Milwaukee 2904-22 Review: Why Pros Trust This Hammer Drill

When contractors want reliable power, the Milwaukee 2904-22 hammer drill often becomes their go-to tool.

This M18 FUEL hammer drill offers a staggering 1400 in-lbs of torque earning it the title of the most powerful in its field. What’s even more surprising is its compact size. At only 6.9 inches long, it holds its spot as the smallest cordless hammer drill in this category while still packing unmatched strength.

This Milwaukee FUEL hammer drill kit holds a 4.6-star rating out of 5 from 351 reviews. More than 400 units sold just last month show how much buyers trust it. The drill impresses because it takes on tough jobs with ease. Built to drill large holes quickly in dense materials, it keeps working well even under heavy use.

In this review, we’ll look at why professionals turn to the Milwaukee 2904 hammer drill when they demand power, accuracy, and dependability. If you’re deciding whether this tool should join your professional gear, keep reading to learn what makes it stand out.

Disclaimer

Milwaukee Electric – M18 Fuel. 1/2 Hammer Drill-Driver KIT

• 1/2″ all-metal chuck with carbide teeth for maximum durability, grip and bit retention
• Mechanical Clutch for consistency in driving a wide range of fasteners
• Unmatched Performance with the most runtime in class with the 5.0Ah batteries

$242.00

Buy on Amazon

What Is the Milwaukee 2904-22 and Who Can Use It?

The Milwaukee 2904-22 is the fourth version of the M18 FUEL hammer drill series. It shows a big step forward in cordless drill technology. This kit made for professionals, comes with a hammer drill/driver, two M18 REDLITHIUM XC5.0 battery packs, a charger that works with multiple voltages, a side handle, and a sturdy carrying case.

Made to Help Electricians, Plumbers, and Builders

Professional tradespeople need tools that work with steady power and dependability every single day. The Milwaukee 2904 hammer drill meets these needs by offering a powerful 1400 in-lbs of torque and a top speed of 2100 RPM. Its 6.9-inch length makes electricians value it when working inside electrical panels or cramped areas. On the other hand, plumbers rely on its hammer feature to attach fixtures onto masonry.

The tool’s solid design makes it a good choice to use every day at work. The AutoStop Control Mode boosts safety by stopping over-rotation during snags. This feature is important for workers in tricky or unsafe conditions. Its all-metal ratcheting chuck offers better grip and lasts longer, a must-have for contractors who depend on their gear often.

How You Can Use It: Framing, Concrete Drilling, and More

The Milwaukee 2904-22 works well in residential or big commercial jobs. It delivers steady force to drill through wood during framing. Its hammer drill mode drills into concrete, brick, or blocks with ease.

The POWERSTATE Brushless motor delivers enough strength to drill 2-9/16″ self-feed holes in thick woods. Users also mention it handles drilling into steel and compacted soil well. One reviewer highlighted its effectiveness when hammer drilling to secure anchors in concrete.

How It Stands Next to Other M18 Fuel Tools

As part of Milwaukee’s fourth generation, the 2904-22 improves on earlier designs with noticeable upgrades. It offers 16.7% more torque increasing from 1200 to 1400 in-lbs. Its maximum speed is also higher going from 2000 to 2100 RPM, compared to the third-generation model.

The mechanical clutch brings a big improvement offering steadier and more reliable torque compared to electronic clutches. This difference is noticeable when using smaller fasteners. Milwaukee also worked on making heat management better. They redesigned the internal heatsink from scratch and added extra ventilation holes around the motor case to move heat out more .

When stacked up against the basic M18 models, the improvements are clear:

• The basic brushed model (2607) produces 500 in-lbs of torque
• The mid-range brushless model (2902) generates 725 in-lbs
• The high-end 2904 FUEL model ramps up to a strong 1400 in-lbs

Digging into Features: Milwaukee 2904 Hammer Drill Performance

The Milwaukee 2904 hammer drill delivers great power and performance making it a top pick for tough jobs. Here is a closer look at what makes it well-regarded by experts.

