12 Milwaukee Tools From The M12 Collection Under $150 Worth Buying

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If you want to find the best deals on Milwaukee tools, Home Depot is regularly cited by buyers as one the best places to shop. There, you'll find a host of high-end Milwaukee tools that are worth buying, and sure, many of those command the premium price tag to match. But there are also plenty of tools, particularly in the brand's popular M12 line-up, that sit comfortably beneath the $150 mark.

To prove this, we spent some time browsing the brand's 12-volt range that's currently sold at Home Depot. We found a bunch of specialized tools that can help both weekend DIYers and home remodelers, along with tools that every homeowner should own — regardless of the work they have planned. Some can help you to work in tight, confined spaces or drill at awkward angles; others will make it easier to cut tough materials like tiles and concrete. There are lights to help you see when your days of DIY run into the night, and on hot summer days, there's also a fan to help beat the heat. All belong to Milwaukee's M12 family, meaning one battery can theoretically switch between them all. And importantly, for those buying on a budget, no tool featured below will set you back more than $150.

While it's not a "tool" in the traditional sense, Milwaukee's M12 Rover Service and Repair Flood Light with USB Charging is nevertheless a useful partner for your other DIY gear. Starting with the price, it costs $89, which admittedly doesn't buy the battery. However, if you have other Milwaukee M12 gear and batteries, that shouldn't be a problem. As far as lighting is concerned, it delivers 700 lumens of what Milwaukee calls "TRUEVIEW" light. A pivoting head is designed to optimize your lighting, and if you pair it with a 4.0XC battery, it should run for up to 24 hours. It can also be mounted magnetically.

Of course, you'll want to know what previous buyers thought about the tool, and what's reassuring is that this product is among Milwaukee's highest-rated lighting tools. It's rated 4.8 stars overall, thanks, in part, to the fact that you can also charge your phone and other devices via the in-built USB port. More importantly, it provides plenty of light. As one user explained, "I've owned this light for over a year and it's been my primary work light for miscellaneous small to medium sized projects." To quote the title of their review, it's the "Best Bang For Your Buck Do Anything Light."

Given that we're focusing on tools under $150, it'll come as little surprise that many of our picks are on the smaller size. In this case, the M12 ¼-inch Hex Impact Driver may not quite be pocket-sized, but it's not far off. It measures only 5 inches in length, which increases accessibility in smaller spaces. As for power, a durable brushless motor pairs up to 1,500 inch-pounds of torque with up to 3,600 RPM spin speeds for impact-driving applications. Indeed, while it's best to take product descriptions with a pinch of salt, Milwaukee does list this particular tool as "the fastest subcompact impact driver."

Cost-wise, it'll set you back $149 for the tool only. However, for an additional $10, you can buy it along with a battery, charger, and carry bag, which will probably feel like a no brainer, even if you already own Milwaukee batteries. That's especially true given that, in the reviews, it scores a solid 4.8 stars overall. Users widely praised its compact size and power, including one who said that this subcompact tool stands out from several other Milwaukee drivers in their toolkit. "All I can say is...WOW!" said another buyer, who described it as small but powerful. They added, "It already seems more powerful and faster than my 18v Makita."

A cut off saw makes several jobs quick and easy. Depending on the blade you use, these tools can help to cut materials like wood, for example. You can use them to shear off rusty nails poking through your fence, and if you have a diamond blade, it could make your tile installation easier, too. Milwaukee's M12 Cut Off Saw benefits from the same brushless motor that appears in many other tools in the 12-volt line. It's compatible with common 3-inch wheel blades, and it's designed for one-handed use. It nevertheless delivers 20,000 RPM for quick cuts, and comes supplied with a metal wheel, a multi-purpose carbide abrasive blade, plus a diamond tile blade. It also comes with a shoe that includes a vacuum adapter, to improve dust prevention.

Home Depot currently lists this tool for $149. However, unlike the subcompact hex impact driver, the cost jumps considerably if you wish to bundle it with a battery and charger. With that being said, if you already own M12 batteries, that needn't be of concern. Not only that, but if you need a tool like this — and you're a loyal member of team red — most users agree that it's useful to have in the bag. One user, who described it as "Money well spent," added, "Bought the Milwaukee cut off tool and made easy work of my recent project."

