Trade education and workforce development are two initiatives we value highly here at Dunn Lumber, so it should come as no surprise that we have close ties with Seattle Central College's Wood Technology Center (WTC). With roots dating back to the early 1900s, WTC's history intersects with ours at Dunn Lumber at various points (our very own Ed Dunn Jr. took some classes at Edison), and we're proud to be connected with such an exemplary educational institution.

Throughout the episodes in this series, we'll be speaking with Dave Borgatti, a long-time faculty member at the WTC, about the center's history, program offering, and various topics in woodworking education. Dave got his start in woodworking as a boat builder in Portland, Oregon, for Schooner Creek Boat Works, and ended up at WTC as an instructor in 1992. Since then, Dave has helped countless students—from boat builders to carpenters and cabinetmakers—learn the woodworking craft.

In today’s conversation, Dave and I are joined by Nick Brodeur, Territory Manager at Milwaukee® Tool, to kick off four episodes featuring the brand’s high-performing, cordless M18™ tool system with M18™ REDLITHIUM™ batteries designed for the trades. In this episode, Nick introduces us to two of the system’s popular drill drivers and impact drivers—the M18 FUEL™ ½” Hammer Drill/Driver and the M18 FUEL™ 1/4" Hex Impact Driver. Nick and Dave explain the tools’ unique features and cover important safety practices and tips on protecting the batteries.

While we share key points from the conversation below, this episode is truly meant to be watched—just click above. You’ll pick up the best information and nuances of what we discuss. 

The difference between a drill driver and an impact driver

These two common, versatile power tools look very similar but serve different purposes. In fact, they’re often sold as a combination set as they complement each other. 

Drill drivers are rotary tools that bore holes and can also drive screw fasteners. There are usually three settings:

  • Drill only rotates at maximum torque for boring holes in wood and other materials
  • Drill with impact (hammer mode) is used for cementitious materials like concrete
  • Drive with adjustable clutch lets you select the amount of torque or rotational force

In comparison, impact drivers are smaller, lighter tools that are used to drive screw fasteners only. They are equipped with a hexagonal, ball-detent, and quick release bit holder, and will drive large screws and even lags easier than a drill driver.

Benefits of cordless tools

Both tools are available in corded and cordless models. As Nick says, however, Milwaukee has invested heavily in a cordless line of trade-focused power tools moving in the direction of a cordless future. Switching to tools that rely on batteries for their power eliminates several potential safety hazards on job sites, such as tripping over the cords in the workspace. They also make it possible to work easily in areas that don’t have access to power. The M18™ tool system uses its proprietary REDLITHIUM™ batteries that use the best lithium available, ensuring the batteries provide long runtimes as well as the power needed to seamlessly communicate with the tool.   

Milwaukee Tool M18 FUEL™ ½” Hammer Drill/Driver key features

The M18 FUEL™ ½” Hammer Drill/Driver is a jack of all trades. Its ½” all-metal chuck holds the bit and increases the tool’s durability (versus a plastic chuck). A micro clutch adjusts the torque (rotational power) settings, which on this tool is an impressive 750 inch pounds of torque, between levels 2-14. It also features a drill setting (the highest level) and a hammer setting that allows the user to add a beats per minute feature where the bit moves forward and backward as it rotates (primarily used for masonry and concrete applications). The tool has high and low speed settings, variable speed, and an adjustable clutch.

Milwaukee Tool M18 FUEL™ 1/4" Hex Impact Driver key features

Instead of a standard chuck, the M18 FUEL™ 1/4" Hex Impact Driver has a ¼” hex QUIK-LOK™ chuck, allowing the user to quickly pop the bits in and out. It also boasts 1,400 inch pounds of torque, about double the power of the drill driver. Thanks to its smaller body,  users can easily get into tight places and take advantage of the light that turns on while in use and continues to stay on after.

The impact driver has four speed settings and a variable speed trigger for versatility. Nick notes that when users choose the higher speeds, it’s often a smart idea to use their free hand on top of the driver to help stabilize it and minimize a jerk in the wrist.

Both the M18 FUEL™ ½” Hammer Drill/Driver and M18 FUEL™ 1/4" Hex Impact Driver also have ONE-KEY™ technology—Milwaukee’s free customization, tracking, and management software that allows users to save and geographically track their tools through a mobile app. The feature is particularly beneficial for larger contractors that have many tools being used across different job sites. For certain tools, the app can also fine tune the tool’s power output. 

They both come with a 5-year warranty.     

Battery use best practices and considerations

When using cordless power tools, batteries play an important role in how long and how efficiently the tool operates. In this episode, Nick is using the M18™ REDLITHIUM™ XC5.0 Battery that’s in the middle of Milwaukee's battery amp hour range and comes with a 3-year warranty. He suggests choosing 5-amp hour and below batteries for handheld tools, and higher (going up to 12-amp hours) for larger tools like table saws.

Battery quality differs between brands and sizes, but there are also several best use practices that can help protect tool batteries and keep them working better, lasting longer per charge, and year over year. These include: 

  • If you need to charge a battery directly after using it in a tool, let it cool down to room temperature before plugging it in to charge. 
  • Don’t leave a battery plugged into the charger once it’s fully charged.
  • Be aware of your battery’s temperature when working in very cold or very hot environments. Putting a cold battery on a tool and using it immediately will drain the battery quicker, while having a battery lay out in the hot sun isn’t good for protecting it either.

Other key points in the video 

  • 06:44 – Nick shares details about Milwaukee’s three tiers of tools available for different skill sets, uses, and price points, including the pros and cons of each. 
  • 17:23 – Dave shares different safety considerations based on the tool, including when a second handle adds protection and assistance. 
  • 19:39 – Dave makes recommendations on which tools to buy when you’re first starting out, and why it’s smart to invest in the highest quality you can at the time. 
  • 22:24 – Nick covers Milwaukee’s 5-year warranties on the two tools he featured and the 3-year warranties on batteries. 
  • 23:28 – Nick details Milwaukee’s after-sales customer service support for tool issues or warranty claims.
  • 24:54 – Nick explains the term “amp hours” used in conjunction with the batteries, and the differences between the brand’s 2-amp hour batteries and 12-amp hour batteries, plus what tools they work best with.   

Interested in the cordless M18™ tool system? We’re just getting started. Check back soon for more videos demoing how to use specific tools, like a miter saw and table saw. You can also find more tool-focused articles and resources in our previous Wood Technology Center Series episodes as well as our power tools archives.