Full Review ⭐ Milwaukee M18 FIW2F12-0X: Fuel™ 1/2in Friction Ring Impact Wrench 18V Bare Unit

The Milwaukee M18 FIW2F12-0X Fuel 1/2in Friction Ring Impact Wrench is a powerful and versatile cordless impact wrench perfect for automotive and construction applications. Part of Milwaukee Tool's M18 Fuel line, it delivers impressive torque and fastening speed in a compact and lightweight design.

This impact wrench is powered by Milwaukee's POWERSTATE brushless motor that delivers up to 1200 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque and 1400 ft-lbs of maximum fastening torque. The POWERSTATE motor provides longer motor life, more power and run time compared to standard brushed motors.

With a friction ring design, the FIW2F12-0X allows users to manually adjust and set the amount of power that is delivered. This gives more control when driving smaller fasteners or working with delicate materials. The wrench has 4 speed/torque settings to match the power to the application.

At only 7.6 inches in length and weighing 5.1 lbs with an XC5.0 battery, this impact wrench is designed for easy maneuverability and less fatigue during extended use. The 1/2 inch anvil provides versatility for driving a wide range of bolts and hardware.

Overall, the M18 Fuel FIW2F12-0X impact wrench is a high-powered, compact cordless tool well suited for automotive repair, fleet maintenance, fabrication, construction and industrial applications where heavy duty torque is needed.

Design and Build Quality

The Milwaukee M18 FIW2F12-0X impact wrench features a durable and compact design perfect for automotive work. It has a magnesium gear case and reinforced housing to withstand job site abuse. Weighing only 2.8 lbs with the battery, it offers excellent ergonomics and maneuverability in tight spaces like under the hood or dash.

Despite the small size, the impact wrench feels very sturdy thanks to the all-metal transmission. The rubber overmold provides a secure and comfortable grip. Milwaukee uses superior materials like reinforced metal gears to ensure long-term durability even under heavy daily use.

Overall, the size, weight, and build quality make this compact impact wrench easy to handle and built to last. The materials and construction live up to Milwaukee's reputation for creating professional-grade power tools.

Another high-quality impact wrench from Milwaukee is the Milwaukee M12 FIW38-622X: FuelTM Impact Wrench Kit 12V 1 x 2.0Ah & 1 x 6.0Ah Li-ion. This lightweight 12V impact wrench delivers impressive torque and speed for tightening and loosening fasteners. Weighing only 2.8 lbs, it reduces fatigue during extended use compared to heavier 18V models.

The Milwaukee M12 Fuel impact wrench uses a brushless motor that provides 170 ft-lbs of max torque and 0-2,600 RPM speed. This high-performance motor enables the tool to drive large lag bolts and other demanding applications not normally associated with a 12V platform. It also has 4 drive control modes to match power and speed to the job.

Like the M18 impact wrench, the M12 Fuel has an all-metal gear case and reinforced housing to withstand drops and harsh conditions. The overmold grip gives comfortable control when accessing tight spaces. Milwaukee designed this wrench for professionals who occasionally need the power of an impact wrench but prefer a lighter tool.

Both the M18 and M12 Milwaukee Fuel impact wrenches demonstrate the brand's commitment to providing power, durability, and performance in compact packages. The M18 model offers maximum torque and runtime for heavy jobs while the M12 trades some power for superior ergonomics and maneuverability.

When choosing between Milwaukee's impact wrenches, consider your typical tasks and work environment. The M18 FIW2F12-0X suits those needing maximum torque for automotive service and heavy fastening jobs. The lighter M12 FIW38-622X works well for occasional impact needs without the fatigue of larger wrenches.

No matter which you choose, Milwaukee Fuel impact wrenches deliver outstanding power, build quality, and runtime when you need to drive screws and bolts quickly. Both models uphold the Milwaukee reputation for ruggedness and reliability on the jobsite.

Power and Performance

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel impact wrench packs a serious punch thanks to its powerful motor that delivers up to 700 ft-lbs of maximum fastening torque and 1,000 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque. This makes it capable of handling even the most stubborn bolts and lug nuts.

It has two speed settings - 0-400 RPM and 0-1,800 RPM to give you control over the speed and power. The 0-400 RPM setting allows for more precision and control especially when working with smaller fasteners or in tight spaces. While the 0-1,800 RPM delivers lightning fast speeds for quick removal and driving of bolts and nuts.

