Full Review ⭐ Milwaukee M12 FIW38-0: 4933464612 Impact Wrench, 12V Li-Ion, 3/8, Square – M12FIW38-0, 12 V, Black/Red

The Milwaukee M12 FIW38-0 Impact Wrench is a compact yet powerful 12V cordless impact wrench designed for automotive and light industrial use. Part of Milwaukee Tool's M12 line of lithium-ion battery powered tools, this impact wrench delivers impressive torque and speed in a lightweight package.

Weighing only 2.6 lbs with the battery, the M12 FIW38-0 is extremely portable and easy to handle in tight spaces. Its compact size makes it a versatile choice for small repair jobs where maneuverability is key. Despite its small stature, this tool packs a punch with its 1/2" anvil chuck delivering 275 ft-lbs of max fastening torque and 0-2,600 RPM variable speed trigger. The included 3/8" square friction ring allows for quick socket changes. With premium build quality and rugged durability, this is an ideal impact wrench for automotive mechanics, fleet maintenance, and small fabrication shops.

Specifications

The Milwaukee M12 FIW38-0 12V impact wrench is designed for 3/8-inch fasteners and delivers up to 260 ft-lbs of max torque and 2,100 RPM. It has a compact and lightweight design, weighing only 2.5 lbs with the battery. Some key specifications include:

• 12V Lithium Ion battery delivers long runtime for its class
• 3/8" Anvil with friction ring for quick and easy socket changes
• Delivers 260 ft-lbs max torque and 2,100 RPM for driving speed
• Measures only 5.1" front to back with 3.2" head diameter
• Weighs only 2.5 lbs with battery for reduced fatigue
• Features 4-Mode DRIVE CONTROL with bolt removal mode
• LED light illuminates work area
• Includes belt clip, 3/8" adaptor and carrying case

The 12V battery delivers surprising power while keeping the tool compact and lightweight. The 3/8" anvil provides versatility for most fastening jobs. Overall, the specifications make this impact ideal for automotive and general fastening applications where portability is key.

For even more power and torque, professionals may want to consider the Milwaukee M18 FMTIW2F12-0 FUEL Cordless Impact Wrench 1/2 Inch with Snap Ring without Battery/Charger in Box. This heavy duty 1/2" impact wrench delivers up to 700 ft-lbs of fastening torque along with up to 2,000 RPM. The POWERSTATE brushless motor provides outstanding power while REDLINK PLUS intelligence ensures overload protection. With triple LED lights and REDLITHIUM XC5.0 battery technology, users get superior illumination and runtime. Weighing only 7.2 lbs with battery, the M18 FMTIW2F12-0 combines extreme power and portability for automotive and heavy fastening applications.

Comparing the M12 FIW38-0 to the M18 FMTIW2F12-0 shows the clear difference between a compact 12V tool and a high powered 18V tool. The M12 operates on a single compact battery and emphasizes portability and ease of use. It excels for basic tasks where runtime is sufficient. The M18 runs on Milwaukee's large M18 battery pack and prioritizes maximum torque and fastening capability. It's ideal for automotive mechanics, maintenance, assembly, and heavy fastening jobs where brute strength is required. Understanding these differences allows tradesmen to select the best tool for their specific needs.

Design

The Milwaukee M12 FIW38-0 impact wrench has a compact and lightweight design that makes it easy to handle and maneuver in tight spaces. Despite its small size, it packs a powerful punch with 265 ft-lbs of max torque and 0-2500 RPM speed.

Weighing only 2.4 lbs with the battery, the M12 FIW38 is one of the lightest 12V impact wrenches available. Its dimensions are only 5.1 in. front to back and 2.2 in. in height. This allows users to fit their hand comfortably around the tool and work in engine bays or other cramped areas where bulkier tools can't reach.

The impact wrench has an ergonomic grip with textured rubber overmold that provides a secure hold. The grip absorbs vibration and shock, reducing user fatigue during prolonged use. It has onboard fuel gauge and LED light too for convenience.

