Full Review ⭐ Milwaukee M12BIW38-0: 3/8-inch Sub Compact Impact Wrench

The Milwaukee M12BIW38-0 is a 3/8-inch sub compact impact wrench that offers impressive power and versatility in a lightweight and compact design. Part of Milwaukee's M12 line of 12V lithium-ion power tools, this impact wrench is designed to provide cordless convenience and portability without sacrificing performance.

With a compact head length of only 5.1 inches, this wrench can access tight spaces that bulkier models can't. Weighing only 2.2 pounds with the battery, it reduces user fatigue during extended use. The wrench uses Milwaukee's proprietary REDLINK Intelligence to optimize performance and protect against overloading or overheating. Overall, the M12BIW38-0 combines power, maneuverability, and intelligent technology in a rugged but lightweight package ideal for automotive and general fastening applications.

Specifications

The Milwaukee M12BIW38-0 3/8-inch Sub Compact Impact Wrench is a lightweight yet powerful impact wrench designed for automotive and general fastening applications. Here are the key specifications:

Size and Weight: The M12BIW38-0 measures only 5.1 inches front to back and weighs just 2.0 lbs with the battery installed. This makes it ideal for tight spaces and reduces user fatigue.

Torque: Delivers up to 185 ft-lbs of max fastening torque and 1,400 RPM no load speed. This high torque in a compact size makes it perfect for use on smaller fasteners and in tight areas.

Speed: Has 2 speed settings - 0-1,400 RPM or 0-1,800 RPM to match your application. The variable speed trigger provides even more control.

Battery: Runs on the Milwaukee M12 Red Lithium battery system. Batteries and charger are sold separately.

If even more power and torque is needed, Milwaukee also offers the Milwaukee M18 ONEIWF12-0 Fuel ONE-KEY 1/2in FR Impact Wrench. This heavy duty impact wrench delivers up to 700 ft-lbs of fastening torque with a compact size of only 7.4in front to back. It utilizes Milwaukee's POWERSTATE brushless motor for longer life and reduced maintenance. The ONE-KEY technology allows customization of speed, torque, and LED light settings via Bluetooth using the Milwaukee ONE-KEY app. Like the M12BIW38-0, it runs on Milwaukee's M18 Red Lithium battery system for compatibility across the M18 line of tools.

With the wide range of torque capacities, from 185 ft-lbs on the M12BIW38-0 to 700 ft-lbs on the M18 ONEIWF12-0, Milwaukee has an impact wrench suitable for automotive repair, heavy equipment maintenance, major construction projects, and everything in between. The compact sizes make them easy to maneuver in tight spaces while the variable speed triggers provide control and precision. Both utilize Milwaukee's latest lithium battery technology for extended runtime. If you're in the market for a new impact wrench, be sure to check out Milwaukee's M12 and M18 models to find the right one to suit your needs.

Design

The Milwaukee M12BIW38-0 impact wrench is designed with ergonomics and ease of use in mind. Its compact size makes it comfortable to grip and reduces fatigue during prolonged use. The tool weighs only 2.5 lbs, making it one of the lightest impact wrenches in its class.

Despite its small size, the wrench feels very solid and balanced in your hand. The rubber overmold grip provides excellent control while minimizing vibrations. Your hand fits securely around the handle, allowing you to get the leverage needed for tightening bolts. The short length also allows you to easily access tight spaces that larger tools can't reach.

Overall, the ergonomic design and compact size of the M12BIW38-0 make it a pleasure to use. The balance, grip, and light weight reduce strain on your arms and hands during jobs. This allows you to work efficiently and comfortably when driving and removing fasteners.

Another popular Milwaukee impact wrench is the Milwaukee 2663-20: M18 1/2 High Torque Impact Wrench with Friction Ring (Bare Tool). This model delivers up to 600 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque and 1,000 ft-lbs of fastening torque. It combines incredible power with superior control in a compact size that can access tight spaces.

The Milwaukee 2663-20 features a friction ring for greater control when driving fasteners. The ring allows the socket to stick to the anvil, making it easier to hold sockets at awkward angles. It also reduces wobble and slippage. Combined with the 1/2" anvil, the friction ring provides excellent grip on socket changes and one-handed operation.

