Never knew i would love the m12 surge this much. My ears are less sore and the control is fantastic.

Note: If you use the self-tapping screw setting, you MUST pull the trigger all the way (or at least past 1/2) to activate the automatic stopping. If you try to drive a self-tapping screw slowly with less than 1/2 trigger pull, it operates in conventional impact mode and strips the screw every time.

@LaconicPlays

Ай бұрын

Thank you

Being a Makita fan boy, I was late to the Surge party. I have been using a Mikita 18v Impulse driver since it came out a few years ago; I work in apartment renovations in occupied buildings and a standard impact driver drives people crazy. I just received a 12v Surge and it has gone right to the top of my first choice for interior renovations.

Such a pleasure to have discovered your channel! It’s a tool review channel but with an analytical bent. I wondered about the Surge. Is it mostly a novelty with quieter operation its claim to fame? Turned out with your help it’s what I’d been looking for after stripping a faucet handle screw & having to empty a linen closet to remove the damaged stem from the back!! I wondered, if I should seek an impact with more delicate operation & bought the m12 Installation drill only to find out it wasn’t quite what I was looking for. The Surge is what I need when a soft touch is needed. I also saw the same analytical approach with the knipex slim cobras & discovered the “why” behind the design of it & the Raptor with the help of your visual aid. Keep up the good work. Your channel is very polished for a new channel.

I’ve had my m12 surge for about a year now. It has never let me down and it’s taken some abuse. I actually dropped it from probably 30 ft or so coming down from a roof hatch, and I picked it up, slapped the battery back in and it spun right up! The front of the grip split apart a bit and there was some good scuffing bit I was in shock and awe that it survived. Before that I had a dewalt 12v impact, and it fell from about a 6’ drop, and it died instantly.

i’ve been a dewalt guy .. where i love the impact drivers.. my favorite tool…but loud.. been watching videos on this m12 surge..i may be trying it out.. great info and video. thank you!

I bought both but in reverse order. So, I was surprised how small the M18 was instead of how big the M12 was. I remember thinking... It's basically the same tool that takes a different battery. I still prefer the M12 because of the smaller battery option but both work great! Thanks for sharing!

It really is an awesome tool. You really need to hear the noise difference in person. I've noticed the difference in videos somewhat, but in person it's incredible.

I have invested quite heavily into the M12 Fuel line of tools. I no longer need the power of the M18. To be honest I do feel I am giving much up in performance with the m12 fuel. Add a 6ma battery or if I am needing the reduction in size a 3ma barrel battery will work fine in most all conditions. Thanks for another great video brother.

I went to the m12 surge 3 years ago or whenever they came out. Previously carried around the 18v fuel impact. It was attractive being lighter(w/battery) and quieter. I'm screwing and drilling into metal almost exclusively and the regular impact style is pretty loud. Depending on where I'm working, noise can be an issue. I've had a couple of them because thieves, my only gripe is that they get temperamental with a unibit. Some sort of protection comes into play if its cutting grabby. If someone's use case is similar to mine, I don't hesitate to recommend them.

Doc my dude. You've got to check out the M12 installation driver.. it's small, narrow left to right. And it's got the 1 and 2 driving modes. But it's comes with 4 different attachable heads, a drill head, and impact driver head, a right angle head, and a head that's made to allow you to drive screwed right up against something. Anyhow it's an amazing tool. I use mine everyday.. thanks for another great video.

@DamionJR4923

2 жыл бұрын

I hate the forward reverse switch on it. I don’t know why they couldn’t put in in the same place as every other drill and impact driver.

@rawhides

Жыл бұрын

@@DamionJR4923 if you hold it properly you will learn to love it. I hated the button until I figured out you need to handle it with your middle finger on the trigger and your thumb resting on the button. It makes quickly switching directions flawlessly easy.

If you could choose either, which one would you take? And for precision, isn’t a non impact hex shank driver better? Like the 2505?

