Milwaukee 3/8” Hammer Drill/Driver

A reliable hammer drill/driver is an essential addition to any tool collection, whether you're a seasoned professional or a weekend DIY enthusiast. Recently, I had the opportunity to work with the Milwaukee 3/8” Hammer Drill/Driver (model 2408-20), a cordless unit that promises to bring portability and power to your projects. Here’s my experience with this compact yet capable tool.

Design and Build Quality

Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the compact and lightweight design. At just 2.3 lbs, the Milwaukee 3/8” Hammer Drill/Driver is incredibly easy to handle, making it ideal for extended use and tight spaces. The ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip, helping to reduce fatigue during longer projects. The tool feels solidly built, with a metal ratcheting chuck that enhances durability and ensures a firm grip on drill bits.

Performance

The Milwaukee 3/8” Hammer Drill/Driver boasts up to 275 in-lbs of torque, which is quite impressive for its size. It offers two speed ranges (0-400 RPM and 0-1,500 RPM), allowing you to adjust the speed based on the task at hand. This flexibility is particularly useful when switching between drilling and driving applications.

I found the hammer function to be effective for light-duty tasks, such as drilling into brick or softer masonry. Although it doesn't have the brute force of a larger corded hammer drill, it performs admirably for smaller, more precise jobs. It’s worth noting that the hammer action is louder than some other models I’ve used, so wearing proper hearing protection is advisable.

Usability

One of the standout features of this drill/driver is the on-board battery fuel gauge, which displays the remaining run time. This is incredibly useful for planning your work and avoiding unexpected interruptions. The tool is powered by Milwaukee’s M12 battery system, which provides a good balance between power and portability. I appreciated the quick charging time – the battery reaches a full charge in under 30 minutes, minimizing downtime.

However, I did encounter a few minor issues. The application selector can be a bit stiff, making it slightly challenging to switch between drill, driver, and hammer modes. Additionally, the chuck has a tendency to loosen during use, especially in hammer mode. This required periodic stops to re-tighten, which can be frustrating during intensive tasks.

Battery Life

The battery life is commendable, especially considering the tool’s compact size. With the standard 1.6 Ah battery, I was able to complete several small projects before needing a recharge. For more demanding tasks, upgrading to a higher capacity battery, like the XC 4.0, provides extended runtime and better stability when standing the tool upright.

Versatility

The Milwaukee 3/8” Hammer Drill/Driver is a versatile tool suitable for a wide range of applications. From woodworking to light masonry and metal drilling, it can handle most tasks you’d encounter in home maintenance and small building projects. Its compact size and lightweight design also make it an excellent choice for working in tight spaces or overhead.

Durability

Milwaukee has a reputation for producing high-quality, reliable tools, and the 3/8” Hammer Drill/Driver is no exception. The metal ratcheting chuck and overall build quality give it a sturdy feel, and the 5-year limited warranty provides peace of mind.

Value for Money

Considering its performance, build quality, and versatility, the Milwaukee 3/8” Hammer Drill/Driver offers excellent value for money. It’s priced competitively against other cordless hammer drills in its class, and the added features like the battery fuel gauge and ergonomic design enhance its overall value.

Final Thoughts

The Milwaukee 3/8” Hammer Drill/Driver is a well-rounded tool that delivers on its promise of portability and performance. While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as the occasionally troublesome chuck and stiff application selector, these are outweighed by its many strengths. Its lightweight design, good battery life, and versatile performance make it a valuable addition to any toolkit.

Recommendation

I would recommend the Milwaukee 3/8” Hammer Drill/Driver for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts who need a reliable, compact tool for a variety of tasks. It’s particularly well-suited for light to medium-duty projects, where its portability and ease of use shine. Professionals might find it useful as a supplementary tool for smaller jobs or tight spaces, but for heavy-duty, continuous use, a larger, more powerful model might be more appropriate.

Overall, the Milwaukee 3/8” Hammer Drill/Driver strikes a fine balance between power, convenience, and affordability, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to expand their tool collection.