Milwaukee Drill

Milwaukee Drill

Milwaukee is known for its high-quality tools and accessories, and their drills are no different. They have dozens and dozens of different drills – far more than any one person needs to own. They make everything from drywall drills to impact drivers. No matter what drill you need, they likely have what you’re looking for.

However, this massive quantity of drills can make it hard to sort through. It can be hard to know which drill is right for your project. To help you sort through all the drills on the market, we reviewed 10 of the most popular Milwaukee drills. You’ll find these reviews below alongside a quick buyer’s guide.

Introducing Milwaukee

The Milwaukee Electric Tool Company was founded in 1924 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Since the beginning, they differentiated themselves through innovation and top quality. Their first product was the hand shooter, which was the first of its kind, one-handed capacity drill.

Over the past 90 plus years, Milwaukee has come out with dozens of new products, and today, they manufacture every power tool imaginable. Their product portfolio, including drills, saws, outdoor equipment, hand tools, construction instruments, and so much more.

In 2005, they became the first company to use Lithium-Ion batteries in power tools. Since then, they’ve built a reputation for their powerful and long-lasting batteries.

Milwaukee’s current slogan is “Nothing but HEAVY DUTY,” which speaks volumes about how they view their products and brand. Their target consumers are heavy-duty, professional users. Milwaukee is so dedicated to serving these consumers that they employ teams of people that spend their days on job sites talking to the actual users, watching them in action, and collecting feedback about how the tools could be better.

Although their primary focus is the professional user, homeowners looking for a high-quality drill or a saw that will last a long time often choose Milwaukee due to the strong reputation they’ve built over the years.

How we tested and picked the milwaukee drill

Speed Testing Under Load

To see how fast each drill could work, we put them through a series of relevant tests in high and low speeds.

We measured the RPM once the bit is fully engaged in each test to see how fast it could drill and see how much of its no-load speed it maintained. The higher the RPMs a drill maintains, the faster the bit moves through the material.

On the other hand, the closer a drill is to its no-load speed, the more efficiently it’s working and the lower the strain on the motor. A balance of both gives you optimal performance and motor life, and we use both to calculate our scores.

Torque Testing

We test soft torque by chucking each drill up to a rig that uses the front spring from a Ford Ranger to provide resistance. We let it drive as far as it will go on one trigger pull. Once the drill stops, we back the socket off by 90º.

Next, we measure how much torque it takes to get the socket back to the position the drill stopped.

Weight

Using a digital scale, we measure the weight of the bare tool and the tool with the battery that comes kitted with the tool or is recommended by the manufacturer.

Value

Value is more than just the price of the tool. We consider the whole picture of what you get for the price you pay. That includes the performance, feature set, ergonomics, warranty, bare tool price, and kit price.

Our Top Picks:

If you’re one of these casual DIYers or professionals looking for a long-lasting, quality power drill/driver set, definitely consider Milwaukee. To make your life easier, we took a look at the top Milwaukee cordless drills and drivers, in both the 12V and 18V drill kits.

1. Milwaukee 2691-22 18-Volt Compact Drill

Milwaukee 2691-22 18-Volt Compact Drill

This one is not just a drill; it’s actually a combo pack of two drill machines and a bag along with other necessary things. You will find an 18-volt compact driver, a 1/4-inch hex impact driver along with 2 batteries, 1belt clip, and 1 charger in the soft case.

As you are getting two different types of equipment here, you can most definitely use them for different purposes. One is a compact drill, and the other one is an impact drill. This set is the ideal pack for a professional. But it’s user-friendly enough to be used by amateurs.

The drills are made of high-quality plastic. You will get torque of 400 inch-pounds with the compact drill. It weighs only 4 pounds and is 7-3/4 inches in length. On the other hand, the impact drill can deliver a torque of 1400 inch-pounds.

You will be able to control the speed with both of these drills. They come with different speed triggers, which makes operating them easier and gives user more control.

2. Milwaukee M12 12V 3/8-Inch Drill Driver

If you are looking for excellent torque, this one is the one for you. The drill driver can deliver a maximum of 275 in-lbs. when it comes to torque, which is better than most other drills.

The machine has an excellent ergonomic design, which makes it ideal for long term use. You definitely won’t get tired even if you use this driver for hours continuously. The handle is very soft and sturdy as well. It has a rubber covering, which eliminates slipping off the machine whenever your hands get sweaty.

