We Run M18 Fuel Hammer Drill Tests Milwaukee Pipeline Didn't!

We test the new Milwaukee tool's Gen4 M18 FUEL ½” Hammer Drill/Driver (2904-22) in ways we couldn't at Pipeline 2022. We show you drilling and driving test of the new Milwaukee M18 fuel hammer drill in a comparison with the Gen3 hammer drill. All of the drilling and driving tool test is information Carpenters, electricians, plumbers, HVAC Technicians, trade professionals, and contractors will want to know before buying these Milwaukee Tools. We Ran M18 Fuel half inch Hammer Drill Tests Milwaukee Pipeline 2022 Didn't and now we know why!
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See Gen4 M18 FUEL ½” Hammer Drill/Driver (2904-22) Testing at pipeline 2022 • Milwaukee Pipeline All...

[@rogerboucher1913]

Try the gen4 again while cancelling the anti kickback feature. (Just put the reverse/forward switch in lock, the press the trigger 5 times : a red light will blink telling you that you have cancelled the anti kick back) I’m sure that it will perform even better on that kind of test.

[@sdtvmounts7955]

I’ll stay with Gen 3, after seeing this Comparison. I was so excited about getting gen 4, but not anymore after seeing this video. Thank you for not being biased and keeping it real.

[@stetsonwren1804]

No joke glad these guys do unbiased tests I was excited to get gen 4 as well I have went through 2 hammer drill function m18s in 3 years it’s sad

[@thatmand4542]

kinda sad i bought these but my job bought em for me,kinda wished i got the gen 3 cause my coworker is a big dewalt guy lol

[@maxlvledc]

Seriously...you guys are a gift to the internet. Thanks for what you do! I'd be embarrassed if I was milwaukee

[@johngregory662]

The problem is the anti kick technology: it is rubbish. :). In fact unfortunately the gen 4 is kind of crap

[@bryancoyle]

@@johngregory662 yes but dewalt has anti kick and the dcd999 with flex volt beats the gen3, at least at my job. My dcd999 outperforms my coworkers gen3 with any tasks we've done. It sucks because I was really hoping Milwaukee would blow dewalt away with the gen4 so I could swap out my hammer drill but after seeing tests like this I guess I'll wait.

[@loochan325]

First you would have to be chinese - Milwaukee was bought 17 years ago by TTI from HK, China, that also own brands like Ryobi, AEG/Ridgid, and others.

[@teamsilva7563]

Well it looks like Gen 3 in both impact and hammer drill are equally as good if not slightly better than Gen 4. It’s why we need these VCG construction tests! Cannot wait for the M12 comparisons.

[@VCGConstruction]

Thanks Team, we appreciate it. M12 coming soon

[@vojnikjna30]

The m12 is an upgrade in every way. I have the new m12 kit and both are better than the gen 2 m12.

[@illestofdemall13]

@@VCGConstruction Gen 4 might be hotter because you were pushing really hard to try to get that auger bit in deeper.

[@Billy_bSLAYER]

Personally, I want the autolock feature...

[@ProxyFinal]

I was more interested on the M12 as well mainly because I feel M12 Fuel Hammer drill needed an update to improve on it. Seeing how others were releasing more compact tools, I started to feel the M12 hammer drill was a little on the big side.

[@mjc8761]

Thank you for the review! Love to see the honest and true testing

[@highdesertexplorer123]

I have the gen 3.5 combo kit and just purchased the gen 4. I didn’t buy it for more power, I bought it for the Tri lights, huge difference in light coverage and color. In my opinion I’ll never need more power than what either generation offers. Both are amazing tools.

[@jeffreyesguitar5129]

100% trilight is superior. Had older dewalts at work that had TL. So good. I'd only go G4 if my G3 died because of the lights. I'm like you and will never need that much power. If it ever do, I'd get a dedicated hammer drill/ hole hawg

[@carloskummer9906]

Honestly love the reviews. Never biased and always honest. I’m a huge Milwaukee fan and have a bunch of their tools but the m18 gen 4 has been a little disappointing. Watching your vids since I was a teen! Love to watch.

[@Tec1972]

The Gen 4 is not REALLY running hotter. Vince was putting much more ass into it. Thats why the battery was hotter too. More amps went thru the tool. But like I've suspected there is very little difference in performance. Milwaukee is usually very honest about their specs. In an ideal scenario this tool may output 200 more inch lbs. but in everyday usage it would be hard to differentiate.

[@Mark-xc2up]

that and he did gen 3 first and it got a chance to cool down while he was drilling with gen 4

[@SamW604]

Excellent, real review. Thank you. It proves newer is not always better.

