Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless 2-Tool Kit vs M12 FUEL 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit w/2 Batteries and Bag (2-Tool)

Buy the M18 kit if you drill into concrete or masonry, drive long lags, or want one battery platform for heavy jobs. Buy the M12 FUEL kit if you work overhead, inside cabinets, or in tight spaces and want the lightest tools that still have real power. The M18 has more torque and a hammer mode; the M12 is smaller, lighter, and cheaper to run on smaller batteries. Owners of both praise the brushless motors and Milwaukee's build; the M12's 4.8 rating from over 3,200 buyers reflects strong satisfaction, while M18 owners value the 5-year tool warranty and the 250+ tool M18 system.

• Choose the M18 Compact Brushless kit if you need hammer drilling, high torque for lags and large bits, and a battery that also runs saws and other full-size M18 tools.
• Choose the M12 FUEL kit if most of your work is overhead or in tight spaces and you want the smallest, lightest drill and impact driver Milwaukee makes.