Milwaukee 2753-20 M18 Fuel 1/4 Hex Impact Driver Review

The first generation of Milwaukee M18 Fuel Impact Drivers was a massive hit. It was time for the company to build on this success with a new product. This is no easy task given the great expectations. Fortunately, their engineers managed to come up with a pretty compelling package.

The Milwaukee 2753-20 M18 Fuel 1/4 Hex Impact Driver does not disappoint. All of the good features remained and nifty innovations were added. In a nutshell, the new driver is more powerful while being smaller in size. This winning combination helps in many real world scenarios.

Pros	Cons
5-Year Limited Warranty More Ergonomic Design 3,000 RPM & 3,700 IPM max 1,800 in-lbs of Torque.	The reverse button can stick Bit holder can wear out quick (nobody really uses this feature anyways).

What I like about Milwaukee M18 Impact Driver

In-depth Features

This cordless tool is only 5.25 inches in length and 2.1 lbs in weight. Anyone can carry this around a house or a work site while completing a project. The improved ergonomics provide a nice feel in the hands. The small size means that it can be used in tight spaces and held at odd angles with no issues.

The brushless Powerstate Motor is highly efficient. It can deliver up to 1,800 inch-pounds of torque to make jobs a breeze. This makes it the most powerful tool in its class. No job is too big or too small for this compact device. You won’t need to reach for a larger driver as this can tackle the majority of tasks.

Switch between tasks effortlessly using the 4-mode drive control. Each mode corresponds with a certain output speed and power for better precision. Mode 1 goes from 0 to 850 rpm, Mode 2 goes from 0 to 2,100 rpm, and Mode 3 goes from 0-3,000 rpm.

Mode 4 is the most interesting among them as it is a combination of all these with automatic adjustments. It is called the self-tapping screw mode and is activated in three stages. The first stage is a controlled start where the speed ramps up to 3,000 rpm to reduce walking. Next is the fast driving stage where it spins at 3,000 rpm to go through the material quickly. Finally, it slows down to a controlled finish of up to 750 rpm to minimize the incidence of breaking and stripping.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is advised. Clean the contacts on the battery pack to ensure full power. Remove dust from vents. Once or twice a year, depending on the frequency of use, take the tool to a Milwaukee service facility for cleaning, mechanical inspection, testing, and lubrication. The battery pack and charger should also be taken for electrical inspection.

How’s The Battery Life

It is possible to use either a compact battery with 1.5 mAh or an extended battery with 5.0 mAh. The former can last for several hours before needing a recharge while the latter is enough to last for days. Always use a suitable charger and avoid exposure to excessive temperatures.

Who can use this impact driver?

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel is great for projects that require a whole lot of screws, especially if they are long or large. Doing everything manually would be impractical as it would take days to finish. Using a regular cordless driver wold help but the job would take a toll on the wrists. Impact drivers can get things done much faster and easier. There is an internal mechanism that helps to push the screws into dense and tough materials. Regular tools can stall under such conditions but not the M18.You will see this tool being used for the installation of plywood subfloors, tile backer boards, and wooden decks. Both committed DIYers and professionals can use this for their projects. Even those who are trying to do basic repair and maintenance work on their car can use this. The power in this small package allows it to tackle difficult tasks.

What you didn’t like about this model?

This model is not exactly cheap. There are options out there with a lower price point which may suit those who have a tight budget. The tool itself costs a little over $100 and you would need to purchase separate batteries and a charger, if you don’t already have one. However, the value for money provided by the M18 is simply excellent.

Do make sure that you purchase from reliable sources. Some sellers are not very careful when it comes to packaging and shipping. The product may get to your doorstep already damaged due to their negligence. Unfortunately, returns and refunds can be a hassle.

How does this driver compare to other drivers?

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel compares favorably with other impact drivers. Owners will not mind showing this to their friends. Consider DeWalt’s 20v impact driver in this product category. It is a 20V tool with a similar design. However, it is a bit bigger and heavier than the M18 at 5.55 inches and 2.8 lbs. Despite the added bulk, it can only muster 1,400 in-lbs of torque which is far less than the Milwaukee’s 1,800 in-lbs. In fact, the latter is considered as the most powerful impact driver in this class. Nothing comes close to producing big torque in a small package.

A comparison with the Black and Decker 20V Max Lithium Impact Driver produces the same findings. This model is much heavier at 3.25 lbs but somehow that mass was not converted as well to turning power. It can only generate 1,375 inch-pounds of maximum torque. Warranty is also limited to 2 years which is much lower than the Milwaukee’s 5-year warranty.

What do users say about the Milwaukee Impact driver?

Users have posted glowing reviews about the product. The overwhelming majority are satisfied with the purchase. Many were surprised by the power packed in this diminutive tool. It can replaced their old and large drills with ease. It is more comfortable to use because of its lightness. The M18 is good enough to remove lug nuts from a truck. It’s also handy for building furniture around the house. Long screws go into concrete without much effort. They commended the efficiency of the brushless motor which gets the job done while conserving energy. Batteries last a long while on a single charge. Check out other Milwaukee M18 Fuel Impact driver review posts for more information.

Final Thoughts

Impact drivers are changing the power tools industry. They are gradually displacing regular drills thanks to their ease of use and higher power. No model is more powerful in its class than the Milwaukee M18 Fuel. It is simply the best cordless drill for the money. Owners are raving about theirs. If you are shopping for a replacement for your old tools, then this is definitely worth a serious look.