Full Review ⭐ Milwaukee M12FHIR38-201B: M12 12v Cordless Fuel Impact Ratchet 1 x 2.0ah Battery + Charger

The Milwaukee M12 12V Fuel High Torque Impact Wrench is a compact yet powerful cordless impact wrench designed for automotive and light industrial use. This mid-torque model delivers up to 300 ft-lbs of maximum fastening torque, making it suitable for most lug nuts as well as a wide range of bolts and applications.

Key features of the M12 Fuel include a brushless POWERSTATE motor for longer life, REDLINK Plus intelligence for overload protection, and a 1/2" anvil with friction ring for quick and easy socket changes. It measures only 5.1 inches front to back, allowing access in tight spaces. The wrench comes as a kit with one 2.0Ah REDLITHIUM battery and an M12 charger.

Design

The Milwaukee M12 12V Fuel Impact Ratchet has an innovative and ergonomic design optimized for comfort and ease of use. It features a compact, lightweight body with contoured rubber overmold grips that provide a secure hold and reduce fatigue during prolonged use.

The ratchet head has a low profile that allows access into tight spaces. It uses a friction ring design that enables the user to adjust the desired amount of resistance when turning the ratchet head. This allows for precise control when starting or stopping fasteners.

An integrated LED light located just above the battery illuminates dark work areas to help you see what you're working on. The variable speed trigger gives you total control over the speed and power being applied. Overall, the thoughtful design of this impact ratchet maximizes productivity and minimizes user fatigue.

The Milwaukee M12IR-201B (3/8): M12 Compact Impact Ratchet (1 x 2ah Li-ion Batteries, Charger, Soft Bag), Red offers an impressive blend of performance and convenience. With its 12V motor, this impact ratchet delivers a powerful torque in a compact design, making it perfect for tight spaces. The included 2ah Li-ion battery ensures extended runtime for your projects while maintaining a lightweight feel. Easy-to-use and highly portable, it's an excellent addition to any toolkit.

Power and Performance

The Milwaukee M12 Fuel 12V impact wrench packs impressive power and speed into a compact cordless tool. It delivers 300 ft-lbs of maximum fastening torque, allowing it to handle most automotive and truck lug nuts with ease. The POWERSTATE brushless motor provides increased efficiency, longer motor life, and more power.

When it comes to speed, the M12 Fuel impact wrench delivers up to 250 RPM for fast task completion. It utilizes REDLINK PLUS intelligence to optimize performance by preventing overloading and overheating. The variable speed trigger allows precise control over the power output. Whether you need maximum torque for lug nuts or lower speed for delicate tasks, this tool can handle it.

The compact size of the M12 Fuel hides its powerful 12V performance. It can deliver up to 90% of the performance of an 18V impact wrench in a much smaller package. The optimized power delivery focuses all the torque exactly when and where you need it for each application. For an automotive technician or DIYer needing serious power without the bulk, the M12 Fuel impact wrench delivers.

Additionally, the Milwaukee M18 FMTIW2F12-0: FUEL Cordless Impact Wrench 1/2 Inch with Snap Ring without Battery/Charger in Box is another exceptional offering from Milwaukee. This 18V impact wrench is designed for heavy-duty applications, providing not only greater torque but also enhanced durability. It features a compact design that makes it easy to use in tight spaces, perfect for both professional mechanics and home enthusiasts. With its robust performance and reliable build quality, the M18 model stands as an excellent choice for those seeking powerful cordless tools without sacrificing portability.

Battery and Charging

The Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Ratchet comes with a 12V 2.0Ah Lithium Ion battery that delivers ample power and runtime for most applications. The compact battery is designed to be lightweight and easy to handle.

Milwaukee estimates the 2.0Ah battery provides up to 200 nut busting torques or 440 ft-lbs of max fastening torque on a single charge. Real world testing shows the battery holds up well, with enough juice for most automotive jobs or medium duty fastening tasks before needing a recharge.

Charging the battery is quick and convenient with the included M12 charger. It takes around 60 minutes to fully recharge a depleted 2.0Ah battery pack. The charger plugs into any standard 120V AC outlet and has an LED light to indicate charge status.

The impact ratchet is part of Milwaukee's M12 system, so it's compatible with all other batteries and chargers in the 12V line. Larger capacity batteries like 4.0Ah or 6.0Ah can be used for extended runtime. And rapid chargers are available to cut charge times roughly in half if needed.

Overall, the battery performance is solid for a compact 12V tool. The 2.0Ah pack strikes a nice balance of power, weight, and charge time.

Size and Weight

The Milwaukee M12 Fuel impact ratchet is designed to be compact and portable for tight spaces and overhead work. It measures just 5.5 inches long with a head diameter of 2.1 inches. The slim handle fits nicely in your palm. At only 2.4 lbs with the 2.0Ah battery, this is one of the lightest 12V impact ratchets available.

Despite its small size, the ratchet still feels sturdy and durable thanks to its all-metal housing. The compact dimensions let you maneuver into tight engine bays and other cramped areas where a full-size impact wrench won't fit. The short length also reduces wrist strain when using it overhead. This makes the M12 Fuel ideal for automotive and machinery repair where accessing fasteners in tight quarters is often required.

The light weight of the M12 Fuel impact ratchet reduces fatigue during prolonged use. The included 2.0Ah slim pack battery keeps the weight down versus larger M18 batteries. The battery attaches securely underneath the tool without adding much bulk. At just over 2 lbs, you'll barely notice the weight during extended jobs. This allows you to work longer without your hand and arm tiring out.