Overall, the streamlined design of the M12 FIW38 makes it a versatile tool for automotive and trade professionals who need to drive fasteners in tight spaces. Its compact size doesn't compromise on power either. Another compact and powerful impact wrench from Milwaukee is the Milwaukee M18F1W2F12. This mid-torque impact wrench delivers up to 1200 ft-lbs of fastening torque while being only 5.2 inches front to back. Weighing only 7.6 lbs with a 5.0Ah battery, it combines high power and portability.

The Milwaukee M18F1W2F12 has a brushless POWERSTATE motor that provides increased efficiency and longer motor life. It has 4 speed/torque settings to choose from depending on the application. Speeds range from 0-825 RPM in setting 1 up to 0-2200 RPM in setting 4.

This impact wrench features REDLINK PLUS intelligence to protect against overload, overheating, and overdischarge. The REDLITHIUM battery also provides superior pack construction, electronics, and fade-free performance to deliver more run time and work over pack life.

An integrated LED light illuminates dark work areas to help the user see better. The cast metal housing is rugged and withstands job site abuse. Like the M12 FIW38, it has an ergonomic soft grip handle for comfort and control.

In summary, the Milwaukee M18F1W2F12 mid-torque impact wrench is ideal for automotive repair, fleet maintenance, and fabrication jobs. It combines high torque capacity and portability in a compact 18V cordless tool. Those needing an even more compact 12V impact wrench can look at the Milwaukee M12 FIW38-0 model.

Performance

The Milwaukee M12 FIW38-0 impact wrench delivers impressive performance for a compact 12V tool. With its brushless motor, it generates 260 ft-lbs of maximum fastening torque and 3,000 RPM no load speed. This gives it the power to easily drive and remove stubborn bolts and fasteners.

Despite its small size, the M12 FIW38-0 can deliver up to 475 impacts per minute, making quick work of automotive repair jobs. The brushless motor provides longer runtime between charges compared to brushed motors. Milwaukee claims the 2.0Ah battery will drive up to 75 lug nuts on one charge. While runtime depends on the task, most users should find the battery life sufficient for daylong use.

The variable speed trigger gives excellent control over the output, allowing you to match the power to the job. Low speeds prevent overtightening while high speeds make quick work of fasteners. The tool automatically adjusts speed and power under load to optimize performance. Overall, the M12 FIW38-0 combines impressive power and speed into a compact 12V platform.

Battery Life

The Milwaukee M12 FIW38-0 impact wrench comes with Milwaukee's Red Lithium 12V battery. This provides longer run times and more power than standard lithium-ion batteries.

The 2.0 Ah battery can be fully recharged in under an hour with Milwaukee's rapid charger. On a single charge, you can expect the battery to last around 100-150 bolts, depending on the bolt size and how much torque is needed. For an impact wrench of this size, that's pretty impressive battery life.

One benefit of the Red Lithium battery is that it provides more consistent power as it drains. With most batteries, the power output starts dropping steadily as you use up the charge. But the Red Lithium battery maintains high power output all the way down to the last few bolts before it needs recharging.

You can also purchase higher capacity M12 batteries, like the 3.0 Ah or 6.0 Ah, for even longer runtimes. But the included 2.0 Ah is a nice balance of being compact while still providing enough juice for most applications.

Overall, the battery life is one of the standout features of this impact wrench. The Red Lithium battery technology gives you extended runtime per charge while maintaining full power. This allows you to power through many bolts before needing to stop and recharge.

Features

The Milwaukee M12 FIW38-0 impact wrench comes with several handy features that improve its convenience and versatility.

One useful feature is the built-in LED light located right above the battery pack. This LED light illuminates dark spaces and makes it easier to see what you're working on. No more struggling to position a separate work light when using this tool.

The impact wrench also has four speed and torque settings to choose from. You can select the right amount of power and control for the task at hand, whether you need precision work or maximum torque. It's easy to switch between the settings using a selector dial.

Additionally, the FIW38-0 impact wrench has a bolt removal mode that provides an extra burst of torque when trying to loosen stuck fasteners. This comes in handy when dealing with rusty or over-tightened bolts.

To sum up, the key features include the integrated LED light, multiple speed/torque settings, and a special bolt removal mode. These features enhance the tool's convenience and flexibility for both automotive and construction applications.

