Milwaukee Brings Repeating Torque Technology to Utility-Scale Solar Projects
With the rise of solar power and other forms of clean energy, we’re seeing many manufacturers focus on making tools specifically for the tradesmen who work in these fields. In Milwaukee’s case, the brand designed and developed some new tech that addresses some common pain points on solar installation jobs. We’re looking at Milwaukee’s Controlled Torque Impact Wrenches to see how the newest torque technology helps make solar installation faster.
Milwaukee Torque-Sense Technology
The three impact wrenches in this lineup were designed with utility-scale solar projects in mind. Each model features Milwaukee’s Torque-Sense technology, which delivers repeatable torque and eliminates the “2-step method” that many crews rely on, which requires first fastening a bolt down and then manually torquing the bolt with a click-style torque wrench.
Torque-Sense technology increases performance over this method by maintaining and recording the data from each trigger pull so it can be repeated for each bolt. Unlike “blow counting” impact wrenches, Milwaukee Torque-Sense torque control delivers more torque repeatability. It does this by utilizing proprietary sensors and machine learning developed algorithms to overcome the variables encountered in common jobsite torque tasks.
One-Key compatibility also means you can download and apply this data to eliminate the guess-and-check process and deliver your target torque. All in all, Milwaukee tells us this process leads to up to 3X faster installation speed.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2-inch Controlled Mid-Torque Impact Wrench (3062-20)
- Model: Milwaukee 3062-20
- Programmable torque range: 50 – 250 ft-lbs
- Speed: 0 – 2400 RPM
- Impact rate: 0 – 3000 IPM
- Length: 6.5 inches
- Weight: 3.8 pounds
- Available with friction ring or pin detent
As the most powerful model of the three impact wrenches that we’re going over today, the 3062-20 impact wrench has a programmable torque range of 50 to 250 ft-lbs, putting it in the mid-torque class. It reaches speeds of up to 2400 RPM, with a maximum impact rate of up to 3000 IPM.
This model features Torque-Sense technology which ensures torque repeatability and maintains your target torque without the need for manual fastening.
It has a length of 6.5 inches and weighs 3.8 pounds without the battery. The 3062 is available with either a 1/2-inch pin detent or friction ring anvil design.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2-inch Controlled Torque Compact Impact Wrench (3061-20)
- Model: Milwaukee 3061-20
- Programmable torque range: 50 – 150 ft-lbs
- Speed: 0 – 2325 RPM
- Impact rate: 0 – 3500 IPM
- Length: 5.4 inches
- Weight: 2.4 pounds
- Available with friction ring or pin detent
The Milwaukee 3061 controlled torque impact wrench features a compact design, weighing just 2.4 pounds as a bare tool. You can program the torque levels from 50 to 150 ft-lbs for a variety of fastening tasks. It reaches maximum speeds of 2325 RPMs with impact rates topping out at 3500 IPM.
Like the other models in this lineup, this impact wrench uses Torque-Sense technology to maintain your target torque and ensure torque repeatability.
This model comes with either a 1/2-inch friction ring or pin detent anvil, depending on your preference.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 3/8-inch Controlled Torque Compact Impact Wrench (3060-20)
- Model: Milwaukee 3060-20
- Programmable torque range: 50 – 150 ft-lbs
- Speed: 0 – 2325 RPM
- Impact rate: 0 – 3500 IPM
- Length: 5.4 inches
- Weight: 2.4 pounds
- 1/2-inch friction ring
The 3060 impact wrench has the same performance as the 3061 mentioned above. The only difference between the two is that the 3060 model features a 3/8-inch friction ring anvil, while the 3061 features either a 1/2-inch pin detent or friction ring anvil.
It has the same maximum torque of 150 ft-lbs and a top speed of 2325 RPM. For impact rates, the 3060 achieves up to 3500 IPM. As a compact model, it has a length of 5.4 inches and weighs 2.4 pounds bare.
Finally, this model also features Milwaukee’s Torque-Sense technology to record your torque levels and ensure torque repeatability on the job.
Milwaukee Controlled Torque Impact Wrench Price
The two compact models retail for $1,299 each as bare tools. The mid-torque model retails for $1,399, also as a bare tool. There are no kit options available at the time of writing, but keep your eyes peeled as we update this article closer to the launch date. Milwaukee backs your purchase with a 1-year warranty.
