Which is better for home DIY around the house?

The M12 FUEL 3497-22 covers most home tasks, from assembling furniture to driving screws and light drilling, in a smaller and lighter kit. Step up to the M18 set only if you drill masonry or drive large fasteners regularly.

Which has more power?

The M18 FUEL Gen 4 set. It is rated at 1,400 in-lbs of drill torque and 2,000 in-lbs of impact torque, while Milwaukee markets the M12 kit as the most powerful subcompact, not as a match for full-size 18V tools.

Can the M12 kit drill into concrete?

It has a hammer mode, but it is a subcompact 12V tool suited to light masonry work. For brick, block, or concrete, the M18 FUEL hammer drill is the better choice.

Is the M12 kit worth $213.89?

Yes if compact size matters most. You get two brushless tools, a 4.0Ah and a 2.0Ah battery, a charger, and a bag, and it has sold as low as $189.00, so watch for a drop back toward that.

Which kit lasts longer on a charge?

The M18 set ships with two 5.0Ah batteries against the M12 kit's 4.0Ah and 2.0Ah packs, so it runs longer per charge. The M12 kit's smaller batteries keep it lighter.

Do the batteries work with other Milwaukee tools?

Yes. The M12 batteries fit over 125 M12 tools, and the M18 batteries fit the M18 line. The M18 charger also accepts M12 batteries.

Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3497-22 vs Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Set – Gen 4 (3696-22/3697-22)

Buy the M12 FUEL 3497-22 if you want a light, compact kit for cabinet work, electrical, and tight spaces. Buy the M18 FUEL Gen 4 set if you drill concrete or drive long lags and need the extra power. The M12 kit's best new price is $213.89 at Walmart as of November 3, 2026, and it has sold as low as $189.00 on November 2, 2026. The M18 set has no price listed here, so compare its current store prices before deciding.

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