How have Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel cordless hammer drills changed over the years? Is the latest model a big upgrade? Let’s take a look.
In a recent post, I compared all of Milwaukee’s M12 and M18 cordless drills, or at least all of the current and upcoming models.
A reader gave me the idea of comparing just the M18 Fuel hammer drills, to potentially help anyone looking to upgrade from an older model.
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In a comment, JR Ramos wrote:
I am generally upgrading from an older tool/broken-stolen tool which is usually a previous generation of some flavor. In this instance, if I want to use your charts, I can’t see anything about Fuel Gen 2 vs Gen 3 vs Gen 4 so I have to go snoop listed specs and reviews anyway.
That’s a good point. So, let’s compare all of the four generations of Milwaukee M18 Fuel cordless hammer drills.
Milwaukee also has cordless drill/driver models that share almost all of the same features and specs as the hammer drills. But, as the hammer drills are significantly more popular, that’s what we’ll focus on here, for simplicity. Most of the same features and specs carry over to the non-hammer model M18 Fuel drills, but not all, such as the lengths from the back of the motor to the front of the chuck.
In the last 11 years, Milwaukee has launched 4 generations of M18 Fuel hammer drills.
Milwaukee launched their first M18 Fuel hammer drill in 2012. This and the corresponding drill/driver were Milwaukee’s first M18 Fuel cordless power tools, and their first tools to be engineered with brushless motors.
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Upgraded models launched every 3-4 years since then, each with generational improvements in either features, performance, size, or a combination of factors.
| Model | 2604 | 2704 | 2804 | 2904 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Line | M18 FUEL | M18 FUEL | M18 FUEL | M18 FUEL |
| Generation | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th |
| Brushless | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Torque (in-lbs) | 725 | 1200 | 1200 | 1400 |
| Speed (RPM) | 0-550 0-1850 | 0-550 0-2000 | 0-550 0-2000 | 0-500 0-2100 |
| Length | 8.1″ | 7.75″ | 6.9″ | 6.9″ |
| Weight (lbs) | 3.5 | 3.2 | 3.3 | |
| Chuck | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 |
| BPM | 31,450 | 32,000 | 32,000 | 33,000 |
| AutoStop | No | No* | No* | Yes |
| Launch Year | 2012 | 2015 | 2018 | 2022 |
* The One-Key versions of these M18 Fuel hammer drills, models 2706 and 2806, offered customizable anti-kickback settings. The latest 2904 drill (and non-hammer 2903) is the first non-One-Key model to feature anti-kickback tech. The AutoStop feature is customizable in the latest model 2904 and 2906 (hammer) M18 Fuel drills with One-Key.
The AutoStop feature is designed to prevent over-rotation, such as when the drill binds up during an operation. When it senses a potential kickback event, the AutoStop tech turns off power to the motor to help protect the user.
Let’s start off by looking at the max torque and speeds. The latest generation M18 Fuel hammer drill, 2904, is Milwaukee’s most powerful and fastest to date.
Is it a significant upgrade? I think so.
As you might know, the lower speed range should be used for higher torque applications. The maximum (no-load) low speed setting has been reduced between 3rd and 4th generation drills, from 550 to 500 RPM, a difference of 10%. The maximum torque increased from 1200 to 1400 in-lbs, a difference of 16.7%. The maximum high speed has also increased from 2000 to 2100 RPM, a difference of 5%.
From my conversations with a Milwaukee product manager at last year’s media event, there are differences beyond what you can see in the technical specs. For the latest model, the tool’s endurance has been improved compared to previous models.
Basically, you can push it harder than you could with earlier models, without overheating the tool as easily or quickly. Can it still overheat? Probably, but I have not heard any complaints about this so far.
Here’s a look inside the latest generation M18 Fuel hammer drill (2904) and impact driver (2953).
Part of the greater endurance comes from improved thermal dissipation, with the internal heatsink over the electronics package having been completely redesigned.
The 4th generation model also has more ventilation holes around the motor housing. It seems logical that more airflow would mean greater cooling.
