecandoit23]

I have both m12 and m18 i feel the m18 feels more compact do to not having that thick handle

[@raidersperez1278]

I’ve had nothing but issues with the m18s. Had the brushed basic and burned it out in 5 months. Got the surge version only last 1.5 year before it started acting out. For the m18 fuel in October of 2022 and 1 year later it’s also started acting up. Let’s see how the m12 treats me. Just bought the m12 fuel kit with 3 extra batteries. If this fails me I’m going with makita. I’m an electrician so it’s not like I’m constantly abusing these impacts.

[@oreos922]

I see a trend.

[@wuldntuliktonoptb6861]

They’ll be fine trust me we got HVAC installers abusing them constantly. I could never justify the price of the M18 so I’ve exclusively stuck to the 12 V line and they’re great and affordable. Batteries are purchasable but like I feel better then the dink 2.0 dewalt gives you.

[@dirkslifeadvice5339]

4900 IPM on the compact.

[@erickrodriguez1950]

Hi all, now that I know the difference in detail of the tools itself, as a home owner who likes to do mainly house work and a little automotive stuff, would the M12 fuel would be enough? For another video idea, I would like to see what type of work would be best suited for each set, just examples so I understand what I should buy. Thank you, love the video!

[@Protoolreviews]

That's great feedback Erick, thanks! For what you're doing around the house M12 should be more than enough, venturing into mechanics is where things get a little tricky. If you plan on doing light duty work you may be able to get away with M12, but anything requiring a moderate to intense amount of torque, we'd suggest upgrading.

[@erickrodriguez1950]

​@@Protoolreviewsamazing, thank you!!!

[@bltzgaming6989]

Most of the mechanics I worked with at the last job preferred the m12 fuel for everything that wasn’t an air wrench. The ratchet and compact size is what they liked about it especially since most of the mechanics had mixed sets of snap ons and Milwaukee for most of their electric stuff.

[@gameplayer4371]

The M12 hammer drill/ driver overheats when you drill numerous larger holes.

[@histguy101]

Hi, is your eye okay? I've been reading your reviews for a long time and never noticed before

[@Protoolreviews]

Thanks for the concern, I had to have an operation on my eye because of a detached retina. It makes the bright studio lights feel even brighter, so I wear the eyepatch.

[@dtn2490]

Most reviews like this video unfortunately left out one of the most important safety feature of the flagship M18 FUEL hammer drill; the auto stop feature to save your wrist or face/teeth when the bit gets caught in whatever being drilled.

[@Protoolreviews]

That's a great catch, a useful safety feature indeed!

[@PageMarker1]

DCF961!

[@NewHomesNick]

funny how i started looking today and this was literally posted 2 hours ago

[@Protoolreviews]

Perfect timing! Hope we could help!

[@Michail_86]

The best milwaukee a yellow

[@RustyBeez]

I got the M12 FUEL and I am so torn about if I am gunna be just fine with it or if I should've gotten the M18 (no FUEL). My head literally HURTS I don't know what to do. Like I already said I bought the M12 FUEL at Home Depot but I can always bring it back if need be. It SEEMS like it's an amazing dual drill set. But I have that "FOMO" or "Fear Of Missing Out" so I'm worried that the 12 volt won't be enough to even do the smallest jobs lol. I know the FUEL line is the "best of the best" as far as functionality, but..... Please. Someone help me my head hurts. I ALREADY bought the M12 FUEL. This is for home projects and doing things at home. I'm not a construction worker. TELL ME WHAT TO DO!!

[@jessielawrence2871]

Don't stress. You have made the right choice.

[@stone.stoner.fishing6335]

Coming from a guy with one eye ima learn from his mistake and take his advice lol 😂

[@phx6027]

M18 fuel all the way baby

[@membershipmovement]

I don't get the craze with battery powered tools. I'm considering the corded versions of the Milwaukee tools. No flat batteries, less cost and greater reliability. Sounds much better for me.

[@Gabri3lRocha]

Ultimately you’ll be less productive on the job. Some people don’t care about that all up to the person

[@Deadmantyping00]

Thank you James bond villain

[@andre1987eph]

I’m not even a Milwaukee guy and I broke down and bought their Gen 3 M12 Drill Driver Kit. I use it more than my 18v Makita kit.

[@Protoolreviews]

That's a great choice!

[@user-tc1cd3nx2f]

Cabinet builder here, you think it will be better than the makita 18v I use at work

[@harlanborders943]

H D has the m12 199$ and a 2.5 for free an the compact m18 is 189$ if anyone is interested

[@LUCASPELUCAS777]

Just picked both up, kinda sad that I couldn’t afford the m18 fuel rn but really excited for these two kits

[@lifegoeson1007]

@@LUCASPELUCAS777 Currently, if you signup for the Ace Hardware Rewards Exclusive Program online, you could get the M18 Combo Kit for $199, the regular price being $239

[@bartholomewgreatpants3425]

(David Hayter Solid Snake voice), Big Boss?!?

