Milwaukee’s M12 Fuel line has been a go-to choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike, known for packing impressive power into a compact design.
The third-generation Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Driver (model 3453) continues this trend by delivering more speed and torque than its predecessors, all while maintaining the compact size and ergonomic design that users appreciate.
In this review, we’ll dive into what sets the third-generation model apart and whether it’s worth the upgrade.
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Table of Contents
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Milwaukee 3453 |
| Power Source | Milwaukee M12 battery |
| No-Load Speed | 0 – 1700/2900/3600 RPM |
| Impact Rate | 0 – 4000 IPM |
| Max Torque | 1500 in-lbs |
| Length | 5.0 inches |
| Weight | 1.6 pounds (bare), 2.0 pounds (with 2.0Ah battery) |
Review of Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Driver
Pros:
- High Torque Output: Delivers up to 1500 in-lbs of torque, making it suitable for tough fastening tasks.
- Increased Speed: With a maximum speed of 3600 RPM, it handles various applications with ease.
- Compact Size: Measures 5.0 inches in length and weighs just 2.0 lbs with the battery, enhancing maneuverability in tight spaces.
- Improved LED Lighting: Features three LED lights around the collet for better illumination and reduced shadows.
- One-Hand Bit Insertion: Convenient one-hand bit insertion for faster and easier bit changes.
- Versatile Modes: Offers four modes, including a self-tapping screw mode, to adapt to different tasks.
Cons:
- Higher Price: At $139 for the bare tool and $169 for the kit, it’s pricier compared to some competitors.
- Weight with Larger Battery: While it’s lightweight with the 2.0Ah battery, it can feel heavier with the 5.0Ah battery.
- Limited to M12 Battery System: Only compatible with Milwaukee’s M12 batteries, which might not suit those who use different battery platforms.
Performance
The Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Driver’s third-generation model showcases impressive advancements in performance, making it a standout in the compact 12V category.
With a top speed of 3,600 RPM and an impact rate of 4,000 IPM, this tool handles a variety of fastening tasks with ease.
The 1,500 in-lbs of torque is particularly notable, allowing it to tackle tasks typically reserved for larger, more powerful tools.
This combination of speed and torque makes the M12 Fuel Impact Driver a reliable choice for both light-duty and demanding applications, offering consistent performance across different materials and fastener sizes.
Power
The Milwaukee brand is known for its power and build quality, and the Milwaukee M12 carries its name with its amazing power and build quality.
The power behind the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Driver comes from its advanced brushless motor, which efficiently converts the 12V battery’s energy into high-impact force.
With 1,500 in-lbs of torque, this compact tool punches well above its weight, rivaling some of the 18V and 20V Max drivers on the market.
The 3,600 RPM maximum speed and 4,000 IPM impact rate provide the necessary power for a wide range of tasks, from driving small screws into softwood to tackling larger fasteners in tougher materials.
This blend of power and precision ensures that the M12 Fuel Impact Driver can handle most jobs with ease, making it a versatile addition to any toolkit.
While this impact drive can handle fastening of screws, if you work primarily with the fastening of screws, then you might want to get a dedicated cordless drill with a screw fastening function.
Design and Weight
The design of the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Driver (3453) maintains its compact and lightweight form, which is a hallmark of the M12 line.
At just 5.0 inches in length, it’s slightly shorter than its predecessor, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
The tool’s weight also sees a reduction, coming in at just 1.6 pounds bare.
With a 2.0Ah battery, the total weight reaches only 2.0 pounds, making it one of the lightest impact drivers available.
This compact size and reduced weight make it comfortable to use over extended periods, minimizing fatigue.
Milwaukee has also made significant improvements to the LED light on this model.
The 3453 now features three LEDs surrounding the collet, which provides better illumination and reduces shadows.
This upgrade is particularly useful when working in dimly lit areas, ensuring that your work area is clearly visible.
The one-hand bit insertion feature is another thoughtful addition to the design.
You can simply slide the bit into the collet without needing to pull the sleeve, making bit changes faster and more convenient.
These design enhancements contribute to a more user-friendly experience, allowing for greater efficiency and comfort on the job.
Warranty and Support
Milwaukee backs the M12 Fuel Impact Driver (3453) with a robust warranty, reflecting the brand’s confidence in its build quality and durability.
The tool itself comes with a 5-year warranty, which covers any defects in materials or workmanship.
This extended coverage ensures that you can rely on the tool for years of demanding use, with peace of mind knowing that Milwaukee stands behind their product.
The M12 batteries, which power the impact driver, are covered by a 2-year warranty.
While this is shorter than the tool’s warranty, it still provides solid protection, especially considering the rigorous demands placed on batteries in power tools.
Milwaukee’s customer support is known for being responsive and helpful, making it easy to address any concerns or warranty claims that might arise.
Additionally, the company offers extensive online resources, including manuals, how-to videos, and troubleshooting guides, to assist users in getting the most out of their tools.
This comprehensive warranty and support package is a key factor in making the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Driver a reliable choice for both professionals and serious DIYers.
Who Should Buy It?
The Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Driver is a solid choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts seeking a powerful and compact tool.
Its lightweight design and enhanced performance make it ideal for users who need a reliable impact driver for smaller to medium-sized tasks.
If you often work in tight spaces or need a tool that’s easy to handle for extended periods, this model fits the bill.
For those already invested in the Milwaukee M12 system, this impact driver offers great value as it’s compatible with all M12 batteries.
Comparison of Milwaukee M12 Fuel with Similar Impact Drivers
| Feature | Milwaukee M12 Fuel (3453) | DeWalt DCF787 | Bosch GDR18V-200C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | 3600 RPM | 3250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Max Torque | 1500 in-lbs | 1300 in-lbs | 1400 in-lbs |
| Impact Rate | 4000 IPM | 3400 IPM | 3400 IPM |
| Weight | 2.0 lbs (with battery) | 2.5 lbs (with battery) | 2.3 lbs (with battery) |
| Price (Bare Tool) | $139 | $129 | $149 |
| Price (Kit) | $169 (with 2.0Ah battery) | $159 (with 2.0Ah battery) | $179 (with 2.0Ah battery) |
| One-Hand Bit Insertion | Yes | No | No |
| LED Light | 3 LEDs surrounding collet | Single LED above trigger | Single LED above trigger |
| Warranty | 5 years (tool), 2 years (batteries) | 3 years (tool), 1 year (batteries) | 3 years (tool), 1 year (batteries) |
Final Thoughts
The Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Driver stands out with its impressive power and compact design.
The third-generation model offers significant improvements over its predecessors, including increased speed and torque, making it a versatile tool for a variety of tasks.
While it’s designed for compact performance, it’s still powerful enough to handle demanding jobs with ease.
For those seeking a high-performance, lightweight impact driver that excels in both power and maneuverability, the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Driver is a top contender.
Buy on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the maximum torque of the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Driver?
The Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Driver has a maximum torque of 1500 in-lbs, providing substantial power for various fastening tasks.
2. How does the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Driver compare to its predecessor?
The third-generation model improves upon its predecessor with a higher maximum speed of 3600 RPM and increased torque of 1500 in-lbs, offering better performance overall.
3. Is the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Driver compatible with other Milwaukee M12 batteries?
Yes, the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact Driver is compatible with all Milwaukee M12 batteries, allowing for flexibility and convenience in battery management.
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