Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Driver Gains Power and New Features in 3rd Generation
The Milwaukee M12 Fuel impact driver (model 3453) saw big improvements from the first-generation model to its second, gaining power while becoming more compact. We brought in the third-generation impact driver to see what improvements Milwaukee had made to its newest compact 12V driver.
Editor’s Note: Check out the best impact driver article to see our top recommendations.
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Driver Performance
Let’s start with speed. The Milwaukee 3453 third-generation picks up nearly 10% more speed, moving from 3300 RPM on the 2553 to 3600 RPM on the latest model. Despite that, the impact rate remains the same at 4000 IPM.
The torque also gets a nice boost, jumping up 200 in-lbs to reach 1500 in-lbs in mode 3. That combination of speed and power has the ability to take on some of the compact 18V or 20V Max impact drivers.
Controlling the performance is exactly the same as the previous generation with the 4-mode drive control. Press the button in the center to cycle between modes 1, 2, 3, and self-tapping screw.
Trigger control is smooth, and the power of this diminutive tool puts out an impressive amount of power. I tested it by driving a series of ledger screws as well as large lag bolts. In both tests, the tool performs quickly and confidently. With ledger screws, the tool drives these fasteners smoothly enough to make it a go-to tool for smaller jobs that involve even longer fasteners. I’d still use a larger 18V tool for a full decking project, but this 12V tool definitely punches above its weight class.
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Driver Design
Size and Weight
The latest model’s size and weight don’t change much. It’s 5.0 inches long, down about 0.1 inch from the last version. The weight also drops a couple of ounces to 1.6 pounds bare. A 2.0Ah battery puts the total weight right at 2.0 pounds.
LED Light
The Milwaukee 3453 gets a big upgrade to its LED, shifting from a single light above the trigger to three LED surrouning the collet. It’s a significant difference and does a great job of eliminating shadows compared to other light placements.
One-Hand Bit Insertion
One-hand bit insertion is a nice feature that the Milwaukee M12 Fuel impact driver has. Instead of holding the collet out to install bit, just slide it right in and you’re good to go!
Additional Highlights
- Available protective boot
- All-metal belt clip
- Compatible with all Milwaukee M12 batteries
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Driver Price
The bare tool price is $139. The kit is $169 and includes a pair of 2.0Ah batteries along with a charger and soft case.
You can also purchase a $229 combo kit that includes the third-generation impact driver hammer drill (model 3497-22).
Milwaukee warrants the tool for 5 years and the batteries for 2 years.
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Driver Gen 2 vs Gen 3
| Gen 2 (2553) | Gen 3 (3453) | |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | 1300/2400/3300 RPM | 1700/2900/3600 RPM |
| Modes | 3 + Self-Tapping | 3 + Self-Tapping |
| Impact Rate | 0 – 4000 IPM | 0 – 4000 IPM |
| Max Torque | 1300 in-lbs | 1500 in-lbs |
| Length | 5.1 inches | 5.0 inches |
| Bare Weight | 1.8 pounds | 1.6 pounds |
| Bare Tool Price | $129 | $139 |
Specifications
- Model: Milwaukee 3453
- Power Source: Milwaukee M12 battery
- No-Load Speed: 0 – 1700/2900/3600 RPM
- Impact Rate: 0 – 4000 IPM
- Max Torque: 1500 in-lbs
- Length: 5.0 inches
- Weight: 2.0 pounds bare
Learn more at Milwaukee’s website!
