
Milwaukee M18 2656-20
Score: 82/100
DEWALT DCF870B
Score: 72/100Rankings

The Milwaukee 2656-20 is an 18V cordless hex impact driver featuring a brushless motor and REDLINK Intelligence for optimized performance. It delivers 1,500 in-lbs of torque with a maximum speed of 2,750 RPM, designed for fastening applications in tight spaces. It is best suited for professional contractors and tradespeople requiring a compact, powerful fastening tool for light to medium-duty tasks.

The DEWALT DCF870B is a specialized 20V MAX XR hydraulic impact driver designed for noise-sensitive environments, offering up to 57% quieter operation than standard tools. While it delivers 500 in-lbs of torque, the softer hydraulic pulse limits its effectiveness for heavy-duty applications compared to mechanical drivers. It is best suited for professionals working in residential cabinetry, electrical, and plumbing installs who need a compact tool for tight spaces.
| Attribute | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
1,500 in-lbbest | 500 in-lb | |
18 V | 20 Vbest | |
2,750 RPM | 3,000 RPMbest | |
3,450 IPM | 4,200 IPMbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 2.8 lbs | 2.2 lbsbest |
| ↓ lower better | 5.69 in | 4.6 inbest |
1 count | 9 countbest | |
5 yearsbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
Performance(3) | ||
Maximum Torque (in-lb) | 1500 in-lb | 500 in-lb |
Maximum Speed (RPM) (RPM) | 2750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Impacts Per Minute (IPM) (IPM) | 3450 IPM | 4200 IPM |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Tool Weight (lbs) | 2.8 lbs | 2.2 lbs |
Tool Length (in) | 5.69 in | 4.6 in |
Power & Battery(1) | ||
Battery Voltage (V) | 18 V | 20 V |
Features(2) | ||
LED Light Count (count) | 1 count | 9 count |
Chuck Type | 1/4 inch hex quick-connect | 1/4-inch hex |


Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).

Professional reviewers and manufacturers highlight the Milwaukee 2656-20's brushless 4-pole frameless motor as a key advantage, noting it provides longer life and more power than brushed alternatives. The optimized impact mechanism is praised for delivering maximum power and application speed, enhancing job efficiency.
The provided search results do not contain specific user reviews, ratings, or detailed feedback from everyday consumers.

Professional reviewers praise the DEWALT DCF870B for its high productivity in driving small to medium screws, citing its 3,000 RPM, 4,200 IPM, and 500 in-lbs torque as strong for a hydraulic tool. It is recognized as the quietest impact driver available, offering significant noise reduction. However, experts note that the softer hydraulic blows limit its effectiveness compared to standard drivers, making it less suitable for heavy-duty applications requiring maximum impact force.
Search results lack direct consumer reviews or forum discussions, so no specific praise or complaints from everyday users are available. Professional sources emphasize the tool's quietness and compactness without providing user feedback quotes.

