Milwaukee M18 Fuel GEN 3, 3/8” Compact Impact Wrench
As part of The Home Depot’s Prospective Program this quarter, I got to check out the latest M18 Fuel GEN 3, 3/8” Compact Impact Wrench from Milwaukee, model # 2854-20.
More info on the impact wrench here at Home Depot:
https://homedepot.sjv.io/c/1285960/1020827/8154
Quick Overview
M18 battery platform
Powerstate brushless motor
3/8” friction ring style anvil
Up to 250 ft./lbs. torque
Tri-LEDS
4-mode drive control
2.4 lbs.
$219 bare tool
Lined up next to the M12 Fuel 1/4” impact, you can see just how compact this new 3/8” impact wrench is.
I’m a huge fan of the Tri-LED style lights. They’re really high definition lights and provide awesome visibility. I found myself not even using a flashlight at all, just squeeze the trigger real quick and used the gun as my light!
The wrench features the friction-ring style anvil. It’s really a personal preference on what you prefer, say compared to a detent pin style. I’m fine with either. I will say, when it was new, holy-cow did it need broken in. I thought the first socket was going to be stuck on forever. Hey, maybe that’s a great way not to lose that 10mm though!
Similar belt clip from other Milwaukee guns that can be switched to either side.
4-Mode Drive Control.
Mode 1: 0-800 RPMs, 0-1,000 IPMs(impacts per minute)
Mode 2: 0-1,650 RPMs, 0-2,400 IPMs
Mode 3: 0-2,400 RPMs, 0-3,500 IPMs
Mode 4: 0-2,400 RPMs, 0-3,500 IPMs
Mode 4 has Bolt Removal Control which gives full torque output and then decreases RPMs as soon as the bolt is loosened to prevent fastener drops. When tightening, mode 4 has the auto shut off feature. It’ll apply up to 20 ft./lbs. of torque and then stop to prevent overtightening. I actually really like this feature when working with a lot of plastic/composite materials on vehicles. Helps prevent stripping anything out or breaking tabs, etc.
I don’t know why, but I swear “will it remove lug nuts?” is hands-down the most asked question anytime I show an impact wrench on IG. That must be a universal gauge on if an impact is good! So to answer that question, even though I had to use a 3/8” to 1/2” adapter for larger sockets, yes it will remove lug nuts. It had no problem removing these torqued-to-spec lugs in each modes 2,3, and 4. Mode 1 didn’t quite provide enough ugga duggas.
In Summary
I really like this thing. Are there bigger impact wrenches with way more torque? Certainly, even Milwaukee has another 3/8” mid-range wrench with 600 ft./lbs. of torque. It differs for everyone and your application on what you want/need. Personally, I reach for this one most of the time. Basically if a 3/8” socket will fit what you’re doing, this impact will have the power for it. The lightweight, compact size is a big plus for me. Overall it’s just a comfortable and enjoyable tool to use.
Check out the Gen 3, 3/8” Impact Wrench here at Home Depot!
https://homedepot.sjv.io/c/1285960/1020827/8154
As a Home Depot Affiliate, I do earn a commission on items purchased through any links in this article. I appreciate the support!