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when it comes to tackling tough fastening jobs, having a reliable, powerful, and compact impact wrench can make all the difference. We recently put the Milwaukee 2855-20 18V Brushless Cordless 1/2″ Impact Wrench with Friction Ring to the test,and we’re excited to share our hands-on experience with this tool. Designed to deliver up to 250 ft./lbs. of nut-busting torque in a remarkably compact 4.9-inch body, this impact wrench promises exceptional access in tight spaces without sacrificing power. Equipped with Milwaukee’s POWERSTATE Brushless motor, tri-LED lighting for better workspace visibility, and innovative 4-Mode DRIVE CONTROL for precision and protection, it seemed like a tool built for professionals who demand both performance and control. In this review, we’ll walk you through how this wrench performed in real-world conditions, its standout features, and whether it lives up to Milwaukee’s reputation for durability and innovation. Let’s dive in!
Overview of the milwaukee 18V Brushless Impact Wrench What Makes This Tool Stand Out Exploring key Features That Impress Us Our Thoughts and Recommendations after Using the Impact Wrench
Overview of the Milwaukee 18V Brushless Impact Wrench
What truly makes this cordless impact wrench stand out is its combination of power, compact size, and smart technology. At just 4.9 inches in length, it’s one of the most compact 1/2″ impact wrenches available, allowing us to easily work in tight spaces where larger tools simply can’t fit. Despite its small footprint, it delivers an notable 250 ft./lbs. of nut-busting torque, powered by the robust POWERSTATE brushless motor. We especially appreciate the tri-LED lighting system that surrounds the anvil, providing brilliant illumination with minimal shadows – a game changer when working in dimly lit or cramped areas. the tool’s friction ring design adds to the ease of socket changes, making our workflow smoother and more efficient.
Exploring further, the 4-Mode DRIVE CONTROL offers versatility and precision that impressed us right away. From gentle hand-tightening to full torque bolt removal, each mode can be toggled easily with a single button, adapting to different job requirements seamlessly. The AUTO SHUT-OFF mode is a thoughtful addition that prevents overtightening by limiting torque to 20 ft./lbs., which saves fasteners and ensures consistent results. The bolt removal control strategically reduces RPMs once the fastener breaks free, reducing the chance of dropped bolts-a feature that’s both smart and practical.Plus, REDLINK PLUS Intelligence keeps the tool safe from overload, overheating, and battery over-discharge, so we can rely on consistent performance throughout the day.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 4.9 inches |
| Torque Output | 250 ft./lbs. |
| Lighting | Tri-LED surrounding the anvil |
| Drive Control Modes | 4 modes including AUTO SHUT-OFF |
| Motor | POWERSTATE Brushless |
| Safety Technology | REDLINK PLUS Intelligence |
After putting this impact wrench through the paces, we can confidently reccommend it to both professionals and serious DIYers. Its blend of compact design, powerful output, and bright features sets it apart in its class. Whether operating in tight engine bays, on site, or for general maintenance, the controls give us both the power and precision needed for the task. We were particularly impressed by how the tool avoids fastener damage while maintaining maximum productivity-this balances protection and performance superbly. If you’re looking for a reliable, feature-packed 18V impact wrench that adapts to your needs, this one should definitely be on your radar.
Customer Reviews Analysis
Customer Reviews Analysis
After going through numerous customer reviews of the Milwaukee 2855-20 18V Brushless Cordless 1/2″ Impact Wrench with Friction Ring, we’ve gathered some valuable insights that help paint a balanced picture of this tool’s performance in real-world scenarios. The overall sentiment is largely positive, with users praising its power, compact size, and versatility, while a few highlight some limitations around torque for the toughest jobs.Let’s break down the major themes:
What Customers Loved
- Powerful Performance: Many users were impressed by the surprising power this compact impact wrench packs. It handles lug nuts, bolts, and even some rusty tractor implements with ease.
- Compact & Lightweight Design: Its smaller size and lighter weight compared to Milwaukee’s bigger models made it a favorite for tight spaces and prolonged use without fatigue.
- Battery Compatibility: Customers appreciated how this M18 tool works seamlessly with their existing batteries,adding to its convenience and value.
- Versatility: From home projects to automotive repairs, this impact wrench proved useful across various tasks, especially for smaller bolts and regular fastening jobs.
Common Drawbacks Noted
- Torque Limitations: While powerful for many applications, some users expected more torque, especially for stubborn hub nuts and large fasteners. It’s great for medium tasks but may fall short for heavy-duty removal.
- Expectation Management: A few reviews mentioned the tool “rattling” or not entirely meeting their torque expectations, suggesting it’s important to choose based on your specific needs.
