Milwaukee Gen 3 M12 Fuel Hammer Drill & Impact Review
As part of The Home Depot’s ProSpective program this quarter, I got to check out the latest Milwaukee M12 Fuel Brushless Hammer Drill & Impact, Model # 3497-22
More info on the M12 Drill & Impact here at Home Depot:
https://homedepot.sjv.io/c/1285960/1468009/8154
Quick Overview
M12 battery platform
$229usd (combo kit)
5 year tool warranty
3 year warranty on XC4.0 battery, 2 years on CP2.0
Powerstate Brushless Motors
Redlink Plus Intelligence with Redlithium batteries
Soft contractor bag and M12 Charger charger included
Hammer Drill Model # 3403-20
1/2” all metal chuck
2.1 lbs tool-only
5.9” in length
400 in-lbs torque
Speed 1 0-450rpm, 0-6750bpm(blows per minute)
Speed 2 0-1,550rpm, 0-22,500bpm
Impact Driver Model # 3453-20
1/4” hex driver
1.6lbs bare tool
5” length
1,500 in-lbs peak torque
0-400 Impacts per Minute
0-3,600rpm
Tri-LED lights
I really don’t know how much further Milwaukee can take it. I thought the previous models of these M12 drills and impacts were as small and as powerful as they could get. Wrong!
In the 3497-22 combo kit we’re going over here, it comes with the 3404-20 hammer drill, 3453-20 impact driver, one CP2.0 battery, one XC4.0 battery, M12 charger, and contractor bag.
Right away I just want to showcase the decrease in size on both the drill and impact compared to the gen 2 versions. Pictures truly don’t do it justice.. these things are tiny! Milwaukee has managed to basically trim an inch off with each new model of M12 drills, with this latest coming in at 5.9 inches. Not lacking in power either, the incredibly small nature of these M12 drills and impacts is like nothing other on the market.
With this third-generation impact driver, it rivals other competitor 18/20 volt subcompacts in speed and power... in a 12 volt tool. This impact now boasts 3600 rpm, up from 3300 on the previous model. It also got a 200 in-lbs increase in torque, taking it to 1500 in-lbs. The impacts per minute does stay the same at 4000ipm.
A nice feature on this new M12 impact is the one-handed bit insertion. No more pulling the collet out to insert a bit. Just push the bit in and go.
Similar 4-mode speed selection control as gen 2. Speeds 1-3 and then a self-tapping screw mode. I typically just leave my impacts in speed 3 and use the variable trigger for control, but I have been utilizing the self-tapping mode doing some gutter work along with installing aluminum railings and it has been a very nice function to utilize.
Just like the new Gen 4 M18 impact that was released at the same time as this M12, the most visually obvious improvement is the new tri-led lights surrounding the collet. You’re really missing out if you haven’t used an impact with this light design. So much brighter and great visibility without casting shadows. We’re into the time of year here where we’re starting our day and having to basically work in the dark for the first couple hours when working outside. These lights do make a big difference for sure.
Belt clip that can be moved to either side. I’ve been a fan of the clips Milwaukee uses. Durable and the perfect size to hang off my thicker tool belt.
As I’ve already covered, the difference and biggest selling point of the new M12 hammer drill is it’s small size. Again, rivaling some of the subcompact 18 and 20 volt drills, this M12 is now up to 400 in-lbs of torque.
However, it does drop just a bit down to 1550rpm and 22,500 bpm. So, what that means is it’s slightly slower when it comes to drilling with smaller bits or driving small fasteners. But with the increased torque, it’s now more capable of drilling/driving larger bits and fasteners. Still impressive either way. Here are some of the max capacities you can expect:
Spade Bit (Wood): 1 1/4-inch
Auger Bit (Wood): 1-inch
Hole Saw (Wood): 2-inch
Screw Diameter (Wood): 1/2-inch
Twist Bit (Steel): 1/2-inch
Twist Bit (Masonry): 3/8-inch
2-speed gearbox switch on top along with the mechanical clutch. The drill has an all-metal knurled 1/2” chuck. Typically you would expect a 3/8” chuck on a drill this small so the 1/2” really sets this one apart.
LED light near the trigger. See what I mean about casting a shadow around the bit that we no longer have to worry about on the impact? But a light is better than no light here huh.
In Summary
If you’re not already on the Milwaukee M12 platform, I couldn’t recommend it enough. They’re constantly expanding the lineup with new tools, and improving old models like in this case with the third-generation Fuel drill and impact. This set would be a great time to jump into and try the platform. Or if you’re like me and already on the platform and just like tools and upgrading to the latest and greatest, these are certainly worthwhile.
Check the M12 set here at Home Depot!
https://homedepot.sjv.io/c/1285960/1468009/8154
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