Milwaukee 2904-20 vs DeWalt DCD999B Hammer Drill
Updated · Price Drop Radar
Bottom line
We found one hands-on test that covers either drill: Bob Vila's, of the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2904-22 kit. It found the Milwaukee outperformed virtually every other hammer drill it tested in concrete, brick, wood and lag bolts, and called it the hammer drill of choice for pros and serious DIYers. We found no accessible independent test of the DeWalt DCD999B, so what we know about it comes from DeWalt's listing. Both are brushless 1/2 in drills with all-metal ratcheting chucks and LED lights. Buy the one that matches your battery platform; if you have neither, the Milwaukee has the test behind it.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2904-20
DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCD999B
Side by side
| Spec | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2904-20 | DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCD999B |
|---|---|---|
| Independent test found [1] | Bob Vila tested the 2904-22 kit | None found |
| Torque and speed [1][2] | 1,400 in-lbs; 2,100 RPM top no-load speed | Not stated in the sources we read |
| Gearbox [2][3] | 2-speed | 3-speed, per DeWalt |
| Length [2] | 6.95 in | Not stated in the sources we read |
| Weight [1] | 3.3 lb bare; under 5 lb with a 5 Ah battery (Bob Vila) | Not stated in the sources we read |
| Chuck [2][3] | All-metal 1/2 in ratcheting chuck with carbide teeth | 1/2 in ratcheting metal chuck with carbide inserts |
| Clutch [2] | 16-position mechanical clutch | Not stated in the sources we read |
| Light [2][3] | LED work light | 3-mode LED; spotlight mode shuts off after 20 minutes |
| Safety electronics [2] | REDLINK PLUS overload protection and AutoStop | Not stated in the sources we read |
| Bob Vila's test results [1] | Drilled concrete faster than the other cordless drills it tested, with little vibration; drove 3 in lag bolts without bogging | Not tested by Bob Vila |
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2904-20
- Bob Vila: outperformed virtually every other hammer drill it tested
- Compact at 6.95 in and 3.3 lb bare
- All-metal chuck that held large bits without slipping, per Bob Vila
- Bob Vila notes the price is high and may not suit everyone
- The only drill Bob Vila tested to edge it in power and speed, a Flex, weighed about 2 lb more
- Tool-only, so you need a battery and charger
DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCD999B
- Metal ratcheting chuck with carbide inserts
- 3-speed transmission and a 3-mode LED, per DeWalt
- A good fit if you already own DeWalt 20V batteries
- We found no independent test
- Several specs aren't listed in the sources we read
- Tool-only, so you need a battery and charger
Which one is right for you
| If you are | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Want the drill with an independent test | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2904-20 | Bob Vila's top hammer drill |
| Already own DeWalt 20V batteries | DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCD999B | Your batteries fit |
| Overhead and tight spaces | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2904-20 | 6.95 in and 3.3 lb bare |
| Want three gear speeds | DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCD999B | DeWalt lists a 3-speed transmission |
| Drill a lot of masonry | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2904-20 | Bob Vila saw it drill concrete faster than rivals, but an SDS hammer is better for heavy work |
What to look for
Battery platform
Why it matters: The battery and charger are a big part of the cost.
How to check: Count the Milwaukee M18 and DeWalt 20V batteries you already own.
Watch out: Both listings are tool-only.
Chuck
Why it matters: A weak chuck lets bits slip under heavy loads.
How to check: Look for a metal chuck.
Watch out: Bob Vila says the Milwaukee's metal chuck gripped large bits, unlike plastic-chucked hammer drills it tested. DeWalt lists a ratcheting metal chuck with carbide inserts.
Weight and length
Why it matters: A lighter, shorter drill is easier overhead and in tight spaces.
How to check: Compare the weight with a battery.
Watch out: Bob Vila says the Milwaukee is 3.3 lb bare and just under 7 in long.
Hammer mode use
Why it matters: Cordless hammer drills handle occasional masonry holes, not heavy concrete work.
How to check: For lots of concrete, use an SDS rotary hammer instead.
Watch out: Bob Vila's best-hammer-drill list recommends SDS rotary hammers for heavier masonry.
Torque and speed settings
Why it matters: More gears and clutch settings give more control.
How to check: List your typical bits: hole saws, auger bits, small screws.
Watch out: The Milwaukee has two speeds and a 16-position clutch. DeWalt lists three speeds.
Traps and timing
- Bob Vila tested the 2904-22 kit, which includes batteries. The 2904-20 on this page is the same drill, tool only.
- The DeWalt text we read describes the DCD998 family, and DeWalt's FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE name applies to the DCD999. Confirm the model and specs on the DeWalt page.
- We could not confirm the DeWalt's torque, weight or length from the sources we read.
- Both are tool-only: no battery or charger.
- A different Milwaukee 2904 listing may include a kit. Check what is in the box.
Before you check out
- Count the batteries you already own.
- Decide how much masonry you will drill.
- Check the weight with your battery.
- Confirm the exact models on the listings.
- Check the live Amazon price.
How we put this together
We don't test hammer drills in a lab. We compared the makers' published specs, the Amazon listings and independent reviews, all listed under Sources, and where they disagree we say so. Prices come from Amazon and are refreshed by our system throughout the day.
Price Drop Radar earns a commission on qualifying Amazon purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. That never decides which product we recommend.
Quick answers
Which hammer drill did Bob Vila test?
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2904-22 kit. It found the Milwaukee outperformed virtually every other hammer drill it tested.
How much torque does the Milwaukee have?
1,400 in-lbs, with a 2,100 RPM top no-load speed, per Milwaukee and Bob Vila.
Has the DeWalt DCD999B been independently tested?
We didn't find an accessible independent test. Its specs here come from DeWalt's listing.
Do these include a battery?
No. Both listings are tool-only.
Can they drill concrete?
Yes, for occasional holes. Bob Vila's Milwaukee drilled concrete with a 3/8 in masonry bit, and an SDS rotary hammer is better for lots of concrete.
Sources
- Milwaukee Hammer Drill Review (M18 FUEL 2904-22), Bob Vila
- Milwaukee 2904-20 M18 FUEL 1/2 in. Hammer Drill/Driver, Toolnut
- DeWalt DCD999B Hammer Drill specifications, Power Tools Insider