Milwaukee M12 FUEL Sub‑Compact Percussion Drill – Bare Tool

The Milwaukee M12 Fuel Sub Compact Percussion Drill is a cordless 12-volt drill designed for tight spaces and precise work. It delivers up to 500 in-lbs of torque and operates at 0-400 and 0-1700 RPM with a 1/2" keyless metal ratcheting chuck. It includes features like an LED work light and a built-in battery fuel gauge, and uses Milwaukee’s M12 lithium-ion system for compatibility with other tools. It’s ideal for drilling small-diameter holes and driving fasteners in wood, metal, and other materials in confined areas.

Key specs and features: torque up to 500 in-lbs; speed ranges 0-400 RPM (low) and 0-1700 RPM (high); 1/2" keyless metal ratcheting chuck; 12V lithium-ion battery compatibility; LED work light; built-in battery fuel gauge; REDLINK overload protection; compatible with the M12 system; slim, lightweight design; includes side handle and depth rod.

The sub-compact design is slim and lightweight, allowing you to maneuver in tight spaces, overhead positions, and awkward angles where larger drills can’t fit. It provides greater control and comfort for precise drilling and fastener driving in confined areas.

The package includes the drill with a side handle and depth rod. You’ll need a Milwaukee M12 battery and charger (sold separately) to power the tool, as well as drill bits and driver bits suitable for your application.

1) Insert a compatible M12 battery and attach the bit to the 1/2" chuck. 2) Engage the percussion mode if you’re drilling into harder materials or pilot holes. 3) Set the speed by using the trigger and the available speed range (0-400 or 0-1700 RPM). 4) Use the built-in LED to illuminate the work area. 5) Use the side handle for two-handed control and the depth rod for precision drilling.

Percussion (hammer) mode performs a light hammering action in addition to rotation, which helps break through harder materials like dense wood or metal. Use percussion when drilling into tougher surfaces or when you need faster hole advancement; switch back to non-percussion for simple drilling into softer materials.

Battery life depends on usage, but the tool is designed to run on M12 lithium batteries with efficiency gains over standard cells. To maximize runtime, use the appropriate speed setting for the material, avoid unnecessary high-speed bursts, and use sharp, correct bits to reduce workload. The LED gauge helps you monitor remaining charge during use.

Yes. Wear eye protection and hearing protection as needed, secure your workpiece, keep hands away from the chuck, maintain a stable stance with a two-handed grip, use the side handle for control, and avoid exposing the battery to moisture or extreme heat. Let the tool cool if you notice overheating during extended use.

To compare, you can look at similar Milwaukee 12V models on Fepy: 1) Milwaukee M12 FUEL Sub Compact Drill/Driver: https://fepy.com/product/milwaukee-m12-fuel-sub-compact-drill-driver (similar compact form, but geared for general drilling/driver tasks) 2) Milwaukee M12 FUEL 1/2" Hammer Drill: https://fepy.com/product/milwaukee-m12-fuel-1-2-in-hammer-drill (for heavier hammer-drilling in a larger form factor) 3) Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3/8" Drill/Driver: https://fepy.com/product/milwaukee-m12-fuel-3-8-in-drill-driver (another compact option with a different balance of speed and capability)

Best-suited tasks include installing cabinet hardware, drilling pilot holes in tight spaces, driving small fasteners in furniture or trim, overhead drilling where space is limited, and light-duty metal or wood drilling that benefits from a compact, controllable tool with precise depth control.

Keep the drill clean and dry after use, store it in a cool, dry place, and remove the battery when not in use for extended periods. Regularly inspect the chuck for wear and replace damaged bits promptly. Use the depth rod to maintain consistent drilling depth and avoid forcing the tool through material.

For professionals who routinely work in tight spaces, this sub-compact percussion drill offers a handy balance of power, control, and portability. Its 12V platform provides modularity with other M12 tools, the LED light improves visibility, and the built-in fuel gauge helps you manage battery life during long jobs. If space and precision are priorities, many users find it a valuable addition to their toolkit.