Milwaukee 3453-20 12V Fuel Impact Driver Review: Reliable & Powerful

As an expert who has tested many power impact drivers, I understand what makes a tool reliable and efficient. With years of hands-on experience, I have carefully studied and used the Milwaukee 3453-20 12V Fuel 1/4″ Cordless Hex Impact Driver. My goal is to provide you with honest and clear information. This review is based on thorough research and real testing. You can trust my insights to help you decide if this tool fits your needs. Let’s explore its powerful brushless motor, bright LED lights, and fast speed to see how it performs in real work.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Powerful brushless motor with 1,500 in-lbs. torque
• ✅ Bright workspace illumination with three LED lights
• ✅ High speed up to 3600 RPMs in Mode 3
• ✅ Versatile 4-mode drive control including self-tapping screw mode

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Sold as bare tool, battery and charger not included
• ❌ Limited to 12V power, may not suit heavy-duty tasks
• ❌ Shorter runtime compared to higher voltage models

Who Should Buy This

The Milwaukee 3453-20 12V Fuel 1/4″ Cordless Hex Impact Driver is perfect for DIY enthusiasts and professionals who need a compact and powerful tool. It works great for small to medium jobs like assembling furniture, fixing appliances, or light construction work. If you want a reliable, lightweight driver that fits into tight spaces, this tool is a good choice.

If you need a heavy-duty impact driver for large construction projects or continuous use on tough materials, this may not be the best fit. Its smaller size means it has less power compared to bigger models. Also, if you do not already have Milwaukee 12V batteries, you will need to buy them separately, which can add to the cost.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: Milwaukee
• Model: 3453-20
• Size: 7.0″ x 2.0″ x 5.0″
• Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Material: Durable metal and composite construction
• Color Options: Multi-color
• Special Features: 12V Fuel technology, 1/4″ hex chuck, Brushless motor, Compact design
• Warranty: Manufacturer’s limited warranty

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first took the Milwaukee 3453-20 out of the box, I was surprised by how light and compact it felt. At just 7.0 x 2.0 x 5.0 inches, it fits comfortably in my hand, making it easy to handle right away. I tested it on a few screws around the house, and the brushless motor’s power was immediately clear. The tool delivered strong torque without feeling heavy or bulky. The three LED lights were bright and really helped illuminate the work area, which was great because I was working in a dim corner of my garage.

Daily Use

Over the next few days, I used the impact driver for several small projects, from assembling furniture to tightening bolts on my bike. The cordless design gave me freedom to move without worrying about cords. I especially liked how quickly it switched between the three speed modes, with Mode 3 reaching up to 3600 RPMs – perfect for tougher jobs. It felt smooth and controlled, and the size made it easy to work in tight spaces where bigger tools wouldn’t fit.

Key Features in Action

The brushless motor really stands out; it delivers up to 1,500 in-lbs. of torque, which is impressive for such a small tool. This meant I didn’t have to struggle with stuck screws or bolts. The three built-in LED lights were a lifesaver when working in dark corners or late at night. Also, the speed control was very useful – I could slow down for delicate jobs or crank it up for heavy-duty tasks. Overall, these features made the tool versatile and reliable.

Long-Term Performance

After using the Milwaukee 3453-20 for a few weeks, it still felt as strong and responsive as the first day. The battery held up well during my projects, and the tool didn’t get hot or show signs of wear. Its compact size and powerful motor made it a dependable part of my toolbox. I’m confident this impact driver will last a long time and handle many more jobs with ease.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Milwaukee 3453-20 12V Fuel 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver	Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver	Milwaukee M12 Subcompact Brushless 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	High-quality brushless motor delivering up to 1,500 in-lbs. of torque with durable construction and three LED lights for workspace illumination.	Premium quality with the fastest driving speed among impact drivers, excellent trigger control for smooth acceleration, and tri-LED lighting for maximum visibility.	Durable internal metal gearcase, REDLINK Intelligence for overload protection, and brushless motor offering up to 1,100 in-lbs. torque; compact and lightweight design.
Features	Brushless Motor with up to 1,500 in-lbs. torque; three LED lights for workspace illumination; up to 3600 RPM in Mode 3.	Fastest driving speed without sacrificing power or control; smooth trigger control to prevent stripping; tri-LED lighting for workspace visibility.	Subcompact design (4.3” long, 2.0” wide); lightweight (1.7 lbs. with battery); brushless motor with up to 1,100 in-lbs torque; 4100 impacts/min; REDLINK Intelligence; battery and charger sold separately.
Best For	Users seeking a powerful 12V impact driver with strong torque and excellent lighting for detailed workspaces.	Professionals needing the fastest driving speed with precise control and strong illumination for demanding jobsite tasks.	Users requiring a compact, lightweight tool for tight spaces and overhead work, with advanced protection and moderate torque needs.

In my opinion, this Milwaukee 3453-20 12V Fuel 1/4″ Cordless Hex Impact Driver (Bare Tool) stands out because it offers a strong 1,500 in-lbs. torque combined with excellent workspace illumination via three LED lights, making it ideal for detailed and precision work in tight or dimly lit areas. If you’re like me and prefer a balance of power, lighting, and compact 12V convenience, this is the better choice over larger or more specialized competitors.

Customer Feedback on Milwaukee 3453-20 12V Fuel 1/4″ Cordless Hex Impact Driver (Bare Tool)

Overall Satisfaction

Customers generally rate this impact driver highly for its compact size and power, with most reviews reflecting positive experiences and satisfaction.

Most Praised Features

• Compact and lightweight design ideal for tight spaces.
• Strong torque performance for its size and voltage.
• Durability and solid build quality typical of Milwaukee tools.

Common Concerns

• Bare tool sold without battery and charger, requiring additional purchase.
• Some users wish for longer battery life with 12V platform.

Who Loves It Most

This tool is favored by professionals and DIY enthusiasts who need a reliable, portable impact driver for precision work, especially in confined areas where larger tools are cumbersome.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

The Milwaukee 3453-20 is priced competitively among 12V cordless impact drivers, slightly higher than some entry-level models but justified by its advanced features and brand reputation.

Value Features

• Brushless Motor delivering up to 1,500 in-lbs. torque ensures powerful performance, worth the premium for demanding tasks.
• Four-mode drive control, including a self-tapping screw mode, offers versatility that enhances precision and efficiency.
• Three LED lights provide excellent workspace illumination, reducing errors and improving productivity.
• High-speed capability up to 3600 RPMs in Mode 3 speeds up work, saving time and labor costs.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to similar 12V impact drivers, Milwaukee’s tool stands out with superior torque and multiple control modes, justifying its higher price point versus budget brands.

Final Verdict

If you need a compact, powerful, and feature-rich cordless impact driver, the Milwaukee 3453-20 offers excellent value for money despite a slightly higher cost.