Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hammer Drill
Score: 90/100
DeWalt DCD794B
Score: 75/100Rankings
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 DeWalt DCD794B is a compact, lightweight cordless drill/driver featuring a brushless motor, designed specifically for accessing tight spaces. It delivers 16% more power than its predecessor while maintaining a minimal footprint, making it ideal for general drilling and fastening tasks. While it excels in maneuverability, it lacks hammer drill functionality and has lower torque than heavy-duty models.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
12 V | 20 Vbest | |
400 in-lbsbest | 8.85 in-lbs | |
0.5 inbest | 0.5 inbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.998 kgbest | 1.09 kg |
1,700 RPMbest | 1,650 RPM | |
17 positionsbest | 15 positions | |
2 speedsbest | 2 speedsbest | |
3 yearsbest | 3 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Power & Performance(4) | ||
Voltage (V) | 12 V | 20 V |
Max Torque (in-lbs) | 400 in-lbs | 8.85 in-lbs |
No-Load Speed (RPM) | 1700 RPM | 1650 RPM |
Clutch Settings (positions) | 17 positions | 15 positions |
Design & Ergonomics(3) | ||
Weight (kg) | 0.998 kg | 1.09 kg |
Chuck Type | Keyless | Ratcheting |
Overall Length (in) | 6.0 in | 6.5 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.
The provided research data does not contain specific consumer reviews or detailed user feedback. Information suggests the tool is positioned as an entry-to-mid-level option for homeowners and contractors needing compact equipment, but specific user experiences, common praise, or complaints are not documented in these sources.
