Milwaukee 2966-20 Impact Wrench Instruction Manual

: June 15, 2024
: Milwaukee

Table of Contents

Milwaukee 2966-20 Impact Wrench
Product Usage Instructions
GENERAL POWER TOOL SAFETY WARNINGS
SPECIFICATIONS
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
ASSEMBLY
OPERATION
MAINTENANCE
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

Milwaukee 2966-20 Impact Wrench

Specifications

Manufacturer: N/A
Model Number: N/A
Power Source: Corded or Cordless
Operating Voltage: 18 DC
UL Listing: Yes (for Canada and U.S.)

Product Usage Instructions

General Power Tool Safety Warnings
Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations, and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury. Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.

Work Area Safety
Ensure the work area is clean and well-lit. Keep the area free from clutter and any potential hazards. Use a stable work surface and maintain a clear workspace to prevent accidents.

Power Tool Use and Care
Select the appropriate power tool for your application. Using the correct power tool will result in better and safer performance.
Familiarize yourself with the power tool’s controls and features before operating it.

Electrical Safety
When using a corded power tool, ensure it is properly grounded.
Do not use damaged cords or plugs. If using a cordless power tool,follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and maintaining the battery pack.

Personal Safety
Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when operating a power tool. This may include safety glasses, dust masks, non-skid safety shoes, and hard hats. Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that can get caught in moving parts.

Battery Tool Use and Care
When using a battery-operated power tool, ensure the battery is fully charged and properly inserted. Avoid shorting the battery terminals together, as this may cause burns or a fire. Use only approved batteries and chargers.

FAQ

Q: Can I use the power tool while under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
A: No, operating a power tool while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can result in serious personal injury. Always use a power tool with a clear mind and when you are fully alert.

Q: What should I do if the battery pack or tool gets wet?
A: If the battery pack or tool comes into contact with water or any other liquid, flush it with water immediately. If any liquid harm occurs, seek medical attention.

Q: Can I use the power tool for operations different from those intended?
A: It is not recommended to use the power tool for operations other than those intended by the manufacturer. Doing so may result in a hazardous situation.

M18 FUEL™ 1/2″ HIGH TORQUE IMPACT WRENCH

WARNING To reduce the risk of injury, user must read and understand operator’s manual.

GENERAL POWER TOOL SAFETY WARNINGS

WARNING- Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury. Save all warnings and instructions for future reference. The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.

WORK AREA SAFETY

Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces, such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of an GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.

PERSONAL SAFETY

Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as a dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energizing power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair and clothing away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.
Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.

POWER TOOL USE AND CARE

Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or remove the battery pack, if detachable, from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
Maintain power tools and accessories. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.
Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the tool in unexpected situations.

BATTERY TOOL USE AND CARE

Recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another battery pack.
Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects, like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects, that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery; avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.
Do not use a battery pack or tool that is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified batteries may exhibit unpredictable behavior resulting in fire, explosion or risk of injury.
Do not expose a battery pack or tool to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 265°F (130°C) may cause explosion.
Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or tool outside the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside the specified range may damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.

SERVICE

Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
Never service damaged battery packs. Service of battery packs should only be performed by the manufacturer or authorized service providers.

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR IMPACT WRENCHES

Hold power tool by insulated gripping surfaces, when performing an operation where the fastener may contact hidden wiring. Fasteners contacting a “live” wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.
Wear ear protectors when impact drilling. Exposure to noise can cause hearing loss.
If using with a lanyard, do not exceed maximum capacity marked on the lanyard label. Always determine the weight of the product, with all accessories, when selecting the appropriate lanyard system. Exceeding maximum capacity may result in serious injury. See specifications for tool and battery weight.
Use only with energy absorbing lanyards. Ropes, straps or chains may break and cause failure. Do not use with lanyards at full tension.
Use only sockets and other accessories specifically designed for use on impact wrenches and drivers. Other sockets and accessories might shatter or break causing injury.
WARNINGTo reduce the risk of injury, when working in dusty situations, wear appropriate respiratory protection or use an OSHA compliant dust extraction solution.
Always use common sense and be cautious when using tools. It is not possible to anticipate every situation that could result in a dangerous outcome. Do not use this tool if you do not understand these operating instructions or you feel the work is beyond your capability; contact Milwaukee Tool or a trained professional for additional information or training.
Maintain labels and nameplates. These carry important information. If unreadable or missing, contact a MILWAUKEE service facility for a free replacement.