[@josephmalinowski6817]

Jimmy looking good. Looks like you lost a little bit of weight. Always good to hear from Jimmy on the show. Hope all is well with the VCG Family. God bless everyone 🙏

[@jporreca32]

Thanks Joseph!

[@JesusG90247]

I ❤️ this Channel !

[@RidgidRon]

Great comparison and honest assessment of those 2 products.

[@VCGConstruction]

Thanks Ron, appreciate it!

[@n1jfd]

Love your testing processes! It gives me better information to make my decision when choosing tools when you do your thing. I am usually cautious abouf trusting marketing from manufacturers and 5 star reviews by people who don't provide detailed info like you guys do. Keep it up.

[@VCGConstruction]

Thanks Michael, glad the video is helpful! 👍🏻

[@DamionJR4923]

Thanks for the test really looking forward to the m12 gen2 vs gen3 tests

[@sentryfe74]

I think the clutch is where it feels different. The gen 3 has the electronic clutch vs the mechanical in the gen 4.

[@carlosvasques5776]

Hey Vince , As electrician, on residential. I drill ton of holes and I like to use the gen 3 only when I’m drilling overhead on Heights for the anti kick back .(one key) And for my experience only the 8.0 batteries are the best for this drill. But after some amount of holes the drill overhead. And it won’t work until cold down . So I normally use my super hawg But for what I saw 👀 the 4 gen was kicking with the 5.0 . I’m assuming that with the 8.0 , is a beast .

[@josephmalinowski6817]

What's up Vince and the VCG gang members. Picked up the new Milwaukee protective arm sleeves last night. There cut level five but look really nice for doing work when having short sleeves. Only cost $20 dollars bought them as a birthday gift for myself. Have a good day.😎👍🇺🇸

[@mattmckone8624]

love the real test thanks for showing us the truth about these so called better tools

[@nadeemalherbawi353]

i am very happy that i got gen 3 before i even know that a gen 4 is comming

[@kc0lif]

great test. wow that last long drill bit was tough.

[@randymathews3348]

Haven't used gen4 but these gen3 results are what I've seen in field. She's still a beast

[@daveadb1]

With most drill bits and especially one that long you should be backing it out to get the sawdust off the bit. Even if you were using an electric drill. If you don't it causes the bit to get hot and packed with sawdust,burning it over time

[@someguy8523]

Vince hardest working man in the business. Thanks Vince & Jimmy I won't be upgrading to Gen 4 I am happy with both my Gen 3 impact & Hammer drill

[@ToolReviewZone]

Jimmy, your channel is really coming along brother. I still ha e no idea who this Vance guy is, but its your channel bro, Invite who you want I guess 🤷

[@VCGConstruction]

Thanks Clint appreciate it, Thanks again, Jimmy

[@jporreca32]

Thank you, I do my best. Working on getting the locksmith out ASAP so that this Vance guy cant crash my parties anymore!

[@Blerk350z]

I just pick up the 2997-22 with Gen 3 Hammer Drill and Gen 3.5 Impact Driver and it was a great deal. Wouldn’t even be disappointed if the Gen 4 took it up another step.

[@hoffmica]

Not noticeable enough for me to want to go out and get the gen 4. But being an electrician I use my M12 drill driver more often. And comparison of those models would be much help!

[@13elborracho13]

Considering they're using regular xc 5.0 batteries and these are newer fuel tools that can take advantage of the newer 3.0 and 6.0 high output batteries I wonder if using these batteries would yield different results. I would think the gen 4 would take more advantage of the better battery cells since they've had more time to adopt and optimize the better battery tech

[@nickvincent9645]

Gen 3 already produces a good amount of heat for the work load it's given, I've had mine thermo out a few times on high demand jobs. If gen 4 runs even hotter and underperforms it's predecessor, then why even bother with it. Between price and performance of all the Pipeline 2022 tools, it leaves something to be desired for me. Great video!

[@bradenv13]

I was thinking about buying the 2904 and selling off my 2804 as used but this video convinced me to just hang on to my third gen

[@jamallaidley4718]

Nice One Vince 🤭😎

[@erichernandez4175]

Wow I can’t believe that but that good flex tools very hard 💪🏼⚡️

[@sabrevanson4412]

gonna keep my Gen 3. will wait for a revision of gen 4 and see if they correct the over sensitive wrist saver. As it stands, i went with gen 3 new M12s though. those are great!

[@djchaisson]

I would get the impact driver. Having the tri lights is a huge help!!!!

