Milwaukee 3/8” Hammer Drill/Driver Kit

Selecting the right drill for home and light professional use can be a daunting task with so many options available on the market. Recently, I had the opportunity to use the Milwaukee 3/8” Hammer Drill/Driver Kit (model 2408-22) extensively, and I wanted to share my insights on this compact powerhouse.

First Impressions and Build Quality

Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the compact and lightweight design of this drill. Weighing only 2.3 lbs and measuring just 7.6 inches in length, it is incredibly portable and easy to maneuver. The all-metal single-sleeve ratcheting chuck adds a robust feel to the tool, ensuring a better grip on bits which is essential for precise drilling and driving tasks.

The build quality of this Milwaukee drill exudes durability, a hallmark of the brand. It feels solid in hand, and the design is both ergonomic and well-balanced, making it comfortable to use for extended periods. Additionally, the built-in LED light is a thoughtful feature that significantly improves visibility in dimly lit areas, a common scenario on many job sites.

Performance and Versatility

This drill/driver’s motor delivers up to 275 in-lbs of torque, which is quite impressive for a 12V tool. The variable speed settings, ranging from 0-400 RPM for low speed and 0-1,500 RPM for high speed, provide versatility for different applications. Whether I was driving screws into wood or drilling into metal, the tool performed admirably.

One of the standout features is the hammer function, which offers up to 25,500 BPM. This function is particularly useful for light masonry work. However, it’s essential to manage expectations here. While the hammer function is effective for less demanding tasks, it’s not designed to replace a dedicated rotary hammer drill for heavy-duty masonry. For instance, drilling into a poured concrete wall was a bit of a struggle, and I had to revert to my corded Bosch bulldog for that task. For lighter masonry tasks, though, this drill is more than capable.

Battery Life and Charging

The kit includes two 12V Lithium-Ion batteries, which is a significant advantage. The onboard battery fuel gauge is a practical addition, allowing me to monitor the remaining charge easily. I appreciated the quick charging time; the charger can fully recharge a battery in under 30 minutes, minimizing downtime. However, I did encounter an issue with one of the batteries being dead on arrival. It’s a minor inconvenience that was resolved with a quick replacement, but it’s worth noting for potential buyers.

User Experience

Using this drill for various home renovation projects and light professional tasks has been a generally positive experience. The lightweight and compact form factor made it easy to use in tight spaces and for overhead work. The high torque and dual-speed settings provided the necessary power and control for a range of tasks, from driving deck screws to drilling holes for mounting brackets.

One of the minor downsides I encountered was the application selector being somewhat hard to turn. While it didn’t significantly hinder my work, it’s an area where Milwaukee could improve. Additionally, the chuck did tend to loosen occasionally during extended use, particularly when using the hammer function. This required periodic retightening to ensure the bit remained secure.

Comparison with Other Tools

Having used other cordless drills in the past, such as the Dewalt DW926 and Makita 7.2V, I found the Milwaukee 3/8” Hammer Drill/Driver to be a superior option in many aspects. The grip and balance were excellent, and the added features like the LED light and battery fuel gauge made it a more user-friendly tool. Compared to my old Dewalt, this Milwaukee drill offered more power and a longer battery life, making it a more reliable choice for demanding tasks.

Final Thoughts

The Milwaukee 3/8” Hammer Drill/Driver Kit is an excellent addition to any toolkit, especially for those who need a reliable, versatile, and portable drill for home use or light professional tasks. Its compact size, lightweight design, and robust build quality make it a pleasure to use, and the performance is more than adequate for a wide range of applications.

While it may not replace a heavy-duty rotary hammer drill for serious masonry work, it excels in other areas, offering sufficient power and versatility for most DIY and light professional projects. The quick charging batteries and the included features like the LED light and battery fuel gauge add to its overall value.

Recommendation

I would highly recommend the Milwaukee 3/8” Hammer Drill/Driver Kit to homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and light professional users. Its combination of portability, power, and thoughtful features make it a reliable tool that’s easy to use and capable of handling a broad spectrum of tasks. The minor issues with the chuck and application selector are outweighed by the tool’s overall performance and convenience. If you’re in the market for a versatile and compact drill/driver, this Milwaukee model is a solid choice.