I recently picked up the M12 3/8" stubby after getting the M18 3/8" mid torque first. I noticed that the mid torque only has about 50 ft-lb more power compared to the stubby. Am I missing something important here, or is the mid torque becoming less useful with the newer stubby on the market?
3 Answers
It really depends on your needs! The M18 does pack a bit more torque, and you can usually run it just fine with a 5.0AH battery. But for the M12, if you want it to really perform, you should use a 2.5 or 5.0AH battery. I'm actually happy I have both; having the M12 stubby and M18 mid torque gives me versatility for different tasks. Plus, buying both still costs less than some high-end options!
There’s definitely a lot of overlap between the M12 and M18 tools. While they can handle similar jobs, the M18 models can be more forgiving with battery choices. For example, the M18 compact impact can feel less effective when compared to the super-powered M12 stubby, which many people seem to be loving these days. As Milwaukee keeps improving their M12 line, it’s worth questioning the necessity of the M18 models for certain tasks, like with the oscillating tool or impact drivers.
I think the M12 stubby does edge out the mid torque in many ways. The one thing to consider is that the mid torque can be used with a forge, which might give it a slight advantage in specific situations. But honestly, unless you have a particular use case, the stubby seems to do just fine!
Totally agree! Having both gives you the best of both worlds without breaking the bank.