Full Review ⭐ Milwaukee M18 BRAIW-0: Right Angle Impact Wrench 18V Bare Unit

Milwaukee Tool Corporation has been a leader in professional power tool manufacturing for over 90 years. The company is known for its heavy-duty power tools made for use in demanding job site environments.

In 2005, Milwaukee became the first to introduce a lithium-ion battery system designed for the professional trades with the M18 line. This innovative 18V cordless system transformed the industry and allowed users to replace corded tools with high-performance cordless options.

The M18 system now includes over 175 power tools that provide the longest runtime, highest power, and superior performance that professionals require to get the job done. One of the newest additions is the M18 Fuel Right Angle Impact Wrench, model number M18BRAIW-0.

Overview

The Milwaukee M18 BRAIW-0 is an 18V cordless right angle impact wrench bare tool without battery. As a member of Milwaukee's M18 line, it is powered by an 18V lithium-ion battery and delivers high torque in a compact size.

Key specs:

• Voltage: 18V
• Max torque: 300 ft-lbs
• Impacts per minute: 0-2,400 IPM
• Drive size: 1/2"
• Length: 5.94"
• Weight: 2.8 lbs (tool only)

This impact wrench has Milwaukee's proprietary DRIVE CONTROL to provide greater control over the output speed and power. It allows the user to dial in the amount of torque needed for specific applications. The 4-Mode DRIVE CONTROL includes a self-tapping screw mode that reduces speed and torque for installing and removing screws.

With a 1/2" anvil, this tool can deliver up to 300 ft-lbs of maximum fastening torque. It provides the power necessary for automotive repair jobs as well as commercial and residential construction applications. The compact right angle head design improves access and maneuverability in tight spaces.

For even greater access in tight spaces, Milwaukee also offers the Milwaukee M12 FRAIW: a 12V 1/2'' brushless right angle impact wrench with friction ring. This ultra-compact tool measures only 3.4 inches front to back, allowing users to reach fasteners in extremely confined areas.

Like the M18 tool, the M12 FRAIW has multiple speed and torque settings to match the power to the application. It delivers up to 115 ft-lbs of maximum fastening torque from its efficient POWERSTATE brushless motor. An integrated LED light illuminates dark work areas.

Weighing only 2.0 lbs with a 2.0 Ah battery, this right angle impact is designed for comfort during extended overhead use. The soft grip handle provides excellent control and reduces fatigue. A built-in belt clip allows the user to holster the tool quickly.

For driving and removing stubborn fasteners without damaging hardware, the M12 FRAIW features Milwaukee's exclusive bolt removal mode. This setting provides a short burst of high torque to break loose stuck fasteners before resuming normal operation.

Additional features include a 1/2" friction ring for quick socket changes and minimal drops, and RedLink Plus Intelligence for advanced system protection. Like all M12 tools, this impact wrench is compatible with all M12 batteries and chargers.

In summary, the ultra-compact M12 FRAIW right angle impact wrench complements the higher-powered M18 model. With extreme maneuverability and features tailored to tight space access, it fills an important niche for professionals working in confined areas. Pairing both tools provides maximum fastening versatility across a wide range of demanding tasks.

Design

The Milwaukee M18 BRAIW-0 stands out for its innovative right angle impact wrench design. This allows the tool to access tight spaces that a traditional straight impact wrench cannot. The right angle head is designed to allow the user to apply torque in spaces as narrow as 3-3/4 inches. This gives technicians the ability to remove or install bolts and nuts in extremely tight engine bays or other cramped areas.

Despite the right angle head, the M18 BRAIW-0 maintains a compact size. It measures only 5.9 inches front to back with the battery installed. This further improves the tool's maneuverability in tight quarters where space is limited. The small size paired with the angled head makes this one of the most versatile impact wrenches available. It can tackle jobs that would otherwise require much larger tools or time-consuming disassembly.

The right angle impact also reduces wrist strain compared to traditional models. Since the torque is applied perpendicular to the grip, the user can avoid awkward wrist positions. This improves comfort and reduces fatigue when working in confined spaces for extended periods.

