Milwaukee 2904-20 Review: Worth It? (October 2026)
The Milwaukee 2904-20 suits M18 users who need a hammer drill for brick, block or concrete as well as regular drilling and driving. It is a bare tool, so you need a compatible M18 battery.
On this page (9 sections)
The Milwaukee 2904-20 is an M18 FUEL hammer drill driver for people who need one tool for fasteners, ordinary drilling and occasional masonry holes. Its metal chuck and hammer mode make it a versatile choice, but the bare-tool format means you need an M18 battery.
The key decision is whether you will use hammer mode. If your work is mainly wood, metal and screws, the Milwaukee 2903-20 drill driver avoids paying for a mode you may rarely use.
The Milwaukee 2904-20 at a glance
The 2904-20 is the better fit when your M18 drill needs to handle both standard drilling and masonry. Milwaukee specifies hammer mode for brick, block or concrete, plus a 1/2 in. all-metal chuck with carbide teeth.
Milwaukee 2904-20 M18 FUEL 1/2 in. Hammer Drill/Driver (Bare Tool): Best for M18 masonry drilling
- Hammer drill mode
- 1/2 in. all-metal chuck with carbide teeth
- Mechanical clutch
- All-metal belt clip
The strongest fit here if you already use Milwaukee M18 batteries and want hammer mode for brick, block or concrete. It is sold as a bare tool.
Pros
- Hammer mode for masonry
- Metal chuck with carbide teeth
- Mechanical clutch for driving fasteners
- Belt clip included
Cons
- Battery and charger are not included
- Hammer mode is for masonry drilling, not a substitute for a rotary hammer on demanding concrete work
Its mechanical clutch is intended to keep driving more consistent across a range of fasteners. A belt clip gives you a way to carry the tool between tasks.
Who should choose the 2904-20?
Choose it if you already own M18 batteries and expect to drill into masonry now and then. The hammer function adds an option for mounting or repair jobs that involve brick or block.
Consider a different tool if you only drive screws or drill wood and metal. For that work, the Milwaukee 2903-20 drill driver has no hammer mode, while the best Milwaukee cordless drills guide covers more options in the same brand family.
What can the 2904-20 do on a home project?
The 2904-20 can switch between driving, ordinary drilling and hammer drilling, so it covers several common home tasks. The right mode and bit depend on what you are drilling and how often you expect to do it.
Use standard drilling for wood and metal, and select hammer mode for suitable masonry. Start with the bit maker's guidance and Milwaukee's manual, especially when choosing a hole size or working near wiring, plumbing or brittle surfaces.
For a shelf or fixture in brick, this tool may be more convenient than keeping a dedicated masonry drill for occasional use. If you're new to the mode, our guide on how to use a hammer drill at home explains the basic setup and technique.
Concrete can be harder on both the bit and the operator than brick or block. For multiple large holes or repeated work, compare a rotary hammer and avoid treating a drill's hammer mode as a promise of equal speed or capacity.
Chuck, clutch and handling details
The 2904-20 has a 1/2 in. all-metal chuck with carbide teeth, a design detail that relates directly to bit grip and retention. Its mechanical clutch is designed for consistency when driving a range of fasteners.
These features matter if your work alternates between drilling and fastening. A secure bit fit and a clutch that helps manage driving can reduce the need to change tools for every step.
Milwaukee also includes an all-metal belt clip. It can keep the drill close while you move around a work area.
The 2904-20 weighs 4.3 lb before accounting for a battery. A battery may change the balance, so if weight and reach matter, compare the complete tool setup you plan to carry.
Is hammer mode enough for concrete?
The 2904-20 is designed for hammer drilling into brick, block or concrete, but the task still matters. Occasional small holes differ from repeated large holes in poured concrete.
For a few anchor holes, use a masonry bit suited to the material and let the tool and bit do the work. Avoid forcing the drill, and stop if the bit binds or the tool overheats.
When drilling into a wall, check for hidden electrical wires and pipes. If you cannot confirm what is behind the surface, relocate the hole or use a suitable detection method.
For a step-by-step comparison of surface, bit and technique, read how to drill into concrete with a hammer drill. The 2904-20's hammer function is useful, but a rotary hammer can be a better match for demanding concrete jobs.
Battery and kit choice
The Milwaukee 2904-20 is a bare tool, so you need an M18 battery to use it. Milwaukee says the tool has the most runtime in class with 5.0 Ah batteries; that is a manufacturer claim, not a runtime figure for every job.
If you already have M18 batteries, the bare-tool format can make sense because it avoids adding another battery platform. If you are starting from scratch, compare the cost and included parts of a kit before deciding.
The Bosch GSB18V-490B12 is a hammer drill kit that includes one 18V 2 Ah battery and a charger. It uses Bosch's 18V system, so it suits a different battery setup.
Bosch GSB18V-490B12 18V Brushless 1/2 in. Hammer Drill/Driver Kit: Best for a battery-and-charger kit
- Brushless motor
- Hammer, drill and drive modes
- 20 plus 1 clutch settings
- One 2 Ah battery and charger
A kit option if you need a battery and charger along with a hammer drill. Its clutch has 20 plus 1 settings for driving control.
Pros
- Battery and charger included
- Three operating modes
- 20 plus 1 clutch settings
Cons
- Uses the Bosch 18V platform
- Lower stated torque than the Milwaukee and Makita alternatives
Think about the whole system, not just the drill. A battery you already own can make a tool-only purchase simpler, while a kit can be more convenient if you need a battery and charger too.
2904-20 vs. 2903-20
The 2904-20 adds hammer mode, while the 2903-20 is a drill and driver for standard drilling and fastening. Both have a 1/2 in. chuck and mechanical clutch, but the 2903-20 also includes Auto-Stop Control Mode and an LED light.
Milwaukee 2903-20 M18 FUEL 1/2 in. Drill/Driver (Tool Only): Best for M18 drilling and driving
- Brushless motor
- Auto-Stop Control Mode
- Mechanical clutch
- LED light
A related M18 drill and driver for wood, metal and fasteners when you do not need hammer mode. It also has Auto-Stop Control Mode and an LED light.
Pros
- Brushless motor
- Auto-Stop Control Mode
- Mechanical clutch
- LED light
Cons
- No hammer mode
- Battery not included
The 2903-20 is the simpler choice if masonry drilling is not part of your work. The [Milwaukee M12 vs.
M18 drill guide](/milwaukee-m12-vs-m18-drills/) can help you decide which battery system fits your existing tools and typical jobs.
If concrete work is the deciding factor, the 2904-20 is the more flexible of these two. If you mostly install hardware, build furniture or drill through wood and metal, hammer mode may add little value.
Alternatives from Makita and Bosch
The Makita XPH16Z is another brushless hammer driver-drill, with a stated two-speed range and Makita 18V LXT battery compatibility. It makes sense for someone already invested in that battery system.
Makita XPH16Z 18V LXT Brushless Hammer Driver-Drill (Tool Only): Best for Makita LXT users
- Brushless motor
- Hammer mode
- Two speeds
- Variable speed
A hammer drill alternative for people already using Makita's 18V LXT system. Its stated two-speed range covers drilling, driving and hammer applications.
Pros
- Brushless motor
- Hammer mode
- Two speed ranges
Cons
- Battery and charger are not included
- A different battery platform from Milwaukee M18
The Bosch kit is worth comparing if you want a battery and charger included. Its 20 plus 1 clutch settings are useful for controlled fastening, and it offers hammer, drill and drive modes.
Don't switch battery platforms for a small feature difference alone. Consider which batteries you own, availability of compatible tools and whether the included kit components match your needs.
How to choose the right 2904-20 setup
Choose the 2904-20 when masonry capability and M18 battery compatibility both matter. It combines hammer, drill and drive functions in a single tool, with a metal chuck and a mechanical clutch.
Before buying, confirm that you have an M18 battery, or compare a kit option. Also consider how often you drill concrete, how large the holes will be and whether a rotary hammer better fits recurring heavy work.
Pick the 2903-20 if you don't need hammer mode and want a drill for driving and standard drilling. Pick the 2904-20 if you expect to work in brick, block or concrete, and choose a kit if you need a battery platform starter set.
Is the Milwaukee 2904-20 right for you?
The Milwaukee 2904-20 is a sensible M18 choice for mixed drilling and occasional masonry work. Its hammer mode, carbide-tooth chuck and mechanical clutch cover the main reasons to choose it over a standard drill driver.
Buy it if you already use M18 tools or plan to build around that platform. If you need only a general drill, compare the best cordless drills for everyday jobs before choosing a hammer model.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Milwaukee 2904-20 a hammer drill?
Yes. The Milwaukee 2904-20 has hammer drill mode for drilling into brick, block or concrete, alongside regular drilling and driving functions.
Use a masonry bit suited to the task and follow the tool manual.
For frequent or demanding concrete work, compare it with a rotary hammer.
Does the Milwaukee 2904-20 come with a battery?
No. The 2904-20 is sold as a bare tool, so you need a compatible Milwaukee M18 battery to use it.
Check whether you already own a battery before comparing it with a kit that includes one.
What is the difference between Milwaukee 2904-20 and 2903-20?
The 2904-20 adds hammer drill mode for masonry drilling, while the 2903-20 is a drill and driver without that mode. Both are M18 FUEL tools with a 1/2 in. chuck and mechanical clutch; the 2903-20 also has Auto-Stop Control Mode and an LED light.
Can the Milwaukee 2904-20 drill concrete?
It has a hammer mode intended for brick, block or concrete, so it can suit occasional masonry holes with an appropriate bit. Match the bit and hole size to the job and follow Milwaukee's instructions.
A rotary hammer is a better tool to compare for repeated heavy concrete drilling.
