Tool Review: Milwaukee Tool M18 Fuel High Torque Impact Wrench with 1/2” Friction Ring
The Milwaukee Tool M18 Fuel High Torque Impact Wrench with 1/2" Friction Ring, No. 2767-22, is designed with a four-mode Drive Control feature that allows users to switch between modes to match the power and speed to the application. The Bolt Removal Mode provides maximum nut-busting torque to remove the most stubborn bolts or nuts, according to the company. This wrench offers 1,000 lb-ft of fastening torque and 1,400 lb-ft of nut-busting torque. The tool includes two M18 High Capacity Redlithium XC5.0 battery packs, a multi-voltage charger and case. The friction ring mechanism is designed for frequent socket changes and ease of use.
The review
For technicians working in the shop, a good 1/2” impact wrench is a must-have tool. Eric Moore, co-owner of DeMary Truck in Columbus, Ohio, appreciated that the Milwaukee M18 Fuel High Torque Impact Wrench offered the convenience of a cordless wrench, without compromising torque.
“This is exactly what we have been waiting for to come along,” Moore says. “This impact tool is the one to have. I can honestly tell you that after a few weeks using it, I haven’t even picked up any of the air impacts.”
Moore appreciated that this tool allowed his technicians to move around the shop without dragging air lines around, and that it provided enough power to remove all but the most stubborn fasteners. Technicians could loosen stuck bolts without switching from one impact to another, trying to find one that could get the job done.
Moore mainly used this impact wrench for undercar repairs such as shocks, front end components and removing wheel nuts. For instance, he used it to tear down a 1995 Toyota Corolla to replace the hub bearing, and says that it made quick work of the job. “[This tool] was very good at removing wheel nuts on just about every vehicle we used it on, even some of our medium duty Mitsubishi-Fuso line.”
The tool arrived in a blow molded case with two batteries and a charger included. The only setup required was charging the included batteries before use. The impact came with a manual, which Moore says he did read and found easy to follow.
This impact wrench offers four power settings, which allows it to be adjusted based on the power and speed needed for the application. “The settings allow for reduced power as well as a scaled back setting that has full impact capability,” Moore says. “Then, once the fastener breaks loose, the tool adjusts the free speed revolutions, which keeps the tool much more controllable.” Moore also appreciated the trigger-activated LED light, which he says did a good job keeping the work area illuminated.
Moore has used previous cordless 1/2” impact tools before with mixed results. He adds that they have never used a cordless impact with the 1,400 lb-ft of torque the Milwaukee impact offers. Where other cordless tools Moore had tried struggled to even reach their torque numbers, the Milwaukee M18 1/2” cordless impact had plenty of power.
“I am hard pressed to find much of anything we didn’t like,” Moore says. “This tool produced quite a few situations where it was being hunted down, because every tech that used it tried to keep it.”
His only suggestion for improvement was adding a high impact resistant case for the tool and batteries, since he envisions the tool being a must-have for mobile techs and other trades where there are tougher challenges than in the shop.
“After using it personally, and the reactions it got in the shop, I will be looking for one to buy for myself, and I would bet so are several of our techs,” Moore concludes. “It’s that good.”
