Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7/16″ Impact Wrench Fits the Unique Needs of Linemen
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7/16″ Impact Wrench is the first cordless impact wrench designed specifically for the challenges common to the utility linesman. There are already questions about exactly what that means, and we have some answers for you.
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What Do You Mean It’s Specifically Designed for Linemen?
Power and Speed
Milwaukee tells us that this model is 30% faster than the next fastest cordless 7/16″ wrench on the market. On paper, it produces 0-2,300 RPM and 0-2,800 IPM and 750 in-lbs of max torque.
Most linemen are still using hydraulic 7/16″ impact wrenches because they’re blazing fast. Milwaukee isn’t claiming to be as fast (yet), but they’re closing the gap. For example, where a hydraulic model might take 4 seconds, Milwaukee is going to be 5-1/2 or 6 while the other cordless models take 9 or 10 seconds.
With just a couple extra seconds per hole, the convenience of not running a hydraulic hose has a good shot of saving you more time than you lose.
Milwaukee does more than just slap a 7/16″ hex chuck on their 1/2″ high-torque impact wrench, though.
Size and Weight
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7/16″ Impact Wrench has a lightweight design – just under 7.5 lbs with the battery attached. It’s more than 1-1/2″ shorter than the 2765 they released in 2013 and a touch lighter.
Weight and length aren’t a huge deal for linemen, but the big deal is the improvement in the balance of the tool. When you’re working in a buck or from a harness, keeping the weight centered on your hand instead of a big forward lean helps.
Another major area of improvement is in the handle height. Its taller design fits much better when you’re wearing Class II gloves and it’s still comfortable gloveless. With the shorter handle, your gloved hand gets cramped and some linemen complain that they accidentally hit the rocker switch trying to grip. The extra height solves those problems.
Quik-Lok Chuck
Most 7/16″ impact wrenches have an impact driver style collet that works just fine. However, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Utility Impact Wrench uses Quik-Lok. It’s the simple addition of one-hand bit insertion. It’s simple, but dead useful since you only have two hands to work with at height. You can keep one securely holding the tool and insert your bit with the other, reducing the risk of drops.
Integrated Tether
Not all utility impact wrenches come with a tether loop and that’s an issue when your company requires one. You can put a ring on yourself, but sometimes they get over-torqued or don’t use the correct screw. Milwaukee takes away any questions (and potential warranty voids) by pre-installing one for you.
Higher Voltage
The Milwaukee utility impact wrench will do most of its work around lower voltage distribution lines. However, it’s rated up to 69 KV (69,000 volts) for use around some transmission and municipality lines as well.
Other Features
One-Key Integration
For the technologically savvy, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7/16″ Impact Wrench also comes with the One-Key system, which allows you to program, track, and manage the tool from an app on your phone.
Even More
- Premium rubber overmold resists corrosive materials and improves comfort
- LED light
Pricing
Expect the Milwaukee 2865 to run $349 as a bare tool (2865-20) and $579 as a kit with two 5.0 Ah batteries (2865-22) when it hit the market in April 2019.
Check out more details from Milwaukee here!
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7/16″ Impact Wrench Specs
- Model Number: Milwaukee 2865-22 (Bare Tool: 2865-20)
- RPM: 0-2,300
- IPM: 0-2,800
- Max Torque: 750ft-lbs
- Tool Length (w/ battery): 8.2”
- Tool Weight (w/ battery): 7.4 lbs
- Bit Insertion: Quik-Lok Single-Handed Insertion
- Elongated Handle: Yes
- One-Key Enabled: Yes
- Warranty: 5 Years
- Available in April 2019
- Pricing: $349 bare, $579 kit with two 5.0 Ah batteries