Weighing only 4.1 lbs with the battery, the 2663-20 reduces fatigue over long work sessions. The overmolded rubber grip enhances comfort and control when putting maximum torque to use. The inline design gives outstanding balance and ergonomics for the best feel.

Like the M12BIW38-0, the 2663-20 impact wrench emphasizes usability. The compact head length improves maneuverability in tight spots. Variable speed and control settings allow you to match power and precision to the job. This versatility makes it a highly capable fastening tool.

In summary, Milwaukee designs their impact wrenches for optimal ergonomics, balance, grip, and control. Compact sizes coupled with innovative features enhance comfort, reducing strain on the user. Both the M12BIW38-0 and 2663-20 models demonstrate Milwaukee's commitment to creating high-performance tools that are also a pleasure to operate.

Power

The Milwaukee M12BIW38-0 impact wrench is powered by Milwaukee's proprietary M12 REDLITHIUM battery. This 12V battery delivers optimized performance and durability for the tool.

The M12 REDLITHIUM battery has several advantages over standard lithium-ion batteries:

• Advanced cell technology provides more work per charge and more recharges over the life of the pack. Each cell is monitored individually to optimize performance.

• REDLINK intelligence communicates with the tool to optimize performance. It prevents overheating and overloading.

• The battery fuel gauge displays remaining runtime.

• It performs in extreme temperatures, down to -20°C.

• The battery pack is designed to withstand tough conditions on the jobsite.

The high performance battery enables the impact wrench to deliver 110 ft-lbs of max torque and 0-1900 RPM, with 0-2400 IPM. This makes it suitable for various automotive and light construction applications. The optimized power delivery allows for controlled fastening, helping avoid overtightening and stripping bolts.

The tool is also designed for all-day use on a single battery charge. The 12V battery makes it compact and lightweight at only 2.8 lbs with the battery installed.

Features

The Milwaukee M12BIW38-0 impact wrench comes equipped with some great features that make it convenient and easy to use.

• LED Light: It has an integrated LED light that illuminates the work area, allowing you to see even in dim spaces or dark corners. The LED light has two settings - high and low beam - so you can adjust the brightness as needed.

• Belt Clip: The wrench includes a sturdy belt clip that allows you to hook it onto your tool belt for easy access and portability. The belt clip rotates 360 degrees so you can position the wrench in the optimal angle.

• Anvil Size: It has a 1/2-inch friction ring anvil, providing versatility to use both 1/2-inch and 3/8-inch socket accessories. This dual compatibility allows you to tackle a wider range of fastening and loosening applications without needing to switch tools.

Applications

The Milwaukee M12BIW38-0 3/8-inch impact wrench is a versatile tool suitable for a wide range of applications, including automotive work, construction projects, and home use.

Automotive

This compact and lightweight impact wrench is ideal for automotive repairs and maintenance. Its high torque output allows you to efficiently remove lug nuts and other stubborn bolts on cars, trucks, and motorcycles. The 3/8-inch anvil fits most automotive socket sizes. The variable speed trigger gives you control to prevent overtightening small bolts. This makes the M12BIW38-0 useful for weekend mechanics and professional auto technicians alike.

Construction

With its cordless convenience and power, the M12BIW38-0 can tackle various construction jobs. It provides sufficient torque for driving lag bolts into wood, removing rusted screws, and assembling framing and fencing. The compact size allows access into tight spaces. Since it runs on Milwaukee M12 batteries, it can share power sources with other M12 tools on a construction site.

Home Use

Around the house, this impact wrench simplifies all sorts of DIY tasks. It makes quick work of assembling furniture, hanging shelves on the wall, and installing fixtures. The variable speed trigger helps prevent damage when working with delicate materials. Homeowners can use it for automotive repairs in the garage as well. With the range of M12 battery options, you can complete multiple projects before needing to recharge.

Pros

The Milwaukee M12BIW38-0 3/8-inch impact wrench has several notable pros that make it a great choice for automotive and light industrial use.

• Lightweight and compact design: Weighing only 2.2 lbs with a length of only 5.1 inches, this impact wrench is designed to be as portable and maneuverable as possible. Its small size allows users to fit it into tight spaces and reduces fatigue during prolonged use.

