4 tiny Milwaukee tools that belong in every home

Published Aug 6, 2026, 9:00 AM EDT Cory Gunther is a senior author and Newsletter Editor at Valnet, covering cutting-edge tech, Android, and more for How-To Geek. He's covered Android, cars, and technology for over a decade. When he's not reviewing the latest gadget, you can find him off-roading in his Toyota truck, fixing said truck, or doing something outdoors with friends and family. He's covered CES, SEMA, and MWC and reviewed countless phones, TVs, speakers, EVs, e-bikes, and more. Before Valnet, Cory worked for GottaBeMobile. His writing has also appeared on SlashGear, InputMag, and AndroidCentral. He's written over 9,000 articles. Milwaukee makes some of the best cordless power tools, and they come in all sorts of sizes. Sometimes, you don't need a large powerful tool, and instead, something a little smaller that's easy to use around the house. Whether you're short on space or don't want to buy huge tools, here are some tiny Milwaukee tools that are good enough for any job. Part of what makes Milwaukee so successful is that it offers two main tool lines: M18 and the smaller, compact M12 platform. More importantly, the company is constantly releasing new tools across both platforms to meet a variety of needs. And sure, Milwaukee offers its REDLITHIUM USB-C rechargeable items, but when you want an actual tool, several essentials are available in the M12 line. Milwaukee M12 Subcompact Drill/Driver A tiny hammer drill and driver with a brushless motor While Milwaukee has several relatively small tools in the larger M18 platform, if you're looking for something ultra-compact for tight spots or for use around the house, the M12 line is your best bet. A prime example is the latest Milwaukee M12 subcompact drill, which is only 5.4 inches long yet delivers insane power and torque for nearly any job. Whether you're building furniture, drilling holes, or making repairs around the house, this is the tool you want. There's no reason to lug around a heavy old drill when this type of performance (thanks to its Brushless motor) is available in a small package. Milwaukee M12 Subcompact Drill Driver Color Red Tool Type Drill Both smaller and lighter than most drill/driver comb tools, the Milwaukee Brushless Subcompact delivers all the power you need in any space. Milwaukee 3-inch Cutoff Saw Wheel Cut just about anything Credit: Milwaukee A "compact" tool like the Milwaukee M12 3-inch Cutoff tool isn't built to be a powerhouse, but that's what makes it perfect for around the house. Instead, it's a small, lightweight, compact tool that's easy to use one-handed. Just know that it won't deliver as much power as a full-size saw, but it'll be more than enough for cutting metal, plastic, tile, drywall, wires, and things of that nature. Milwaukee's little cutter has a replaceable 3-inch wheel saw blade, a balanced design, a built-in shrapnel guard, and a powerful brushless motor for jobs big and small. Milwaukee M12 Compact 3-inch Cutoff Saw Color Red Tool Type Circular Saw This compact saw is perfect for all those little jobs. With a standard 3-inch cutoff blade and plenty of power, it's a tool worth considering. Milwaukee M12 Cordless 3/8 (or 1/2) Ratchet A mechanic's best friend Credit: Milwaukee Chances are, you have a few handheld ratchets lying around the house that you use for various tasks. A popular application is automotive maintenance, or running lag bolts. Why use all that elbow grease with a ratchet when you can get Milwaukee's M12 (12-volt) powered angled 3/8-inch ratchet? A common tool you'll find in any mechanic shop or DIYer's toolbox is a ratchet, or flex ratchet. I constantly use my Icon ratchets from Harbor Freight, but sometimes you need more power or are working in a tight spot. If that's the case, you'll absolutely love Milwaukee's powerful cordless model, which comes in various sizes, extended lengths, and angles. Trust me, get one. Milwaukee M12 3/8-inch Cordless Ratchet Color Red Tool Type Ratchet Make tough jobs in tight spaces easier than ever with the M12 cordless ratchet from Milwaukee. Milwaukee M12 Fuel Stubby Impact Driver Tackle fasteners with ease Credit: Milwaukee While there are several great Milwaukee tools you'll want for around the house, like its modern version of a Sawzall, the Hackzall, which you can use one-handed, the tool most people will benefit from owning is the M12 FUEL Impact Driver. At first glance, an impact driver looks very similar to a drill, but it couldn't be more different. Even if you already own a drill, you'll absolutely want an impact driver, as its main job is driving fasteners like screws and bolts into anything and everything. Sure, you can use a standard drill to assemble furniture or push screws, but an impact driver is better, faster, and safer. You won't strip screws as easily, and it's literally designed for that specific job. While every major power tool brand offers an impact driver, Milwaukee's M12 FUEL Brushless HEX Impact Driver is one of the smallest yet most powerful on the market. It's a tool I think everyone should own. You can even get it in a combo with a drill, as shown below. Milwaukee M12 Fuel Drill and Driver Combo Color Red Tool Type Combo Kit If you're looking for a great DIY starter kit from Milwaukee, this M12 combo kit is it. With an impact driver, drill, and two battery packs, you'll be all set for any task. Small tools that'll make jobs easier and better Tools don't have to be big to tackle big jobs, and that's especially true with all the tools mentioned above. Milwaukee has some large and expensive items, but that's also what makes the smaller M12 line so popular with homeowners. Milwaukee has a large and growing line of M12 tools you'll love to use around the house. So, grab one of the tools above or head to your local Home Depot to find what you need for your next project.