Full Review ⭐ Milwaukee M18 FMTIW2F12-0: FUEL Cordless Impact Wrench 1/2 Inch with Snap Ring without Battery/Charger in Box

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2" Impact Wrench Kit is a powerful cordless impact wrench designed for automotive and industrial fastening applications. This tool features Milwaukee's latest generation FUEL brushless motor technology to deliver fast speeds, high torque output, and longer runtime.

Some of the key features of this impact wrench include:

• Compact and lightweight design at only 7.4 lbs for better control and less user fatigue
• Delivers up to 700 ft-lbs of maximum fastening torque and 1200 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque
• Reaches speeds of up to 2,000 RPM and 3,600 IPM for faster task completion
• Variable speed trigger for precise control
• 1/2" friction ring anvil with pin detent for quick and easy socket changes
• Integrated LED light to illuminate dark work areas
• RedLink Plus intelligence to protect the tool and battery from overloading or overheating
• Flexible battery system works with all Milwaukee M18 batteries
• Comes without battery or charger

With best-in-class power, compact size, and intelligent features, the M18 Fuel impact wrench is designed to boost productivity for automotive technicians, fleet maintenance, and industrial fastening jobs.

Design and Build Quality

The Milwaukee M18 FMTIW2F12-0 impact wrench features an impressively rugged and durable design. It has an all-metal gearcase and reinforced metal motor components that can withstand drops and impacts on the job site.

The wrench utilizes a cast aluminum gear case that provides strength while keeping the tool lightweight at only 7.6 pounds. It has an ergonomic overmold grip made of a thick rubber that allows for comfortable handling during prolonged use. The grip helps absorb vibration and provides a secure hold.

The heavy-duty anvil with detent pin design allows for quick and easy socket changes. It accepts 1/2" universal impact sockets. The pin lock gives a secure hold while providing the ability to pull off sockets when needed.

Overall, the Milwaukee impact wrench is built with high-grade metal components and an ergonomic grip. This results in a tool that can withstand job site abuse while remaining comfortable to operate all day long. The sturdy build quality makes it a long-lasting and reliable addition to your power tool arsenal.

Another popular Milwaukee impact wrench is the M12 FIW38-0 model. This compact 3/8" impact wrench delivers 135 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 1100 RPM in a lightweight 2.0 lb package. It utilizes Milwaukee's proprietary POWERSTATE brushless motor for longer motor life and more power. The wrench measures only 5.1" front to back, making it easy to access tight spaces.

The M12 FIW38-0 features a cast aluminum housing for durability as well as a rubber overmold grip for comfort and control. It has a built-in LED light to illuminate dark work areas. The wrench comes with a 3/8" friction ring for quick and easy socket changes.

With 135 ft-lbs of torque, this little wrench packs a punch. It has more than enough power to tackle automotive repair jobs as well as medium-duty fastening applications. Weighing just 2 pounds, it greatly reduces fatigue from extended use compared to heavier wrenches.

The compact size allows access into engine compartments, machinery, and other tight quarters where a full-size wrench won't fit. At only 5.1 inches long, it can fit where other tools can't.

The M12 FIW38-0 offers the power of an air impact wrench in a cordless lithium-ion platform. It provides freedom to work anywhere without dragging air hoses. The POWERSTATE brushless motor eliminates carbon brushes for longer life.

This wrench comes as a bare tool only, requiring the user to supply M12 batteries and charger. It is compatible with all M12 REDLITHIUM batteries. For specs and online ordering visit Milwaukee M12 FIW38-0: 4933464612 Impact Wrench, 12V Li-Ion, 3/8, Square – M12FIW38-0, 12 V, Black/Red.

With compact size yet high power, the M12 FIW38-0 impact wrench is a versatile addition to any tool collection. It combines performance, maneuverability, and Milwaukee's signature durability. This is a great choice for automotive, maintenance, and construction applications needing serious torque in tight spaces.