Whether you live far from a gas station or have bitter winters where severe temperature dips lead to drops in tire pressure, an inflator can come in handy. Now, you don't have to shop Milwaukee to find such a tool. But if you have an existing set of M12 batteries, the $139 price tag and 4.6-star rating may make its M12 Portable Inflator worth considering. It's useful for cars, trucks, and equipment tires, and is rated to deliver over 120PSI. It also includes TrueFill Auto shut-off technology to prevent overfilling, plus an easy-read LCD screen so you can see where you're at mid-fill.

On those reviews, it earns praise for its portability and utility, especially versus dragging a full-sized compressor from the garage. Users also agree that Milwaukee keeps its promise in the product spec for fast inflation, including one who said, "Despite its small size, it inflates tires surprisingly fast." In the words of another, who said that it always comes in handy, "Absolutely no regret putting this in the toolbox."

Part of Milwaukee's growing lineup of cleaning equipment, the M12 Compact Spot Blower is designed to help make cleaning the garage and small outdoor spaces easier compared to larger tools. Its compact size makes it easier to store than larger blowers, while its weight (3.3 pounds) makes it easier to wield after a long day of DIY. It has a rubber nozzle that's ideal for getting in tight spaces without damaging surfaces, plus a variable speed trigger for added control. A lock-on switch further prevents user fatigue, and as for power, it yields up to 110 MPH blow speeds while moving 175 cubic feet of air per minute.

Price-wise, you can expect to part ways with $119.99 in order to walk out of Home Depot with this tool. You'll also need to add the cost of a battery if you don't already own one. With that being said, the majority of users who invested suggested that it's earned its place in their arsenals. "I'm very impressed with the Milwaukee M12 Compact Spot Blower," said one. They explained, "The blower has great power for its size and is perfect for quick cleanups around the patio and garage," and added that it delivers "solid power for a compact 12V tool."

Next up is one of several Milwaukee tools that, according to reviews, every homeowner should have. Before we get to those, we'll start with the specs. The M12 Cordless ⅜-inch Crown Stapler is compact and ergonomically designed to help reduce user fatigue. You can use it to fasten a range of ⅜-inch flat crown staples, which makes it useful for materials like wood, plastic, and textiles. A tool belt hook lends portability on days when you're working with different tools, and per Makita, you can expect to get 1,500 staples out of this thing per charge — so long as you have a battery.

That brings us nicely to the price, which currently sits at $139 at Home Depot. That only buys the tool, but it's possible to bundle it with a 2Ah battery for $197 if you don't already have M12 power to pair with it. Either way, the reviews suggest that, as staplers go, it's worth considering. Among others, cited uses include stapling chicken wire fencing into place, fixing new furniture upholstery, and installing insulation. Buyers said that the tool's compact build comes into its own on longer jobs, especially when working overhead, as it helps to reduce fatigue. As one user summed it up, "I'm very impressed with the Milwaukee M12 ⅜-inch Crown Stapler. It's lightweight, well-balanced, and much more convenient than dragging around an air hose." They added that the build quality is excellent, and that, if you already have M12 batteries, "I would definitely recommend this tool."

While a blower is useful for clearing shavings and sawdust off your workbench, you may also need a vacuum cleaner to pick it all off the floor. With a shop vacuum, you can also handle the occasional wet spill — whether that's caused by a leak, or simply a fumbled coffee cup on those early morning starts. Milwaukee's M12 1.6-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum is one of many such tools available at Home Depot. It's designed for small spills and general workshop cleaning. It's also, apparently, superior to competitors in its quietness, producing 87 decibels of sound. A brushless motor helps deliver on the promise of suction while also lending a degree of durability, and overall, the compact build versus larger capacity units makes it easier to store in small garages. It also includes a wall mount, which you can use to keep it clear of the ground.

Now, the important bit: price. The tool by itself (no battery) is listed at $149. And it's backed by an overall 4.5-star rating, which is good to know if you're in the market for this type of cleaner. "This little vacuum is exactly what I needed," said one buyer, who explained that it handles small messes with ease. They explained that it's very powerful for a 12V tool, that the price is excellent, and that it stores really easily thanks to the in-built hanger. "I would buy another one when or if this one ever stops working," they added.

A fan is good to have on hand if you struggle to keep cool when you're working, whether you're insulating the loft or working beneath the summer sun. Milwaukee's M12 Jobsite Fan makes it easier for cool heads to prevail. You can mount it magnetically if you have a metal surface nearby, or you can use the spring-loaded clamp to lock it in place. Either way, it yields air speeds of 14 MPH (and moves 400 cubic feet of air per minute), while a 360-degree oscillating head helps to optimize air flow.

