• GES LTD
• May 05, 2025

What Milwaukee Impact Wrench Should You Buy?

Are you one of the DIY lovers handling challenging nut and bolt jobs alone? If so, impact wrenches are the inevitable tools for releasing rigid fasteners quickly! Not only do they remove those tough fasteners, but they also help remove lug nuts, locking wheel nuts and escalate any task of tightening or slackening bolts. 

So, which brand stands out in terms of impact wrenches? 

Milwaukee is one of the leading impact wrench brands in the UK, selling different models with varied price tags. Although selecting the right model can be intimidating due to the availability of various tools, you’re not alone! 

This blog will walk you through eight different Milwaukee impact wrenches and let you choose one for your needs. Let’s get started! 

Core Features To Consider While Buying Impact Wrenches

During the selection of an impact wrench, below are the major features you should consider:

• Type of motor - The brushed motors usually provide less performance and longevity compared to their brushless counterparts. Such brushless motors are adaptable, don’t need much maintenance, are highly productive, and produce less heat. 
• Size and weight - A lighter impact wrench is more convenient than the larger wrenches, often delivering maximum torque. On the contrary, the lighter one is convenient for prolonged use or overhead work. 
• Clutch settings - Adjustable clutch settings offer seamless control over torque. This is how the appropriate clutch settings help prevent wear and tear of the fasteners.
• Torque output - Torque means the twisting force of the wrench, and it’s measured in Nm. The technicians often use higher torque for loosening tight fasteners. Hence, while determining the torque value, you need to consider the fastener type. 
• Durability - A durable impact wrench must be able to resist continuous usage. That’s why you must look for a top-notch wrench from a well-known manufacturer, like Milwaukee.
• Anvil size - ½’’/¾’/1’’ are the different anvil sizes that disclose the socket size. Anvil size of ½’’ inch is for everyday use, ¾’’ is for heavy applications, and 1’’ is for the most difficult assignments.
• Impact Rate or IPM - Higher IPM usually means expeditious work and increased hammer frequency when releasing some tight fasteners. 

Different Milwaukee Impact Wrenches 

As you have learned the core features while buying an impact wrench, below is a list of eight different Milwaukee impact wrenches:

Milwaukee M18 FUEL brushless mid-torque 1/2 inch cordless impact wrench

This brand is made to tackle dirty, challenging, and greasy jobs. The Milwaukee brand targets the automotive sector with its M18 fuel brushless mid-torque product. If this is your first tool, you must buy a charger and a battery. This impact wrench’s nut-busting torque is 881 Nm, and its fastening torque is 746 Nm. 

However, some of its leading features are shown below:

1. 4-modes with bolt removal and auto shut-off mode.
2. 18mm shorter in length compared to its earlier generation.
3. Its brand-new tri-LED lighting produces brighter light and minimal shadows around the piece, increasing the user’s visibility. 
4. Auto shut-off mode inhibits over-tightening and promotes productivity using 48 Nm of torque. 

 

Milwaukee M18 fuel D-handle high torque 2868/2869

A 1-inch D-handle Milwaukee impact wrench is the best one to buy when you are in dire need of power. They have two legitimate cordless models that can swiftly replace the pneumatics. You can count on this Milwaukee model if you have the most arduous task. It provides 2000 ft-lbs of breakaway torque and 1900 ft-lbs of fastening torque. 

Milwaukee’s 12Ah high-output battery and powerful brushless motor are solid energy sources. This model also offers a battery isolation area that minimises the severe impact of pulsing on the Li-ion cells.

Features 

1. Unprecedented productivity with the runtime to eradicate and install 120 lug nuts on a single high-output HD12.0Ah battery.
2. One-key technology allows the impact wrench to be customised, managed, and tracked. The one-key approved lug nut mode impedes over-torque and offers maximum control via auto shut-off. 
3. The 4-mode drive control is one of its characteristics that exhibits ultimate control over output rate and power.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3/8" impact wrench

If you’re looking for a compact cordless wrench in this range, the M18 Fuel ⅜’’ impact wrench is the best. DIY users and technicians can use this impact wrench since its length is just 124mm. Due to its highly compact nature, the impact wrench is ideal for working in difficult areas. 

With a fastening torque of 339Nm, the bolt removal control introduces maximum torque to ensure no more fastener drops. The eye-catching feature of this impact wrench is that it has Tri-LEDs supplying HD lighting to boost the visibility of the workspace. 

Features

1. Bolt removal control supplies complete torque output. After that, the RPMs are reduced to restrain fastener drops. 
2. The 4-mode drive control feature helps the user shift into 4 distinct torque and speed settings to increase the versatility of the application. 
3. To deter over-tightening, the auto shut-off control employs 34 Nm of torque for hand-tight fastening applications.

M12 fuel stubby 1/4-inch 2552

This model is captivating throughout its drive sizes, and the ¼-inch version plummets to 100 ft-lbs of torque combined with 3000 RPM. While working with tinier fasteners or delicate materials, this impact wrench model would be a great choice if you want to steer clear of over-torquing. Its three basic modes and an auto mode help obtain more control. The M12 model has 4-mode drive control, an impact rate of 4000 IPM, 0-1300/0900/3200 RPM of no-load speeds, and 1.64 pounds of weight. 

