The sun was already baking the corrugated iron roof when I pulled the M18 Fuel hammer drill out of its case. A Saturday afternoon spent wrestling with a stubborn steel beam in a tight attic space. Dust motes danced in the single shaft of light. The air tasted thick with the promise of more sweat.

Truth be told, I wasn’t expecting fireworks. Another drill, another job. But Milwaukee, as always, has its little surprises. This is a tool that’s built for torque—1,200 inch-pounds, to be precise. That’s enough to make a seasoned pro grin. We’re not talking about some lightweight toy for picture hanging. This beast eats through wood, metal, and, of course, concrete.

The real test came with the anchor bolts. I needed to sink four half-inchers into the aged concrete, a task that has tested the mettle of lesser drills. The M18 Fuel barely flinched. The brushless motor is a marvel; it delivers consistent power, even under heavy load. The adjustable clutch, with its fifteen settings, allowed me to dial in just the right amount of force to avoid stripping the threads. That’s crucial, you know, when dealing with expensive anchors.

One thing I noted: the drill’s size. It’s not massive, but it’s no dainty instrument either. The overall length is a touch longer than its M18 predecessor, the 2704-20. Tight spaces are where this becomes a slight, manageable disadvantage. However, a right-angle attachment would completely solve that. Still, I’d take the extra power over a skinnier build any day.

Of course, the price point of the bare tool can feel steep, but when you consider the lifespan and performance, it quickly becomes an investment. Considering that it’s compatible with the vast Milwaukee M18 battery ecosystem, your upfront investment delivers long-term returns.

So, here’s the bottom line: if you’re a professional tradesperson or a serious DIYer who needs reliable power and performance, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel hammer drill is a rock-solid choice. It’ll handle anything you throw at it. Forget the flimsy offerings; buy it and then go build something impressive.