[@Protoolreviews]

I’m no hero. Never was, never will be. 😀

[@draytonPW]

Mind addressing the eyepatch?

[@Protoolreviews]

Kenny had surgery for a retinal detachment and the eye still doesn't look great on camera, so he decided to wear an eye patch rather than making everyone look at it.

[@kahalepua1007]

200$ for those 2 M12 tools batteries, bag and charger 😂 I just got a set

[@juanpablo-rdm]

Which DeWalt Combo Kit… …Extreme, Atomic, Brushless, XR? 🤔

[@Protoolreviews]

Great question.. could possibly be for another video 🤔

[@janaojana1061]

sir im Bangladeshi

[@ricksgiggle8852]

🔴 is your eye gonna be ok? Hopefully it's nothing too bad.

[@Protoolreviews]

Thanks for the concern, I had to have an operation on my eye because of a detached retina. It makes the bright studio lights feel even brighter, so I wear the eyepatch.

[@narutobroken]

@@ProtoolreviewsThat’s very scary, do you mind mentioning what symptoms you were having? I’ve heard it can be an emergency

[@andre1987eph]

@@ProtoolreviewsI wish you a miraculous healing. In Jesus’ name. 🙏

[@Protoolreviews]

@@narutobroken I've actually had them in both eyes now. The first one had a series of bright flashes (which was the retina tearing away) and then a dark curtain falling into my field of view. The second (the one with the patch over it) was more of a hazy section in the center of my vision. Since I'd already had a detachment in the other eye, I got into see the specialist the next day. There's no pain when your retina detaches, but if you don't deal with it quickly, it can get back into the macula and leave you blind. I now have distortions in both eyes, but functional vision for daily life.

[@Protoolreviews]

@@andre1987eph I appreciate your prayers, brother!

[@JackSepticTank-uw5vg]

Some people look for treasure on the open seas. I look for treasure at home depot.

[@edblough4134]

What did you do to your eye?

[@Failsafeman100]

How rude

[@edblough4134]

@@Failsafeman100 why is that rude? Obviously something happened and is simply asked what it was.

[@Failsafeman100]

@@edblough4134 there's no need to ask this question in a public forum of someone you've probably never met. But if you feel like you must ask, then don't make it seem like you assume whatever happened is his fault. Have some common manners and then people won't feel the need to call you out.

[@edblough4134]

@@Failsafeman100 is your name Karen?

[@Failsafeman100]

@@edblough4134 how rude

[@jefftawney1965]

m12 fuel impact, m18 fuel drill/driver.

[@lucasdunn1776]

I'm concerned about getting information from a pirate

[@Protoolreviews]

His recommendations arrrrr trustworthy.

[@michaelmiller6843]

Hope your eye is ok.

[@Protoolreviews]

Thanks for the concern, I had to have an operation on my eye because of a detached retina. It makes the bright studio lights feel even brighter, so I wear the eyepatch.

[@michaelmiller6843]

@@Protoolreviews wishing you a speedy recovery. Thank you for your videos. They are fantastic.

[@Protoolreviews]

@@michaelmiller6843 Thank you!

[@jacobsamson257]

Arrrrrrrrrr

[@kibrajesus]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 hay jack sparrow

[@DIYDEGEN]

Omg what happen to your eye

[@MyProjTeam]

Nick Fury's recommended equipments

[@piotr2951]

What I got from this review: Don't be Milwaukee, its bad for your eyes.

[@American_Creed]

None of the above there junk

[@richardgodfrey3737]

Do not buy m12 tools ! The battery's do not last long in giving up or broken in such a short time 😢 I'm going back to m18 last longer. Go through 8 m12 battery's in 3 years but m18 over 6 years are still working. Think about it. I've paid £60 for each m12 battery's.....!!!!!

[@user-jh1mq2ih2u]

Never had any issues with my m12s tools or batteries..

[@cookierad3r]

How much are you using them? Always seemed m12 was for hobbiest usage not pro

[@user-jh1mq2ih2u]

@@cookierad3r daily for hvac/r.. batteries last .. not sure what the other guy is talking about.. the drill driver is a beast and so is the pipe cutter.. vcg construction does good vid on m12

[@justsayin7937]

​@@cookierad3r The reason its labeled as "Fuel" is because its professional grade.

[@richardnone5644]

the right choice would be to buy a Dewalt

[@infernoeagles5812]

Unless miliwakeee has fixed there battery jiggle of death I am never buying there tools again I will stick with maktia and flex

[@Thechosen77]

Can you explain more im interested since I just bought the m18 fuel drills

[@john-markbeard1552]

He's a clown bro. Hence the lack of response.

[@Methxdz]

@@john-markbeard1552or doesn’t have YT notifications turned on like some people???

[@joesant1943]

@@john-markbeard1552Looks to me that you’re the clown here seeking for some attention 🤡🤡🤡