WARNING Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:

lead from lead-based paint
crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products, and
arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber.

Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure to these chemicals: work in a well ventilated area, and work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.

SYMBOLOGY

Milwaukee-2966-20-Impact-Wrench-1

SPECIFICATIONS

Volts………………………………………………………18 DC
Battery Type…………………………………………..M18™
Charger Type………………………………………….M18™

Recommended Ambient

Operating Temperature…………………..0°F to 125°F
Cat. No……………………………………………….2966-20
Anvil Type………………………………….1/2″ Pin Detent
RPM……………………………………………………..0-2000
IPM………………………………………………………0-2700
Weight…………………………………………………..5.4 lbs
(Tool-only)
Weight…………………………………………………..9.0 lbs
(With M18™ HD 12.0 battery pack)

Recommended

Lanyard…………….MILWAUKEE Energy Absorbing
Cat. No……………………………………………….2967-20
Anvil Type……………………………….1/2″ Friction Ring
RPM……………………………………………………..0-2000
IPM………………………………………………………0-2400

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

Tool hanger ring (2966-20 only)
Handle
Drive control
Trigger (ON/OFF switch)
Control switch
LED
1/2″ Square drive anvil with pin detent (2966-20 only)
1/2″ Square drive anvil with friction ring (2967-20 only)

ASSEMBLY

WARNING-Recharge only with the charger specified for the battery. For specific charging instructions, read the operator’s manual supplied with your charger and battery.

Removing/Inserting the Battery
To remove the battery, push in the release buttons and pull the battery pack away from the tool.

WARNING-Always lock the trigger or remove the battery pack any time the tool is not in use.
To insert the battery, slide the pack into the body of the tool. Make sure it latches securely into place.

Attaching and Removing the Tool Hanger

To attach, place the hanger ring through the tool hanger.
Position the tool hanger on the tool over the two screw holes.
Insert the two screws. Hand tighten the screws.
To remove, reverse the procedure.

WARNING-Only use accessories specifically recommended for this tool. Others may be hazardous.
Use only sockets and other accessories specifically designed for use on impact wrenches. Other sockets and accessories might shatter or break causing injury.

Attaching and Removing Accessories
1/2″ Impact Wrench with Pin Detent
(Cat. No. 2966-20)

WARNING! Remove battery to avoid starting the tool.
Use only the appropriate size Square Drive Sockets.
To attach a socket, align the hole in the accessory with the detent pin on the anvil. Hold the detent pin in while pushing the socket onto the anvil. The detent pin will snap into place in the hole to secure the socket.
To remove the socket, insert a nail or other thin object into the hole in the accessory and press in the detent pin. Pull the accessory off the anvil.

1/2″ Impact Wrench with Friction Ring
(Cat. No. 2967-20)

WARNING! Remove battery to avoid starting the tool.
Use only the appropriate size Square Drive Sockets.
To attach a socket, align the accessory with the anvil and push it firmly over the retaining ring.
To remove the accessory, pull the accessory off the anvil.

OPERATION

WARNING- To reduce the risk of injury, always wear proper eye protection marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.

Using the Drive Control

The drive control button is used to adjust the torque, rotation speed (RPM), and impact speed (IPM) for the application.
To select the drive control mode:

Pull and release the trigger to turn on the tool. The current mode indicator is lit.
Press the drive control button to cycle through the 4 modes. When the desired mode indicator is lit, begin work.

