Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1” SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Review
As part of The Home Depot’s ProSpective program this quarter, I got to check out the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1” SDS Plus Rotary Hammer, model # 2912-20
More info on the M18 SDS Plus here at Home Depot:
http://homedepot.sjv.io/c/1285960/1208523/8154
Quick Overview
M18 Battery Platform
Has 3 modes: rotary hammer, hammer only, and rotary only
SDS Plus Chuck
Autostop Kickback Control
AVS Anti-vibration System
360-Degree Rotating Handle
LED Light
Powerstate Brushless Motor
2 ft.lbs. Impact Energy
1330 RPM
4800 BPM
Tool only 6.6 lbs
Yet again, another cordless tool that allows me to ditch the extension cord, and on some jobs, the loud generator too. Milwaukee crushed it with this next generation of their 1” SDS Plus. Up until now, in my opinion, the first model wasn’t quite up to par yet with corded models. But now with this new and improved second generation, which is the fastest drilling hammer in its class that hits harder and drills over 40% faster than the previous version, that statement is no longer true. This rotary hammer boasts 0-4800 Blows Per Minute(BPM) and 0-1330 No Load Revolutions Per Minute(RPM). In concrete, it’s capacity is up to a 1” carbide tipped percussion bit, and up to a 2 1/2” core bit. These numbers do mean something, but if there was ever a tool you needed to actually get into your hands to understand its prowess, this is it.
The AVS Anti-Vibration System works really, really well. Makes it way more comfortable to use without sacrificing power. You can actually use the bellows as a gauge to determine the correct amount of pressure to apply. You don’t want to fully compress the bellows by applying too much force. Just a slight compression and then let the tool and bit do the work.
Mode selector on left side of tool with 3 modes of operation. Rotary(drilling) only, rotary hammer, and hammer only. The 4th option, in between the hammer and rotary hammer selection, allows you to freely rotate a chisel for example to whatever angle you want, before locking it into hammer mode.
I’m a huge fan of the AUTOSTOP feature they’re starting to add to more and more tools. It’s a kickback feature that when the tool senses a bind, and the tool turns too much in that bind up situation, the AUTOSTOP electronics will kick in and shut the tool off. I just encountered this myself with this rotary hammer when drilling and running into rebar within the concrete. I was working at a height with the rotary hammer right near my face, and without the AUTOSTOP, it could’ve easily wound up and smacked me in the jaw. Or at a minimum, a twisted wrist. Most of us have experienced those situations and neither are very fun. I’ll take the control and enhanced safety. It’s a welcomed addition to this one compared to the previous model.
Depth gauge rod and 360 degree rotating handle. Both are easily adjustable. Simply twist the handle to loosen it, then you can rotate it around the tool to where you want it and twist to tighten it back up. The depth gauge can be adjusted while depressing the lever on top, or it can be removed altogether.
LED light near the base of the tool. Every tool should have LEDs to help in low light situations. This passes, but it would be way better if the light was up near the chuck. I’m no engineer though, I’m sure there’s reasons why not.
I work in residential remodeling, so I don’t have OSHA breathing down my neck. Regardless, silica dust is no joke and you should always protect yourself when working with concrete. My weapon of choice is the Milwaukee Dust Extraction Attachment (5317-DE) that you can hook up to your HEPA Vac. It just has a rubber seal that sucks tight to even fairly rough concrete and works really well.
But, this 1” SDS Plus is capable of attaching the (2912-DE) M18 Fuel HAMMERVAC to it for an all-in-one dust extraction solution as well.
In Summary
I typically like to point out all the flaws(in my opinion) that I can find to try and give a good overall review. But in this case, there really isn’t much. Besides the location of the LED light, but I’m really trying to be picky at that point.
This thing is just a beast, but yet it’s still maneuverable and comfortable to use. I think it pairs best with a High Output XC 6.0 battery, or larger. I’ve found the 6.0 is a nice combination of weight and still really good runtime. This is a powerhouse in a compact size. Weight is always subjective depending on the user. At 7ish pounds with battery, I don’t find it overwhelming at all. A tool like this, you want it to be and feel durable. This fits that mold.
Check the M18 1” SDS Plus out here at Home Depot!
http://homedepot.sjv.io/c/1285960/1208523/8154
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