M12 Fuel Hammer Drill....worth it?

[EmptyWallet]

Ohio Power Tool is having a special, where if you buy a bare M12 Tool before the end of April...they send you a free batter and charger with it.

I was thinking of picking up either:

M12 Fuel Drill/Driver:
http://www.ohiopowertool.com/p-4848-milwaukee-m12-fuel-12-drilldriver-bare-tool-2403-20.aspx

M12 Fuel Hammer Drill/Driver:
http://www.ohiopowertool.com/p-4850-milwaukee-m12-fuel-12-hammer-drilldriver-bare-tool-2404-20.aspx

Any reason to skip or get the hammer version? I'm assuming if I got the hammer version, I could just turn the hammer off if I don't need it?

My thinking was also...if you really needed a hammer drill, just get the M18 Fuel version since you'd probably have enough space for whatever you're hammer drilling/driving.

It seems the M12 Fuel is predicated on being compact and saving space for the tool....so I'd probably not be using the hammer function very often anyway.....which means the non-hammer version being more compact and weighing less would be a better choice.

Thoughts? Ideas?

 

[larryforce]

For the extra couple of bucks, I would buy the hammer drill version every time. You can turn off the hammer function, and even if you only need to use it once it will be worth the extra money. I have also heard that the hammer versions use a slightly better/stronger chuck

 

[jcfields]

.

 

[EmptyWallet]

For the extra couple of bucks, I would buy the hammer drill version every time. You can turn off the hammer function, and even if you only need to use it once it will be worth the extra money. I have also heard that the hammer versions use a slightly better/stronger chuck

I have heard that as well. Hammer versions tend to have a sturdier chuck on them.

 

[EmptyWallet]

I would go for the non-hammer drill unless they somehow weigh almost exactly the same.

Speaking as someone who owns both the M12 regular drill and an M18 hammer drill, I can't imagine ever needing a compact hammer drill.

Good point. Let me check the weight.

I also can't see the point in a compact hammer drill. It seems to me, if you needed a hammer drill, the M18 would be the better option since I can't see a situation where you'd be limited on space, while needing a hammer drill?

Perhaps?

 

[EmptyWallet]

....odd. I can't find the weight listed anywhere.

They are listed with the same spec chuck....I think. At least that's what the description on the website says.

 

[Jeeper]

Pay the extra 10 bucks and get the hammer version. If you ever need it, you'll be glad you spent it. That's what I did.

 

[tshetter]

The M12 hammer drill will do the majority of what you need. Ie, setting a few anchors in concrete slabs or block walls.

Don't get cought up in the 12 v 18 volt game and over think it. Unless you know you will be setting 100 anchors or drilling 4x4s all day the 12v will do just fine.

Things have come a long, long way.

 

[ADSR]

Its 10 bucks. Unless your family is starving for food, buy te damn hammer version.

 

[EmptyWallet]

Its 10 bucks. Unless your family is starving for food, buy te damn hammer version.

I'm not so worried about the cost...just curious.

 

[ADSR]

I'm not so worried about the cost...just curious.

Its very handy to have it. Even if its just for predrilling tapcons.

 

[larryforce]

The m12 fuel hammer drill will do just about anything that an 18v non fuel hammer drill will do. Unless you are using it professionally, or if you already have a hammer drill. I still recommend the hammer drill.
The only exception for this is is you are exclusively doing overhead work as the hammer version is slightly heavier.

 

[gasaxeman]

Just got a bare tool from an eBay seller before I saw that myself
It is a pretty powerful little drill.
I am an electrician and will use the hammer function for small tapcon jobs.
The on line deal with batt and charger is good.

 

[cheechi]

As a guy who has seen hundreds of drills burn up on various jobsites and different trades, the hammer drill's internals are more robust and will last longer. Plus you would get the option of the hammer function should you need it.

One other thought, typically with the kits the hammer drill comes with an XC battery and a small one, while the non hammer comes with 2 small ones. I know it is not specific to your question but if you had been considering the kit instead that could also be a point to compare.

The rest of the important points have all already been made.

 

[firebox40dash5]

I made exactly the same mistake you're thinking of making. I justified it the exact same way... "if I want a hammerdrill, I'll buy an 18V one". Problem was, the M12 did everything I ever asked of it, except drilling into concrete, so the 18V drill I eventually bought served no other purpose. I ended up selling both when the right promo came up, and buying the M12 hammerdrill. That took some of the sting out of my screwup.

One other thought, typically with the kits the hammer drill comes with an XC battery and a small one, while the non hammer comes with 2 small ones. I know it is not specific to your question but if you had been considering the kit instead that could also be a point to compare.

Good point here, although both versions of the Fuel actually come with one of each battery. But, if you wanna wait for a free battery promo, they throw in a second 4.0ah battery. So, you're paying $50 more for a pair of those XC batteries... not half bad.

 

[EmptyWallet]

You guys are awesome. All good points. Thank you!

 

[6-Speed]

I just ordered the M12 Fuel hammer drill ... too good an offer to pass up. I was never very satisfied with the performance of my Craftsman C3 drill/driver.