These machines are excellent for doing basic repair work or DIYs around home. The drills are easy enough to be used by amateurs and work excellently on all kinds of surfaces. You can use it for emergency drilling to get our cable out or build a treehouse using it.

It’s a cordless drill that you will need to charge. But the equipment doesn’t take up much time for charging; it takes only 30 minutes. And a small amount of charge can help it run for a long time.

With only 12 volts power, this machine can run swiftly. So, you are not only saving money on the equipment itself, you are saving on electricity bills as well. We definitely recommend this drill machine for our amateur users. You will love it.

3. Milwaukee 2407-20 M12 Drill Driver

The Milwaukee 2407-20 M12 Drill Driver is one of the most inexpensive options on the market. While it won’t work for everyone, it is the best Milwaukee drill for the money, so it is worth considering. It can deliver 275 in-lb of torque. This may be plenty for some homeowners, but it is a little less than some other options on the market. However, it is still powerful enough for most light to moderate jobs, so don’t completely write it off.

It has an ergonomic handle design to make it more comfortable to use. You likely won’t fatigue very quickly while using this tool. We found the handle very comfortable. This tool also comes with a battery fuel gauge, allowing you to see how much juice the battery has left clearly. This feature prevents you from being caught off-guard when the battery dies. The metal ratcheting chuck is much more durable than other designs as well.

One of the negatives of this tool is that it only comes with the tool. If you have a Milwaukee battery and charger that is compatible with this machine, this shouldn’t be an issue. Otherwise, you’ll need to buy these things separately, which will drive up the price.

4. Milwaukee 2707-20

Milwaukee 2707-20

For enclosed spaces, a right-angle drill is a must. They work exactly like a standard drill, but the head is at a right angle to the handle instead – making them perfect for confined spaces where you can’t get on top of the drill. The Milwaukee 2707-20 is a mighty right-angle drill according to many users. It has a brushless motor, which generally helps with durability. According to the company, it is designed to provide constant power under a heavy load, allowing you to complete holes faster.

It is compatible with a Red Lithium battery that has a superior construction. This quality battery pack allows you to work longer between charges. It also has overload protection to avoid damage to the tool and battery during heavy applications. The keyed chuck is all-metal for maximum durability.

The main problem with this tool is that it is quite expensive. It also doesn’t come with a battery or charger, so buying those items will drive up the cost even more. However, if you already have a Milwaukee battery, you can keep your costs down a bit.

5. Milwaukee 2505-22

Milwaukee 2505-22

The Milwaukee 2505-22 is unique when it comes to the other drills on this list. It has four different heads, which allows it to perform more jobs than other drills. It has up to 300 in-lb of torque, which is about mid-range as far as other Milwaukee drills come. It should be powerful enough for most home uses, but it is not the most powerful option out there. It has a magnetic bit holder, which holds all the multiple bits in place. This feature makes it extremely easy to switch out bits quickly and easily.

This drill is exceptionally lightweight. With the battery attached, it weighs only 2 pounds. That is far less than most other drills on the market. If you need to use the drill for an extended period, you likely won’t fatigue. We loved that this drill comes with a 5-year warranty as well, so you can rest assured that it is probably going to last an extended period.

There weren’t many negatives we found with this tool. The forward-reverse switch is in a strange spot, so you have to use your other hand to press it, which can get very frustrating.

6. Milwaukee 2801-20 compact drill

Milwaukee 2801-20 compact drill

Sometimes you don’t need the maximum amount of power. If saving some money without sacrificing quality makes sense to you, check out the Milwaukee 2801-20 compact drill. Available as a kit with an impact driver (2892-22CT), the 2801 offers plenty of power, runtime, and speed. It also costs much less than an M18 FUEL drill.

Aside from the price, we named this our best Milwaukee compact drill primarily because of its size. In fact, this tool is one of the most compact in its class. It also has the features we expect from a tool in this category. You still get a brushless motor, full metal chuck, and a tool that weighs just 3.4 pounds with a 2.0 Ah battery. Pair it with the 2850 impact driver and you have a killer starter kit for any Pro.

7. Milwaukee 2604-22 M18 Fuel Hammer-Drill

Milwaukee 2604-22 M18 Fuel Hammer-Drill

The Milwaukee 2604-22 M18 Fuel Hammer-Drill may look unassuming but it packs a powerful punch that makes it enough for virtually all your drilling needs. If you are the type who likes to DIY on the weekends but wants a heavy duty unit that comes with the convenient features that any hardcore weekend warrior would love, this unit is hands down one of the best options you can choose.

