I have spent 10 hours on TH-cam, and this is the most detailed review, all others seem to be trying to screw in large lag bolts and screws, clearly this is NOT what this impact driver is designed to do. Kindest regards. Joe
Hi I purchased the original m18 Fuel ¼" impact and still have it for lag bolts and outdoor work, I have the m18 surge driver for my everyday and residential stuff. Especially on max torque or high output there isn't all that much decibel difference, but it is in smaller fasteners when you aren't getting the earsplitting hammer on anvil noise. Same for the m12, you get the impact power and ease of fasteners application but noticeably quieter for the majority of applications. I am also now a subscriber, and thank you
I noticed the same thing this weekend actually. I drove some #10 screws without a pilot while hanging cabinets in my small laundry room. It was much louder than I remembered in close quarters. Then I drove some self piloting #8 screws and it was a lot quieter.
I have the gen 3 M18 with one key and it's a tank but bought the M18 surge about a half a year ago and I love that thing. Doesn't have the power as the gen 3 but it's so quiet and it's much more suitable for my line of work and I always have the Gen 3 around if I need that power
Great review, Thank you, I was on the fence between the M12 fuel and surge, I have alot if the M12 tools now so I wanted alittle more power than my older 2450, and just looking for a reason to buy a new one....LOL
Johnny Hershberger Im on the same boat. Just bought the m12 fuel when I started seeing the surge cone out and put a wrench in my decision making. What did you do?
@@DoresoomReviews I recently did a bathroom and the guy and his granddaughter complained about the noise from the Gen 2 so maybe this will help in the future
Wft seriously Probably that’s one of the reasons I’m considering to buy us a home in the village and not in the city.. can’t fix your house peacefully, damn neighbors
@@Tools-awesomenessWhile this impact is more quiet than a regular, You might want to use a small drill or screw driver for cabinet work at peoples home. Drill is still quieter. Loving the Surge, though.
The Milwaukee M12 surge has four functions in order to prevent from overtorquing or stripping, right? So would it make sense to buy just the Milwaukee M12 surge as opposed to this electronic screwdriver for DIY at home to future proof?
The three speed/torque levels do help prevent overdriving screws, but the fourth setting is specifically for self tapping sheet metal screws. However, I wouldn't say this is a direct replacement for a cordless drill or screwdriver. The clutches on those generally go a lot lower so you can drive smaller fasteners without worrying about overtorquing.
Love your reviews. The difference is when you mention torque * delta t. Good stuff! Regarding the decibel meter- Please check the weighting setting of the meter. This may be why the numbers don’t agree with your ears.
Hey bud. So if I just wanted an impact driver just to have for various home tasks, maybe the occasional lag bolt and tightening nuts and bolts, which impact would I want? (Of both m12s, don’t have any m18 batteries)
I'd pick the M12 Surge myself. The only limitation you'll really have is it won't be able to break loose tight nuts or bolts like the impact would be able to.
Both tools are standard M12 or M18 grips. You won't notice a difference between the M12 Surge and M12 Impact. The M18 Surge is a little slimmer. Honestly, the "feels good in hand" metric is so subjective I don't even bother unless the tool is exceptionally ergonomic. I think the only reviews I've really mentioned that on in detail are the Bosch 12V sander and router, and the M12 installation driver.
If you'll only be using it with 3" long screws or under, I'd go with the Surge. If you think you may need it for larger fasteners or occasionally want to throw an impact socket adapter on it for bigger bolts, I'd pick the Gen 2 impact.
you won’t be disappointed with whatever model, Milwaukee battery operated tools are top of the line and are impressive, if you want to make your mind on a tool, just look up the specifications of it and learn more about the tool you want on TH-cam.. it’ll help a ton .
I’ve done 4” screws occasionally w the Surge I think and it’s fine. I love the m12 Surge. Quiet, powerful, the size of a toy / easy to toss in a bag, very easy / not fatiguing to use but plenty of power for most DIY uses for me. Battery life is great on Milwaukee stuff too, and fast recharge too... Btw, if you’re new to impacts or haven’t bought a driver in awhile, just FYI any of these is going to be way higher RPM and way more power than just some rando cordless drill say a decade ago (even 20V, like a black and decker or something like that - at least in my experience, totally different ballpark).
