I bought this drill about two years ago in a combo pack. I have used large spade bits through thick stock and the drill doesn't even flinch. In fact, I think this thing would twist my hand off before it gave! Warning, use the clutch on delicate items! The only drawbacks are the drill is larger and heavier that other 18 volts I've tried and replacement batteries are big bucks. I guess its the price of all that power. I have also used the hammer setting when going into concrete. Works as well as a corded drill. Battery life seems good, you can make a lot of holes and drive a lot of screws on one charge. The chuck is solid but will slip like any other keyless if you don't snug it down. I have worked this drill very hard over the past two years and while I have given it cosmetic scars it shows no signs of giving out anytime soon. Go to a store, pick-up and feel all the 18 volt drills. The Milwaukee just feels much more solid than all the rest. You will not regret this purchase!

I purchased this drill about 2 months ago. I wanted a drill that I could use around the house AND at work. I work for a GC and use tools everyday. After reading the recent issue of Tool Crib, I just HAD to put it to the test. I've used it a quite a bunch, both batteries had AT LEAST 5 charges. Today, I was able to drive OVER 560 1 1/4" screws through 1/4" Hardiboard, into 3/4" plywood on clutch setting 13. WOW!!! No waiting for a freshly charged battery. Drill did not heat up. Only problem was that the 2 speed switch mis-aligned on me twice. Operator error I think on that part. My hand hurt from all those darn screws and the drill just wouldn't stop. The drill performed excellent!! High quality tool, for the "Professional". I tried the corded screw shooter, cordless version worked better. Nicely balanced and PLENTY of power.

I purchased this drill about 2 months ago. I wanted a drill that I could use around the house AND at work. I work for a GC and use tools everyday. After reading the recent issue of Tool Crib, I just HAD to put it to the test. I've used it a quite a bunch, both batteries had AT LEAST 5 charges. Today, I was able to drive OVER 560 1 1/4" screws through 1/4" Hardiboard, into 3/4" plywood on clutch setting 13. WOW!!! No waiting for a freshly charged battery. Drill did not heat up. Only problem was that the 2 speed switch mis-aligned on me twice. Operator error I think on that part. My hand hurt from all those darn screws and the drill just wouldn't stop. The drill performed excellent!! High quality tool, for the "Professional". I tried the corded screw shooter, cordless version worked better. Nicely balanced and PLENTY of power.

I bought this beast about a year ago to replace a DeWobble DW959K-2 (please see my review of that, uhh, *worthy* offering). This should have been my first choice but I let a _friend_ talk me into the yellow. This is quite simply the best 18V HD on the market. It's got more torque (495 in/lbs, a little over 40 ft/lbs!!) than many corded drills and as one reviewer already noted, will probably sprain your wrist before it gives up driving. It is a _bit_ on the heavy side but no more than any comparable Bosch or yellow equivalent and the batteries are cheaper to replace and longer lasting than either of those. So far I've used it to build a deck, rennovate two bathrooms, too many woodworking projects to list and I'm still using the original two batteries. I've dropped it numerous times, more than once onto concrete and one time for sure it landed right on the chuck, and it still works/sounds like brand new.pOne of the features I really like is the reversible battery pack. They make getting into tighter places (like in between joists) easier. The squeeze buttons on the battery packs do require a bit of finger/thumb strength but they aren't much problem for me and have gotten easier with time. The five year warranty is also nice, I think only Hitachi offers a similar warranty.pIf you're a contractor or someone who makes their living with their tools, this should be the only drill you look at. You'll never even look at anything yellow again. If you're a weekend warrior, it may be a bit on the expensive side but look at it this way: you'll only ever have to buy one.

This drill is the best. It will drill through just about anything you throw at it. Milwaukee tools are very reliable and this tool is no different. If you are like me, tired of all the yellow black and decker hype(Dewalt)then you will like this tool.This drill won't let you down. If for some reason you do have to call the Milwaukee service center, you won't get some excuse about the tool being abused. It's called use in the real world and when you want a tool that does the job...look no further than Milwaukee. Excellent tool and no chuck wobble like the dewalt either!!!!!!

