Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hammer Drill Has More Muscle and Smaller Size
The original Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hammer Drill was such a good tool that its second-generation update was primarily aimed at downsizing. Now that we've seen the third generation, there's still a lot to talk about.
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hammer Drill Performance
One of the highlights of this update is the huge increase in torque. The Milwaukee 3404 has increased in weight by 50 inch pounds and is now 400 inch pounds, more than some compact 18V or 20V Max drills.
This version sacrifices a bit of speed for the extra muscle, though. Low speed is still 450 RPM, but high speed drops 150 RPM to 1550 RPM. At the same time, the hammer drill's hammering speed was reduced from 3,000 BPM to 22,500 BPM.
None of these numbers are bad, it just means you'll see slightly slower drilling and driving speeds with smaller bits and fasteners. On the other hand, you'll gain some power due to the extra muscle in the low gear.
Recommended maximum capacity
- Spade bit (wood): 1 1/4 in.
- Auger Bit (Wood): 1 in.
- Hole saw (wood): 2 inches
- Screw Diameter (Wood): 1/2"
- Twist Bit (Steel): 1/2 in.
- Twist Bit (Masonry): 3/8 in.
size and weight
The size has dropped over an inch from gen 1 to gen 2, and gen 3 can't be much smaller, right? Guess again. The design team managed to trim the length another 0.7 inches, bringing it down to just 5.9 inches.
The weight didn't change much, but it's slightly lighter by 0.1 lbs, as the Milwaukee 3404 weighs only 2.2 lbs bare and 2.6 lbs with the smaller 2.0Ah battery.
other highlights
- 2 speed gearbox
- Brushless Motor
- mechanical clutch
- All Metal 1/2" Chuck
- Full Metal Belt Clip
- led light
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hammer Drills: Generation 2 vs. Generation 3
| Generation 2 (2504) | Generation 3 (3404) | |
|---|---|---|
| low speed | 450 rpm | 450 rpm |
| high speed | 1700 rpm | 1550 rpm |
| Maximum Hammer Rate | 25,500 times/min | 22,500 times/min |
| Maximum torque | 350 in-lbs | 400 in-lbs |
| length | 6.6 inches | 5.9 inches |
| bare weight | 2.3 lbs | 2.2 lbs |
| Bare metal price | $139 | $149 |
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hammer Drill Prices
As bare metal, the 3403-20 drill driver is $129 and the 3404-20 hammer is $149. If you want a kit, they come with the tool, a 2.0Ah battery, a 4.0Ah battery, a charger and a soft case. The drill-driver kit is $169, and the hammer-drill kit is $179, adding just $30 to make them a solid performer in the value department.
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hammer Drill Specifications
- Model: Milwaukee 3404
- Power source: Milwaukee M12 battery
- No-load speed: 0 – 450/1550 RPM
- Hammer rate: 0 – 6750/22,500 BPM
- Maximum Torque: 400 in-lbs
- Bare Weight: 2.2 lbs
- Length: 5.9 inches
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Oil Rig Specifications
- Model: Milwaukee 3403
- Power source: Milwaukee M12 battery
- No-load speed: 0 – 450/1550 RPM
- Maximum Torque: 400 in-lbs
- Bare Weight: 2.2 lbs
- Length: 5.9 inches
Discover more on Milwaukee's website!