Milwaukee is a leading brand in power tools, and their impact wrenches are highly regarded for their performance and durability. With a wide range of models available, choosing the right Milwaukee impact wrench can be challenging. This guide compares some of the top Milwaukee impact wrenches to help you select the best one for your specific applications. Whether you are a professional mechanic, a construction worker, or a DIY enthusiast, understanding the differences between these tools will ensure you get the power and features you need.
Milwaukee Impact Wrench Comparison: Top Picks
When you’re looking to Compare Milwaukee Impact Wrenches, it’s crucial to consider the different sizes and power levels available. Milwaukee offers a variety of impact wrenches within their M18 and M12 Fuel lines, each designed for specific tasks. Here’s a comparison of our top picks across different categories:
Don’t Forget Your Milwaukee Impact Sockets!
To maximize the performance of your Milwaukee impact wrench, using high-quality impact sockets is essential. Milwaukee offers excellent impact socket sets designed to withstand the high torque output of their wrenches. For comprehensive coverage, consider the 36-piece 3/8-inch set (49-66-6805) and the 31-piece 1/2-inch set (49-66-6806).
These sets include both SAE and metric sizes, featuring 6-point sockets with clear stamped and ink-filled markings for easy identification. The sockets come organized in durable Packout cases with removable, color-coded trays (red for SAE, black for metric), which can also be transferred to your tool chest.
Buy at Acme Tools
Best Milwaukee 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench: Mid-Torque Champion
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Mid-Torque 1/2″ Impact Wrench 2962/2962P
If you need a versatile Milwaukee impact wrench for a wide array of tasks, the M18 Fuel Mid-Torque 2962/2962P in 1/2-inch drive is an excellent choice. Available with either a friction ring (2962) or pin detent (2962P) anvil, this tool delivers a balanced performance. It provides up to 550 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 650 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque, making it suitable for various automotive and industrial applications.
The 2962/2962P features Milwaukee’s 4-Mode Drive Control, offering three standard speed and power modes plus an Auto Mode for enhanced control. Its compact design, enabled by advanced brushless motor technology, makes it surprisingly maneuverable for its power class.
Key Features:
- 4-Mode Drive Control for versatile operation
- No-Load Speeds: 0 – 1250/1950/2575 RPM (2575 RPM in Auto mode)
- Impact Rate: 0 – 3100 IPM
- Torque: 550 ft-lbs (fastening), 650 ft-lbs (nut-busting)
- Head Length: 6.0 inches
- Bare Tool Weight: 3.5 lbs (5.1 lbs with 5.0Ah battery)
- 3/8-inch friction ring version also available (2960)
$249 Bare, $479 Kit
Best Milwaukee 3/8-Inch Impact Wrench: Compact Powerhouse
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact 3/8″ Impact Wrench 2854
When comparing Milwaukee 3/8-inch impact wrenches, the M18 Fuel Compact 2854 stands out for its remarkable power in a small package. This impact wrench delivers 250 ft-lbs of fastening torque and exceeded 400 ft-lbs in breakaway torque during tests. Its compact size, less than 5 inches in length and under 2.5 pounds as a bare tool, makes it ideal for working in tight spaces. Even with a 5.0Ah battery, it remains lightweight at just 4.0 pounds.
Like the 1/2-inch mid-torque model, the 2854 features 4-Mode Drive Control, providing three standard modes and an Auto Mode for optimized control and precision.
Key Features:
- 4-Mode Drive Control for adaptable performance
- No-Load Speeds: 0-800/1650/2400 RPM (2400 RPM in Auto mode)
- Impact Rate: 3500 IPM
- Torque: 250 ft-lbs (fastening)
- Head Length: 4.8 inches
- Bare Tool Weight: 2.4 lbs
- 1/2-inch friction ring and pin detent versions also available (2855/2855P)
$219 Bare, $429 Kit
Best Milwaukee 3/4-Inch Impact Wrench: High-Torque and Manageable
Milwaukee M18 Fuel High-Torque 3/4″ Impact Wrench 2864
Milwaukee offers several 3/4-inch impact wrenches, but the M18 Fuel High-Torque 2864 is a top recommendation for those needing significant power. This cordless impact wrench delivers a massive 1200 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 1500 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, yet it remains relatively manageable in weight and size compared to other high-torque options.
The 2864 includes Milwaukee’s One-Key technology, allowing for tool tracking, inventory management, and customizable modes to fine-tune performance to specific applications.
Key Features:
- One-Key Technology for customization and management
- No-Load Speeds: 0-1800 RPM (four customizable modes)
- Impact Rate: 0-2400 IPM
- Torque: 1200 ft-lbs (fastening), 1500 ft-lbs (breakaway)
- Head Length: 8.6 inches
- Bare Tool Weight: 6.3 lbs
- 1/2-inch friction ring version also available (2863)
$349 Bare, $599 Kit
Best Milwaukee 1-Inch Impact Wrench: Extreme Power for Heavy Duty
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1″ D-Handle High-Torque Impact Wrench 2868/2869
For applications requiring maximum power, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1-Inch D-Handle High-Torque 2868/2869 impact wrenches are in a class of their own. Designed to replace pneumatic models, these cordless beasts deliver an astounding 1900 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 2,000 ft-lbs of breakaway torque. They are built for the most demanding jobs in diesel and heavy equipment mechanics.