If you can hang on to this "Red Devil" it will drill, saw and/or hammer its way through anything you put in front of it. It's an absolute delight to own a tool that goes around looking for a challange. Reversable batteries are a great idea and they'll wear you out on a single charge. I've read a couple of comments about the batteries being hard to remove from the drill. If you'll pinch in the "top" of the black release button they're a piece of cake. Would recommend this drill to anyone who appreciates real quality. No, I don't work for Milwaukee. I'm retired, best job I ever had. Thanks for listening. Bernie Brock

The smoothest running drill is now, even smoother! Motor is whisper quiet. I have other drills but they can't match this one for power. The handle is great addtion,the previous model didn't have one. I like the easy to replace brushes. All around great drill.

If you are looking for a cordless that can, look no further. I bought it primarily on it's performance specifications, and have not been disappointed. A big factor for me was speed. My old model topped out at 1300, and most of the competitors are in the 1400 to 1550 range (other than a yellow 3-speed model). I appreciate a unit that can twist at 1700 rpm but still have plenty of torque when you need it at the low end.pAnother important spec for me was the battery life. Haven't had it long enough to judge yet, but I presume the 2.4 ah should need less charging.pIn addition to motor battery performance, I was highly interested in chuck performance. (This is probably the main reason I wanted to relegate my old unit to backup). The Milwaukee chuck has performed wonderfully, gripping shanks of all sizes like a mad pit bull. I also appreciate the reversable battery mount, which amazingly eases the hand strain when you are drilling overhead( By lowering the center of gravity to below your grip).pMy only possible reservation about this model is durability. It just doesn't look as rugged as the Bosch model I looked at. I don't plan on dropping it, but you never know when your going to set it down in the wrong place at the wrong time. Another reviewer said he dropped it from a step ladder with no ill effect, however, so maybe it's tougher than it looks.

What a pleasure to use a very well made tool. Milwaukee's reputation for heavy-duty quality is again backed up by this top-of-the-line cordless. I've been driving screws with it building a shed, and the battery life is really impressive. Grip feel, balance, torque and overall sense of quality are great. pA quick rant about tool cost (and it's not like Milwaukee is particularly expensive in the first place): I'm constantly amazed at people who will pay $25 for a meal, a cab ride or a few drinks without thinking twice, but will balk at paying a bit more for a tool that will last a lifetime! Think long-term: Reward excellence; treat yourself and buy quality -- whatever the brand.

The tool is well made and highly versatile. It both drills and drives well and is a capable hammer drill up to 3/8". Where the Milwaukee falls short is the battery packs. After only 9 months of use, the first of the two battery packs that came with drill failed, and three months later the second went also. This drill is used frequently but certainly less then what most professional users would put their tools through. Milwaukee tech support explained to me that due to the increased power used by todays cordless tools battery cycle time (The time till the battery fails) is lower. That may be true but the batteries on my 8 year old 12 volt Makita are still going strong. Milwaukee's reputation being what it is, I would have hoped for more than 9 months to a year out of battery with an $80.00 dollar replacement cost. All in all a good performer with room for improvement in the battery department.

No matter what your cordless drill needs, this one is sure to satisfy. Review after review has placed this drill at the "top-of-the-heap" when compared to other 18V drills and after using it for over 1 year, I can certainly see why. This drill has lots of torque and the batteries seem to go on forever. The one-handed, all metal chuck works well and holds on to any size bit with ease.
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br /The drill has lots of heft too which is a plus in my book. However, I guess if you use a drill all day long, day after day, and you don't need all of the torque this one supplies, you might be better suited with a lighter drill.
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br /Milwaukee has a 5 year warranty, but my drill shows no signs, so far, of needing it. This is a quality built tool that should last for years and years.

I bought this drill after reading several reviews in woodworking magazines and this forum. There just aren't enough adjectives to describe what a work of art and workhorse this drill is. Enough power to satisfy even Tim Allen and yet it doesn't have a bulky, over-weight feel. From the lowest torque settings all the way to the hammer function, the gear action is as smooth as glass and it _never_ feels like it's running out of gas even drilling into hard metal. You can't go wrong with this tool. Once you use it, you'll be a Milwaukee convert for life.

Great drill, but it's the HEAVIEST drill I have ever used--my arms are still sore!! But it runs great, and it's very powerful. Gets the job done!!

The best tool I have ever owned. Does everything everyone else reviewing has said about it. Buy one!