Ps. M12 vs m18 is largely about how much power do you need how often vs. how much do you like light weight. I love the tiny/light thing - also the Surge has better sustained torque than the regular fuels, so it’s not an apples to apples comparison, one will beat the other in certain tests and vice versa in some other tests.
I have the m18 surge. I tried the m12, and wanted to like it, but the ergonomics of the entire m12 line sucks donkey balls. So, I might be carrying 13 extra ounces, but the m18 handles so much nicer, more power, and longer lasting battery. Easier directional control of the tip, because of the better ergonomics. Everyone likes that. Next time your bit slips on an m12, it’s probably the crappy ergonomics.
I saw the same thing. It should be off "ish" by the same amount, but in all 3. From what I've read and watched, they sound difference is really only 4-8 dB. Which might not look like much, it is noticeable by ear for sure, prolonged continuous use will definitely benefit, but for off/on use, although quieter, not by much.
Thank you for giving a detailed review without acting like a 35-year-old juvenile..... got the info I needed without the headache👍
😂
Shots taken paw paww
Morons always complaining about free content lol
I have spent 10 hours on TH-cam, and this is the most detailed review, all others seem to be trying to screw in large lag bolts and screws, clearly this is NOT what this impact driver is designed to do. Kindest regards. Joe
very efficient, gave all the right data, and analysis without wasting my time. superb review. thank you!
Hi I purchased the original m18 Fuel ¼" impact and still have it for lag bolts and outdoor work, I have the m18 surge driver for my everyday and residential stuff. Especially on max torque or high output there isn't all that much decibel difference, but it is in smaller fasteners when you aren't getting the earsplitting hammer on anvil noise. Same for the m12, you get the impact power and ease of fasteners application but noticeably quieter for the majority of applications. I am also now a subscriber, and thank you
I noticed the same thing this weekend actually. I drove some #10 screws without a pilot while hanging cabinets in my small laundry room. It was much louder than I remembered in close quarters. Then I drove some self piloting #8 screws and it was a lot quieter.
I have the gen 3 M18 with one key and it's a tank but bought the M18 surge about a half a year ago and I love that thing. Doesn't have the power as the gen 3 but it's so quiet and it's much more suitable for my line of work and I always have the Gen 3 around if I need that power
Best tool review site on TH-cam
Thanks!
M12 gen 2 Is totally unbelievable it’s the way to go I think it’s a trade quality tool
Great review, Thank you, I was on the fence between the M12 fuel and surge, I have alot if the M12 tools now so I wanted alittle more power than my older 2450, and just looking for a reason to buy a new one....LOL
Johnny Hershberger Im on the same boat. Just bought the m12 fuel when I started seeing the surge cone out and put a wrench in my decision making. What did you do?
Awesome review as always
Thanks!
love your breakdowns.
Thanks!
Wonder which is better for steel stud framing.
Great review Nate. I might need to pick up one of these for work indoors when doing a bathroom or kitchen reno
Thanks! It will make a HUGE difference from a regular impact driver if you've got your head in a cabinet with it!
@@DoresoomReviews I recently did a bathroom and the guy and his granddaughter complained about the noise from the Gen 2 so maybe this will help in the future
Wft seriously
Probably that’s one of the reasons I’m considering to buy us a home in the village and not in the city.. can’t fix your house peacefully, damn neighbors
@@Tools-awesomenessWhile this impact is more quiet than a regular, You might want to use a small drill or screw driver for cabinet work at peoples home. Drill is still quieter. Loving the Surge, though.
thanks!! always good video!! LOL
Your review just randomly popped up in my suggestions and I had to give you kudos on a good review.
Thank you!
@@DoresoomReviews I subscribed also.
Great Informative video
Thanks!
The Milwaukee M12 surge has four functions in order to prevent from overtorquing or stripping, right? So would it make sense to buy just the Milwaukee M12 surge as opposed to this electronic screwdriver for DIY at home to future proof?
The three speed/torque levels do help prevent overdriving screws, but the fourth setting is specifically for self tapping sheet metal screws.
