Milwaukee M18 Right Angle Impact Driver Review

Right angle impact drivers are definitely a specialty tool. The advantage is obvious the moment you see it. A compact head fits in places that a traditional pistol grip simply won’t. The disadvantage is obvious the moment you pick it up. There’s just no way to get the kind of leverage behind the tool like to you can with a pistol grip. We’re looking for answers with the newest Milwaukee M18 Right Angle Impact Driver, model 48-2667.

Most people think auto shop when they see right angle impact drivers and wrenches. They’re not wrong. The compact design is outstanding for use with sockets around vehicles. Since the socket is working with the drive to create fastening force, you don’t have to worry about supplying leverage from behind. However, many people have called into question using the Milwaukee M18 Right Angle Impact Driver in that setting given its specifications. Specifically that 675 inch pounds of torque (60 foot pounds on the 48-2668 M18 Right Angle Impact Wrench) just isn’t enough.

The fact is, those folks are correct. Right angle impact wrenches designed for auto work can have 3 times that much torque and tend to be pneumatic. So why am I hating on Milwaukee? I’m not. It’s important that we understand the target end user in order to see how this impressive tool meets some specific needs.

First of all, the Milwaukee M18 Right Angle Impact Driver and its wrench cousin can do some light to moderate auto work. Think of these tools as reactionless air ratchet replacements. They’re in the same torque range, but with far less abuse to your knuckles. Auto is not Milwaukee’s core user base though. Milwaukee has four core trades: electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and MRO, plus a heavy focus on remodeling. As we look closely at the 48-2667, let’s keep that core user base in mind.

Milwaukee M18 Right Angle Impact Driver

Milwaukee 48-2667 Key Features

• 1.4″ Head allows for greater access to complete a wider variety of applications
• 2-Speed Drive-Control offers greater control over applications
• 1/4″ hex drive with 1″ bit acceptance for tighter accessibility and a wider range of usable accessories
• Extended paddle switch for multiple grip options
• 8 adjustable head angles

Milwaukee 48-2667 Specification

• Voltage: 18V
• Drive Size: 1/4″ Hex
• Torque: 350 in-lbs (Mode 1) and 675 in-lbs (Mode 2)
• No Load RPM: 0-1,500 (mode 1) 0-2,250 (mode 2)
• No Load IPM: 0-2,400 (mode 1) 0-3,400 (mode 2)
• Length: 12-1/8″
• Battery: M18 RedLithium
• Charger: M18 and M12 Multi-Voltage Charger
• Weight: 2.2 lbs (3.35 pounds with compact battery)
• Tool Warranty: 5 Years
• 48-2667-20 (Bare Tool) Price: $149
• 48-2667-22CT (Single Compact Battery Kit) Price: $179
• 48-2667-22 (Dual XC Battery Kit) Price: $349

Milwaukee M18 Right Angle Impact Driver First Impressions

Like we’ve come to expect, the 2667 model of Milwaukee M18 Right Angle Impact Driver is solidly built. I like the paddle switch that has various gripping options. For the lowest grip, the switch contours beautifully to create a natural feel. There’s also rubber overmold below the switch that adds to the comfort level.

The 1/4″ quick change hex works just like it does on other impact drivers and accept the same accessories. There’s a bonus though. You can slip a 1″ bit into the head, leaving only the tip exposed for fastening duties. When it comes to truly minimizing the head space, you’re not going to be able to do much better! The 1/4″ chuck locked in my 1 inch #2 Phillips Shockwave bit just like other accessories.

One very nice feature is the adjustable head angle. There are 8 positive stops around the head that allow you to optimize the compact reach of this tool. Loosening the drive head screw is easy enough, but then it gets tough. The head fits so tightly on the housing that you might be tempted to think the manual was misprinted. Give it some wiggle along with a solid pull and you’ll get it up enough to turn or take it completely off.

Getting the head back on is also an adventure. You need to make sure that the internal gearing is lined up first. Remember a moment ago when I said the head fits tight? You’ll have to overcome that getting it back in place. It took a solid knock from the heel of my hand to get it back on. Could it be easier? Sure, but at least I know it’s secure on there. Could they have made it tool-free? Yeah, but they’d have to add some bulk where it’s least convenient.

The forward/lock/reverse switch is conveniently recessed to keep you from accidentally bumping it during use. They did the same with the speed switch. More on the performance implications of a 2 speed motor shortly.

Milwaukee M18 Right Angle Impact Driver Performance

Let’s cut to the chase. The 2667 model of Milwaukee M18 Right Angle Impact Driver is great with sockets. That’s the bread and butter for a tool designed like this. 675 inch pounds of torque isn’t going to win any awards for being the most powerful, but it’ll fasten and loosen a lot of the nuts you come across. HVAC and MRO pros will certainly appreciate the ability to reach those awkward nuts and bolts with enough power to tighten them down.

What about screws?

This is a touchy subject for right angle impacts. Driving screws usually requires you to get behind it with some leverage to help drive and stabilize it. That’s possible to do with the Milwaukee M18 Right Angle Impact Driver, but not where it’s designed to work. What makes it worse is when you lengthen the fastener. Stability is gets harder when your leverage isn’t directly behind the fastener.

Being able to drop a 1″ bit helps. It helps a lot, actually. Minimizing the overall driver/fastener length is one step in improving the stability. Another option is to drill a pilot hole first. Realistically, this is going to be the biggest help in stabilizing screw fastening. With impact rated drill bits becoming more readily available, you won’t need to invest in a right angle drill as well. The ability to drive screws in tight situations is huge for cabinet makers, woodworkers, and even overhead applications.

Adding a 2 speed motor to the mix is another great step. Variable speed triggers always help. However, limiting the top speed when the application doesn’t call for all the power you can muster helps keep the connection between bit and fastener under greater control.

I took some basic 3″ screws to fasten some pressure treated wood. Working in mode 1 gave me plenty of control. In fact, I was very pleased with how much speed control I had using the variable speed paddle switch. I needed to finish things off in mode 2 though. Even with as much control as I could gather, I began to spin the bit on the head of the fastener. Small screws and soft materials will be easy enough to drill in without a pilot.  However, working with a pilot hole made the task both easier and less damaging to bits and fasteners.

When it comes to awkward positioning, the leverage becomes an even greater issue. Controlling speed and using pilot holes for the greatest control were even more important when I needed to achieve effective, professional results. I had to slow down, but the results were excellent and I didn’t have to switch to a hand tool despite taking up nearly the entire width between a pair of supports.

Conclusions

No one is going to choose a right angle impact over a traditional pistol grip unless they have to. When you do, the Milwaukee M18 Right Angle Impact Driver offers excellent build quality, intuitive features, and the power to get the job done… in the correct scenario.

So who’s going to love this?

It’s definitely a pro level tool aimed at HVAC and MRO with tight reach needs. Woodworking pros such as cabinet makers are also going to run into times when they need it. Even plumbers will find applications for it. Auto mechanics will find uses as an air ratchet replacement, particularly with the 2668 Impact Wrench. They are likely going to need higher torque models as their go-to option for tougher applications around the shop.

The bottom line is that most of us pros will find a time when the Milwaukee M18 Right Angle Impact Driver (or it’s wrench cousin) isn’t just useful, but is the only power tool that fits the bill. Not having this class of tool available relegates you to hand tools. No offense to those of you that love hand tools. I just happen to prefer the skin on my knuckles to stay where God put it. Since current M18 users can add the bare tool for just $149, you might as well have it for when you need it.