Full Review ⭐ Milwaukee M12 FIW38-622X: Fuel™ Impact Wrench Kit 12V 1 x 2.0Ah & 1 x 6.0Ah Li-ion

The Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Wrench is a powerful yet compact cordless impact wrench designed for automotive and industrial applications where high torque in tight spaces is needed. Part of Milwaukee Tool's M12 line of 12V lithium-ion tools, this Fuel impact wrench packs impressive fastening torque in a lightweight package built to withstand professional use.

With a max torque of 150 ft-lbs, this impact wrench can handle lug nuts as well as stuck bolts and other demanding mechanical fastening tasks. Its compact size makes it easy to use in tight engine compartments and other confined areas where maneuverability is limited. The Milwaukee Fuel brushless motor provides increased efficiency, longer motor life, and more power in a smaller footprint than standard motors.

Designed for pros but priced for serious DIYers, the M12 Fuel impact wrench is an ideal choice for automotive repair and maintenance, fleet and truck service, industrial assembly/disassembly, and any other application requiring high torque in a small, cordless package. Backed by Milwaukee's 5-year warranty, this tool is built to deliver years of reliable service.

Design and Build Quality

The Milwaukee M12 Fuel impact wrench features an innovative and durable design optimized for performance and ergonomics. Milwaukee utilizes a reinforced composite material on the housing to provide exceptional durability while keeping the tool lightweight.

The composite material is designed to withstand drops and impacts that are common on demanding job sites. It also provides a secure grip thanks to its textured molding.

An integrated LED light illuminates dark work areas to help you get the job done even in low light conditions. The LED is bright and well positioned to light up the work surface.

The compact and streamlined design allows access into tight spaces while the rubber overmold provides increased comfort during extended use. The wrench feels well balanced in your hand.

The wrench has a brushless motor that requires less maintenance and provides more runtime per charge compared to brushed motors. Overall, the high quality materials and optimized design allow this impact wrench to withstand heavy duty use on the job site.

For even more power and torque, professionals should check out the Milwaukee M18 FMTIW2F12-502X Fuel 1/2in Mid-Torque Impact Wrench. This tool delivers up to 600 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque and 1200 ft-lbs of bolt removal torque, providing the power needed for automotive repair, fleet maintenance, and major construction projects.

The Milwaukee Fuel Mid-Torque Impact features a POWERSTATE brushless motor that provides increased efficiency and longer motor life. It has 4 speed/torque settings allowing users to customize the power and speed for specific applications. The tool also has REDLINK PLUS intelligence to protect against overloading or overheating.

For comfort, the wrench has a padded grip handle and weighs only 7.6 lbs with the battery installed. The streamlined and balanced design reduces fatigue during all day use. An integrated LED light illuminates dark engine compartments and work areas.

The Milwaukee Fuel Mid-Torque Impact comes as a kit with two 3.0Ah REDLITHIUM batteries that deliver fade-free power and an onboard fuel gauge. It also includes a fast charger to minimize downtime. The batteries are compatible with all Milwaukee M18 tools.

With best-in-class power, intelligent features, and superior ergonomics, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Mid-Torque Impact Wrench Kit is an excellent choice for automotive technicians, maintenance crews, fleet managers, and construction pros who need maximum torque for demanding fastening applications.

Power and Torque

The Milwaukee M12 Fuel impact wrench packs impressive power and torque in its compact 12V cordless design. It delivers up to 339 Nm of max torque and up to 3,000 RPM with Powerstate brushless motor technology. This high-performance motor provides the power of an 18V tool in a lighter 12V platform.

The Fuel impact wrench generates up to 300 ft-lbs of fastening torque, allowing it to easily drive large lag screws and other demanding fasteners. It provides more than enough power for automotive repair jobs like loosening lug nuts or other stuck bolts. The impact mechanism delivers 0-3000 impacts per minute for excellent control when driving and removing fasteners.

