I've been using the Gen 3 M18 Compact Impact for about a year, and I recently got the Gen 3 M12 Stubby. I noticed that the M12 has a 3/8 inch chuck while the M18 has a 1/2 inch one. Here's what's confusing me: the M12 is rated for over double the torque compared to the M18, even though they have the same head size. With high output batteries on both tools, the M12 definitely outperforms the M18. Is there any way I can modify my M18 to boost its power? I hardly use it anymore because it feels quite underwhelming.
3 Answers
You're right, the M12 Fuel Stubby is definitely more powerful than the M18 Compact Impact. I’d recommend checking out the M18 Mid Torque as a great complement to your setup. If you need more power beyond that, the new High Torque model is lighter and still super effective for most tasks. For some folks, just the M12 Stubby is all they really need to get by.
Actually, there’s a bit of a mix-up here—there isn't an M18 Stubby; there's an M18 Compact Impact instead. If you're after more power, the M12 Stubby is the way to go, as it's designed to be more efficient. Also, it doesn't make financial sense for Milwaukee to redesign the M18 just to match those specs since they have the M12 option. You can't really swap out parts to increase the M18's power, so if you need something stronger, consider sticking with the M12 or looking for a larger model altogether.
If you want something that can handle real tough jobs, the M18 Mid Torque is the way to go. Many users in the field find that the Stubby already fits the bill nicely, but if you're working on heavy-duty stuff, you'll be glad to have a Mid Torque or High Torque in your arsenal!