Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2904 Hammer Drill vs DeWalt DCD1007 20V Max XR Hammer Drill
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Quick take: The DeWalt DCD1007 20V Max XR Hammer Drill costs $58 less bare; the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2904 Hammer Drill is lighter (3.3 vs 4.1 lbs); they live on different battery platforms (Milwaukee M18 vs DeWalt 20V Max), so the deciding factor is usually which batteries you already own.
| Spec | Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2904 Hammer Drill | DeWalt DCD1007 20V Max XR Hammer Drill |
|---|---|---|
| Price (bare tool) | $229 | $171 |
| Kit Price | $299 | $260 |
| Rating | 4.6★ (4,747) | 4.6★ (314) |
| Category | Hammer Drill | Hammer Drill |
| Battery Platform | Milwaukee M18 | DeWalt 20V Max |
| Voltage | 18V | 20V |
| Motor | Brushless | Brushless |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs (bare) | 4.1 lbs (bare) |
| Released | 2022 | 2024 |
| Max Torque | 1,400 in-lbs | 2,100 in-lbs (rated max brake torque) |
| Top Speed | 2,100 RPM | 2,000 RPM |
| Max BPM | 33,000 | 38,250 |
| Chuck | 1/2 in all-metal ratcheting, carbide teeth | 1/2 in ratcheting nitro-carburized metal, carbide jaws |
| Speeds | 2 | 3 |
| Head Length | 6.9 in | 7.5 in |
Pros & cons
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2904 Hammer Drill
- ✓Won Pro Tool Reviews' best-overall cordless drill head-to-head by consistently placing top 3-5 in every wood, concrete, and torque test against Flex, DeWalt FlexVolt, Makita, and Hilti.
- ✓Class-leading power-to-weight ratio - Home Depot reviewers note it delivers 1,400 in-lbs from a tool that is lighter than similarly powerful hammer drills at 3.3 lbs bare.
- ✓The 6.9 in head length is among the most compact in its class, and owners love how it fits between studs and into cabinets.
- ✓AutoStop kickback control earns praise from owners for reliably cutting power in bind-ups without false triggering during normal use.
- ✓Masonry performance stands out - testers found it outdrilled the competition in concrete and Home Depot reviewers echo how easily it hammers through block and brick.
- ✓Milwaukee's return to a mechanical clutch on Gen 4 is praised for more consistent, predictable torque delivery than the Gen 3 electronic clutch.
- ✓A redesigned heatsink and added motor ventilation let it sustain hard drilling; the platform carries a 5-year tool warranty.
- ✓Backward compatible with every M18 battery since 2008, so owners can run it on packs they already own.
- ✗Multiple ToolGuyd commenters reported chuck problems, with bits slipping or failing to lock properly under load.
- ✗Owners say Gen 4 runs noticeably louder and at a higher pitch than the 2804 it replaced, with some reporting excessive gear noise.
- ✗Only a 2-speed gearbox - low gear tops out at 500 RPM, so it lacks the mid-range gear DeWalt's 3-speed flagship offers.
- ✗A Home Depot reviewer noted the tool gets quite hot when drilling very dense masonry for extended periods.
- ✗Pro Tool Reviews found heavy High Output batteries (8.0-12.0Ah) make it top-heavy and compromise the otherwise excellent balance.
- ✗The $229 bare-tool list price at Home Depot is premium; getting it cheap means waiting for holiday or Slickdeals promos.
- ✗The 2904-22 kit ships with standard XC5.0 batteries rather than the High Output packs that maximize the motor's performance.
- ✗No One-Key inventory tracking on this model - Milwaukee reserves that for the pricier 2906.
DeWalt DCD1007 20V Max XR Hammer Drill
- ✓Owners consistently describe it as the most powerful cordless drill they have used, spinning large augers and hole saws at high speed without bogging down.
- ✓Pro Tool Reviews found it completed every standardized wood, masonry, and fastening test in high gear without needing to downshift, beating the DCD999 it replaces.
- ✓The torque-sensing anti-rotation system genuinely shuts the tool down during bind-ups, and reviewers credit it with preventing wrist injuries.
- ✓The head is noticeably shorter than DeWalt's previous 3-speed flagships, so it fits between studs and joists better than the DCD998/DCD999.
- ✓Battery efficiency is strong - DeWalt rates it at up to 275 holes per charge with a 7/8 in auger on the 8Ah PowerPack, and owners report excellent runtime.
- ✓Home Depot reviewers call the removable side handle one of the best in the business for controlling the huge torque.
- ✓The pivoting 3-position LED worklight can be aimed independently of the drill, which owners single out as a practical upgrade over fixed foot lights.
- ✓It goes on sale frequently - the bare tool dropped to around $171 in July 2026, making flagship power cheaper than rival premium drills.
- ✗At 4.1 lbs bare and over 6 lbs with the 8Ah battery, owners and reviewers agree it is heavier than competing flagship drills and tiring overhead.
- ✗An electrician commenting on ToolGuyd reported the anti-rotation system 'keeps shutting down' during routine wood drilling, calling the sensitivity frustrating.
- ✗List price is a premium $249 bare / $349 kit, so buyers who miss the frequent sales pay flagship money.
- ✗Peak performance depends on DeWalt's newer high-output PowerPack batteries; output is lower on the compact 20V packs many owners already have.
- ✗It is overkill as an everyday driver - many owners say the compact DCD800 handles 90% of tasks with far less bulk.
- ✗The Tool Connect tracking chip is only 'chip ready' and must be purchased separately.
- ✗Hammer mode is fine for occasional holes in block or brick, but owners doing regular concrete work say you still need an SDS rotary hammer.
- ✗DeWalt's switch to the 'MWO' power spec makes it hard for buyers to compare honestly against competitors' in-lbs torque claims.