Which 1/2 Inch Impact From Milwaukee Is The Best? Full Comparison Chart

When buying a new 1/2″ impact from Milwaukee you have to be careful of what model you purchase as they are not all created equal. If you purchase the wrong one, you can get an impact that is 6x less powerful than their highest torque rated impact. With Milwaukee having so many different models out there it can be incredibly confusing on which one to purchase. Today we’re going show you which half inch Milwaukee impact is the best and break down the different models in a comparison chart.

This comparison chart below shows the different torque ratings and applications for the half inch impacts Milwaukee offers. In general, we think of 1/2″ impacts as a tool used for breaking and tightening large bolts in heavy duty applications. This means that the more torque you have the better off you are. Typically we use these impacts when working on heavy equipment like semi trucks, tractors, large implements etc.

That being said, there is still a market for smaller half inch impacts for people like mechanics who work on small cars and SUVs who don’t need large amounts of torque. This is why Milwaukee has created “mid torque” half inch electric impacts as well. They have less torque and are smaller in size which is nice for extended use.

Keep in mind when choosing an impact that even the highest torque impacts like the 2767-20 have power settings to match your application. This means that you can turn down the torque setting if you need to. For example, if you are putting tires on a car you can lower the power setting to match the desired torque you need. If size and weight are no concern to you than we recommend you get most powerful impact you can as they are all very close in price.

It’s Worth It To Go Brushless For The Performance Increase

In order to achieve the amount of performance you want out of an electric half inch impact you will need to get a brushless motor. Models that do not have a brushless motor like the 2662-20 or the 2663-20 will have low torque numbers (450 ft-lbs maximum) and be bulky in size compared to their brushless couter parts. The funny part is that these non-brushless models are still quite expensive, so you’re better off spending the extra $100 and getting a brushless impact with higher performance.

Milwaukee Brushless Impacts Are More Reliable

Brushless motors are known to be more reliable, have a longer life span and require less maintenance. For a tool like an impact that is being used very hard and generating a lot of heat, it’s 100% worth getting a brushless motor that can withstand the abuse. The extra money up front is worth it. If you would to learn more about brushless vs brushed motors you can check out this wiki article here.

Both Have A 5 year Limited Warranty From Milwaukee

Despite brushless motors being more reliable Milwaukee offers the same 5 year limited warranty on both models. From our experience Milwaukee has honored their warranty on tools used correctly and not intentionally abused.

We Value Power Over Size

For us personally we find that power (torque) is our number one priority when purchasing an electric half inch impact. It is true that the more powerful models will be bigger in size and heavier, however it’s really is not that big of a difference. The extra torque is worth it.

Electric Impacts Are Easier To Use Than Pneumatic Despite Being Slightly Bigger

Nothing is better than ditching the air hose and going to 100% electric impacts. Not having fight with an air hose all day and listen to your compressor run is 100% worth the investment of an electric impact.

Impact Weight Is Not An Issue With Normal Usage

Unless you’re someone wrenching all day long the extra weight of the larger 1/2″ models is not a problem. These electric units are just a little heavier than a standard pneumatic impact and you will notice very little difference. If you’re someone who will be using this tool all day long then matching your torque requirements to a smaller tool can be beneficial to reduce fatigue. Otherwise, getting the most powerful tool you can will prove to be a better purchase.

Impact Size Can Be An Issue For Smaller Work Areas

If you are working in tighter areas then a mid-torque impact might be a better fit for you as it is smaller in size. The high torque 2767-20 is quite large and can be hard to fit in smaller spaces. Typically people who work in smaller areas like auto techs will have both a mid torque and high torque impact for that reason.

Power Comparison

The 2767-20 has an industry leading 1000ft-lbs of fastening torque and 1400 ft-lbs of break away torque. The 2860-20 has 450 ft-lbs or fastening torque and 600 ft-lbs of breakaway torque. The 2767-20 wins hands down in terms of power with over 3x the amount of torque. Keep in mind both of these units have torque adjustment settings allowing you to turn down the power that the impact produces. This means that even though you have tons of power you can still set the impact down to lower torque settings to work on more delicate jobs.

Size

The 2767-20 comes in at 8.93 inches in length and weighs in at 5.9lbs. The 2860-20 is 6.77 inches in length and weighs 3.8lbs.

If you need a lot of power and size is not an issue, then the 2767-20 is the way to go. It really is not that much bigger and will be a lot better in situations that require extreme power. If you’re sure that you will not need the power of the 2767-20, the 2860-20 can be a great choice as it will be smaller and lighter. It’s really up to you what features you value in a 1/2 inch electric impact.

Price

Depending on what deals you can find there is about a $50-$80 difference between the two. If size is not an issue than we highly recommend spending the extra $80 and getting the 2767-20. You will be blown away by the performance. It is very much worth spending the extra money.