How is a hydraulic driver different from a regular impact driver?

A regular impact uses metal hammers striking an anvil. The SURGE uses hydraulic oil pressure to deliver the impacts, which makes it much quieter and smoother. Peak torque is lower, but it holds torque longer during a drive.

Does it come with a battery and charger?

No. The 2551-20 is a bare tool. It runs on any Milwaukee M12 compact or extended-capacity battery, which you buy separately.

Is it powerful enough for deck screws and lag bolts?

It handles common screws, self-tapping screws and small fasteners well. For large lag bolts or heavy structural work, a higher-torque 18V impact is the better tool.

What fits in the 1/4-inch hex chuck?

Standard 1/4-inch hex-shank bits, including driver bits, drill bits with hex shanks and bit holders. It does not accept round-shank drill bits.

Can the hydraulic head be serviced?

No. The sealed hydraulic assembly is not user-serviceable, so a failure means sending the tool in for repair. Normal use does not require oil changes.

How does it compare with the M12 FUEL impact driver?

The standard M12 FUEL impact driver has more peak torque and an onboard light. The SURGE trades some of that torque for much quieter, smoother operation.

Where can I buy the Milwaukee 2551-20 M12 FUEL SURGE Hydraulic Driver 1/4" Hex?

3 stores we checked sell it, including Walmart, Blain's Farm & Fleet, Msc Industrial Supply.

Milwaukee 2551-20 M12 FUEL SURGE Hydraulic Driver 1/4" Hex

Q: Where is the Milwaukee 2551-20 M12 FUEL SURGE Hydraulic Driver 1/4" Hex cheapest?

At Walmart, for $104.99, 30% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.

Q: What do buyers say about the Milwaukee 2551-20 M12 FUEL SURGE Hydraulic Driver 1/4" Hex?

Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 31 ratings.

Best price now

$104.99at WalmartChecked Nov 8

30% under what the other stores charge

Compared across 3 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

What reviewers say

4.6 / 531 ratings

Owners rate it highly and mostly talk about the quiet, smooth operation. Many say it has replaced their standard impact driver for indoor and finish work. The main complaint is the lower peak torque compared with conventional impacts.

What people mention

NoisePraisedOwners say it is dramatically quieter than a standard impact and usable indoors without hearing protection.
VibrationPraisedThe hydraulic drive feels smooth and controlled, with far less kickback than a hammer-type impact.
TorqueMixedPeak torque is lower than conventional 12V impacts, but owners say sustained torque finishes most common driving jobs.
SizePraisedThe short body and light weight make it easy to reach into tight spaces and carry on a belt.
ModesPraisedThe four speed and power modes, including self-tapping screw mode, give useful control and reduce stripped screws.
LightingCriticisedThere is no onboard LED, so users need a separate light in dark cabinets and crawlspaces.

About the Milwaukee 2551-20 M12 FUEL SURGE Hydraulic Driver 1/4" Hex

The Milwaukee M12 1/4 in. Hex Hydraulic Driver is the industry's first 12-Volt hydraulic impact driver. Featuring the Hydraulic Powertrain, the hydraulic impact will allow users to experience operation up to 2X quieter with less vibration for smoother and faster driving speeds compared to standard impacts. The compact size of the tool and battery provides users with unmatched access in tight spaces & allows for easy transport on a tool belt and easy fitting into a job site tool bag. Performance is not sacrificed despite lower peak torque due to its Longer Sustained Torque that allows the tool to complete core users most common applications. The Brushless Motor delivers up to 0 RPM-3,000 RPM with constant power output to drive screws faster. The cordless impact driver is compatible with all Milwaukee M12 Compact Batteries or Extended Capacity Batteries, delivering users with more work per charge and more work over the life of the pack than competitive batteries. The impact driver's 4-Modes provides users with greater control over output speed and power for greater versatility in a wide range of applications. Self-Tapping Screw Mode reduces walking when users are self-tapping screws as well as reduces overdriving, breaking and stripping out screws.