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Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2904-20 Hammer Drill vs Milwaukee 3601-20 M18 Compact Drill/Driver

Both are bare-tool Milwaukee M18 drills, so the real choice is hammer capability versus size. The 2904-20 is the more capable tool: 1,400 in-lbs of torque, a hammer mode for masonry, and AutoStop bind-up control, at 3.3 lb and 6.9 in. The 3601-20 is a compact drill/driver at 550 in-lbs, 2.3 lb and 5.7 in, with no hammer function. Buy the 2904-20 for heavy drilling and concrete; buy the 3601-20 for light work in tight or overhead spots.

  • Choose the Milwaukee 2904-20 if you drill large holes, work in masonry, or want one drill that covers heavy jobs.
  • Choose the Milwaukee 3601-20 if you mostly drive screws and drill small holes and want the lightest, shortest tool.

Prices

  • Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2904-20 Hammer Drill: $129.99 at eBay (last seen Nov 8)
  • Milwaukee 3601-20 M18 Compact Drill/Driver: $74.99 at Genuine Tools (last seen Nov 8)
  • Difference: the Milwaukee 3601-20 M18 Compact Drill/Driver is $55.00 cheaper than the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2904-20 Hammer Drill at the latest prices (Nov 8)
Milwaukee
Milwaukee 2904-20 Hammer Drill

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2904-20 Hammer Drill

Milwaukee 2904-20 Hammer Drill

4.2(91 ratings)
$129.99at eBayChecked Nov 8
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Hammer mode handles masonry
  • Highest torque in the M18 drill class
  • AutoStop limits kickback on bind-ups
  • Two speed ranges for drilling and fastening
  • 5-year limited warranty
Cons
  • Heavier at 3.3 lb
  • Longer body than the compact model
  • No battery or charger included
Milwaukee
Milwaukee 3601-20 M18 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Compact Drill/Driver

Milwaukee 3601-20 M18 Compact Drill/Driver

Milwaukee 3601-20 M18 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Compact Drill/Driver

5(3 ratings)
$74.99at Genuine ToolsChecked Nov 8
See all prices and details
Visit Genuine Tools
Pros
  • Very light at 2.3 lb
  • Short 5.7 in body reaches tight spots
  • All-metal gear case and chuck
  • Simple single-speed operation
  • 5-year limited warranty
Cons
  • No hammer function
  • 550 in-lbs limits large-hole drilling
  • No battery or charger included

What separates them

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2904-20 Hammer DrillMilwaukee 3601-20 M18 Compact Drill/Driver
Hammer functionYes, for masonry and concreteNo, drill/driver only
Torque1,400 in-lbs550 in-lbs
Weight3.3 lb2.3 lb
Length6.9 in5.7 in
Speed rangeTwo ranges, 0-500 and 0-2,100 rpmSingle range, 0-1,700 rpm
Safety electronicsAutoStop bind-up control and REDLINK PLUSREDLINK Intelligence
Chuck1/2 in all-metal ratcheting1/2 in metal chuck
In the boxBare tool, no battery or chargerBare tool, no battery or charger

Price history

$199.99$84.75
Nov 1Nov 10
  • Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2904-20 Hammer Drill: lowest $139.99 on Nov 1 at eBay; $139.99 on Nov 9.
  • Milwaukee 3601-20 M18 Compact Drill/Driver: lowest $84.75 on Nov 10 at eBay.

Prices at every store

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2904-20 Hammer Drill

  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by dj.tools (99.8% positive, 1,220 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $129.99Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit eBay
  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by UnivaDealsReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $169.00Free shippingChecked 12 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • Way SourceNew

    Availability unknown

    $149.00Checked Nov 1
    Visit Way Source
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $169.00Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

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All 29 stores and price history →

Milwaukee 3601-20 M18 Compact Drill/Driver

  • Genuine ToolsNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $74.99Checked Nov 8
    Visit Genuine Tools
  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Quick fast shipping

    $99.02Free shippingChecked 8 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by wazyexpress

    $84.75Checked 8 h ago
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $111.85Free shippingChecked 8 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 17 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecMilwaukee M18 FUEL 2904-20 Hammer DrillMilwaukee 3601-20 M18 Compact Drill/Driver
colorBlack—
size6.770 x 4.020 x 7.950 in—
Chuck size1/2"—
Chuck typeAll Metal Ratcheting—
Speed settings0-500 rpm/0-2100 RPMI—
Hammer functionYes—
Overall length6.9"—
Torque1400 in-lbs—
Voltage18—
Tool weight3.3 lb—
Dimensions6.95 x x 2.38 in—
Battery includedNo—
Show all 28 specsShow fewer specs
SpecMilwaukee M18 FUEL 2904-20 Hammer DrillMilwaukee 3601-20 M18 Compact Drill/Driver
Charger includedNo—
Warranty5 year limited warranty—
Power TypeCordless—
Brushless MotorYes—
Impact FunctionYes—
Type of ScrewdriverDrill Driver—
Power SourceBattery—
Voltage (V)18.0—
LED LightingYes—
Forward/Reverse Control

What reviewers say

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2904-20 Hammer Drill

  • 4.2 / 591 ratings

Owners rate it 4.2 out of 5 across 91 ratings and mostly praise the power and compact length. Complaints center on weight and on buying batteries separately.

What people mention
  • PowerPraisedOwners say it drills large holes in hardwood without bogging down.
  • SizePraisedThe 6.9-inch length lets it fit between studs and inside cabinets.
  • WeightCriticisedSome find it heavy for overhead or one-handed work once a battery is on.
  • BatteryMixedRuntime is good on M18 packs, but the tool ships without one.

Milwaukee 3601-20 M18 Compact Drill/Driver

Owners and reviewers consistently praise the Milwaukee 3601-20 for its compact size, light weight, and strong performance. Many highlight its durability and smooth operation, though some wish it included a work light and note the bare-tool package requires existing M18 batteries.

What people mention
  • Size and weightPraisedUsers love how compact and light the drill is, making it easy to use in tight spots and overhead.
  • PowerPraisedReviewers are impressed by the 550 in-lbs of torque and brushless motor performance.
  • Build qualityPraisedThe all-metal chuck and gear case are frequently mentioned as signs of durability.
  • Work lightCriticisedSome users miss having an LED work light for dark areas.

Questions and answers

Which is better for drilling into concrete?
The 2904-20. It has a hammer mode and far more torque. The 3601-20 is a drill/driver and will struggle in masonry.
Which is better for overhead work?
The 3601-20. At 2.3 lb and 5.7 in it is easier to hold up and fits into tighter spaces.
Do both use the same batteries?
Yes. Both run on Milwaukee M18 batteries, and neither includes a battery or charger.
Is the 2904-20 worth stepping up to?
If you drill large holes or work in concrete, yes. The extra torque and hammer mode do jobs the 3601-20 cannot.
Which lasts longer?
Both use brushless motors and all-metal chucks and carry a 5-year limited warranty. The 2904-20's heavier build suits harder use.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best cordless drills for home use
  • Best cordless hammer drills
No
—
Auto LockNo—
Drill FunctionYes—
Multiple GearsNo—
No. of Batteries (pcs)0—
BrushlessYes—
Weight (lb)3.3—