Now is the perfect time to compare DeWalt’s new Xtreme Compact brushless 12V line of tools with Milwaukee’s 12V impact driver. In this edition of Pro Tool Reviews Thursday Throwdown, we’ll evaluate these two impact drivers point by point and declare the winners along the way. It’s important to note that everyone has different preferences, so just because one driver earns more points doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for everyone.
DeWalt Xtreme 12V Brushless Impact Driver
In one corner, we have the DeWalt 12V Brushless Impact Driver:
- Model: DEWALT DCF801
- Power: DeWalt 12V Max battery
- No-load speed: 2850 RPM
- Maximum Torque: 1450 in-lbs
- Impact rate: 3600 IPM
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Driver
In the other corner, it’s the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Driver:
- Model: Milwaukee 2553
- Power: Milwaukee M12 battery
- No-load speed: 0–3300 RPM
- Maximum Torque: 1300 in-lbs
- Impact rate: 4000 IPM
Footprint
Both impact drivers are significant improvements over their previous versions. The DeWalt measures 5.1 inches long and 7.4 inches tall without batteries, while the Milwaukee measures 5.2 inches long and 6.8 inches tall.
Upon closer inspection with a digital caliper, the actual difference in length is only 0.054″. Therefore, the DeWalt has a slight advantage. However, when it comes to overall footprint, the Milwaukee is more compact due to its shorter height. Keep in mind that for most users, length is more important than height.
Verdict: Milwaukee
Weight
We compared the weights of both impact drivers with and without the compact 2.0Ah battery. The DeWalt weighs 1.74 lbs bare and 2.23 lbs with batteries, while the Milwaukee weighs 1.78 lbs bare and 2.19 lbs with batteries.
Overall, it’s a tie since the weight difference is only 0.06 lbs.
Verdict: Tie
Feature Set
Both impact drivers come with essential features. However, let’s delve deeper and explore their additional functionalities.
Here’s a breakdown of their feature sets:
- Motor: Both tools boast brushless motors.
- Collets: Milwaukee offers one-handed bit insertion, while DeWalt provides one-handed bit insertion and removal.
- Batteries: DeWalt uses a slide pack, while Milwaukee utilizes a pod system. This difference affects the handle design.
- Speed: Both tools feature electronic speed control. The DeWalt has 2 speed and assist modes, whereas the Milwaukee has 3 speed and assist modes.
- LED Lights: While both impact drivers have LED lights, DeWalt utilizes a more efficient 3-LED ring.
The winner in this category depends on whether you value more efficient LED lights or higher operating speeds. We lean towards the Milwaukee for its extra speed versatility, but the importance of LEDs may vary for you.
Verdict: Milwaukee
Power
We use two methods to test the power of impact drivers. In our tightening test, each impact driver tightens a hardened nut to a bolt, and we measure the force required to break it using a digital torque wrench. Please note that this test method may yield different results than the manufacturer’s specification test.
The DeWalt requires an average of 579 inch-pounds of torque to break the tightened nut, while the Milwaukee requires 804 inch-pounds of torque to achieve the same result.
Although the Milwaukee has a significant advantage, the DeWalt still exhibits the second highest tightening torque among all the 12V impact drivers we have tested.
In our second test, we load the same hardened nut at specific intervals to measure the breaking force or nut breaking torque of each impact driver. Here, the DeWalt reaches 1,800 in-pounds (150 ft-pounds), while the Milwaukee achieves 1,680 in-pounds (140 ft-pounds).
While Milwaukee holds a substantial tightening torque advantage, the DeWalt’s breakaway torque advantage is not far behind. We consider this category a tie.
Verdict: Tie
Fastening Speed
To determine fastening speed, we drive a 1/4″ lag screw and measure the RPM under load, pushing the impact drivers to their reasonable limits before switching to an impact wrench.
The DeWalt performs well, averaging 265.6 RPM. In comparison, the Milwaukee outshines the competition with an impressive 397 RPM in this test.
Verdict: Milwaukee
Fastening Efficiency
Fastening efficiency measures how well the motor handles load. The closer the RPM is to the no-load speed tested during tightening, the less stress the motor experiences.
In the same ledger screw test, the DeWalt maintains 9.1% of its test no-load speed, while the Milwaukee maintains 12.4%. Once again, the Milwaukee takes the win.
It’s worth noting that these percentages are quite low, indicating that there’s a limit to how much these impact drivers can handle without damaging the motor. If you frequently work with 1/4″ or larger fasteners, we recommend upgrading to an 18V impact driver.
Verdict: Milwaukee
Available Batteries
If you’re looking to expand your toolset with batteries other than the ones included in the kit, it’s useful to know the available options.
Currently, DeWalt’s 12V line only offers 1P packs (1P = 1 pack of 3 Li-ion cells) with the following capacities:
- 1.5Ah
- 2.0Ah
- 3.0Ah
On the other hand, Milwaukee provides even more options with their range, including a 1P battery pack of the same capacity and a selection of 2P battery packs (2P = 2 banks of 3 Li-ion batteries) to complement it:
- 1.5Ah
- 2.0Ah
- 3.0Ah
- 4.0Ah
- 6.0Ah
Verdict: Milwaukee
Compatible Tools
Milwaukee currently offers the widest range of tools compatible with their 12V system, with over 100 tools that work with M12 batteries.
DeWalt’s 12V product line has been more limited historically. However, their 12V brushless tools, including the impact driver, have performed impressively. Hopefully, DeWalt will continue to expand their offerings.
Verdict: Milwaukee
Price
You can purchase either of these impact drivers individually or as part of a kit that includes batteries and chargers. However, 2-tool combo kits tend to sell better than single tools, so we’ll consider those too.
We encourage you to shop around for the best price. We checked prices at Acme Tools, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Amazon (although note that there are currently no authorized Milwaukee resellers on Amazon).
DeWalt 12V Brushless Impact Driver
- DCF801B (bare tool): $129
- DCF801F2 (kit with two 2.0Ah batteries): $149
- DCK221F2 (Drill/Impact Driver Combo with two 2.0Ah batteries): $199
- DeWalt also offers an impact driver kit with TSTAK II for $154.99
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Driver
- 2553-20 (bare tool): $129
- 2553-22 (kit with 2.0Ah and 4.0Ah batteries): $129
- 2596-22 (Drill/Impact Driver Combo with 2.0Ah and 4.0Ah batteries): $229
- The 2598-22 combo includes an M12 fuel hammer drill for a price similar to the kit with the electric drill.
The prices of DeWalt and Milwaukee impact drivers are comparable. However, Milwaukee provides more battery capacity.
Verdict: Tie
Warranty
DeWalt offers a 3-year warranty, 1-year service agreement, and a 90-day money-back guarantee. In contrast, Milwaukee provides a 5-year warranty on the tool and a 3-year warranty on their batteries. Milwaukee’s additional two years of warranty coverage make them the winner in this category.
Verdict: Milwaukee
Final Thoughts
In this DeWalt Xtreme 12V vs. Milwaukee 12V Impact Driver Pro Tool Reviews Thursday Throwdown, Milwaukee prevails as the overall winner. With a significant lead in points (7-1 and 2 draws), it’s clear that Milwaukee offers superior performance. However, don’t underestimate DeWalt. Their 12V brushless impact driver is the second-best performer we’ve tested in the 12V category, making it a solid choice.
If you prioritize top performance, a better warranty, or a broader range of compatible tools, the Milwaukee is the way to go. On the other hand, if you’re seeking high-quality performance and have a preference for the distinctive yellow and black of DeWalt, their impact driver is an excellent option for you.