The impact mechanism utilizes a friction ring design that is efficient at transferring power from the motor to the anvil with minimal power loss. This results in more torque actually being delivered to the fastener compared to some other impact wrench designs. The 1/2" anvil is made from hardened steel for durability when subjected to high torque loads.

Overall, the power and performance of this Milwaukee Fuel impact wrench make it a great choice for automotive mechanics, heavy equipment technicians, industrial maintenance, and any other applications requiring high torque and power in a compact cordless package. The variable speed settings and friction ring design optimize its capabilities across a wide range of fastening and removal tasks.

For tight access applications where an inline impact wrench won't fit, Milwaukee also offers the M12 Fuel 3/8" Right Angle Impact Wrench. This compact 12V tool delivers up to 300 ft-lbs of max fastening torque and 400 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque with a super compact 5.2" head length. The right angle design allows users to get into tight spaces and fasten from multiple angles. It has two speed settings of 0-2,400 RPM and 0-3,250 RPM to match speed and power to the application. Weighing only 2.4 lbs with the battery, it reduces fatigue when working overhead or in awkward positions. Like the high torque M18 Fuel, it also utilizes a friction ring mechanism for efficient power transfer. See more details on the Milwaukee M12FRAIWF38-0: 12V Fuel 3/8 Right Angle Impact Wrench Bare Unit.

For automotive technicians, the M12 Fuel Right Angle Impact Wrench is the perfect complement to the high power M18 Fuel inline impact wrench. It allows access to fasteners the bigger tools can't reach. The ability to rotate the head in three positions and compact size make it ideal for wheel lug nuts, brake caliper bolts, suspension components, and other tight space automotive applications. Combined with the M18 Fuel, users get the best of both worlds - extreme nut busting torque for removal and smaller size/greater maneuverability for reinstallation and tight fasteners.

In addition to automotive uses, the right angle design opens up possibilities in machinery maintenance, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and any application requiring access to fasteners in tight confines. Paired with other Fuel M12 & M18 tools, users can tackle the widest range of fastening/removal challenges. Milwaukee's Fuel platform combines brushless motors, REDLINK Plus intelligence, and REDLITHIUM batteries to deliver extreme power, run-time, and durability from their cordless tools.

Battery and Charging

The Milwaukee M18 FIW2F12-0X impact wrench comes with Milwaukee's powerful RedLithium XC5.0 battery technology. This battery pack provides superior pack construction, electronics, and performance compared to standard lithium-ion technologies.

The XC5.0 battery has a 5.0Ah capacity, giving it plenty of runtime for demanding applications. Milwaukee claims the XC5.0 battery can deliver up to 2x more recharges and run 20% cooler than standard lithium-ion batteries.

Charging the XC5.0 battery is quick and convenient with Milwaukee's Rapid Charger. It can fully recharge an empty XC5.0 battery in just under 60 minutes. This allows you to get back to work quickly when the battery runs low on a jobsite.

Based on user reviews, the XC5.0 battery can deliver around 100-150 bolts removed or tightened on a single charge. This makes it suitable for automotive and machinery repair tasks where you need sustained power for an entire work session. The battery fuel gauge gives you a clear indicator of remaining runtime.

Overall, the XC5.0 battery provides excellent performance, fast charging, and long life - making it a perfect match for the high torque output of the M18 FIW2F12-0X impact wrench. The battery technology ensures you get cordless convenience without sacrificing power.

Features

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel impact wrench comes equipped with a variety of useful features that make it a versatile addition to any toolbox.

• Speed Settings: The tool has 4 speed settings, allowing users to match the torque and speed to the application. Speed 1 provides maximum torque of 1100 ft-lbs for the most demanding applications. The higher speeds are better suited for less demanding tasks.

• LED Light: There is an integrated LED light to illuminate dark work areas. This allows users to access tight spaces and see bolts more clearly.

• Belt Clip: The included belt clip makes the tool easy to keep handy when climbing ladders or working up high. The clip rotates 360 degrees.

• 1/2" Anvil: The wrench accepts 1/2" impact sockets, a common size used by automotive and industrial mechanics.

• Battery Fuel Gauge: The tool has an on-board fuel gauge so users can check the battery charge level before starting a job. This helps avoid running out of power unexpectedly.