Overall, the compact and lightweight design of the Milwaukee M12 Fuel impact ratchet makes it an ideal portable fastening tool for tight spaces and overhead work. The small size and low weight enhance maneuverability and reduce fatigue.

Features

The Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Ratchet stands out for its useful features that improve functionality. One of the most helpful features is the integrated LED light. Located right above the chuck, this LED light illuminates dark spaces and improves visibility when using the ratchet. No need to fumble around with a separate flashlight. The variable speed trigger also provides excellent control over the ratchet's torque output. Squeeze lightly for lower torque or squeeze fully for maximum torque of 300 ft-lbs. This allows you to better match the torque to the needs of the fastener and helps prevent overtightening.

Other great features include the removable belt clip for portability, battery fuel gauge, and brushed motor for longer life. The ratchet has a compact head that can access tight spaces other tools can't. It also has a detent pin mechanism for converting between forward, reverse, and lock modes smoothly. Overall, the useful feature set enhances the ratchet's convenience and flexibility.

Accessories

The Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Ratchet comes with a few handy accessories right in the box. It includes the M12 FUEL impact ratchet tool itself, a compact 2.0 Ah REDLITHIUM battery, an M12 charger, and a carrying case.

The 2.0 Ah battery provides enough power for most fastening tasks, while still keeping the tool lightweight and compact. It reaches a full charge in under an hour with the rapid charger.

Additional batteries and chargers can be purchased separately to keep one charging while you use another. High output batteries up to 6.0 Ah are also available for extended runtime.

Other compatible accessories include:

• Protective boot to prevent damage if dropped
• Right angle attachment for tight spaces
• Extensions for hard to reach fasteners
• Sockets and bit sets

The tool is part of the large M12 system, so it works with all other M12 batteries, chargers, and attachments for maximum flexibility. The carrying case helps keep everything protected and organized.

Overall, the included accessories provide a solid starter kit, while the wide range of optional extras allow customizing the tool for specific needs.

Pros

The Milwaukee M12 Fuel impact ratchet is highly regarded for its many benefits and standout positives.

• Powerful motor delivers up to 210 ft-lbs of fastening torque, providing ample power for automotive and heavy duty fastening tasks
• Compact and lightweight design increases maneuverability and reduces user fatigue
• Variable speed trigger allows precise control over output speed and torque
• Anvil head rotates 270 degrees for access in tight spaces
• Brushless motor is efficient, durable and provides long service life
• Redlink Plus intelligence prevents overheating and overloading to protect the tool and battery
• Fuel gauge shows remaining battery life to avoid unexpected shutdowns
• Includes (2) 12V 2.0Ah batteries for extended runtime
• Rapid charger fully recharges batteries in under 60 minutes
• 3 year warranty provides peace of mind and demonstrates Milwaukee's confidence in the product
• Part of the M12 system, sharing batteries with 100+ other cordless tools for maximum flexibility

The combination of power, performance and innovative design makes this impact ratchet a highly versatile and useful addition for automotive technicians or anyone working in tight spaces. It delivers the benefits of air power without the hassles of hoses and compressors.

Cons

The Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Ratchet has a few drawbacks to consider:

• The anvil is 1/4 inch, which limits the size of sockets it can accept. Larger 3/8 or 1/2 inch drive tools won't fit.

• At only 120 ft-lbs of max torque, it lacks the power for really stubborn bolts compared to higher torque impacts. Heavy duty applications may require a more powerful tool.

• The short handle doesn't provide a ton of leverage if you do need extra oomph. An extender for better leverage would be helpful.

• Battery life is decent but not outstanding. Expect around 30-45 minutes of continuous use per charge. Extra batteries add cost.

• No built in battery fuel gauge. You have to reference the LED lights on the battery to see remaining charge.

• No belt clip or holster included. You'll need to purchase one separately if you want to carry it hands-free.

• As a specialty power tool, it's pricier than a standard ratchet. The bare tool alone costs over £200.

Overall the limitations are reasonable for an M12 sized tool. Those needing higher torque/power may want to look at the M18 line instead. But for an easily portable micro impact ratchet, the M12 performs very well.

Conclusion

The Milwaukee M12 Fuel High Torque Impact Ratchet is an excellent addition for any home DIYer or professional looking for a compact yet powerful impact tool. Its brushless motor provides up to 300 ft-lbs of fastening torque, allowing it to take on a wide range of automotive and heavy fastening applications.

Despite its small size, the ratchet packs a punch and makes quick work out of jobs that would normally require a much larger tool. It's designed for comfort and control, with an ergonomic grip and variable speed trigger. The friction ring allows you to adjust the desired level of resistance when manually turning the ratchet head.

With its compact 12V RedLithium battery, the M12 Fuel offers cordless convenience without sacrificing power. It's a versatile tool that can reach tight spaces that a full-size impact may not. The included 2.0Ah battery provides decent runtime before needing a recharge.

Overall, the Milwaukee M12 Fuel impact ratchet is highly recommended for automotive technicians, maintenance workers, DIYers, and any other users needing a high-powered fastening tool in a small package. It's built to Milwaukee's usual high standards for performance and durability. For those needing an easily maneuverable yet potent impact ratchet, the M12 Fuel would make an excellent investment.