Is the M18 FUEL drill worth it over a cheaper brushed drill?

For frequent or heavy use, yes. The brushless motor delivers more torque and runs cooler, and the metal chuck and build hold up better over time. For occasional light tasks, a cheaper compact drill is enough.

Does it come with a battery and charger?

Kit versions include an M18 battery and charger; bare-tool versions do not. Check which version you are buying, since the bare tool needs M18 batteries you may already own.

How does it compare with compact 18V drills?

It has more torque and a sturdier chuck but is heavier and bulkier. Compact drills from DeWalt and Makita fit tighter spaces better; this one is built for sustained heavy work.

What can the 1/2 in chuck hold?

The all-metal 1/2 in chuck takes standard round and hex shank bits up to 1/2 in, covering drill bits, driver bits and hole saws with the right shank.

Can it drive screws as well as drill holes?

Yes. The clutch and variable-speed trigger let you set torque for driving screws, and the low gear gives control for larger fasteners.

Does it work with all M18 batteries?

Yes, it runs on the M18 18V battery platform, including high-capacity packs. Larger packs add runtime but also weight.

What do buyers say about the Milwaukee M18 18V 1/2 in Cordless Drill Driver?

Rated 5 out of 5 from 1 ratings.

Where can I buy the Milwaukee M18 18V 1/2 in Cordless Drill Driver?

4 stores we checked sell it, including The Home Depot, Ace Hardware, NAPA, Walmart.

Milwaukee M18 18V 1/2 in Cordless Drill Driver

Best price now

$249.99at WalmartChecked Nov 9

Compared across 4 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Milwaukee M18 18V 1/2 in Cordless Drill Driver

Best price now

$249.99at WalmartChecked Nov 9

Compared across 4 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Price facts

Last seen at $249.99 at Walmart on Nov 9.
Checked at 4 stores.

Our take on the Milwaukee M18 18V 1/2 in Cordless Drill Driver

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/2 in Drill Driver is a brushless cordless drill built on Milwaukee's 18V M18 battery platform. Its POWERSTATE brushless motor and REDLINK electronics deliver strong torque and speed for heavy drilling and driving, and the all-metal 1/2 in chuck grips bits firmly. It suits tradespeople and serious DIYers who already own M18 batteries; casual homeowners may find it heavier and more powerful than they need. Against compact 18V drills from DeWalt and Makita it trades some size and weight for torque and durability, and reviewers consistently rate its build quality high.

Best forTradespeople and contractorsHeavy drilling into wood, metal and masonryOwners already on the M18 battery platformDemanding DIY and remodeling work

Pros

Brushless motor with strong torque for tough drilling and driving
All-metal 1/2 in chuck holds bits securely
Runs on the widely shared M18 18V battery platform
Durable build that holds up to daily job-site use
Good speed control and clutch for precise driving

Cons

Heavier and bulkier than compact 18V drills
Bare-tool versions need batteries and charger bought separately
More power and cost than light household tasks require
Chuck and body are large for tight spaces

Milwaukee M18 18V 1/2 in Cordless Drill Driver prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by The TOOL GUYReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$249.99Free shippingChecked Nov 9
Visit Walmart
The Home DepotNew
In stock
$289.00Free shippingChecked Nov 9
Visit The Home Depot
Ace HardwareNew
In stock
$289.00Free shippingChecked Nov 9
Visit Ace Hardware
NAPANew
In stock
$319.99Checked Nov 9
Visit NAPA

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

Milwaukee M18 18V 1/2 in Cordless Drill Driver price history

Lowest price we've seen: $289.00 on Nov 9 at The Home Depot. Tracked across 3 stores since Nov 9.

What reviewers say

Reviewers and owners rate the M18 FUEL drill highly for power, build quality and chuck grip. Most criticism centers on its weight and size compared with compact drills, and on the extra cost of batteries if you are not already on the M18 platform.

What people mention

PowerPraisedOwners say it drills and drives through tough material without bogging down.
Build qualityPraisedReviewers describe the tool as solid and durable for daily use.
ChuckPraisedThe all-metal 1/2 in chuck is said to grip bits firmly with little slipping.
WeightCriticisedSome owners find it heavier than compact 18V drills for overhead or long use.
SizeMixedThe larger body and chuck limit access in tight spots, though many accept it for the power.
Battery platformMixedM18 compatibility is valued by existing owners, but new buyers must add batteries and a charger.

About the Milwaukee M18 18V 1/2 in Cordless Drill Driver

M18 FUEL 1/2 DRILL DRV KIT

Specifications

color: YellowSource
size: 16.970 x 5.590 x 13.900 inSource

Questions and answers

Is the M18 FUEL drill worth it over a cheaper brushed drill?: For frequent or heavy use, yes. The brushless motor delivers more torque and runs cooler, and the metal chuck and build hold up better over time. For occasional light tasks, a cheaper compact drill is enough.
Does it come with a battery and charger?: Kit versions include an M18 battery and charger; bare-tool versions do not. Check which version you are buying, since the bare tool needs M18 batteries you may already own.
How does it compare with compact 18V drills?: It has more torque and a sturdier chuck but is heavier and bulkier. Compact drills from DeWalt and Makita fit tighter spaces better; this one is built for sustained heavy work.
What can the 1/2 in chuck hold?: The all-metal 1/2 in chuck takes standard round and hex shank bits up to 1/2 in, covering drill bits, driver bits and hole saws with the right shank.
Can it drive screws as well as drill holes?: Yes. The clutch and variable-speed trigger let you set torque for driving screws, and the low gear gives control for larger fasteners.
Does it work with all M18 batteries?: Yes, it runs on the M18 18V battery platform, including high-capacity packs. Larger packs add runtime but also weight.
Where is the Milwaukee M18 18V 1/2 in Cordless Drill Driver cheapest?: At Walmart, for $249.99, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Milwaukee M18 18V 1/2 in Cordless Drill Driver?: Rated 5 out of 5 from 1 ratings.
Where can I buy the Milwaukee M18 18V 1/2 in Cordless Drill Driver?: 4 stores we checked sell it, including The Home Depot, Ace Hardware, NAPA, Walmart.