Milwaukee M12 Drill vs Screwdriver vs Impact - Why Would You Need All Three?

I have been a user of the M12 tool line for a number of years now. I recently picked up the Milwaukee M12 Screwdriver on sale at Home Depot for the holiday deals. It seemed like a tool I didn't "need" but could use. I decided to check them out head to head to see how they drive fasteners differently. The Milwaukee M12 Drill compared to the Milwaukee M12 Impact surprised me quite a bit. I think the impact needs beefing up (probably why there is a much better fuel version). The M12 Screwdriver definitely drives screws but I think the M12 drill could do it just as effectively with as much control from the clutch as the screwdriver can. But really, at the end of the day, who couldn't use an extra tool for one purpose or another? I think it was just cool to put these tools head to head and show how they operate differently.

[KalanYTRock]

It was great hearing Joe Rogan give tool comparisons! Seriously thanks for the video!

[MarzNet]

Cool. I am a cabinetmaker and use the screwdriver for cabinetry hardware. For example, I set the clutch to lowest setting and go over all kictchen cabinet hardware to snug it up. It has the perfect torque and speed for small fasteners.

[djecek]

Hi, I just wanna to give you a shout that even though you were puzzled about results you’ve proven very important thing. Because torsional forces for longer screws the better is to use constant torque tool (drill) for nuts impacts is the way to go. It’s difference between oscillating torsions an constant. That’s why in longer screws the head come off.
Great vid

[deadman]

Love the screwdriver. Use it almost daily. It can drive 3" deck screws no problem.

Doing maintenance work... Everything from sheetrocking to plumbing, boilers, furnaces, electric work.

Others have mentioned the torque settings. That's awesome but even the cheapest drills have a torque clutch.

Bought a $50 version of the screwdriver from Runnings. Gears stripped out... Paid $100 for the Milwaukee screwdriver; it came with a case, two batteries and a charger. Ten years later it's still my favorite tool after the M12 Flood light.

Hackzaw, , floodlight, screwdriver. Most used tools. Have many of 18 and 12 tools.

[roundclipazine]

In HVAC I always have the screwdriver in my tool bag. Mine is 12 years old on original batteries and has been beat to death but keeps working. I've left it in freezers, gotten it soaking wet and used it to drive in so many 3/8 head self tappers that I had to put it in the freezer to cool it off. When brand new with new batteries it jerked right out of my hand tightening a bolt down because I wasn't expecting the torque. I love the size and it fits perfect in my tool bag. Also the clutch setting helps from stripping screw holes. I have some of the quick detach drill bits for smaller jobs but also keep a drill in the truck. The max RPM's are much lower than the drill so it isn't great for drilling.

[d-lowz-no]

I’ve been using the drill and impact for a year now and I’m pretty impressed. I was tired of my wife bringing my drill in from the shop for random stuff and having to look for it for 15 mins in the house when I needed it out there so I got these for household stuff. Honestly, I took the impact out to the shop after I used it to fix the bench swing on my back porch 😆 I like these.

[louiewiessv]

They are great tools for the price, power, value. Reliable
I’m happy with them no high expectations. They all have there place in the tool box for certain jobs. Low torque stuff these are perfect for or running up bolts or nuts.

[JuanGonzalez-qgoc]

Thanks I just got all three of them and you covered each to the tee.

[JimzAuto]

Thanks, helpful presentation. The screwdriver is more capable & stronger than I expected.

[jaredpalen]

As a mechanic, i have all 3 of these. They all serve their purpose. I use the impact the most, the drill the least. For the cost, i think they're great.

[Zombiereaper]

I think there was definitely a difference in the density of the wood, and that's why the impact was having such a tough time towards the top of that board. The other night I was installing stuff with my wife and she was trying to use my Bauer impact and telling me it was "way to big" and "way to noisy" and "why isn't it just a normal drill" which makes me want to pick up a 1/4 screwdriver for light jobs around the house and as something that's easy for her to use.

A lot of people, who aren't super regular power tool users, have a hard time getting the chuck tight on a drill, and the quick connect takes that out of the equation, from an ease of use standpoint I would highly recommend a screwdriver like that.

[busyboxst]

Which specific models of each matters a lot.
Fuel or Surge impacts are way higher powered of course, but screwdriver vs. drill comes down to which models (and drill or hammer drill as well? Some people might need the hammer aspect)... The power on all of them is higher now as well.

For awhile the drills had electronic clutches which everyone seemed to hate (and that pushed some sales toward the screwdrivers - which have manual clutches, except the fuel/brushless version sadly). But the new drills, like 3404 have mechanical clutches again.

Screwdrivers wise, the 2401 (brushed) is a single speed (~500rpm IIRC and mech. clutch), the 2406 is 2 speed (and 1700 rpm and mech. clutch). Or the 2402 is brushless/fuel and 2 speed (1500) BUT has an E clutch sadly.

It’s a tricky triangle of “pick two” between impact and drill/hammer vs. screwdriver - I mean even if the only reason to have 2 is to have 2 different tools to not be switching bits constantly...

You can always add an adjustable chuck to a 1/4” hex for the rare times you need it... maybe they’ll do a fuel screwdriver w e clutch soon. Tho maybe the 2406 is fine and the power just doesn’t matter anyway if you have an impact around as well.

Oh, and the installation driver 🤣, tho there are some right angle attachments that achieve some of that functionality.

So many options.

[jpintrick]

The wife ask all the time why do I have so many different drills don't they all do the same thing and I simply say why do you have so many shoes and nail polishes and makeup don't they all do the same thing LOL she leaves me alone for about a year before she gives me shit again but they all serve their purpose great video

[Dansk]

WTF, Joe Rogan? I got the screwdriver, one battery and 3/8 ratchet for $100. I've already used all of them right before winter got bad and already paid for themselves with car work. The screwdriver is likely the best of the 3.

[Preston_Wood]

I’ve wanted something kind of small tool for a long time. My rigid drill is old, and huge, and my dewalt impact is awesome but too big for some things. I think I’m going to be checking out the m12 series for mostly the drill and the screwdriver. I also like how compact they look, and since it’s Milwaukee they’ll be super powerful.

[camarors]

Good review, I have the m18 Fuel driver and impact. Just picked up the M12 screwdriver because for $69 on sale….why not…haha. It diffently has a spot in arsenal. I keep it on hand for inside work, and while yes, a screwdriver is fine, the M12 cordless is just way more fun. Plus for assembly its great, I just built wardrobe with maybe 70 star headed screws and having a light very maneuverable tool like the M12 really sped up build. Plus the torque is surprisingly super strong, it could easily be driver in a pinch.

[mikekollin]

Im not sure why you are so against the screwdriver. it seemed to perform really well and is quite heaper. it also allows for more control and just really good tool to have around. if I had to choose 1 id choose screwdriver

[KevinPGA]

Interesting comparison, and answered some of my questions as a power tool newbie. The brushed Milwaukee drill and screwdriver seem to be really great tools, and I imagine things really pick up with the Fuel range when you start looking at impact drivers... I have picked up some tools in the m12 line and I'm really happy I stumbled onto them with blind luck. :) Thank you for your content!

[DamionJR]

If I could only have one I would pick the drill. Having all three Fuel versions I use the screwdriver 3 to 1 over the other 2 combined.

[poonbandit]

The screw driver works very well in automotive/ diesel applications for finesse work like valve covers, oil pans and transmission pans for example.