Inside Look: Is Milwaukee M18 GEN 3 1/2″ Hammer Drill Driver 2804-20 Worth The Upgrade?
Well the Red team is at it again updating their FUEL brushless Hammer Drills for the 3rd time, they say 3rd time is the charm! The 2704-22 generation 2 was a huge leap forward on the power side GEN 1 was 750 in-lbs to 1,200 in-lbs for GEN 2. When we look at the power change GEN 2 to GEN 3 2804-22 specs are pretty flat, with the same 1,200 in-lbs stated. That being said we weren’t really looking for more power here, already one of the most powerful in the market the 2804-22 really focuses on some other areas for improvement, going more compact and some other improvements.
From looking inside and out you can spot changes to two of the most common warranty issues we’ve seen from GEN 2, the switch is different and the chuck is different. Not to say these were big issues but when thousands of units go out clearly some come back. Having used the new chuck, it really feels better and we’re optimistic it’s going to be an improvement for the longevity of these tools. Also case with the M18 Drill/Drivers 2803-22 that use the same chucks.
Another big change is on the clutch, no longer a 2 ring system where first had drill/drive/hammer and the other had 24 torque settings. For the GEN 3 it’s all in 1 ring, Drill, Hammer, then 1-14 driver settings. Thank goodness, K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid) this works great, less parts to break and 14 options is plenty to set the torque output for driving screws especially since most people carry an impact for driving and these are more often drilling anyway.
In the demo above we also compared a few drilling applications where the GEN 3 seemed to outperform GEN 2 even though power specs are roughly the same. Of course every application will have different results but our guess would be that most of the time GEN 3 is going to outperform in part from improvements to power delivery here.
Lighter and more compact is always a welcome change, as long as the build quality remains high and heat dissipation is achieved which both look to be the case here. Shorter tip to tail means getting into tighter places which can be a real job saver. Also the LED light moves to the base of the tool which means better light on the work area, another small but welcome update.
Overall many of the changes from GEN 2 to GEN 3 are small but all together lead to a much better tool, not as big of a change as we saw in the M18 FUEL Impact Drivers 2753-22 to 2853-22 where there was lots of small tweaks but also noticeably more power. We are not going to recommend running out and trading in your GEN 2 Hammer drill for the new one but when it comes time for the upgrade you will be pleasantly surprised.
Launch Pitch on GEN 3 Drills from the Milwaukee NPS18 Event
This really answered my problem, thank you!
I’ve read some good stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how much effort you put to create such a excellent informative web site.
Hey there, You have performed an excellent job. I will definitely digg it and for my part recommend to my friends. I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this site.
I always was interested in this subject and stock still am, thankyou for posting.
I’m really loving the theme/design of your site. Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility issues? A small number of my blog readers have complained about my blog not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Chrome. Do you have any tips to help fix this issue?
I was suggested this website by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my trouble. You are wonderful! Thanks!
I’m still learning from you, but I’m trying to reach my goals. I certainly love reading everything that is posted on your website.Keep the aarticles coming. I loved it!
I have learn a few just right stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how a lot effort you place to make one of these magnificent informative website.
What i do not understood is actually how you’re now not actually a lot more neatly-preferred than you may be now. You are so intelligent. You know therefore considerably relating to this topic, produced me in my opinion imagine it from a lot of various angles. Its like men and women don’t seem to be fascinated unless it is something to accomplish with Woman gaga! Your personal stuffs outstanding. Always take care of it up!