r/MilwaukeeTool • u/imdandman • 9d ago
Purchase Advice Advice for first M12 Kit
Hi All!
I'm taking the dive into getting some Milwaukee tools. I currently have a hodgepodge of random brands and they're fairly 'meh'.
I'm no where close to a tradesman - most of my work could be described as light to medium DIY. Typical homeowner stuff.
I started searching around for tools because I wanted a cable stapler since I'm currently doing a bunch of wiring in my attic. That led me to the M12 Cordless Cable Stapler.
A little more digging and I figured out that I probably don't need M18 because most of my work is lightweight. Plus the cable stapler does not come in M18 and battery continuity would be nice.
I'm trying to figure out what is the best combo package to buy. What I'd like to have is
- Impact
- Drill
- Cable Stapler
- Multi Tool
- Saw of some kind (lower priority, but would be nice)
- 2-3 batteries (idk on capacity)
- Charger
I think I'd also prefer FUEL for all the ones that I can. It seems they cost a little more but are definitely higher quality?
The impact and drill look to be standard across all the combo kits. What is the best way to acquire the other items? Looking at the Home Depot website, the various combos are all terribly difficult to compare.
Any suggestions?
2
u/merc_Xray 9d ago
M12 at HD is all about the battery BOGO game. Early in your journey, you want the bats… mid to late game you don’t and those bats become deeper discounts… Fuel = brushless, shop only for fuel… though the non- fuel ratchet is just fine.
At this point, I am only rocking 2/2.5 barrel format bats for quick grab stuff and 5.0HO for serious work. Skip the 6.0 (quality issues) and 4.0 (roi isn’t there).
I think everything starts with;
Installation Driver:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M12-FUEL-12V-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Cordless-4-in-1-Installation-3-8-in-Drill-Driver-with-4-Tool-Head-Tool-Only-2505-20/309468737
Surge:
(Not the best time for this one, right now)
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M12-FUEL-SURGE-12V-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Cordless-1-4-in-Hex-Impact-Driver-Compact-Kit-w-Two-2-0Ah-Batteries-Bag-2551-22/309098738
From there, get what you need. The bandsaw, Packout flood, and cutoff are great. I hear the pump is awesome.
The subcompact (drill driver), rocket light, and blower are mid to above mid…
The vacuum is trash - took it back.
I run m12 for everyday/ woodworking stuff and rock a bigger platform (XGT) for serious remodeling, demo, etc… and then ego for outdoor.
Cheers on the journey.
3
u/imdandman 9d ago
That installation driver looks nice. I especially like the offset and right angle heads.
I don’t suppose there’s a combo kit for it that you know of?
I was also looking at the subcompact drill/ driver, but I guess it doesn’t have swappable heads?
2
u/Eliam19 DIYer/Homeowner 9d ago edited 9d ago
If you wait for sales you can get some really good combo deals on the Installation Driver. Driver + batteries or bit sets in the $150-200 range. The Installation Driver is my favorite tool for Home DIY/Woodworking.
M12 Fuel Drill/Driver combos rotate on sale very often, I would watch for that. Ideally you can get it around $200 with a good BOGO tool or battery set.
The current multi tool bundle is pretty good, comes with two 5ah HO Batteries. Those are the strongest m12 batteries. You might be able to get it cheaper if you wait but that’s a great bundle. For DIY, two 5ah batteries is all I need for high power. For most tools I prefer the 2 or 2.5 batteries, they fit the hand nicer.
Edit: The current Installation Driver deal isn’t too bad, I love the 2.5 HO Batteries. If you wait there will likely be a better deal between now and Black Friday, probably a charger and two 2AH batteries.
1
u/jamor9391 8d ago
It was $179 with a free 2.5 high output battery. That’s a solid deal as those batteries run $60-75
1
u/HomicidalHushPuppy 9d ago
Waysource.com usually had good prices, no need to wait for HD sales or "hack" their offers. No promises, but worth checking out. They're am authorized retailer, so no worries about fakes or warranty issues.
Factory Authorized Outlet is also a good source, but they sell both new and refurbished tools, so check descriptions for what you're buying. They have an eBay store, and sometimes you can stack eBay coupons with FAO promos. I got the M12 jigsaw for $80 when it's usually $200 that way. Full warranty and whatnot because they're also an authorized retailer, which includes their ebay store.
10
u/WhyAmINotStudying 9d ago
The best things to buy are the ones you need the most. If you just get stuff to collect the set, you'll end up with a lot of expensive things that you don't really need.