Milwaukee has redesigned their M18 Fuel brushless impact drivers and impact wrenches for 2015, just like they did their Fuel drill and hammer drill. There are quite a few differences between first generation and second generation tools, and hopefully our photos do a good job of showing this. As with the new M18 Fuel drills, a lot of the differences are hidden inside the tools.
For a sneak peek at some of the other new tool developments, check out our brief 15-image teaser post of the event. And to follow the continued coverage, check out our Milwaukee New Product Symposium 2015 section.
Advertisement
Milwaukee’s 1st-generation M18 Fuel impact driver is the top pick in our best impact drivers recommendations post. It looks like it will surely be unseated by the new 2nd-gen brushless model, which boasts a number of improvements and an added feature.
New Milwaukee M18 Fuel Impact Drivers and Wrenches
There will be 1 new impact driver, and 3 new impact wrenches. These are compact brushless motor impacts, so don’t expect lug nut-busting torque. If you need a very high power and high torque impact, consider one of Milwaukee’s heavy duty M18 Fuel impact wrenches.
- Impact Driver (1/4″ hex), model 2753
- 3/8″ Impact Wrench (friction ring), model 2754
- 1/2″ Impact Wrench (pin detent), model 2755
- 1/2″ Impact Wrench (friction ring), model 2755B
Milwaukee 2nd-Gen M18 Fuel Brushless Impact Tool Features and Comparison
To start off, the new impact tools felt tiny. When I checked the technical specs, I found that they are only a little more compact than the current batch of 1st-gen M18 Fuel impact tools.
So was it my imagination that the tools felt so much more compact? At first handling, I double-checked to make sure these were M18 tools and not M12 tools with XC battery packs. It sounds silly to say such a thing, but at the time I for a brief moment considered that these couldn’t possibly be 18V-class tools.
Advertisement
There will be 4 new models, which will be available in compact kits, XC kits, and as bare tools. The compact kits will come with 2.0Ah battery packs, and the XC kits will come with 5.0Ah batteries.
Compact kits will have model numbers such as 2753-22CT, and the XC kits will have model numbers such as 2753-22. Bare tools are always of the 2753-20 naming convention.
Looking inside, you should see that the electronics of the new impact tools are fully potted, as with the new M18 Fuel drills. There’s some rejiggering of the electronic components, from the top near the motor, and from the bottom near the battery, to the handle compartment.
You could also see the brushless motor, and how it’s much more compact than the brushed motors of yesteryear. Brushless motors are more efficient, which means more power and longer runtime, and there are no motor brushes that wear down and eventually require replacement.
Read More: Power Tool Tech: Brushless Motors 101
There are also more overmold anchors – for lack of a better term – where the black grip material is fixed to the red hard plastic housing. I didn’t ask about this, but to me this looks like Milwaukee took efforts to make the grip even more secure, although I don’t recall hearing of any cases where the grip material peeled up.
Looking at the tools overhead, you can see where some of the changes were made. The new M18 Fuel brushless impact driver is shorter by about 1/4″.
In this, and the following images, the 1st-gen model is on the left, and 2nd-gen model is on the right.
But it’s not just shorter lengthwise. Some of the bulk was cut away – a little here, a little there.
And look at the area just below the motor housing, and how it has been slimmed down. After talking with the Milwaukee product manager, it seems that this could be one of the reasons why the new M18 Fuel impact driver and wrenches feel so compact. There’s less bulk pushing into the top of my hand.
So even though there’s a small on-paper reduction in size, seemingly small tweaks to the tools’ ergonomics completely change the feel of the tool. Or at least that’s what I found.
Keep in mind that I had a short time with the impact, and I was looking for the differences. I’ll need to get my hands on a test sample and put it to more use before I can more confidently remark about the new ergonomics. To be honest, I don’t think my impression will change, but I wanted to put my comments about the new impacts into context.
I was also surprised by the updated impact mechanism design. The new impact tools can deliver more peak torque than previous models, and I don’t recall if the impact anvil design plays into that. I talked with the product manager a bit about the new shape, and he described how it should reduce the wear and increase the longevity of the mechanism.
