Milwaukee M18 Drill Review

Introduction to the Milwaukee M18 Drill

The Milwaukee M18 Drill (bare tool; battery and charger sold separately) is a robust, brushless ½″ drill/driver built on the M18 REDLITHIUM™ platform. Designed for professionals and serious DIYers, it delivers a blend of power, efficiency, and runtime in a compact form factor. With its POWERSTATE™ brushless motor and REDLINK™ intelligence, the M18 Drill tackles wood, metal, and light masonry with ease—making it a versatile cornerstone tool on any jobsite.

Key Features of the Milwaukee M18 Drill

1. POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor

   • Delivers up to 530 in-lbs of torque for demanding drilling and driving tasks.

   • Brushless design runs cooler and lasts longer than brushed motors.

2. REDLINK™ Intelligence

   • Protects against overload, overheating, and over-discharge.

   • Optimizes performance and run time based on load feedback.

3. REDLITHIUM™ Battery System

   • Compatible with all M18™ batteries (2.0–12.0 Ah) for scalable runtime and power.

   • Advanced electronics maximize pack life and maintain performance in extreme conditions.

4. 1/2″ Metal Ratcheting Chuck

   • Provides secure bit retention and precise bit alignment.

   • Keyless design enables one-handed bit changes.

5. Variable-Speed Trigger & 2-Speed Gearbox

   • Low Gear: 0–550 RPM for high-torque driving and slow-speed control.

   • High Gear: 0–2,000 RPM for fast drilling in wood and metal.

6. Integrated LED Work Light

   • Activates on trigger pull, illuminating dark work areas for improved accuracy.

7. Compact & Ergonomic Design

   • Measures 7.5″ front-to-back and weighs approximately 3.3 lbs (with 5.0 Ah battery).

   • Soft-grip overmold reduces vibration and user fatigue during prolonged use.

8. Durable Construction

   • Heavy-duty metal gear housing resists wear under tough jobsite conditions.

   • Sealed switches and bearings provide resistance to dust and debris.

Performance and Efficiency

In testing, the M18 Drill powered through ¾″ holes in oak lumber and ½″ pilot holes in 18-gauge steel with minimal slowdown, thanks to its 530 in-lbs of torque and efficient brushless motor. The two-speed gearbox allowed rapid hole drilling in high gear, while low gear provided ample control for driving long lag screws and performing precise countersinks. REDLINK™ electronics maintained consistent speed under load and protected components from overheating during extended runs.

Battery Life and Charging

Paired with a 5.0 Ah REDLITHIUM™ battery, the M18 Drill delivers approximately 75–90 minutes of continuous medium-load drilling or 120 minutes of screwdriving in low gear. Using a higher-capacity 9.0 Ah pack extends runtime further on large projects. Milwaukee’s M18™ charger refills a 5.0 Ah pack in about 60 minutes, and a rapid-charge option cuts that time to under 45 minutes, minimizing downtime.

Pros of the Milwaukee M18 Drill

• High Torque: 530 in-lbs handles tough drilling and fastening.

• Long Run Time: REDLITHIUM™ batteries provide industry-leading runtime and pack life.

• Brushless Efficiency: Cooler operation and extended motor life.

• Smart Electronics: REDLINK™ protects tool and battery under load.

• Compact Form Factor: Ideal for tight spaces and overhead work.

• Platform Versatility: Compatible with the entire M18™ battery system.

Cons of the Milwaukee M18 Drill

• Bare Tool Only: Requires separate purchase of battery and charger.

• Weight: At over 3 lbs with larger battery packs, it can cause fatigue in prolonged use.

• Price Point: Premium features come with a higher cost than entry-level drills.

• No Hammer Function: Lacks hammer-drill mode for masonry—drilling limited to wood and metal.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Milwaukee M18 Drill

1. Choose the Right Battery: Use a 5.0 Ah pack for balanced weight and runtime; switch to 9.0 Ah for extended heavy-duty work.

2. Match Speed to Application: Select low gear for torque-sensitive driving and high gear for rapid hole drilling.

3. Maintain REDLINK™ Health: Avoid extended stalls under load to let REDLINK™ electronics protect motor life.

4. Keep It Charged: Use the rapid charger to top off batteries between tasks.

5. Regular Maintenance: Wipe vents and chuck free of debris and inspect gear housing periodically to prolong tool life.

Conclusion

The Milwaukee M18 Drill stands out as a powerful, reliable drill/driver for professionals and committed DIYers. Its brushless motor, robust torque, and intelligent electronics deliver consistent performance across a wide range of tasks. While it lacks masonry hammer functionality, its compact design and compatibility with the M18™ battery platform make it an indispensable workhorse for wood, metal, and general fastening applications. For those invested in the M18 ecosystem, the M18 Drill offers superior value and versatility on every job.