• Excellent torque for its size: Despite its small stature, the M12BIW38-0 can deliver up to 185 ft-lbs of maximum fastening torque and 1500 RPMs. This is comparable to the power of much larger impact wrenches. The impressive torque makes it suitable for most automotive and light-duty repair jobs.

• Convenient features: The wrench has a built-in LED light to illuminate dark work areas. It also has a variable speed trigger that allows users to dial in just the right amount of power for the job. The battery fuel gauge displays remaining runtime. Overall, the features enhance productivity and ease of use.

Cons

The Milwaukee M12BIW38-0 impact wrench has a few drawbacks to consider.

• Short battery life: The battery life could be longer, especially for heavy duty use. On a full charge, you may only get 10-15 minutes of continuous high torque operation before needing to swap out the battery. This can interrupt workflow.

• Plastic housing: While the plastic housing helps keep the tool lightweight, it may not hold up as well long term compared to metal housings on some competing models. The plastic is prone to scuffs and cracks over time.

Overall the cons are relatively minor. The M12BIW38-0 still performs well for an compact, portable impact wrench. But the battery life and durability issues are worth noting, especially for professional use.

Alternative Options

When shopping for a 3/8-inch impact wrench, the Milwaukee M12BIW38-0 is certainly a top contender, but there are other models worth considering as well:

Dewalt DCF890B

The Dewalt DCF890B is another high-quality, cordless 3/8-inch impact wrench. It delivers up to 150 ft-lbs of max torque and 1200 rpm. The brushless motor provides efficient power while the compact design makes access in tight spaces easier. It's a bit heavier than the Milwaukee at only 2.8 lbs.

Makita XWT11Z

For those who prefer an impact wrench with an AC cord, the Makita XWT11Z is a great choice. It provides 190 ft-lbs of max torque with variable speed control up to 2,600 rpm. The ergonomic design reduces fatigue during prolonged use. At only 4.6 lbs, it's still fairly lightweight for a corded model.

Ingersoll Rand W7150-K2

The Ingersoll Rand W7150-K2 offers a nice balance between power and portability. It generates up to 220 ft-lbs of max torque from a compact 3.7 lb body. A feather touch trigger allows excellent control over the variable speed. It's rugged and durable for tough industrial tasks.

Bosch IDH182-02

For extreme power in a small package, the Bosch IDH182-02 delivers an incredible 180 ft-lbs of max torque weighing just 1.8 lbs. It uses CORE18V batteries to achieve this remarkable power-to-weight ratio. The versatile 1/2-inch anvil can handle larger accessories too. It's the perfect choice for heavy-duty fastening jobs where space is tight.

So while the Milwaukee M12BIW38-0 stands strong against the competition, these other 3/8-inch impact wrenches provide viable alternatives depending on needs and preferences. Testing a few options can help determine the best fit for each user.

Conclusion

The Milwaukee M12BIW38-0 3/8-inch Sub Compact Impact Wrench is a powerful and versatile cordless impact wrench suitable for a wide range of applications. This compact and lightweight tool packs a punch, delivering up to 115 ft-lbs of maximum fastening torque.

Key features of this impact wrench include the Milwaukee POWERSTATE brushless motor for longer motor life, REDLINK Plus intelligence to prevent overloading, and a detent pin anvil for quick socket changes. It has 2 speed settings for optimal control and runs on the M12 REDLITHIUM battery system for superior pack construction, electronics, and fade-free performance.

In summary, the M12BIW38-0 offers excellent power-to-size ratio and is a great choice for automotive repair, construction, maintenance, and home projects. It's compact and lightweight design makes it easy to use in tight spaces. The brushless motor provides long-lasting performance and productivity. Overall, this is an excellent cordless impact wrench that delivers outstanding performance, durability, and versatility.

For those seeking even higher torque, the M18 line of Milwaukee impact wrenches is worth considering. However, the M12BIW38-0 hits a nice sweet spot of power, size, and convenience for most users. It's easy to recommend this subcompact impact wrench for both professionals and DIYers looking for a high-quality cordless solution.