REASONS TO BUY
Incredibly fast
Phenomenal torque
Four speed settings
REASONS TO AVOID
Not the best battery life
Noisy
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2853-20 Review
If you're looking for a fast 18V impact driver with excellent torque in a condensed size, we recommend this model
RELATED: Best Impact Driver
Our Verdict
If efficiency is a critical factor in tool selection, then you're going to love the speed that the Milwaukee M18 Fuel drives fasteners. This model also holds its own in the power department — it easily destroyed all of our torque tests. One of our favorite elements of the M18 Fuel is its compressed size — this is the smallest 18V model that we've ever seen. The only real flaw we found with this model is that the batteries don't last quite as long as other models, but this is easily remedied by upgrading batteries or always keeping an extra one on the charger.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on September 12, 2022, with additional data from our in-depth testing process, a candid take on value, and suggestions for other comparable products that may better suit your needs or budget.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2853-20 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  |  | | ||
| Price | $135 List $129.97 at Amazon | Check Price at Amazon | $129 List $77.71 at Amazon | $110 List $90.00 at Amazon | $120 List $105.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Incredibly fast, phenomenal torque, four speed settings | Several fastening modes, nifty lighting approach, great battery efficiency | Exceptional torque, very fast, great battery life | Fast, lots of torque | Convenient, compact, several settings |
| Cons | Not the best battery life, noisy | Noisy, pricey | Loud, only one RPM setting | Loud, average battery life | Pricey, battery doesn't last long, loud |
| Bottom Line | If you're looking for a fast 18V impact driver with excellent torque in a condensed size, we recommend this model | A powerful driver with a great battery life that's a fairly large investment | This driver had the most impressive battery life in our test and offers torque performance that is on par with the best | This driver is fast and provides excellent torque at an affordable price | Get this if you're looking for a light, small, 12-volt impact driver with great performance |
| Rating Categories | Milwaukee M18 Fuel... | Makita XDT16Z Lithi... | Makita XDT13 | Ryobi P238 | Milwaukee M12 Fuel... |
| Speed (35%) | |||||
| Torque (25%) | |||||
| Convenience (20%) | |||||
| Battery (15%) | |||||
| Noise (5%) | |||||
| Specs | Milwaukee M18 Fuel... | Makita XDT16Z Lithi... | Makita XDT13 | Ryobi P238 | Milwaukee M12 Fuel... |
| Impact Driver Model # | 2853-20 | XDT16Z | XDT13 | P238 | 2553-20 |
| Average Measured Fastening Torque | 300 ft-lb | 300 ft-lb | 282 ft-lb | 300 ft-lb | 143 ft-lb |
| Measured Breaking Torque | 300 ft-lb | 300 ft-lb | 300 ft-lb | 300 ft-lb | 275 ft-lb |
| Measured Length | 116 mm | 114 mm | 126 mm | 161 mm | 132 mm |
| Average Measured Sound Pressure Level | 99 dBa | 94 dBa | 97 dBa | 104 dBa | 97 dBa |
| Quick Bit Insert? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bit Holder? | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
| Multiple Fastening Modes? | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Show full specification detailsHide full specification details
Our Analysis and Test Results
Following our in-depth testing, it became very apparent that the Milwaukee M18 Fuel is a top-notch impact driver. The aspect in which it stands out the most is its speed — this model is the fastest impact driver we've ever tested.
Performance Comparison
It doesn't matter if you're a professional or a DIYer, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL will deliver top-notch performance regardless of your project needs.
Credit: Laura Casner
Speed
The M18 Fuel is about as fast as an impact driver gets. Our speed test consisted of driving 3-⅝" ledger screws into a stack of plywood thick enough to provide enough wood for the entire depth of the screw. We drove several screws and took an average time for each driver. The M18 Fuel smoked through this assessment with an incredible average of 3.3 seconds.
To amass more numerical data for speed, we drove a ½" x 3" lag bolt into a stack of 2x12 boards and timed how long it took to drive the bolt and remove it completely. We used an 11/32" bit to drill pilot holes so as not to split the boards and to give each bolt as close to the same resistance as possible.
