Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hammer Drill
Score: 90/100
BLACK+DECKER BCD382DS1
Score: 68/100Rankings
The Milwaukee M12 FUEL 1/2" Hammer Drill is the most compact and lightweight hammer drill in its 12V class, featuring a POWERSTATE brushless motor and REDLINK PLUS intelligence. It delivers high torque and speed in a subcompact form factor, making it ideal for tight spaces and all-day use by tradespeople. Best suited for professionals such as electricians, plumbers, and HVAC techs who need a lightweight, compact drill for overhead, confined, or all-day use without fatigue.
The BLACK+DECKER BCD382DS1 is a lightweight, entry-level 20V cordless drill designed for household DIY tasks and light construction. It offers good value with a complete kit including battery and charger, though its brushed motor and limited torque make it unsuitable for professional heavy-duty applications. It is best suited for beginners and occasional users who prioritize affordability and ease of use.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
12 V | 20 Vbest | |
400 in-lbsbest | 398 in-lbs | |
0.5 inbest | 0.5 inbest | |
— | 2 Ahbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.998 kgbest | 1.83 kg |
1,700 RPMbest | — | |
17 positionsbest | 11 positions | |
2 speedsbest | 2 speedsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Power & Performance(5) | ||
Voltage (V) | 12 V | 20 V |
Max Torque (in-lbs) | 400 in-lbs | 398 in-lbs |
Motor Type | Brushless | Brushed |
No-Load Speed (RPM) | 1700 RPM | null RPM |
Clutch Settings (positions) | 17 positions | 11 positions |
Battery & Runtime(1) | ||
Battery Type | Lithium-Ion | Lithium Ion |
Support & Extras(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 3 years | 2 years |
Design & Ergonomics(3) | ||
Weight (kg) | 0.998 kg | 1.83 kg |
Trigger Type | Variable Speed | Variable |
Overall Length (in) | 6.0 in | 13.4 in |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers and editors praise the Milwaukee M12 FUEL Hammer Drill as the most capable 12V hammer drill on the market, highlighting its class-leading compactness, power, and balance. Experts specifically commend its unrivaled performance, durability due to all-metal construction, and the widest application range in the high-speed subcompact category, noting that it complements impact drivers well for versatile bit usage.
Everyday users commonly praise the tool's portability, low fatigue, and surprising power for its size, particularly noting its effectiveness in wood, metal, and masonry. Recurring themes include appreciation for the LED light and variable trigger, but complaints focus on the need for precise clutch adjustment to avoid over-speeding in delicate tasks and a desire for more torque in very tough materials.
“Perfect for light DIY projects”
“Lightweight and easy to handle”
“LED light is very useful”
Choose BLACK+DECKER for the best budget option, or Milwaukee for the best professional-grade compact tool.
Professional reviewers position this as an entry-level tool suitable for light household tasks but not recommended for professional contractors or frequent heavy use.
Users praise the lightweight design, LED light, and value for price, but complain about insufficient power for serious work and slow charging.
