Full Review ⭐ Milwaukee M18 FMTIW2F12-502X: Fuel™ 1/2in Mid-Torque Impact Wrench 18V 2 x 3.0Ah Li-ion

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2" Mid-Torque Impact Wrench is one of the latest additions to Milwaukee Tool's industry leading M18 Fuel cordless power tool lineup. This new impact wrench is designed to fill the gap between Milwaukee's high torque and compact impact wrenches, providing users with the perfect combination of power, performance and portability.

As a member of the M18 Fuel family, the M18 Fuel Mid-Torque impact wrench features Milwaukee's POWERSTATE brushless motor that delivers up to 20% more power and up to 2x more runtime versus previous M18 tools. It also utilizes REDLINK PLUS intelligence to provide optimized performance and overload protection. With a compact and lightweight design, 1/2" anvil size, and up to 1200 ft-lbs of fastening torque, this new impact wrench is ideal for automotive repair, fleet maintenance, general fastening applications, and more.

Design & Ergonomics

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Mid-Torque impact wrench stands out for its compact and lightweight design. Weighing only 2.6 lbs with the battery, it feels remarkably light in your hand. The dimensions are also trim at just 5.6 inches front to back. This makes the tool easy to maneuver in tight spaces where a bulky impact wrench won't fit.

Despite its small size, the wrench feels sturdy and balanced. The rubber overmold grip fits nicely in your hand, absorbing vibrations. The wrench sits upright on its base when not in use, thanks to the flat bottom design. An integrated LED light illuminates your work area. Overall, the wrench offers best-in-class ergonomics and portability for a cordless impact wrench. You'll appreciate how easy it is to use in a wide variety of applications.

When it comes to power and performance, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Mid-Torque impact wrench delivers up to 400 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 1,100 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque. This high torque output allows you to tackle a wide range of fastening and loosening applications, from lug nuts to rusted bolts. The POWERSTATE brushless motor provides increased efficiency, longer motor life, and more power. The REDLINK PLUS intelligence system ensures optimized performance and overload protection.

For convenient operation, the wrench features four speed/power settings to match your needs. A bolt removal mode provides maximum nut-busting torque for stuck fasteners. The wrench is designed for one-handed use with an easy-to-access forward/reverse switch. It accepts 1/2" drive sockets for versatility. An integrated fuel gauge shows remaining battery life.

When it comes to cordless power and portability, the Milwaukee M18FHIWF12-0: 18V Fuel Brushless 1/2 Impact Wrench with 1 x 5.0Ah Battery is hard to beat. Weighing just 2.6 lbs, it delivers an impressive 400 ft-lbs of torque for a wide range of fastening/loosening tasks. The compact, ergonomic design allows access in tight spaces. If you're looking for a high-power, portable impact wrench, the M18 Fuel Mid-Torque is an excellent choice.

Motor & Impact Mechanism

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel impact wrench is powered by a high-performance brushless motor that delivers efficient power, runtime, and durability. It utilizes Milwaukee's POWERSTATETM brushless motor that is specifically designed for high torque applications.

The motor generates a maximum fastening torque of 339 ft-lbs with a nut-busting torque of 700 ft-lbs. This makes it suitable for a wide range of demanding mechanical, automotive and industrial fastening applications.

The wrench uses an innovative anvil and hammer impact mechanism that produces a high impact rate of 2400 RPM with 3100 IPM for efficient and quick fastening. The combination of high torque and speed allows it to power through stubborn bolts and rusted fasteners.

The motor and impact mechanism work together to produce up to 339 ft-lbs of maximum torque and 700 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque. This makes it ideal for automotive wheel lug nuts, truck/equipment maintenance, mechanical repair, steel construction, plumbing, and machinery assembly.

