Quick verdict
The Milwaukee 2953-20 is shorter and stronger with a fourth mode; the DeWalt DCF860 is lighter in price and has a precision mode of its own. Buy by platform. Starting fresh, the Milwaukee is the better impact driver by a small margin.
Milwaukee 2953-20 M18 FUEL Impact Driver
The 2953-20 is the fourth-generation M18 FUEL impact driver: 2,000 inch-pounds of torque, four modes including a self-tapping screw mode, a 4.6 inch body and a tri-LED ring. It is the stronger, shorter tool of the two on paper and it runs the M18 platform.
DeWalt DCF860 XR impact driver versus Milwaukee 2953-20 M18 FUEL Gen 4 impact driver: torque, length, modes, lighting and platform compared from published specifications.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score /100 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee 2953-20 M18 FUEL Impact Driver | Best Impact Driver on Milwaukee M18 | 9.2 | Check price |
| DeWalt DCF860 20V MAX XR Impact Driver | Best Impact Driver on DeWalt 20V | 9.0 | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
Milwaukee 2953-20 M18 FUEL Impact Driver
The 2953-20 is the fourth-generation M18 FUEL impact driver: 2,000 inch-pounds of torque, four modes including a self-tapping screw mode, a 4.6 inch body and a tri-LED ring. It is the stronger, shorter tool of the two on paper and it runs the M18 platform.
Reasons to buy
- 2,000 in-lbs in a 4.6 inch body
- Four modes including self-tapping screw mode
- Tri-LED ring lights the fastener
- M18 platform
Reasons to avoid
- Costs more
- More torque than small screws need
- M18 packs only
DeWalt DCF860 20V MAX XR Impact Driver
The DCF860 is the current DeWalt XR impact driver with a brushless motor, three modes, precision drive and strong torque in a compact body. It is the impact for a DeWalt shed and it drives decks, lags and hardware without complaint.
Reasons to buy
- Precision drive for composite and cedar
- XR brushless efficiency
- Compact body
- DeWalt 20V MAX platform
Reasons to avoid
- Less torque than the Milwaukee
- Longer than the 2953
- Three modes against four
Where these two differ
The two current flagship impact drivers from the two biggest cordless platforms. The Milwaukee 2953-20 is shorter, has more torque and a fourth mode; the DeWalt DCF860 is cheaper, has precision drive and is nearly as compact. Both drive a deck without breaking stride.
This comparison is based on the published specifications and manuals for both tools and on recurring owner feedback. We have not run either driver ourselves.
| Specification | DCF860 | 2953-20 |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | DeWalt 20V MAX | Milwaukee M18 |
| Torque | High per DeWalt | 2,000 in-lbs |
| Modes | 3 plus precision drive | 4 including self-tapping |
| Length | Compact | 4.6 inches |
| Lighting | LED | Tri-LED ring |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
Torque
Two thousand inch-pounds is more than any deck screw or lag needs and the Milwaukee has it. The DeWalt has plenty too; the difference shows on a long ledger bolt into dense wood, where the Milwaukee keeps its speed a little longer.
Modes
The Milwaukee four modes include a self-tapping screw mode that drives metal screws fast then slows at the bite, which suits metal roofing, brackets and shed panels. The DeWalt three modes plus precision drive cover timber and composite with a slow start that protects the screw head. Each has the mode the other lacks.
Size
At 4.6 inches the Milwaukee is one of the shortest full-power impacts on the market. The DeWalt is compact and a little longer. Between joists and inside brackets the Milwaukee has the edge.
Yard jobs this decides
A composite deck favors the DeWalt precision mode. A metal shed or roofing favors the Milwaukee self-tapping mode. A cedar fence with lags is a draw. The platform decides the mower and the blower on the same battery; both have full ranges.
Batteries and runtime
An impact driver sips power and both last a deck on a mid-size pack. The Milwaukee balances on a compact pack despite its torque; the DeWalt does the same.
Noise and vibration
Both are hammer-and-anvil impacts and both are loud once the impact mechanism engages; hearing protection suits a full deck on either. Owners describe the Milwaukee as a shade smoother in its lower modes and the DeWalt precision mode as the quietest way to start a screw. Neither is a hydraulic impact, so neighbors hear both.
Common owner complaints
DCF860 owners mention a tight bit holder when new. 2953 owners mention the price. Neither has a reliability pattern.
Which one should you buy
Buy the DCF860 if you are on DeWalt; it is excellent and cheaper. Buy the 2953-20 if you are on Milwaukee or choosing a platform from scratch and want the shortest, strongest impact driver available.
Our verdict
The Milwaukee 2953-20 edges this comparison on size, torque and modes. The DeWalt DCF860 is close behind and the better value on its own platform.
How we research
This comparison is built from the published specifications, manuals and warranty terms of both products and from recurring owner feedback. We have not run either product ourselves; where the makers do not publish a figure we say so rather than guess.
What to look for
Platform
DeWalt 20V or Milwaukee M18 packs decide it.
Length
The Milwaukee 4.6 inch body is among the shortest full-power impacts made.
Modes
Four on the Milwaukee including a self-tapping mode for metal; three plus precision on the DeWalt.
Price
The DeWalt costs less bare.
Our verdict
The Milwaukee 2953-20 is shorter and stronger with a fourth mode; the DeWalt DCF860 is lighter in price and has a precision mode of its own. Buy by platform. Starting fresh, the Milwaukee is the better impact driver by a small margin.
FAQs
The Milwaukee at 2,000 inch-pounds by its rating. Both drive structural lags; the Milwaukee has more reserve.
A Milwaukee mode that drives a self-tapping screw fast until it bites, then slows to stop stripping. Useful for metal roofing and brackets.
It is a slow-start mode for small screws and soft wood rather than a metal-specific mode. Both protect fasteners.
The Milwaukee at 4.6 inches.
Related guides
DeWalt DCF887 vs Makita XDT19Z: Discounted XR Torque Against Discounted Four-Speed Control
Milwaukee 2953-20 vs Milwaukee 2853-20: What Gen 4 Changes Over Gen 3
DeWalt DCF887 vs Milwaukee 2853-20: Two Discounted Flagships From the Last Generation
DeWalt DCF850 vs Makita XDT19Z: ATOMIC Compact Against the Four-Speed LXT
DeWalt DCF850 vs Milwaukee 2853-20: ATOMIC Compact Against the Discounted M18 FUEL
DeWalt DCF860 vs Makita XDT19Z: XR Precision Drive Against Four-Speed Quick-Shift
DeWalt DCF860 vs Milwaukee 2853-20: New XR Impact Against the Discounted M18 FUEL Gen 3