Accessories

The Milwaukee M12 FIW38-0 impact wrench comes with a few handy accessories right in the box. It includes a 3/8" quick release hex chuck for easy bit changes, as well as a belt clip that allows you to attach the tool to your belt or pocket for convenient access.

Some other useful accessories that are available separately include:

• Extra batteries - It's always handy to have spare batteries fully charged and ready to go to avoid downtime. Milwaukee offers M12 RedLithium XC high output batteries in various sizes.

• Chargers - Quick chargers and multi-bay chargers help keep your batteries topped up. The M12 charger can fully recharge an XC battery in under 60 minutes.

• Carry case - Protects your impact wrench and accessories. The hard shell case with custom foam interior keeps everything secure.

• Sockets - High quality impact rated socket sets are available to tackle a wide range of fasteners. Deep and shallow options, standard and metric sizes.

• Extension bars - Reach fasteners in tight spaces with various length extension bars. Flexible bars are also available.

Having some extras like additional batteries, sockets, and chargers helps boost productivity on the job site when dealing with many fasteners. But the M12 FIW38-0 already comes with the key essentials to get started.

Pros

The Milwaukee M12 FIW38-0 impact wrench has several notable advantages that make it a great choice for automotive and home DIY projects.

• Lightweight and Compact Design: Weighing only 2.6 lbs with a compact 7.6" length, this impact wrench maneuvers easily into tight spaces. Its small size makes it comfortable for extended use without tiring your hands and arms.

• Good Power: With its 1/2" anvil, it delivers up to 260 ft-lbs of maximum fastening torque and 1,500 RPM speed. This is sufficient power for most common tasks like changing tires, automotive repairs, and construction projects.

• Variable Speed Trigger: The variable speed trigger provides excellent control, allowing you to match the speed to the job. You can start slowly to prevent overtightening or stripping fasteners.

• LED Light: The built-in LED light illuminates dark work areas. This helps you see what you're doing for more convenient use.

• Redlink Intelligence: Redlink electronics in the tool and battery optimize performance and protect against overloading or overheating. This extends the life of the impact wrench.

• Flexible Battery System: It is compatible with all Milwaukee M12 batteries so you can use higher capacity batteries for extended run times. The REDLITHIUM battery pack provides fade-free power.

Cons

While the Milwaukee M12 FIW38-0 impact wrench has many great features, there are some downsides to consider:

• Battery life could be better - The M12 FIW38-0 runs on Milwaukee's 12V lithium ion battery. While the battery life is decent, it may not last through extended heavy fastening jobs. The battery is removable which allows you to have spares charged up, but more battery capacity would be welcome.

• Lack of torque control - There is no torque control on the M12 FIW38-0 impact wrench. It provides a maximum tightening torque of 300 ft-lbs which is suitable for most automotive and general DIY applications, but lacks the fine torque control that pro mechanics may require. An electronic clutch for torque adjustment would make this a more versatile tool.

Conclusion

The Milwaukee M12 FIW38-0 12V 3/8" impact wrench is an excellent cordless impact tool that delivers impressive power and runtime in a compact and lightweight design. Its high torque output of 339 ft-lbs combined with a no load speed of 0-2,500 RPM makes quick work out of most automotive and light truck lug nuts and bolts.

The tool is very comfortable to hold and use thanks to its ergonomic grip, compact size, and light weight of only 2.8 lbs with the battery installed. It can easily fit into tight engine compartments. Variable speed trigger gives you good control over the power and speed.

With the compact 2.0Ah battery, the M12 FIW38-0 can drive around 140 lug nuts on a single charge. The battery charges quickly in under 30 minutes. The LED light is a handy feature when working in dimly lit areas. The anvil detent pin holds sockets securely for easy one-handed operation.

Overall, the Milwaukee M12 FIW38-0 is an excellent choice for automotive technicians, DIY mechanics, and anyone looking for a high-performance compact cordless impact wrench. It delivers best-in-class power while being easy and comfortable to use. The M12 battery platform provides long runtime and rapid charging. For a versatile and powerful 12V impact wrench, the M12 FIW38-0 is highly recommended.