Milwaukee M12 FUEL 1/2-in Hammer Drill Driver
Milwaukee M12 FUEL 1/2-inch Brush-less Motor Hammer Drill Driver 2404-22
I recently got my hands on the Milwaukee M12 FUEL 1/2-in Hammer Drill Driver to review.
I currently own a few Milwaukee tools from the M12 line and I love them!
I own the subcompact drill, inspection camera and Halogen flash light.
These tools have been nothing short of an asset on my job sites. Now for this new drill, I was able to try it out on multiple job sites and it quickly became attached to my tool belt with the belt hook that Milwaukee provides in the kit.
First Impression:
I picked up the Milwaukee M12 FUEL 1/2-in Hammer Drill Driver from its molded plastic case and notice that it fits snug/secure in the case.
Seeing the drill in a plastic carrying case was a nice change from the nylon or canvas carry bags that most other manufactures have switched to.
The drill is compact and loaded with features. It has 3 modes: drill, driver, and hammer modes. It is equipped with 18 settings with Hi/Lo speeds.
The kit comes with both a compact battery and extended battery. I’m familiar with the compact battery but I like the option of using the extended battery. It really makes this kit complete!
Milwaukee 2404-22 Features:
- Up to 10X longer motor life with POWERSTATE brush-less motor
- Up to 2X more recharges than leading competitor
- Up to 4X more run time & 20% more power
- Operates below -18 C/ 0 F
- REDLINK PLUS Intelligence battery system providing overload protection and increasing tool life
- Built in fuel gauge that displays remaining battery life
Specifications:
- Speed = 0-450/0 -1,700 RPM
- Peak torque = 350 in-lbs
- Chuck Type = ½’’ metal single sleeve
What’s in the case:
- 2404-20 ½’’ Hammer Drill/Driver
- (1) M12TM Redlithium 2.0 Compact Battery Pack
- (1) M12TM Redlithium XC4.0 Extended Capacity Battery Pack
- 30 min Battery Charger
- Belt Hook
- Carrying Case
Using On the Job Site:
The first project that I was able to use the drill on was installing an exterior door with a low profile sill.
The metal sill had to be fastened to the concrete slab. I used the extended battery for this application and was blown away! I admit that I was skeptical about a 12volt hammer drill because I am used to my ½ electric Milwaukee hammer drill or my 18volt cordless drill. But, after drilling out my 3 holes with ease I was convinced.
Other Thoughts:
- I loved how bright the LED light is on it.
- The drill was comfortable, very smooth and powerful.
- I also did not have any issues or complaints using the larger battery.
When it came to the door hardware, (lock set & hinges) I switched over to the compact battery pack and switched the drill into the driver mode. Adjusting to each application was smooth and the drill had plenty of power.
My next project was to install a custom closet system. With this project I mostly used the compact battery because I was using smaller screws and was working in tight quarters. The features I liked the most about the drill on this project was the fuel indicator, LED light and the drill/driver modes.
This Milwaukee cordless drill/driver handled great from doing cabinet assembly to drilling wall anchors without any issues.
The next few job sites were a mix of different task and service calls. The belt clip was very useful on these projects because it clipped/fit perfectly to my tool belt and felt like it was made to be there.
Battery:
The batteries charge in 30 min so I found that I had no down time between the 2 batteries.
I also read up to learn about the REDLINK PLUS TM. This is built into the battery charger and knows exactly how much of a charge the battery needs.
This intelligent system is just piece of mind that your batteries will be cared for and not over heat as you continue to get your project done.
Improvements:
I would have liked to have seen a bit holder in the case. I’m not a fan of leaving them loose inside the case.
I also found the overall appearance of the carrying case to be a little loud with the two-toned design of the red top and black bottom. I don’t mind the red and black on the Milwaukee tools but I’m not feeling it on the carrying cases. J
Overall Impression:
My overall impression of this Milwaukee 2404-22 12V Cordless Lithium-Ion M12 FUEL 1/2-in Hammer Drill Driver is that it was a fun kit to review.
I like that it is three cordless tools in one. Although the tool does have some weight to it, it’s very well balanced. It feels like a Milwaukee tool; built solid!
This kit can be purchased online here Milwaukee-2404-22-Hammer-Drill-Driver for $217.99.
Author Bio
Michael Hopp is a registered contractor in the State of Rhode Island. He has been registered for the last 10 years specializing in interior and exterior remodeling, doors and windows.
Mike began practicing his trade 19 years ago at William M. Davies Career and Technical High School in carpentry shop. This gave him the opportunity to become an apprentice at Brodeur Window Distributors. Mike continued working at the company for 10 years. During this time he was in charge of the specialty door shop and assisted on service calls.
For the last 10 years, Mike has been practicing as a general contractor in Rhode Island with his company MJH Construction. He obtained his LLC status 2 years ago. Even though his background is in doors and windows, his passion is for remodel work.
Mike is also a Fire/Medic on Lincoln Rescue, Town of Lincoln Rhode Island where he carries the rank of Lieutenant.
Mike resides in North Providence, Rhode Island with his wife Jennifer and daughter Olivia.
