Which is better for drilling into brick or concrete?

The M18 FUEL Hammer Drill/Driver. It has a hammer mode at up to 32,000 BPM and 1,200 in-lbs of torque. The compact drill/driver has no hammer function.

Is the FUEL kit worth the extra money?

If you drill masonry or large holes, yes. You get hammer mode, two 5.0 Ah batteries, a side handle and a case. If you only drive screws, the compact kit with its bit set covers that for less.

Which one lasts longer on a charge?

The FUEL kit. It ships with two 5.0 Ah packs against one 2.0 Ah pack on the compact drill, so it runs more than twice as long per pack.

Can I use the same batteries on both?

Yes. Both are M18 18V tools, so any M18 pack fits either drill. The FUEL kit's charger also charges M12 batteries.

Which is easier to use overhead?

The compact drill/driver. It is lighter than the 3.2 lb FUEL hammer drill, which matters when working above your head.

Does the compact kit include a case?

No case is listed. It includes the drill, one 2.0 Ah battery, a charger and a 120-piece bit set. The FUEL kit includes a blow-molded case.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/2" Hammer Drill/Driver Kit vs Milwaukee M18 18V Brushless Cordless Compact Drill/Driver with 2.0 Ah Battery, Charger and 120-Piece Bit Set

Buy the M18 FUEL Hammer Drill/Driver Kit (A) if you drill masonry, bore large holes, or want the most power and speed in a compact body. Buy the M18 Brushless Compact Drill/Driver with 2.0 Ah battery and 120-piece bit set (B) if you mostly drive screws and drill wood or metal and want a ready-to-work kit. A's best new price is $229.00 at The Home Depot as of November 3, 2026; B's price was not given, so compare it against that figure. A has swung from $110.99 on October 30 to $284.97 on November 2, so its price moves a lot.

Ask our shopping agent