Despite its small form, it is powerful enough to be considered a staple in a professional contractor’s toolbox. The unit’s right hand angle is perfectly suited to handle the torque courtesy of the PowerState brushless motor, which gives you more more run time and translates to lesser maintenance. Its sturdy, compact yet lightweight build also makes it ideal for long construction work. Still not convinced? Read this Milwaukee M18 Fuel cordless drill review to know why so many are swapping their drills for the Milwaukee M18 Fuel.

8. Milwaukee M18 Brushless Hammer Drill 2902

Milwaukee M18 Brushless Hammer Drill 2902

If you want more power and the ability to drill into masonry, but don’t want to step up to M18 Fuel, that’s where the new Milwaukee brushless hammer drill comes in.

Its torque rating is nearly 50% higher than the compact brushless drill, but the brushless hammer drill is only a little longer and heavier. It’s also a little faster in the lower speed gear setting.

The kit is bundled with XC batteries, and the “XC effect” should partially contribute to the increased torque over the compact brushless model. It’s bundled with an auxiliary handle for greater control and safety.

9. Milwaukee 2704-20 M18 FUEL Hammer Drill/Driver

Milwaukee 2704-20 M18 FUEL Hammer Drill/Driver

The Milwaukee 2704-20 should be necessary for every craftsman’s toolbox. Milwaukee is always pushing forward with their innovations, and it shows in this particular hammer drill.

It is one of the most powerful in its class, but surprisingly one of the more compact, too. It runs using a brushless motor that gives you longer run time.

It has the right amount of speed that offers you the ability to drill faster and better under heavy loads for increased productivity. 2704-20 is an exceptionally powerful hammer drill, ready to take on heavier duty jobs at the construction site.

10. Milwaukee 2897-22 M18 Fuel 2-tool Combo Kit

Milwaukee 2897-22 M18 Fuel 2-tool Combo Kit

If you’re in the market for a combo kit like we reviewed in #1, also take a look at the Milwaukee 2897 cordless drill and impact driver set. At $250-$350 on Amazon, this is a bit pricier compared to the cordless tool kits you can get from the competition, but well worth the price. It comes with the 18V corldess drill and 18V impact driver, 2 batteries, a charger, and a hardshell carrying case. Batteries are very long lasting, with users claiming battery life of 8 hours.

The drills also have 4 speed settings, compared to the 2 speed settings offered by most competing tools. This gives you a lot more control and make it much easier to avoid things like stripping screws. Users claim that the impact driver in this set is one of the most powerful ones out there, capable of ripping through cement.

FAQs

What is Milwaukee One-Key?

One-Key is a digital platform for tools and equipment. A first of its kind, it allows users to track their tools, adjust preferred settings, and manage an inventory of tools across a network of users from their phone. It’s currently only available in the M18 line.One Key will be also available in the new MX Fuel Tools Being released This Summer.

What is the warranty on Milwaukee power tools?

Every Milwaukee power tool comes with a 5-year (limited) warranty. This covers manufacturing defects and does not cover normal wear and tear. No registration is necessary as the warranty is based on date of purchase. Ottawa Fastener Supply will keep track of the power tools that you purchase with us. See for a complete breakdown of Milwaukee’s Warranty policy.

Why are Milwaukee tools so expensive?

Price is often a key consideration when purchasing equipment and machinery, but it should never be the only one. From our experience at OFS, we can tell you that Milwaukee tools are used under rugged conditions by professional mechanics, plumbers, electricians, and carpenters. They are supercharged with quality that is worth their price.

Where to buy Milwaukee tools?

Buy your next Milwaukee power tools at many different reputable stores across Canada including at Ottawa Fastener Supply.

Stuff your toolbox with the right equipment built by a legend in the industry. Whether you are in the market to replace or upgrade your power tools, check out the full line-up of Milwaukee tools. You will enjoy unprecedented innovation and years of power, packed in a bright red case. Get more done, faster, and with less fatigue when you choose Milwaukee Tools.

How good is the Milwaukee drill?

While the Milwaukee M18 is an exceptionally good cordless drill, it couldn’t quite claim an award, though it did finish in the upper tier of the entire group. This drill packs plenty of power, finishing close to the top in both our drilling and driving tests.

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