The Milwaukee 2562-20 3/8 in M12 FUEL Stubby Impact Wrench is a compact cordless impact wrench built for high-torque fastening and removal in tight spaces. This is a cordless impact wrench designed for loosening and tightening automotive, mechanical, and installation fasteners. Model Number: 2562-20. If you need a small tool that can still break loose rusted nuts and bolts, this is the whole point of this model.

Milwaukee built this M12 impact wrench around a POWERSTATE brushless motor that delivers up to 550 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque with a no-load speed range of 0-3000 RPM and up to 3300 impacts per minute. On the job, that means it is not just compact for the sake of being compact. It is compact and still strong enough to handle the kind of seized fasteners that usually make you step up to a larger impact. For automotive repair, maintenance work, equipment service, and mechanical fastening, that matters.

The stubby layout is one of the biggest reasons this tool stands out. At only 4.8 inches long and 2.2 lbs without a battery, it is built to get into places larger impact wrenches struggle to reach. Think wheel wells, engine bays, underbody hardware, brake jobs, suspension work, and service access where extension stacks and swivel adapters just slow you down. Shorter length usually means better access and better control, especially when you are working one-handed around hoses, shields, or frame rails.

Milwaukee also gave this cordless fastening tool the kind of control features that make it more useful than a one-speed hammer. The 4-Mode DRIVE CONTROL system lets you choose output for different hardware and materials instead of hitting everything with full force. Auto shut-off mode helps prevent over-tightening by applying no more than 15 ft-lbs in forward for hand-tight applications. In reverse, bolt removal mode slows the tool once the fastener breaks free, which helps keep hardware from flying loose across the floor. That is a real-world feature, not fluff.

For jobsite and shop practicality, the tool includes Tri-LED work lights to improve visibility with fewer shadows around the socket and fastener. That is especially useful when you are tucked into a dark corner of an engine compartment or working under a vehicle. The 3/8 inch friction ring anvil also makes a lot of sense for users who swap sockets often. It gives you quick socket changes without messing around when you are moving from one fastener size to the next.

Milwaukee calls out a battery isolation system for a more secure battery connection and reduced vibration passed into the pack. That is one of those features you appreciate more over time than on day one. A better battery connection helps keep the tool working reliably in rough service conditions, and less vibration transmission is a plus during repetitive fastening work.

System compatibility is straightforward. This bare tool runs on the Milwaukee M12 battery platform and is compatible with all M12 REDLITHIUM batteries and chargers. If you are already on M12, adding this stubby impact wrench is easy. If you are not, just know that battery and charger are sold separately with this 2562-20 bare tool version.

Who should buy it? This Milwaukee 3/8 impact wrench makes the most sense for automotive techs, fleet maintenance crews, mechanics, HVAC installers, electricians, general service pros, and serious DIY users who want more removal power without stepping into a bulkier 18V class tool. If your work regularly involves tight spaces and stubborn fasteners, this is the kind of impact wrench that earns its place fast.

Milwaukee 2562-20 3/8 in M12 FUEL Stubby Impact Wrench punches above its size

This is the kind of compact impact wrench that makes you stop reaching for a bigger tool unless you truly need one.

• Who it's for: Techs, mechanics, installers, and serious DIY users who want real fastener removal power in tighter spaces than a larger impact wrench can handle comfortably.
• Why it stands out: The short 4.8 in body, 550 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque, and useful control modes make it a very practical mix of access, power, and day-to-day usability.
• Worth knowing: This is a bare tool, so plan on adding an M12 battery and charger if you are not already on the platform. It is also not ONE-KEY enabled, which matters only if tool tracking is on your must-have list.

• What battery system does this impact wrench use? It runs on the Milwaukee M12 battery platform and is compatible with all M12 REDLITHIUM batteries and chargers.
• What size sockets does it use? It has a 3/8 in square anvil with a friction ring, so it is designed for 3/8 in drive impact sockets.
• How fast does the tool run? The Milwaukee 2562-20 3/8 in M12 FUEL Stubby Impact Wrench has a no-load speed range of 0-3000 RPM and an impact rate up to 3300 IPM.
• Does it have built-in lighting? Yes. It uses Tri-LED work lights to improve visibility around the fastener and reduce shadows.