BestvsTool

Milwaukee 2953 vs DeWalt DCF860: Flagship Impact Drivers Face Off

The Milwaukee 2953 offers unmatched speed and compact size, while the DeWalt DCF860 pushes torque to new heights. Which one deserves a place in your toolbox? Let’s break it down.

Winner
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Impact Driver (2953)
Impact Drivers
4.9(2100)
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Impact Driver (2953)
Fourth-generation M18 Fuel impact driver with blazing fast RPM, compact build, and refined trigger control.
$149

Pros

  • Fastest driving speeds in class
  • Extremely compact size
  • Tri-beam LEDs eliminate shadows
  • Excellent ergonomics

Cons

  • Torque unchanged from last gen
DeWalt 20V Max High Torque Impact Driver (DCF860)
Impact Drivers
4.8(1800)
DeWalt 20V Max High Torque Impact Driver (DCF860)
DeWalt’s latest high-torque impact driver with huge performance gains and upgraded LED lighting.
$199

Pros

  • Massive torque upgrade over DCF845
  • Nine-LED lighting system with multiple modes
  • Excellent balance even with larger batteries

Cons

  • Heavier than Milwaukee
  • More expensive kit pricing
Quick Specs Comparison
Side-by-side specs with best values highlighted
SpecificationMilwaukee 2953DeWalt DCF860
torque_in_lbs20002500
speed_settings43
top_speed_rpm39003800
impact_rate_ipm44004500
collet1/4 in. hex1/4 in. hex
weight_lbs2.22.7
length_in4.474.8
Price$149$199
Detailed Category Comparison
How each tool performs in key categories

Power & Torque

DeWalt Wins
Milwaukee 29539.2/10
DeWalt DCF8609.6/10

DeWalt’s DCF860 hits a massive 2500 in-lbs of torque, surpassing Milwaukee’s 2000 in-lbs.

Speed

Milwaukee Wins
Milwaukee 29539.6/10
DeWalt DCF8609.4/10

Milwaukee edges out with 3900 RPM vs DeWalt’s 3800, making it the faster driver overall.

Ergonomics & Size

Milwaukee Wins
Milwaukee 29539.5/10
DeWalt DCF8609/10

At 2.2 lbs and 4.47 in. long, Milwaukee is noticeably lighter and more compact than DeWalt.

Lighting

DeWalt Wins
Milwaukee 29539.2/10
DeWalt DCF8609.7/10

DeWalt’s 9-LED ring light system is brighter and more adjustable than Milwaukee’s tri-beam.

Value

Milwaukee Wins
Milwaukee 29539.4/10
DeWalt DCF8609/10

At $149 bare tool, Milwaukee undercuts DeWalt’s $199 price while delivering flagship-level performance.

Full Review & Buying Guide
In-depth analysis and recommendations

The Verdict

The Milwaukee 2953 offers unmatched speed and compact size, while the DeWalt DCF860 pushes torque to new heights. Which one deserves a place in your toolbox? Let’s break it down. Both tools represent excellent value in their respective price ranges and offer professional-grade performance for serious DIYers and contractors.

Who Should Buy the Milwaukee 2953?

The Milwaukee 2953 is perfect for users who prioritize Contractors needing fast, versatile fastening and Jobs where compact size matters. Its fastest driving speeds in class makes it an excellent choice for professionals who need reliable performance day after day.

Who Should Buy the DeWalt DCF860?

The DeWalt DCF860 excels in Pros who need max torque and Heavy-duty fastening and construction work. With its massive torque upgrade over dcf845, it's ideal for users who demand maximum performance and don't mind paying a premium for it.

Final Recommendation

We recommend the Milwaukee 2953 for most users due to its excellent balance of performance, features, and value.