Available in 3 models, each Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1" Impact Wrench has a different purpose
Most professionals find it beneficial to transition from a pneumatic impact wrench to a cordless model. There are no hoses to trip over, less maintenance to worry about, it's not as loud, and there's no need to buy a compressor to make it all work. But this is only useful if the tool has the performance to get the job done. With three Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1 Inch Impact Wrench models to choose from, choosing the right one for the job is crucial.
We reached out to Milwaukee-based cordless fastening guru Zafir Farooque to learn more about these tools and how they are designed to meet specific needs.
Milwaukee's first cordless 1" impact wrench was the 2867. It has a tightening torque of 1500 foot-pounds and a breakaway torque of 1800 foot-pounds. It supports one-button operation, and the kit comes with two M18 8.0Ah high-output batteries and a fast charger.
In addition to the standard inventory management and tracking that One-Key offers, there is also a very convenient Precision Mode. Here, blow counting technology allows you to determine how much force you want to apply to the fastener before the tool automatically stops.
Because every bolt is different in size and hardness, you choose a scale of 1 – 20 rather than a specific number of blows or torque level. Getting it right is a matter of trying until you find the right setting. Dial it in on a few bolts to slightly under-torque your target, then use a torque wrench to finish it off. Once you know the best setting, you can save it and name it for faster tightening in the future.
You can also customize the 4 optional modes on the tool. We set a very typical 4 incremental forward power levels. Instead, we like to set it to return to low speed after the bolt is loose so there is more control and it doesn't drop to the ground or roll away.
Target user needs
As the smallest model in the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1-inch impact wrench line, this model prioritizes more compact size and lighter weight for working in tight spaces and overhead. In fact, it is much lighter than wired and pneumatic models of the same power class.
The tradeoff is less power than the other two models. The 2867 is designed to tighten and loosen bolts up to 1 3/4 in.
General industry
- electricity company
- steelworker
- Mechanical
- rail
full feature set
- One-click activation
- 4 customizable speeds
- 1" Friction Ring Driver with Through Hole
- 270º tool-free handle rotation
- Pre-installed integrated lanyard loop
- led light
- High-quality rubber overmolding
Highlights of One-Click Functions
- Customizable maximum speed setting
- Customizable bolt removal speed (once the bolt is loose)
- Precision mode (limits torque to avoid overtightening before setting with a torque wrench)
- Custom Settings Lock (prevents custom settings from being changed without code)
- trigger ramp speed
- inventory management
- track
Specification
- Model: Milwaukee 2867
- Recommended battery: M18 8.0Ah high output
- Maximum Tightening Torque: 1500 ft-lbs
- Maximum Breakaway Torque: 1800 ft-lbs
- Impact Rate: 0 – 2400 IPM
- No-load speed: 0 – 1800 RPM
- Length: 10.9 inches
- Weight: 10.5 lbs (with battery)
- Price: $699 bare, $999 kit, includes two 8.0Ah batteries and fast charger
- Warranty: 5 years
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1" Impact Wrench: Standard Anvil D-Handle
Milwaukee has raised the bar they already set with the introduction of the 2868 D-Handle Impact Wrench. This high-torque beast moves up to 1900 foot-pounds of tightening torque and 2000 foot-pounds of loosening torque. It uses Milwaukee's largest brushless motor ever built for an impact wrench and includes an upgraded electronics package for use with a 12.0Ah high output battery and One-Key.
For optimum performance and runtime, Milwaukee equips this model with two 12.0Ah high output batteries and a fast charger when you purchase the kit.
This Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1-Inch Impact Wrench also enables a one-touch wrench with essentially the same setting options as the smaller 2867.
Target user needs
This model reverses the goals of the pistol grip, putting power over size and weight. Although it weighs 24.4 pounds (including battery), it weighs about the same as similar air-powered models.
You can get 400 foot-pounds of tightening torque with this model and that makes a huge difference. For jobs that require bolts over 2 inches, this is the cordless impact wrench you need.
Common Industries and Applications
- Utilities: substation assembly; grid tower and monopole installation; wind turbine anchor bolts
- Ironwork: join the I-beam; anchor bolts
- Mechanical: mechanical pipe flanges; oil/gas pipes and pumps
- Railway: rail joint strips, spikes, locomotive maintenance
In each of these cases, the bolt size will often exceed the 1 3/4" capacity for which pistol grip models are designed, making the stronger D-handle a better tool for those larger fasteners.