When you’re talking about the part of a tool that endures 0-3,600 impacts per minute during most use, extra longevity is definitely a good thing.
The new flower petal impact mechanism design, for lack of a better description, provides more surface area than previous and conventional impact mechanism designs.
To the left is the older-style mechanism, and to the right is the newer style mechanism.
All of the new M18 Fuel impact tools feature 3 speed and torque modes, and a new 4th mode.
Mode 4 is going to be different, depending on the tool.
For the Milwaukee 2753 M18 Fuel impact driver, Mode 4 is a self-tapping screw mode, where the tool’s motor is specially tuned to drive small self-tapping screws.
First, it ramps up the speed, to the full 3,000 RPM, to prevent walking of the fastener.
Next, it continues to drive the fastener at full speed, so that the fastener zips into the material.
Finally, when the tool detects that the fastener is almost fully driven in, the motor will slow down to 750 RPM to allow for a more controlled finish that Milwaukee says will reduce the likelihood of fastener stripping and breakage.
This appears to be similar to Makita’s Quick Shift impact driver technology.
I drove in a couple of self-tapping fasteners – not all of the ones in this photograph – and the self-tapping mode seems to work exactly as intended.
The new M18 Fuel impact wrenches all have a different Mode 4 behavior.
For these tools, the 3/8″ impact, and both 1/2″ impacts, Mode 4 is an automatic shut-off mode that turns off power to the motor after 1 second of impact action. This is said to prevent over-driving of fasteners and damage to work materials.
Keep in mind that this is one of 4 operating modes. As with the impact driver, there are 3 regular speed and torque selection modes, and so you don’t need to use Mode 4 if it doesn’t apply to your usage or applications.
The product manager demonstrated the impact wrench Mode 4 on a pipe clamp. 1 second of impact energy on one side, and then 1 second of impact energy on the other, should mean even pressure of the clamp. In addition to faster application speed, users should see more uniform tightening and end results.
Milwaukee 2753 M18 Fuel Impact Driver
- 1/4″ hex chuck
- 1,800 in-lbs max torque
- 0-3,000 no-load RPM
- 0-3,700 no-load IPM
- 5.25″ long
- 3.1 lbs weight
- LED worklight
- Mode 1: 0-850 RPM
- Mode 2: 0-2,100 RPM
- Mode 3: 0-3,000 RPM
- Mode 4: Self-tapping screw mode
The new impact is designed a compact and lightweight fastening tool. The previous model was said to have best-in-class performance, and the new one is being called the most powerful tool in its class.
As mentioned above, I felt that the impact driver, and the new wrenches as well, had phenomenal ergonomics.
I’m not sure if the self-tapping screw mode will be useful for all users, but it seems to be a very nice touch. It essentially gives you the best of both worlds – fast application speed plus more control and slower speeds that help to reduce fastener and workpiece damage.
Milwaukee 2754 M18 Fuel 3/8″ Impact Wrench with Hog Ring
- 3/8″ square drive
- Friction ring socket retention mechanism
- 210 ft-lbs (2,520 in-lbs) max torque
- 0-2,500 no-load RPM
- 0-3,200 no-load IPM
- 5.9″ long
- 3.3 lbs weight
- LED worklight
- Mode 1: 0-900 RPM
- Mode 2: 0-1,600 RPM
- Mode 3: 0-2,500 RPM
- Mode 4: Auto shut-off
The new Milwaukee 2754 M18 Fuel 3/8″ impact wrench is a compact model with decent on-paper specs. It’s engineered with a friction ring (hog ring) socket retention mechanism, which allows for relatively quick and easy impact socket changes.
Compared to the 2654 M18 Fuel 3/8″ impact wrench, the new 2754 model is only very slightly shorter. (5.9″ vs. 6″), but users should still see the same housing changes and ergonomics benefits as with the impact driver.
