Milwaukee has introduced its highest-torque 3/4-inch impact wrench, a cordless tool designed to replace pneumatic equipment in heavy-duty applications. The new M18 Fuel model generates up to 1800 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 2000 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, which Milwaukee claims is 40% faster than competing cordless and air tools. The device hits a maximum no-load speed of 2000 RPM.
While the fourth-generation tool targets professionals who need serious power, the numbers show it competes directly with some of the best pneumatic models on the market. For comparison, Ingersoll Rand’s pneumatic 2146Q1MAX offers 2000 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque and 1300 ft-lbs of fastening torque. The Milwaukee tool matches the breakaway torque but exceeds the fastening capacity.
Compared to other cordless options, the 2964 outperforms the Makita GWT01, which offers 1510 ft-lbs of breakaway torque and 1330 ft-lbs of fastening torque. The DeWalt DCF964 provides 1900 ft-lbs of breakaway torque and 1420 ft-lbs of fastening torque. Milwaukee’s new wrench also runs at a higher speed than the Ingersoll Rand W8171, which tops out at 1350 RPM.
Run time for the standard model is estimated at 120 1 1/4-inch bolts on a single 8.0Ah Forge battery. The extended-reach version, which features a 6-inch anvil for tire servicing, can service 10 tires or 100 lug nuts on one charge. Both kits come with two 8.0Ah Forge batteries, allowing users to keep one charging while using the other.
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Features and Pricing
Both the standard and extended models offer four power and speed modes. The fourth setting includes an assist feature that differs between the two designs. The standard tool uses Auto-Stop mode, delivering 75 ft-lbs of fastening torque in forward to prevent over-torquing and slowing to 750 RPM in reverse. The extended-anvil tool uses Lug Nut Snug Mode, which tops out at 450 ft-lbs of fastening torque.
The new Milwaukee 2964 retails for $499 as a bare tool and $849 as a kit. The extended-anvil configuration costs $599 bare and $949 with a kit. Milwaukee offers a protective boot for both designs for $49 each. The tool is backed by a three-year warranty.
Professionals who already own the previous M18 Fuel 2864 might find the upgrade unnecessary unless they require the absolute maximum power or the extended reach offered by the new configuration. The $499 bare price tag is only about $70 more than the previous model, but the jump in specs justifies the cost for those working on large-scale utility projects. Upgrading to an energy-efficient model can also help reduce the long-term energy consumption of a workshop, ensuring that tools are running at peak efficiency.
