Milwaukee Cordless Rotary Hammer Review Powerful 18 Volt Brushless Demolition Tool

Description

Power and Performance of This Cordless Rotary Hammer

Testing the Milwaukee’s Cordless Rotary Hammer, 5 ft.-lb. Impact has been quite an adventure. This tool packs a punch with its 18-volt lithium-ion battery system and brushless motor technology, which delivers up to 5.0 ft-lb of impact energy. The power feels solid, especially when drilling into concrete or masonry. The SDS Max chuck type allows me to use a variety of bits, and the 0 to 3000 blows per minute rate combined with 0 to 450 no-load RPM means it handles tough jobs efficiently without feeling sluggish or underpowered. Even larger bits up to 1 9/16 inches in concrete capacity and 4 inches core bit capacity go through with relative ease.

This hammer drill’s brushless motor really stood out during heavy-duty use; it runs cooler and longer than many other cordless rotary hammers I’ve tried, which means less downtime. The D-handle design offers a good grip and control, especially during extended drilling sessions, though it’s a bit on the heavier side at 12.2 pounds, and that can tire out your arms if you’re not careful.

Positive Features That Make It Stand Out

The brushless motor technology is a real boon, increasing both efficiency and tool longevity, which I appreciated instantly. Portability is another major plus since the cordless design frees me from lugging around extension cords and hunting for outlets. This hammer is built tough, reflecting Milwaukee’s reputation for durability.

• Cordless freedom with 18V Li-ion battery compatibility ensures great mobility.
• SDS Max chuck enables quick bit changes and handles heavy-duty drilling.
• Solid impact energy of 5.0 ft-lb for effective demolition and drilling work.
• Ergonomic D-handle provides decent user comfort and control.
• Brushless motor prolongs tool life and reduces maintenance.

Areas for Improvement and Limitations

Despite its strengths, the weight of this rotary hammer is a noticeable drawback. At over 12 pounds, it’s not the lightest tool in its class, which can lead to fatigue during prolonged use. The absence of a battery and charger in the package means you need to invest in those separately, which can be an unwelcome surprise if you don’t already own compatible Milwaukee batteries.

Also, the tool lacks a rotation stop feature, which limits its versatility if you want to use it as a chipping hammer for light demolition. I found myself wishing for a side handle too, especially for more precise control during heavy hammering tasks.

• Hefty weight may cause fatigue over long periods.
• No battery or charger included, adding to overall investment.
• Lack of rotation stop reduces demolition versatility.
• No side handle for improved grip during tougher jobs.

Design and Build Quality

The tool sports a rugged red body characteristic of Milwaukee products, crafted to withstand job site abuse. The D-handle is firm, but I would have preferred a rubberized grip for better shock absorption. The balance is decent given its weight, but the overall bulkiness could be a challenge for smaller users or those working overhead.

I noticed that the tool length of about 18 3/4 inches makes it a bit cumbersome in tight spaces, but the solid build quality reassures me that it will hold up well under intense conditions. The cordless design eliminates tripping hazards and enhances maneuverability, which is great for confined areas.

Features and Usability

This rotary hammer offers a straightforward interface with variable speed control that allows adjusting RPMs from zero to 450 RPM no load, helping tailor the speed to the task at hand. The impact energy is sufficient for most concrete and masonry drilling jobs, and the SDS Max chuck makes bit swaps a breeze without extra tools.

Not having a battery indicator or an LED light on the tool is a minor inconvenience, especially when working in dimly lit areas. However, the brushless motor compensates by delivering consistent performance without overheating. The lack of a rotation stop mode means it’s primarily suited for drilling rather than chiseling, which could disappoint those wanting a multi-functional tool.

Price to Quality Ratio

Considering the features packed into this cordless rotary hammer, its price point feels reasonable, especially for professionals who value Milwaukee’s build quality and reliability. Compared to lower-end brands, it offers more power and durability, but it doesn’t come cheap, particularly since batteries and chargers are sold separately.

If you already own Milwaukee’s battery system, this tool offers excellent value for money owing to its robust design and powerful performance. However, for casual users or beginners, the investment might be steep given the additional costs for batteries and accessories.

Product Competitors and How This One Measures Up

This rotary hammer competes with brands like DeWalt, Bosch, and Makita in the 18V cordless rotary hammer market. The brushless motor and SDS Max chuck put it on par with offerings from these competitors, and the impact energy rating of 5.0 ft-lb is respectable.

DeWalt’s models tend to be lighter but may lack the same impact energy, while Bosch offers excellent vibration control but sometimes at a higher price. Makita’s rotary hammers often come with additional features like rotation stop or chipping mode, which Milwaukee’s model lacks. For users prioritizing raw power and cordless convenience, this tool’s durable build and brushless motor technology give it a competitive edge, despite missing some specialized functions.

Real-World Experience and User Insights

Testing this rotary hammer around the house and on job sites, I found it handled drilling into brick and concrete with ease. My coworker, who’s used heavier corded rotary hammers for years, was impressed with its punch and portability. My son, curious about the tool, tried it under supervision and remarked on how easy it was to change bits thanks to the SDS Max system.

On the downside, the tool’s weight made it a bit unwieldy for extended ceiling drilling, and the absence of an LED light meant I had to bring a separate flashlight when working in dim basements. Battery life depends on the pack used, but the brushless motor maximizes runtime efficiently.

This Milwaukee cordless rotary hammer strikes a solid balance between power, portability, and durability, though it comes with a few quirks like weight and missing features that could be deal-breakers depending on your specific needs.

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