Milwaukee 2904-20 M18 FUEL Review: Best Heavy-Duty Cordless Drill of 2026
Trade-grade torque and a hammer mode, in a genuinely short body.
~$229 approx. street price · check retailer for current price
Check Price on AmazonBy the Best Electric Products editorial team · Last updated August 30, 2026
DIYers and trades who drill masonry or drive large fasteners and want headroom.
Full Review
Milwaukee's fourth-generation M18 FUEL hammer drill raised torque about 17% over the model it replaced, to 1,400 in-lbs, without growing — it is still under seven inches long. That combination is why it keeps appearing at the top of contractor-oriented buying guides.
For a homeowner this is frankly more capability than the job requires, and we would not talk anyone out of the DEWALT above on the grounds of power. Where it earns its place is the hammer mode plus the torque reserve: if you mount things to masonry, bore large holes, or drive lag bolts with any regularity, this is the drill that never feels strained.
Budget realistically. It is usually sold as a bare tool, so the sticker is misleading unless you already own M18 batteries. If you don't, price the kit before comparing.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 1,400 in-lbs of torque — among the highest in its class
- Hammer mode handles brick, block, and concrete
- Only about 6.9 in. long and 3.3 lbs bare
- M18 is the deepest professional battery platform
Cons
- Commonly sold bare — batteries and charger add real cost
- More drill than most homeowners need
Key Specs
| Motor | Brushless POWERSTATE, 2-speed (up to 2,100 rpm) |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 1,400 in-lbs |
| Modes | Drill, drive, hammer |
| Weight | ~3.3 lbs bare |
| Platform | Milwaukee M18 |
Ready to buy the Milwaukee 2904-20 M18 FUEL?
Check the current price — deals on this model come and go quickly.
Compare With Our Other Cordless Drills Picks
- DEWALT DCD800 20V MAX XR — Best Overall, ~$229
- RYOBI ONE+ HP PBLDD01 — Best Value, ~$99
- Makita XFD061 18V LXT — Best for Woodworking, ~$219
Or see the full ranking in our The Best Cordless Drills of 2026 guide.