These wrenches are powered by Milwaukee’s 12.0Ah High Output battery to handle the energy demands of their powerful brushless motors. They also feature a battery isolation system to minimize vibration impact on the battery cells. One-Key integration and four customizable modes further enhance their functionality. The 2868/2869 series is available with a standard or extended reach 1-inch anvil to suit different application needs.
Key Features:
- One-Key Technology for advanced control and tracking
- No-Load Speeds: 0-1200 RPM (four customizable modes)
- Impact Rate: 0-1440 IPM
- Torque: 1900 ft-lbs (fastening), 2000 ft-lbs (breakaway)
- Head Length: 17.9 inches
- Bare Tool Weight: 21.5 lbs (25.0 lbs with 12.0Ah battery, +2.2 lbs for extended anvil)
$899 Bare, $1399 Kit
Best Milwaukee 1/4-Inch Impact Wrench: Compact and Precise
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Stubby 1/4″ Impact Wrench 2552
Moving to the more compact end of the spectrum, the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Stubby 1/4-Inch 2552 is our top pick in the 1/4-inch category. Part of Milwaukee’s impressive M12 Fuel stubby line, this impact wrench delivers 100 ft-lbs of torque and up to 3000 RPM. It is ideal for smaller fasteners and applications where over-torquing is a concern, offering excellent control and precision. Like other models in the Fuel series, it features 4-Mode Drive Control, including an Auto Mode for enhanced precision.
Key Features:
- 4-Mode Drive Control for optimal control
- No-Load Speeds: 0 – 1300/1900/3200 RPM (3200 RPM in auto mode)
- Impact Rate: 4000 IPM
- Torque: 100 ft-lbs
- Head Length: 5.1 inches
- Bare Tool Weight: 1.64 lbs
$179 Bare, $299 Kit
Best Milwaukee M12 Impact Wrench: Stubby and Powerful
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Stubby 1/2″ Impact Wrench 2555/2555P
When comparing Milwaukee M12 impact wrenches overall, the M12 Fuel Stubby 1/2-Inch 2555/2555P is a standout choice. This compact impact wrench delivers an impressive 250 ft-lbs of torque, remarkable for a 12V platform. Available with either a friction ring (2555) or pin detent (2555P) anvil, it is versatile enough for various trades and automotive tasks.
Key Features:
- 4-Mode Drive Control for adaptable use
- No-Load Speeds: 0-1200/1800/2700 RPM (2700 RPM in auto mode)
- Impact Rate: 3200 IPM
- Torque: 250 ft-lbs
- Head Length: 4.9 inches
- Bare Tool Weight: 2 lbs
- 3/8-inch friction ring version also available
$199 Bare, $329 Kit
More Milwaukee Cordless Impact Wrench Options to Consider
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Utility High Torque Impact Wrench 2865
The Milwaukee 2865 is a specialized M18 Fuel impact wrench designed for utility linemen. It features a 7/16-inch hex collet and delivers 750 ft-lbs of torque, suitable for the larger fasteners used in utility work. Rated to work around lines up to 69,000 volts and equipped with a robust metal ring for tethering, it prioritizes safety and convenience for utility professionals.
While its top speed of 2300 RPM may not match hydraulic impacts, the cordless nature of the 2865 significantly reduces setup time and hassle, offering greater job site mobility. One-Key technology is included for tool tracking, management, and mode customization.
Key Features:
- 4-Mode Drive Control (no auto mode)
- No-Load Speeds: 0 – 900/1200/1800/2300 RPM
- Impact Rate: 2800 IPM
- Torque: 750 ft-lbs
- Head Length: 8.2 inches
- Bare Tool Weight: 5.9 lbs
$399 Bare, $629 Kit
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Right Angle Impact Wrench 2565/2565P
When comparing Milwaukee right angle impact wrenches, the M12 Fuel Right Angle Impact Wrench 2565/2565P is a unique and valuable tool. Although it might resemble a ratchet wrench at first glance, the 2565 is a true impact wrench with significantly higher speed and torque capabilities. Its right-angle design allows access to tight spaces inaccessible to pistol-grip impact wrenches.
The 2565 delivers up to 220 ft-lbs of torque and 3000 RPM. With an overall length of just over 14 inches, it provides both reach and power for challenging fastening tasks in confined areas. The Auto Mode is particularly beneficial on this model, reducing RPMs in reverse once the impact stops and limiting forward torque to 15 ft-lbs for greater control.
Key Features:
- 4-Mode Drive Control with Auto Mode for enhanced precision
- No-Load Speeds: 0 – 1550/2300/3000 RPM (3000 RPM in auto mode)
- Impact Rate: 3,600 IPM
- Torque: 220 ft-lbs
- Head Length: 2.2 inches
- Bare Tool Weight: 2.85 lbs
- Available in 3/8-inch friction ring, 1/2-inch friction ring, or 1/2-inch pin detent
$199 Bare, $349 Kit
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