Your SBC project needs a low-torque drill, and Milwaukee's M12 lineup has one

Published Oct 18, 2026, 8:30 AM EDT Patrick Campanale has been in the tech space for well over a decade, specializing in PC/gaming news and reviews, as well as maker-focused products to build small businesses. With a start in technology back in 2010 surrounding the Palm/webOS ecosystem, Patrick spent his formative years developing mobile applications as well as blogging for various publications, eventually leading to starting his own website in 2014. After running a technology blog for a few years, he stepped out of that role and into the world of high-end custom PC manufacturing and building, with a focus on YouTube video production and overclocking. Then, in 2017, Patrick joined the 9to5Toys team as an editor/writer/reviewer with over 14,000 articles being published during his time there, ranging from deals and roundups to in-depth reviews on the latest technology, video games, 3D printers, and more. In his free time, Patrick loves to create projects from wood using various robots and methods, including leveraging the technologies of CNCs and lasers. If Patrick isn't working on a computer or playing video games, he's likely in his 2-car garage workshop creating something unique. In addition to all this, Patrick is also the media director at his local church where he feels God has called him to serve, and he loves every minute of it. You might think that Milwaukee's M12 lineup is only for DIYers or woodworkers—and those people can definitely benefit from Milwaukee's compact tools. But, did you know that it's also an ideal power tool line for electronics and single-board computer hobbyists? Here's why you should check out Milwaukee's M12 lineup for your next electronics DIY project. Electronics work needs low torque, not more power Big 18V and 20V platforms are built for decks and framing, not circuit boards If you've ever worked with small electronics or SBCs (single-board computers), then you know they can be super delicate. Small fasteners, thin PCBs, plastic stand-offs, and 3D-printed parts just don't stand up to the abuse that normal drills and drivers provide. Milwaukee actually has some M12 tools that are (essentially) built for working on projects like this. Though they don't go down as low as some 4V tools (which Milwaukee also makes), Milwaukee does have M12 tools that are scaled for smaller work. Not only that, but the tools themselves are often far smaller than larger 18V or 20V tools. Many people think that traditional household tools aren't made for smaller electronics work, but the right 12V tool could be exactly what you need—so long as the torque settings go low enough. A M12 drill/driver's clutch is where this starts The clutch is what turns a drill into a bench tool Have you ever used a drill and heard the "clicking" sound when it stopped advancing the screw? That's called the clutch. Most drill clutches have around 10 to 20 settings to choose from (plus a drill mode that disables the clutch). The clutch is designed to stop advancing the screw at a certain torque setting. For electronics or SBC projects, you'll probably want the lowest setting possible. How many inch-pounds the clutch can step down (or up) to is going to depend on the specific model driver that you have. For instance, Milwaukee has the M12 1/4-inch Hex Screwdriver which maxes out at 175 inch-pounds, while the M12 FUEL 1/4-inch Hex 2-speed Screwdriver has 15 settings and maxes out at 275 inch-pounds. Since those are the max numbers, you'll definitely be able to dial it back a lot in order to not strip out screws and threads, though Milwaukee doesn't actually publish the minimum torque that the drivers offer. Setting the clutch to the lowest setting will make it so your drill starts to slip at the lightest possible torque. That does vary by each drill (as seen above) and you can always test it out by just spinning it into your hand—it shouldn't catch hard at all. But, when in doubt, double-check it on a spare piece that you're good with stripping if it does happen. Milwaukee M12 1/4 in. Hex Screwdriver Kit Milwaukee's M12 1/4 in. Hex Screwdriver Kit is perfect for more delicate tasks. With low torque settings available, this screwdriver has the light touch needed for more delicate projects. Low speeds matter more than high ones when you're cutting plastic Credit: Milwaukee Not everything with small electronics or SBC work requires a drill. Some projects require a rotary tool, and Milwaukee's M12 model is the perfect one to add to your setup. The M12 rotary tool has a wide range of RPM speeds to choose from thanks to its variable speed dial. You can go from 5,000 to 32,000 RPM, which actually makes it ideal for working with plastics. When you're cutting plastic with a rotary tool, a slower speed is actually better. Cutting with too fast of an RPM actually melts the plastic instead of cutting it, which can result in a poor edge quality or even make the plastic weld itself back together. A battery-powered rotary tool also means you're not tied down by normal wall outlets, so you can use the tool anywhere you need. While most electronics or SBC work is done at a desk, not having to try and plug into the wall can actually be very convenient. The rotary tool works with 1/32-, 1/16-, 3/32-, and 1/8-inch collets—though only the 1/8-inch collet is included in the package. Milwaukee 12V Cordless Rotary Tool Color Red Tool Type Rotary Tool Warranty 5 year Limited Tool Warranty If you'd rather get a cordless rotary tool, or already own Milwaukee tools and battery packs, consider the 12V Milwaukee rotary. The M12 soldering iron covers the basics It's not a precision station, but it's ready in seconds Credit: Milwaukee Milwaukee's M12 soldering iron is probably one of its weaker tools for makers and electronics enthusiasts for one reason—it isn't variable temperature. However, while you might not be able to control the temperature of this soldering iron, it heats up from room temperature to 750°F in under 18 seconds with around 40 minutes of runtime on a single charge. While I wouldn't rely on the M12 soldering iron to be my only soldering iron, I definitely want to add one to my arsenal. I'm often having to re-solder XLR cables at my church where I'm the IT director and lugging my soldering station from home to the church is getting cumbersome. Milwaukee's soldering iron has a pivoting head with 0-, 45-, and 90-degree stops and has a tool-free tip changing system, with both pointed and chisel tips included. Milwaukee M12 Soldering Iron What's Included (1) M12 Soldering Iron (Tool Only) (2488-20). (1) Chisel Tip, (1) Pointed Tip Battery Life Up to 40 minutes Soldering Tip Chisel and Pointed The M12 Soldering Iron delivers fast application speeds by reaching operational temperature in under 18 seconds and maintaining an optimized temperature throughout the most demanding jobs. M12 batteries can power the project too The best part about the M12 platform is it doesn't end with powering just your tools. There are adapters that can let an M12 battery power your entire project, too. The M12 TOP-OFF has a 15W USB-C port on the top which you can use to power all sorts of projects. If you need other forms of power, there are third-party adapters that can slide on the battery to adapt it to almost whatever you need—just be careful with non-official adapters as they don't go through the same certifications as official ones do.