Earlier this year our team started using the new Milwaukee M18 Fuel combo kit (2997-22). This is a 2 piece tool kit that includes the M18 Fuel 1/2″ Impact Drill (2804-20) and the M18 Fuel Impact Driver (2853-20). Although there was only a short amount of time to use these tools at the 2018 Milwaukee Media Event, the Taking them inside allowed us to really see how they compare to the 2015 Milwaukee 2-tool combo kit tools they replaced.
For new users, we provide a brief overview of these tools. If you already know the tools and their specs, scroll down to our hands-on testing section.
head-to-head comparison results
The Milwaukee 2806-20 18V Hammer Drill competed against 50 other drills in our recent best cordless drill shootout. It performs well, is fast, functions very reliably, and doesn't weigh fatigue. It's missing some torque compared to some of the others we tested, but it's a compact design that's well worth your consideration. As an added value it is supplied as part of the 2997-22 kit with an 18V impact driver from Milwaukee and two 5.0Ah batteries.
- Comprehensive ranking of 18V heavy-duty electric hammer: No. 4
Check out the full 18V hammer drill shootout results here! Check out our test program here!
Likewise, the 2857 One-Button Impact Driver competes with over 30 competitors. The Milwaukee crushes it in terms of torque, and has an impressive feature set to match its reduced size and weight.
Check out our best 18V impact driver head-to-head results and our best impact driver bits reviews.
- 18V Impact Driver Overall Rank: 2nd
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/2″ Hammer Drill/Driver
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/2″ Hammer Drill (2804-20) has the same torque as the 2704-20 model we tested in our head-to-head hammer drill shootout in 2013. It still leads the industry at 1,200 inch-pounds There are several contenders to compete with it. These include the Hitachi DV18DBL2 and the new RIDGID Octane 18V drill with a claimed 1,300 in-lbs of torque. Presumably, the new Hitachi MultiVolt 36V hammer drill coming in September is also in this category .
drastically reduced size
The Milwaukee 2804-20 Hammer Drill matches its predecessor in power and torque, but is 1-1/2 inches shorter at 6.9 inches. Like the updated Milwaukee M12 FUEL impact driver and drill, these new models bring a much-needed size reduction to Milwaukee's FUEL power tools. Not only have they shortened the length of the tool, but the middle section has also been shortened a bit. The handle is also more ergonomic – the overall circumference is smaller. Because Milwaukee redesigned the way they integrated the clutch and hammer mechanism, they also created a new benefit. The hammer drill is no longer longer than the drill bit—both measure just 6.9 inches.
Milwaukee 2804-20 Features
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/2″ hammer drill continues to use its Powerstate brushless motor with a top speed that matches the 2704-20 at 2,000 RPM. If you somehow overload the hammer drill, the RedLink Plus will shut it down to prevent overloading and heat. You can also protect the battery pack from over-discharging. Finally, Milwaukee continues to ship this hammer drill with an all-metal ratcheting chuck.
The chuck is very similar to the previous model, the ratchet claws retain the hardened steel and the internal teeth are almost serrated to bite into the bit.
Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 FUEL Impact Drill Specifications
- Voltage: 18V
- Speed: 0-550/2,000
- Peak Torque: 1,200 in-lbs
- Heart rate: 32,000
- Clutch Settings: 14
- Chuck: 1/2″ full metal ratchet
- Length: 6.9 inches
- Weight: 3.2 lbs (tool only)
- Warranty: 5 years
Milwaukee M18 FUEL impact driver 2853-20
Like the new FUEL impact drill, the updated Milwaukee M18 FUEL impact driver comes in a new compact size. Really compact. You'll get an extra 200 inch-pounds of torque while the new tool is only 4.59 inches long. It is 5/8 inch longer than the Milwaukee 2753-20. That makes this new impact driver even more compact than the acclaimed DeWalt DCF895 (and 500 inch-pounds more torque than it, too). It's also nearly 3/4 inch shorter (175 inch-pounds more torque) than the all-new DeWalt DCF888.
4-mode drive control and self-tapping mode
Like its predecessor, the new 2853-20 has a 4-mode drive control which works as follows:
- 0-1,900 RPM Mode 1
- 0-2,800 RPM in mode 2
- 0-3,600 RPM Mode 3
- Self-tapping screw method
The self-tapping screw mode is designed to prevent you from snapping the screw head off the screw or damaging your drill bit when you stop hard. It is ideal for installing self-tapping screws in sheet metal panels or steel studs. As much as I love the Milwaukee One-Key, sometimes it's nice to simply give the user a button.
Speed up and downsize
If you're using a Milwaukee 2753-20, this new model offers a noticeable speed bump. The 2015 impact driver operates at three speeds: 850, 2100 and 3000 RPM. Milwaukee not only increased the top speed by 600 RPM, but all three speeds across the board. The most notable gain comes in Mode 3 and Mode 1, where you can drop the revs down to a slower 850 RPM with a flick of the trigger. Overall, this speed adjustment speeds up most fastening applications regardless of the required torque.
Like the 2753-20, the Milwaukee 2853-20 Impact Driver Chuck allows you to insert and remove bits with one hand. Personally, I prefer this because it lets me just push a little into the 1/4" hex chuck without having to pull it out first.
Milwaukee 2853-20 M18 FUEL Impact Driver Specifications
- Voltage: 18V
- Speed: 0-1,900/2,800/3,600
- Peak Torque: 2,000 in-lbs
- IPM: 0-1,200/3,400/4,300
- 4 Mode Drive Control
- Chuck: 1/4″ hex
- One-handed drill insertion
- belt buckle
- Length: 4.6 inches
- Weight: 2.2 lbs (tool only)
- Warranty: 5 years
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Combo Kit (2997-22) Includes M18 FUEL 1/2″ Hammer Drill (2804-20), M18 FUEL Impact Driver (2853-20), Two (2) M18 RedLithium XC 5.0Ah Batteries (48- 11-1850), M18 and M12 Multi-Voltage Charger (48-59-1812), carrying case, side handle, belt clip and bit holder.