As for what you'll pay, it currently retails for $129.99, which only buys the tool. However, at the time of writing, a Home Depot "Special Buy" price means that you can spend the same but bundle it with two batteries and a charger. Either way, users suggest that it's a handy partner to have when the heat's working against you. "Love it," said one, who added, "works great in attics when doing whole home piping." Another, who said it produces great airflow and mounts really easily, explained, "I've had it for about a month now, and it exceeded my expectations."

There are many reasons to add a rotary tool to your DIY gear wishlist. They're among the most versatile power tools available, and while Dremel is often considered the brand of choice for quality rotary tools, there are actually several at Home Depot to choose from. Milwaukee's M12 Cordless Rotary Tool, for example, shares the same multifunctionality as other rotary tools on the market. It delivers up to 32,000 RPM, with a high-performance motor and a balanced, in-line design to allow for precise one-handed use. You can put it to work on various tasks, too, from grinding, cutting, and polishing, to sharpening your lawn mower blades. It's also compatible with a large range of accessories (not just Milwaukee), thanks to a ⅛-inch collet.

It currently commands a $119 price tag, which, unfortunately, doesn't buy a battery. Again, you have the option to bundle one in, but that hikes the price to $178. Still, that may be within reason for those who are likely to make the most of its versatility. Not only that, but there are some reviews that suggest this tool may actually have an edge on leading rotary tool brands. A professional locksmith, for example, purchased one to replace a corded Dremel that lasted just six months. "I use them to grind and cut metal. My first one is still running after over two years of regular and hard service. So I bought a second one so I don't have to switch the cutting but out for a cutting wheel."

The M12 ¼-inch Hex Screwdriver Kit is another compact pick from Milwaukee. It delivers up to 175 inch-pounds of torque for driving fasteners firmly into place, but it weighs just two pounds. Its balanced, compact design enables one-handed work in tight spaces, and while it's not the heaviest-duty driver out there, it's a handy partner for light- to medium-duty fastening work. Two belt-clip positions make it conveniently portable for left- and right-handed users, while a variable speed trigger and 15-position clutch help to ensure optimum control over whatever you're working on.

It's priced reasonably, too, currently retailing for $99, which also buys a battery and charger. As for what those light- to medium-duty tasks might look like, users have found it helpful with a variety of jobs. These include removing license plates and driving screws into a mixture of materials like plastic, as well as both soft and hardwoods. It's also praised for its size, and as one user explained, it "Makes my work much faster and gets into really tight spaces. Really lightweight too!"

We'll start by saying that many folks may simply not need to invest in Milwaukee's ⅜-inch Right Angle Drill. There are several attachments that you can pair with a regular drill to handle similar tasks, and which don't require the outlay of a whole new tool. However, if you regularly need to drive screws at an angle in tight spaces, or your drill doesn't have the power to handle the screws in question (even with a new attachment), it could be worth considering. Per the name, it's designed to help give the leverage needed to screw at awkward right-angles. It yields 100 inch-pounds of torque, and can be used one-handed. 11 clutch settings (along with a drill mode) also make it handy for various applications aside from right-angled drilling, while also allowing greater user control.

It's priced at $119, which only buys the tool. Alternatively, for $178, you can bundle it with a battery. Provided that your budget can stretch to that, user feedback seems to concur that it's built well, and that it really comes into its own in those tight, awkward workspaces. "Absolutely love this thing," said one happy Home Depot buyer, who uses it more than they thought they would. They praised its light weight and build quality, saying that it's "built like a tank," and explained that, if you equip it with attachments like a brush or buffing pad, you can also use it to clean your carpets.

For some homeowners, investing in a regular drill and pairing it with useful drill attachments may be a wiser way to spend their money than investing in a specialized right-angled drill. It really depends on your need to drive at different angles. Milwaukee's M12 Subcompact Drill Driver Kit retains the same compact build of other tools in the M12 line. In fact, it's 5.4 inches long, which means that, as drill-drivers go, it's dinky. It also weighs only two pounds, making it ideal for one-handed use. It still delivers speeds of up to 1,550 RPM, and at Home Depot, we feel it represents real value for homeowners who just need a decent, reliable drill.

It's priced at $149, which also buys two batteries, a charger, plus a kit bag to store it all. Not only that, but user feedback to-date has earned it an overall rating of 4.7 stars. Indeed, one user described it as an "Excellent drill for those situations where you do not need the power of a full-size drill." However, they added, "don't get fooled by its small size! It's powerful enough for most applications at home."