[@plaid11]

We all expected Milwaukee to bring it with this one because Flex’s hammer drill is a little more powerful. Apparently all they tried to do was add a little technology and didn’t do a good job. They failed big time here

[@bratetsbratets662]

Спасибо мужики!!! Вы помогли мне с выбором!

[@wadefordesr.6571]

The last test, the gen 4 drove the drill bit deeper and that alone took more work time and therefore had more time to develop that temperature differential

[@HVACGUY]

Please do this with the M12 impact and hammer drills Gen 2 And Gen 3

[@highryder100]

Vince, I can appreciate going balls out with the auger bit, but- you got to clear out the hole every so often, the chips are building up and slowing the cutting of the bit- not so necessary when drilling a standard joist but for the app you were using it for- got to clear the hole

[@monteglover4133]

I just picked up the gen 4 (2904-20), I’m 69 and like the autostop wrist savor, I’ve had wrist injuries from drills (mostly corded) before. When you get old you try hard to avoid injuries as they take a long time to heal.

[@JohnnyUmphress]

That was a well done test. I think they should have an override to turn off the auto-shutdown in case you need the torque. Or maybe have it turn off when the auxiliary handle is attached.

[@ggamerguru5266]

They do, press 5 times on the trigger

[@JohnnyUmphress]

@@ggamerguru5266 Oh cool.

[@joshkliniske6766]

@@ggamerguru5266 do you know if you have to do that each time or does it stay off until you switch it back?

[@zorbaseatery4745]

Basically, Flex Turbo with SL batteries, Dewalt Flexvolt, and Makita XGT are all more powerful...got it!

[@08_crown_vic]

I have the Gen 3 M18 Fuel impact I will be keeping it for a while Especially after Milwaukee just sent me a brand new one-key replacement Double bearing updated version of the Gen 3 and its not much different In power compared to gen 4

[@MidasTouch3197]

I hope that gen IV hammer drill you guys tested, is a pre-production model.

[@mirekdudka9071]

In Bosch GSR 18V-150C you can turn of kickback control.

[@VCGConstruction]

Very nice

[@mattschiele8080]

Very few demonstrations of the 150C on the internet, possibly due to supply issues

[@mirekdudka9071]

@@mattschiele8080 more in Europe. I have ocasion to test it. It's a beast!

[@juniorlopez4068]

If it wasn’t for this test I’d probably would’ve already placed my order for a gen 4 drill set

[@Pancake4o]

Thanks Vince I'm stick with my gen 3 for now

[@thedone1342]

We need that triple light on the hammer drill Milwaukee please

[@zdzisiekangel4422]

Super Tools★★★★★

[@trekOCLVone]

Both of these are impressive. These two, gen 2 and 3, are approaching what the old standard - 1/2" chuck corded holdshooter has been doing for decades. The holdshooter will destroy your wrist before it will stop turning.

[@emilepmartin]

TTI may not like it, but the VCG Crew would LOVE to see this extend to testing the new M18 drills using their High Output 21700 M18 batteries to see if they perform as close as the XC5.0 18650 batteries for VCG...and please do this with M12 as well now that we also have HO 21700 M12 batteries.

[@BryanBowenArchangelBarachiel]

This is why I said there should be a override button if you add safety to a tool. I noticed the same problem with the M18 SDS Plus I got. I would like to see an override button. Gen3 drill only tell I see override button added. Maybe gen4 on impact driver if the collet is any better.

[@yorselrus1996]

Exactly, all high powered drills would stop with that stupid feature

[@ts1190]

Press the trigger 5 times in neutral position and it turns the auto stop on and off.

[@PineyJustice]

@@yorselrus1996 There is an override. This was also using the 5.0 batter, not any of the better batteries that bring significantly better performance, and using the auger like an idiot.

[@electricalron]

If the trigger and chuck are improved like Milwaukee says they are then I’m buying them both tomorrow (if HD doesn’t sell out of them by tomorrow).

[@CL-Se7en]

Can you measure the temps of each drill immediately after the run? Running the Gen3, then running the Gen4, then measuring both for temp at the same time gives the Gen3 time to cool down while you’re running Gen4. I suspect the actual temps are much closer if not the same. 🤔

[@Methodical2]

I was thinking the same. Plus he really dug into the V4 and not so much on the V3 and that makes a difference in the heat department.

[@JimHardee]

Are those weight specs accurate? Is the gen4 really 4.9 lbs compared to 3.2 lbs for gen3? That seems like a drastic difference for such a similar tool. That's a 55% increase.

