5 Milwaukee M12 tools that are worth the hype (and the money)

It’s no secret that Milwaukee is one of the most popular tool brands, and while many owners love the M18 line of powerful 18V tools, Milwaukee’s M12 platform is just as great at a lower price. If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck with a new tool purchase, here are five M12 tools that live up to the hype.

The right tool for the job makes all the difference in the world, especially for DIY projects around the house or working in tight spaces. That’s why Milwaukee’s selection of M12 (12V) compact tools is so great. They are lightweight, easy to use with one hand, but very powerful. Additionally, the company has several exciting new tools coming in 2026.

If you want to expand your toolbox, here are some top-rated Milwaukee M12 tools to consider.

Milwaukee M12 Gas Drill and Impact Driver Combo with Batteries

Credit: Milwaukee

By far, one of the most popular tool kits offered by any manufacturer is the 2-tool drill/driver combo. Both of these tools give you a great starting point for a wide range of projects. With a powerful drill and heavy-duty impact driver, you can complete repairs, DIY projects, mount TVs, build furniture, work on your vehicle and much more.

If you’re just starting out with a few home tools and don’t need insane power and torque, the best combo to buy by far is the latest Milwaukee M12 FUEL Impact Drill and Impact Driver Kit from Home Depot.

This is a “FUEL” tool, so it’s equipped with the latest brushless motors for improved performance, comes with two M12 batteries and a carrying case, all for $249. It’s often on sale for $199, making it a steal. It’s also one of the most popular buys and one of the highest-rated items at Home Depot.

If there’s a tool combo kit worth buying, it’s this one. Of course, the same kit in the larger M18 (18V) package offers way more performance and power, but for the average homeowner, the M12 line is more than enough.

Milwaukee M12 3/8″ ratchet

Credit: Milwaukee

We all own a few ratchets and sockets to tackle a wide range of tasks, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the past ten years, it’s that a cordless ratchet is a game-changer.

A common tool you’ll find in any mechanic’s shop or handyman’s toolbox is a ratchet or flex ratchet. I use my Harbor Freight Icon ratchets all the time, but sometimes you need more power or you won’t have room for hand tools. In this situation, you will need one of Milwaukee’s M12 cordless ratchets.

There’s a reason this is one of the brand’s most popular M12 tools. It is extremely powerful, compact and ideal for nuts, bolts and much more. Don’t throw a ratchet by hand and catch it instead. You’ll be glad you did. The M12 angled impact wrench is also amazing.

Color

Red

Tool type

Ratchet

Make tough jobs in tight spaces easier than ever with the Milwaukee M12 Cordless Ratchet.

Credit: Milwaukee

Most people own a Dremel, a rotary tool ideal for sanding, cutting, grinding, polishing, engraving and much more. Some people even use a dremel to trim their pets’ nails.

A few years ago, I purchased the Milwaukee M12 cordless rotary tool for some projects that I didn’t want to use my old-school corded option for, and I’ve never looked back. The Milwaukee rotary tool is exceptionally powerful, with an excellent motor and solid battery life, and can easily be set between 5,000 and 32,000 RPM.

Like everything in the M12 line, this rotary tool is efficient, compact and weighs only 1.3 lbs.

Color

Red

Tool type

Rotary tool

If you prefer to get a cordless rotary tool or if you already own Milwaukee tools and batteries, consider the Milwaukee 12V rotary.

Milwaukee M12 ROVER LED headlight

Credit: Milwaukee

Good lighting is crucial for DIY projects, auto repairs and other tasks, especially when it takes longer than expected and the sun goes down. That’s why you need a sturdy LED light that will always be ready to work when you need it most.

The Milwaukee ROVER series is widely considered one of the best lighting options, especially as hood lighting in the automotive world. That’s why I’m happy to recommend the Milwaukee M12 ROVER LED 600 Lumen Repair and Maintenance Spotlight.

On the one hand, this thing is bright and durable, and you’ll love the 120-degree rotating light head. It’s also powered by a USB rechargeable M12 battery, which is nice. Enjoy up to 24 hours of battery life in a solid light tough enough to handle 9-foot drops, water splashes, and anything else that comes your way while you work. Oh, and the magnetic top is just the icing on the cake.

Milwaukee M12 FUEL Stubby 1/2-inch Impact Wrench

Credit: Milwaukee

There are so many tools I could add to this list, but for the sake of simplicity, the last tool I will recommend is the fan-favorite Milwaukee M12 Fuel Stubby Impact Wrench.

Everyone should own an impact wrench because they are invaluable tools with high power and torque. I own several huge, heavy impacts, but they are absolutely worth using. This is what makes this particular model so great. The M12 FUEL is lightweight, powerful, has a brushless motor and even smaller than the standard model, hence the name “Stubby”.

Milwaukee’s M12 Stubby 1/2-inch Impact is incredible and its small size is very easy to overlook. You’ll have enough power and torque to remove car lug nuts, drill lag bolts into the wall to mount that new 75-inch TV, and much more. It’s a solid tool that I can confidently recommend. Such a small tool has nothing to do with such power. It’s impressive, really.

Color

Red

Tool type

Impact wrench

When you need tons of power in a small package, reach for the Milwaukee M12 Stubby 1/2-inch Impact Wrench.

These are just a few of the many top-rated or best-selling Milwaukee M12 tools at Home Depot, Acme Tools, and other retailers, but they’re not the only ones. I would also highly recommend the M12 Oscillating Multi-Tool, and have heard nothing but rave reviews about the Milwaukee M12 SURGE 1/4-inch Hex Impact Driver. You’ll also love the new M12 Fuel hackzall.