A wise man once said, “One who believes he has achieved perfection has taken the first step toward mediocrity.” Okay, so that was really something I came up with when I was trying to impress a rather attractive philosophy major. Still, there is some truth to the statement implying that there is always room for improvement. This seems to have been taken to heart with the introduction of some new models in the Milwaukee M18 Compact drilling and fastening tools designed to improve on and replace older models. The M18 series will be gaining two new drills and four new impact drivers/wrenches.
The folks at Milwaukee tell us that these are the most compact tools in their respective classes, that the ergonomics have been improved, and they have the best-in-class power to weight ratios. All of the new tools include the RedLink Intelligence to provide overload protection and temperature management to maximize the lifespan. Let’s meet the new models that promise to improve on the previous generation. We reviewed several of the previous models and I’ve included a link for each one so that you can see the changes for yourself.
Milwaukee M18 Compact 1/2″ Drill/Driver (2606-22CT)
Replacing Milwaukee 2601-22, beginning Oct 2013 – See the review by clicking here.
- 500 in-lbs of Peak Torque
- 2-Speed Gear Box (0-400/0-1,800 RPM)
- 1/2” All-Metal Ratcheting Chuck
- Length: 7-1/4”
- 3.8 lbs w/ battery
Kit includes M18 1/2” Drill/Driver, (2) Red Lithium compact batteries, charger, and carrying case.
Online price $180
Milwaukee M18 Compact 1/2″ Hammer Drill/Driver (2607-22)
Replacing the Milwaukee 2602-22 hammer drill, beginning Jan 2014.
- 525 in-lbs of Peak Torque
- 2-Speed Gear Box (0-400/0-1,800 RPM)
- 0-28,800 BPM
- 1/2” All-Metal Ratcheting Chuck
- Length: 7-3/4”
- 4.5 lbs w/ XC battery & 3.9lbs with compact battery
Kit includes M18 1/2” Hammer Drill/Driver, (2) Red Lithium batteries, charger, and carrying case
Milwaukee M18 Compact Hex 2-Speed Impact Driver (2657-22CT)
Replacing Milwaukee 2650-21 hex impact driver, beginning Nov 2013.
- 1,500 in-lbs of Fastening Torque (Mode 2)
- 600 in-lbs of Fastening Torque (Mode 1)
- 2-Mode DRIVE CONTROL
- 0-2,750 RPM
- 0-3,450 IPM
- 1/4” Hex Quick Change Chuck
- Length: 5-1/2”
- 3.1 lbs w/ compact battery
Milwaukee M18 Compact 1/4” Hex Impact Driver (2656-20)
Incremental SKU, beginning Nov 2013
- 1,500 in-lbs of Torque
- 0-2,750 RPM
- 0-3,450 IPM
- 1/4” Hex Quick Change
- Length: 5-1/2”
- 3.1 lbs w/ compact battery
Includes M18 1/4” Hex Impact Driver
Milwaukee M18 Compact 3/8” Impact Wrench w/Friction Ring (2658-22)
Replacing the Milwaukee 2651-22 Impact Wrench, beginning Nov 2013
- 167 ft-lbs of Torque
- 0-2,450 RPM
- 0-3,350 IPM
- 3/8” Anvil w/friction ring
- Length: 5-3/4”
- 4.1 lbs w/ battery
Kit includes M18 3/8” Impact Wrench, (2) Red Lithium XC extended capacity batteries, charger, and carrying case
M18 Compact 1/2” Impact Wrench with Pin Detent (2659-22)
Replacing Milwaukee 2652-22 impact wrench, beginning Nov 2013• 183 ft-lbs of Torque
- 1/4” Anvil w/friction ring
- 0-2,450 RPM
- 0-3,350 IPM
- Length: 5-3/4”
- 4.1 pounds
Kit includes M18 1/2” Impact Wrench, (2) Red Lithium compact batteries, charger and, carrying case
Online Price $299
Available as a bare tool (2659-20)
Note that some of these tools come with the Red Lithium compact batteries, while others include the XC extended capacity model. There’s a difference between RedLithium batteries vs the existing lithium-ion battery line. All of these new tools in the M18 line are backed by Milwaukee’s 5 year limited warranty. For more information, including where to purchase the new M18 Compact Drill and Drivers, visit Milwaukee Tools’ website by clicking here.
