I’m an electrician by trade... I’ve been using my M12 surge for a week now and it is the perfect tool bag driver!!!

I just purchased a M12 Fuel combo drill and driver with batteries and charger from Northern Tool. It was on sale for $179.00 I signed up for a Northern Tool credit card and the knocked off $80. The M12 is replacing my old M12 drill driver thats 20+ years old. These are my go to tools for assembly work from light fixtures to appliances. When I need heavy duty I go to my Rigid 18V. Rigids lifetime battery guarantee can't be beat.

As an electrical craft helper assisting our journey man lineman... I use this with a socket adapter to wreck out poles, arms, kerneys, and even take out some pole steps with a pig tail adapter connected to the socket adapter. I'm the only helper in my yard that has his own gun, so when all rattle guns are being used, I'm on the ground with mines taking things apart while the other guy is trying to even locate a crescent wrench. I've had guys ask to borrow my gun in the field 😊... When it comes to being efficient... This little bad boy does the job. Thank's Vinny, it was your review that helped me make the purchase. Had it since christmas and I love it. Just purchased the m12 right angle impact ratchet wrench. I'm sure the brothers are going to get a kick out of it and I'll be so far in the race that to see second place... You'll have to have binoculars.😎👊😎

i just got my first m12s. I really appreciate the quiet operation. The hydralics also make it smoother feeling. Definitely great for delicate work. Still very capable of handling the big screws.

Bought this back in June 2020, and some thoughts after more than 6 months. Within a week after purchasing, I dropped it in 2 inches of water inside a garden centre that was flooded on a service call. The driver still works after being immersed in water. Dried it out completely over a weekend, and still runs fine to this day. Much more quieter than my M18 compact brushless (non-Fuel) impact driver, and given my line of work, much more appreciated in terms of reduced noise in areas where there are other people nearby, which is perfect for service calls. Sure, it's not as powerful as my M18, but it is now my workhorse, and so much more compact in design than my M18, as a 2.0 Ah or 3.0 Ah compact battery wouldn't be in the way, especially if I'm working in tight spaces. Love the M12 Surge!

M18 Surge user. I like the front silicon protective boot compare to my other drivers. It does not echo through a neighborhood when working outside in the early morning like my other drivers. I remove all belt clips from my M18 Fuel drivers/drills since clip located near battery make it wider . M12 clip in better location compared to M18. Works driving large lags (I always predrill to prevent cracking wood). Works well on small screws if careful. But I normally switch to a cordless screwdriver to not damage hardware.

I agree with the multi volt charger, you’d then be more inclined to buy the 18v line

I would honestly love to see this tool tested against the standard m12 fuel impact driver.

I'm a DeWalt fanboy that has just today order 2 Milwaukee M12 tools, the charger would be like a gateway drug

Size of the grip is great... Those who complain about it, must be used to having a smaller tool in their hand 😎😂

I have been thinking the same thing about the charger' it would allow us who are limited on funds to obtain the m18 line. Thank you for reemphasizing this point

7:20 I also like the 2.0Ah batteries for their compactness, but I also agree about liking to force yourself to set the tool down because it also stops you from snapping off your drill bit or rounding off the corners of your driver bit.

I completely agree with the multi volt charger idea. I'm usually a Ridgid guy but just picked up a deal on two m12 deals and like you said it could make a switch to all Milwaukee a little easier.

Yes I like the idea of having a multi charger with the M12

Yeah man you got a point there on the charger. I am a mechanic at a plant that makes corrugated board for boxes. And I prefer the m12 for various reasons. But I would be more willing to break into the m18 line if they included that charger. The funny thing is, they included that charger with their string trimmer...

There’s nothing better than M12 for going up on a ladder and or working at a weird position above your head.

They should include a dual charger for sure. First off, it wouldn't cost them almost nothing. Secondly, it would make it that much more likely that somebody using the 12 volt system would maybe consider an 18 volt tool if they needed something a little heavier duty for a given task. Basically, give away the charger and make it up on the batteries.

Speaking of Milwaukee chargers, my favorite is the 12 volt car charger supporting both 12 and 18 volt batteries. I may hardwire it into the fuse box some day.