Motor and Power

The Milwaukee M18 FMTIW2F12-0 impact wrench is powered by a high-performance brushless motor that delivers up to 1,800 in-lbs of max fastening torque and up to 2,000 IPM of max bolt removal speed. This makes quick work of even the most stubborn bolts and fasteners.

The brushless motor provides several advantages over brushed motors, including more power, longer runtime, and longer overall tool life with less maintenance required. It has 3 speed settings and 4 drive control modes to match both fastening and breaking loose applications. You can select between 0-1,100/0-2,200/0-3,300 RPM and 1,800/1,200/850/550 in-lbs of torque. This level of control allows you to use the optimal amount of power and speed for the task at hand.

Overall, the powerful brushless motor delivers best-in-class performance for demanding automotive and industrial fastening/breaking loose jobs. The high torque and variable speed settings make this impact wrench a very versatile and efficient fastening tool.

Battery and Charger

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel impact wrench comes without a battery or charger included. It is compatible with all Milwaukee M18 batteries, giving you flexibility to choose the battery capacity that suits your needs.

The most common battery capacities are 1.5Ah, 2Ah, 4Ah, 5Ah, 6Ah, 8Ah, and 12Ah. Higher capacity batteries will give you longer runtime before needing to recharge. For example, the 12Ah battery can deliver up to 475 ft-lbs of fastening torque when paired with this impact wrench.

Charging time varies based on the charger and battery. Milwaukee's Rapid Chargers can fully recharge an M18 battery in around 30-60 minutes. So even a large 12Ah battery can be ready to go again quickly. Their Super Chargers take a bit longer at around 60-90 minutes for a full charge.

Choosing compatible high output batteries and rapid chargers allows you to maximize productivity with this impact wrench. You'll spend less time waiting for batteries to charge and more time getting work done.

Comfort and Handling

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel impact wrench is very comfortable and easy to handle, thanks to its thoughtful design. At only 7.6 lbs with a battery, it has a balanced weight that reduces fatigue during prolonged use.

The rubber overmold grip fits nicely in your hand and allows for comfortable operation when tightening or loosening fasteners. It has an optimal grip circumference for most hand sizes. The grip helps absorb vibration and gives you a secure hold on the tool.

While powerful, the brushless motor produces minimal vibration during use. This lack of vibration reduces hand fatigue when using the tool for extended periods. The balanced design also means the tool doesn't twist in your hand when putting maximum torque on a fastener.

Overall, the impact wrench is ergonomically designed for user comfort. The combination of the lightweight but robust build, balanced design, comfortable grip, and minimal vibration makes this a pleasure to operate. Your hand and arm won't get tired even after using it all day long on the jobsite.

Noise Level

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel impact wrench is relatively quiet for a power tool of this size and power output. Users report that it produces around 80-85 decibels of noise when running, which is comparable to other leading 18V impact wrenches like the DeWalt DCF899 or Makita XWT11Z.

The noise is noticeable but not excessively loud. It's a muffled metallic sound rather than a high-pitched whine. The noise level allows you to use the tool comfortably without hearing protection for short-moderate periods. For extended use, ear muffs or plugs are recommended to avoid exposure to the noise over long periods.

Overall, the noise output is reasonable and expected for an impact wrench in this class. It won't produce ear-piercing noise that makes you dread using it. The sound is comparable or slightly quieter than other top 18V models. Just be sure to use hearing protection for longer jobs or if you'll be using it in a confined space where the noise can echo.

Applications

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel impact wrench is a powerful cordless tool well-suited for automotive and industrial use. Its high torque and compact size make it ideal for tasks like changing tires, removing lug nuts, and general assembly/disassembly work.

With 1,400 ft-lbs of fastening torque and up to 2,000 RPM, this impact wrench can generate tremendous amounts of torque for loosening even the most stubborn bolts and nuts. It's designed to handle lug nuts on trucks, buses, and heavy equipment. The 1/2" anvil gives you the durability needed for high torque applications.