Milwaukee 2755B and 2755 M18 Fuel 1/2″ Impact Wrenches
2755B 1/2″ Impact with Hog Ring
- 1/2″ square drive
- Friction ring socket retention mechanism
- 220 ft-lbs (2,640 in-lbs) max torque
- 0-2,500 no-load RPM
- 0-3,200 no-load IPM
- 6.1″ long
- 4.1 lbs weight
- LED worklight
- Mode 1: 0-900 RPM
- Mode 2: 0-1,600 RPM
- Mode 3: 0-2,500 RPM
- Mode 4: Auto shut-off
There will be two new 1/2″ impact wrenches, both with comparable specs. This one has a friction ring (hog ring) socket retention mechanism, which users will usually prefer if they change sockets often.
The previous model, 2655B, had a ball detent mechanism. This one, 2755B, has a friction ring. There won’t be a ball detent model launching with the other 2nd-generation M18 Fuel impacts.
2755 1/2″ Impact with Pin Detent
- 1/2″ square drive
- Pin detent socket retention mechanism
- 220 ft-lbs (2,640 in-lbs) max torque
- 0-2,500 no-load RPM
- 0-3,200 no-load IPM
- 6.1″ long
- 4.1 lbs weight
- LED worklight
- Mode 1: 0-900 RPM
- Mode 2: 0-1,600 RPM
- Mode 3: 0-2,500 RPM
- Mode 4: Auto shut-off
And there’s also the 2755 1/2″ impact model, which has a pin detent socket retention mechanism. Pin detents offer the most secure socket retention, but the tradeoff is that socket changes can be slow. Users would opt for this model if they change sockets very infrequently, or if they work overheard or in spaces where dropping a socket is to be especially avoided.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing details are not yet available, but I asked and was told that 2nd-gen tools and kits will be comparably priced to 1st-gen models.
ETA: August 2015
Overall
Can you tell that I’m really stoked about these new 2nd-generation Milwaukee M18 Fuel impact drivers and wrenches? I had very little time to check them out hands-on, but I liked what I saw. They offer more torque in a more compact package, and there’s a new 4th speed mode that users might appreciate for certain applications.
More than all that, I like how the housing has been redesigned to be more compact and more comfortable. It couldn’t have been an easy task for Milwaukee engineers to accomplish, but I could feel the difference between 1st-gen and 2nd-gen ergonomics, or at least I believe I could.
It’s too soon to say whether these are the best 18V-class impact driver and compact impact wrenches on the market, but Milwaukee certainly seems to believe they are. In my short time with these tools, I haven’t seen or felt anything that would suggest otherwise.
What’s your take on the new M18 Fuel impact tools and their new anvil shape, compact housings, bumped-up speed and torque, and 4th speed mode options?
Bigskydoc
Great post for Father’s Day. Looks like I made the correct choice in waiting to see what Milwaukee had in store for us this summer before deciding on which platform to upgrade to from my 6-year-old Bosch set.
Makita had a slight edge because of their outdoor tool line, but I’m liking the Milwaukee line for power tools.
Probably will end up going Milwaukee for power tools and Ryobi for the outdoor stuff unless these tools don’t measure up to the promise in real-world testing or Milwaukee announces a new line of M-18 lawn and garden tools.
-bsd
WBC
Make sure to let Milwaukee know you want some lawn and garden tools.
Email them!
They don’t seem interested in that market segment, despite the fact that ALL of their competitor’s have battery powered tools in that market segment. DeWalt, Makita, Hitachi, etc.
Having an M18 powered string trimmer is the one thing I’ve been yearning for. They should do it like Makita has, and do their string trimmer with a dual M18 battery setup… you get the power and run time of the higher voltage tools, with the convenience of using the common M18 battery. It would be a winner!
Stuart
Milwaukee has said they don’t like to enter “me too” markets, or any segment where there’s little opportunity to innovate.
I think that they’ll come out with a line of air mailers, pneumatic or cordless, before they think about strong into the lawn and garden market.
