Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hole Hawg Right Angle Drill

The M18 FUEL Hole Hawg Right Angle Drill by Milwaukee has been occupying a spot in my tool arsenal for a while now, and it has certainly provided mixed experiences. As a tool enthusiast and a professional in the trade, I have put this drill through its paces in various scenarios, from basic residential work to more demanding commercial tasks. Here are my thoughts on its performance, strengths, and areas where it falls short.

At first glance, the Hole Hawg impresses with its robust build quality. Weighing in at just over 7 pounds and featuring an ergonomic top handle, it promises ease of handling and reduced fatigue during extended use. The compact design, at 15.6 inches in length, makes it suitable for tight spaces, a common issue in wiring tasks. The Quik-Lok chuck is a welcomed feature, allowing for swift and tool-free bit changes. This is particularly handy when switching between different bit sizes on the fly.

One of the standout features of the Hole Hawg is its POWERSTATE brushless motor. It’s designed to provide consistent power under load, which is crucial for demanding drilling tasks. Milwaukee claims this drill can handle up to 220 holes with a 7/8" auger bit on a single charge, which, in theory, sounds fantastic. In my experience, using high output batteries, the battery life was indeed impressive, but not quite to the extent advertised. I was able to complete a significant portion of a house rough-in without needing to recharge, a notable improvement over some corded models that require constant power access and can be cumbersome to maneuver.

However, the Hole Hawg’s performance is not without its limitations. While it handles lighter tasks with ease, it does struggle with more demanding applications. For example, drilling through multiple studs or denser materials often causes the tool to bog down and even stop. This is a bit frustrating, especially when working on tasks that require continuous and reliable power. There were instances where the bit would get stuck, and the drill would shut down, leaving me to manually extricate the bit. This issue, coupled with occasional power cut-offs, raised questions about its reliability during high-stake projects.

Another area of concern is the drill’s performance in colder conditions. It seems that the Hole Hawg prefers warmer climates; in colder temperatures, it tends to struggle more and requires high-demand batteries to maintain performance. This can be a significant drawback for those working in colder environments or during winter months.

On a positive note, the tool’s lightweight design and balanced construction make it less fatiguing to use over long periods. This can’t be understated, as reduced operator fatigue can significantly enhance productivity and safety on the job site. The absence of a cord also means no more tripping hazards or time wasted untangling cords, which is a massive win for efficiency.

The ergonomics of the Hole Hawg are another highlight. The top handle provides a comfortable grip, which is crucial when maneuvering the drill in awkward positions or overhead. The variable speed trigger also allows for better control over drilling speed, which is particularly beneficial when precision is needed.

Despite these positives, the Hole Hawg’s power limitations do make it somewhat unreliable for heavy-duty tasks. This inconsistency can be a deal-breaker for professionals who require a tool that can effortlessly handle a wide range of drilling applications without hiccups. The frustration of frequent stalls and power cut-offs can outweigh the convenience of its cordless design.

In summary, the M18 FUEL Hole Hawg Right Angle Drill by Milwaukee is a mixed bag. It shines in terms of portability, ease of use, and battery life, which make it a solid choice for lighter, everyday tasks. However, its struggle with more demanding applications and colder conditions, along with occasional reliability issues, can’t be overlooked.

Would I recommend this tool? Yes, but with reservations. If you’re primarily dealing with lighter, less demanding drilling tasks and value the convenience of a cordless design, the Hole Hawg is a great addition to your toolkit. Its ergonomic design and ease of use make it a pleasure to work with for such applications. However, if your work involves drilling through multiple studs or denser materials frequently, you might find its power limitations frustrating. In such cases, considering an alternative with more consistent power delivery might be a better option.

Ultimately, the M18 FUEL Hole Hawg is a tool that offers significant benefits but also comes with limitations that need to be carefully weighed before making a purchase decision.