• Redlink Plus Intelligence: Redlink Plus delivers an advanced digital overload protection system that prevents damage to the tool and battery. This leads to best-in-class durability.

• Flexible Battery System: The tool is compatible with all Milwaukee M18 batteries, including compact and extended run-time packs. This provides versatility for all day use.

The array of thoughtful features makes the M18 Fuel impact wrench a versatile and highly functional addition to your power tools collection. The integrated light, belt clip, battery gauge and overload protection all add convenience for mechanics and DIYers alike.

Noise Level

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel impact wrench runs at a reasonable noise level, comparable to other similar cordless impact wrenches. It produces around 86 dB of noise when under load, which is about average for a high-torque 18V impact wrench. Some users may find it slightly louder than brushed motor impacts like the older M18 models.

The sound is more of a higher pitched whine compared to the lower pitched sound of brushed motors. This is due to the high speed brushless motor. It shouldn't be an issue for most users, but if sound level is a major concern, there are other models like the Makita XWT11Z that run a little quieter at 82 dB. The Milwaukee still has a noticeable power advantage over those models.

For prolonged use, ear protection is recommended, as with any power tool producing this kind of decibel level. But the Fuel impact is suitable for use in home shops and garage work where some ambient noise is expected. It shouldn't be any more intrusive than other common power tools.

Accessories

The Milwaukee M18 FIW2F12-0X comes with a few handy accessories right in the box. It includes a belt clip for convenient portability and a side handle for improved control and torque when driving large fasteners.

Additional accessories can further expand the capabilities of this impact wrench. An extended reach head allows accessing tight spaces. Right angle attachments let you drive fasteners at odd angles. Pin detent sockets help avoid dropping sockets during overhead work. Extended battery packs provide longer runtime for all day use.

For maximizing productivity, consider adding a rapid charger to quickly recharge batteries. Or add extra batteries to always have charged backups ready to swap in when the first battery runs low. Milwaukee's One-Key technology also unlocks customizable drive control and inventory management capabilities.

Pros

• Powerful motor delivers up to 420 ft-lbs of max fastening torque and 1,800 RPM for excellent performance in tightening and loosening stubborn bolts.

• Brushless motor provides increased efficiency, longer life, and lower maintenance costs compared to brushed motors.

• Compact and lightweight at only 7.6 lbs with battery for reduced user fatigue during prolonged use.

• Features 4 modes (0-100/150/250/420 ft-lb) to match power and speed to application for optimized control.

• Fuel gauge lets user monitor battery life at a glance to avoid unexpected loss of power.

• LED light illuminates dark work areas.

• Includes friction ring for manual nut-busting ability without battery power.

• Part of the M18 line of over 100+ tools for maximum versatility and value.

Cons

• The Milwaukee M18 FIW2F12-0X impact wrench is on the heavier side at 5.1 lbs, which can lead to fatigue during prolonged use. The weight is due to its sturdy all-metal gearbox and housing construction.

• While powerful, it does not have as much torque as higher voltage 18V impact wrenches. It delivers up to 700 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 1000 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque. Higher voltage models can deliver over 1000 ft-lbs fastening torque.

• There have been some reports of reliability issues, with a small number of users experiencing tool failure after a few months of use. This seems to be rare but is a concern for a premium, expensive tool.

• It is an expensive tool, priced significantly higher than competitors' 18V impact wrenches. You have to pay a premium for the Milwaukee Fuel brushless motor and performance. Value-conscious buyers may want to consider other options.

Conclusion

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2" impact wrench is a powerful and high-quality cordless tool designed for automotive and heavy-duty fastening applications. Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, while the friction ring anvil provides excellent grip on fasteners to prevent slippage.

With up to 700 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque and 1200 ft-lbs of max torque, this impact wrench can handle even the most stubborn bolts and lug nuts. The POWERSTATE brushless motor delivers sustained power, longer motor life, and more runtime compared to brushed motors.

The REDLITHIUM XC5.0 battery provides long run times per charge and is compatible with Milwaukee's M18 line of tools. The 3-mode DRIVE CONTROL allows you to match power and speed to the application. An integrated LED light illuminates dark work areas.

Overall, the M18 Fuel impact wrench is an excellent choice for automotive mechanics, fleet maintenance, industrial applications, and anyone needing portable high torque. It's a premium tool with outstanding power in a compact size. For those seeking maximum torque and runtime from a cordless 18V impact wrench, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel is easy to recommend.