With two included Red Lithium XC high output batteries, you can expect up to 65 and 130 fastenings per charge. The larger 6.0Ah battery provides extended run time for completing bigger jobs without stopping to swap batteries. Overall, the power and torque specifications make this impact wrench ideal for automotive, woodworking, and general DIY use.

For even more demanding fastening applications, Milwaukee also offers the Milwaukee M18F1W2F12 mid-torque impact wrench kit. This tool delivers up to 700 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque along with up to 1,100 ft-lbs of bolt removal torque. The POWERSTATE brushless motor enables the performance of a much larger impact wrench in a compact 18V package.

The Milwaukee mid-torque impact features ONE-KEY technology for customizing drive control and tracking tool usage. There are also 4 speed/torque settings to match power and speed to the application. At the low setting, precision control prevents overtightening and fastener damage.

This cordless impact includes a friction ring for quick and easy socket changes. The tool is only 7.4 inches in length for accessing tight spaces and weighs only 7.6 pounds with the battery installed. An integrated LED light illuminates dark work areas.

For the ultimate in power and productivity, the Milwaukee mid-torque impact can be equipped with a 12.0Ah HO battery. This provides outstanding runtime for completing many jobs per charge. The REDLINK PLUS intelligence ensures maximum performance and protects against overloads or overheating.

In summary, the compact 12V Milwaukee Fuel impact wrench provides excellent torque and power for small fastening tasks. When you need more muscle for lug nuts, suspension components, and other heavy-duty bolts, the M18 mid-torque impact really brings the thunder. This makes it an indispensable tool for automotive technicians and demanding DIY jobs.

Battery and Charging

The Milwaukee M12 Fuel impact wrench comes with two lithium-ion battery packs - a compact 2.0Ah battery and a high capacity 6.0Ah battery.

The 2.0Ah battery provides decent runtime for light duty tasks, while the 6.0Ah battery offers extended runtime for more demanding applications. Both batteries utilize Milwaukee's RedLithium technology for superior pack construction, electronics, and performance.

On a full charge, the 2.0Ah battery will deliver around 100 bolts driving 3/8 lag screws on a single charge. The larger 6.0Ah pack provides over 300 bolts driving on one charge. Real world runtime can vary based on the task at hand.

Charging is quick and convenient with the included M12 charger. The 2.0Ah battery fully charges in around 30 minutes, while the 6.0Ah pack takes about an hour to reach full charge from empty. This allows you to get back to work promptly.

The fuel gauge on the battery shows the remaining charge, so you can easily monitor battery life. Overall, the included battery options strike a nice balance between power, portability and runtime for an M12 impact wrench.

Weight and Dimensions

The Milwaukee M12 Fuel impact wrench measures just 5.1 inches front to back and weighs only 2.4 pounds with the compact 2.0Ah battery installed. This makes it extremely compact and portable compared to larger 18V or corded impact wrenches. Despite its small size, it still delivers impressive power and runtime. The lightweight design reduces fatigue when working overhead or in tight spaces. Plus, the compact dimensions allow access where bulky tools can't reach. At just over 2 pounds, it's easy to carry the M12 Fuel in a tool belt or bag all day long. The dimensions and weight strike the perfect balance between power and portability.

Noise Level

The Milwaukee M12 Fuel impact wrench runs quietly, which is one of its major advantages. The brushless motor design produces less noise and vibration compared to brushed motors.

Based on customer reviews, the noise level is rated around 80-85 decibels when running. This is on the lower end for impact wrenches and comparable to other leading brushless models like the DeWalt DCF899 or Makita XWT11Z. The noise is more of a muted hum rather than a high-pitched whine.

The relatively low noise makes the M12 Fuel suitable for extended use without being overly irritating or tiring on the ears. It can be used comfortably indoors or in noise-sensitive areas. The quiet operation is appreciated by automotive technicians who often use impact wrenches for hours at a time.