Cat. No. 2966-20

Mode| RPM| IPM| Fastening Torque (ft-lbs)| Nut- Busting Torque (ft-lbs)
1| 0 – 700| 0 – 1400| Up to 350| Up to 350
2| 0 – 1300| 0 – 2500| Up to 750| Up to 750
3| 0 – 2000| 0 – 2700| Up to 900| Up to 1100
| FWD: 0 – 900 REV:

0 – 2000 /

0 – 750

|

0 – 2700

|

Up to 50*†

|

Up to 1100*

Cat. No. 2967-20|
---|---
Mode| RPM| IPM| Fastening Torque (ft-lbs)| Nut- Busting Torque (ft-lbs)|
1| 0 – 700| 0 – 1300| Up to 650| Up to 650|
2| 0 – 1300| 0 – 2200| Up to 900| Up to 900|
| | | Up to 1100| Up to 1500|
| | | w/ XC5.0Ah| w/ XC5.0Ah|
3| 0 – 2000| 0 – 2400| battery Up to 1200| battery Up to 1600|
| | | w/ FORGE™| w/ FORGE™|
| | | battery| battery|

| FWD:| | | Up to 1500 w/ XC5.0Ah battery*

Up to 1600 w/ FORGE™ battery*

|
0 – 900| | |
0 – 2400| Up to 50*†|
REV:|
0 – 2000 /|
| |
0 – 750| | |

Torque values depend on many factors such as state of battery discharge, battery size, impacting time, bolt size, etc. Always check with a torque wrench to ensure desired torque value is achieved. This is not a precision fastening tool.
† Auto Shut-Off Mode
In mode, when run in reverse, the tool will spin at the above RPM and IPM until the nut breaks free from the joint. Then, the tool slows to 750 RPM for better control in removing the nut.

Using the Control Switch
The control switch may be set to three positions: forward, reverse and lock. Due to a lockout mechanism, the control switch can only be adjusted when the ON/OFF switch is not pressed. Always allow the motor to come to a complete stop before using the control switch.
For forward (clockwise) rotation, push in the control switch from the right side of the tool. Check the direction of rotation before use.
For reverse (counterclockwise) rotation, push in the control switch from the left side of the tool. Check direction of rotation before use.
To lock the trigger, push the control switch to the center position. The trigger will not work while the control switch is in the center locked position. Always lock the trigger or remove the battery pack before performing maintenance, changing accessories, storing the tool and any time the tool is not in use.

Starting, Stopping and Controlling Speed

To start the tool, grasp the handle(s) firmly and pull the trigger.
NOTE: An LED is turned on when the trigger is pulled and will go off shortly after the trigger is released.
To vary the speed, increase or decrease the pressure on the trigger. The further the trigger is pulled, the greater the speed.
To stop the tool, release the trigger. Ensure the tool has come to a complete stop before laying the tool down.

Impacting Techniques
The longer a bolt, screw, or nut is impacted, the tighter it will become. To help prevent damaging the fasteners or workpieces, avoid excessive impacting. Be particularly careful when impacting smaller fasteners because they require less impacting to reach optimum torque.
Practice with various fasteners, noting the length of time required to reach the desired torque. Check the tightness with a hand-torque wrench. If the fasteners are too tight, reduce the impacting time. If they are not tight enough, increase the impacting time.
Oil, dirt, rust or other matter on the threads or under the head of the fastener affects the degree of tightness.
The torque required to loosen a fastener averages 75% to 80% of the tightening torque, depending on the condition of the contacting surfaces.
On light gasket jobs, run each fastener down to a relatively light torque and use a hand torque wrench for final tightening.

MAINTENANCE

WARNING-To reduce the risk of injury, always unplug the charger and remove the battery pack from the charger or tool before performing any maintenance. Never disassemble the battery pack, charger, or tool, except as provided in these instructions. Contact a MILWAUKEE service facility for all other repairs.

Maintaining Tool
Keep your tool, battery pack and charger in good repair by adopting a regular maintenance program. Inspect your tool for issues such as undue noise, misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, or any other condition that may affect the tool operation. Return the tool, battery pack, and charger to a MILWAUKEE service facility for repair. After six months to one year, depending on use, return the tool, battery pack and charger to a MILWAUKEE service facility for inspection.
If the tool does not start or operate at full power with a fully charged battery pack, clean the contacts on the battery pack. If the tool still does not work properly, return the tool, charger and battery pack, to a MILWAUKEE service facility for repairs.

WARNINGTo reduce the risk of personal injury and damage, never immerse your tool, battery pack or charger in liquid or allow a liquid to flow inside them.