[@nocommentarygaming7031]

please do the m12 gen 4s hammer and impact drill plz

[@tonytrofe7137]

@VCG Construction Kind of disappointed after seeing both the impact and hammer drill in action on the non-staged tests at the NPS. Not sure they are even worth the upgrade. I would expect a noticeable difference between generations considering they had a few years to do so but looks like this is just minor improvements. Appreciate these videos though keep up the good work!

[@4x4junkie34]

The gen 3 is well known for trigger issues, and is even seen in this video. I’ll take gen 4 simply to avoid that.

[@OUTILSCLIPSQC]

I gonna stay on gen 3 they perform well

[@chuyvargas1016]

Overhead drilling is good test

[@ericmolicky7189]

How come you guys are not running the drills with with high output m18 batteries that’s all I run on my stuff for my m18 tools, fuel models or brushed models and it makes a big difference in how the tools perform with running the high output batteries

[@norcalsawsquatch9854]

Only thing I don't like about the fuel drills is that when under heavy use they seem like the plastic casing is going to fall apart. I can feel the flex and the seams of the plastic opening up when I'm doing rough ins on electrical work.

[@joshuafigueroa6]

My my.. not sure what to think about this. How about trying a high output batt? I wonder If milwaukee is leaning towards a new line of battery

[@KingYang05]

2:57 Dude I was just looking at these things last night! I’d love a test between those Diablo Demodemons and Bosch Nailstrikes!

[@Tool_Addicted_Carpenter]

Diablo is made by Bosch so I bet they're extremely similar if not the same exact bits painted blue and red.

[@KingYang05]

@@Tool_Addicted_Carpenter I wouldn’t doubt that one bit.

[@johngregory662]

I’ll buy the close outs on the gen 3

[@bad.larry.actual]

"lets not let a few facts get in the way of a good story" lmao im gonna steal that little bit from you and put in my toolbox

[@ginob3465]

Thankyou for the video very informative good work not impressed with gen 4 i will stick with my gen 3

[@bbbrenden]

I notice with some of the newer tools, it seems maybe the old style batteries can’t handle the current draw and shut down.

[@shane6186]

Looks like Dewalt for the Win!!

[@peteratc1]

Thanks guys for a wonderful video. What do you recommend for car tire removal, and my pick up truck? And battery?

[@VCGConstruction]

I’d go high torque impact 5ah or bigger

[@SpicyRoll-m4r]

Its more better if you test also the clutch.. Gen3 clutch has an issue of overpower even on the lowest setting difficult to use on a soft wood.. I read that gen4 has mechanical clutch compare to electronic clutch of gen3.

[@shellcracker18]

Best thing about gen4? Gen3s are gonna have some hellacious deals!!

[@adammendoza3503]

I can’t wait for all the gin three still go on sale so I can snatch them all up…Team Milwaukee…

[@rileymannion5301]

I think it's kinda getting to the point that aslong as it dosent break I don't really car which one I have because both are amazing drills

[@VCGConstruction]

That’s fair

[@rileymannion5301]

@@VCGConstruction it's kinda like smart phones now, dosent matter what you get it'll run just fine and do what you need it too aslong as you don't cheap out

[@NikkThompson]

Funny. Just watched Stanley's KZbin on flex stacked with the drill, seems like that things a monster.

[@deannagrayston4778]

You can turn off the auto stop put the Direction selecter switch in the trigger lock position and pull the trigger 5 to 6 times

[@GingrBreadMan]

I would check the high output batteries and see if they perform differently.

[@dark88reaper78]

I would like to see, if those tools would benefit from a High Output Battery. And if they do, what kind: like 6Ah/12Ah

[@Tool_Addicted_Carpenter]

They would absolutely benefit from a HO. The results from 6.0/12.0 would be similar. 6.0 being the more realistic option for an drill.

[@sakogu]

Maybe should have tried the hardest drilling things with 6 or 8 ah High output batteries, maybe it would have made a difference especially for the gen 4, I can imagine new tools being sold with those as a requirement at some point. But great test, I am in need of a new drill, and i want it to be powerful, willing to move battery platforms from Milwaukee if necessary to get it! I am hoping flex gets a gen 2 soon.

[@wondon2992]

The new gen 4 still comes with the old batteries lol

[@Tool_Addicted_Carpenter]

Solid tests. Thank you sir. I'd say it's obvious why the gen 4 was running much hotter with Vince putting his weight behind it in speed 1 a lot more than with the gen 3. I like my gen 3 but the chuck locked up after only a couple months. Rather than having Milwaukee replace it with another chuck that will likely do the same I just grabbed a $40 Jacobs and it's a lot better.

