Which is better for driving screws into studs?

The M18. Its 550 in-lbs and 18V power drive long screws faster, and the kit includes a battery. The M12 4-in-1 has 300 in-lbs, enough for cabinet and light framing work.

Which is better for tight or overhead work?

The M12 4-in-1. It weighs 2 lbs, is 5.1 in long, and adds right-angle and offset heads for spots a standard drill cannot reach.

Is the M12 4-in-1 worth $40 more than the M18 kit?

Only if you need the special heads. The M12 costs $139.00 bare tool at eBay versus $99.00 for the M18 kit with battery and charger at Home Depot, so the M12 also needs batteries you may not own.

Does the M12 4-in-1 come with a battery?

No. It is sold as a bare tool, so budget for M12 batteries and a charger unless you already own them.

Both use brushless motors and metal chucks. The M18 has more torque headroom, which helps with heavy drilling. Some M12 4-in-1 owners report rattling and rust in the hex head.

Can I use the same batteries on both?

No. The M18 uses M18 batteries and the M12 4-in-1 uses M12 batteries. The M18 charger also charges M12 packs, but the batteries do not interchange.

Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless Drill Driver Kit vs Milwaukee 2505-20 M12 FUEL 4-in-1 Installation Drill/Driver

Buy the M18 Compact Brushless kit if you want one drill for general drilling and driving at the lowest price. Buy the M12 FUEL 4-in-1 if you work in tight spaces, overhead, or need a right-angle or offset head. As of November 4, 2026, the M18 kit is $99.00 at Home Depot and the M12 4-in-1 is $139.00 at eBay, and the M12 price is bare tool only.

Today the Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless Drill Driver Kit costs $59.99 less at its best price.

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