Be careful with this tool. It may surprise you just how quickly it can drive screws.
Credit: Laura Casner
The M18 Fuel put most of the competition to shame in this race — it was able to drive the lag bolt in 12 seconds, and it took a mere 4 seconds to remove it. For reference — the average for the whole group was 30 seconds in and 12 seconds out.
The M18 FUEL is equally impressive handing lag bolts with exceptional speed.
Credit: Laura Casner
Torque
The amount of torque these devices deliver is a key reason to want to own an impact driver. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel did not disappoint during this assessment.
For this test, we welded ¾" bolts onto an I-beam, then used each impact driver to tighten the nuts until they couldn't twist any further, then we measured the maximum amount of torque each driver could loosen. We made all of our measurements using a mechanic-grade torque wrench.
Earning a perfect score for this metric, the M18 Fuel maxed out our 300 ft-pound torque wrench during both tests.
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2853-20 maxed out our torque tests.
Credit: Laura Casner
Convenience
Convenience combines subjective assessments such as features or aspects of the design that make the driver easier to use with objective measurements such as weight and dimensions. Convenience is a strong metric for the M18 Fuel; it finished near the top of the pack.
There are plenty of features to love on the Milwaukee M18 Fuel. It has four RPM settings — three different speeds and a "finish" setting. The selector button to switch between the modes is conveniently located right at the bottom front of the handle, and the button is easy to push.
The button to change speeds on the M18 FUEL is in a convenient location and is easy to press.
Credit: Laura Casner
Most newer impact drivers have a light — the M18 Fuel is no different. On this Milwaukee model, it is located in between the chuck and the trigger. We found that the light on this driver is bright and shows a consistent pattern. Also, we love that the light turns on when the trigger is slightly depressed. On some models, the actual driver has to be engaged for the light to turn on, making it difficult to look at what you're doing before driving your fastener.
The light on the M18 Fuel may as well double as a flashlight.
Credit: Laura Casner
One of our favorite features of the Milwaukee M18 Fuel is that it has a small front-to-back length. At a mere 116mm, this tool will easily squeeze into tight places where other drivers simply won't fit.
The M18 Fuel has a bit quick insert, which allows you to attach or detach bits with one hand easily. It also includes a bit holder on one side and a belt hook on the other. The user can interchange them depending on personal preference.
The M18 FUEL has a bit holder that can be mounted on either side of the handle base.
Credit: Laura Casner
Battery
To test batteries, we alternated between two different exercises. To begin, we drove in over 10 screws — we then drove a ½" x 3" lag bolt in and out. We kept going until the driver ran out of battery.
This was not the strongest metric for the Milwaukee M18 Fuel. It completed four full sets of the ledger screws and the lag bolt driving and removal but died after driving four ledger screws on the fifth set.
The Milwaukee M18 excelled at our torque tests.
Credit: Laura Casner
Noise
To measure noise, we took several readings with a sound pressure level meter while driving ledger screws into wood, then calculated an average. We couldn't give out any decent scores for this metric because even the best impact drivers are painfully loud.
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel wasn't the worst impact driver in the noise department during our testing period, but it certainly wasn't the best. With an average volume of 99 decibels, this model produced a tiny bit more noise than the average for the group, which was 98 decibels.
We recommend checking with Milwaukee to see what type of ear protection they suggest using while operating this product.
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2853-20 is one of the fastest models we've tested.
Credit: Laura Casner
Should You Buy the Milwaukee M18 Fuel?
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel is fast, powerful, and compact. It has several features that make it attractive to the harshest of tool critics. We wish that the battery lasted a little bit longer, mainly because purchasing extra Milwaukee batteries can get downright expensive. But after putting it head-to-head against the best impact drivers on the market, this seems like a minor criticism — we still think it's well worth the extra investment.
What Other Impact Drivers Should You Consider?
While the M18 Fuel is expensive for an impact driver, its excellent performance makes up for any additional costs. For those looking to save a few bucks, the Ryobi P238 is our pick for the best overall value. If you don't need as much power and instead favor size and convenience, check out the 12-volt Milwaukee M12 Fuel.
—
Ross Patton and Austin Palmer
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