Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Driver Gains Power and New Features in Gen 3
The Milwaukee M12 Fuel impact driver has greatly improved from the first to the second generation, gaining power while becoming more compact. We got a chance to get our hands on the third generation and see what happens next.
Editor's note: The 3rd generation of the M12 fuel impact driver is coming soon. To see our original review of the second generation, scroll down to the bottom and click "Next"
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Milwaukee M12 Fuel Affects Drive Performance
Let's start with speed. The third generation Milwaukee 3453 is nearly 10% faster, from 3300 RPM on the 2553 to 3600 RPM on the latest model. Despite this, the shock rate remains the same at 4000 IPM.
Torque also gets a nice boost, up 200 in-lbs in Mode 3 to 1,500 in-lbs. This combination of speed and power is capable of withstanding some compact 18V/20V Max impact drivers.
The control performance is exactly the same as the previous generation, with 4-mode drive control. Press the center button to cycle through modes 1, 2, 3 and self-tapping screws.
size and weight
The size and weight of the latest model haven't changed much. It's 5.0 inches longer, about 0.1 inches smaller than the previous version. Weight is also down slightly, dropping a few ounces to 1.6 pounds. The 2.0Ah battery has a total weight of 2.0 lbs.
led lights
The Milwaukee 3453 has a major upgrade to its LEDs, going from a single light above the trigger to three LEDs around the chuck. This is a notable difference compared to other lighting arrangements and does a good job of eliminating shadows.
One-handed drill insertion
One-handed bit insertion is a nice feature of the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Driver. No need to stick the collet out to install the drill, just slide it in and go!
other highlights
- Available Cases
- Full Metal Belt Clip
- Compatible with all Milwaukee M12 batteries
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Driver Price
Look for this model to be sold at Milwaukee retailers as bare metal and in kits starting August 2022. The bare metal price is $139. The kit costs $169 and includes a pair of 2.0Ah batteries along with a charger and a soft case.
Look out for a combo kit that includes a Gen 3 Impact Driver and a Gen 3 Impact Drill (Model 3497-22)
Milwaukee offers a 5-year warranty on tools and a 2-year warranty on batteries.
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Driver: Gen 2 vs Gen 3
| Second generation (2553) | Generation 3 (3453) | |
| Maximum speed | 1300/2400/3300 rpm | 1700/2900/3600 rpm |
| model | 3 + self-tapping | 3 + self-tapping |
| Impact rate | 0 – 4000 IPM | 0 – 4000 IPM |
| Maximum torque | 1300 in-lbs | 1500 in-lbs |
| length | 5.1 inches | 5.0 inches |
| bare weight | 1.8 lbs | 1.6 lbs |
| Bare metal price | $129 | $139 |
Specification
- Model: Milwaukee 3453
- Power source: Milwaukee M12 battery
- No-load speed: 0 – 1700/2900/3600 RPM
- Impact rate: 0 – 4000 IPM
- Maximum Torque: 1500 in-lbs
- Length: 5.0 inches
- Weight: 2.0 lbs naked
Learn more on Milwaukee's website!