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Subcompact Power: New Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Wrenches

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Subcompact Power: New Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Wrenches


Milwaukee Introduces M12 Lineup’s Most Compact Impact Wrenches

Recently, Milwaukee announced the addition of two new subcompact impact wrenches for the M12 Fuel lineup: a 1/4-inch model and a 3/8-inch model. Separate from the 2024 launch of the Gen-2 stubby models, these are designed to be the most compact tools in their class. But what’s beyond the buzz? I decided to dig deeper into the claims to help you decide which one is a good fit for your automotive tool roster.

Milwaukee M12 Fuel Subcompact Impact Wrench Performance

  • Model: Milwaukee 3049 (3/8-inch)
  • Max Breakaway Torque: 225 ft-lbs
  • Max Fastening Torque: 200 ft-lbs
  • Max Speed: 3400 RPM
  • Max Impact Rate: 3600 IPM
  • Anvil: Friction Ring
  • Four Modes
  • Brushless Motor
  • Auto Shut-Off Mode

The Milwaukee 3048 and 3049 impact wrenches are part of the M12 Fuel lineup. As subcompact tools, Milwaukee tells us they’re ideal for light-duty automotive applications, such as installing bumpers and fenders, under-hood fastening, suspension work, and more.

The 3049 reaches torque levels of up to 225 ft-lbs during breakaway applications and 200 ft-lbs while fastening. For the 1/4-inch 3048, you get up to 70 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 100 ft-lbs of breakaway torque. Those are clearly very different performance levels, so choosing the right one is more than just your preferred drive size.

Both models feature four speed modes to select from, including an Auto Shut-Off mode.

Here’s a look at the speed and impact rate specs for both impact wrenches in each of the four settings:

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3048 (1/4-inch)

  • Mode 1: 0-1500 RPM; 0-1350 IPM
  • Mode 2: 0-2900 RPM; 0-3700 IPM
  • Mode 3: 0-3800 RPM; 0-4400 IPM
  • Mode 4 (Auto Shut-Off): 0-2200 RPM (forward)/ 0-3800 RPM – 0-1500 RPM (reverse); 0-4400 IPM

3049 (3/8-inch)

  • Mode 1: 0-1150 RPM; 0-1100 IPM
  • Mode 2: 0-2400 RPM; 0-3400 IPM
  • Mode 3: 0-3400 RPM; 0-3600 IPM
  • Mode 4 (Auto Shut-Off): 0-1600 RPM (forward) / 0-3400 RPM – 0-1500 RPM (reverse); 0-3600 IPM

In Auto Shut-Off mode, the forward torque is limited to 15 ft-lbs in the 3049 and 7 ft-lbs in the 3048 to prevent over-tightening. In reverse, the RPMs slow to a top speed of 1500 RPM automatically once the bolt is free, for fewer fastener drops.

The Auto Shut-Off feature is not unique to this model; it’s included in several Milwaukee impact wrenches on both the M18 and M12 platforms. However, we appreciate its inclusion in this subcompact model to address common fastening and breakaway pain points.

The 3049 is kitted with two 2.5Ah batteries, and I recommend sticking to that size if you want to take full advantage of the lightweight and compact design. However, if you prioritize runtime and you can sacrifice a bit of heft, swapping in a larger-capacity battery would still be fine.

Milwaukee M12 Fuel Subcompact Impact Wrench Design

  • Length: 4.4 in (3048); 4.5 in (3049)
  • Weight: 1.5 lb (3048); 1.6 lb (3049)

The 1/4-inch 3048 impact wrench is the most compact and lightweight model in its class, at just 4.4 inches in length and 1.5 pounds bare. The 3/8-inch 3049 is just barely larger, at 4.5 inches long and 1.6 pounds.

This size of impact wrench excels in small areas, providing better underhood access in automotive applications. While some models, like Milwaukee’s Gen-II M12 stubby impact wrenches, deliver higher performance, these subcompact tools are ideal for lighter-duty fastening within tight spaces.

Additional Features

  • Tri-Beam LED Light: Illuminates dark engine bays while you work.
  • Single-Hand Mode Change: Toggle through speed settings with minimal interruption to your workflow.

How Does it Compare?

Here’s how the Milwaukee 3049 impact wrench stacks up against other 12V subcompact models from Makita and DeWalt.

Milwaukee 3049
(this model)
Makita
XWT12ZB
DeWalt
DCF902B
Max Breakaway Torque: 225 ft-lbs 230 ft-lbs 200 ft-lbs
Max Fastening Torque: 200 ft-lbs 130 ft-lbs 125 ft-lbs
No-Load Speed: 3400 RPM 2400 RPM 2850 RPM
Max Impact Rate: 3600 IPM 3600 IPM 3600 IPM
Length: 4.5 in 5.6 in 5.1 in
Weight: 1.6 lbs 2.7 lbs (w/ battery) 2.2 lbs (w/ battery)
Price: $229 bare $199 bare $159 bare

The big takeaways here are how much more fastening power Milwaukee offers to go with its impressively compact and lightweight design. Considering how many automotive and trade-specific tools the M12 system has compared to Makita and DeWalt, it’s an even more compelling proposition.

Milwaukee M12 Fuel Subcompact Impact Wrench Price

The 3/8-inch 3049 retails for $229 bare and $349 as a kit, including two M12 2.5Ah batteries, a charger, and a contractor bag. At the time of writing, the 1/4-inch model (3048) is only available as a bare tool, also for $229.

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Milwaukee backs both versions with a 5-year tool warranty and a 2-year warranty on the batteries.

