What’s wrong with Milwaukee’s NEW Gen 4 Drill/Impact? Power Tool News
In the latest Power Tool Week in Review, the spotlight is on Milwaukee’s new Gen 4 M18 Fuel Impact Driver (model 2953). The big question on everyone’s mind is whether this new model is truly an upgrade from its predecessor, the Gen 3. Tim from Shop Tool Reviews put the tool to the test, evaluating its power, design, and features. The Gen 4 model does offer more torque, breaking the 500 ft-lb barrier, a significant improvement over the Gen 3. However, while the Gen 4 is undeniably powerful, it does raise some concerns, particularly in its design and LED lighting, which feels outdated compared to its competitors.
Milwaukee Gen 4 vs. Gen 3: Is It Worth Upgrading?
Tim provides a detailed comparison between the Gen 4 and Gen 3, starting with the physical differences and the addition of the three LED lights. While these lights improve visibility, they aren’t revolutionary, as similar features have been available from other brands for years. On the performance side, the Gen 4 impresses with its raw power, becoming the first impact driver Tim has tested that exceeds 500 ft-lb of torque. However, there’s a bit of a disconnect between the new power and the outdated features. So, while the Gen 4 is an exceptional tool for heavy-duty tasks, it might not offer enough to justify an upgrade for those already using the Gen 3.
Flashlight Tests and Bosch’s ProFactor Drill
In addition to the Milwaukee drill, Torque Test Channel shifted gears to test flashlights, diving into the world of ultra-high-lumen flashlights. The team tested a range of lights, including one claiming an astounding 90,000 lumens. Using a DIY lumen tester, the team compared the actual output to the manufacturer claims, revealing how these flashlights truly perform. If you’re curious about whether these flashlights deliver as promised, you won’t want to miss the full test.
Meanwhile, ToolsAndStuffOfficial gave a demo of Bosch’s ProFactor Drill, an 18V half-inch hammer drill that boasts an impressive 1,330 inch-pounds of torque. This drill features cutting-edge technology, including kickback control and electronic angle detection, ensuring precise drilling every time. These advanced features help make Bosch’s drill one of the most user-friendly and powerful options on the market. Bosch claims this to be the world’s strongest drill, and the test results might just back that up.
Toro’s Innovative Mower and DeWalt’s Latest Drill
Switching gears to lawn care, DirtMonkey tested Toro’s new 52-inch GrandStand Revolution Mower, powered by the brand’s hyper-cell battery system. This commercial-grade mower runs up to seven hours on a single charge, tackling grass as tall as chest-high with ease. Toro has packed this mower with five motors and a speed of up to 10 miles per hour, making it ideal for professionals. While the price tag is high—around $30,000—the mower promises to save money in the long run with its energy-efficient battery system and low maintenance needs.
Over at ManCaverTools, the focus shifted to DeWalt’s DCD800, a brushless motor drill designed for heavy-duty use. This drill boasts a 2,000 RPM speed and a full-metal chuck for maximum durability. The DCD800 is versatile, capable of handling various tasks like drilling large holes, running spade bits, and driving lag bolts. As with most of DeWalt’s XR series, this tool is engineered for long-term reliability and impressive performance, making it an excellent choice for professionals who demand power and precision.
For the full Power Tool Week in Review, and to dive deeper into each tool test, make sure to check out the reviews on their respective channels. Whether you’re looking for an upgraded impact driver, a powerhouse flashlight, or the latest drill for your toolkit, this episode covers all the bases. The Milwaukee Gen 4 M18 Fuel Impact Driver may be the tool for those needing maximum torque, but for many users, the Gen 3 might still be a reliable, cost-effective option.
