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Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3/8" Impact Wrench vs Kobalt 24V Brushless 3/8-in Impact Wrench

The Milwaukee 2854-20 is the stronger tool: 250 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque, a 4.8-inch body, four drive modes and a brushless motor backed by a huge M18 battery ecosystem. The Kobalt KCIW 324B-03 is a simpler 24-volt bare tool with 180 ft-lbs, 3,400 IPM and a variable-speed trigger, and it only makes sense if you already own Kobalt 24V batteries. Owners rate the Milwaukee very highly for power and size; the Kobalt is a lighter-duty alternative for home and light auto work.

  • Choose the Milwaukee 2854-20 if you want maximum torque in the tightest spaces, four control modes, and a battery platform you can share across many tools.
  • Choose the Kobalt KCIW 324B-03 if you already run Kobalt 24V batteries and need a capable brushless 3/8-inch wrench for lighter jobs.

Prices

  • Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3/8" Impact Wrench: $140.00 at Walmart (checked today)
  • Kobalt 24V Brushless 3/8-in Impact Wrench: $99.00 at diyliftroom.com (checked today)
  • Difference: the Kobalt 24V Brushless 3/8-in Impact Wrench is $41.00 cheaper than the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3/8" Impact Wrench today
Milwaukee
Milwaukee 2854-20 M18 FUEL 3/8" Impact Wrench

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3/8" Impact Wrench

Milwaukee 2854-20 M18 FUEL 3/8" Impact Wrench

4.9(549 ratings)
$140.00at WalmartChecked 23 min ago
See all prices and details
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Pros
  • 250 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque in a 4.8-inch body
  • Four modes including auto shut-off at 20 ft-lbs and bolt-removal control
  • Tri-LEDs reduce shadows on the work area
  • Shares the large M18 battery platform
  • Very high owner ratings
Cons
  • Bare-tool listings need a battery and charger bought separately
  • Premium tool, so it is a bigger commitment than a budget wrench
  • Friction ring retains sockets but some prefer a detent pin
Kobalt
Kobalt 24-volt Brushless 3/8-in Drive Cordless Impact Wrench (Bare Tool) KCIW 324B-03

Kobalt 24V Brushless 3/8-in Impact Wrench

Kobalt 24-volt Brushless 3/8-in Drive Cordless Impact Wrench (Bare Tool) KCIW 324B-03

$99.00at diyliftroom.comChecked 22 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit diyliftroom.com
Pros
  • Brushless motor with 180 ft-lbs and 3,400 IPM
  • Variable-speed trigger for controlled starts
  • Works with all Kobalt 24V batteries and chargers
  • Simple, light-duty design for home and auto tasks
Cons
  • Less torque and a longer body than the Milwaukee
  • No multi-mode control or auto shut-off
  • Bare tool with no battery or charger included
  • Locked to the Kobalt 24V platform

What separates them

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3/8" Impact WrenchKobalt 24V Brushless 3/8-in Impact Wrench
Nut-busting torqueUp to 250 ft-lbs180 ft-lbs
Length4.8 inches, compact for tight spacesLonger body, less access in tight spots
Speed and impactsUp to 2,400 RPM and 3,500 IPMUp to 2,000 RPM and 3,400 IPM
Drive modes4-mode DRIVE CONTROL with auto shut-off and bolt-removal modeVariable-speed trigger only
LightingTri-LED ring around the anvilLED lighting
Battery platformAll M18 batteries, wide tool ecosystemKobalt 24V max only
In the boxBare tool in some listings, 5.0 XC battery in othersBare tool, no battery or charger
Build and reputationBrushless POWERSTATE motor, REDLINK PLUS protection, 4.9/5 from 549 ratingsBrushless motor, impact and chemical resistance, smaller review base

Price history

  • Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3/8" Impact Wrench: lowest $143.00 on Nov 11 at Amazon.
  • Kobalt 24V Brushless 3/8-in Impact Wrench: lowest $99.00 on Nov 11 at diyliftroom.com.

Prices at every store

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3/8" Impact Wrench

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Limitd Products LLCReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $140.00Free shippingChecked 23 min ago
    Visit Walmart
  • Way SourceNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $149.00Checked 23 min ago
    Visit Way Source
  • Chief Miller ApparelNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $157.28Checked 23 min ago
    Visit Chief Miller Apparel
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $143.00Free shippingChecked 23 min ago
    Visit Amazon
All 18 stores and price history →

