Cory Gunther is a senior author and Newsletter Editor at Valnet, covering cutting-edge tech, Android, and more for How-To Geek. He's covered Android, cars, and technology for over a decade. When he's not reviewing the latest gadget, you can find him off-roading in his Toyota truck, fixing said truck, or doing something outdoors with friends and family.
He's covered CES, SEMA, and MWC and reviewed countless phones, TVs, speakers, EVs, e-bikes, and more. Before Valnet, Cory worked for GottaBeMobile. His writing has also appeared on SlashGear, InputMag, and AndroidCentral. He's written over 9,000 articles.
When shopping for a power tool at the hardware store, you'll see options from DeWALT, Ryobi, RIDGID, Makita, Milwaukee, and more displayed in various colors. If you're a fan of Milwaukee, you've likely noticed different variations of the same tool in compact sizes or with smaller battery packs, which can sometimes be confusing.
Milwaukee is one of the most popular and recognizable tool brands on the market, available atHome Depot, Acme Tools, and other retailers. However, Milwaukee's M12 or M18 power drills are not the same, and there's an even bigger difference if you jump up to Milwaukee's MX Fuel line. Here's what you need to know about all three.
Milwaukee M12 compact tools
As you are all aware, most power tool brands offer a single battery that can power a wide range of different tools. You're essentially locked into that brand and platform once you get a few. DeWALT has its 20V tools, Ryobi makes ONE+ 18V and 40V items, and Milwaukee has several variants as well.
The first of the three main Milwaukee tool systems is the Milwaukee M12 sub-compact, which delivers an assortment of excellent tools that are slightly smaller than those of many competitors. The M12 line offers exceptional performance, and one M12 battery can power over 150+ different tools. It's perfect for homeowners, on the jobsite, and more. Essentially, the company aims to offer distinct lines that cater to specific target audiences, including professionals, in various form factors.
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The Milwaukee M12 system is small yet mighty. For example, the M12 compact drill is smaller than most drills and comes equipped with a smaller M12 battery, typically around 2.0 Ah, making it lightweight and easy to use. However, it still boasts nearly the same level of performance and capabilities as the bigger M18 line.
One thing to note is the battery size. They're physically smaller and lighter, but also have a lower Ah rating. M12 battery packs range from 1.5 Ah to 6.0 Ah at the high end, while M18 battery packs can go upwards of 10 and 12 Ah for higher output and extended capacity.
If you're just getting started with power tools for around the house, Milwaukee's M12 platform is perfect. You can get everything from drill and driver combos, impact wrenches or ratchets, sawzalls, leaf blowers, speakers, fans, orbital sanders, lighting, and more. Every one of the 150+ tools is powered by an M12 battery pack.They're specifically designed to be durable, rugged, and compact. Take these tools anywhere, whether that's to a job site, a tight space under your hood, or in the attic, and more.
Milwaukee M18 tools are bigger and stronger
Next up is the big, bad, and extremely popular Milwaukee M18 tool platform. The M18 line is Milwaukee's 18-volt battery platform, typically offering more power and robustness than the M12 (12-volt) lineup. However, as you can probably imagine, M18 tools have a higher price point, larger size, and usually weigh more.
Fun fact: Milwaukee tools are manufactured by Techtronic Industries (known as TTI), the same parent company that also produces tools for Ryobi, RIDGID, HART, and several other brands. That's why many of the same tools you'll find from Milwaukee are also available from Ryobi, even though the brands do offer tools that the others don't.
Milwaukee M18 tools are the most popular and comprehensive line offered by the brand. Any of your M18 battery packs can power over 250+ different tools. They're extremely powerful, versatile, and durable, which is why they're a fan favorite among electricians, automotive technicians, and more.
As you can see, Milwaukee's M18 system is absolutely massive. The lineup includes a little bit of everything, from regular drills and drivers to impact wrenches, sawzalls, sanders, brad nailers, circular saws, and wild items like a jigsaw, propane heater, drain cleaners, pipe threaders, vacuums, heated clothing, and much more.
Many professionals in the field employ Milwaukee's M18 line of tools to complete any job. They're also fantastic for DIY enthusiasts, homeowners, and anyone else seeking a high-quality, capable tool.
To further complicate matters, there are also M18 and M18 FUEL tools. The M18 platform is Milwaukee's standard line, featuring a mix of brushed and brushless motors, while the M18 FUEL is their high-end professional line, utilizing the latest brushless motor technology. They're still similar and run on M18 battery packs, but anything with FUEL in the name will be better and more expensive than regular variants.
Milwaukee MX FUEL platform
And finally, we should mention the Milwaukee MX FUEL system, which is entirely different and likely something regular DIY enthusiasts won't be buying very often.
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Milwaukee MX FUEL tools are "trade-focused" industrial items that are large 72-volt equipment designed to replace gas-powered equivalents. Blue-collar trade workers doing heavy-duty tasks may want to spring for something from the MX FUEL line, which includes powerful cut-off saws, jackhammer breakers, trowel kits, full-size circular saws, drain cleaners, lighting, and generators.
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The MX FUEL line targets big indoor or outdoor jobs by delivering extreme levels of power, longer run time, with reduced noise and zero emissions, as it replaces items typically reserved for gas-powered motors. They're also incredibly expensive.
Ultimately, the Milwaukee tool line you choose depends on your wants, needs, profession, or budget. I know plenty of mechanics who use both M12 and M18, as each has its place, and some of the smaller M12 angled ratchets are a game-changer.
Both Milwaukee's popular M12 and M18 systems are solid for a wide range of users, from homeowners and DIY enthusiasts to professionals. Find what works for your budget, which one has the tools you're looking for, and you'll be all set for years to come.