The Milwaukee M12 Fuel Stubby Impact Wrenches Offer Big Power in a Small Package
A few years back, Milwaukee introduced their first generation of M12 Fuel Stubby Impact wrenches, and I must admit, we were pretty impressed. Now, on the heels of Milwaukee Pipeline 2024, they’re doubling down with three brand-new models that deliver more power and performance than ever before.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Impressive torque specs
- Four drive modes
- Tri-LED worklight
Cons
- No significant drawbacks
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Stubby Impact Wrench Performance
Speed and Power
The Milwaukee M12 Fuel Stubby Impact Wrench delivers 3,000 RPMs and up to 550 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, as well as an impact rate of 3,300 IPM. This is more than double the power of the Gen 1 M12 2555 stubby impact wrench, allowing you to easily remove the most stubborn and corroded nuts and bolts faster than ever.
| Gen I 2555 | Gen II 2562 | |
|---|---|---|
| No-Load Speed | 2,700 RPM | 3,000 RPM |
| Impact Rate | 3,200 IMP | 3,300 IPM |
| Max Breakaway Torque | 250 ft-lbs | 550 ft-lbs |
So what does all this power mean in the real world? Automotive Pros can tackle everything from lugnuts to header bolts without feeling the need to reach for a larger tool. It’s also excels at driving larger lag bolts and MRO applications that might push your impact driver past its reasonable limits. Of course, there are all sorts of other nuts and bolts you come across throughout the day, but this compact tool delivers mid-torque power in a pint-sized package.
Drive Modes
It features a 4-mode drive control system that lets you dial in the precise level of torque and power needed for the job. Along with these modes, it has an Auto Shut-Off that applies no more than 15 ft-lbs of torque for hand-tight applications while fastening, and stops reverse rotation once the fastener is loose.
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Stubby Impact Wrench Design Notes
Size and Weight
This compact impact wrench weighs in at 2.2 pounds and 2.8 pounds with a High Output CP2.5Ah battery. It measures 4.9 inches from tip to tail and stands 8.25 inches tall. The grip is draped in a textured overmold and is a little larger than many of the M18 impact wrenches in order to accommodate for the M12 battery. Personally, I like the larger M12 grips because they feel very secure in my medium-sized hands, even while wearing working gloves.
Business End
While this tool’s dimensions are identical to the first generation, there are some differences when you look at the business end. Milwaukee utilizes their tri-beam LEDs around the anvil that provides greater illumination compared to a foot mounted light.
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Stubby Impact Wrench Price
The Gen II M12 Fuel Stubby 1/2-inch Impact Wrench retails for $199 as a bare tool, and $349 as a two battery kit. It’s also available in a 3/8-inch drive, as well as a 1/2-inch pin detent anvil. Milwaukee backs these tools with a 5-year warranty.
The Bottom Line
The Milwaukee M12 Fuel Stubby Impact Wrench packs a lot of power into a relatively small package. It’s going to do its best work in the automotive environment, but there are a lot of tasks it’s well-suited for MRO crews and on the construction site as well. To me, this is a no-brainer for Pros and serious DIYers who are in search of a lightweight powerhouse to round out their tool arsenal.
M12 Fuel 3/8-Inch Stubby Impact Wrench
- Model: Milwaukee 2562
- Power Source: Milwaukee M12 battery
- No-Load Speed: 0-3,000 RPM
- Impact Rate: 0-3,300 IPM
- Fastening Torque: 400 ft-lbs
- Breakaway Torque: 550 ft-lbs
- Anvil: 3/8 in. friction ring
- Weight: 2.2 lbs.
- Length: 4.8 in.
- Price: $199 (bare tool), $279 (single battery kit), $349 (two battery kit)
M12 Fuel 1/2-Inch Stubby Impact Wrench
- Model: Milwaukee 2563 (friction ring), 2563P (pin detent)
- Power Source: Milwaukee M12 battery
- No-Load Speed: 0-3,000 RPM
- Impact Rate: 0-3,300 IPM
- Fastening Torque: 400 ft-lbs
- Breakaway Torque: 550 ft-lbs
- Anvil: 1/2 in. friction ring or pin detent
- Weight: 2.2 lbs. (bare tool), 2.6 lbs (with 2.5Ah battery)
- Length: 4.9 in.
- Price: $199 (bare tool), $349 (kit: two battery kit, 2563-22 only)
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