Milwaukee 1/2" Impact Wrench with Pin Detent

When I first got my hands on the Milwaukee 1/2" Impact Wrench with Pin Detent (model 2659-20), I was immediately impressed by its compact design and sturdy build. As someone who has used a variety of impact wrenches over the years, I was curious to see how this cordless model would stack up against the competition, especially in terms of power and usability.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing you'll notice about this impact wrench is its compact size. At just 5.75 inches in length and weighing 4.1 pounds, it's designed to be both portable and easy to handle. The all-metal reversible belt clip is a thoughtful addition, allowing you to temporarily store the tool on your belt or ladder, making it convenient for jobs that require frequent movement. The LED light is another useful feature, illuminating the work surface and making it easier to see what you're doing in low-light conditions.

The build quality is what you'd expect from Milwaukee—robust and durable. The 4-pole frameless motor is designed for longer life and more power, and the overall craftsmanship of the tool feels solid in your hands. The Pin-Detent anvil ensures that sockets are securely retained, which is crucial for any serious fastening tasks.

Performance

Performance-wise, the Milwaukee 2659-20 delivers a respectable 183 ft-lbs of fastening torque and a maximum RPM of 2,450. It also boasts an impressive 3,350 impacts per minute (IPM). These specs make it a versatile tool for a variety of tasks, from automotive work to home improvement projects.

In my experience, the tool excels at light to medium-duty tasks. It effortlessly removes lug nuts from most car wheels and is a breeze to use for tasks like installing or removing bolts. The REDLINK™ Intelligence system is a standout feature, providing optimized performance and overload protection, which is particularly useful for extending the life of both the tool and its battery.

Battery Life

Speaking of batteries, the Milwaukee 2659-20 is part of the M18 system, so it uses the same batteries as other Milwaukee M18 tools. This is incredibly convenient if you're already invested in the Milwaukee ecosystem. I found that even with heavy use, the battery life was impressive. It barely made a dent in the charge, allowing for extended use without frequent recharges. This is a significant advantage over air tools, which require a constant power source.

Usability

The tool's ergonomic design makes it easy to handle, even for extended periods. The controls are intuitive, and the balance of the tool feels just right. However, it is worth noting that some users might find it a bit heavy for prolonged use, but this is a minor trade-off considering the power it delivers.

Limitations

While the Milwaukee 2659-20 is a fantastic tool for many applications, it does have its limitations. For instance, it may struggle with more heavy-duty tasks. In my tests, it had difficulty removing lug nuts that were torqued beyond its 183 ft-lbs capacity. This might not be an issue for most users, but if you're looking for a tool that can handle extremely high-torque applications, you might need to look elsewhere.

Another point of contention is the tool's compact size. While this is generally an advantage, it can be misleading for those expecting a full-sized impact wrench. It's crucial to understand that this tool is designed for portability and ease of use, rather than being a powerhouse for the most demanding tasks.

Durability

Durability is another area where the Milwaukee 2659-20 shines. The tool feels robust and is built to withstand the rigors of daily use. However, I did come across a few instances where the bell housing cracked after extensive use. While this seems to be a rare occurrence, it's something to keep in mind if you plan on using the tool heavily.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Milwaukee 1/2" Impact Wrench with Pin Detent is a highly capable and versatile tool that excels in many areas. Its compact design, impressive battery life, and robust build quality make it a great choice for both professional and DIY users. The REDLINK™ Intelligence system adds an extra layer of reliability, ensuring that the tool performs optimally while protecting against overload.

Would I recommend this tool? Absolutely, but with some caveats. If you're looking for a lightweight, portable impact wrench that can handle a variety of tasks around the garage or home, the Milwaukee 2659-20 is an excellent choice. However, if you need a tool for extremely high-torque applications or heavy-duty industrial use, you might want to consider a more powerful model.

In conclusion, the Milwaukee 1/2" Impact Wrench with Pin Detent offers a balanced mix of power, portability, and durability, making it a valuable addition to any toolkit. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a weekend warrior, this tool is likely to meet your needs and exceed your expectations in most scenarios.