2761-22 – Kit
Purchase At AcmeTools.com
2761-20 – Bare Tool
Purchase At AcmeTools.com
I’d been eyeing a Hydraulic Impact Driver for every bit of the past year. On more than one occasion I came very close to buying the DeWalt DCF870B but ultimately held off since I didn’t have a pressing need for one. As I’ve stated previously, I am a member of Home Depot’s SEEDS Review program and during my campaign month in October 2025 I was presented with the option to select the M18 SURGE Impact Driver. Since I had been previously inclined to purchase I went ahead and made the selection over a handful of other, somewhat useful items. It’s one of those things where it’s a little difficult to get overly excited at the idea of a new drill, however this one did present a bit more intrigue due to the hydraulic capability.
Almost as soon as the M18 SURGE Impact driver showed up on my front porch I almost immediately put it to work on a couple of moderate applications. The first one being hanging eight sets of blinds throughout my house. At first I was a little hesitant to use an Impact Driver for this application as I was a bit apprehensive about damaging the window casings. After about two attempts I was quickly comforted in realizing that this Impact Driver only really impacts when it absolutely has to.
Specs + Features
The weight of the Impact Driver by itself is nominal at just under 2.5 pounds. It offers 3-Mode speed control for more precise power delivery. Speed setting number one delivers 1200 RPM, speed setting number two delivers 2100 RPM and speed setting number three delivers the maximum 3200 RPM. The Impact Driver boasts torque of 1000 inch pounds or 83 foot pounds making it particularly strong for a marketed quiet power tool. The maximum RPM of roughly 3200 creates an impressive 6300 Impacts Per Minute.
Considerations + Comparisons
When you first hear or see a claim of 50% quieter than a typical impact driver it may make you believe that it is totally quiet but that isn’t quite the case. Therefore when we’re discussing a Hydraulic Drive Tool and what all it has to offer it would be somewhat inconsiderate to only test based on speed and torque specs.
The kitted version comes with the Impact Driver itself along with two 5 Ah batteries, a Non-Rapid Charger and a carrying case. A few years back I was all about the carrying cases but the more time that passes the more I wonder when or if Milwaukee will apply additional pressure and offer all kits in PackOut. With the direction of modular tool storage it only makes sense that all platform products should be in some way adaptable to that system.
The quarter inch hex chuck makes for simplified single-handed bit insertion. The bit release mechanism on the other hand leaves a bit to be desired. It does offer fairly smooth functionality, it just does not make for simple one-handed bit swaps.
The 3-Mode Drive Control offers settings specifically for Speed, Precision or High-Torque making it not only quiet but quite versatile in its ability to perform up to that of near standard impact specs. It has double the torque output of its predecessor and half of that of its non-Surge standard counterpart (2953-20). The most adjacent competitor, the DeWalt DCF870B is rated at 500 inch pounds of torque and delivers a maximum speed output of 3000 RPM and 4200 IPM. Making any final purchase decision more a matter of platform alliance over performance. The DeWalt DCF870B may be slightly smaller but everything else aligns nearly identically.
Use Cases + Applications
There are a handful of specific use cases that the Impact Driver was designed for. If any level of noise control is necessary for a jobsite then this Impact Driver will certainly fill the role. Specific users that come to mind almost immediately are Maintenance Technicians, especially those working in closed environments where normal business may otherwise be taking place.
Carpenters needing to perform renovation work in places such as schools, churches and restaurants where disturbances are best kept to a minimum will be best suited for this Impact Driver. As jobsites continue to require cleaner and more detail oriented workflows this Impact Driver will prove to be effective in noise pollution reduction. Although it’s just noise pollution, the combined effort to streamline and optimize job sites for overall safety is a step in the right direction.
Accessories
Over the past 36 months Milwaukee has released a variety of specialized Impact Ready bits, adapters and accessories. The majority of the accessories live under the sub-brand name ShockWave. The Shockwave lineup consists of various Bits, Sockets, Drivers and Extensions that are all a hand-in-glove fit for not only this Impact Driver but the entire lineup of Milwaukee Impact Drivers. Many of the Impact Ready accessories and add-ons are geared most specifically to the Electricians trade groups. From Wire Strippers to Wire Nut Twisters it seems like a central focal point for Milwaukee is to develop end-to-end solutions wherever they can.
Milwaukee Wire Nut Twister
48-32-6400
Purchase At AcmeTools.com
Milwaukee Solid Wire Stripper Set, 2 Pieces
48-32-6405
Purchase At AcmeTools.com
Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE Conduit Reaming Bit Holder
48-32-2350
Purchase At AcmeTools.com
Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE Impact Duty 6 Inch Magnetic Nut Driver Set, 6 Piece
49-66-4567
Purchase At AcmeTools.com
Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE Impact Duty RED HELIX Titanium Drill Bit Set 29pc
48-89-4672
Purchase At AcmeTools.com
Accessory Kits
Alongside some of the trade specific specialty bits, drivers and accessories Milwaukee also offers a number of Shockwave combination packages for those in need of additional accessories. Kits ranging from 25 pieces up to well over 100 pieces are readily available in stores and online. All of the Shockwave accessory kits are fully customizable thanks to them coming in various Packout kits. Regardless of whether it’s an Impact Socket or a long reach Nut Driver you can expect nothing short of durability, adaptability and a healthy level of innovation.
Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE Impact Duty 60PC Drill, Drive & Fasten with PACKOUT
48-32-5162
Purchase At AcmeTools.com
Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE 50-Piece Impact Duty Drill and Drive Set
48-32-4013
Purchase At AcmeTools.com
Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE Impact Duty Drill Drive & Fasten Set 75pc
48-32-4098
Purchase At AcmeTools.com
Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE Impact Duty Driver Bit PACKOUT Set, 90 Pieces
48-32-5157
Purchase At AcmeTools.com
Milwaukee 95PC Drill & Drive Set – 95PC
48-32-1556
Purchase At AcmeTools.com
Closing Thoughts
In closing I have to say that this Impact Driver is impressive in a variety of ways. From its lightweight design to its versatility it offers a wide range of advancements and modern features. While it may not suffice as an everyday carry it certainly sits atop the market for quiet Impact Drivers. Having both the power and the precision that this Impact Driver boasts will lead us well into the next generation of noise compliant power tools.
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