A Milwaukee M12 impact driver that’s not spinning & not impacting isn’t useful. It won’t be able to get any job done until you fix this, so let’s do that together!
Usually, something like this has to do with the bit or the collet. But, those aren’t the only two potential causes. Check out my list below and I’ll walk you through all the possibilities.
Milwaukee M12 Impact Driver Not Spinning & Not Impacting – Fixed
- Screwdriver Bit Won’t Sit Properly
Have you been using a screwdriver bit for a long while that’s always worked fine but won’t sit right in tool anymore? This is almost certainly a result of wear and tear due to lots of use.
Screwdriver bits lose their shape as you use them more. That’s due to all the impact they face regularly, which begins to change the way they look. Eventually, it gets too much.
If you’ve been using a screwdriver bit for a while without any issues but now it won’t spin anymore, this is the likely reason. The shape of the bit is too different for it to properly fit into the tool.
Using the same bit regularly for a few months will usually be enough to ruin its shape. When that time comes, the only way to handle the situation is by replacing the bit itself.
You’ll need to switch to a new one so it can fit onto the tool. Then it should spin fine, start impacting, and work like you want it to.
I have made a short video which you can watch below to see how your Milwaukee M12 impact driver should work.
This video is a demo about how to use the Milwaukee M12 impact driver for screwing.
- Trigger Stopping Tool From Spinning
Occasionally, the trigger on Milwaukee M12 impact drivers can start acting up. When that happens, the device doesn’t start spinning and impacting even when you press the trigger.
This is a result of the trigger not being able to reach certain switches inside of the tool, mainly due to jamming. This stops the driver from knowing when it’s time to spin and impact.
Triggers jam up because of junk behind them, which stops them from pressing all the way. To confirm this, open the tool up like I have in the image down here, and look behind the trigger.
Anytime there’s serious jamming, you should be able to notice it and get it out easily with a cloth. But, just to be safe, even if you don’t see anything, clean anyway.
I suggest using a tool to blow compressed air directly around the trigger mechanism. That will get rid of dirt trapped in tight spaces, and ensure the area is completely free of blockages.
Aside from the trigger, your Milwaukee M12 impact driver could have problems on its other parts too. I have a short video about the parts you need to check regularly in order to avoid problems on your tool.
On this video, I opened my Milwaukee M12 impact driver to check for the components that are responsible for some of the most common problems.
I checked the trigger, forward/reverse button, wire connection, battery, brushless motor, impact driver gear and impact mechanism.
- Clean the Collet Too
One more thing that can stop the impact driver from impacting or spinning is a dirty collet. This is what holds the screwdriver bit. If there’s too much gunk inside it, the bit can’t move fully.
Just like the last fix, I recommend doing a proper cleaning. But first, take the screwdriver bit out of the collet to get full access to it. That way, users can clean the component properly.
With the bit out of the way, you can start cleaning inside. Start by using a cloth to get rid of the dirt around the area I highlighted in the area down there.
After that, I recommend using something blow compressed air again. It’s the best way to get rid of debris that sticks to surfaces and tight corners, so it’ll ensure the collet is fully clean.
With the area inside fully clean, put the screwdriver bit back in after wiping it with a cloth. Then, with more free space to spin around in, the tool should start spinning and impacting again!
- Collet Holding Down Screwdriver Bit Too Tight
After some time, the collet itself can start to malfunction. This isn’t rare as it’s just a result of regular use.
When they go bad, collets hold down the bit a little too tight. This stops it from moving freely, preventing spinning and impacting.
Whether it’s the jaws or something else, any issues with the collet result in something similar to this happening.
Look at the collet of a Milwaukee M12 impact driver I’m inspecting in this photo. It has a problem with its collet, and that’s why this particular tool doesn’t spin right.
Certain problems like that can be fixed by adjusting the springs around the collet. But usually, it’s major damage to the collet that causes the screwdriver bit to stop spinning.
That kind of thing is usually irreversible. Even if it’s not, it usually isn’t worth it to go through the hassle to fix it. It’s a tedious process and prone to going bad again.
Instead, it’s better to get a new collet that’ll work more efficiently for a longer time. They’re cheap components and you can stock up so you’re ready for the next time this happens!