The smoothest running, most powerful cordless drill that I have ever owned! This tool is pure "Milwaukee" quality. The torque selector has enough range to fit any need; and when you want just pure brute force that's there too. The versitle battery position is a great idea but I haven't found a situation where I have needed it in the year + since I have owned the drill. A bit on the heavy side but well worth it. The battery re-charge time is very fast, and the battery life is much longer than my old Ryobi or Makita . . . good thing too, since the battery change is a MAJOR PAIN!! I have carpel tunnel in both hands and squeezing the release buttons is often beyond the level of my hand strength. I have resorted to using a C-clamp to depress the buttons in order to remove the battery from the tool. This is the only reason that I can't give this tool a full 5 stars; but in my opinion it is still the best tool in it's class would highly recommend buying it if you can get around the poor design of the battery release.

A heavy no nonsense tool that does what it claims driving in 4"screws without any problem.Weighs about 10 times the panasonic equivalent, comparing it with the panasonic is like comparing a ballerina to a steamroller.Now I couldn't work without it.Many years in construction and this is the most powerful cordless screwdriver I've come across.The hammer action is useful for those situations when power is not at hand.
br /You will not be dissapointed but I wish they would make it smaller, lighter and as well balanced as the panasonic.The one most important fact swung me:it is the most powerful cordless on the market.Not for girls.
br /Update: the chuck has problems.My bit has often simply fallen out.Now I remove the bit before moving from a to b.

I have given one of these puppies a work out every day for the last year. Can't tell you how many times I've droped it, but I know it fell from the top of an eight foot ladder on to concrete twice and never blinked. The reversible battery is great for that tight spot, and it's got the longest lasting battery I've ever used. This baby is HEAVY DUTY, it's done everything I wanted it to. I like this hammer/drill so much, I bought another one just for home use.

I deliberated long and hard about whether to buy the equivalent Dewalt model or this Milwaukee. I finally settled on the Milwaukee, and I have been relatively happy with the speed and power of the drill and the battery life. Dewalts that I have owned in the past did not perform as well in these areas. However, this Milwaukee has several annoying traits.
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br /First, there is no bit holder on the drill. This might seem like a small thing, but there have been countless times that I have changed out tips and have misplaced the original bit. This is a glaring oversight by Milwaukee.
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br /Second, THE BATTERY PACKS ARE VERY HARD TO REMOVE. This can be a major inconvenience - especially if dust or dirt gets into the track and major force is required to get the battery to slide off. The fact that the battery pack can be attached from the front or back is nice, but the excessive amount of effort needed to remove the battery negates this nicety.
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br /Third, the steel chuck often comes loose. While it does not get chewed up like a rubber chuck when trying to drill holes in close quarters, the metal chuck often allows the bit to loosen and slip. I often find myself checking to make sure that it is tight. This is a big distraction.
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br /I really like the drill, but over time its annoying features have become even more annoying.

As an electrician I need a drill with power and to be portable and this is the tool for the job!! I can do anything on the job with this drill that corded and plugged in drills can do!! I can drill holes in panels, wireway, gear, transformers, you name it all day long using a step-bit or uni-bit by interchanging the 2 batteries, charging one while using the other. On top of all that I use the hammer-drill mode in between all of this to mount equipment on block wall using a tap-con kit. Needless to say I am impressed!!
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br /All the other guys on the job are using cheap cordless drills and everyone of them come to borrow my Milwaukee 0624-24 18 Volt 1/2" Lok-Tor Hammer-Drill Kit, when they need to do a REAL job that needs a drill!!
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br /Buy with confidence!!
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br /God bless,
br /Shannon Pelton
br /http://www.1stpromotion.com/pro/?webmaster=your1

I tried a high voltage hammer/drill and this mil left it in the dust.The other 24v H/D Was also higher,Much higher in price.brTHANK YOU MILWAUKEE FOR DOING AGAIN.pA LOYAL CUSTOMER, LUIS ALVARADO.brCLIFTON,NJ

I have worked in the construction area for 20 plus yrs. I have owned Makita,skill, ryobi,craftman,dewalt,blackdecker cordless tools. This drill is so strong. I wish I had bits and screws as strong as this tool. Lots of laughs. Bits just shatter or strip off. Screws have just twisted off. I Have put this tool to its test. I do tile work also,, Lock and Load a 2 foot paddle and mix up some thin set in a 5 gal bucket. I have! It might get hot but it keeps on going and going. My electric dewalt gave out on me. I laugh at you all that don't give this tool it's respect. This is the 4th drill of Milwaukee I still own. I also have 2 combo kits I have purchased. I do have a dewalt drill at the house my wife can use. BUT A real tool needs to be by my side, at the job. Keep up the good work Milwaukee.. For those battery critics, I have burned up many of the competions faster than milwaukee's. My Milwaukee's have lasted at least over 2yrs. THE BIG RED ONE