Doubling up on 18V batteries has benefits, but is not without disadvantages. If anything, I think Milwaukee would design outdoors power tools around their 9.0Ah battery, which you’ll see discussed here late today.
Noah
Wow, those 4th mode options really seem like they were pulled from user feedback. I know they would certainly be useful in my work. Knowing how to drive a self tapper or when to stop on a nut are developed skills that might seem simple to us but can be very difficult for a new guy on the crew to grasp.
I can imagine a time in which I’ll pull up an app on my phone and choose from dozens of modes for my driver, not just the four on the unit itself.
mnoswad
At a glance it’s going to be very difficult to differentiate whether your buying the new generation or the old version. They should have made the redesign look more obvious like they did with the m12 system redesign a while back.
I don’t pay attention to model numbers, but i do notice when a newer model with better features will have a different body/case/over mold design. then at a glance i can compare models and prices etc.
The new models look too much like the old models as a mater of ease of product identification.
Pete
That was one of the mistakes i made with makita. I thought the new teal ones were the brushless models. However i learned that it was to only indicate that it was to indicate that the kit was to come with the 3.0 batteries…. Made me angry because i only bought the bare tool….
Chris Fyfe
My guess is that to top these animals ( compact 18 VDC ) , you would probably have to go with a Hilti . Those being in a much higher price bracket .
Maybe worth it if you run big lags all day . But probably no a good option for most of us . IIRC , their warranty is shorter , and depending where you are , batts aren’t as easy to get .
Chris
Marco
Not really. The 2753 M18 FUEL IMPACT DRIVER is just as powerful as Hilti’s 18v impact wrench. And that is only the 1/4″ impact driver. Milwaukee just pushed the numbers ahead of everyone else.
Adam
I’m glad I only got the M18 Fuel drill, and not the drill/impact driver combo kit. August needs to hurry up and get here.
Jimmie
Nice specs. The self-tapping screw mode on the new impact driver kind of makes me wonder if I shouldn’t have bought into the M18 platform instead of M12. Any word on whether that mode is going to filter down to the M12 platform?
Stuart
Sorry, there was no indication that some of the more premium features of these tools, including the special 4th speed mode will be passed to the M12 lineup. I didn’t even think to ask, it seems that unlikely.
Pete
I like the self tapping screw setting, and that you can choose to NOT use it.
I like that the impact wrenches actually have a good amount of more tourqe than the 1/4″ impact driver. Albeit slower speed but always a trade off.
I like that they’ll come with 5.0 batts.
I DONT like that i cant buy one tomorrow! Lol
Dave
Nice to see a lot of updates, but I’m frustrated they didn’t update their multi-tool or come out with a Fuel version. Their toolless blade change is finicky and takes too much time, Milwaukee always strives to be the segment leader for most tools, but they seem like they couldn’t care less about multi tools.
Sam
Any news regarding the m12 lineup? What about m18 high torque impact? Since their coming out with new stuff, I feel like I should wait to invest instead of buying the current stuff.
Kahlil
I literally was going to pick up the 2763 Tool Only model today, any news if there will be a Gen 2 of this model released soon? Wouldn’t mind holding off a few weeks if there is.
Stuart
Not that I am aware of. If one is in the works, it’ll be at least 6-8 months out from now.
Kahlil
Thanks for the reply, will pick one up this weekend then.
Jed
Does anyone know if they will be updating their half inch drive full-size impact wrenches? I can’t find any info anywhere. I think when I looked at the current ones they had the newer looking over mold. Does that mean they already have the new tech inside?
Jim J
Bought the 2897-22 set, the new 2nd gen tools from HD. Love them. Compared to my 8 year old Dewalt the usability and power is amazing. That 4th mode for the impact is fantastic, excellent control fastening ductwork, no more stripping & spinning, excellent fine trigger control. Full charge has lasted two weeks so far, not 2-3 charges per day for heavy use on old non-Lion stuff. The hammer drill has amazing power, drives the 1 3/8 Bosch DareDevil Spade bit without hesitation where my old tool would stall. Wish I had unlimited funds, I’d buy the entire line. Thanks for the reviews ToolGuyd, really appreciate your thoroughness.
