When it comes to producing quality tools for professionals Milwaukee is up on the top of an impressive list. The M18 FUELTM ½” Compact and Mid-Torque Impact Wrenches tested in this review have made significant advancements in power delivery of torque, while weight and physical size have been reduced from the previous generation – making for an extremely well balanced and ergonomic tool.
As any mechanic or trade professional will know, well balanced and lighter tools at the end of the day mean reductions in fatigue which can cause repetitive strain injuries and alike. So, any tool that improves power and performance while reducing fatigue and possible strains is a double win for everyone.
Now before we start on the review of the M18 FUELTM Compact and Mid-Torque Impact Wrenches, I thought I’d mention another area in which I feel Milwaukee, as a company, does exceptionally well. Milwaukee Tool has gone to great lengths to build an impressive list of authorised retail partners and online partners. This means that when you shop for your Milwaukee products at an authorised retail outlet, you can rest assured that the staff have been trained in all things Milwaukee and have an impressive product knowledge to provide you with the very best tools and options for your specific needs.
Furthermore, if you don’t have the time or desire to head in store yourself you can go onto the Milwaukee website and make a booking for one of Milwaukee’s Job Site Solutions (JSS) team to come to you at your workshop or site. Working closely with professional tradespeople across the country, the JSS team members bring expert knowledge and cutting-edge technology with them – ensuring the selection of tools end users have on hand, their ways of working and their workshop efficiency and safety are maximised. You got to love that level of customer service.
SUPERIOR AUTOMOTIVE JUMP ON BOARD
To really test the M18 FUELTM Compact and Mid-Torque Impact Wrenches in a workshop environment we dropped the tools to Andrew and Rodney from Superior Automotive in Mona Vale on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Rodney and Andrew are the partners behind Superior Automotive and Superior Autosport’s. Between them they have 50 years of unique experience providing quality car servicing and maintenance for a wide range of vehicles. They service and repair all makes of cars, including everyday cars, exotic cars and those used only on the track. Their performance division works to build racing cars of all types.
M18 FUEL ½” COMPACT IMPACT WRENCH – M18FIW2F12-0
This impact wrench might be compact in stature (coming in at an impressive 31mm shorter in length than its previous generation), yet has managed to bring an additional 39Nm, making a total of up to 339Nm of nut-busting torque. These two features combined means you will be able to utilise more power than before in harder to reach places.
To keep those hard-to-reach work areas well light, Milwaukee Tool has included a new Tri-LED light system at the front of the tool around the friction ring that does a great job at illuminating the work area and reducing shadows.
“MILWAUKEE TOOL HAS GONE TO GREAT LENGTHS TO BUILD AN IMPRESSIVE LIST OF AUTHORISED RETAIL AND ONLINE PARTNERS.”
When chatting with Andrew from Superior about the compact impact wrench he mentioned: “The power coming from such a small package is incredible. We have been using Milwaukee products here at Superior Automotive for a long time now due to their build quality, as well as their power and performance. Both of these impact wrenches will build even further on this reputation. We removed wheel nuts, and various other significant nuts we could find in and around the workshop from engines to suspension and the tool undid every single one.
M18 FUEL ½” MID TORQUE IMPACT WRENCH – M18FMTIW2F12-0
As the name suggests the mid-torque variant is the big brother of the compact impact wrench. All-important torque jumps up to 881Nm, that’s 68Nm more than its previous generation and in size is 18mm shorter. The increase in power and reduced weight and size has provided excellent power to weight ratios that end users are going to love. The mid-torque impact wrench is also sporting the new Tri-light system.
Andrew’s feedback on this product was also quite interesting: “With 881Nm of torque this impact wrench is almost too powerful for some workshop applications but the Milwaukee DRIVE CONTROL feature, which includes four modes (with Auto Shut- Off and Bolt Removal Mode) to select from, enabled me to get the best performance out of the tool for various applications. Another big feather in Milwaukee’s cap, is their warranty program, which I believe is the best in the market. Milwaukee really look after their customers in both ensuring their retailers really know and understand their products at the sales stage and then 100 per cent back their products with one of the best warranty programs I’ve dealt with,” said Andrew.
“YOU CAN REST ASSURED THAT THE STAFF HAVE BEEN TRAINED IN ALL THINGS MILWAUKEE AND HAVE AN IMPRESSIVE PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE.”
THE WRAP UP
Any time you manage to reduce weight while increasing power and performance, you’re going to be making strides forward with your products. That’s exactly what Milwaukee has done here with these two new M18 FUELTM ½” impact wrenches, especially when you already have in place the comfort, reliability and durability of the Milwaukee range. I can see these impact Wrenches being embraced not just by workshops but also tradies onsite around Australia.
• Maximum access in tight spaces
• Improved workspace visibility with new Tri-LED lighting
• Best power to weight ratio
• 4-Mode Drive Control
• ½” Square with friction ring/pin dent.
Visit milwaukeetool.com.au for more information on the Milwaukee range of professional tools or book a test drive at milwaukeetool.com.au/jss