# TLDR Review: Milwaukee M12 2401-20 Screwdriver

*Published: 2026-04-08 | Updated: 2026-04-08 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/milwaukee-m12-2401-20-screwdriver*

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## Product: Milwaukee M12 2401-20 Screwdriver
**Brand:** Milwaukee

## Pros
- Delivers impressive torque for its compact 12V size, making it suitable for light to medium duty jobs.
- Compact and lightweight design fits easily into tight spaces where full-size drills can't go.
- Comfortable, ergonomic grip reduces user fatigue during extended use.
- Variable speed trigger offers excellent control for precision tasks.
- Built-in bright LED light effectively illuminates dark or confined work areas.
- Durable, professional-grade construction with a reliable 1/4” quick release hex chuck for fast bit changes.
- Strong battery life with good charge retention, performing well even with aftermarket batteries.
- Large clutch adjustment collar allows precise torque settings for different applications.
- Functions well as a bolt runner and is gentle enough not to over-tighten fasteners.
- Offers excellent value within the Milwaukee cordless lineup for those needing a quality tool-only option.

## Cons
- Limited drilling speed due to a lower RPM drill setting, which can slow down some jobs.
- Struggles with tougher tasks like driving drywall screws into pine studs, lacking the power of larger drills.
- The hex bit holder can sometimes get damaged, making bit insertion or removal tricky.
- Durability might be a concern over long-term heavy use, especially if the tool is dropped.
- Does not include a battery or charger—it’s sold tool-only, so additional purchase is necessary.
- Lacks a dedicated wood screw setting present in some competing screwdrivers or older fixed-speed models.
- May not provide enough torque for very heavy-duty fastening jobs compared to 18V or larger tools.

## Bottom Line

The Milwaukee 2401-20 M12 12-Volt Cordless Hex Screwdriver is a compact, well-built, and ergonomically designed tool perfect for light to medium fastening tasks, especially in tight or awkward spaces. Its variable speed and precise torque control make it a pleasure for detail work, though it can fall short on heavier-duty jobs or faster drilling needs. Keep in mind it’s a tool-only model, so you’ll need to invest in Milwaukee M12 batteries separately if you don’t already have them. If you require more power or higher RPMs for wood or drywall screws, you might want to consider an 18V option or a dedicated impact driver, but for a lightweight, versatile screwdriver, this one rates highly in value and reliability.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Delivers impressive torque for its compact 12V size, making it suitable for light to medium duty jobs. | Limited drilling speed due to a lower RPM drill setting, which can slow down some jobs. |
| Compact and lightweight design fits easily into tight spaces where full-size drills can't go. | Struggles with tougher tasks like driving drywall screws into pine studs, lacking the power of larger drills. |
| Comfortable, ergonomic grip reduces user fatigue during extended use. | The hex bit holder can sometimes get damaged, making bit insertion or removal tricky. |
| Variable speed trigger offers excellent control for precision tasks. | Durability might be a concern over long-term heavy use, especially if the tool is dropped. |
| Built-in bright LED light effectively illuminates dark or confined work areas. | Does not include a battery or charger—it’s sold tool-only, so additional purchase is necessary. |
| Durable, professional-grade construction with a reliable 1/4” quick release hex chuck for fast bit changes. | Lacks a dedicated wood screw setting present in some competing screwdrivers or older fixed-speed models. |
| Strong battery life with good charge retention, performing well even with aftermarket batteries. | May not provide enough torque for very heavy-duty fastening jobs compared to 18V or larger tools. |
| Large clutch adjustment collar allows precise torque settings for different applications. |  |
| Functions well as a bolt runner and is gentle enough not to over-tighten fasteners. |  |
| Offers excellent value within the Milwaukee cordless lineup for those needing a quality tool-only option. |  |

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*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*