Overall, the innovative right angle design of the M18 BRAIW-0 allows access no other impact wrench can. This, combined with its compact size, makes it the ideal choice for automotive and industrial applications with tight clearances. The design provides versatility, comfort, and convenience that technicians will appreciate.

In addition to the flagship M18 right angle impact wrench, Milwaukee also offers the compact M12FRAIWF38-0 model. This even smaller 12V Fuel 3/8" right angle impact wrench provides access in tighter spaces than the M18. It measures only 3.2 inches front to back, allowing operation in the most confined engine compartments and machinery.

Despite its tiny size, the Milwaukee M12FRAIWF38-0 delivers impressive torque up to 115 ft-lbs with its Fuel brushless motor. The compact head pivots 180 degrees for even greater maneuverability. An integrated LED light illuminates dark work areas.

For automotive technicians or maintenance personnel working in extremely tight quarters, the M12FRAIWF38-0 is the perfect complement to the larger M18 right angle impact wrench. It provides best-in-class access and power in the most confined spaces. Paired together, the M18 and M12 right angle impact wrenches can tackle any job.

The innovative right angle design shared by both models allows access no other impact wrench can. The pivoting head provides even more versatility to reach fasteners at any angle. Milwaukee's Fuel technology delivers power in compact sizes. This combination of design, versatility and power makes these right angle impact wrenches ideal for tight space automotive and industrial applications.

Technicians will appreciate the reduced wrist strain and ease of use in tight quarters offered by these tools. The angled head and small size get into spaces impossible with traditional impact wrenches. Any job requiring access and power in confined areas can be handled with Milwaukee's M18 and M12 right angle impact wrenches.

Power and Performance

The Milwaukee M18 BRAIW-0 impact wrench delivers outstanding power and performance for driving fasteners quickly and efficiently. It's powered by Milwaukee's heavy duty 18V motor that produces 260 ft-lbs of max torque and 1,800 RPMs with no load speed. This high torque allows you to drive large lag bolts, nuts, and other stubborn fasteners into wood, concrete, steel and other dense materials with ease.

The impact mechanism produces quick bursts of power to break loose even rusted or stuck fasteners. Once loosened, the tool maintains a steady torque output to run fasteners down quickly without stripping them. Users report it powers through jobs up to 2x faster than comparable 18V impact drivers. The 4-mode drive control lets you switch between reduced power for smaller fasteners, higher torque for the most demanding applications, and two in-between settings. This versatility makes the M18 BRAIW-0 ideal for automotive repair, construction, maintenance, and industrial fastening tasks.

Battery and Charger

The Milwaukee M18 BRAIW-0 right angle impact wrench is sold as a bare tool without a battery or charger included. This allows buyers who already own Milwaukee M18 batteries and chargers to add the tool to their kit without redundancy. For those new to the M18 system, batteries and chargers will need to be purchased separately.

Milwaukee recommends using their high output XC M18 RedLithium batteries with the M18 BRAIW-0 for optimal performance. These batteries deliver more run time and power than standard M18 batteries. When purchasing, options include the compact 3.0Ah, 4.0Ah, and 6.0Ah batteries or higher capacity 5.0Ah, 8.0Ah, and 12.0Ah batteries depending on needs for portability versus extended runtime.

For charging M18 batteries, Milwaukee offers single and multi-bay chargers. The most popular is the M18 Dual Charger which can charge two batteries simultaneously. This allows you to charge one battery while using the other to maximize uptime. The chargers fit all M18 batteries and feature an LED display that shows charging status.

Overall, the exclusion of a battery and charger helps make the M18 BRAIW-0 impact wrench more affordable for those who already have M18 batteries. For new buyers, you'll have to purchase these separately, but you'll have flexibility to choose the battery capacities and charger that best suit your needs.

Comfort and Handling

The Milwaukee M18 Right Angle Impact Wrench is designed for excellent comfort and handling despite its compact size. It weighs only 2.5 lbs with the battery, making it lightweight enough for prolonged overhead use.

The tool features an ergonomic grip with rubber overmold that provides a secure, comfortable hold. The grip is optimized for control, reducing hand fatigue even during heavy fastening applications.

The compact head design provides outstanding maneuverability in tight spaces. You can easily fit this impact wrench into spots that are difficult to access with bulkier models. The short head length gives you more working room.

