Choosing Milwaukee® M12™ Cordless Tools

The Milwaukee M12, a cordless tool range, is a subcompact system that allows you to work in confined spaces or anywhere where space is at a premium. Despite their comparatively diminutive stature, these tools do not compromise on power or functionality. Rugged and durable, these cordless power tools can withstand the rigors of everyday use on a construction site, and the proprietary technology optimizes battery-to-motor communication, performance, and efficiency. When you’re considering buying Milwaukee tools, there’s a vast selection to choose from in the M12 range, but knowing the key considerations and the available options allows you to make an informed purchase and get the tools or tool sets that best meet your needs.

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What’s Special About Milwaukee M12 Tools?

Milwaukee M12 cordless tools use proprietary technology, optimized battery, and rugged durability to stand out from the rest of the field. Their compact size makes them an outstanding choice in tight work spaces and reduces the necessary storage.

REDLINK™ Intelligence

REDLINK Intelligence combines superior hardware and software to enhance communication between the tool and the power battery. This on-board electrical system helps to improve both motor and battery performance, increasing efficiency, productivity, run-time, and safety. The system detects potential signs of overheating and offers protection against excessive heat to help maximize the tool’s lifespan.

REDLITHIUM™ Batteries

Redlithium batteries are another feature that makes the Milwaukee M12 range stand out. These battery packs last up to 40 percent longer between charges than standard 12-volt lithium-ion batteries, offer 20 percent more power, and recharge 50 percent more before requiring replacement.

Stands up to environmental rigors: Fitting all Milwaukee M12 cordless tools, Redlithium battery packs can handle temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit without compromising tool performance and fading, allowing you to work even in extreme conditions.

Temperature control from the cell frame transfers energy efficiently, ensuring the battery pack runs at a safe temperature for maximum battery life. A water-protection barrier prevents any liquid from draining into the electronics. Instead, it uses small channels to redirect fluid away from the sensitive electronics and out of the battery cover.

Battery life gauge: The onboard FUEL™ gauge ensures you know how much you have remaining before you’re charged.

Protection: To prevent battery failure from excessive vibration or impact damage, Redlithium packs use shock-responsive separators. A single-piece cell carrier provides additional strength, and the rubber overmold allows these batteries to withstand even heavy-duty use.

Small footprint, considerable power: The M12 Redlithium compact battery pack is small and lightweight and offers 2 amp-hours of run time without fading. The REDLITHIUM XC 4.0 is an extended capacity model that provides 4 amp-hours of fade-free run time. However, the larger pack adds extra weight to your power tools, so it’s a trade-off between spare run time and added weight.

Universal: For further convenience, you can purchase multiple batteries and a charging station with space to charge up to multiple M12 batteries simultaneously. Because the batteries fit all the Milwaukee cordless tools in the range, you can simply remove the dead battery and insert a new one fresh from the charging dock.

Refine Your Toolkit With M12 FUEL

The M12 FUEL system uses POWERSTATE™ brushless motors. Milwaukee’s brushless motor requires less-frequent maintenance or replacement. The lack of brushes and the inclusion of more steel and copper than many comparable models means the Powerstate brushless motor produces less friction and results in less heat build-up, maximizing the lifespan of the motor and optimizing efficiency.

The battery packs are interchangeable with the M12 range, so you can purchase M12 FUEL tools to compliment your M12 subcompact selection and have more torque and power available when you need it. Some of the tools in the M12 FUEL range include:

• Hackzalls™
• Hammer drills
• Drill/drivers
• Rotary hammers
• Screwdrivers

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M12 Tool Types

The M12 range covers various power tools, so you can customize your toolkit to handle almost any job, particularly those in small spaces. Milwaukee’s technology and craftsmanship ensure no compromise on power or performance.

Milwaukee M12 Saws
The M12 saw family includes band saws, jigsaws, and reciprocating saws. Some, such as the M12 band saw, are small and light enough to use safely with one hand while delivering enough power to cut 3/4-inch EMTs in just 3 seconds. Standard features include adjustable blade tracking and an LED light highlighting where you’re missing, ergonomic grips for comfortable use, greater control, and low centers of gravity that allow precision cutting. With most of the weight above the cutting area, vibration and bounce are minimal and give you a smooth cutting action. Despite their light weight, these saws are suitable for various applications, including heavy-duty ones, such as cutting metal.