Torque Output: 1400 in-lbs to handle heavy-duty work

The Milwaukee 2904-22 brings a hefty 1400 in-lbs of torque to the table stepping up its game by 200 in-lbs compared to the older model. This boost in strength makes it easier to handle tough materials without breaking a sweat. The POWERSTATE Brushless motor produces enough force to drill 2-9/16″ self-feed holes in thick wood without slowing down. This means contractors can drill through heavy materials quicker and with less effort.

Auto-Stop Light Indicator and Bind-Up Protection

Milwaukee places a strong focus on safety with its innovative AutoStop Control Mode. This smart feature stops the tool from over-rotating in binding situations to improve operator protection. Milwaukee’s algorithm stands out from other anti-kickback systems because it keeps shutdowns to a minimum while ensuring safety. The tool also has an autostop light on the foot that lights up during protection events. Milwaukee testing shows this system allows the tool to move the least distance before stopping compared to other brands’ kickback control systems.

Mechanical Clutch and Speed Control

The mechanical clutch gives steady performance while working with different fastener sizes. This setup delivers torque more compared to electronic systems when dealing with smaller fasteners. The drill’s speed is quite remarkable running from 0-2,100 RPM and 0-33,000 BPM in hammer mode. These numbers lead to clear boosts in drilling power and speed on both wood and concrete.

Handling Wood, Metal, and Concrete

The Milwaukee 2904 hammer drill works on a wide variety of materials:

• Wood: Handles up to 4 inches (Spade bit: 1½ inches, Auger bit: 1½ inches, Hole saw: 3½ inches, Self-feed bit: 2⁹⁄₁₆ inches)
• Steel: Supports ½-inch drilling
• Masonry: Works with ½-inch capacity when set to hammer drill mode
• Fasteners: Accommodates screws up to ⅝-inch in wood

The tool’s wide range of capacities helps it tackle almost any drilling job that pros face at work.

User Experience: From Opening the Box to Using It

When users open the Milwaukee 2904-22 package, they find a full kit. It includes the hammer drill/driver, two M18 REDLITHIUM XC5.0 Extended Capacity Battery Packs, a charger that works on multiple voltages, a side handle, and a sturdy blow-molded case. With a compact design measuring 6.9 inches long, the drill stands out right away because it fits into tight spots where bigger drills cannot go.

First Thoughts and Setup

Setting up the tool takes very little work because the batteries come with a 40% charge, which is enough to use it right out of the box. You can notice the drill’s balance right away. Its weight sits between the handle and the small head. Without the battery, it weighs 3.3 pounds, while adding the battery brings it to 4.91 pounds. This weight feels sturdy yet easy to handle.

How Comfortable the Grip Feels Over Long Use

Using this drill over long periods shows the value of its ergonomic design. Its compact build helps reduce tiredness a lot, while still keeping strong power. People say they can use it on tasks that take hours to finish. The extra side handle adds steadiness when working on hard jobs with lots of torque, but the tool’s balanced design means most folks don’t even need it for normal use.

How It Handles Noise, Heat, and Vibration

When it comes to comfort while using it, the drill gets hot during tough jobs. Some people mention that working on hard materials like rock leads to noticeable heat, though the drill keeps working without issues. Milwaukee added an Anti-Vibration System to cut down on harmful vibrations, which is helpful for workers who rely on this daily.

Battery Charging and Indicator Info

When it comes to power management, the 5.0Ah batteries need around 1.5 hours to recharge. A built-in LED indicator shows how much charge is left making it easy to check battery levels. In practical use, people say the battery life lasts a long time. One user mentioned completing twenty drilling tasks while losing one bar of charge. The LED work light placed at the base of the handle, lights up work areas well. Many users find the new light much better than older models since it shines whiter instead of the bluish light from before.

Pricing and Warranty: Should You Invest in the 2904-22?

To compare this tool with other options, professionals need to consider the investment as a key deciding factor. The Milwaukee 2904-22 comes with a higher price tag but provides strong value due to its performance and warranty.

Current Price: $229.95 on Amazon

The Milwaukee 2904-22 hammer drill kit sells for $229.95 on Amazon putting it in the middle of the pricing range. Some stores price the kit higher, between $299.00 and $329.95. Smart shoppers sometimes stumble on great offers, like Home Depot’s bundle with the drill, two batteries, and a charger priced at $199.00—the same as buying just the tool by itself. If you want the tool without any extras, you can get the Milwaukee 2904-20 (tool ) for around $135.99.

