Milwaukee Gen 4 M18 Fuel Hammer Drill & Impact Review
As part of The Home Depot’s ProSpective program this quarter, I got to check out the latest Milwaukee M18 Fuel Brushless Hammer Drill & Impact, Model # 3697-22
More info on the M18 set here at Home Depot:
https://homedepot.sjv.io/c/1285960/1468008/8154
Quick Overview
M18 battery platform
$399usd (combo kit)
5 year tool warranty. 3 years on batteries.
Powerstate Brushless Motors
Redlink PLus Intelligence with Redlithium batteries
Hard carrying case and M12 & M18 charger included
Hammer Drill Model # 2904-20
3.3lbs bare tool
6.9” length
1/2” all metal chuck
1400 in-lbs torque
Speed 1: 0-500 rpm
Speed 2: 0-2100 rpm
0-33,000 Blows per Minute
Autostop feature
Impact Driver Model # 2953-20
2.55lbs bare tool
1/4” hex driver
2,000 in-lbs max torque
0-4,400 impacts per minute
0-3,900 rpm
Tri-led lights
Most powerful. Fastest driving. Compact ergonomics. What more could you ask for and what else is there to say? The article could end there but let’s go ahead and take a closer look at what’s different on these new models and some of my favorite features.
For the model #3697-22 combo kit it’s going to come with the 1/2” hammer drill, 1/4” hex impact driver, 2 XC5.0 batteries, M12 & M18 battery charger, and a hard shell carrying case. You’ll see the side handle for the drill also stores nicely inside the case. Personally, I’m a big fan of the Milwaukee Packout system so that’s what I primarily use to transport my tools. But, this is a nice quality case that snuggly holds everything in place. You don’t see too many companies still continue to include hard cases anymore.
Don’t mind the paint already on the chuck from using it too close to something I probably shouldn’t have been, but let’s start off with the hammer drill. We’re not only seeing an increase in specs on this new model, but some new features entirely as well.
Gen 4 comes with an added 1000rpm in high speed compared to the previous model. A 200 in-lbs increase in torque, taking it up to a whopping 1400 in-lbs. And this being the hammer drill version, that also got improved to 33,000bpm. An increase of 1000bpm. With capabilities like this, my compact SDS drill is seeing less and less use drilling concrete and masonry. This drill is insanely powerful.
Along with the power and speed increases, there’s an increase in the thermal range of the motor as well. This comes into play on high-demand work. It’ll allow you to do more before reaching its protective shutdown temperature.
The hammer drill keeps the same overall length from the previous model, but it did shed some weight.. just slightly.
There is a new chuck on this drill which Milwaukee says has improved bit retention and durability. It also features a new mechanical clutch and the speed control is there on top just like before.
LED light at the base of the drill.
A nice, durable belt hook that can be switched to the other side if you prefer.
Removeable side handle. It’s a three piece design with the main handle sliding through one part and threading into the next to clamp onto the top of the drill as you tighten it.
Besides the increases in speed and power, one thing I was most excited to see added to the hammer drill is the new Autostop feature. We’ve all been there when drilling with larger bits. They bind up and next thing you know it’s violently twisting your wrist. That’s where Autostop comes in.
There’s instances where you just can’t have 2 hands on the drill or you’re in a weird position and don’t have the best hold on it. And the larger the bits usually, the worse it is. SO, in those cases of bind-up the Autostop will kick in to prevent over-rotation.
There are other high-end drills on the market that have this, but Milwaukee nailed it in terms of when the Autostop actually kicks in. Some do it way too prematurely, to where you feel like you can’t even get any work done. Then there’s some that do it, but still allow the drill to twist far past what Milwaukee’s does.
It’s also nice that this feature can be shut off by following the instructions in the manual. This is safety feature that I’ve been impressed with and really happy to see here. Check out this short video below, imitating a bind-up and causing the Autostop.
Now for the 1/4” impact driver. It’s hard to believe Milwaukee could improve upon the Gen 3 version very much, but sure enough they did.
The weight stays the same, but the length and overall size did slim down a tad. Pictures don’t do these justice. It’s wild how small these impact drivers have gotten, which can make all the difference in the world working in tight spaces.
Even with making it more compact, they were able to produce some improvements in rpms and impacts per minute. RPMs increased 300 to a maximum speed of 3900rpm. It also provides 4400ipm, an increase of 100.
A noticeable change is with the variable trigger control. Much, much smoother control.
The most glaring change (see what I did there) is the new Tri-led lights moved right up around the bit. These are drastically better than the old design. No more shadows being casted preventing you from seeing your bit in low-light conditions.
The impact has the same 4-mode drive control as before down on the base. 3 speeds and then the self-tapping screw mode.
In Summary
I have been thoroughly impressed with these new models. Milwaukee continues to push the limits in terms of speed and power, all while compacting them even smaller. Drills and impact drivers are quite literally the most used tools we have for a lot of us. The first project completed with this set for me was building a deck, and a modern deck with thousands of screws was a great way to get familiar real quick. The lightweight ergonomics are well appreciated when you have these tools in your hand all day, every day.
Check the M18 Drill & Impact here at Home Depot!
https://homedepot.sjv.io/c/1285960/1468008/8154
As a Home Depot Affiliate, I may earn a commission on items purchased through any links in this article. I appreciate the support!