Tool Review: Milwaukee Tool M12 FUEL 3/8” Stubby Impact Wrench
When servicing vehicle systems, it is helpful for a technician to be able to reach into tight spaces without having to remove additional components to do so. This is one reason Kirk Hillman, equipment technician at the Colorado Department of Transportation in Denver, enjoys using the Milwaukee Tool M12 FUEL 3/8” Stubby Impact Wrench.
“It can get into a lot of tighter spots where you wouldn’t be able to get a regular impact,” Hillman says. “It definitely sped up the time removing bolts.”
The impact wrench came packaged in a box along with two batteries, a charger, the user manual, and a carrying case. Once out of the box, it was only a matter of connecting the battery before being able to put the tool to use.
Hillman notes that the Stubby Impact Wrench is pretty straightforward to use like most other impact wrenches, and the cordless operation makes it “very simple and efficient to use.”
He notes that other impact wrenches he’s used, including pneumatic ones, are not nearly as compact. For some, the face is longer and the tool is narrower, he says, but for him, the Milwaukee Tool M12 FUEL Stubby Impact Wrench works better for getting into the tight spots that he needs.
Hillman is impressed with the amount of power the impact wrench has for being such a small size, and he also likes the grip and ability to use it with one hand.
“The grip was really comfortable, and the switch to move it from forward to reverse is easily a one-handed operation,” he says.
In the shop, Hillman uses the impact wrench on numerous heavy duty truck repairs as well as automotive and equipment accessories. The tool especially comes in handy when working on timing belts, injection pumps, and taking off compressor brackets on heavy duty trucks.
The impact wrench saves Hillman time since he doesn’t have to remove unnecessary parts and components to complete a repair. For example, with normal impact wrenches a technician would have to pull the cooling fans and possibly the radiator out to get to the timing belt, he says.
Overall, Hillman is very satisfied with the Milwaukee Tool M12 FUEL 3/8” Stubby Impact Wrench. From the comfortable grip to the ability to reach into tight spaces with its compact size, the tool got the job done every time for this heavy-duty technician.
“As far as electric impacts go, it's by far the best one that I have,” Hillman concludes.