Is this a sign of things to come today! oh yea. Makes sense that milwaukee should make only dual chargers. My m18 charger has allowed me to move into the m12 line more comfortably because i already had a charger. If i only started with a m12 charger only, i would likely not go to m18 so easily.

i found mine yesterday in a store up on the shelf, love it so far, was going back and forth with that and my m18 surge to compare, so far seems to get better battery life on an 18v 2.0 than the 12v 2.0, grip is obviously a bit larger to fit the m12 battery, but i like the overall balance and weight better on the m12 surge

Oh yea definitely agree the dual charger should come with all combo kits. If it wasn't for an m18 kit I bought with the dual charger, I probably wouldn't have felt so inclined to buy the m12 tools that I have now including this tool.(Great tool by the way)

I have gen 3 M18 impact it's awesome, my buddy had the M18 surge I used it it was very good, so this new M12 surge will be high on my list.

Bro just noticed you guys got over 100k subs. Congratulations to the whole VCG crew

Didn't know where you were going with the battery charger, but definitely makes sense. Let's go Milwaukee

Cool video. I agree about putting the rapid charger in the M12 kits. I got the rapid charger in my M18 drill and impact brushless kit. I never planned on buying any M12 tools but only a week later I had brought two M12 tools. I know own more M12 tools than I do M18 and I originally only wanted M18 haha. I was shocked when I opened my first M12 purchase and saw how small those 2.0ah batteries are. So lightweight, love it.

I replaced the impact bit case in place of the charger. Have 3 batteries to start of the week, installing blinds. Recharging at the end of the day. When needed. Never used more than one per day.

Good morning guys. Another good video and review! Keep up the good work!🧰🔧🔨😍

Great Video Brotherman and Nice Film Quality. 👍🍻

Have had this tool for over a year now, have the 6Ah battery for it. Last forever and has enough power for what I need it for.

Screw test sold me for electrical work and delicate work

Would you be able to do a back to back noise comparison with the m12 Fuel impact driver and the m12 Fuel Surge impact driver? Please and thank you.

I will say this. I own an impact drill and a drill set I bought from Milwaukee that has the charger that does both types of their batteries and because of that I am more likely to buy more of their products like you said, so yes I myself can see how that would "trap" you into their ecosystem.

Can't wait to see this thing go up against the m18 surge! Even if it doesn't win, if it's anywhere close it's a homerun in my book just for the size and convenience! Thanks for the Vid cuz

I have about ten M12 tools and not once have I thought "I wish this grip was thinner". In fact, because the tool is so small it kind of feels easier to control with a bigger grip. Don't mind the M18 grips either bit I do feel like the M12 tools fatigue my hand less. Not sure if that is because of the tool being smaller and lighter or because of the thicker grip/handle. What I hate about most of the pistol type tools from Milwaukee is the sharp area in the casing surrounding the trigger. Edges are sharp, and the two sides of the moulding don't line up all that well in that area. On all those types of Milwaukee tools of mine I have trimmed and filled that area.

I’ve been wanting a lighter weight and duty m12 platform driver. This is it.

Just makes with 1 charger let's you access both platforms. Awesome idea Vince.....gotta listen to your focus groups Milwaukee!

Got mine yesterday thanks to your last video on this tool. Helps to have the Home Depot app also. Awesome tool! Very quiet.

The Multi-volt charger idea is a winner 👍

The charger idea is a pretty good one. They could do more combo options where it's only a tool and 1 battery and no charger. $200 for a tool and 1 5.0Ah battery is a good deal. If the price was the same as the bare tool and it came with a single small battery like a 2.0, I could see people jumping on it. Great video.

Thank You for the videos, I'm a fan of Milwaukee and electrician by trade. Much of my purchases were due to me watching these reviews. I love what you are doing. Today I upgraded from my 1st gen m12 fuel impact to the newest m12 surge impact.

I just got 2 for my brothers! Thanks again for the info and videos 👍🙏♥️

You remind me of a stocky John Travolta lol, just found your channel last night. Got me a m18 set with a pack out and charger gen 3 for 250, with two 5.0 batteries. You were the the first reviewer that showed up. Keep up the good work.😁👍

You guys are awesome... Haven't finished watching the video yet but I was looking at the max torque of the surge and I was like "what!?!" so I searched for it and found your video. Your videos are very energetic and fun to watch. And I always know there is going to be a good practical tool test from you guys :D

8:06 I love the belt clips too, but be forewarned they don’t loctite them; I almost lost all the parts to the belt clip on my impact driver when it came off inside an engine bay.

Great point with the charger....I thought that same thing when I opened the box

Just picked one up from Home Depot yesterday with 10% off

Thanks for the demo,looking forward to seeing the installation driver!