Kobalt 24V Brushless 3/8-in Impact Wrench

  • diyliftroom.comNew

    In stock

    $99.00Checked 22 min ago
    Visit diyliftroom.com
  • mercari.comNew

    In stock

    $99.00+ $12.99 shippingChecked 22 min ago
    Visit mercari.com
  • Lowe'sNew

    In stock

    $119.00Free shippingChecked 24 min ago
    Visit Lowe's
  • WalmartNew

    Out of stockSold by Low Price Home Goods

    $125.99Free shippingChecked 22 min ago
    Visit Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 6 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecMilwaukee M18 FUEL 3/8" Impact WrenchKobalt 24V Brushless 3/8-in Impact Wrench
Power Source—Battery
LED Lighting—Yes
No. of Batteries (pcs)—0
Brushless—Yes
Battery Voltage—24-volt
Number Of Batteries Included—0
Power Voltage—24-volt
Torque Range—180 ft-lbs
Impacts Per Minute—3400
Speed Range—0-2,000 RPM
Speed Control—Yes (variable-speed trigger)
Motor Torque—180 ft-lbs
Show all 27 specsShow fewer specs
SpecMilwaukee M18 FUEL 3/8" Impact WrenchKobalt 24V Brushless 3/8-in Impact Wrench
Motor Type—Brushless
Motor Speed Settings—Variable
Chuck / Drive Size—3/8-in
Chuck / Drive Type—Square drive
Chuck / Drive Subtype—Fixed Square
Height—7.8 cm
Length—45.01 cm
Width—10.59 cm
Battery System Compatibility—Kobalt 24-volt max
Compatible Batteries

What reviewers say

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3/8" Impact Wrench

  • 4.9 / 5549 ratings

Rated 4.9 out of 5 across 549 ratings, owners consistently call it powerful for its size and easy to use in tight spots.

What people mention
  • SizePraisedOwners repeatedly call it the perfect size for reaching tight spaces.
  • PowerPraisedBuyers say it has plenty of torque for a compact 3/8-inch wrench.
  • UsefulnessPraisedReviewers describe it as a very useful tool across many jobs.

Kobalt 24V Brushless 3/8-in Impact Wrench

Owner feedback on this class of Kobalt 24V impact wrench is generally positive on power for its size and on the brushless motor, with the main complaints aimed at the bare-tool packaging and the limits of 3/8-in torque.

What people mention
  • TorqueMixedOwners say 180 ft-lbs is fine for car lugs but not for stubborn truck or rusted fasteners.
  • BuildPraisedThe brushless motor and solid housing are described as durable for home garage use.
  • SizePraisedIts compact 3/8-in body reaches into wheel wells and engine bays where bigger guns will not fit.
  • BatteryCriticisedBuyers note it arrives bare and needs a Kobalt 24V battery and charger to run.

Questions and answers

Which is better for tight engine bay and suspension work?
The Milwaukee. Its 4.8-inch length and 250 ft-lbs get into spaces the longer Kobalt body cannot, and the bolt-removal mode helps on stubborn fasteners.
Is the Kobalt enough for lug nuts?
For most passenger cars, yes, though 180 ft-lbs leaves less margin on seized or high-torque fasteners. The Milwaukee handles heavier truck and suspension work with more headroom.
Which lasts longer?
Both use brushless motors. The Milwaukee adds REDLINK PLUS overload and heat protection and has a much larger owner base reporting long service, so it is the safer bet for daily use.
Do I need to buy batteries separately?
Check the listing. The Kobalt is a bare tool with no battery or charger. Some Milwaukee listings include a 5.0 XC battery, others are bare tool only.
Is the Milwaukee worth stepping up to?
Yes if you work on vehicles often or already own M18 batteries. The extra torque, compact size and drive modes make it the more capable tool.
Can I use one battery system for both?
No. Milwaukee runs on M18 batteries and Kobalt on its own 24V max packs. Pick the platform you already own or plan to build around.

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More comparisons

  • DeWalt Atomic 20V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench Kit vs Milwaukee 2854-20 M18 FUEL 3/8" Impact Wrench
  • DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX 3/8 in Cordless Impact Wrench with Hog Ring Anvil (DCF923B) vs Milwaukee 2854-20 M18 FUEL 3/8" Impact Wrench
  • DeWalt Atomic 20V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench Kit vs Kobalt 24-volt Brushless 3/8-in Drive Cordless Impact Wrench (Bare Tool) KCIW 324B-03
  • DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX 3/8 in Cordless Impact Wrench with Hog Ring Anvil (DCF923B) vs Kobalt 24-volt Brushless 3/8-in Drive Cordless Impact Wrench (Bare Tool) KCIW 324B-03

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best 3/8 inch drive impact wrenches
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All Kobalt 24-volt max batteries
Compatible Charger—All Kobalt 24-volt max chargers
Tool Type—Impact Wrench
Tool Subtype—Right Angle Impact Wrench
Tool Series—Kobalt 24V
Safety Highlights—Impact and chemical resistance