Great review!🤙

Nice tools 🔧 the reason I like the M18 over the 12 the Body on the 12 is thicker to allow the battery to slide up into the body where as the m18 is slimmer where you grip because the battery attaches to the bottom.. for small hands ✋ like mine the M18 works easier to Grab ahold of.. Like the Video Allen D

The M12 screwdriver others have mentioned is nice to use as well, but I wish it had a two position handle like the Makita and DeWalt ones. I know there is a smaller low power Milwaukee one like those, but I wish the m12 one they did retained that feature.

I have some first gen 12V lithium tools: Bosch and Craftsman. The spin slowly, their triggers allow for more control than my modern Makitas, and I use them because of this. I have a slightly older single-speed brushless Makita 18V impact. Sure, I could buy a newer tool with speed options, but why? It's not as if I use these things often. Actually needed the right angle head Craftsman the other day. It's been at least a couple of years.

Oh… This is helpful… So the 18 actually allows slower speed control… I hadn’t really considered it before because I would generally prioritise quietness and lightness… And the 18 is slightly louder and obviously heavier with the battery… But I will consider it now… Cheers

The m12 is tops for me. Smaller, lighter, cheaper, and feels more precise. It makes a good screwdriver, but for small stuff, nothing beats a real screwdriver with an adjustable chuck (dcf601) for me. 601 is my most used tool, followed by m12 surge. Highly recommend the 601.

@saiiiiiii1

8 күн бұрын

I second this. I wonder why anyone would use an impact for smaller stuff anyway. Drill with mechanical clutch is x-times quieter and the force going through your wrist is negligible.

One thing I've learned about it is that the M18 surge is 94 db in sound (Same with makita hydraulic 18v) and the M12 is 87 db. And I've also learned that 10 db lower in db value is about half of "Sound heard". That means the M12 is pretty close to half the noise of the M18. Simpler is to say you will notice a difference between them and how your ears take a beating. I'm thinking about getting the M12 because of this. Because performance wise they are super close. Edit: it's hard to guess. A correction would maybe be that it is 25-30% more quiet.

@lastbesttool

9 ай бұрын

Very interesting. I am going to explore that further.

@Bathtubcrocodile

9 ай бұрын

​@@lastbesttoolPlease do! I read these numbers and information in a online review comparison between hydraulic drivers. Would be interested to see if it's correct.

I also have the m12 surge. Try the Milwaukee Installation Driver. It is even better for precise work!

The Angled nailer doesn't come in 18ga though?

Do you have any of Milwaukee's old M28 Red Lithium tools?

I wished Milwaukee would use the bit holder on their 2402 Screwdriver. One handed operation and the chuck stays unlocked until you put a bit in and self locks. That Screwdriver is one of my most used tools for many applications.

Great for hvac and electricians.

I was using the M12 Surge but like you show in the video it is a bit too large of a tool for the M12 format so why not just use the M18 right? I actually bought the Dewalt 850 atomic and have been using that mostly in recent months. Yes it is louder than the Surge but the size, amazing how Dewalt made the tool so short but instead much thicker of a tool its a real proper stubby impact driver, I do like that form factor allot. I will not be surprised if the next gen of Suge 2.0 is like the Dewalt 850 a proper stubby driver but time will tell, I think Dewalt 850 in the M12 format would be a killer combination.

All those years I was an HVAC tech, I would have given anything to have an M12 while hanging ducts.

@usdpaulp

2 жыл бұрын

Could have just used a drill and eliminated all the sound. That's what I do.

@1970gregg

2 жыл бұрын

I have and like both. The m12 is in my main tool bag and is probably my most used power tool

@Bathtubcrocodile

9 ай бұрын

​@@usdpaulpI agree the drill is awesome for silence. I'm a drill guy most of my time. But I gotta say, after using the m18 surge today the control with this thing is amazing. It just goes where you want it, and works withouth you having to hold on to it. With surprisingly low sound. I am very positive towards it. I never use the regular impacts though because they are so insanely loud.

