Best Milwaukee Impact Driver for the Money | Top 5 Reviews and Buyers Guide
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Welcome to our Milwaukee Impact Driver reviews. Milwaukee remains to be one of the most influential tool brands in the entire universe. It is a force to reckon with owing to its innovative and high-quality power tool products—the Milwaukee tool brand deals in several home applications and professional tools that we should all have.
The Milwaukee impact driver is a tool that is used to drive large screws into surfaces. If you are looking for one of these tools, there are five things that you should look for in the best Milwaukee impact driver:
- power and torque
- battery life
- comfort grip
- weight
- and size.
Each of these factors will determine what Milwaukee impact driver will be suitable for your needs.
Here’s what we cover in this best Milwaukee Impact Driver review article:
- First, we take a look at our top 5 picks and showcase them side-by-side in a comparison table. Ideal if you’re short on time!
- Next, we’ll take a deep dive into the features and benefits of each one
- Then, we explore their drawbacks we believe you should know about
- And finally, our buying guide will give you a greater insight into the Milwaukee tools line-up so you can choose the right one for your needs
Sound good? Great! Let’s get to work.
Buy on AmazonComparison of our favorite Milwaukee Impact Drivers
CLICK any image to see Ratings & Reviews on Amazon
| Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
Top | Milwaukee 2853-20 M18 FUEL 1/4" Hex impact Driver (Bare Tool) | Buy Now |
 | MILWAUKEE'S Electric Tools MLW2553-20 M12 Fuel 1/4" Hex Impact Driver (Bare) | Buy Now |
 | MILWAUKEE'S ELEC TOOL 2760-20 M18 Fuel Hex Hydraulic Driver, 1/4" | Buy Now |
 | Milwaukee 2656-20 M18 18V (Battery Not Included, Power Tool Only) | Buy Now |
 | MILWAUKEE'S 2462-20 M12 1/4 Inch Hex Shank (Battery Not Included, Power Tool Only) | Buy Now |
Further reading: 13 Different Types of Drills – Which One is Right For You?
Best Milwaukee Impact Driver | Top 5 Reviews
1. Milwaukee Impact Driver (Model 2853-20) (Best Overall)
- Milwaukee impact drivers are a favorite among contractors, builders, electricians, and more with its powerstate brushless motor that delivers up to 30% faster driving speed.
- The Milwaukee impact driver 2853/20 is compact at 4.59 in length, making it easier to use in tight spaces. Plus, the product has up to 25% more torque - meaning you can complete demanding applications such as cementing anchors for light fixtures or installing bolts into hard-to-reach places like ceiling studs or big window sills without worry due to their powerful grip strength and durability.
- To top it off, the motor provides up to 2,000in-lbs of torque with next-generation fuel cell technology giving your tools space for better performance by preventing buckling under heavy job loads.
- Besides making it easier on your body with less strain from prolonged use, it also ensures the overall durability of the product by eliminating brushes and bushings that are prone to wear-and-tear over otherwise long periods of heavy use.
- This cordless tool is engineered to power through the toughest jobs. To maximize performance, this reliable and powerful tool uses Milwaukee M18 fuel REDLITHIUM Battery Packs that last longer and put out more work per charge than competitors. It also comes with a 4-Mode Drive Control for greater control over output speed depending on the task at hand.
- The Milwaukee Impact Driver (Model 2853-20) is the most essential power tool in any workshop. Built to last, its perfect for driving screws quickly and easily with less chance of your driver slipping off mid-screw! All these thanks to innovative features such as a self-tapping mode that reduces stripping fasteners - a much faster operation than using a manual screwdriver.
- But dont worry, if you do happen to slip up? The single-handed keyless chuck bit insertion feature ensures quicker installation time by letting experienced users immediately replace impact driver bits without needing an additional assembly or ratcheting mechanism. With its long-lasting durability and practicality in mind, youll wonder how you worked without it before!
