Milwaukee Advances the Compact Side of Its Cordless Concrete-Drilling Lineup
Not every job calls for a full-size rotary hammer, but you also need to have enough power on hand to get the job done right. Milwaukee’s latest addition to the M18 Fuel rotary hammer lineup aims to deliver that balance between compact size and Pro-grade performance. Today, I’m digging deeper into the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 5/8-Inch SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer so you can decide whether the deserves a spot in your concrete-drilling rotation.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Performance
- No-Load Speed: 1,400 RPM
- Impact Rate: 5,100 BPM
- Impact Energy: 1.25 ft-lbs (1.69 J)
- Max Bit Diameter: 5/8 in. (concrete), 1/2 in. (wood), 3/8 in. (steel)
Drilling Power
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2908 rotary hammer features a brushless motor that produces 1,400 RPMs, 5,100 BPM, and 1.25 ft-lbs (1.69 J) of impact energy. This tool falls in the 5/8-inch class, but we saw the best performance with 3/8-inch bits and under. It’s certainly capable of drilling holes in concrete up to 5/8 inches, but it’s not as fast as Milwaukee’s larger SDS-Plus Rotary Hammers.
Like the last M18 5/8-inch model (2612), the M18 Fuel 2908 has two drilling modes. Now, it also has a chisel mode for light material removal, adding an extra layer of versatility to this compact tool.
Vibration
Vibration is one of those factors that’s pretty hard to eliminate altogether simply due to the nature of the tool. However, Milwaukee incorporated a small vibration-damping zone into the main handle, and the 360-degree auxiliary handle also offers some relief.
AutoStop Anti-Kickback Protection
Any time you use a rotary tool, whether it’s a standard drill driver or something more advanced like a core drill, the potential for bind-ups is ever present. To combat this risk, Milwaukee employs its AutoStop anti-kickback sensors, which automatically stop rotation if the tool jerks suddenly.
HammerVac Dust Collection
As we’ve seen with other brands, Milwaukee pairs this rotary hammer with a removable dust extractor. However, the Milwaukee HammerVac is not powered and doesn’t connect to the tool’s battery. Instead, it siphons away dust by harnessing the natural airflow created by the cooling fans inside the motor housing.
This system does a good job of capturing airborne concrete dust particles but tends to leave a small amount of heavier particles dust behind. With that said, the HammerVac is OSHA Table 1 compliant and sports a manual filter cleaning button on the front of the collection bin.
There’s also a drilling depth gauge on the retractable vacuum tube for added convenience.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Design Notes
- Model: Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2908
- Power Source: Milwaukee M18 battery
- Weight: 3.8 lbs (bare tool), 5.2 lbs (with CP3.0Ah battery), 7.1 lbs (with battery and HammerVac)
- Tool Length: 10.5 in.
Size and Weight
The Milwaukee 2908 weighs 3.8 pounds as a bare tool, 5.2 pounds with the kitted CP3.0Ah battery, and 7.1 pounds with the HammerVac attached. This tool is relatively lightweight and easy to maneuver, even one-handed or overhead.
On top of being lightweight, the 2908 is also compact. It measures 10 1/2 inches from tip to tail and stands a mere 6 3/4 inches tall. Again, this makes it a great option for drilling overhead or in cramped quarters.
Quick Model Comparison
If you’re still on the fence about which tool is right for you, here’s a quick comparison between three of Milwaukee’s 5/8-inch models.
| 2908 (new) | 2612 (old) | 2508 (M12) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-Load Speed | 1,400 RPM | 1,300 RPM | 1,200 RPM |
| Impact Rate | 5,100 BPM | 7,000 BPM | 4,400 BPM |
| Impact Energy | 1.25 ft-lbs (1.69 J) | 1 ft-lbs (1.35 J) | 0.89 ft-lbs (1.2 J) |
| Max Bit Diameter | 5/8 in. | 5/8 in. | 5/8 in. |
| Modes | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Fuel | Yes | No | Yes |
As you can see, there are some clear differences in speed and power, but the real question is whether you should upgrade from the M18 2612. To me, this is a no-brainer. There are some noticeable performance improvements, and the addition of the HammerVac is a major benefit for Pros.
If your goal is to go with the lightest option, the M12 Fuel 2508 is a great choice, too. However, it won’t offer the same drilling and chipping performance as the 2908.
Additional Features
- Adjustable depth rod
- LED work light
- Folding rafter hook
- Compatible with all Milwaukee M18 batteries
Milwaukee M18 Fuel SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Price
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2908 retails for $269 as a bare tool and $599 as a kit. The kit includes two CP3.0Ah batteries, a charger, Milwaukee’s HammerVac, and a hard-shell storage case. It’s also backed by a 5-year tool warranty and a 3-year battery warranty.
The Bottom Line
Overall, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2908 SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer is a capable and well-rounded solution for small-diameter concrete drilling jobs. Its compact design, solid performance, and thoughtful safety features make it an excellent choice for electricians, plumbers, and general contractors alike.
While it may not match the speed or power of larger SDS-Plus models, its portability and precision help it shine in situations where size and maneuverability matter most, especially in overhead applications. If you’re on the hunt for a pint-sized workhorse to round out your rotary hammer arsenal, the Milwaukee 2908 is a compelling option.