If you’d like some added protection for your tool, Milwaukee also offers a protective boot compatible with both the 3/8-inch and 1/4-inch models, which runs $35.

Should You Buy It?

Milwaukee released its Gen-II stubby impact wrenches in 2024, and they were a huge hit for heavy-duty Pro-grade automotive applications. However, for lighter-duty auto jobs, the 3048 and 3049 impact wrenches provide a nice update to the M12 platform, especially for users who don’t need the top-shelf performance of the stubby models.

If you usually work on larger fasteners, these models likely won’t be your main tool. However, for light-duty fastening jobs and tight engine bay access, the 3048 and 3049 provide unmatched M12 compactness. If you prioritize a small form factor over top-shelf power, they’re a compelling option.

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Milwaukee, WI

Truck drives in to Grace Coffee in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward overnight

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Truck drives in to Grace Coffee in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward overnight


MILWAUKEE — A truck drove through the Grace Coffee Co. in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward on early Friday morning, the owners announced in a social media post.

Due to the extensive damage that was done, the coffee shop will be closed until further notice.

TMJ4

“We’re incredibly grateful no one was hurt, and we’ll keep you updated as we begin repairs,” the coffee shop said in the post.

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TMJ4 reached out to the Milwaukee Police Department but have yet to hear back.


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Milwaukee, WI

MPS layoffs plan draws pushback as district works to close $46M gap

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MPS layoffs plan draws pushback as district works to close M gap


Milwaukee Public Schools is planning to cut roughly 200 positions next school year as the district works to close a multi-million-dollar budget gap — but there’s disagreement over which roles will be impacted.

What we know:

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District leaders say the goal is to close a roughly $46 million shortfall, prompting changes that Superintendent Brenda Cassellius says are necessary.

Milwaukee Public Schools said about 201 staff members will be impacted. District leaders say no classroom teachers, counselors or social workers will be cut — something the teachers’ union disputes.

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The reductions stem from a previously approved plan to eliminate about 260 non-classroom roles. The final number dropped after retirements and existing vacancies. The Milwaukee Board of School Directors approved that plan on March 9.

What they’re saying:

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“We have a $50 million deficit, we are for sure not going to be able to do business the same way that we’ve been able to do business,” Cassellius said. “Change is just hard. It’s just hard. And every single one of our employees is so important.”

But some educators say the cuts go too far.

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“MTEA is setting up a distress signal. We are talking about our teachers, art teachers, music teachers, physical education teachers, counselors — things that the voters of referendum of Milwaukee actually voted for,” said Ingrid Walker-Henry, president of the Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association. “Staffing is being cut to the extent that they are concerned about student safety.”

Cassellius acknowledged the uncertainty and asked school leaders for patience.

“We just have to for sure know our budget situation, where we’re at with that after these cuts are made in order to make those decisions,” she said. “So I’m asking my principals, be patient with us.”

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By the numbers:

The district outlined the 201 affected positions as:

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  • 70 central office roles
  • 62 educators with a teaching license but not assigned to one classroom
  • 59 assistant principals

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MPS says the savings will support new class size guidelines, including:

  • 18 students per teacher in K3
  • 20 students per teacher in K4
  • 22 students per teacher in K5

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS)

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District leaders say no students will be asked to leave a school to meet class size guidelines. Officials say they are working with schools that may not have space or that require larger classes based on specific programs.

What’s next:

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Milwaukee Public Schools plans to present its proposed 2026–27 budget to the Milwaukee Board of School Directors in May.

The Source: Information in this post was provided by Milwaukee Public Schools and prior FOX6 coverage.

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Milwaukee, WI

Brewers finally announce cable, satellite TV channels for broadcasts

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Brewers finally announce cable, satellite TV channels for broadcasts


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Just before the pitch clock hits zero, the Milwaukee Brewers released a rundown of channels on cable and satellite for game broadcasts, mere hours before the 1:10 p.m. CT first pitch on Opening Day, Thursday, March 26.

The club said channels include 1263 on XFinity, 670 on DirecTV, 1743 on U-Verse, and 319 or 469 on Spectrum. The broadcasts are also listed as available on streaming service Fubo.

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The Brewers are pointing fans to a channel-finding tool on their web site at Brewers.com/watch, though in the moments after the announcement, the channel finder was not yet locating details for Spectrum customers for Milwaukee-area zip codes. A club spokesperson said Major League Baseball was aware of the error and the games would indeed air on Spectrum in Milwaukee.

The built-in Spectrum guide still showed Channel 308 as the “BREW” offering in Milwaukee, with Brewers Live Pregame scheduled to begin at noon CT and baseball at 1 p.m. March 26.

With the February announcement of a switchover from FanDuel Sports Wisconsin to Major League Baseball productions in 2026, MLB negotiations have gone down to the wire with the various providers around Wisconsin. Several teams covered by Main Street Sports, which operated the FanDuel brand, have been in a similar boat this offseason.

Brewers fans aren’t alone in experiencing the late-arriving channel information. Maury Brown of Forbes has been keeping track of all the late-arriving channel announcements for teams around baseball, specifically those that were covered by the Main Street Sports. As of 7 a.m. March 26, the Royals, Rays, Tigers and Braves also still hadn’t released channel listings.

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Streaming customers who used the FanDuel Sports Wisconsin app in previous years can use the new Brewers.TV option to once again watch games. The opener is also one of 10 games simulcast on over-the-air channels this season, including WITI-TV (Channel 6) in Milwaukee.



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