Additionally, Milwaukee went back to a mechanical clutch for the latest model. I have found cordless drills with adjustable mechanical clutches to provide more consistent and repeatable torque than those with electronic clutches, especially with smaller fasteners.
It’s okay to take a step backwards – I see this as an upgrade.
Milwaukee reduced the length of the M18 Fuel hammer drills for the first three generations, from 8.1 inches to 7.75 inches and then 6.9 inches.
While the 4th generation model isn’t any more compact than its direct predecessor, it does deliver higher torque and a faster top speed.
If you want a smaller or lighter drill, look at the new M18 compact brushless drills, or maybe the M12 line.
The 4th generation M18 Fuel hammer drill is a significant upgrade compared to 1st and 2nd generation models.
Compared to the 3rd generation model, the latest flagship drill can deliver more torque, higher maximum speed, has greater endurance, and in my opinion an improved chuck.
There are modest upgrades in what you can see in a list of technical specs, such as the max torque and high speed range, and significant differences in what you can’t – most notably the AutoStop anti-kickback tech, greater endurance, and return to a mechanical clutch.
I have tested all of the models, and really like the 4th generation hammer drill. I have mainly used it for drilling larger holes in wood, but have also it to drill in steel and packed soil, and drive fasteners. It delivers – in my opinion so far – a very polished user experience. I have zero complaints about its power, size, or comfort.
Milwaukee has upgraded their M18 Fuel hammer drill every 3 to 4 years since the first one launched in 2012. With that in mind, it might be late 2025 or maybe 2026 before we see the next iteration. Frankly, I can’t imagine what types of upgrades a 5th generation model could offer.
The 4th generation model, 2904, is as good as it gets.
Compared to the previous model, I think the newest Milwaukee M18 Fuel hammer drill is definitely a worthwhile upgrade. Hopefully I provided you with enough details to answer the question for yourself.
At the time of this posting, Home Depot has a very good deal bundle, where you get the hammer drill, 2x M18 Li-ion batteries, and a charger for $199 – the same price as for the tool-only option.
Collin
Only thing that needs to be upgraded is the chuck.
I watched all the M18 gen4 hammer drill videos on YouTube when it launched. I believe I saw the chuck let go of bits in 3 separate launch reviewers’ videos.
My experience is the same. Never really wanted the M18 fuel gen4 drill, but ended up with it anyway from a crazy HD sale. The chuck just doesn’t want to lock onto bits in some cases. On the other hand, my display model Flex I got from Lowe’s has a Jacobs chuck that has never failed me.
TomD
Haven’t people done after-market chuck replacements?
Brian M
Yes, I swapped my Gen 2 to a Rohm and never looked back.
A W
I have the older brushed M18 hammer drill and it does the same thing. Came to comments section to see if anyone else has experienced that. I absolutely love the surge impact driver, but the chuck on the drill loosens probably 2-5% of the time. Not every time, but often enough to be annoying.
Ben
Same. The chuck on my M18 gen4 just constantly lets go of bits.
Collin
What kills me is that every other flagship drill has a decent chuck but Milwaukee with all their “innovations” only managed, in the span of a decade of brushless drill development, to put a red painted ring on the chuck of their latest drill.
Would a halfway decent Jacobs chuck, much less a Rohm or Japanese chuck kill the profit margins on a Milwaukee drill?
xu lu
It was good of you to take the time to do this post. I have both the 2704 and 2804. The 2804 is barely passable. When i need 18 volt power i almost always use the older one. Dont care what the specs say the 2804 suffers from some cheapening which impacts utility imo. I have no confidence the 2904 with not be similiarly infirmed as with its immediate predecessor.
Stuart
I don’t think the 2804 was cheapened. From all the feedback I heard, it seems that the design wasn’t fully balanced. It’s like putting a V8 engine into a car designed for a V4 – you might not notice any issues most of the time, but at highest performance levels not everything will keep up equally.
We see this in the tech world a lot.