However, I wouldn't say this is a direct replacement for a cordless drill or screwdriver. The clutches on those generally go a lot lower so you can drive smaller fasteners without worrying about overtorquing.
Milwaukee is sick !!
Did it heal yet? LOL
Love your reviews. The difference is when you mention torque * delta t. Good stuff!
Regarding the decibel meter- Please check the weighting setting of the meter. This may be why the numbers don’t agree with your ears.
Good point about the decibel meter - I was just using a phone app, which may be a big part of the problem too.
Love my M18 Surge... see no point, at this time, to get the M12 version. Thanks for the review.
Yeah, if you've already got the M18 version, the M12 doesn't get you much extra functionality unless you're looking to cut weight.
I used to carry an M18 everywhere until I bought an M12. I don't need maximum power with my job, so the more compact M12 is really nice.
Hey bud. So if I just wanted an impact driver just to have for various home tasks, maybe the occasional lag bolt and tightening nuts and bolts, which impact would I want? (Of both m12s, don’t have any m18 batteries)
I'd pick the M12 Surge myself. The only limitation you'll really have is it won't be able to break loose tight nuts or bolts like the impact would be able to.
Here’s an idea: highlight the border of the winner in each test
Thanks for the feedback.
The main reason I prefer the gen 2 impact driver is that you can put a protective boot on it.
I was thinking of buying that for mine, does it fit in its box with the boot on?
@@killyouwithfire I'm very pleased with the boot but I do not know if it would fit in its box as I don't use or have the box.
One thing I never see mentioned, which is more comfortable in the hand?
Both tools are standard M12 or M18 grips. You won't notice a difference between the M12 Surge and M12 Impact. The M18 Surge is a little slimmer. Honestly, the "feels good in hand" metric is so subjective I don't even bother unless the tool is exceptionally ergonomic. I think the only reviews I've really mentioned that on in detail are the Bosch 12V sander and router, and the M12 installation driver.
do the driver bits last longer in the surge?
I haven't really noticed a difference.
which is best m12 gen 2 or surge can't make my mind up which to buy
If you'll only be using it with 3" long screws or under, I'd go with the Surge. If you think you may need it for larger fasteners or occasionally want to throw an impact socket adapter on it for bigger bolts, I'd pick the Gen 2 impact.
you won’t be disappointed with whatever model, Milwaukee battery operated tools are top of the line and are impressive, if you want to make your mind on a tool, just look up the specifications of it and learn more about the tool you want on TH-cam.. it’ll help a ton .
I’ve done 4” screws occasionally w the Surge I think and it’s fine. I love the m12 Surge. Quiet, powerful, the size of a toy / easy to toss in a bag, very easy / not fatiguing to use but plenty of power for most DIY uses for me. Battery life is great on Milwaukee stuff too, and fast recharge too... Btw, if you’re new to impacts or haven’t bought a driver in awhile, just FYI any of these is going to be way higher RPM and way more power than just some rando cordless drill say a decade ago (even 20V, like a black and decker or something like that - at least in my experience, totally different ballpark).
Ps. M12 vs m18 is largely about how much power do you need how often vs. how much do you like light weight. I love the tiny/light thing - also the Surge has better sustained torque than the regular fuels, so it’s not an apples to apples comparison, one will beat the other in certain tests and vice versa in some other tests.
M 12 fuel 2 gen 👍 I own
I have the m18 surge. I tried the m12, and wanted to like it, but the ergonomics of the entire m12 line sucks donkey balls. So, I might be carrying 13 extra ounces, but the m18 handles so much nicer, more power, and longer lasting battery. Easier directional control of the tip, because of the better ergonomics. Everyone likes that. Next time your bit slips on an m12, it’s probably the crappy ergonomics.
Your db meter not work correctly? 84db on all 3.
Probably not, it's just a phone app. The Surges are much quieter than the regular impact.
I saw the same thing. It should be off "ish" by the same amount, but in all 3. From what I've read and watched, they sound difference is really only 4-8 dB. Which might not look like much, it is noticeable by ear for sure, prolonged continuous use will definitely benefit, but for off/on use, although quieter, not by much.
Ferramentas descartáveis lixo...
As vezes ai no brasil sim ne, aqui sao otimas amigao !