Previous reviewers who complain about the short life of the batteries are absolutely correct - and this applies whether you have used the drill much or not. I only used the drill a few times, but after 18 months the 2 batteries that came with it are both caput. The batteries are expensive, they have to be ordered, and it would be more cost effective to just go buy another, cheaper, brand of drill. Maybe it wouldn't be as initially powerful as the Milwaukee, but I'd still have a working drill when I need one.

I have this drill along with the combo kit and the tools are definately top quality however, the batteries just plain suck. The battery packs always die after 18 months or so with no warning at all. They just wont charge period. You have to either buy replacement packs or get another tool, ouch.

When I first bought the drill, it would run all day on one battery. Now it seems like battery life is much shorter. Went through two batteries the other day before noon. Lots of power originally. Take the other reviewer's comments re: batteries seriously.

First time use I find I would agree with others that the drill is heavy to use overhead for an extended time. Drill worked fine but have not used enough to evaluate further.
br /One area of concern was the advertising specs used to describe the drill. Since I base what I am willing to pay for a tool on the tools capabillities and location of manufacture I am distressed to find it was listed as made in the USA. In reality the drill is made in the Czech Republic and the battery is made in Japan while the charger is made in the US. At best that is deceptive advertising!
br /Beyond that my initial impression is favorable.

I have used my Milwaukee drill for about 2 years. It has worked very well in both the drill and hammer drill mode. It is my preference between the Porter Cable 19.2V drill I have. I have found that it does not do well driving lag screws as the Porter Cable. It does out perform the Porter Cable when driving 3" deck screws. I have used it to drill in concrete and cinder blocks to install anchors. It has done very well with a half inch masonary bit. The battery charges fast, and the time between charges is respectable. One will not be disappointed in their purchase of this drill/hammer drill.

I'm a fairly serious weekend warrior and wanted a solid cordless hammer drill. This drill has power to spare and seems very well made. I've used it to install a dead bolt lock and it ran a 2" hole saw on high with no problems. I have also used it extensively to drill small diameter holes in concrete and it does a terrific job.
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br /I suspect many of the people that have had battery problems may not be following the charging directions. There is no need to top off batteries (especially with two included), use them until the tool's performance drops off, then recharge and remove them promptly from the charger. The recharge time is good at only 1 hour.

This monster of a drill has torque and speed to burn. Sadly, the batteries Milwaukee provided me with both died within six months of my acquiring this drill. Repair/replacement of the batteries will cost nearly as much as buying a new drill.
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br /I sadly placed the Milwaukee back in its case and returned to my trusty DeWalt 14.4v.

I've used this drill nearly every week for the past two years as a finish carpenter. While a bit on the heavy side, the batteries are still performing well.
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br /This is one of those tools I feel naked without. I've screwed sheetrock in with it, drilled 1/2" holes in concrete for lag shields, bored 1/2" x 12" holes through trees for cable bracing (I also do tree work), hung cabinets, drilled cabinet door cups with large-diameter forstner bits, drilled 1/2" holes through metal and aluminum--you name it. I've flown it from MA to CA for jobs, used it outside in subzero temperatures, dropped it, gotten it wet, and it's still performing like it did day one. If you crank the chuck down properly, drill bits will not come loose. I dropped one of the batteries onto concrete and it stopped working; I opened it up, re-soldered the leads to the battery cells, and it was fine again.
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br /I've used Black and Decker, Makita, Sears, Porter-Cable, and DeWalt; this drill is the most heavy-duty of the lot, one that I would rate as professional quality vs. serious amateur. Read the reviews, look at the awards the Lok-Tor has won. The Porter-Cable 14.4 volt is a strong second choice for weekend warriors; the DeWalt 18 volt is a very good tool, too.

I read a few reviews about the poor batteries. I don't have my drill long enough to answer that issue. I do like the way the pack slides off with ease and reverses for tight spaces.
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br /I haven't been able to keep the chuck locked as it keeps coming loose and the bit falls out. So how can a quality drill have a chuck that is poorer than my budget priced drills that I beat around? Come on Milwaukee, let's get it together.