Note that the target deals here are similar, despite the large difference in power. Crews will likely use both tools—the smaller, lighter pistol grip for smaller bolts, and the D-handle for larger bolts. It's also worth pointing out that none of these tools are aimed specifically at diesel technicians.
Specification
- Model: Milwaukee 2868
- Recommended battery: M18 12.0Ah high output
- Maximum Tightening Torque: 1900 ft-lbs
- Maximum Breakaway Torque: 2000 ft-lbs
- Impact Rate: 0 – 1440 IPM
- No-load speed: 0 – 1200 RPM
- Length: 17.9 inches
- Weight: 24.4 lbs
- Price: $799 bare, $1299 kit with two 12.0Ah and fast charger
- Warranty: 2 years
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1" Impact Wrench: Extended Anvil D-Handle
The 2869 is essentially an extended anvil version of the 2868. The most notable difference is the extended anvil that meets the needs of a cordless 1" D-handle impact wrench for diesel, agricultural and heavy equipment technicians.
There's another notable difference: a lug-nut pattern within a key. This mode uses the same stroke counting technology as the Precision mode (this model also has 4 customizable modes), but is designed specifically for tightening lug nuts.
It sets them at 350 – 450 ft-lbs, so it's lower than the typical 475 ft-lbs many of these big lugs require, but close enough that you don't need to turn the torque wrench that much. Like the precision mode, it's set to a range because each nut size will be set to a different torque with the same number of blows.
One slight difference is that there is no pre-installed tether loop. The product team in Milwaukee found that most technicians don't use it. However, it is included in the package if you need it.
Target user needs
Extended anvils are all about reaching into large wheel wells to access lug nuts that standard anvil sizes can't reach. At this power level, it is the cordless impact wrench of choice for lug nuts on commercial vehicles and equipment.
Common Industries and Applications
- Over the Road: Commercial Nuts
- Mass Transit: Commercial Nuts; Railroad and Locomotive Maintenance
- Off Road (OTR): Heavy Equipment Maintenance
- Farm and Agriculture: Heavy Equipment Maintenance
Second, extended anvils can be used in the same industries that are dominated by standard anvils. It makes the most sense when reach is an issue.
Specification
- Model: Milwaukee 2869
- Recommended battery: M18 12.0Ah high output
- Maximum Tightening Torque: 1900 ft-lbs
- Maximum Breakaway Torque: 2000 ft-lbs
- Impact Rate: 0 – 1440 IPM
- No-load speed: 0 – 1200 RPM
- Length: 23.2 inches
- Weight: 26.7 lbs
- Price: $799 bare, $1299 kit with two 12.0Ah and fast charger
- Warranty: 2 years
Two new features in Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1" Impact Wrench D-handle models
The D-handle model has some new features. First up are the Tri-LED lights around the steering driver. Like we've seen with the compact and mid-torque M18 Fuel impact wrenches, these do a better job of eliminating the time you need to light up.
There's also a new battery isolator. With so much power and impact, plus the weight of the 12.0Ah high output battery, there is a very real risk of damaging the battery due to vibration. The battery isolator absorbs most of the vibration while ensuring that there is always a connection between the tool and the battery.
Complete D-handle feature set
- One-click activation
- 4 customizable modes
- battery isolator
- 1" Friction Ring Driver with Through Hole
- 360º swivel, swivel side handle for tool-free adjustment
- Integrated lanyard hook (pre-installed on standard anvils, in box with extended anvils)
- Top-mounted forward/reverse switch (easier to reach than elsewhere on aero models)
- High-quality rubber overmolding
- Advanced Rubber Boots
- Recommended for use with 12.0Ah high output batteries (2 in kit with fast charger)
Highlights of One-Click Functions
- Customizable maximum speed setting
- Customizable bolt removal speed (once the bolt is loose)
- Precision mode (limits torque to avoid overtightening before setting with a torque wrench)
- Custom Settings Lock (prevents custom settings from being changed without code)
- Lug Nut Pattern ( Extended Anvil Models Only )
- trigger ramp speed
- inventory management
- track
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Oil 1" Impact Wrench with Pneumatic D-Handle
Performance
Let's take a look at the possibility of legally replacing a pneumatic impact wrench with a Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1 Inch Impact Wrench.
