M18 Fuel drill, hammer or no?

[franzdom]

I opted for the M18 Fuel compact drill 2603, as I rarely used the hammer function with my old V18 and I am used to having maximum torque from Milwaukee Magnum Holeshooters. So many people opt for the hammer drill 2607 but it's a LOT lower torque spec, 525 in-lb vs 725 for the non hammer version.

What do you think and why?

 

[sac02]

I have an SDS hammer drill for heavy hammering, I'm generally OK with a straight up drill for drilling.

 

[rlitman]

You're comparing apples and bananas. The 2602 is a Fuel model. 2607 is not.

2604 is the hammer version of that Fuel drill, and the torque spec is the same.
Note that in the Fuel drills, the larger capacity battery also delivers more torque (because the peak current delivered by the smaller batteries limits torque).

If you have the choice of hammer or not in the same model drill, the hammer is almost always the better option.
I compared the 2602 and 2604 when I bought mine. The 2604 was about the same length (maybe 1/16" longer), and felt the same weight. But the 2604 comes with a chuck that has carbide inserts that will not slip. It's well worth the extra $20 to get the better chuck.

 

[franzdom]

Oops I was surprised, sorry about that. They have so many options for sure!

 

[pl_silverado]

You're comparing apples and bananas. The 2602 is a Fuel model. 2607 is not.

2604 is the hammer version of that Fuel drill, and the torque spec is the same.
Note that in the Fuel drills, the larger capacity battery also delivers more torque (because the peak current delivered by the smaller batteries limits torque).

If you have the choice of hammer or not in the same model drill, the hammer is almost always the better option.
I compared the 2602 and 2604 when I bought mine. The 2604 was about the same length (maybe 1/16" longer), and felt the same weight. But the 2604 comes with a chuck that has carbide inserts that will not slip. It's well worth the extra $20 to get the better chuck.

I would buy the cheaper drill, put that $ 20 towards a good Rohm chuck.

 

[bcradio]

No question about it get the hammer fuel drill... Never know when you'll need the hammer function

 

[firebox40dash5]

I would buy the cheaper drill, put that $ 20 towards a good Rohm chuck.

I swapped a Rohm Supra off a Dewalt onto my old Makita drill. I dunno if I screwed it up getting it off the threadlocked Dewalt spindle or what, but it was a pain in my ***. Self-tightening meant self-loosening in reverse, or if you let off the trigger quick.

Honestly, I haven't had a bit of trouble from whatever chuck (Jacobs I'm guessing?) came on my M12 Fuel.I do isually use bits with flats though.

 

[williaty]

Never get a hammer drill.

The hammer function is just one more thing to break. If you need the hammer function, then you need a rotary hammer, not a hammer drill. Hammer drills are a half-assed solution in search of a problem.

 

[dutchgray]

Never get a hammer drill.

The hammer function is just one more thing to break. If you need the hammer function, then you need a rotary hammer, not a hammer drill. Hammer drills are a half-assed solution in search of a problem.

They are really only any use on softer masonry materials with smaller holes, if your doing any amount of masonry drilling then you want an SDS.

 

[rice rocket]

I got the hammer version since that's what came in the kit w/ the impact driver.

I've used the hammer drill function a few times, maybe a 2 dozen anchors into concrete and into CMU. It does fairly well, maybe 2 minutes for each 1/2" hole, 1.5" deep. I don't do it enough to warrant and SDS, and Milwaukee's got my back w/ a 5 year warranty so if it breaks, it doesn't cost me out of pocket.

 

[rlitman]

I would buy the cheaper drill, put that $ 20 towards a good Rohm chuck.

That's an option. Honestly, the chuck that came with mine was as good as the Rohm I had on the Dewalt it replaced. For all I know, it could be a Rohm without branding.

 

[jrw87]

I use my Fuel hammer drill everyday as a commercial electrician. Its the 2604, the 2603 has the same torque with no hammer I believe.

It doesnt have as much power as the 2611 but still enough to get the job done and easier to carry around all day hanging off a toolbelt.

Rotary hammers and impact drills are two different tools for different applications. You wouldnt want to drill red brick with an SDS anymore than you would want to drill green concrete with an impact drill.

 

[bcradio]

Never get a hammer drill.

The hammer function is just one more thing to break. If you need the hammer function, then you need a rotary hammer, not a hammer drill. Hammer drills are a half-assed solution in search of a problem.

This is only accurate if you only drill concrete... Drilling brick, block, or other soft masonry and hammer drill is a must (unless you want it to chip and not be able to take any fasteners ).

So yes, definitely get a hammer drill if you don't already have one.