Which is better for cabinet work and assembly?

The M12 FUEL. It is lighter at 2.5 lbs, shorter in the hand and has 12 clutch settings for consistent screw driving. The M18 works too but weighs more.

Which has more power?

The M18. It delivers 550 in-lbs of torque and 1,700 RPM against 400 in-lbs and 1,550 RPM for the M12. That matters for large hole saws, auger bits and long deck screws.

Both use brushless motors, all-metal chucks and all-metal gearcases, so wear parts are similar. The M18's higher torque means it works less hard on heavy jobs, while the M12's lighter weight reduces fatigue on light ones.

Is the M18 worth stepping up to?

Yes if you already own M18 batteries or drill heavy material often. If you mostly drive screws and drill small holes, the M12 kit covers it with less weight and includes two batteries and a charger.

Can I use the same batteries on both?

No. The M12 takes 12V M12 packs and the M18 takes 18V M18 packs. They are separate systems, so pick the platform that matches the other tools you own.

Which is better for overhead work?

The M12. At 2.5 lbs with battery it is easier to hold above your head, and its 5.95 in body fits between joists. The M18 is 3.2 lbs with battery.

Milwaukee 3403-22 M12 FUEL Drill/Driver Kit vs Milwaukee M18 Cordless Drill/Driver

Buy the M12 FUEL kit if you want a compact drill that comes ready to work, with two batteries, a charger and a bag. Buy the M18 if you already own M18 batteries or need more torque and speed for heavier drilling and driving. The M12 is the smaller and lighter tool at 2.5 lbs and 5.95 in long, with a 1/2 in all-metal chuck and 12 clutch settings. The M18 is longer on torque at 550 in-lbs and faster at 1,700 RPM, and its 250-plus tool platform is the larger one. Owners rate the M12 highly on 74 ratings and the M18 well on 1,935 ratings, and both are brushless with metal gearcases.

Choose the M12 FUEL kit if you want a complete, compact setup for cabinet work, assembly and overhead jobs, and you value two batteries and a charger in the box.
Choose the M18 if you already run M18 batteries, or you need more torque and speed for decking, framing and heavy fastening.

Prices

Milwaukee 3403-22 M12 FUEL Drill/Driver Kit: $149.00 at Self Rescue Tactical (last seen Nov 9)

Milwaukee 3403-22 M12 FUEL 1/2" Drill/Driver Kit

	Milwaukee 3403-22 M12 FUEL Drill/Driver Kit	Milwaukee M18 Cordless Drill/Driver
Battery platform	12V M12, about 125 tools	18V M18, over 250 tools
Torque	400 in-lbs	550 in-lbs
Max speed	1,550 RPM	1,700 RPM
Weight	2.5 lbs with battery	3.2 lbs with battery
Length	5.95 in	5.7 in
What's in the box	Two batteries, charger and bag	Tool only per the listing
Clutch settings	12	Not listed
Speed settings	Variable speed, single range	Two speed settings

Spec	Milwaukee 3403-22 M12 FUEL Drill/Driver Kit	Milwaukee M18 Cordless Drill/Driver
Battery voltage	12V	18V
Battery type	Lithium Ion	Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Chuck size	1/2 In.	1/2 inch chuck
Chuck type	Keyless	Keyless
Motor type	Brushless	Brushless
Torque	400 In lbs	550 in-lbs
Width	2.25 in	2.2 in
Length	5.95	5.7 in
Weight	2.5 lbs	3.2 lbs (with kitted battery)
Batteries included	2	—
Charger included	Charger Included	—
Maximum speed	1550 RPM	—

Spec	Milwaukee 3403-22 M12 FUEL Drill/Driver Kit	Milwaukee M18 Cordless Drill/Driver
Type	—	Drill Driver
Lithium-Ion Battery	—	Yes
Brushless Motor	—	Yes
Color	—	Red
Voltage	—	18 volts
Tool Type	—	Drill Driver, Cordless Drill, Drill Driver
Power Type	—	Cordless
Power Voltage	—	18V
Amperage	—	2 A
Max Speed	—

Milwaukee 3403-22 M12 FUEL Drill/Driver Kit vs Milwaukee M18 Cordless Drill/Driver

Prices

Milwaukee 3403-22 M12 FUEL Drill/Driver Kit vs Milwaukee M18 Cordless Drill/Driver

Prices

Milwaukee M18 Cordless Drill/Driver

What separates them

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