In internal testing against Ingersoll-Rand's 285B (1475 ft-lbs tightening torque, 700 BPM, 5250 no-load speed, 90 PSI recommended pressure), Milwaukee posted about 150 ft-lbs more breakaway torque.
It's not uncommon for technicians to increase the pressure for more power, so they also tested at 140 PSI. At that level of pressure, the 285B breaks out about 250 foot-pounds more.
The caveat here is that even though you get more power by using higher pressure, it shortens the life of the tool. You'll also see a drop in performance at the same PSI as parts wear out faster. You'll also need a bigger compressor to run at higher pressure consistently, or you'll face longer downtime.
weight
While pistol grip 1 inch impact wrenches are much lighter than corded and pneumatic wrenches, the D-handle models are very close to each other.
Using the extension anvil M18 Fuel 2869 and the IR 285B-6 as our example model, the Milwaukee with its 12.0Ah battery weighs 26.7 lbs and the IR minus the hose weighs 27.8 lbs.
The gist is that, unlike most smaller construction tools, you don't have to sacrifice a lot of weight for the convenience of cordless use. In fact, lost a little weight.
price and value
The two D-handle models retail for $799 bare, or $1299 with two 12.0Ah batteries and a fast charger. The fast charger is important because it can charge the battery pack in 2 hours, giving you enough time to cycle between them throughout the day without interruption.
Depending on where you shop, the average price for an IR 285B is around $500, and we've seen it go as low as $400.
Obviously, the pneumatic option is cheaper. Unless you add the cost of the compressor. And don't forget about maintenance costs and potential service downtime.
With Milwaukee's cordless models, there is no need to buy a compressor and no regular maintenance other than wiping down the tool at the end of the day.
The Milwaukee designed M18 Fuel 1 Inch Impact Wrench lasts a full 2 years warranty in a commercial environment. In many larger shops and garages, pneumatic models are replaced every 3 to 6 months and usually only come with a 1 year warranty.
So even if you conservatively estimate that you replace your pneumatics every 6 months, you're using 4 tools at a time, and you only need to replace 1 Milwaukee.
| initial investment cost | Replacement cycle | 2 year total cost | |
| milwaukee | $1299 | 2 years | $1299 |
| Ingersoll Rand | $500 | 6 months | $2000 |
| Ingersoll Rand | $500 | 3 months | $4000 |
This is just a tool comparison. If you're a large shop running 80 impact wrenches, you can save $56,000 to $112,000 in 2 year replacement costs by going with a cordless power supply!
These figures do not include the substantial cost of a full compressor setup, hoses, extra electricity and maintenance. If you're just starting out, the upfront costs are much higher. Even if you already have everything, maintenance, replacement hoses, and electricity bills add up to the difference.
This is not a pneumatic curtain
While we think the Milwaukee makes a compelling case for ditching the hose, the fact remains that you can get more nut-breaking power out of an air impact wrench. With the M18 Fuel D-handle model, you can handle approximately 95% of all nuts and bolts and still have room for at least one air wrench in your shop.
When it comes to proper bolt installation and maintenance, Milwaukee has you covered. When rust and corrosion set in, or you're dealing with stripped and stretched threads, the M18 Fuel can still handle most of it. In some cases, however, the power punch of a pneumatic unit is enough to break things that these cordless models can't.
However, this is not guaranteed. There's only a relatively small gap between Milwaukee's performance and the need to reach for a flare that has an advantage with pneumatics. So keep one or two on hand for the 5% of the time you need air power, and let your crew enjoy cord-free freedom the rest of the time.
the bottom line
Being able to put a pneumatic shock aside is a matter of confidence, because a battery powered tool in your hand will get the job done, and as well, if not better, than a pneumatic tool. Milwaukee's M18 Fuel range now has a pistol grip model for tight spaces and overhead work, a higher torque option that gives you 2000 ft lbs of breakaway torque, and an extended anvil version for the same power, now with a suitable 1 Inch High – Torque impact wrench for almost any job.