Impact drivers are usually annoyingly loud even in the open. I wonder if there's other company that uses similar technology to lower noise.

Most my m18 tools are collecting dust. The way the surge delivers torque is so smooth and accurate. I love the handle size and shape, gives me more control and hangs off my pocket comfortably. I remodel medical offices. Hang doors cabinates ect. The surge has enough power for almost everything. The m12 fuel sawzall is amazing, I feel the circ saw lacks the beans. Even with a 6.0ah, it is NOT fast lol

I have the m12 and honestly it’s the best impact for light jobs.. working on cars.. around the house.. at a measured 41 ft lbs it’s enough for most jobs, and yes.. it’s…. Sooooo much better for your ears.. it’s much softer and quieter.. cannot recommend it enough

any thoughts on the ergonomics of the thicker m12 handles compared to the m18? Do you notice the difference much?

@Nicky14P

Жыл бұрын

I had an M12 impact driver and it was uncomfortable in my hand. I have tiny hands as well. In my opinion the M12 works for those who have larger hands. The M18 is comfortable to me.

Used both installing blinds all day. M12 less fatigue, M18 a little too much power. Broke off size 6 & 8 hex screws.

1:55 Don’t forget the batteries are wayyy lighter for the M12 though.

Where can I get a belt clip? My milwaukee 21 degree frame nailer didn't come with one.

@lastbesttool

2 жыл бұрын

I got mine years ago at Home Depot

If you have both m12 & M18 battery platform, which surge would you pick? Also, if you have the surge, do you still need the drill driver?

@xXxDETZxXx

2 жыл бұрын

It really depends on what you're using it for. It's really weight and power that's the deciding factor.

@mikemorgan5015

2 жыл бұрын

I have both. I don't use them for high torque applications much, but I don't see that much difference in power at all. I rarely use the M18. I seem to always reach for M12 tools first unless is need big power. With the Surges, there just isn't that much power difference and the lightness and more compact footprint of the M12 is just the better choice for me the vast majority of the time. You can get a lot more M12 tools in your bag, belt, bucket, tray, or box than you can with M18. That big battery mount on the M18 stuff is a space hog. As for eliminating a drill driver, that depends. If you use mostly 1/4 hex bits, yes. But IMO, nothing drills like a drill. But if I'm going up a ladder to drill a couple holes and drive some fasteners, I often only take a surge with me, and it works great. But if I'm drilling a lot and driving a lot, I'll take both.

Hi what make are your digital callipers the screen is a good size

@christopherkynaston3541

2 жыл бұрын

It’s ok lol if just found you did a review of them

I think Milwaukee does a great job. With m18 tools but they fall short in the 12v line honestly for most people I would recommend just getting the m18 if you're not working with them in tight spaces all day like myself I just appreciate the lighter tool it's less fatigue over the day. Great video doc as always

@LilasTools

2 жыл бұрын

Hey CP, could you explain more how the M12 line falls short?

@brad3741

2 жыл бұрын

I like the m12 line for the small batteries. And I don't expect or necessarily need the power with the smaller tool. My m18 mid-torque has been kind of a let down. Mine does not feel like it has the factory rated power. It struggled on 14mm fasteners. And even takes a second or two on lug nuts torqued to 85 foot lbs. This is with an 8 amp battery as well.

Silly question. Can these 1/4 impacts be used for drilling ?

@owcooling

2 жыл бұрын

Throw a hex shank drill bit in and your good to go. Good if you want to carry less kit.

@softwarephil1709

Жыл бұрын

Yes! Absolutely.

My hearing must be off. The surge and non surge sound the same to me. Are you able to do a decibel level test? It could also be my crappy phone speakers..

@mikemorgan5015

2 жыл бұрын

It's not your hearing, it just doesn't come across in videos. The difference is HUGE!

Wonder can you advise im looking for a 3/8 Milwaukee impact wrench and i want the most compact. lightwieght , powerful tool ,so which would you recommmend?

@lastbesttool

24 күн бұрын

The M18 Surge with a hex to 3/8 Shockwave adapter should work well. That would be my choice.