The right angle design also enhances maneuverability compared to traditional straight impact wrenches. The head rotates 90 degrees so you can better orient the tool to reach fasteners at odd angles. This improves your working position and reduces wrist strain.

Overall, the ergonomic grip, lightweight body, short head, and right angle flexibility make the M18 Right Angle Impact Wrench very comfortable and easy to handle in a wide range of applications. It's designed to minimize user fatigue and provide excellent control.

Applications

The Milwaukee M18 BRAIW-0 impact wrench is designed for heavy-duty automotive and construction applications where high torque and power are needed. Its compact right-angle head makes it ideal for tight spaces and hard to reach fasteners.

This tool excels at tasks like removing lug nuts, suspension components, brake calipers, and exhaust connections on cars, trucks, and other vehicles. The powerful 180 ft-lbs of max torque allows it to break loose even corroded or over-torqued fasteners with ease.

For construction and industrial settings, the M18 BRAIW-0 can power through bolts, lag screws, and other stubborn fasteners. It's a workhorse for assembling and disassembling scaffolding, demolition, steel erection, and more. The right angle design gives users better access and visibility compared to traditional inline impact wrenches.

With the power and versatility of an M18 tool, this compact impact wrench can tackle automotive and construction jobs where pneumatic tools are traditionally used. It eliminates the need for a noisy air compressor and tangled hoses while providing cordless convenience. Overall an excellent addition to any professional's tool arsenal.

Pros

• The Milwaukee M18 Braiw is extremely compact for an 18V impact wrench, making it easy to use in tight spaces. Its head is only 2.9 inches long.

• It delivers outstanding power and torque for its small size. It provides 300 ft-lbs of max torque and 1800 RPMs with its efficient POWERSTATE brushless motor.

• The performance is highly impressive. It makes quick work of loosening stubborn bolts and lug nuts. Users mention it removes lug nuts off trucks and heavy equipment with ease.

• Milwaukee is known for making high-quality, durable power tools. Their M18 line is their flagship cordless system with a reputation for reliability. The Braiw lives up to the brand's standards.

• The tool only weighs 2.8 lbs with no battery. It's designed to reduce user fatigue for extended jobs. The compact head fits in tight engine bays.

• There are 3 speed settings to match power and speed to the application. The variable speed trigger provides even more control.

Cons

While the Milwaukee M18 BRAIW-0 impact wrench has many benefits, it does have some downsides to consider.

No Included Battery or Charger

One of the main cons of this model is that it does not come with a battery or charger. You have to purchase these separately, which adds to the overall cost. The tool alone costs around £120, then you'll need to factor in another £100 or more for a battery and charger kit. This makes the total investment much higher.

High Price Point

Even without the battery, the Milwaukee M18 BRAIW-0 is one of the more expensive 18V impact wrenches available. The bare tool costs over £100, which is significantly more than some other brands' offerings. While Milwaukee is known for quality, the high price tag makes this model less accessible for some buyers.

So in summary, the lack of included battery/charger and high base price are two downsides to an otherwise excellent impact wrench. These cons make the Milwaukee a significant investment, so it may not be the right choice for everyone's budget.

Conclusion

The Milwaukee M18 BRAIW-0 right angle impact wrench is an excellent addition for any professional or DIYer looking for a compact and powerful impact wrench. Its innovative right angle design allows access into tight spaces other tools can't reach. Despite its small size, it delivers impressive torque and speed to power through a wide range of fastening applications.

The tool is thoughtfully designed for comfort, control, and ease of use. Its rubber overmold and compact head provide a secure grip, while the variable speed trigger gives you precision control over the output. An integrated LED light illuminates your work area.

With the tool being part of Milwaukee's M18 line, it's powered by their 18V lithium-ion battery system. This gives it the advantage of cordless convenience and compatibility with other Milwaukee 18V tools and batteries you may already own. Run times are decent on a fully charged battery.

Overall, the M18 BRAIW-0 is a versatile and hardworking fastening tool that punches above its weight class. If you need a compact impact wrench that can reach tight spaces and deliver substantial torque, it's an excellent choice worthy of consideration.