Price: $146.00 - $132.00
(as of Sep 24, 2022 11:11:18 UTC – Details)
The M12 Fuel Stubby 3/8″ Impact Wrench: A Review
The M12 Fuel hammer drill is a beast. Capable of driving the largest wood screws with ease, the M12 Fuel is a popular tool among carpenters and contractors. So, when a manufacturer brings out an M12-compatible impact wrench, you can bet carpenters everywhere take note. The new Milwaukee M12 Fuel Stubby 3/8″ Impact Wrench makes for an excellent companion to the more powerful M12 Hammer Drill. Both operate on the same compact lithium-ion battery that’s easy to swap out and doesn’t sacrifice power or runtime like other rechargeable drills we’ve tested in the past.
What is an Impact Wrench?
An impact wrench is a specialized tool used for loosening tight nuts and bolts. They are most commonly used in the automotive industry and the tire repair business. Impact wrenches use rotational force to quickly and efficiently break loose stuck or rusted bolts and nuts. In this regard, they are very similar to air wrenches, although air wrenches are typically powered by compressed air, rather than an electric motor. Impact wrenches are generally used in situations where a standard wrench would not suffice, such as when a bolt is broken off in a hole and needs to be removed. They are also useful when you need to remove a lot of bolts quickly, such as when tire repairs are being done and the tires need to be put back on the rims.
Key Features of the M12 Fuel Stubby 3/8″ Impact Wrench
The M12 Fuel Stubby 3/8″ is a cordless impact wrench that’s powered by the same compact lithium-ion battery as the M12 Fuel hammer drill. The Power state Brushless Motor in the M12 Fuel Stubby delivers up to 2,500 RPM and up to 2,700 ft-lbs of max torque. The battery has a built-in fuel gauge that shows how much charge it has left. The M12 Fuel Stubby is capable of driving the largest wood screws thanks to a 3/8″ drive. It has a rotating clutch that prevents over-tightening. The M12 Fuel Stubby is built to last with sturdy metal housing and a forged steel reversible drive end that withstands wear and tear. It has a side-swivel exhaust port that prevents the release of noxious fumes while working. The M12 Fuel Stubby is a versatile cordless impact wrench that’s perfect for driving masonry screws and any other application where an impact wrench is more appropriate than a standard cordless drill.
Build Quality & Design
The M12 Fuel Stubby is sturdy, well-built, and feels like it can withstand years of use. The M12 Fuel Stubby has a single-speed setting and no LED light, unlike its more powerful sibling, the M12 Fuel hammer drill. It has a rotating exhaust port and a cordless design that allows for easy portability and no need for extension cords. The M12 Fuel Stubby comes with a high-quality carrying case with a built-in tool belt. The case is large enough to fit the M12 Fuel Stubby, two batteries, and a few other tools, such as screwdrivers, bits, and sockets.
The Good: Power and Runtime
The M12 Fuel Stubby delivers up to 2,500 RPM and up to 2,700 ft-lbs of max torque, making it capable of loosening the tightest lug nuts, removing broken bolts, and driving large masonry screws. The Powerstate Brushless Motor in the M12 Fuel Stubby provides plenty of power and is built to last. The compact lithium-ion battery lasts about 35 minutes per charge, which is standard for cordless tools that use lithium-ion batteries. It takes about 30 minutes to fully charge a battery. You can charge two batteries at a time and use them interchangeably. The M12 Fuel Stubby is a versatile cordless impact wrench that’s perfect for driving masonry screws and any other application where an impact wrench is more appropriate than a standard cordless drill.
The Bad: No LED light, only one speed
The M12 Fuel Stubby is a cordless impact wrench so it doesn’t have a built-in LED light, like the M12 Fuel hammer drill, but it does have a rotating exhaust port. It only has one-speed setting.
Bottom line: Is the M12 Fuel Stubby Worth It?
The M12 Fuel Stubby is a powerful cordless impact wrench that’s designed to operate with the same compact lithium-ion battery as the M12 Fuel hammer drill. It’s built to last and is perfect for loosening tight lug nuts, removing broken bolts, and driving masonry screws. The M12 Fuel Stubby is a bit more expensive than other cordless impact wrenches, but it has a robust build quality and delivers ample power. If you need an impact wrench that’s capable of breaking the tightest lug nuts and driving the largest wood screws, the M12 Fuel Stubby is a great choice.
