After nearly a year for the world to wait for Milwaukee's M18 high-torque 1-inch impact tool, Milwaukee decided to release a temporary solution to fill the gap for professionals looking for the ultimate cordless torque tool. The new Milwaukee Tool Mini Diesel 1 Inch Impact Wrench delivers an impressive 3,500 foot-pounds of torque to hold 1" thick steel beams together with a uniform load capacity of 30,900 kN. This makes the Milwaukee Mini Diesel Impact Wrench the first cordless tool to qualify for FDOT certification for high-duty applications.
NOTE: This is an April Fools post for 2019
“At this point, nothing comes close to the great portability this tool offers. The Milwaukee Tool continues to push the limits of what cordless 18V tools can do, but at the same time, it’s hard to beat a pure Diesel power. It’s an opportunity we can’t ignore.”
– Paul French, Vice President, Diesel Miniaturization Technology
microdiesel technology
Miniaturization of any technology takes a lot of effort – but diesel presents more than a few challenges. For example, the original prototype was excellent, according to the company. However, it didn't reduce the size and weight enough that the operator wouldn't be severely top-heavy when using the tool. Here is a photo of the first engineering sample:

The original model required a side handle that protruded too far above the tool to stabilize it. In the ultimate transporter, Milwaukee managed to further reduce the size of the diesel engine, allowing for true portable use.
The Milwaukee Mini-diesel Impact Wrench can torque up to 350 2-inch diameter bolts at 3,500 foot-pounds before requiring additional fuel on just one tank of fuel. The battery just provides the high voltage to start the ignition and keep the system running. A single 8.0Ah battery pack can use 3 tanks of fuel. Still, the kit comes with two batteries in case you plan to work in remote locations without power.
Milwaukee Tool Mini Diesel 1 Inch Impact Wrench Features
- Model: Milwaukee 9876-54
- The World's First Micro Diesel 1 Inch High Torque Impact Wrench
- 0 – 1650 rpm/0 – 2450 rpm
- Up to 3,500 ft-lbs tightening force and 5,800 ft-lbs nut breaking torque
- Fastening bolts up to 3″
- With battery connected, weighs 22.9 lbs
- One-click activation with 4 customizable modes
- $3,900 kit including two M18 8Ah batteries and charger
in conclusion
The new tool may appear to be a stopgap measure, but it also represents a potential new direction for the company. Priced at $3,900, this is certainly a professional-focused solution. If Milwaukee can keep shrinking the size of its microdiesel technology, we'll see plenty of new products like planers, table saws, and even horizontal metal-cutting band saws. Who knows what else might hit the market!