Milwaukee Tools

If you have an Ace Hardware in your neck of the woods they're running a few sales on M12 Drill/Impact combos. $99 for the set, which includes 2 batteries and the charger:

https://www.acehardware.com/departments/tools/power-tools/combo-power-tool-sets/2302040

I have this set to supplement my M18 drill/impact and it's great to keep in the truck as they fit easily under the rear seats.

 

I think I get them because I have an account. That and I've spend a lot of $$ on their sh*t!

 

My M12 Fuel Impact Driver (2020 model) crapped the bed today while installing some western red cedar decking. Just stopped working. Fortunately I had the Fuel Screwdriver and that performed great as a backup. Went and picked up the M12 Fuel Surge Impact Driver kit (non Surge Fuel version not in stock near me) as I'm not even close to being done and need a driver for the remainder of the week. Checked the warranty on the Milwaukee self-service site and it's covered. Got the label printed and will ship it back ASAP. Expecting a new one.

 

I have noticed mine gets really hot while doing stuff like that. However it isnt a Fuel, i suspect with enough abuse and overheating mine will eventually die to. Still worth every penny.

 

You’re not going to even pick back up the Fuel impact after using the surge. The surge is Sooooooooo much better!

 

I'm looking forward to experiencing the difference tomorrow. I'll report back.

Edit: I do have an M18 Fuel Impact Driver, but I only use it for bigger structural lags/screws.
I prefer the weight of the M12 for volume work...like deck screws.

 

So. I used that Surge impact all day and here are my initial observations. Seems smoother and quieter, but definitely slower than my other impact driver. I did a side by side test with the Fuel Screwdriver and they were about the same. Here's the deck I'm working on. Should wrap up that last section tomorrow. Using SS #9 x3" deck screws.




And I upgraded my Miter Saw to the 12" slider. I never really liked the design of the slide mechanism (under the base) on the 10". I noticed some deflection from time to time as well. Sold the 10" for $350 on FB Marketplace (tool only). Have a Freud 72 tooth blade on order.

 

What level do you have the surge on 1-2-3-self tap?

 

3

 

Oh. One other thing I noticed, maybe because it was a little slower, was that I was able to control screw depth better. I like them just below the surface.

 

And it seemed to burn through the XC 3.0 batteries faster.

 

Yes! The m12 surge and the installation tool are now the first tools I reach for when driving a fastener. The installation tool has nice feel and the magnetic strip to hold a few extra screws; additionally the one hand install for 1/4” bits is great.

I’ve been using the installation tool as a pre drill and the surge for setting, seems to speed things up by 5-10% for me.

 

That installation driver is the shit!!

 

I like that Installation Driver so much it has it's own Packout setup. A Medium organizer for the tool & accessories and a small organizer for all the various bits. Grab & Go.

 

which iteration of impact are you using?

i've got the old-old brushed version like this
https://www.ebay.com/itm/403578114070?epid=11031282643

and a 5-6 year old fuel brushless like this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/325656776122

in both cases, my m12 surge is faster and more efficient with batteries. it was why i originally switched from the newer fuel impact to the surge-- slightly faster bit speed.

maybe it's time i upgrade to the newest m12 impact?

 

The impact that just died was purchased in 2020. I'm not sure what Gen. I'm thinking 2.

 

Used that Surge Impact again today. Something must be wrong with it as it was draining the XC 3.0 battery after only 3 courses of deck boards (only 8'). And it gets really hot. I was doing 8 courses (19') with my other Fuel Impact Driver. I'll be returning/exchanging the Surge.

 

We just put in a 10x24 deck and I only changed the 2.0cp battery twice for the whole deck with my surge if I recall. I was using 3” decking screws.




*edit* that two batteries exchange had me running the installation tool with as a pre drill and that battery changed once. For whatever reason the screws and the PT decking weren’t playing nice so it was easier and faster to pre drill.

 

That seems about right. Looks nice!

Just fix the end of that 4th deck board on the right.

 

No more in stock within 75 miles of me, I may need to bite the bullet and take a drive. I'll need an impact for a job on the 5th.