2. Milwaukee Electric Tools (Model MLW2553-20) (Best Value)
- The MILWAUKEE M12 Fuel 1/4 in. Hex Impact Driver pushes the boundaries of what's possible for performance at this size. It delivers over 1,300 in. lbs. of torque and 4-speed settings up to 3,300 RPM to complete fastening work faster than ever before.
- This tool can take on a wide range of jobs such as driving screws or bolts into hard surfaces like woods or formboards with ease! Best-in-class power, size, and weight mean this speed demon will not only help you get your work done faster but show its versatility by doing much more than just driving lag bolts!
- MILWAUKEE'S new MLW2553-20 cordless screwdriver is the perfect solution for those jobs with plenty of hard-to-reach corners. This little portable electric driving tool offers constant power output and up to 3,300 rpm without sacrificing quality or speed, even in tight corners. The battery can also be changed out easily thanks to its unique modular system, so rest assured you never have to stop work while you change the battery!
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
3. Milwaukee Elec Tool 2760-20
- The Milwaukee Elec Tool 2760-20 has a fluid-drive hydraulic powertrain and is quieter than an impact drill, delivering smoother performance. The Powerstate Brushless motor outperforms all leading competitors to provide you with the perfect tool for any project. With this advanced technology in hand, your work will never be more efficient and effective.
- The Milwaukee 2760-20 is a heavy-duty, 18V cordless drill with intelligent circuitry that monitors battery performance to prevent overloading. The tool works with REDLITHIUM batteries which contain high-quality cells to deliver more work per charge and work over the life of the battery.
- Get ultimate power and control with the Milwaukee electric tool 2760-20. With a quad mode drive control, youll be able to work at your ideal speed and with full power even in tough spaces like nooks and crannies.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
4. Milwaukee Impact Driver (Model 2656-20)
- Powerful, versatile, and reliable with everything you need. This Milwaukee Impact Driver carries a variable speed trigger that applies the perfect amount of pressure for your job.
- Pre-set torque to impact rates is easy to switch between based on construction needs or project types. You can tackle any household projects or unseen problem areas around your home without worrying about overdriving screws into the surface, thanks to an LED light that illuminates where you're working and texturized handle grip for superior handling even in slippery situations.
- This device is set at 3,450 impacts per minute without touching those delicate surfaces yourself so there's no risk of being too forceful when tightening bolts- simply use this machine as directed! Designed for producing maximum power yet requires minimal effort, more than capable of fitting comfortably in your hand for extended periods of use with one-handed operation.
- It is the perfect driver for getting those hard-to-reach fasteners and screws before they get lost. Its lightweight body protects your hand from fatigue, while at the same time giving you enough control to avoid stripping a screw head or damaging the surface.
- It offers powerful impact driving without needing corded power supply thanks to REDLINK™ Technology that communicates with M18 batteries, resulting in more efficient work time. The cordless power tools design allows all of this power and efficiency so it can be used almost anywhere on any tool-compatible project at home or the job site.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
5. Milwaukee Impact Driver (Model 2462-20)
- Do you need to get into tight spaces or holes where space is limited? If so, the Milwaukee Compact Impact Driver with LED Light and Belt Clip can help.
- The led light will illuminate your subject without having any shadows cast in front of it by any fingers that are on the trigger. You also have a power gauge that displays how much charge there is left in the battery system for you not to accidentally run out during use.
- Offering an ambidextrous belt clip so its easy to change it from one side to another when needed! Another great feature about this product is its small size which makes it easy for anyone to handle even around tight corners or small pieces of furniture!
- What a power-packed cordless impact driver! It has motor protection technology, enabling it to use power more efficiently and stay cool. You can also buy the batteries separately or attach interchangeable high-capacity M12 battery packs with RedLithium battery chargers like model 1180. Best of all though, this magnificent machine is compatible with any Milwaukee M12 tool in your arsenal.