Always been impressed with Milwaukee tools over the years. Used and loved them when I worked construction in my younger days. Bought this drill just over 1 year ago for household use. I don't use it Professionally. Drill was used maybe 20 times bascially as a screwdriver. The drill is in mint condition, but the batteries are both dead as a hammer with no warning. Didn't weaken or anything, just one day they'll no longer charge.
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br /Big waste of money for me.

I purchased the non-hammer version of this drill about three years ago from Amazon. Overall, it is a great drill with a lot of power. I burned through my first set of batteries within about two years due to very heavy use. The first set is now completely dead after some intermittent use since then. They lasted as I had expected them to last.
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br /However, I am not at all satisfied with the replacements. I purchased an entirely new drill set about a year ago (from Amazon) for new batteries, and relative to the life and use of my original batteries, the new batteries are not nearly as good. Neither provided quite as much power, nor lasted as long, as the originals. Now that I once again need new batteries, I'm looking primarily at other brands of cordless tools.
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br /Edit on 5/28/05: Since writing the review above, I bought the Makita LXT kit and sold my Milwaukee on Ebay. As of today, I am back to the Milwaukee 18V. The Makita LXT drill literally burned up after two months: It smoked so bad I had to take a water hose to it. Despite issues with battery life on the Milwaukee, it is powerful and tough.

I've owned this drill for about a year and a half. It is absolutely an awesome drill with lots of power. I've put in 3 and 4 inch wood screws as well as 3 inch lag screws into wet and dry 4x4s and 6x6s without a problem. I've drilled into metal and concrete without a hicup, so there is no question about power, or so I thought. Just the other day, a contractor brought his craftsman 19.2V to help me with a project, and I have to admit that his drill seemed a little more powerful in my hands then the milwaukee, and the bubble level on it was a nice touch. In addition, his drill kept going on a single battery as I went through two batteries, and we finally ended up just with his drill. Now I like Craftsman, but I thought Milwaukee was a much better brand, but now I'm not so convinced. I'd say, this drill is definately on the top, but is it the best bang for your buck? Having to go through expensive batteries raises the total cost of ownership a lot, and if you can get similar performance while spending less with an equally recognized brand, I'd say you have your answer right in front of you.
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br /I'd also like to add that the ratcheting chuck no longer clamps down with enough pressure on my smaller drill bits, and as a result I cannot use them anymore.

One of the finest tools i've ever used. reliable with Power to spare. A bit on the expensive side but well worth it. 2 batteries included.

GREAT DRILL, TERRIBLE BATTERIES, 60% BATTERY FAILURE AT LESS THAN ONE YEAR, I WOULD NOT BUY AGAIN ON THIS BASIS ALONE
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br /NO PROBLEMS AT ALL WITH THE PANASONIC BATTERIES AND THE DRILLS ARE AS GOOD, LIGHTER, BATTERIES HAVE MORE AMPS, ARE EASIER TO REMOVE AND LAST FOREVER. YOU DECIDE !

Purchase combo 12 months ago, followed all charging instructions to the "T". Both batteries are dead and will not take a charge.

In less than 2 years, both batteries have died. Milwaukee Service just gives you the run around. A dealer told me the drills to buy are Bosch and Hitachi. I'm a custom woodworker who has owned many drills and has never had a battery die on me yet.

I use my cordless drills on a daily basis. I purchased this drill less than a year ago. After about 9 months of normal everyday use (drilling pilot holes, driving screws, easy drilling through soft woods, minimal if ever heavy drilling) the drill died.
br /I sent it in to Milwaukee only to receive the drill back $90 COD. Turns out the " Warranty didn't cover a new switch that had broken inside the drill. They said "Our warranty doesn't cover Wear and Tear" Every piece of a drill is worn when it gets used. What the heck does the warranty cover, the screws holding it together? $270 to much. Unless you really, really need a portable hammer drill, just spend $100 on a 14.4 volt Hitachi. For what this drill has now cost me, I could have owned almost four Hitachi's. And if one of them had broken, I could just through it out. Milwaukee's warranty is worthless. It should have been written on a cocktail napkin. My drill broke after 9 months by no fault of my own. NEVER AGAIN!