Several generations of Sony’s flagship mirrorless cameras simply couldn’t record 4K video for very long before overheating. They could capture 4K, but not in a user-friendly way for anyone needing longer recording times.
Ian
I put my personal 2804 through levels of abuse I’ve never seen before or since and I am a professional tradesman, and I still use it on jobs.
We did an install at a major theme park here in so cal. A bunch of young inexperienced techs trying to put holes in stainless, and ignoring any and all advice.
I couldn’t go up on the lift and help them so had to grin and bear it from the ground. They burned up FIVE previous gen m18 fuel, smoked them, before my 2804 came in. Just swapping battery after battery after battery. Smoke coming out of them and still running them.
My 2804 ran longer than FIVE m18 fuel previous gen combined, with continued battery swaps, until we hit site deadline the following AM. Completed the holes also. Yeah, it took a little wear and tear.
The 2804 is also the only compact drill I’ve owned stronger than me, meaning it pinned me to a workpiece. The auto stop on the update is tempting.
When my 2804 dies it is going in a picture box display on my wall. No joke. Right next to my dad’s candy-bar battery makita cordless.
xu lu
Wish i had your experience. Mine is a paperweight that consumes valuable storage space.
Stuart your observations make sense, albeit i read it as being an apologist for a serious design flaw. And this is a very low tech product and an iteration on their best drill. That is failure any way you cut it. Despite Ian’s glowing experience, sounds like others have experience problems similiar to mine. I am watching all of Milwaukee’s new releases closely to see if Covid and cost cutting impact quality and performance. Until my confidence grows, i am not upgrading anything.
Stuart
There are lessons to be learned with every product.
Dewalt had a circular saw without a rafter hook.
Makita had a brushless drill that smoked up if pushed too hard.
Milwaukee’s previous generation flagship drill couldn’t keep up with the cadence some heavy duty users wanted to push it through.
It doesn’t matter to me if you trust the 2904 or not. I’m just here to provide the information and insights you won’t see on a product listing or sales page.
Was the 2804 better than the 2704? Yes. Was it the best drill possible? No, and that happens, but most people were happy with it.
Right now I’m testing another brand’s 3rd generation product, and I don’t like the changes. It refines upon a feature introduced with the 2nd Gen product, but adds another that I don’t care for. The 4th generation will hopefully be better. It’s the nature of product development.
Ian
I do not discount or devalue your experience, because of mine.
I might have gone a little strong on my counterpoint but it was a pretty striking display at the time.
The old gen company owned drills that burned up, had already lived long lives in our site box-truck that carried all the cordless stuff, and mine was fairly new at the time.
I also recall the issues people had with burning them up, and despite my astonishment at the punishment mine took, still tend to not let them run excessively hot, like I was taught by my pa in the 80s and 90s. So maybe me babying it along otherwise let it take this one hard day.
If i dont make it back to comments, have a wonderful week Stuart and fellow readers 🙂
BrianA
I have no experience with the Gen4, but I would also wager the 2704 Gen2 was the best ever. Gen3 was junk and highly doubt with cost cuts, etc, that Gen4 overall is above where Gen2 was.
Chris S
One thing never mentioned in these specs and comparisons is the decibels.
The GEN 4 drill and impact are exceptionally louder and at a higher pitch.
So much so that I took them back and just held on to my 3rd gen gear.
Guess I’ll wait for the 5th gen revisions and see if that improves.
TomD
Noise is why I primarily use my m12 surge for basically everything now; if I’m not using it I’m probably breaking out the SDS Max or the hole hawg
Chris
My m12 and m18 surge impacts are my most used tools and ones that I wouldn’t hesitate to buy replacements when needed.
I wonder if they will come out with a gen 2?
I only want them to shrink the head of the tool with maybe one of the newer/smaller motors. Other than that, it’s pretty flawless.
Ian
It would be instant purchase for me if they came out with a really sleek next gen m18 surge
Stuart
I haven’t noticed this, but will see if I can replicate it. I wonder if the added noise and pitch are due to the added ventilation slots.
Chris S
I assume it had something to do with wringing that extra bit of power out.
