Milwaukee M18 Fuel Impact Driver Introduces 4th Generation
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Impact Driver doesn't have much room for improvement in its third generation, but that hasn't stopped Milwaukee's product team from looking into it. Now even better, the Milwaukee 2953 is the new flagship impact driver. So what's the difference with this one?
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Affects Drive Performance
Milwaukee's previous model didn't disappoint us, but the latest version has improved speed. It moves 300 RPM and is driven at a maximum speed of 3900 RPM. This also comes with a slight increase in the shock rate, from 100 IPM to 4400 IPM.
Torque remains at the exact same 2000 in-lbs. Considering that's enough to drive most screws, and that the Gen 3 model snaps on our 1/2" square drive adapters already quickly, we're not at all disturbed by it.
For control, you still have four patterns at your disposal: 3 standard patterns and a self-tapping screw pattern. Where the team spent extra time was developing the trigger system. It now accelerates more smoothly, giving you more control over screw actuation.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Impact Driver Design Notes
size and weight
Milwaukee already has one of the most compact impact drivers, and the 2953 manages to shave off another 0.12 inches, making it just 4.47 inches. In comparison, only DeWalt's Atomic impact driver is more compact in the 18V/20V Max class and doesn't have nearly the performance of that model.
All improvements without changing the weight. The bare tool still weighs 2.2 lbs, and the 5.0Ah battery brings the total weight to 3.8 lbs. You can lighten your workload with a 2.0Ah or 3.0Ah high output battery.
Triple Beam LED
The LED light has changed from a single light above the trigger to now three LEDs forming a ring around the chuck. If you haven't used a tool with this style of lighting, you're missing out – it 's much better at removing shadows than other placements.
One-handed drill insertion
Drill insertion can be painful because it is usually a two-handed operation. Milwaukee's M18 Fuel Impact Driver Collet is designed to make life easier by using one-handed insertion. When the collet is empty, simply slide the bit into place. Accept it without pulling out the collet.
A bunch of keys?
No word yet on a one-button version of this impact driver. However, Milwaukee's MO has released high-tech models after the initial model. If One-Key is your must-have feature, look for it in the next year or so.
other highlights
- available rubber boots
- Full Metal Belt Clip
- Compatible with all Milwaukee M18 batteries
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Impact Driver: Generation 3 and Generation 4
| The third generation (2853) | Generation 4 (2953) | |
| no-load speed | 1900/2800/3600 rpm | 1700/3000/3900 rpm |
| Impact rate | 4300IPM | 4400IPM |
| Maximum torque | 2000 in-lbs | 2000 in-lbs |
| length | 4.59 inches | 4.47 inches |
| bare weight | 2.2 lbs | 2.2 lbs |
| bare price | $149 | $149 |
Look for the Milwaukee 2953 at Milwaukee retailers starting August 2022. The bare metal is $149, and the kit is $299. The kit comes with tools, two 5.0Ah batteries, a charger and a case. As always, Milwaukee offers a 5-year warranty on the tool and a 3-year warranty on the battery.
There is also a combo kit available which includes the 4th generation M18 Fuel impact drill.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Impact Driver Specifications
- Model: Milwaukee 2953
- Power source: Milwaukee M18 battery
- No-load speed: 0 – 3900 RPM
- Impact Rate: 0 – 4400 IPM
- Maximum Torque: 2000 in-lbs
- Length: 4.47 inches
- Weight: 2.2 lbs naked
Discover more on Milwaukee's website.