In addition to the high-powered M18 Fuel impact wrench, Milwaukee also offers the compact M12BIW38-0 3/8-inch sub compact impact wrench. This smaller impact wrench delivers 110 ft-lbs of max torque and 150 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque from its brushless motor. It weighs only 2.0 lbs for reduced fatigue during extended use. The compact size allows access in tight areas. It has a 1/2-inch anvil with friction ring for quick and easy socket changes. The M12BIW38-0 is ideal for automotive and light-duty fastening applications where power and portability are needed. See the Milwaukee M12BIW38-0: 3/8-inch Sub Compact Impact Wrench for full details.

The high-performance brushless motor in the M18 Fuel impact wrench maximizes its power and run time while minimizing noise and vibration. POWERSTATE technology gives it the torque to power through tough bolts. The optimized impact mechanism delivers a super fast 2400 RPM and 3100 IPM for quick work. This combination of power, speed, and compact size makes the M18 Fuel ideal for automotive, construction, industrial and mechanical applications where high torque in a portable package is needed.

Milwaukee's M12 and M18 Fuel impact wrench lineup provides a range of power and sizes to meet the needs of professional mechanics, technicians, automotive workers, construction crews, industrial maintenance teams, and DIYers. They deliver the right balance of performance, ergonomics and portability for the job.

Drive Size & Fastening Capabilities

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel mid-torque impact wrench features a 1/2in friction ring anvil drive size, making it well-suited for driving medium to large diameter fasteners. The powerful motor enables it to deliver up to 700 ft-lbs of max fastening torque and 1800 ft-lbs of max nut-busting torque.

With the 1/2in drive size, this impact wrench can easily handle lug nuts on most passenger vehicles, small trucks, and machinery. It has sufficient torque for general automotive repair, fleet maintenance, industrial assembly, and construction applications. The tool can efficiently power through fasteners from 3/8in up to 1-1/4in in diameter, including grade 8 bolts and lag screws.

The mid-torque design enables controlled tightening for applications that require more finesse than a high torque impact wrench. You can precisely dial in the amount of torque applied to avoid over-tightening small fasteners or stripping soft metals. This gives users flexibility when working with a wide range of nut and bolt sizes.

Speed Settings & Control

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel impact wrench really shines when it comes to speed variability and control. It has 4 speed and torque settings to choose from, enabling you to match the power to the application. The lower settings allow for more precision work, while the higher power settings are great for lug nuts and other stubborn fasteners.

The variable speed trigger gives you excellent control over the speed and torque. Just varying the amount you squeeze the trigger allows you to start off slow and precisely, then ramp up the speed as needed. This is perfect for situations where you want to avoid over-torquing or stripping out the fastener.

Overall, the speed settings and variable trigger result in an impact wrench that can handle detailed, precision work just as well as heavy-duty fastening applications. Whether you need finesse or brute strength, this Milwaukee Fuel tool has you covered. The ability to dial in just the right amount of power gives you superior control and flexibility on the job.

Battery & Charger

The Milwaukee M18 FMTIW2F12-502X comes with two M18 RedLithium XC 3.0Ah batteries and an M18 & M12 charger.

RedLithium batteries offer superior pack construction, electronics, and performance compared to other lithium-ion technologies. They provide longer run-time, more work per charge, and better durability than other lithium-ion batteries on the market.

The 3.0Ah batteries have enough juice to get most medium-duty fastening jobs done on a single charge. With two included, you can keep one charging while the other is in use to avoid any downtime. Each battery is designed to provide over 500 recharges while maintaining consistent power output.

Charging RedLithium batteries is fast and efficient with the dual-chemistry M18 & M12 charger included in this kit. It can fully recharge one of the 3.0Ah packs in around 60 minutes. The charger plugs into any standard wall outlet and has an LED display that indicates charge level and status.

Overall, the battery and charger combo ensures you'll have reliable, long-lasting power to get jobs done quickly and efficiently with this impact wrench.

Durability

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Mid-Torque impact wrench is designed and built for durability, making it suitable for heavy-duty use by professionals. Some of the key durability features include:

• All-Metal Gearing - The impact mechanism uses all-metal gears rather than plastic gears. Metal gears can handle significantly higher torque and hold up better over time under heavy use. The all-metal drivetrain ensures a longer lifespan.

