Tool Review: M12 Fuel Stubby 3/8" Impact Wrench
The M12 Fuel Stubby 3/8" Impact Wrench, No. 2562-20, from Milwaukee Tool, delivers up to 3,000 rpm with 550 lbs.-ft. of nut-busting torque. The wrench only weighs 2.2 lbs., reducing user fatigue and increasing access to cramped spaces. It is equipped with tri-LED work lights and 4-mode Drive Control for increased precision. It also features Auto Shut-off, which applies no more than 15 lbs.-ft. of torque to prevent overtightening in hand-tight applications. When used it reverse, it engages bolt removal mode and slows down the rpm once the bolt is free to prevent it from being ejected or dropped. Changing modes only requires shifting the forward-reverse shuttle into neutral and double-tapping the trigger.
Hector Varela, fleet supervisor at CPS Energy, received the M12 Stubby for being named a 2024 Fleet Maintenance Overachiever of the Year. He provides his thoughts on the tool below.
Q: How did the tool/equipment function as far as saving you time?
A: Works great. Love the different settings and the light is bright. Gets the job done quickly.
Q: How has using this tool impacted your shop’s profitability? Or how did you use in-home use?
A: Since I received the impact, I’ve used it more than my M18 ½ drive impact at home.
Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product?
A: Nothing much. Plug and play.
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: Real easy, light weight and size works well in small, confined areas.
Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories?
A: Tool came with a battery and charger.
Q: What features did you like?
A: The easy adjustment to change the tool setting is awesome.
Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool?
A: In the last couple of years, I have been buying more Milwaukee tools and been extremely satisfied with each tool I own.
Q: What types of jobs/repairs did you use this tool for?
A: Tires, brakes, R&R motors and transmissions, exhaust, etc..
Q: How does this tool compare to other tools you’ve used like it?
A: No comparison. I’ve used Snap-on, Matco, Makita, Dewald in the past and will not go back .
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why?
A: 10 plus. To me Milwaukee is top-tier on tools for different craft or trades. It seems to me that there listening to customers’ demands and producing high quality ,reliable tools for reasonable prices.
About the Author
John Hitch
Editor-in-chief, Fleet Maintenance
John Hitch is the award-winning editor-in-chief of Fleet Maintenance, where his mission is to provide maintenance leaders and technicians with the the latest information on tools, strategies, and best practices to keep their fleets' commercial vehicles moving.
He is based out of Cleveland, Ohio, and has worked in the B2B journalism space for more than a decade. Hitch was previously senior editor for FleetOwner and before that was technology editor for IndustryWeek and and managing editor of New Equipment Digest.
Hitch graduated from Kent State University and was editor of the student magazine The Burr in 2009.
The former sonar technician served honorably aboard the fast-attack submarine USS Oklahoma City (SSN-723), where he participated in counter-drug ops, an under-ice expedition, and other missions he's not allowed to talk about for several more decades.