3-Year and 4-Year Protection Plans

Apart from the warranty that comes from the manufacturer many stores sell extended protection plans. Home Depot sells plans that last 3 years or 4 years offering extra reassurance to buyers. , these plans cover issues like mechanical or electrical breakdowns that happen after the regular warranty ends. These plans can be useful to those who need their tools every day at work even though they do make the total cost go up.

Warranty Coverage from Milwaukee

Milwaukee offers strong support for their tools by providing a 5-year warranty on the tool itself and a 3-year warranty on the batteries. You don’t need to register anything because the manufacturer’s warranty applies when you buy from an authorized Milwaukee dealer. This coverage focuses on flaws in materials or workmanship but doesn’t handle normal wear, abuse, or fixes done without permission. This extensive warranty shows Milwaukee’s trust in their products and adds noticeable value to what you pay overall.

Cost vs Performance Compared to Competitors

Milwaukee’s 2904-22 stands out as one of the pricier hammer drills available. Even so, professionals often see the cost as reasonable because of its strong performance compared to its price. It manages to pack a lot of power without being too heavy, includes useful safety enhancements, and works well for drilling and driving tasks. On the other hand, people who need a drill now and then for basic projects might do just fine with cheaper models under $100. In short, those who use hammer drills often for work, will appreciate the long-lasting build and reliable performance of the 2904-22 even if it costs more.

Summary

In all my testing, the Milwaukee 2904-22 hammer drill keeps proving why professionals rely on it so much in 2025. This tool packs a strong 1400 in-lbs of torque into a small 6.9-inch design. It offers both strength and the ability to fit into tight spaces.

Electricians, plumbers, and builders will value its mix of power and ease of use. The fourth generation made upgrades like a mechanical clutch better heat management, and AutoStop Control Mode, which tackle common problems on job sites.

Battery life stands out as a key feature of this drill. The 5.0Ah REDLITHIUM batteries offer plenty of runtime, which helps complete heavy tasks without frequent breaks. This reduces downtime and boosts productivity during work. Milwaukee backs this tool with a five-year warranty showing how much they trust its durability and long-term performance.

At $229.95, the price sits on the higher end of the spectrum. However, for professionals who depend on their tools , it feels like a solid investment. While hobbyists might be fine with cheaper options, contractors working with wood, metal, or concrete will appreciate the dependability and adaptability that justify the higher price tag.

After using the Milwaukee 2904-22 to drill through different materials , I can say this hammer drill is a solid pick for any contractor wanting something built for serious professional work. It delivers power, fits into tight spaces with ease, and comes with safety and durability that make it a real workhorse for toolkits in 2025 and later.

Key Points

The Milwaukee 2904-22 proves itself as one of the strongest and most compact hammer drills out there offering performance worthy of its top-tier placement among contractors’ gear in 2025.

• Power Packed in a Small Frame: This drill generates 1400 in-lbs of torque while being 6.9 inches long. It ranks as the most compact in its category yet offers top-notch drilling ability in wood, metal, and concrete.

• Improved Safety Measures: The AutoStop Control Mode protects against risky over-rotation when bind-ups occur. A mechanical clutch ensures reliable torque control providing useful safety upgrades for consistent professional tasks.

• Built for Experts: Priced at $229.95, it justifies the cost with a 5-year tool warranty and 3-year battery support. Its performance is designed to meet the needs of tough projects, whether framing or anchoring into concrete.

• Extended Runtime Performance: Milwaukee’s 5.0Ah REDLITHIUM batteries last a long time. They let users handle over 20 drilling tasks while using very little battery power. This lowers downtime and keeps work moving .

• Fourth-Generation Improvements: This M18 FUEL hammer drill has 16.7% more torque than earlier models. It handles heat better and adds improved LED lights making it the best option yet for serious contractors.

To get dependable and strong tools that hold up during heavy use, the Milwaukee 2904-22 stands out. It gives solid performance right away and is built to last for the long run.