I'm new to impact drivers and tired of switching drill bits and driver heads. I'm looking at the M18 series, but there are so many options! The M12 isn't suitable for me, and while price isn't a huge concern, I want to avoid buying something that's needlessly complicated or powerful. I'd prefer a model with multi-speed control, but I'm hesitant about the Surge due to its new technology. The Fuel seems powerful, but I've heard it can be too much for everyday use. Compact sounds great too, but I'm not sure what I might lose if I go that route. I'll be using it for home projects like furniture assembly and maybe a smaller deck build, and I've got a decent range of batteries. Any advice?
3 Answers
I'm a fan of the M18 Fuel for sure. It might seem powerful, but the great thing is you can control the force with the trigger settings! I have several models and while the compact version is lighter, I often find myself using the Fuel for bigger projects because it cuts through larger screws so quickly. If you're just getting into things, the compact is decent for weight, but if you think you'll tackle bigger jobs down the road, I'd say go for the Fuel, it's worth it!
If you're generally doing home projects, I'd lean towards the compact model. It’s plenty strong for what you’ll be doing, plus the lighter weight will help you maintain control and not tire yourself out during those longer jobs. I recommend pairing it with a 1.5 Ah battery for balance and a 5 Ah for more juice when you need it. It’ll serve you well for both furniture building and deck projects without the bulk!
Honestly, don't overlook the Surge! It's super smooth, especially for indoor use, and has great noise control, which is perfect if you're working in tight spaces. It might feel like less power compared to Fuel, but it's actually more than capable for most DIY tasks and it's quieter, which is a big plus if you're working around others. Plus, many folks find it reliable after several years, so I'd give it a shot!