Milwaukee M12 Drills
Milwaukee’s M12 drills are versatile, hard-wearing, and suited to almost any application, mainly when working in a tight space. They deliver high torque and offer a metal ratcheting chuck for durability and longevity. Choose from classic Milwaukee M12 cordless drills/divers, hammer drills, drill/drivers, rotary, and demolition hammers. LED lights illuminate the work area for a clear view, and ergonomic grips provide comfort and enhanced user control.

Milwaukee M12 Applicators
M12 applicators include caulk and adhesive guns as well as grease guns. With impressive pushing power of up to several hundred pounds, Milwaukee’s caulk and adhesive guns suit most standard sealants and adhesives. The guns are available in legal capacities and feature variable-speed triggers to give you complete control. With anti-drip, these applicators work well in any setting and come with a seal puncture tool.

Milwaukee M12 Rotary Tools
When choosing Milwaukee M12 cordless tools, the M12 rotary tool is a fantastic place to start and makes an invaluable addition to any toolkit. Small and light, these tools are suitable for one-handed operation and work with any 1/32″ to 1/8″ shank accessory for optimal versatility. Rotary tools from the M12 range give you power comparable to a corded model but with variable speeds of up to tens of thousands of RPM.

Milwaukee M12 Sanders and Polishers
When you need tools for sanding and polishing and in a tight area, the best Milwaukee M12 sander and polisher system is the variable-speed polisher/sanders with interchangeable pads. Performing two jobs, these dual-mode tools save you space and time and boast a high level of user control.

Milwaukee M12 Accessories
You can also find batteries, Milwaukee M12 chargers, and other Milwaukee power tool accessories for the M12 range. Coordinate your cordless tools with accessories ranging from heated jackets for men and women to worksite radios, speakers, and work lights.

For working outdoors in extreme conditions, you can choose from various heated garments, including high-viz, plain or khaki waterproof, and wind-resistant models or heated fleeces with or without hoods. These outer layers provide approximately six hours of continuous heat from a single charge. The heat levels are adjustable, allowing you to remain comfortably warm in any condition. Worksite radios, speakers, and lights from the M12 range are waterproof and durable, with shock-resistant shells that offer protection against impact damage.

Sets vs. Tools: What’s The Best?
Within the M12 range, you can choose single tools or sets. Tool sets let you build a collection with just one purchase. Additionally, many kits come with spare batteries and accessories, offering you greater convenience. The key to deciding whether to purchase single tools or kits is to assess precisely what you need or are most likely to need in the future. If you just need to replace an old power tool, then a single new Milwaukee tool is a good option. However, tool sets are the better option if you do a lot of work or require maximum versatility for your tools.

Out With the Old
To improve your efficiency, productivity, and performance, replacing your old power tools or complimenting your selection of Milwaukee hand tools with Milwaukee M12 cordless combo kits is the intelligent choice. This robust range of tools is compact, lightweight, and versatile, so it helps reduce the time it takes to finish a task and minimizes the effort required. Tool kits generally come complete with a carry case and appropriate accessories. A few of the M12 items you can find tool sets for include:

• Milwaukee cordless impact wrenches
• Milwaukee reciprocal saws
• Milwaukee screwdrivers
• Milwaukee cordless drills
• Milwaukee band saws

M12 vs. M18: Head to Head
Whether you’re looking for a Milwaukee multi-tool or a cordless saw, one of the critical considerations involves looking at Milwaukee M12 vs. Milwaukee M18 cordless tools. While the M12 range delivers 12 volts, the M18 provides 18 volts, giving you more power overall. However, the M18 system is larger and heavier than the M12. These Milwaukee tool systems have brushless motors and use Redlithium batteries and REDLINK Intelligence technology, offering high performance, overheat protection, and long run times.

The M12 tools are lighter and more compact. While they deliver less power than the M18 range, they are still powerful enough to handle most heavy-duty tasks and have the advantage of being small enough to allow you to work comfortably in small spaces. The compact design of these tools also means they take up less storage space. Their light weight means you can work longer at your most productive without experiencing muscle fatigue.