Quick verdict
The Milwaukee 2904-20 does more: hammer mode, more torque and bind protection in a body nearly as compact. The DeWalt DCD800 is lighter and cheaper and enough for timber. Buy by platform if you have one; on a blank sheet the Milwaukee is the more capable drill.
Milwaukee 2904-20 M18 FUEL Hammer Drill
The 2904-20 is the M18 FUEL Gen 4 hammer drill with 1,400 inch-pounds of peak torque, 2,100 RPM, an all-metal carbide chuck and AUTOSTOP bind control. It does everything the DCD800 does with more torque, adds a hammer mode for masonry and shares batteries with Milwaukee M18 yard tools.
DeWalt DCD800 compact drill driver versus Milwaukee 2904-20 M18 FUEL hammer drill: hammer mode, torque, bind control, chuck, weight and platform compared from published specifications.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score /100 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee 2904-20 M18 FUEL Hammer Drill | Best Compact Hammer Drill | 9.1 | Check price |
| DeWalt DCD800 20V MAX XR Drill Driver | Best Light Drill Driver | 8.6 | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
Milwaukee 2904-20 M18 FUEL Hammer Drill
The 2904-20 is the M18 FUEL Gen 4 hammer drill with 1,400 inch-pounds of peak torque, 2,100 RPM, an all-metal carbide chuck and AUTOSTOP bind control. It does everything the DCD800 does with more torque, adds a hammer mode for masonry and shares batteries with Milwaukee M18 yard tools.
Reasons to buy
- Hammer mode included
- 1,400 in-lbs peak torque
- AUTOSTOP bind control
- All-metal carbide chuck
Reasons to avoid
- Costs more
- Slightly heavier
- Milwaukee M18 platform only
DeWalt DCD800 20V MAX XR Drill Driver
The DCD800 is the compact XR drill driver: brushless, two speeds, a half-inch ratcheting chuck and no hammer mode, light enough for a day on a ladder. It covers deck, fence and shed timber work and shares batteries with DeWalt 20V yard tools.
Reasons to buy
- Lightest of the two
- Brushless with ratcheting chuck
- Lowest price
- DeWalt 20V MAX platform
Reasons to avoid
- No hammer mode
- Less torque
- No bind protection
Where these two differ
This is a drill driver against a hammer drill of the same compact class. The DCD800 is lighter and cheaper with no hammer mode; the 2904-20 has a hammer mode, more torque, a stronger chuck and bind control. The DeWalt is enough for timber; the Milwaukee is enough for timber and concrete.
This comparison is based on the published specifications and manuals for both drills and on recurring owner feedback. We have not run either drill ourselves.
| Specification | DCD800 | 2904-20 |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | DeWalt 20V MAX | Milwaukee M18 |
| Hammer mode | No | Yes |
| Torque | 1,000 UWO rating | 1,400 in-lbs peak |
| Top speed | 2,000 RPM | 2,100 RPM |
| Bind control | None | AUTOSTOP |
| Weight | Lighter | Slightly heavier |
Timber work
Decking, fencing, pergolas and sheds on bearers are drill-driver jobs and the DCD800 does them with the least weight in the hand. The 2904-20 does them too, and its stronger chuck and torque show on large spade and auger bits.
Masonry
A post base on a patio, a shed on a slab, a light on a brick pier: the Milwaukee hammers through them and the DeWalt does not. For a yard with any concrete, that ends the comparison unless the DeWalt owner adds a DCD805.
Control
AUTOSTOP on the Milwaukee cuts the motor when a bit binds and the tool tries to twist. The DCD800 has a mechanical clutch set by hand. With big bits the difference is a sore wrist.
Weight and price
The DCD800 is the lighter tool and the cheaper one, in kits and bare. The 2904-20 asks more and gives a hammer mode, torque and chuck quality for it.
Yard jobs this decides
Every timber job is a draw: deck screws, fence rails, pergola hardware, raised bed frames, a bulb auger in spring. The split comes at concrete. A post base on a patio, a shed base on a slab, a hose reel or a light on brick: the Milwaukee hammers through them and the DeWalt drill driver does not. Big bits are the second split. A two-inch auger or a four-inch hole saw loads the chuck and can bind, and the Milwaukee stops itself while the DeWalt depends on the clutch setting and the grip.
Batteries and runtime
Both are efficient brushless motors and both run an afternoon of light work on a compact pack. On heavy jobs the Milwaukee draws more and wants a 5 Ah pack, which it shares with M18 blowers and trimmers. The DeWalt is happy on a 2 Ah pack for most of its life. Neither has a runtime problem for yard use.
Setup tips
Set the clutch low for deck screws so heads seat flush, and keep the mode collar on drill rather than hammer for timber on the Milwaukee. A compact 2 Ah pack keeps either drill balanced for overhead work; swap to a 5 Ah pack when a big bit goes in the chuck.
Common owner complaints
DCD800 owners sometimes wish for a hammer mode after buying. 2904-20 owners mention price and AUTOSTOP tripping on dull bits. Neither has a reliability pattern.
Which one should you buy
Buy the DCD800 if you own DeWalt 20V tools, work in timber and want the lightest drill. Buy the 2904-20 if you own M18 tools, have any masonry to drill or want the most capable compact drill and are starting a platform. If you are a DeWalt owner with concrete, the DCD805 is the drill to compare instead.
Our verdict
The Milwaukee 2904-20 is the more capable drill and takes the comparison. The DeWalt DCD800 is the better value for a timber yard and the lighter tool.
How we research
This comparison is built from the published specifications, manuals and warranty terms of both products and from recurring owner feedback. We have not run either product ourselves; where the makers do not publish a figure we say so rather than guess.
What to look for
Platform
Batteries already owned decide this for most people.
Masonry
Only the Milwaukee hammers. Any concrete rules the DCD800 out.
Weight
The DeWalt is lighter, which matters overhead.
Price
The DeWalt costs less; the Milwaukee gives more for it.
Our verdict
The Milwaukee 2904-20 does more: hammer mode, more torque and bind protection in a body nearly as compact. The DeWalt DCD800 is lighter and cheaper and enough for timber. Buy by platform if you have one; on a blank sheet the Milwaukee is the more capable drill.
FAQs
A little. Gen 4 M18 FUEL drills are compact for their power; the difference is felt on long overhead sessions.
Yes, the DCD805, which is the fairer DeWalt comparison to the 2904-20.
It stops the motor when a bit binds and the drill tries to spin in the hand. Useful with large bits.
Either drives them; an impact driver beside either is the right pairing for volume.
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