Power tools · owner-verdict comparison

DeWalt DCK240C2 vs Milwaukee M18 FUEL Surge Impact Driver: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Surge Impact Driver: 72% of 125 owners recommend it, vs 65% of 17 for the DeWalt DCK240C2.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

DeWalt DCK240C2

65%of 17 owners recommend

65% recommend · 0% neutral · 35% don't

Owners praise

Great value for the price
Good starter kit for homeowners
Reliable, lasts many years

Owners complain about

Older brushed motors, brushless kits better
Chuck loosens and drops bits
Some units failed or felt underpowered

Full owner report →

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Surge Impact Driver

72%of 125 owners recommend

72% recommend · 10% neutral · 18% don't

Owners praise

Dramatically quieter than a standard impact, thanks to the hydraulic drive
Smooth with great trigger control and precision for driving screws
Plenty of power for most small-to-medium fastening and everyday jobs

Owners complain about

Less peak torque than a standard FUEL impact, not ideal for heavy structural screws or big lags
Some owners hit reliability issues like gearbox failures or oil leaks

Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the DeWalt DCK240C2 if

✓DIY beginners and new homeowners
✓Budget buyers wanting a starter drill/impact set
✓Light household repairs and general chores

Skip it if

Pros or heavy-duty users needing brushless power
Buyers who can stretch to a brushless combo kit

Get the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Surge Impact Driver if

✓Tradespeople working in occupied buildings who need quiet operation
✓Electricians and cabinet installers driving screws all day
✓Users bothered by noise and hand vibration from standard impacts
✓Anyone driving small-to-medium fasteners smoothly and controllably

Skip it if

Breaking loose seized or stuck fasteners
Driving large lags and structural fasteners regularly

What DeWalt DCK240C2 owners say

“This two pc combo is definitely a good buy !”
— @Stewarts_Woodworks on YouTube

“Great kit at a great price. PIus, I purchased this kit several years ago for $200 and it's still going strong.”
— @Andy.H.H. on YouTube

“I am shocked DeWalt is still selling this old VERY OLD drill & impact driver combo.”
— @iwillbnnedafterispeakwhy6498 on YouTube

What Milwaukee M18 FUEL Surge Impact Driver owners say

“you need an impact driver that accepts the 1/4 hex bits. You’ll be able to adapt it for sockets as well. I recommend the Milwaukee Fuel Surge.”
— ElekChiken on Reddit

“Milwaukee M18 Fuel Surge you have my heart”
— BeastlyIguana on Reddit

“I really don't like that it cuts out so quickly.”
— @Skwish6952 on YouTube

DeWalt DCK240C2 vs Milwaukee M18 FUEL Surge Impact Driver: frequently asked questions

Is the DeWalt DCK240C2 or the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Surge Impact Driver better?

Real owners lean toward the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Surge Impact Driver: 72% of 125 owners recommend it, vs 65% of 17 for the DeWalt DCK240C2.

Who should get the DeWalt DCK240C2?

Owners point the DeWalt DCK240C2 at dIY beginners and new homeowners, and budget buyers wanting a starter drill/impact set.

Who should get the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Surge Impact Driver?

Owners point the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Surge Impact Driver at tradespeople working in occupied buildings who need quiet operation, and electricians and cabinet installers driving screws all day.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the DeWalt DCK240C2 is older brushed motors, brushless kits better. For the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Surge Impact Driver, it's less peak torque than a standard FUEL impact, not ideal for heavy structural screws or big lags.