Love the charger idea. It would also mean they only have to make 3 different chargers instead of 4. They really could just stop making the slow charger as well and put a rapid charger in every kit. It doesn't cost any more to make and they'd be down to two charger offerings

Would like to see Milwaukee Surge m12 vs Dewalt 12v xtreme, but by the same operator (maybe timed). Most of the comparisons you do come down to operator error which does not result in an accurate result.

I think that’s a great idea and you’re right people would be more inclined to pick one up I would because I have the meeting if your search already

At home Depot right now you get that kit with the 2.0 batteries but you get a free 6 for $200

I do wonder how these will perform in low temperatures and how well the hydralic system will age over time (e.g. leaks, failure).

I had the regular m12 fuel impact driver until it got stolen yesterday. I used it for basically everything light duty, and my only complaint was that it was uncomfortably loud when working indoors. Not so much for me or other workers cause when you focus on a task and wear ear protection you won't notice anything, but for others in public settings like houses or office buildings or schools, etc. In those situations, I found myself using a drill or hand tools for jobs that I would otherwise want to be doing with my impact to avoid being as disturbing, so now that I'm needing to replace it, I'm considering the surge over what I had. Really wish I could demo it for a while before ordering, but even now nobody seems to have it in house locally, assuming they can even get them at all.

Love my m12 gen2 impact. It rivals lower/mid level 18v impacts on power. It is loud though. When I drove my first faster I said wow that is loud. Nice to see they brought the surge to the m12 now.

M12 Fuel lineup is unreal, I used to think m12 was homeowner lineup, not anymore. Fuel is awesome, infact I use my m12 fuel Hacksaw more than my m18 Sawsall... yeah and the Hacksaw is just as quick if not quicker.

That's what I did. Had the dual charger with my m18 tool kit and bout me a couple m12 tools to add to that. Love them lol

Honestly i think ur charger idea is absolutely great! I can relate to what u have said. Because of these Milwaukee idea now i have two m12 charger and need to buy separately m18 charger which was completely waste of money!! Where i can use just one! They can completely get rid of m12 charger in my options!

How about M12 Surge vs. M12 Fuel Gen 2? 🤩 Thanks for all the great content! 👍 Stay safe and God bless you and yours Vince.

Vince ive said that about the chargers for a while now but it makes more sense now than it ever did before with the super charger out they now have 4 chargers if they gave you the basic combo with the 12 volt tools and lower 18 stuff then stepped up to the rapid on the higher priced stuff like i got with my power head combo and then the super as a stand alone or maybe thrown into kits for special offers the 12 only chargers are almost not worth having around ive had people offer them to me and turned them down and you are absolutely right that it would be a gateway to moving into 18v tools in the future

I bought the m12 kit and I love it and works well doing maintenance work

The full gusto.ha ha ha. Dude. One of the reasons I watch your videos is how you talk and act. Love it man. Also you got tons of good advice and tool tips.

I honest feel if Milwaukee did start including even a M18/M12 standard multi-volt charger in the m12 kits would be better. I have seen a bunch of tool offerings that's an m18 with a free battery....I really wanted to grab it but since I'm only getting started on the m12 line....I dont have a charger for the M18. If there was the standard multi-voltage charger I would have grabbed it no questions asked

Ya man, the last thing I want is another charger. Mostly because the m12 i feel is more of a home DIYer type line so its not like you go through m12 batteries like TP (at least I don't). If I have 3-4 batteries (which I do) I can get a job done for the day and charge them outside of working time.

Curious to know if there is a big sound difference between the m12 surge and the m18 fuel drivers?

Even put rubber bumpers on the side so when you lay it down it protects

I don’t buy dewalt power tools but my dad does. One thing they do that I really like is the one charger will charge all the batteries

I’d like to see a side by side comparison with the 12 volt fuel non surge impact to compare usable torque. They claim the numbers don’t tell the story about what they can do, so let’s see which model is going to get the job done better.

Was the battery just not fully charged is that why it could only drive 10 screws before it hit 1 bar? How does the Surge compare to the 2598-22 12 Volt Fuel Drill / Impact Driver

@VCG Construction Hi Vince and the V.C. gang. Got mine after seeing your video, home depot showed 4 in stock, was in top stock, just like your vid! Love it, I was using my non surge before as a toolbelt must, and already have the m18. Red dreams really do come true!

The Milwaukee M12 surge has four functions in order to prevent from overtorquing or stripping, right? So would it make sense to buy just the Milwaukee M12 surge as opposed to this electronic screwdriver for DIY at home to future proof?