I would have thought it was a defect, but it was both the drill and impact.
Maybe a bad batch…
Went back and looked at my receipt. I paid $239 for Model #
3697-22 in October of ’22.
I think it’s the only Milwaukee tool I’ve ever taken back because I just didn’t like using it due to how shrill they were.
MichaelT
Not mentioned here is the significant upgrade from Gen2 to Gen3 (and glad to see they kept it on Gen4) of the side handle attachment. I can’t be the only one who experienced the “ears” breaking off the case where the handle attaches on the Gen1 and Gen2, can I? The wrap around design utilized in Gen3 is in a whole different league.
JR Ramos
That is a nice upgrade and I’ve never been fond of the two-claw design either (haven’t broken either of mine, however).
Rx9
I suspect the product development team checks in on blogs like this. I remember complaining about the chucks on these drills, and it looks like they’ve improved them. I swapped out the chucks on my m18 fuel and m12 drills for Röhm units, because I was so pleased with the Röhm chuck on my old Dewalt dcd980. I’m not sure if these new chucks are from them, but they look very similar.
Chad
Stewart- first time making a comment. Long time lurker. Thank you for all you do! This article and the comparison with the previous generations was super helpful. I had not had a drill in the M18 platform ( an M-12 Fuel) and a couple of old corded Milwaukee’s. This article convinced me to take the plunge. Then the link to the online combo kit with a charger and a couple of batteries proved to be even sweeter than the tool only I saw at the store.
Stuart
Thanks, I’m glad it helped!!
I was surprised about that deal – it seems too good to be true, not that I’m complaining!
TJ Cornish
I have G2, G3, and G4 drills. The G3 is noticeably more powerful than the G2, but the brake is funny – it doesn’t always grab right away. I have noticed the anti-kickback feature on the G4 and I appreciate that, but my G4 makes more gear noise than either my G2 and G3, and as others have stated, the chucks on the G3 and G4 are terrible.
I’m not a 40 hr/week user of any of these drills, but recently did a large amount of auger bit drilling, and they all get hot. I don’t have data on how long before the G3 vs G4 get dangerously hot, but both of them did work the G2 couldn’t do. For my usage, using my senses – touch and smell – has been adequate to avoid burning up drills.
I may put a better chuck on one of them.
I LOVE the Surges and the baby installation driver. When I don’t need the power of a big drill, those come out.
Nate
Nice work, Stuart. This is a great laydown of Milwaukee’s line and how things have changed. Similar articles for Makita and DeWalt would be great. Ryobi has such a huge line they could get treatment as well. Craftsman, too, though I am personally uninterested in that line. Perhaps a consolidated article on some other players, Bosch, Metabo HPT, Festool, Metabo, and Ridgid could work.
Your qualitative testing is excellent, and your recs mean a lot to me. I got into Bosch 12v line years ago (I don’t regret this even today), and Metabo HPT based on your recommendations. The triple hammer is my favorite impact ever, even if some competition is supposedly “stronger.” While I watch the Torque Test Channel and check the stats on the tools, I generally go for feel, build quality, and the oh-so unquantifiable “finesse” factor for my tools.
Stuart
Thank you, I appreciate it!
I’m working on a schedule to get more of these done. It’s a bit time consuming, and so I’ll build them up gradually.
It made sense to start with Milwaukee because of all the new models they launched or announced since last year.
I haven’t seen any updates to the chart Milwaukee provided for their last major M18 drill launches (included here https://toolguyd.com/milwaukee-m18-cordless-drills-comparison-2021/ ), and so I had to make my own.
Data tables are tricky, as there are only so many columns that can fit horizontally on a mobile device screen, but I think we can break things up, such as M12 and M18 here. Or for Dewalt, it might be compact models separated from heavy duty 3-speed models.
Droid
Man but that autostop is amazing. It’s like never triggered when it shouldn’t and never got more than a 1/4 turn when it binds. It holds it top speed way better than gen 3 as well, although I wouldn’t say torque is much higher.