Milwaukee 3453-20vs2551-20

Two impact drivers, compared from their makers' published US specs. Specs checked 2026-10-18.

Comparing the Milwaukee 3453-20 (BARE TOOL) and Milwaukee 2551-20 (BARE TOOL) on the Milwaukee M12 platform: across 11 specs published for both models, 4 differ and 7 match, while 2 specs are published by only one maker and not assumed for the other. Key distinction: Milwaukee 3453-20: higher top speed (0-3,600 RPM vs 0-3,200 RPM). All figures are from published US manufacturer specs and operator manuals, not hands-on testing.

Milwaukee 3453-20

BARE TOOLMilwaukee M12

Max torque 1,500 in-lbsMax speed 0-3,600 RPMImpact rate 0-4,000 IPM

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Milwaukee 2551-20

BARE TOOLMilwaukee M12

Max speed 0-3,200 RPMImpact rate 0-3,400 IPMWeight 2 lb

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How to choose between them

Both run on Milwaukee M12 batteries, so your existing packs and chargers fit either tool.
Tight clearance between studs or inside cabinets? The 3453-20 publishes a shorter tool head length (5 in vs 5.2 in on the 2551-20).
Evidence boundary: 2 spec rows are published by only one maker in the table below; unstated figures are treated as unknown rather than assumed.

From the published figures only; no testing. Rated figures from different makers are not measured the same way.

Where they differ

Milwaukee 3453-20: higher top speed (0-3,600 RPM vs 0-3,200 RPM).
Milwaukee 3453-20: higher impact rate (0-4,000 IPM vs 0-3,400 IPM).
Milwaukee 3453-20: shorter (tool length) (5 in vs 5.2 in).
Milwaukee 3453-20: lighter, tool only (1.6 lb vs 2 lb).

4 verified spec differences across 11 specs published for both models (2 specs are listed by only one maker). Stated from the published figures only; no testing.

What they share

Same battery system (Milwaukee M12): both tools run on the same packs and chargers.
Same tool category: both are impact drivers.
Both are bare tools: no battery or charger in either box.
Matching published specs: Motor: POWERSTATE Brushless; Batteries in box: 0; Battery capacity: None included; Charger in box: No; Chuck type: Hex Quick Change; Chuck size: 1/4 in.

Published by only one maker (data gaps)

Max torque (manufacturer rating): 3453-20 lists 1,500 in-lbs; we hold no matching figure for the 2551-20.
Drive modes: 3453-20 lists 4-Mode; we hold no matching figure for the 2551-20.

A missing value means we have no published figure under that heading for the other model (its maker may not publish it, or may state it differently); we never guess or count an unstated spec as a verified difference.

Every published spec, side by side

Spec	Milwaukee 3453-20	Milwaukee 2551-20
Max torque (manufacturer rating)Only one listed	1,500 in-lbs	Not on maker page
Max speedDiffers3453-20: +400 RPM (+12.5%)	0-3,600 RPM	0-3,200 RPM
Impact rateDiffers3453-20: +600 IPM (+17.6%)	0-4,000 IPM	0-3,400 IPM
Weight, tool onlyDiffers2551-20: +0.4 lb (+25.0%)	1.6 lb	2 lb
Tool lengthDiffers2551-20: +0.2 in (+4.0%)	5 in	5.2 in
Motor	POWERSTATE Brushless	POWERSTATE Brushless
Batteries in box	0	0
Battery capacity (each)	None included	None included
Charger in box	No	No
Chuck type	Hex Quick Change	Hex Quick Change
Chuck size	1/4 in	1/4 in
Drive modesOnly one listed	4-Mode	Not on maker page
Warranty	5 Year Limited Warranty	5 Year Limited Warranty

"Differs" marks different published values; pure formatting is not counted. "Only one listed" marks a spec only one maker page gives. Box contents, owner ratings, manuals and sources are on each model's own page: 3453-20, 2551-20. Swap either model in the compare tool.