To have competent battery-powered impact wrenches just a decade ago would have probably sounded like B-movie style science fiction. Picture it: an alien spaceship crash lands on Earth with technology so superior that its cordless impact wrenches could perform a majority of the work in your shop. Not very exciting as a movie concept – and the VHS tape was destined for the bargain bin. But what is exciting is that the technology actually exists today – and keeps getting better. There might still be some fasteners for which you’ll need the force of compressed air behind you, but gone are the days of always being tethered to a hose or cord. That’s the promise of the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Mid-Torque Impact Wrench.
Brace for Impact
The mid-torque fills a gap in Milwaukee’s line between a maneuverable tool that falls short of the power needed in practical applications and a very capable impact wrench that’s beefy and heavy.
The 1/2-inch drive tool seems to strike the right balance of size, weight, and power with 600 foot-pounds of breakaway torque and 450 foot-pounds of fastening torque at 6.7-inches long and weighing just over 5 pounds with the 5.0Ah battery.
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Mid-Torque Impact Wrench has a 3-mode drive control – a fancy way to say three speeds – with a max RPM of 2,400. It features Milwaukee’s PowerState brushless motor, RedLithium battery, and RedLink electronics which work together to prevent overloading, overheating, and generally extend tool life. The model tested (2860) has a pin detent but the tool also comes with a hog ring anvil (2861).
A Torque In The Road
There’s little doubt that the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Mid-Torque Impact Wrench will be easier to use than its High Torque big brother. Automotive and construction Pros alike will appreciate its shorter, lighter, and skinnier profile that can reach more places around the vehicle or job site application. You won’t have to eat as many Wheaties for breakfast because holding it up requires less exertion.
But does it sacrifice too much power in the name of size and weight?
To find out, we worked with Tim Johnson over at Shop Tool Reviews since he specializes in all things garage and automotive. You won’t want to miss his video review of the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Mid-Torque Impact Wrench and all the fun he had taking apart a small block engine and several other tasks.
Our Take
It strikes me as ironic that Milwaukee is launching a mid-torque line that’s closer to their compact size when the torque ratings are about all that some competitors can muster in their heavy-duty cordless models. With a full line of impact wrenches now spanning compact, mid-, and high-torque, the impact race becomes a very interesting playing field.
Add in the Milwaukee Surge as a light-duty driver and you have a fastening lineup that allows you to dial in the power you need without having to grab the heaviest tool in your kit.
Individually, these new models are attractive for their size and power, tackling most anything you’ll need in automotive and residential construction.
What do you think? Tell us about in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Mid-Torque Impact Wrench Features
- PowerState Brushless Motor
- RedLithium Battery Pack
RedLink Plus Electronic Intelligence- Delivers up to 450 ft-lbs of Fastening Torque
- Delivers up to 600 ft-lbs of Nut-Busting Torque
- 3-Mode Drive Control provides greater control over output speed and power with a max RPM of 2,400
- Compact length at 6.7-inch to allow for more access in tight spaces
- Lightweight tool at 5.3 pounds with 5.0Ah battery for less fatigue improved rubber overmold to withstand corrosive materials
- LED Light Included
- Utilizes a Pin Detent design for maximum socket retention
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Mid-Torque Impact Wrench Specifications
- Model Numbers:
- Pin Detent Bare: Milwaukee 2860-20
- Pin Detent Kit: Milwaukee 2860-22
- Hog Ring Bare: Milwaukee 2861-20
- Hog Ring Kit: Milwaukee 2861-22
- Power Source: Milwaukee M18 battery pack
- Length: 6.77 inches
- Weight: 3.8 pounds
- Height: 8.2 inches
- Width: 2.7 inches
- Warranty: 5 years
- Prices:
