Milwaukee Fuel M12 (12 volt) Rotary Hammer drill review

I just wanted to toss up a quick note on this little drill in case others were curious. I don't put in many bolts, maybe a couple dozen a year or 4-5 an outing (I put others into slabs for construction but I'm not counting those). I have currently been using an 18v Makita as I purchased the rotary hammer drill because I'd already owned the circular saw, drill, and sawzall and as such had the batteries.

After getting a really good deal on a 3 piece M12 set that I couldn't pass up I'd stopped using the other Makita tools in that set completely and was keeping the set for no other reason than the hammer drill and occasional bolt placements. I struggled to take the 12v seriously in all honesty but found myself consistently reaching for them over the 18v Makita.

Because I wanted to sell the Makita set I curiously searched to see if Milwaukee offered a rotary hammer drill in their M12 series. To my surprise they not only offered one but two options, a 1/2" and a 5/8" the latter being in their brushless Fuel line. I chose to order the 5/8" version which at HD was $228 (their current promo and a 10% discount) with the charger, case, and two 4.0ah batteries.

It just came and I tossed a few 3/8" holes in both mason block and granite that I have floating around the yard. I'm impressed, I figure the Makita set will get me enough to pay for this drill and I have no doubts it will serve me well. It does feel more like a toy compared to the Makita (7/8") but given the limited number of holes I drill, the weight savings, ease of use and so on I have no doubts it will serve my needs well.

Mind you, this is not intended to go out for a day of bolting or replace a 24v Bosch so don't expect that at all. If you're just looking for something to do occasional bolting however this thing would be ideal. I find it to be 85% as capable as my 18v Makita which to me is a fair exchange for the advantages I get from it.

As a side note, being a 12v system, they offer a car charger (without the need for an inverter) which would have come in handy for me many times in the past including being able to charge a battery on the way to a climb. You also have the ability to use their 2.0 battery which is much smaller (175g versus 400g) though I haven't tested that battery so I'm not sure if it can do 2-3 holes 5" deep in granite, I will update when I have a chance however.

Anyone know anything else about this drill? It seems like a good option for the occasional bolter.

I have a M12 SDS 5/8" Rotary hammer drill (Model 2416-22XC).

At 3.9lbs, it's a nice drill for long approaches, if you have to carry it while climbing (ie for replacing rap stations), or for occasional use.
For comparison, a BD Yosemite hammer + Petal hand drill is 2.25 lbs.

I get more than 15 holes  (3/8" in anorthosite rock) from one 4.0 Ahr battery (it comes with two).

Awesome. I'm definitely not trying to bolt sport routes, more anchor replacement and the occasional mixed endeavor.

Are you using 3/8s 5 piece bolts?

12v drill for Bolting on lead is pretty sweet. Especially if you have RBs at your disposal. 

This is the drill I own.  I’ve had great luck with it so far.  I think I can get up to 9 holes that are 3/8” x 3” in Granite with the 4 amp hr battery.   If you ever plan on bolting on lead  or doing long multi pitch routes this is definitely the drill to own.  And really hard to beat for the price.

I just bought one with two batteries, i appreciate the info yall.

Eli wrote:

Are you using 3/8s 5 piece bolts?

I'm using KB3s https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5010-282/KB3-Bolt-3-8%22-x-3%22

Also worth mentioning... buying good drill bits will make a huge difference as well.

 I have the older non-brushless milwuakee M18 big brother to this drill. I got it thrashed on ebay with 2 2ah batteries. I bought some 5 ah batteries which seem to not only last longer but actually make the drill hit harder and drill faster. +1 for bigger batteries. 

In hard rock like quartzite, we get like 2-4 holes before the bit goes dull and just runs the battery without making the hole any deeper. If it seems like your drill is spinning but not getting deeper, stop and change the bit.  Keep an eye on ebay for "lots" of drill bits. Buying one is $8-15 bucks, buying 10 is like $30.