- The Milwaukee 2462-20 is powerful, lightweight, and sturdy. Its perfect for driving fasteners into hard surfaces with up to 1,000-inch-pounds of torque at 2,500 revolutions per minute.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Video: Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hex Impact Driver
Milwaukee Impact Driver Buyers Guide
Any make-impact driver will set you back a bit of cash, and you may be wondering if you need one at all. After all, you have your drill driver. Here’s the thing with impact drivers. They produce so much more torque than even the heaviest of heavy-duty drills, and while you will get away with using your rotary hammer drill on small fasteners, think again on larger ones.
An impact driver derives its name from the way it loosens tight nuts. If you had to change your car tire by hand and came across a stubbornly tight nut, you’d most likely hit or kick the wrench to loosen it enough to remove it. An impact driver works the same way. When it comes across this resistance, small hammers inside it hit the anvil to give it an additional force to loosen the nut. This extra torque is what sets it apart from other tools.
Impact drivers are used chiefly for woodworking, especially cabinet construction, to drive fasteners inefficiently. Despite the extra power, it’s unlikely to strip screws.
Some factors to consider when buying an impact driver:
Drive size
Having a tool, this good is only as sound as the accessories you can buy. The ¼ inch hex is the most popular drive size and having an impact driver capable of accommodating it makes it very useful. Remember to check that the accessory is designed for impact, as anything short of that will break.
Impacts Per Minute (IPM)
This is an important feature to note as it determines the overall power of the impact driver. The higher the IPM, the more hammer strikes delivered per 60 seconds. But, it’s also essential to consider the no-load RPM as well. Higher numbers mean much higher performance.
However, do consider what you need the impact driver for. For instance, one with 2400RPM is suitable for fixing most fasteners into the wood, but you’d need a higher RPM and IPM for concrete and other hard materials. We reviewed the Milwaukee Impact Drivers aimed at the pro-market and have incredibly high performance in all areas.
No Load Speed
This is the speed the drive spins at under no load and is indicative of the rate at which you can drive the fastener. The impact driver’s performance is measured best when comparing it to the IPM figure.
Torque
Arguably this is an essential factor to consider because it’s a measure of the rotational force. In essence, it’s the amount of power per blow, so a tool with a high IPM and high torque level will be capable of heavy-duty jobs.
Battery power
The battery capacity is measured in Ah, and the higher that number, the higher the battery capacity will be. However, as that number rises, so does the cost and full-charge time. The five we reviewed are all M18 fuel compatible so that you can use the same battery across a range of Milwaukee tools.
This is particularly useful if you are a regular user and need to use multiple tools frequently because the cost savings are enormous. It’s not just the cost of the batteries but also a charger. You won’t need an adapter to use a circular saw, a Milwaukee cordless impact wrench, or other 20V max tools because of the interchangeability of the devices.
Battery charge
The vast majority of impact drivers are cordless, which means they are portable and can be taken to areas away from a power source. However, you must consider how long it will take to fully charge the battery and its usage per charge. Typically, a 2Ah battery will take up to an hour to fully charge.
Other features
It’s unlikely you’ll be using the impact driver for a prolonged period, even if you have a large number of fastenings to do, but the only must-have feature is a tool-less accessory change. A brushless motor, warranty, speed settings, and LED lights are discretionary features.
Buy on AmazonConclusion
Milwaukee makes some of the best impact drivers. Therefore, if you are looking for one and are unsure which to buy, our list contains some of the best.
Our Best Overall pick went to the Milwaukee 2853-20 as it has all the best features you’d expect from a top performer. It’s also decent value for money! It’ll drive fasteners in 30% quicker and is more compact to be used in tight spaces.
The Best Value award went to the Milwaukee Electric Tools MLW2553-20 that delivers 3,300 RPM and 1,300 in. lbs of torque, all from a 12V brushless motor! The price is reasonable too.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
So, there you have our Milwaukee impact driver reviews. If you combine the assessments with our buyer’s guide, we are confident you will narrow down your search and identify which model is suitable.
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CLICK any image to see Ratings & Reviews on Amazon
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When I’m not testing and reviewing tools, you’ll find me in front of a hot BBQ, cold drink in hand, cooking up something big, and spending quality time with my wife and two boys. I’m also often found in my workshop working on my next project!
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