• Sealed Housing - The housing is fully sealed and protected to prevent dust and moisture from getting inside the tool. This allows the impact wrench to withstand harsh job site conditions including rain, dirt, and debris. The sealed design extends the life of the internal components.

• Protective Bumpers - Rubberized bumpers provide protection to the housing if the tool is dropped. This helps reduce damage from impacts and drops that can occur on worksites. The bumpers absorb shock and keep the housing intact.

• Durable Housing Materials - The housing itself is made from reinforced composite materials designed to survive job site abuse. The materials are impact-resistant and can handle being knocked around and dropped without cracking.

Overall, Milwaukee clearly had durability in mind when engineering the M18 Fuel Mid-Torque impact wrench. The all-metal drivetrain, sealed housing, protective bumpers, and durable composite materials allow this tool to withstand years of heavy professional use. This is a highly durable impact wrench built for longevity.

Accessories & Extras

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Mid-Torque Impact Wrench comes with 2 x 3.0Ah Red Lithium XC batteries and an M18 & M12 rapid charger included. This gives you everything you need to start using the tool right out of the box.

Some handy accessories you can add on include:

• Protective carrying case - Allows you to transport and store the impact wrench and accessories. Features dense foam inserts and a weather seal zipper.

• Extra batteries - For extended run times on big jobs. Go for the larger 5.0Ah or even 12.0Ah M18 batteries.

• Right angle attachment - Allows you to get into tight spaces at multiple angles. Great for automotive work. Attaches to the anvil.

• Socket adapters - Allow you to use different drive size sockets. Go from 1/2" drive to 3/8" or 1/4" drives.

• Impact socket sets - Get all the sockets you need for common automotive and construction fasteners. Buy sets or individual sizes.

• Extension bars - Reach further into recessed areas. Choose varying lengths from 3" up to 10". Can also help with leverage and accessibility.

So while the M18 Fuel impact wrench comes work-ready, you can further optimize your setup with accessories like these. Pick the ones that suit your needs and make your jobs easier.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Brushless motor provides excellent power while running cooler and more efficiently than brushed motors
• Delivers up to 600 ft-lbs of fastening torque for heavy-duty applications
• 1/2" anvil with detent pin for quick and easy socket changes
• Four speed/torque settings for versatility and control
• Compact and lightweight at only 7.6 lbs for reduced user fatigue
• LED light illuminates the work area
• Fuel gauge shows battery level and helps prevent unexpected shutdowns
• Redlink Plus intelligence prevents overloading and overheating
• Includes two compact 3.0 Ah batteries with fuel gauge
• Rapid charger replenishes batteries in under an hour

Cons

• Higher price point than some competing models
• Lacks the extreme high torque of even heavier duty impact wrenches
• May still not have quite enough power for larger lugs nuts and the most stubborn bolts
• The compact batteries don't offer runtimes as long as higher capacity options
• Plastic battery housing feels cheaper than metal casing

Verdict

The Milwaukee M18 FMTIW2F12-502X is an excellent choice for automotive mechanics, construction workers, and DIY enthusiasts looking for a versatile and powerful cordless impact wrench. Its compact but rugged design provides ample torque for most medium to heavy duty fastening jobs.

The tool's brushless motor enables impressive performance while maximizing runtime. Variable speed settings and different drive control modes give users precision control over the output. At only 7.6 lbs with the battery, the impact wrench is comfortable to handle for extended periods.

For those invested in the M18 system, the FMTIW2F12 makes a valuable addition. It can handle most tasks encountered when working on vehicles or construction projects. The included 5.0Ah batteries provide long runtimes between charges.

Considering its professional-grade power and convenient cordless operation, the Milwaukee Fuel impact wrench offers great value for money. It's built to withstand tough working conditions while delivering efficient and reliable service. For automotive techs or avid DIYers, the FMTIW2F12 is easy to recommend.