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Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3/8" Impact Wrench with M18 Battery Pack vs Milwaukee 3049 (3/8-inch)

Buy the M18 FUEL 2854-20 if you want the most torque and the most control for the money. It delivers 250 ft-lb and 4-Mode DRIVE CONTROL, and at $110.00 at eBay as of November 4, 2026 it costs far less than the 3049 at $208.95 at eBay. Choose the 3049 only if you need its higher 3,400 RPM top speed for light, fast fastening.

Today the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3/8" Impact Wrench with M18 Battery Pack costs $104.35 less at its best price.

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Milwaukee
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3/8" Impact Wrench with M18 Battery Pack

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3/8" Impact Wrench with M18 Battery Pack

4.7· 856 ratings
$123.75at Stevens Supply CoObserved at 12:26 PM
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Choose the M18 FUEL 2854-20 if you need 250 ft-lb of nut-busting torque, a 4.8-inch body for tight engine bays, and AUTO SHUT-OFF to avoid overtightening.

Pros
  • 250 ft-lb breaks loose stubborn suspension and engine fasteners
  • 4.8-inch body reaches confined areas
  • AUTO SHUT-OFF caps torque near 20 ft-lb to prevent overtightening
  • Tri-LEDs around the anvil cut shadows
  • Battery pack included at $110.00 at eBay as of November 4, 2026
Cons
  • Heavier and bulkier than a dedicated low-torque driver
  • Friction ring anvil, not a pin detent
  • Price swung from $251.61 on November 2 to $123.75 on November 4, 2026
Milwaukee
Milwaukee 3049 (3/8-inch)

Milwaukee 3049 (3/8-inch)

$228.10at AmazonObserved at 1:04 PM
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Choose the 3049 if you mostly drive small fasteners and want the higher 3,400 RPM and 3,600 IPM top end rather than maximum breakaway torque.

Pros
  • 3,400 RPM and 3,600 IPM for fast light-fastener work
  • Three selectable modes cover a wide speed range
  • 3/8-inch drive fits common socket sets
Cons
  • No published torque figure, so it is a poor bet for stuck bolts
  • Costs $208.95 at eBay as of November 4, 2026, nearly double the 2854-20
  • Fewer published specs on lighting, length and battery inclusion

What separates them

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3/8" Impact Wrench with M18 Battery PackMilwaukee 3049 (3/8-inch)
Maximum torque250 ft-lbNot published; built for lower-torque fastening
Top speed4-Mode DRIVE CONTROL with preset RPM and IPM levels3,400 RPM and 3,600 IPM in Mode 3
Length4.8 in, compact for tight spacesNot published
Drive size3/8 in friction ring anvil3/8 in
Battery platformM18 18V lithium-ion, battery pack includedMilwaukee cordless; battery details not published
LightingTri-LED ring around the anvilNot published
Price, new$110.00 at eBay as of November 4, 2026$208.95 at eBay as of November 4, 2026

Price history

$251.61$123.75
Oct 31Nov 4
  • Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3/8" Impact Wrench with M18 Battery Pack: lowest $123.75 on Nov 4 at Stevens Supply Co.
  • Milwaukee 3049 (3/8-inch): lowest $228.10 on Nov 4 at Amazon.

Prices at every store

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3/8" Impact Wrench with M18 Battery Pack

  • Stevens Supply CoNew

    In stock

    $123.75Observed at 12:26 PM
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  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by East Coast Liquidation

    $145.99Free shippingObserved at 1:04 PM
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  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $145.99Free shippingObserved at 1:05 PM
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Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • The Milwaukee StoreCheck price at The Milwaukee Store
All 3 stores and price history →

Milwaukee 3049 (3/8-inch)

  • The Home DepotNew

    In stock

    $229.00Free shippingObserved at 1:04 PM
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  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $228.10Free shippingObserved at 1:04 PM
    Visit store

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
All 2 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecMilwaukee M18 FUEL 3/8" Impact Wrench with M18 Battery PackMilwaukee 3049 (3/8-inch)
Power TypeCordless—
Chuck / Drive Size0.38 inch chuck / drive—
colorBlack—
size6.000 x 3.400 x 9.400 in—
Battery TypeLithium-ion—
Maximum Torque250 ft-lb—
Voltage18 volts—

What reviewers say

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3/8" Impact Wrench with M18 Battery Pack

Owners rate it highly, at 4.7 out of 5 from 856 ratings. Technicians praise the compact size and the control modes for lug nuts and small fasteners. Complaints center on price and on the friction ring holding sockets tightly.

Pros
  • Fits where larger impacts will not
  • AUTO SHUT-OFF saves plastic and small fasteners
  • Bright, even LED lighting
  • Strong torque for its size
Cons
  • Cost of the tool and battery together
  • Sockets can be stiff to remove from the hog ring
  • Not a substitute for a 1/2-inch gun on heavy truck work

Milwaukee 3049 (3/8-inch)

Owners of Milwaukee's 3/8-inch impact wrenches generally rate them highly for power and build quality, and the multi-mode control is a common point of praise. Complaints tend to focus on the bare-tool price and on the tool being heavier than expected.

Pros
  • Strong torque for a 3/8-inch tool
  • Mode selector is useful for delicate work
  • Durable, pro-grade build
Cons
  • Cost adds up once batteries are bought
  • Heavier than some compact rivals
  • Top mode is easy to overuse

Questions and answers

Which is better for lug nuts and suspension bolts?
The M18 FUEL 2854-20. Its 250 ft-lb handles most passenger-car lug nuts and suspension fasteners, while the 3049 publishes no torque rating.
Is the 3049 worth the extra money?
Usually not for mechanic work. At $208.95 at eBay as of November 4, 2026 it costs about $99 more than the 2854-20 at $110.00 and gives up torque.
Which is better for tight engine bays?
The 2854-20. Its body is 4.8 inches long, and the tri-LED ring lights the fastener without a separate light.
Which has more speed settings?
The 2854-20 has 4-Mode DRIVE CONTROL, including AUTO SHUT-OFF and Bolt Removal Control. The 3049 lists three modes topping out at 3,400 RPM.
Do both use M18 batteries?
Both are Milwaukee cordless 3/8-inch tools. The 2854-20 listing includes an M18 battery pack; the 3049 listing does not state battery inclusion.
Which lasts longer?
Neither listing gives a service life. The 2854-20 adds REDLINK PLUS overload, heat and over-discharge protection, which helps under hard use.

More comparisons

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