You should start an extreme circuit edition. Start with a lug nut, strait into a 2 inch lag, strait into 3, 3 inch screws, strait into 3 foot drop test and finish it with 2 inch hole-saw . Non stop.

Can you try the Milwaukee 2402-20 comparison to the m12 surge. Thank you

What i like of this tool is the size because i work in the forestry and i need a Cordless tool for unscrewing and screwing bolt of my chainsaw rapidly. Unfortunately, i bought the brushed version and it didnt make 3 days befdore stop working .

The M18/M12 Combo Rapid Charger is slightly heavier and slightly larger. It fits easily in the Milwaukee M12 flat soft case, but Velcro secure strap is too short. Sounds like a good idea to me. I am M18 Fuel dedicated with only M12 Stubby and ratchet.

How does it work with sheet metal and zip screws or machine screws reassembling appliances?

I agree with the charger idea I have a lot of the m12 tools and if I had an m18 charger option I would look at the m18 tools. But I won't go out looking for different platform if I cant charge it. I also think they should include it in they're toolboxes because if you buy their toolboxes you probably love their tools it just seemed like common sense.

The charger idea is perfect!

My tools live in the truck at night and when the temps are in the single digits my M12 Fuel impacts feel kinda sluggish or quiet until I use it for a few screws What happens with this new divers hydraulic oil when it's cold?

That's a good grip, but nothing beats the grip of Hilti's 12v tools. I have large hands, and it couldn't feel any better.

Question: when you put an adapter socket into it, is it just me or does the adapter feel like it is a bit loose in the chuck?

I’m in the m18 line but the compact size of this set interests me because I want something to fit nicely in my tool tote.

I agree with you on the M12 2.0 batteries. They're my favorite M12 battery because of their size. I bought M12 tools for their size and the M12 XC batteries kinda defeat that purpose

Would love to see a Makita 12 volt impact driver vs this Milwaukee impact driver.

Do you think this the right tool for audio installation on cars? Like screws on dash.. I’m trying to look for something with low torque

Notn only include the dual voltage charger. I think milwaukee should send their Fuel combos or bundles in a Packout box with the charger and batteries. Any Fuel grade consumer has a red shirt on when buying their fuel tools and they will eventually upgrade their tool boxes and bags to the packout system (and if it is an m12 combo kit, also will eventually go for the m18 fuel line up). Like if you agree

I just bought the M12 impact kit and I'm still deciding between makita and milwaukee for my 18V kit, might not be that way if I already had the milwaukee charger, I agree!

I like the 2 amp batteries much better. When I have a need for my 12 volt driver as opposed to my M18 it's because I need the lighter weight and compactness for tight places. I also have the larger 12 volt batteries but rarely reach for them. The 2 amp carries me through an entire day of work without changing batteries. Then they stay on the charger for the night to be ready for the next day.

Thanks bro, I looked through my box and found mine and signed up thanks bro

I understand your reasoning Vince with the charger. But does milwaukee sell a tool and battery without a charger anyway? The truth is that I have no use for the chargers that have come with m12 tools anyway because I have the ones from the m18 and the rapid charge station. I have not even found the need for all of my combo m12/m18 chargers. Every time for a while I have only been buying bare tools and I can even get a bare tool and separate extra battery anyway for less money than a combo kit. Most times because they are charging extra for the extra charger which I do not need which makes it more than the tool and battery separately.

Just ordered this kit today from the home depot for $154. Does this driver have the bit retention problem?

it's ok, to be honest the only difference is the m18 has a heavier battery, but it is a cool addition if you have spare dough

Just got this in a combo with the 1/2" hamer drill and a 4.0 battery for $199 from home depot.

Not a fan of the milwaukee not having a bit ejecting mechanism like in the dewalt impact drivers. Is that feature a dewalt only feature?

I seen the comparison video from nps 2019 but now it would definitely be cool to see VCG compare it👍👍

Speed 1 looks great for door hinge screws etc. that thing is quiet I’m buying that instead of m18 surge👍🏼

I love it already.... a lot of my tools I have are the ones Vince likes even down to the Dewalt.. but I mostly have Milwaukee..

I do just DIY stuff and I like my impact driver but I rarely use. If I absolutely need it I will but it is just too loud for what I do. I usually just stick with my m12 screwdriver. I am considering this though. I might use it more often if it is quieter

The handle on the Bosch 12-volt impact feels much better.

hit the like button while the Ad was still playing lol

Could you please test m12 surge vs. m18 surge