Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hammer Drill
Score: 88/100
DEWALT DCD799B
Score: 88/100Rankings
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 and plumbers who need a lightweight, compact drill for overhead, confined, or all-day use without fatigue.
The DEWALT DCD799B is a bare-tool, 20V MAX* ATOMIC COMPACT SERIES brushless hammer drill designed for high performance in confined spaces. Its primary limitation is the lack of included batteries and charger, requiring users to invest in the 20V MAX ecosystem. It is best suited for professionals such as electricians and plumbers who need maximum power in tight areas.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
12 V | 20 Vbest | |
12.7 mmbest | 12.7 mmbest | |
22,500 BPM | 28,050 BPMbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 1 kgbest | 1.15 kg |
400 in-lbsbest | — | |
1,700 RPMbest | 1,650 RPM | |
2best | 2best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Power & Energy(1) | ||
Voltage (V) | 12 V | 20 V |
Ergonomics & Design(2) | ||
Weight (kg) | 1.0 kg | 1.15 kg |
Handle Type | Pistol Grip | None |
Performance & Speed(2) | ||
Impact Rate (BPM) | 22500 BPM | 28050 BPM |
No-Load Speed (RPM) | 1700 RPM | 1650 RPM |
Features & Safety(1) | ||
Operating Modes | 2 | Drill/Hammer |
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.
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.
Professional reviewers, including Pro Tool Reviews, designate the DCD799B as the 'king of the Atomic drill line' due to its combination of highest power output (tested at 520-585 UWO) and compact 6.5-inch form factor. It is highly recommended for professionals who need hammer drill capabilities in a reduced-size profile.
Search results indicate a lack of direct consumer reviews, but common themes from product contexts highlight praise for its compact power and masonry performance in tight spaces. There are no recurring complaints noted in the available data, suggesting general satisfaction with its utility for confined area work.
