New Milwaukee Sub-Compact vs Snap-On, M12: Worth it?

Torque Test Channel Sep 12, 2025 202 Thousand views

Description

Gen 2 3/8: https://amzn.to/4pr4yzx Gen2 1/2: https://amzn.to/3HSnpTe Nano sockets: https://amzn.to/4gl3cBZ Lifetime of weekly updated rankings: https://torquetestchannel.etsy.com/listing/1152216140/torque-test-channel-spreadsheet-leader Milwaukee's latest addition to the M12 line is the Sub compact 3049 3/8\

Products Reviewed (5)

Winner

Milwaukee

M12 Sub-Compact Impact Wrench

$229.00

#1 4.0

Best Hip Shooter - 225 ft-lb nut busting, 200 ft-lb fastening torque. Achieved 105 ft-lb working torque with 5Ah battery, 225 ft-lb max torque in 15-second test. Weighs 1.6 lb, 4.5 inches long. Scored 364.7 points on hip shooter ranking for first place. Mode selector requires tap dance which can be annoying.

Snap-On

Brushless Hip Shooter

#2 3.0

Made 102 ft-lb working torque, 216 ft-lb max torque. Prefers reverse operation but starts to flatline and run out of steam over 200 ft-lb. Has excellent toggle trigger that's 'the jam' but performance beaten by Milwaukee for less money.

Milwaukee

M12 Stubby Impact Gen 1

#3 4.0

Rated at 250 ft-lb, made 137 ft-lb working torque, 185 ft-lb max torque. Weighs 2.2 lb, 4.95 inches long. Still outperforms the new sub-compact in most torque tests but is larger and heavier.

Milwaukee

M12 Stubby Impact Gen 2

$229.00

#4 4.5

550 ft-lb rated model that 'shoots off into the sun' in testing. Can lose a full battery bar from a 15-second run. Mode selector label already popped off during use. Much more powerful than sub-compact but larger.

Rigid

Gen 2 Sub-Compact Impact Wrench

#5 3.5

Makes more power than Milwaukee sub-compact, peaking at 271 ft-lb at lower price. However, battery placement and overall tool shape limits how small it can be made compared to Milwaukee.