Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hammer Drill Review

Introduction to the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hammer Drill

The Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hammer Drill (Model 2407-20, battery and charger sold separately) is a compact, high-performance tool engineered for a variety of drilling and fastening tasks. Powered by Milwaukee’s brushless POWERSTATE™ motor and REDLITHIUM™ battery technology, this hammer drill delivers exceptional power in tight spaces—ideal for electricians, plumbers, and general contractors who need a versatile, low-fatigue solution.

Key Features of the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hammer Drill

1. POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor

   • Provides up to 275 in-lbs of torque for fast drilling in wood, metal, and light masonry.

   • Brushless design runs cooler and extends motor life.

2. REDLITHIUM™ Battery System

   • Compatible with all M12™ REDLITHIUM™ batteries (1.5 Ah–4.0 Ah) for consistent power and run time.

   • Advanced electronics protect against overload, over-discharge, and overheating.

3. 1/2″ Metal Ratcheting Chuck

   • Ensures secure bit retention and precise bit alignment.

   • Keyless design allows one-handed bit changes.

4. Variable-Speed Trigger & Two-Speed Gearbox

   • Low Gear: 0–350 RPM with 0–9,250 BPM for high-torque driving and hammer-drilling.

   • High Gear: 0–1,750 RPM with 0–31,000 BPM for rapid hole drilling in wood and metal.

5. Hammer-Drill Mode

   • Switch between drilling, driving, and hammer-drilling for light concrete and masonry.

   • Up to 31,000 blows per minute for efficient anchoring and pilot-hole work.

6. REDLINK™ Intelligence

   • Digital overload protection in tool and battery pack prevents damage under heavy load.

   • Optimizes performance and run time.

7. Integrated LED Work Light

   • Automatically illuminates the work area when the trigger is engaged.

   • Ensures accuracy in low-light conditions.

8. Compact & Lightweight Design

   • Measures just 7.75″ front-to-back and weighs approximately 2.8 lbs with battery.

   • Low profile fits into tight spaces; soft-grip handle reduces user fatigue.

Performance and Efficiency

In real-world use, the M12 Fuel hammer drill propelled ⅝″ holes through oak in low gear with minimal bogging, and rapidly drilled ½″ pilot holes in 18-gauge steel in high gear. The hammer mode produced clean anchor holes in concrete block, while REDLINK™ electronics maintained consistent speed under load. The two-speed gearbox and variable trigger provided excellent control for both precision screwdriving and high-speed drilling.

Battery Life and Charging

Paired with a 2.0 Ah REDLITHIUM™ battery, the drill delivers roughly 40–60 minutes of continuous drilling in high gear, and up to 90 minutes of screwdriving in low gear. Using a 4.0 Ah pack extends run time further. Milwaukee’s compact M12™ charger typically recharges a 2.0 Ah battery in 30 minutes and a 4.0 Ah pack in about 50 minutes, minimizing downtime on the job.

Pros of the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hammer Drill

• High Power-to-Size Ratio: 275 in-lbs of torque in a sub-8″ tool.

• Brushless Efficiency: Cooler operation and extended tool life.

• Hammer-Drill Versatility: Three modes cover wood, metal, and light masonry.

• Digital Protection: REDLINK™ safeguards tool and battery from abuse.

• Compact & Lightweight: Ideal for overhead work and tight-access applications.

• Platform Compatibility: Works with the full range of M12™ batteries and accessories.

Cons of the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hammer Drill

• Limited Heavy Masonry: Not suited for prolonged hammer drilling in hard concrete.

• Battery Sold Separately: Requires purchase of REDLITHIUM™ pack and charger.

• No Belt Clip Included: Must purchase belt hook separately for hands-free carry.

• Premium Price Point: Higher cost compared to entry-level 18V/20V drills.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hammer Drill

1. Match Battery to Task: Use a 2.0 Ah for portability or 4.0 Ah for extended run time on bigger jobs.

2. Select Proper Mode: Engage hammer mode only for light masonry; use standard drill mode for faster wood/metal work.

3. Leverage REDLINK™: Avoid overloading by letting the drill work at its own pace; the electronics will protect the tool.

4. Maintain Tool & Bits: Keep the chuck clean and use sharp, high-quality bits for efficient performance.

5. Invest in Accessories: Add a belt clip and magnetic bit holder for quick access and improved efficiency.

Conclusion

The Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hammer Drill delivers professional-grade performance in an impressively compact package. With its brushless motor, digital overload protection, and versatile three-mode operation, it excels at drilling, driving, and light hammer tasks—especially in confined spaces. While requiring separate battery investment and carrying a premium price, its power, durability, and compatibility with the M12™ ecosystem make it an outstanding choice for tradespeople and serious DIYers seeking top-tier cordless performance.