Giovanni
You guys are so lucky! In the USA you can get the newest products at half the price compared to Europe, you can get some interesting brands too that are not available here. I think here in Italy we have lost the “DIY culture”, so we demand also little home repairs to construction workers.
If you speak italian you’re welcome to visit my site about DIY: http://trapanofacile.it
Phil McClure
I had been waiting for months for Milwaukee to introduce a line of battery powered nailers. But I had to buy a Ryobi to get the job done. I wish you would at least build a line of finish nailers in 18v.
E. Yildiz
Went to HD to get the white Makita, walked out with the 2897 kit… There was a HART vendor who explained these to me. I’ve been using an old school 12v black and Decker for the past 10 years and a corded drill for home DIY stuff. Wow has technology improved. It was very steep at 400 bucks, but with 10% mil discount and vendor throwing in 80 bucks worth of drill bit kit, I couldn’t refuse. I think as a ho!e DIY guy this was WAY overkill and the Makita white for 200 would have been plenty but I will probably keep this for 10 more years lol. Itching for excuses to use these things!!!
Francis Jeremy Nicholas
Hi I read through all the listing however you would HELP ME please, my M18 CIW12 FUEL impact wrench, packed up, all working ok, but I just spray some wd40 lubricant, motor started turning in to slow then completely stop, the lights are coming but the motor does not turn, please please help me !!!!!!
Ronald Dolfay
I own several Milwaukee M18 tools, two of which are “FUEL” models. I had a minor problem with my saws-all and contacted Milwaukee to get it repaired. It was repaired and returned to me in an amazing three days at no cost to me. Their warranty and service are pretty hard to beat. I have owned other brands of rechargeable tools in the past such as Makita and even Harbor Freight. None of them even come near to the quality, performance or valve of my Milwaukee tools. I am looking forward to the release of the M18 9Amp Hour battery later this year for use on my saws. If anybody out there has any droughts about purchasing any of the Milwaukee tools go out and check them out at any Milwaukee retailer, I think you’ll be very impressed.
Jerry Still
Can the 3/8 “754 be used for changing tires? It has the same power as the 1/2” 2755B but is lighter.
Stuart
I doubt it. You’d be better off with a heavy duty impact, https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/milwaukee-m18-fuel-brushless-heavy-duty-impact-wrenches/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Nick
Jerry, even the 1/4″ M18 Fuel impact driver has over 130 ft. lbs. of torque. It should be sufficient for remove lug nuts from most passenger vehicles (that are generally torqued to 80-100 ft. lbs.), with the appropriate socket adapter and deep impact socket.
For occasional use, anyway; like Stuart said, an impact wrench is the right tool for the job.
Stuart
Lug nuts have a tendency to be stubborn to remove. Plus, not all techs properly torque them. If you have rusted, stuck, or over-tightened lug nuts, an impact driver just won’t do.
Gabriel
What is the deference between the2757 and the 2753 models?
Stuart
2753 is the M18 Fuel impact driver, 2757 is the M18 Fuel One-Key impact.
More on One-Key here: https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/milwaukee-one-key/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
The One-Key version has customizable settings.
Joshg
Anyone had to return their 2753 for service?
Got mine in late 2105, and it is now not coming on consistently with trigger pull. sometime as battery plug/unplug will get it working intermittently…sometimes 4-5 trigger pulls and it will work. Not battery specific or direction specific.
JC PRASCHAK
not sure i would use the 4th mode or even want it. when you deal with old rusty damaged threads restoring vintage autos,i would not want my tool automatically shutting down if a nut or bolt gets stuck in bad threads! i would want the tool to keep delivering hits to power past the bad threads or rust.
Donnie
You do know the tool still has 3 other modes? 3 being the max tq output. Its just a feature to use when just starting a bolt or a small bolt that doesnt require alot of tq.