Features

1. Auto shut-off mode in its 4th setting deters bolts’ over-fastening during the reassembly job.
2. As part of the M12™ battery line, it demonstrates over 100 compact and powerful tools.
3. Due to its POWERSTATE brushless motor, the compact impact supplies high torque.
4. It has a built-in REDLIINK tool technology to detach the most stubborn fasteners and bolts. 

M18 fuel utility high torque impact wrench 2865

This model, with its 7/16-inch hex collet, is manufactured to meet linemen’s requirements. Its brushless motor can produce 750 ft-lbs of torque to aid in setting the larger fasteners. This M18 model is certified for operation around 69,000 volts and features a robust metal ring at the top for effortless connectivity. 

Features

1. One-key technology offers a swift drilling speed.
2. It has a POWERSTATE brushless motor, and this mechanism offers linemen 30% quicker drilling speeds, boosting their productivity. 
3. Quick dumping of rusted hardware due to its 750 ft-lbs of torque. 
4. The extended handle provides an enhanced grip surface, appropriate for gripping while wearing safety gloves. 
5. REDLINK PLUS intelligence ensures the highest performance and safeguards your impact from heating, overloads, and over-discharge. 
6. ONE-KEY technology lets you save a maximum of 4 task settings. 
7. The REDLITHIUM battery pack helps deliver more work per charge due to its compatibility with 175+ M18 tools. 

M18 Fuel High-Torque 2864

Milwaukee has some of the ¾-inch impact wrench models, and you must consider the 2864 one for the fastest work. With a gigantic 1500 ft-lbs breakaway torque or 1200 ft-lbs of fastening, this high-torque model comes with a POWERSTATE brush motor technology. 

It offers a cordless solution that eliminates the need for corded wrenches. Since the industry’s highly compact cordless high torque impact wrench is 8.59’’ long, this specialised tool offers high access in compact places. 

Features

1. REDLINK PLUS intelligence deters tool destruction and battery from overheating or overloading. 
2. Since it is compatible with ONE-KEY, this machine can be connected to a smartphone to track and handle its performance and location. 
3. The tool's memory offers 4 custom profiles, accessible with one touch of a button. 
4. Its REDLITHIUM batteries supply higher work per charge and maximum work over the battery’s lifespan. 

Milwaukee ⅜-inch fuel compact 2854 impact wrench

Are you looking for the best ⅜-inch impact wrench? If so, this Milwaukee fuel compact 2854 model is an impressive impact wrench to consider! It provides 250 ft-lbs of torque; while testing, it usually breaks at 400 ft-lbs. 

This Milwaukee model comes with a 5.0Ah battery, and the total weight is only 4 pounds. You can make the most of its accessibility in tight places due to its compact size. This battery-driven impact wrench is only 4.8 inches long with a seamless POWERSTATE brushless motor to supply the power to eliminate stubborn fasteners. 

Features

1. It has Tri-LEDs surrounding the anvil to provide maximum light with minimal shadows. 
2. REDLITHIUM battery pack fits the M18 tools, supplying higher work per charge and throughout the pack’s life.
3. 4-mode DRIVE CONTROL technology offers higher accuracy with pre-set IPM and RPM levels.

Milwaukee M12 fuel stubby 1/2-inch 2555/2555P impact wrench

If you’re looking for a Milwaukee impact wrench’s cordless model, this M12 ½-inch is the industry’s best compact model. Its 4.9-inch length lets you work in confined spaces, supplying the required power to finish most essential tasks. This is how it helps increase your productivity. The model can generate higher torque with its POWERSTATE brushless motor technology. Also, it’s a well-known model that produces 250 ft-lbs of breakaway torque. 

Features

• Maximum of 80 PSI and 17’ vertical spray distance. 
• 4-mode drive control offers unparalleled control.
• Auto shut off impedes fastener’s over-tightening.
• More run-time, power, and extended life due to POWERSTATE brushless motor technology.

How To Opt For The Right Milwaukee Impact Wrench?

• Know your needs - Before selecting a Milwaukee impact wrench, consider your budget, the fastener type, size, material, and frequency. 
• Check the needed torque - Depending on the material and size of the fasteners, you must decide the minimum torque required. Since higher torque comes with increased size and weight, technicians usually prefer it.
• Evaluate the features - You must consider the features, like a clutch mechanism, numerous speed settings, and a reverse/forward switch, while buying a Milwaukee impact wrench.
• Check the warranty - By checking the warranty on Milwaukee impact wrenches, you can safeguard your valuable investment and gain peace of mind. 
• Assess the motor type - Brushless motors of Milwaukee impact wrenches offer the highest longevity and superior performance. 
• Choose the anvil size - You may choose ½’’/¾’/1’’ anvil size depending on the fasteners and sockets. 
• Opt for the power source - Considering your work environment, check the pros and cons of corded or cordless Milwaukee electric wrenches.

Conclusion

There’s no correct explanation for which Milwaukee impact wrench is the most useful. Every Milwaukee impact wrench mentioned above is effective and compact, with different anvil sizes and seamless features. The right one always depends on your needs, the socket, and the fasteners you will be working with! 

Picking a suitable impact wrench model also relies on your budget and needs. You can obtain the right tool by meticulously considering the aforementioned features of the Milwaukee models and the selection criteria. Always remember safety first and kindly go through the manufacturer’s guidelines for top-notch performance and longevity. Therefore, having the appropriate Milwaukee impact wrenches will make the most demanding nut-and-bolt tasks convenient and quick.