Despite its power, the M18 Fuel impact wrench is compact and lightweight at only 7.6 lbs with battery. This makes it easy to handle for extended periods. The short length allows you to fit it into tight spaces.

While great for automotive uses, the M18 Fuel may lack the power needed for some heavy duty industrial applications. It's best suited for medium duty tasks under 1,400 ft-lbs torque. For heavy equipment or machinery that requires extreme torque over 2,000 ft-lbs, a pneumatic impact wrench may be a better choice.

The M18 Fuel impact wrench works well with most standard socket sets and accessories designed for 1/2" drive tools. It comes with no batteries or charger, so you'll need to supply your own M18 batteries to power it. Overall, it's a versatile high-powered cordless impact wrench suitable for most medium duty bolting applications.

Accessories

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel impact wrench comes as a bare tool without a battery or charger. However, it's part of Milwaukee's expansive M18 system, so it's compatible with all M18 batteries and chargers.

Some recommended accessories to purchase with the tool include:

• M18 Red Lithium XC5.0 or XC6.0 battery packs - Provides longer run times for extended use. The XC models offer Milwaukee's latest battery technology.

• M18 Dual Charger - Can charge two M18 batteries at once, helping ensure you always have a fresh battery ready. The dual charger fully charges an XC5.0 battery in around 60 minutes.

• Carry/storage bag - Protects the impact wrench when transporting between jobs. Features pockets to hold additional accessories.

• Impact sockets - Highly recommended to take full advantage of the tool's capabilities. Quality impact-rated sockets are designed to withstand the tool's extreme torque.

• Impact universal joint - Allows accessing fasteners at odd angles where a straight-on approach isn't possible. Helpful for automotive repair and tight engine bay work.

• Right angle attachment - Similar function as a universal joint for reaching fasteners at difficult angles. Typically provides better grip and torque transfer than a joint.

The impact wrench can also use other common accessories like extension bars and universal wobble sockets. As a standalone bare tool, you'll need to supply batteries, charger and any desired sockets or attachments. But the tool is highly versatile for automotive and construction applications with the right accessories.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Powerful brushless motor delivers up to 1,400 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 2,000 RPM for excellent productivity
• REDLINKTM overload protection system prevents overheating and burnout
• Compact and lightweight at only 7.6 lbs for reduced fatigue during extended use
• 1/2" anvil with detent pin for quick socket changes
• Variable speed trigger allows precise control of output speed and power
• LED light illuminates dark work areas
• Durable all-metal gear case and reinforced housing for jobsite toughness
• Flexible battery system works with M18 batteries for long runtime
• Quiet operation at only 86 dB for comfortable use without hearing protection

Cons

• Bare tool only, battery and charger must be purchased separately
• Lacks protective rubber overmolding on the handle like some models
• Not compatible with legacy Milwaukee M18 batteries without adapter
• Lower torque rating than some competing models
• No built-in belt clip or hook for hanging upside down

Conclusion

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/2" impact wrench is an excellent tool that delivers outstanding power and runtime in a compact and ergonomic design. With its brushless motor and REDLINK Plus intelligence, it provides relentless power to drive and remove even the most stubborn fasteners quickly.

The tool feels great in the hand thanks to its slim soft grip handle and low vibration. It operates smoothly and quietly, making it a pleasure to use for extended periods. The variable speed trigger allows excellent control when starting or seating bolts.

For mechanics, automotive technicians, industrial maintenance, and construction workers who need maximum torque in a cordless platform, the Milwaukee FUEL impact wrench is easily one of the top choices. It has the ruggedness to withstand tough professional use while packing the punch of an air impact wrench.

If you need to drive or break loose large fasteners day in and day out, this impact wrench will deliver the unrelenting power to get the job done fast. Backed by Milwaukee's excellent 5-year warranty, it's a long-lasting investment that helps boost productivity and makes work easier.