[@gregorymosher5008]

Are they a universal fit, or do you need parts numbers etc?

[@Tool_Addicted_Carpenter]

@@gregorymosher5008 You can just type in drill chuck for your model number and it should give you the right options. What you're looking for is the proper thread count on the chuck itself as well as the thread count for the screw you install after the chuck.

[@threestone2213]

How do these drills drill on 1/4” plate? & schedule 40 pipe?

[@grantdeisig1360]

Good comparison, ok now gen2 m12 vs gen 3 m12.

[@SkyFireAF]

Looks like they didn't solve the heating problem between generations. I have the best makita drill and impact driver set atm, but I was looking to start moving to Milwaukee due to more options for my profession. Gen3 looks like the clear go to for me.

[@wondon2992]

Cannot believe this video is already a month old

[@ivarmarkusson382]

my gen 2 just died, so i was on the hunt for a new one, didn't even know there was a gen4, i've watched about one terabite of tests between them, on a avarage the gen 4 seem to outperform the gen 3, but they seem to be really similar, i went with the gen 4 just because its the newest, but in all honesty, i would have bought a new gen2 if they where still making them, to this day the power of that thing amazed me

[@muhammadhumayun2703]

Can we switch off Auto stop like Bosch latest hammer drill

[@dilnoorchauhan4628]

i would love to see the makita 40 volt to that auger test

[@michaelberger6255]

I have a gen 3 and didn’t find out about the excessive heat until way later after I purchased it I noticed on the new gen 4 that they have added more vent holes in the case but seeing this video and how it got just as hot I’m at a loss because I was hoping the gen 4 would fix the excessive heating i burned my gen 3 up because of that crap can you guys do some more torture test on that to see how the temps get

[@illestofdemall13]

What type of drilling were you doing that burned up your Gen 3? I'd suggest getting a Hole Hawg if you need to do tons of holes in wood studs.

[@michaelberger6255]

@@illestofdemall13 I was using it to drill a small diameter hole through concrete but every other time I’ve used it drilling for longer times it would get hot as crap I’m guessing it eventually has caused it to burn up I’m still under warranty but was not really caring to have it if it was going to stay hot I wanted the new one because I saw what looks like more vent holes to keep the temps down but after watching this video I don’t know just gonna wait and see when people start buying them and using them what happens

[@docj8257]

I thought you could turn off the protection mode in the drill? If you turn that off would you get a better comparison?

[@angelamador6531]

Thank you guys,I’d stick to gen 3

[@desimz267]

If I don’t own either one, should I just get the gen 4?

[@08_crown_vic]

Is the tourqe safety thing something they can add in the one-key gen 3's?

[@shadyassassin0856]

Im gonna upgrade my impact to gen 4 for the lights keep the gen 3 drill and get the new gen 12v

[@nickk8045]

Not sure if I'll be spending the money to upgrade ,

[@milwookie8558]

Not trying to nitpick, but i think the 4.9lb weight listed for the 2904-20 is w/ battery whereas the 2804-20 is listed without. I noticed this on Milwaukee's website which is where i'm assuming you guys got the weight numbers from. I think the actual weight (bare tool) for the 2904-20 is 3.3lbs or so it said when i did a google search. It felt heavier than that to me but it could be a balance thing, idk. I have both, but unfortunately can't weigh them right now because the scales i have can only weigh a lot less or a lot more than that amount of weight.

[@vpnguyen1]

Vince, can you re-weigh the bare tools for comparison? The listed 4.91lbs for Gen 4 2:03 calculates as 53% heavier than Gen 3. If true that’s a deal breaker!

[@JCoote535]

The weights are wrong. Gen4 is only 0.1 lbs heavier

[@truthserum9157]

I don’t know if any body knows but there’s a secret setting, you can turn off the anti kickback by putting the selector in the middle position and pulling the trigger 5 times and watching the led turn on and fade out, or turn it back on by watching it blink 5 times.

[@TheRsixpilot]

Need to use the High output batteries

[@commanderblood2147]

Can a gen 4 drill do 2 9/16ths with a high output battery in speed 2?

[@apa7611]

Next up the new m12 fuel impact and drill?

[@user-qh1os9qo8u]

Gen 3 and Gen 4 look so close. if do side by side test, I hope you guys can put some color tape on the batteries 🤓🤓

[@romanlosev928]

Ориентируйтесь по красному патрону😁 у 2904 красная полоса😁