@superprinz1

24 күн бұрын

Do you know the model number please?

@superprinz1

24 күн бұрын

@@lastbesttool do you know the model number please!

yes, I have heard of a lot of good things about those Milwaukee M12 tools

@spevakdesigns

2 жыл бұрын

For good reason. They are fantastic. I use them daily, especially the ratchets, impacts and die grinders.

If you're a new parent your wife will appreciate the surge. So a good reason to buy a new tool.

In the home repair business since '79, M12 platform is a joy to use simply due to weight, and durability. I am old and dislike the heavy battery tools...

Battery size is where the big difference is. Rather carry CP3.0/HO2.5 battery over the bulky M18 battery "foot". If length is that big of a deal, use a 90 degree adapter or a shorter bit/bit holder. My M12 surge is great for HVAC work or anything around the house. Setting 1 is great for control.

Came here for a speed test to see if there if they drive screws at a similar pace. Idc about control. I care about finishing the job at the fastest pace possible while keeping noise down

I own the surge and other impact like makita and usually 8/10 I go for the surge because of the quietness.

Probably nothing more than simply a bigger gear box for more torque from the M12, than the M18

I don’t see Milwaukee updating these right now. They are quieter, that’s all …

Nice watch! Is that a Submariner? I subscribed just for the Rollie!

@lastbesttool

2 ай бұрын

It’s a DSSD. Thanks for the sub (pun intended)

If you want the m18 then just run it on a ho 2.0 or 3.0 Battery to make it a bit smoother. The 5ah and 6ah makes em' clunky.

Have m18 batteries, was considering getting m12 batteries and this. I won’t be I’ll just get the m18 version. Not a huge difference.

Thanks for posting the interesting video but I do not understand why you are comparing the surge to the standard impact driver for working with wood. In my experience standard impact drivers can easily strip out smaller screws in wood or sheet metal. What I would like to see is a comparison of the Surge and Milwaukee's M12 precision power screwdriver, the 2402.

Milwaukee continues to hit home runs every time they’re up to bat!

measuring length in cm ... but weight in ounces? 😂

@Yielar1

Жыл бұрын

Worked for me

I don't see the point of these. If you need a lower torque, higher control screwdriver, just buy the screwdriver! Comes with a clutch so it automagically stops when the screw hits home. Definitely quieter and likely faster too.

@mikemorgan5015

2 жыл бұрын

I have all the M12 screwdrivers and impacts. This is one of those tools you don't see the need for until you use it. These do a LOT of jobs very well. If you just wanted to get a single all around tool, this is the one. It can do what the screwdrivers do and has a LOT more torque and speed if you need it. The sound difference doesn't come across on video accurately at all. But, if all you're doing is driving small screws, the screwdrivers are the way to go.

I have both m18 and m12 surge. I always reach for the m18 surge. I think if someone is in the m12 platform, it's worth waiting for the next generation surge.

@mikemorgan5015

2 жыл бұрын

Could you explain your reasoning for your opinion? When is the next generation Surge coming out? How is it better? Why do you always reach for the 18v? What are you using it for?

@MadLadsAnonymous

2 жыл бұрын

Why do you prefer the M18 Surge over the M12 Surge? Do you get better trigger/speed control with the M18?

@MadLadsAnonymous

2 жыл бұрын

@@mikemorgan5015 The Gen 4 Impact was just released, so probably 12-18 months later we'll see a Gen 2 M18 Surge. I hope it's like 650-750 in-lbs and like 10 dB quieter.

@mikemorgan5015

2 жыл бұрын

@@MadLadsAnonymous I don't need more power, but the improved LEDs and quieter would be nice!

That was a really good m 18 joke

I will never go back to a non hydraulic impact. The Surge is amazing. The screwdriver is really useless with the Surge, and it’s got plenty of power to be an impact driver.

can't wait until they make their way into Germany 😂 or maybe Bosch invents them before that 🤔😂