Milwaukee vs Flex? IMPACT DRIVER CHALLENGE

You asked for it, we delivered. Milwaukee's M18 Fuel 2857 One-Key impact driver goes up against the new power tool powerhouse that is the FLEX 24V system. After going through our series of lag bolts and RSS screws, we'll know who's the winner once and for all... or will we?

#Milwaukee #Flex #Tools

[cawicab]

In my point of view, when it comes to two high end tools, these tests are useless. If In the market for a tool, I would go for battery platform I'm already on, or better value for money. A few seconds here and there does not matter, money does. Both of these are great tools.

[rich-qkdc]

I'm gonna trade all my Milwaulkee tools for Flex so they won't get stolen on the jobsite

[TheSirPotato]

With 24v batteries so big might aswell use ho batteries in the m18

[BouncyThrone]

I build and install commercial and residential ductwork, install hvac systems and pull service calls, etc... I have an impact in my hand 75% of my day.. I've held and used likely all the typical top tier impacts you'll find on any given jobsite.
I get weak in the knees over new tools and fall into the "latest and greatest" lure like any other tool enthusiast in the trades..
But the truth is, ALL of these impacts are fully adequate in power for the intended jobs we'd use a 1/4" impact for.
So what makes a great impact,
in mho,
is durability, high rpm and torque, a good trigger for control when low speed and torque are desired, compactness, and lightweight maneuverability..
I recently picked up this Flex impact when my last Makita and Dewalt both finally died.. Both had served me well.
The Flex felt well balanced, high quality, smoothe and responsive, and had a great charger, but totally turned me off because of its unnecessary bulk and weight.
Doable, yes, but that monster battery was just goofy.
It also had a smoothe but finicky trigger lag..
I picked up this 2853 Milwaukee after avoiding it and calling it trash for the longest time, due to coworkers struggling with the first run of crappy collet and trigger issues..
And I'd watch these comparisons hoping to see the Milwaukee destroyed.. But, it has been well established as being the king in power and performance all others compare themselves to as the standard.
Well, I have to say, I pulled this gen 3.5 2853 Milwaukee out of the box and discovered I had received the upgraded version with the collet issue being addressed..
I love the tool..
Powerful, ergonomic, and well balanced..
I'm not a fanboy of any brand..
I love and use quality flagship tools from every brand..
I'm in several platforms and have many options..
The latest revised version of the Milwaukee 2853 is presently the better tool, all points considered..

[mydadstoolboxz]

personally i find these tests, while pointless for real world, are pretty entertaining. that's why ppl are doing them. pointlrss to me especially running twi sidr hy side, ... Nobody on the jobsite cares if their impact driver is a milli second faster than the next one.
Its all about trigger control at low speed, quality of built, choices battery sizes/ platform and depth of tool line and what tools are available, also ergonomics.

[jamessimmons]

I will stick with Milwaukee, only because I am already in that battery platform. The Milwaukee platform has way more tools.

[christophersnyder]

I think there's a time when you should you an impact wrench instead of an impact driver. It's built to take the stress and has a far greater amount of torque for things such as lag bolts.

[delosaurasrex]

Use Milwaukee’s “High Output” battery…a game changer…👍

[michaelbarrett]

It appeared to me that during the tests you pulled the trigger on the Milwaukee tool sooner in rounds 3 & 4, maybe it was my eyes but, you have video to check. Clearly both tools are great however, I am leaning towards Flex. I currently do not own any Flex tools but, have been watching for at least 9 months prior to hitting the retail markets.
Thank you for all of your reviews

[UncleIvan]

I'm sticking with my makita, but Milwaukee is still the king when it comes to power. even the 3ah high output battery is better than that 5ah

[sw]

It'd be interesting to see if the Milwaukee High Output battery makes any difference in the performance.

[vmcarpenter]

I’ll stick with my Makita’s not the fastest fastener outhere but pretty close.

[rickyperkins]

I never support these kinds of test because there is only one dominant hand and that hand will be more effective with the tools

[ALAPINO]

You guys, come on.

You know your first test was a dud: Torx loses a lot of efficiency when the user has driver off axis alignment.

[BlackenedEclipse]

Great Vid, one of the best comparison between the current industry leading impact drivers, I have seen this far. I like both and have owned both at different times but currently use my Milwaukee fuels with 3.0 HO batteries and their weight to power ratio is untouched by the competition. Kobalt XTR also reminds me and feels very similar to Flex prob cuz they’re both made by the same company. Either way I really don’t think you can go wrong with either impact at this point and the drills are just as beastly. Thanks for sharing

[jmackinjersey]

I went with the Milwaukee. They have a better selection of tools, and have been around a heck of a lot longer.

[felixf]

Glad you're feeling better, Kenny.

[mickett]

In my Milwaukee gen 2 impact the number 3 is the strongest. Are you sure number 4 that you selected is the strongest?

[tylermccoy]

The 4th setting on the Milwaukee is the slow start made for self tapping screws. At least keep it fair

[raulgamez]

i hate the fact that all theese milwaukee vs flex reviews have the milwaukee with the regular battery instead of the high output batterys that makes all the diffrence