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10 Best Milwaukee Impact Drivers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Milwaukee 2953-20 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/4'' Hex Impact Driver (Bare Tool), Red

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,346
Torque
Speed
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
1756 reviews

Torque
The Milwaukee 2953-20 is incredibly powerful, making it one of the most formidable impact drivers available.
Speed
Selectable speeds are a standout feature, allowing precise control to avoid driving screws too deep.
Weight and Ergonomics
Despite being slightly heavier than other models, it remains comfortable to use thanks to its compact design.
Additional Features
The build quality and design are impressive, making it a reliable tool for various jobs.

The Milwaukee 2953-20 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/4'' Hex Impact Driver is a strong contender for those needing a reliable tool on the jobsite. With a maximum torque of 2000 in-lbs and a top speed of 3900 RPM, it offers impressive power and speed for driving screws and bolts efficiently. The brushless motor contributes to its durability and efficiency, ensuring a longer life and better performance. This model is battery-powered, using an 18V lithium-ion battery (though it is worth noting that the battery is not included, so you'll need to have or purchase one separately).

Weighing just 2.2 pounds, it is lightweight and ergonomically designed, making it comfortable to use for extended periods without causing fatigue. The 1/4'' hex chuck size is standard and should meet most job requirements. Additional features such as the Tri-LED lighting system improve visibility in dimly lit workspaces, and the 4-mode drive control gives users better control over their operation, preventing screw stripping and material damage.

Potential drawbacks include the need to buy the battery separately and the fact that it is a bare tool, which means it does not come with a battery charger or other accessories. Despite this, the Milwaukee 2953-20 is best suited for professionals and serious DIY enthusiasts who need a robust, high-performing impact driver.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,346
Torque
Speed
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
1756 reviews

Torque
The Milwaukee 2953-20 is incredibly powerful, making it one of the most formidable impact drivers available.
Speed
Selectable speeds are a standout feature, allowing precise control to avoid driving screws too deep.
Weight and Ergonomics
Despite being slightly heavier than other models, it remains comfortable to use thanks to its compact design.
Additional Features
The build quality and design are impressive, making it a reliable tool for various jobs.
#2

Milwaukee 3453-20 12V Fuel 1/4" Cordless Hex Impact Driver (Bare Tool)

Rating
9.8
Torque
Speed
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
1152 reviews

Torque
"It packs more power than my 20V cordless hex impact driver, making it a reliable tool for heavy-duty tasks."
Speed
"Despite its small size, it is incredibly powerful and offers three power settings for versatility."
Weight and Ergonomics
"The compact size and comfortable handle make it easy to carry around and use for extended periods."
Additional Features
"The three LED lights around the head provide excellent visibility, avoiding shadows and illuminating the workspace effectively."

The Milwaukee 3453-20 12V Fuel 1/4" Cordless Hex Impact Driver is a strong contender in the impact driver category. One of its major strengths is the brushless motor that delivers up to 1,500 in-lbs of torque, making it powerful enough for a variety of heavy-duty tasks. Additionally, it can reach up to 3600 RPMs in Mode 3, which means it's quite fast and efficient. The 4-Mode Drive Control, including a dedicated self-tapping screw mode, allows for versatile use depending on the task at hand.

The built-in three LED lights are a great feature that ensures your workspace is well-lit, which is particularly useful in dimly lit environments. Weighing only 2 lbs, it's lightweight and portable, reducing fatigue during extended use and making it easy to carry around on a tool belt. However, being a bare tool, it does not come with batteries included, so you'll need to purchase them separately.

The battery type is Lithium Ion with a capacity of 2 Amp Hours, which is decent but may require frequent recharging during prolonged use. The chuck size is 1/4 inch, which is standard for most impact drivers but may limit compatibility with certain attachments. This impact driver is well-suited for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts due to its compact design and robust performance.

Rating
9.8
Torque
Speed
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
1152 reviews

Torque
"It packs more power than my 20V cordless hex impact driver, making it a reliable tool for heavy-duty tasks."
Speed
"Despite its small size, it is incredibly powerful and offers three power settings for versatility."
Weight and Ergonomics
"The compact size and comfortable handle make it easy to carry around and use for extended periods."
Additional Features
"The three LED lights around the head provide excellent visibility, avoiding shadows and illuminating the workspace effectively."

Buying Guide for the Best Milwaukee Impact Drivers

Choosing the right impact driver can make a significant difference in your work efficiency and overall satisfaction. Impact drivers are essential tools for driving screws and bolts with high torque, making them ideal for construction, woodworking, and various DIY projects. When selecting an impact driver, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are the main specs to look at and how to navigate them.
TorqueTorque is the force that the impact driver applies to turn an object, usually measured in inch-pounds (in-lbs). Higher torque means the driver can handle tougher jobs, such as driving large screws or bolts into dense materials. For light-duty tasks, a torque rating of around 1,000 in-lbs may be sufficient. Medium-duty tasks might require 1,500 to 2,000 in-lbs, while heavy-duty tasks could need 2,000 in-lbs or more. Consider the types of projects you'll be working on to determine the appropriate torque level.
SpeedSpeed, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM), indicates how fast the impact driver can turn. Higher speeds allow for quicker driving of screws and bolts. Impact drivers typically have variable speed settings, ranging from around 800 RPM to over 3,000 RPM. For precision work, lower speeds are beneficial, while higher speeds are better for fast, repetitive tasks. Think about whether you need more control or speed for your projects to choose the right RPM range.
Battery Type and CapacityMost modern impact drivers are cordless and powered by rechargeable batteries, usually lithium-ion (Li-ion). Battery capacity is measured in ampere-hours (Ah), with higher Ah ratings providing longer run times. Common capacities range from 1.5 Ah to 5 Ah or more. If you plan to use the impact driver for extended periods or on larger projects, a higher capacity battery will be beneficial. Additionally, consider the battery voltage, typically 12V or 18V, with higher voltage offering more power.
Weight and ErgonomicsThe weight and design of the impact driver affect comfort and ease of use, especially during prolonged tasks. Lighter models, usually around 2 to 3 pounds, are easier to handle and reduce fatigue. Ergonomic features like comfortable grips and balanced weight distribution can also enhance usability. If you anticipate using the tool for long periods or in awkward positions, prioritize a lightweight and ergonomic design.
Chuck SizeThe chuck size determines the maximum diameter of the bit that the impact driver can accommodate. Common sizes are 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch. A 1/4 inch chuck is suitable for most general-purpose tasks, while a 1/2 inch chuck can handle larger bits for heavy-duty applications. Consider the types of bits you will be using and choose a chuck size that matches your needs.
Additional FeaturesImpact drivers may come with additional features such as LED lights, brushless motors, and multiple speed settings. LED lights can improve visibility in dark or confined spaces. Brushless motors offer better efficiency, longer lifespan, and less maintenance compared to brushed motors. Multiple speed settings provide greater control over the tool's performance. Evaluate which features will enhance your work experience and choose accordingly.

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