Milwaukee 2650-20 Impact Driver Review

Milwaukee 2650-20 Impact Driver Product Image

Editor Rating: 4.1/5

Great

Milwaukee 2650-20 Impact Driver Review

Reviewed by: Timothy Henderson

Published on:January 29, 2019

Last modified:

January 29, 2019 @ 2:45 pm

 

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Milwaukee 2650-20 Review Summary:

Milwaukee’s 2650-20 18V impact driver, is part of the M18 lineup. The 2650-20 Features an impressive design and a couple of interesting features, it offers a good value for the money. It’s one of the best impact drivers in its price category and a unit that’s highly praised by most people who bought it.

Good but cheap impact drivers are quite hard to find. Most of the time, users will turn to no-name brands to save some money, only to end up with a model that starts smoking after only a few uses. Fortunately, a couple of more reliable and better-known brands, such as Milwaukee, now offer affordable devices that aren’t too expensive for anyone’s budget.

Because of this, we’ve decided to take a closer look at its features – read on and find out everything about its design and performance:

Milwaukee 2650-20 Specifications:

  • Weight – 2.6lbs
  • Dimensions – 8.4″ x 6.3″ x 4.6″
  • Battery – Lithium-Ion
  • Impacts/Min – 3,200 IPM
  • Drive Size – 1/4″ Hex

Milwaukee 2650-20 – The Basics


Although slightly heavier than most other devices of this type in its class, the 2650-20 impact driver feels excellent in hand and can be used for hours on end. It is well-balanced, gives a good grip, and comes with additional features that raise its overall convenience, such as the belt hook or the LED headlight.

Performance-wise, the 2650 20 operates on a frameless 4-pole engine that delivers an output of 3,200 impacts per minute. This is quite impressive for a impact driver of this size and something that turns 2650-20 into a very attractive deal. It can be powered by either a 1.5Ah or 3.0Ah battery pack, depending on the user’s needs.

Other features worth mentioning are the variable speed trigger, an on-board battery fuel gauge, as well as the REDLINK Intelligence, a system that decreases overheating and optimizes performance.

Milwaukee 2650-20 Features


Design


As we said, Milwaukee 2650-20 is somewhat heavier than its rivals, but it’s still a compact impact driver. Its size allows one to use it in tight spots and its ergonomic design reduces fatigue that appears with long working sessions. The extra weight gives this impact driver a sturdier feel in hand, while the thoughtful choice of materials prevents damage from accidental drops and kicks.

We particularly like the fact that the 2650-20 comes with all additional features that are usually present on the more expensive models. The model’s LED work light allows one to use it in poorly illuminated areas while the fuel gauge shows how much battery juice is there left. The belt hook, on the other hand, is an excellent feature for those who often have to climb to drive bolts and screws in high places. All of these features are of invaluable use and come in very handy in certain situations.

Power


The frameless 4-pole motor of 2650-20 outputs 1,400 in-lbs of torque and reaches the speed ratings of 3,200 IPM and 2,200 RPM. In other words, it spins the 1/4″ hex at very high speeds and lets the user tackle all sorts of driving tasks without much effort. There’s plenty of power here – you’ll even be able to drive 8″ lags through 4×4’s.

The thing that gives this cordless impact driver such a great performance (well, besides the potent engine) is the company’s signature REDLINK Intelligence system. Allowing better communication between the tool and the battery, it delivers optimized performance and protects the device from overloading.

Another thing worth mentioning is the fact that the 2560-20 impact driver is a decent performer when it comes to drilling as well. It’s not as good as your regular cordless drill, but it’s great for quick plot holes when your drill is not around.

Battery


The model uses Milwaukee’s REDLITHIUM batteries, which are among the better ones on the market and provide a solid runtime. It can be used with 1.5Ah batteries (charge time – 30mins) or 3.0Ah batteries (charge time – one hour), with both types being compatible with all other Milwaukee M18 tools.

Using Milwaukee 2650-20 With 18V Battery

Pros:

N

Sturdy construction

N

Outstanding performance

N

Over-molded rubber grips

N

Additional features (headlight, fuel gauge, belt clip)

Cons:

N

Higher weight

N

Trigger not sensitive enough

R

Things we liked about it

In its price category, Milwaukee 2650-20 is undoubtedly one of the best impact drivers. Not only it possesses a design that provides the user with optimal comfort of use, but it’s also a high-performing device that works like a charm. We were thoroughly impressed with its ability to complete every task we threw at it.

Combining a frameless 4-pole motor and the company’s signature REDLINK Intelligence system, this model can be used for fastening pipe couplings, switch plates, conduit clamps, pipe clamps, panel boxes, as well as for general fastening tasks. The tool feels great in hand and its rubber grips prevent slippage and reduce fatigue.

We also liked the additional features – the belt clip, the LED headlight, as well as the integrated battery fuel gauge. These are very convenient and will help you work in darkness and at high places, and also assist you in determining the percentage of remaining power.

Q

Things we didn’t like

Since it’s quite powerful and stocked with features, the 2650-20 also weighs more than your typical 18V cordless driver. Moreover, its trigger isn’t as sensitive as we would like it to be – maintaining low speeds and getting a super-slow start can be somewhat challenging.

General Impressions Of The Milwaukee 2650-20


Superlatives like “amazing” or “outstanding” are quite common when it comes to user impressions concerning this impact driver. Most of those who bought the 2650 20 agree that it’s one of the best power tools Milwaukee has on offer, especially due to its affordable price. Both the professionals and DIY beginners praise its design, performance, and overall reliability.

Conclusion


It’s pretty safe to say that Milwaukee’s 2650-20  is one of the best power tools in the company’s M18 lineup. Both its design and performance are thoroughly impressive – investing in the 2650-20 impact driver won’t leave you disappointed. It’s a reliable piece of equipment and a great choice for both the construction and homeowner projects.

Most Read Reviews

Disclaimer

The owner of ToolNerds.com, is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn commission by advertising and linking ToolNerds.com reviews to Amazon products, but not limited to Amazon.com.

Follow Us