DeWalt Atomic 20V MAX Impact Wrench vs Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3/8" Impact Wrench

The DeWalt Atomic is the stronger pick for heavy fastening: 1/2-inch drive, 450 ft-lbs breakaway and 300 ft-lbs fastening torque, plus a 5Ah battery in the kit. The Milwaukee 2854-20 is the better tight-space tool: 4.8 inches long, 3/8-inch drive, 250 ft-lbs nut-busting, and modes that stop at 20 ft-lbs to avoid overtightening. Both are brushless and rated 4.9, but the DeWalt has far fewer ratings and one owner questions its torque claim, while Milwaukee owners mostly praise power and size.

• Choose the DeWalt Atomic if you need 1/2-inch drive and high breakaway torque for lug nuts and axle nuts, and want a battery included.
• Choose the Milwaukee 2854-20 if you work in cramped engine bays and want precise low-torque control on smaller fasteners.