Summary Table of Customer Feedback
| Feature | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Handles lug nuts, bolts, and rusted implements well | Struggles with stubborn hub nuts and larger bolts |
| Size & Weight | Compact, fits tight spaces, and lightweight for comfortable use | None notable |
| Battery Compatibility | Works with M18 batteries, convenient for existing Milwaukee users | Not compatible with smaller battery platforms (e.g., M12 tools) |
| Value | Good price-to-performance ratio, well worth the investment | Some expected more torque for price paid |
In Conclusion: Our takeaway from the customer feedback is that the Milwaukee 2855-20 excels as a powerful and compact impact wrench ideal for medium-duty applications, offering great convenience and value. If you’re tackling heavy-duty lug nuts or industrial fasteners regularly,you might want to consider a model with higher torque. For most DIYers and professionals working on cars, tractors, and general projects, though, this impact wrench delivers a winning balance of power, size, and precision.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
After putting the Milwaukee 2855-20 through its paces, here’s what we found to be its standout strengths and a few areas where it could improve. this tool impressed us with its blend of power, compactness, and precision.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely compact design (only 4.9″ long) for tight spaces | Battery sold separately, so initial setup cost is higher |
| Powerstate brushless motor delivering up to 250 ft-lbs torque | At higher torque modes, tool can get warm after extended use |
| Tri-LED lighting around the anvil offers excellent workspace illumination with minimal shadows | Friction ring anvil may not suit every user’s preference compared to hog ring models |
| 4-Mode DRIVE CONTROL provides great versatility and precision for different tasks | Heavier than some smaller cordless impact wrenches due to robust motor and battery platform |
| Automatic shut-off in Mode 4 helps prevent overtightening and improves fastening consistency | noise level is typical for high-torque impact wrenches but louder than drills or drivers |
| REDLINK PLUS Intelligence safeguards tool from overload and overheating for durability |
the Milwaukee 2855-20 caters perfectly to professionals and serious diyers who need a powerful, compact impact wrench with smart control features. While it’s not the lightest or quietest tool around, its performance and precision modes make it a versatile and reliable choice for a wide range of fastening jobs.
Q&A
Q&A: Milwaukee 2855-20 18V Brushless Cordless 1/2″ Impact Wrench with Friction Ring
Q: What makes the Milwaukee 2855-20 different from other impact wrenches?
A: We love that this impact wrench is the most compact in its class, measuring only 4.9 inches long. This small size gives us incredible access in tight spaces where bigger tools just won’t fit. It also packs up to 250 ft./lbs. of nut-busting torque thanks to its POWERSTATE Brushless motor, so it’s powerful without being bulky.
Q: How does the friction ring affect usability?
A: The friction ring design is a game changer for those of us who need quick and easy socket changes. Unlike pin detent models, the friction ring lets you swap sockets smoothly without fumbling or extra tools, which speeds up our workflow, especially in fast-paced jobs.
Q: Can this tool handle delicate fastening without damaging bolts?
A: Absolutely! The 4-Mode DRIVE CONTROL feature lets us select from multiple torque and speed presets. Mode 4 is particularly useful for hand-tightening applications because it automatically limits torque to 20 ft./lbs. and prevents over-tightening. This really gives us peace of mind when working with sensitive hardware.
Q: How is the lighting on this impact wrench? Will it really help in dark or cramped spaces?
A: The Milwaukee 2855-20 shines-literally! It has three tri-LEDs arranged around the anvil, which illuminate the workspace with fewer shadows than conventional tools. This shining, even lighting means we don’t have to juggle a flashlight or reposition the tool constantly.
Q: Is battery life sufficient for professional use?
A: As this is part of Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL lineup, the brushless motor combined with REDLINK PLUS Intelligence electronics optimizes battery use by preventing overloads and overheating. While battery life can vary based on the task, in our experience, it comfortably handles extended jobs on a single charge.
Q: How does the bolt Removal Control feature work?
A: When loosening stubborn bolts, this mode applies full torque initially, then throttles down the RPM once the bolt breaks free to avoid dropping it.We find this especially helpful when working on automotive or heavy equipment where dropped fasteners could get lost or cause damage.
Q: Is this tool suitable for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts?
A: Definitely. Its compact size and user-kind features make it accessible for DIYers, while the robust power and advanced controls are tailored to professionals who demand precision and reliability on the job site.
Q: Can this impact wrench replace a corded model for heavy-duty tasks?
A: For most heavy-duty applications, yes. The POWERSTATE Brushless motor delivers up to 250 ft./lbs.of torque, which handles the majority of nuts and bolts that a corded wrench would. Plus, its cordless convenience means no tangled cords or limited movement.
Q: What accessories or batteries are compatible with the Milwaukee 2855-20?
A: This tool uses the M18 battery platform, which is compatible with all Milwaukee M18 lithium-ion batteries and chargers. That’s great if you already have other Milwaukee M18 tools, because your existing batteries work seamlessly.
Q: Any final thoughts on the Milwaukee 2855-20?
A: This compact impact wrench manages to blend power, precision, and portability like few others. Whether you’re tight on workspace or need nuanced torque control, it steps up with features that make our jobs easier and more efficient. We highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable, high-performance cordless impact wrench.
Embody Excellence
the Milwaukee 2855-20 18V Brushless Cordless 1/2″ Impact Wrench with Friction Ring stands out as a powerhouse packed into a compact design. Its impressive torque, advanced DRIVE CONTROL modes, and bright tri-LED lighting make it an essential tool for anyone working in tight spaces or needing precision and reliability. We appreciate how the REDLINK PLUS Intelligence safeguards performance while enhancing usability, making our tasks smoother and more efficient. Whether you’re loosening stubborn bolts or carefully hand-tightening fasteners, this impact wrench delivers the control and power you need.
If you’re ready to experience the convenience and performance of the Milwaukee 2855-20 for yourself, you can check it out and order it here: Milwaukee 2855-20 on Amazon.
This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. Learn more on my Private Policy page.
