DIY Tool Picks

Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3453-20: Is This 12V Impact Driver Right for Your Tool Kit?

The Milwaukee 3453-20 M12 FUEL is a compact 12V, 4-mode cordless impact driver for shoppers who want a brushless 1/4-inch hex format and are prepared to supply the battery separately.

Last updated Aug 1, 2026

Choosing power tools often comes down to a practical tension: do you want a compact cordless driver with adjustable operation, and are you comfortable purchasing the battery separately? The Milwaukee 3453-20 M12 FUEL 1/4-inch Hex Brushless Cordless Impact Driver answers the first part with a compact 12V design, brushless construction, and four modes; the battery requirement is the key consideration before committing.

Quick verdict

The Milwaukee 3453-20 M12 FUEL makes sense for shoppers focused on a compact, cordless 1/4-inch hex impact driver with four operating modes. Its listed price is USD 87.50, and the combination of a 12V format, brushless design, and compact feature gives it a clear identity for someone who wants those specifications rather than a larger-format tool.

Milwaukee 3453-20 M12 FUEL 1/4-inch Hex Brushless Cordless Impact Driver 12V 4-Mode

Choose the 3453-20 when a compact brushless impact driver with 4-mode operation is the priority. The main limitation is straightforward: no battery is included, so the listed configuration does not include that component.

Who it suits

This Milwaukee model is aimed at shoppers who have narrowed their search to a 12V cordless impact driver and want a compact form factor called out directly. The four-mode designation is especially relevant for anyone who prefers selectable operating modes over a single-mode approach.

It is also a focused choice for buyers seeking a 1/4-inch hex format. Rather than presenting a broad collection of tool functions, the 3453-20 keeps the decision centered on an impact-driver configuration with brushless and compact features in its description.

What stands out from the listed details

The strongest appeal is the blend of compactness and control-oriented specifications. "Compact" is specifically listed as a feature, while the model name identifies both brushless construction and four modes. For a shopper comparing their own priorities, that creates a useful checklist: cordless operation, 12V power, a 1/4-inch hex format, and more than one operating-mode setting.

Milwaukee's red-and-black color scheme is also listed for this model, though it is the functional details-not the color-that should drive the choice. The 12V designation and lithium-ion battery technology help define the cordless setup without turning the tool into an all-in-one purchase.

Meaningful trade-offs

The deciding trade-off is battery inclusion. A shopper who wants the impact driver and battery together will need to account for the fact that this Milwaukee 3453-20 configuration includes no battery. That matters more than the compact feature or color when planning the overall purchase.

The four-mode design is another reason to choose it only if selectable modes are genuinely useful in your work. If that flexibility is central to your decision, it is a concrete advantage of the named configuration; if not, it may be more specification than you need.

Bottom line

At USD 87.50, the Milwaukee 3453-20 M12 FUEL is a clear pick for a shopper seeking a compact 12V brushless cordless impact driver with a 1/4-inch hex format and four modes. Make the choice with the separate-battery requirement firmly in mind.

Products in this article
Milwaukee 3453-20 M12 FUEL 1/4" Hex Brushless Cordless Impact Driver 12V 4-ModeUSD 87.50View on eBay
Milwaukee 3453-20 M12 FUEL 1/4" Hex Brushless Cordless Impact Driver 12V 4-ModeUSD 87.50View on eBay