Cleaning
Clean dust and debris from any vents. Keep tool clean, dry and free of oil or grease. Use only mild soap and a damp cloth to clean, since certain cleaning agents and solvents are harmful to plastics and other insulated parts. Some of these include gasoline, turpentine, lacquer thinner, paint thinner, chlorinated cleaning solvents, ammonia and household detergents containing ammonia. Never use flammable or combustible solvents around tools.

Repairs
For repairs, return the tool, battery pack and charger to the nearest authorized service center.

ACCESSORIES

WARNINGUse only recommended accessories. Others may be hazardous.
For a complete listing of accessories, go online to www.milwaukeetool.com or contact a distributor.

SERVICE – UNITED STATES
1-800-SAWDUST (1.800.729.3878)
Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM CST or visit www.milwaukeetool.com
Contact Corporate After Sales Service Technical Support with technical, service/repair, or warranty questions.
Email: metproductsupport@milwaukeetool.com
Become a Heavy Duty Club Member at www.milwaukeetool.com to receive important notifications regarding your tool purchases.
SERVICE – CANADA
Milwaukee Tool (Canada) Ltd
1.877.948.2360
Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM CST
or visit www.milwaukeetool.ca

LIMITED WARRANTY USA & CANADA
This MILWAUKEE power tool* is warranted to the original purchaser from an authorized MILWAUKEE distributor only to be free from defects in material and workmanship. Subject to certain exceptions, MILWAUKEE will repair or replace any part on this power tool which, after examination, is determined by MILWAUKEE to be defective in material or workmanship for a period of five (5) years after the date of purchase unless otherwise noted. Return of the power tool to a MILWAUKEE factory Service Center location or MILWAUKEE Authorized Service Station, freight prepaid and insured, is required. A copy of the proof of purchase should be included with the return product. This warranty does not apply to damage that MILWAUKEE determines to be from repairs made or attempted by anyone other than MILWAUKEE authorized personnel, misuse, alterations, abuse, normal wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or accidents.
Normal Wear: Many power tools need periodic parts replacement and service to achieve best performance. This warranty does not cover repair when normal use has exhausted the life of a part including, but not limited to, chucks, brushes, cords, saw shoes, blade clamps, o-rings, seals, bumpers, driver blades, pistons, strikers, lifters, and bumper cover washers.

This warranty does not cover battery packs or all power tools. Refer to the separate and distinct warranties available for those products.
The warranty period for the LED in the LED Work Light (49-24-0171) and the LED Upgrade Bulb (49-81-0090) is the lifetime of the product subject to the limitations above. If during normal use the LED or LED Upgrade Bulb fails, the part will be replaced free of charge.

Warranty Registration is not necessary to obtain the applicable warranty on a MILWAUKEE power tool product. The manufacturing date of the product will be used to determine the warranty period if no proof of purchase is provided at the time warranty service is requested.

ACCEPTANCE OF THE EXCLUSIVE REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT REMEDIES DESCRIBED HEREIN IS A CONDITION OF THE CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF EVERY MILWAUKEE PRODUCT. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THIS CONDITION, YOU SHOULD NOT PURCHASE THE PRODUCT. IN NO EVENT SHALL MILWAUKEE BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR FOR ANY COSTS, ATTORNEY FEES, EXPENSES, LOSSES OR DELAYS ALLEGED TO BE AS A CONSEQUENCE OF ANY DAMAGE TO, FAILURE OF, OR DEFECT IN ANY PRODUCT INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY CLAIMS FOR LOSS OF PROFITS. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTIES, WRITTEN OR ORAL. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, MILWAUKEE DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE OR PURPOSE; TO THE EXTENT SUCH DISCLAIMER IS NOT PERMITTED BY LAW, SUCH IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THE APPLICABLE EXPRESS WARRANTY AS DESCRIBED ABOVE. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU, THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
This warranty applies to product sold in the U.S.A. and Canada only.

Please consult the ‘Service Center Search’ in the Parts & Service section of MILWAUKEE’s website www.milwaukeetool.com or call 1.800.SAWDUST (1.800.729.3878) to locate your nearest service facility for warranty and non-warranty service on a MILWAUKEE power tool.

MILWAUKEE TOOL
13135 West Lisbon Road
Brookfield, WI 53005 USA