Milwaukee 2656-20 Impact Review
Our verdict
The Milwaukee 2656-20 is a bare-tool 18V impact driver with 4.8 stars across 4,600 reviews and steady monthly demand, making it one of the most validated picks in the category at $70.00. It fits existing M18 battery users who want a proven, lightweight driver without paying for a redundant kit.
Check price on AmazonBest for
M18 battery platform owners who want a low-cost, high-trust bare-tool addition to their set
Skip if
You do not own M18 batteries and would need to buy them separately, which erases the price advantage
- Power Source Battery Powered
- Voltage 18 Volts
- Amps 5 Amps
- Speed 2750 RPM
- Weight 1.5 Pounds
- Priced 45% below the category median ($127.00 across 77 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.8/5
4.8 average across 4,600 owner ratings
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Popularity4.9/5
4,600 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other power tools and workshop machinery we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
At 1.5 pounds and running on the 18V M18 platform, the Milwaukee 2656-20 is one of the lighter options in the 18V impact driver class. Its 2750 RPM output and 5 amp rating give it enough punch for everyday fastening tasks: driving deck screws, assembling furniture, and general contractor work where a compact, nimble tool is favored over raw torque.
With 4,600 verified ratings and a 4.8-star average, owner consensus is unusually strong for this price tier. The $70.00 bare-tool price is genuinely competitive given the platform reputation, and 200 units sold last month confirm it remains an active seller rather than aging inventory.
Because this is a tool-only listing, buyers need to bring their own M18 batteries and charger. That makes it an ideal second driver or replacement for existing Milwaukee users, but a poor cold-start purchase for someone building a kit from scratch.
Pros
- 4.8-star rating from 4,600 reviews signals exceptionally consistent owner satisfaction
- 1.5-pound tool weight reduces fatigue on extended overhead or repetitive fastening tasks
- 18V M18 platform compatibility means it shares batteries with a broad Milwaukee lineup
- Bare-tool pricing at $70.00 is compelling for existing M18 users
- 2750 RPM speed handles typical driving tasks without over-torquing lighter fasteners
Cons
- Bare-tool only listing means batteries and charger must be purchased separately
- 2750 RPM is mid-range; higher-demand jobs may benefit from faster models in the lineup
- No published torque figure in the listed specs makes direct power comparisons harder
Specifications
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 18 Volts |
| Amps | 5 Amps |
| Speed | 2750 RPM |
| Weight | 1.5 Pounds |
Performance notes
Battery-powered on the 18V M18 platform with a 5-amp rating and 2750 RPM no-load speed. At 1.5 pounds it is among the lighter 18V impact drivers available, suited for overhead work or situations where the tool is carried all day. Specs indicate a single-speed or variable-trigger drive mechanism; no multi-mode selector is listed. Best matched to wood-to-wood fastening, light structural screws, and general assembly rather than heavy lag-bolt or self-tapping metal applications.
What buyers say
Owners consistently praise the tool's build quality and how naturally it fits into an M18 kit. Reliability over extended use is a recurring theme in reviews. The primary complaint pattern centers on the tool-only format: buyers who missed the bare-tool designation were surprised by the battery requirement. A minority of reviewers note they wanted more torque for heavy-duty applications.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the Milwaukee 2656-20 come with a battery?
No. The 2656-20 is a bare-tool listing at $70.00. It requires an 18V M18 battery and charger, sold separately. Existing M18 users can use any battery they already own.
How does the 2756-20 differ from this model?
The listed specs for the 2656-20 show 18V, 2750 RPM, and 1.5 lbs. Comparison to other Milwaukee models would require checking their published specs, as the 2656-20 data does not include a direct competitor cross-reference.
Have more questions about the Milwaukee 2656-20?
Reach our research team at hello@toolgalaxy.com and we will help you find the right fit.