I have both. The extended one I use for pretty much everything, since the body fits into tighter spaces. I use the other one where more torque might be needed. If I was to only buy one it would be the extended reach one.
Milwaukee M12 Stubby (new specs) vs M18 Compact 3/8"
- Thread starter explorerlyon
- Start date
I have both. The extended one I use for pretty much everything, since the body fits into tighter spaces. I use the other one where more torque might be needed. If I was to only buy one it would be the extended reach one.
I have most of the Fuel ratchets in 1/4 and 3/8" including the extended. At best, all of them are just okay. The plastic he refers to is folks think the battery is part of the handle, it isn't. What happens is you use the battery as a handle trying for more leverage and that breaks the tabs that retain the battery and or it wears out the mating slots in the handle which then becomes a major annoyance when you have to hold the battery in to use the tool. And it matters not how many times you tell folks, show folks, beat folks, and otherwise berate them into the proper use thereof, they still grab the battery and use it as a handle. The only way I have found to stop it is don't let them use the tool.
The extended version slows a bunch of that down, but then you wind up with an oddball tool that isn't as useful as you expected it to be. If you have normal and long handle ratchets, a good comparison is how often you use each. I tend to take both, long handle to break it loose, switch to the shorter so there isn't so much handle swinging around.
My 3/8 ratchet is the standard (non-fuel) likely less stout than the fuel ones. You can feel the body (not battery) give in it. Hasn't given up in 5 or so years, but feels like a concern whenever I need to crank on it.
They just came out with a 70 ft/lb version that hasn’t hit any stores around me yet that I’m excited to put some hands on. I love the electric ratchets and I’ve had several brands and are one of my most used tools, but I don’t think any of them ooze superior quality characteristics. I’m excited to see this one though.
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/products/details/m12-fuel-3-8-ratchet/3053-20
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/products/details/m12-fuel-3-8-ratchet/3053-20
Yeah I've tried several brands, and haven't found one that is superior. I work on mostly small engines and ATVs, so the 1/4" extended reach is probably the one I use the most, just because the body is further from the ratchet head so I can squeeze it into tight spots. I use them mostly to zip out small fasteners, and never to break things loose. I never really thought they were meant for that. When doing brakes for example, I'll pop the caliper and bracket bolts loose with a regular ratchet, and use the electric to zip the bolts out. It just makes it quicker, but I wouldn't want to put all my force on the electric to pop them loose.
This
The Icon thin wall deep sockets for 1/2" help a bit, but 3/8 impact sockets are thinner.
I almost never use or need the 1/2" impact and reach for the 3/8" all day. This is for my Jeep and bigger GMC Yukon.
I have both the m12 and m18, the most important thing is to get only the FUEL (non fuel are pretty terrible tools as they're brushed motors). Same holds true for other brands if you prefer yellow or anything else - only get the brushless motor ones.
I have both the m12 and m18, the most important thing is to get only the FUEL (non fuel are pretty terrible tools as they're brushed motors). Same holds true for other brands if you prefer yellow or anything else - only get the brushless motor ones.
I didn't have th m18 fuel when I was consistently doing jeep stuff, so the m12 stubby back then. It's more than enough for 95%+ of everything. Now days the m18 on everything else because I have more batteries for m18 nowadays.
Did you have the gen 2 M12 stubby?
The gen 2 is considerably more powerful than gen 1.
M12 gen 2 is pretty good for hobby work.
My M18 stuff is still faster and has more battery capacity at the trade off of weight and size.
I just ordered this one. Been holding off on new tools for a bit and this deal looked worth it after this thread.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...Socket-Set-43-Pc-2562-20-49-66-7009/331963347
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...Socket-Set-43-Pc-2562-20-49-66-7009/331963347
I don't think I did since I've had it a long while now, did that release within the last year or two?