Overall, the Milwaukee M12 Fuel impact wrench delivers power and performance without excessive noise. The brushless motor helps minimize noise and vibration for a more comfortable user experience. This is a major advantage over louder and more jarring brushed motor impact wrenches.

Accessories

The Milwaukee M12 FIW38-622X kit comes with some useful accessories to get you started.

In the box, you'll find:

• (1) M12 FUEL 3/8" Impact Wrench
• (1) M12 Red Lithium XC 2.0 Ah Battery Pack
• (1) M12 Red Lithium XC 6.0 Ah Battery Pack
• (1) M12 & M18 Charger
• (1) Tool Bag

Having both a 2.0 Ah and 6.0 Ah battery is handy, as it provides you flexibility depending on your needs. The 2.0 Ah is lighter for tight spaces, while the 6.0 Ah will give you extended runtime for bigger jobs.

The included charger works with both M12 and M18 batteries, so you can charge your other Milwaukee batteries too. And the tool bag provides storage and protection.

Optional accessories available include:

• Extended run-time batteries up to 12.0 Ah
• Right angle attachment for tight spaces
• Ratcheting box wrench attachments

So while the kit contains everything you need to get started, Milwaukee offers various add-ons to customize your setup.

Price

When it comes to cordless power tools, you get what you pay for. The Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Wrench is in the premium price range, but it offers excellent value for money.

Without getting into exact pricing, this is a professional-grade tool that competes with models costing hundreds more. It may seem expensive compared to basic DIY impact wrenches, but it's very reasonably priced for the performance.

The Milwaukee M12 Fuel line uses brushless motors and advanced electronics to maximize power in a compact form factor. You really notice the difference when using high quality tools like this. They have outstanding torque while remaining lightweight and ergonomic.

While the upfront cost is higher, you end up saving in the long run with fewer repairs or replacements needed. This impact wrench is built to last through years of daily professional use. The lithium ion batteries also hold a charge better over time compared to cheaper models.

When you consider the power, performance and durability offered by the Milwaukee M12 Fuel, it provides excellent value at this price point. It's a worthwhile investment for automotive technicians or anyone who uses an impact wrench on a regular basis. This is a premium tool priced accordingly.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to use in tight spaces
• Brushless motor provides high power and torque while running cooler and quieter
• Redlink Plus intelligence helps prevent overloading and overheating
• Variable speed trigger gives precise control over RPMs and torque
• Fuel gauge shows remaining runtime to avoid running out of power unexpectedly
• Includes two battery packs for extended runtime - 1 compact 2.0Ah and 1 high capacity 6.0Ah
• Charger can charge one battery while using the other for continuous operation
• Durable all-metal gearbox and gears for long service life

Cons

• Expensive compared to some other 12V impact wrenches
• Does not include belt clip or case to conveniently carry tool and accessories
• Battery packs and charger are proprietary to Milwaukee M12 system
• Not as powerful as higher voltage 18V impact wrenches for heavy duty use
• Chuck does not accept 1/2" impact sockets without adapter

Conclusion

Overall, the Milwaukee M12 FUEL Impact Wrench is an excellent choice for automotive and light industrial use. It provides impressive power and torque in a compact, lightweight package. The brushless motor delivers fast speeds while the REDLINK Plus intelligence helps prevent overloading and overheating.

The wrench feels very durable and solid thanks to the all-metal gearing and reinforced housing. It also runs quietly compared to other impact wrenches. The battery charges quickly and lasts a decent amount of time even under heavy use.

While not the most affordable option, the Milwaukee FUEL impact wrench represents a great value for the performance. It's a versatile tool that can handle lug nuts as well as various bolts around the house or job site. The kit also includes two battery options to ensure you have enough runtime.

For professionals or avid DIYers looking for a high-quality 12V impact wrench, the Milwaukee M12 FUEL is easy to recommend. It has the right mix of power, features, and ergonomics to tackle automotive jobs as well as home and shop projects. This brushless impact wrench will provide years of reliable service.