Quick verdict
Two compact hammer drills a hair apart: the Milwaukee has more torque and a stronger chuck, the DeWalt is lighter and cheaper. Both platforms run a full yard of tools. Buy the one whose batteries are already in the shed; on a blank sheet the Milwaukee is the slightly stronger drill and the DeWalt the slightly better value.
Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 FUEL Hammer Drill
The 2804-20 is the M18 FUEL Gen 3 hammer drill: 1,200 inch-pounds, 0 to 2,000 RPM, an all-metal chuck and a 6.9 inch body. It has more torque than the DeWalt in a body about as short, and it runs the M18 yard range.
DeWalt DCD805 versus Milwaukee 2804-20: the two compact hammer drills homeowners cross-shop most, compared on torque, chuck, weight, price and yard tool platform.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score /100 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 FUEL Hammer Drill | Best Compact on Milwaukee M18 | 8.8 | Check price |
| DeWalt DCD805 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill | Best Compact on DeWalt 20V | 8.8 | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 FUEL Hammer Drill
The 2804-20 is the M18 FUEL Gen 3 hammer drill: 1,200 inch-pounds, 0 to 2,000 RPM, an all-metal chuck and a 6.9 inch body. It has more torque than the DeWalt in a body about as short, and it runs the M18 yard range.
Reasons to buy
- 1,200 in-lbs in a 6.9 inch body
- All-metal chuck
- M18 platform with full yard range
- Proven over years
Reasons to avoid
- Costs more
- Slightly heavier
- No bind protection on this generation
DeWalt DCD805 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill
The DCD805 is the compact 20V MAX XR brushless hammer drill: two speeds, 0 to 2,000 RPM, a half-inch ratcheting chuck and a short light body. It is the DeWalt drill most homeowners end up with and it runs every 20V MAX yard tool battery.
Reasons to buy
- Light and short
- XR brushless with hammer mode
- Lower price
- DeWalt 20V MAX platform
Reasons to avoid
- Less torque
- Ratcheting chuck is lighter duty than the Milwaukee metal chuck
- No bind protection
Where these two differ
These are the two compact brushless hammer drills a homeowner is most likely to hold side by side in a store. The Milwaukee 2804-20 has a little more torque and a metal chuck; the DeWalt DCD805 is a little lighter and cheaper. Both have hammer modes, both top out at 2,000 RPM and both sit on platforms that run a full yard of cordless tools.
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 | DCD805 | 2804-20 |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | DeWalt 20V MAX | Milwaukee M18 |
| Torque | 1,000 UWO rating | 1,200 in-lbs peak |
| Top speed | 2,000 RPM | 2,000 RPM |
| Chuck | 1/2 inch ratcheting | 1/2 inch all-metal |
| Bind control | None | None |
| Weight | Lighter | Slightly heavier |
Power
The makers rate power differently and the numbers do not convert, but owners who use both report the Milwaukee pulling big augers and hole saws a little harder. On deck screws, fence pilots and small anchors there is nothing to choose. On a two-inch auger through a post, the Milwaukee has the edge and both want a braced hand since neither stops itself on a bind.
Chuck and build
The Milwaukee all-metal chuck grips a large bit without slipping; the DeWalt ratcheting chuck is good and a little lighter. Both drills have strong reputations for lasting, and both are current in their ranges with newer siblings above them: the Milwaukee 2904 with AUTOSTOP and the DeWalt DCD999 with an E-Clutch.
Weight
The DeWalt is the lighter tool by a small margin, felt only at the end of an overhead afternoon. Both are short enough for work between joists.
Yard jobs this decides
None on their own. A deck, a fence, a shed base on a slab, a hose reel on brick: both drills do each job. What decides is the mower and blower on the same battery. DeWalt 20V MAX and FlexVolt and Milwaukee M18 both offer them, and the specific mower you prefer should pick the platform and the drill with it.
Batteries and runtime
Both run an afternoon on a compact pack and a heavy session on a 5 Ah pack. Both platforms share packs with yard tools, so a mower owner already has the big pack the drill wants on hard jobs.
Common owner complaints
DCD805 owners mention the belt clip and the LED position. 2804 owners mention the lack of bind protection and the price. Neither has a reliability pattern.
Which one should you buy
Buy the DCD805 if you are on DeWalt or want the lighter, cheaper compact. Buy the 2804-20 if you are on Milwaukee or want the extra torque and the metal chuck. If buying new on Milwaukee, the 2904 is the version with bind protection for a little more.
Our verdict
The Milwaukee 2804-20 edges this comparison on power and chuck; the DeWalt DCD805 edges it on weight and price. Let the batteries in the shed decide, and if the shed is empty, the mower you want.
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 in the shed
DeWalt 20V or Milwaukee M18 packs settle it.
Torque
The Milwaukee has more; both bore posts and hammer anchors.
Chuck
The Milwaukee metal chuck grips harder on big bits.
Price
The DeWalt costs less bare and in kits.
Our verdict
Two compact hammer drills a hair apart: the Milwaukee has more torque and a stronger chuck, the DeWalt is lighter and cheaper. Both platforms run a full yard of tools. Buy the one whose batteries are already in the shed; on a blank sheet the Milwaukee is the slightly stronger drill and the DeWalt the slightly better value.
FAQs
The Milwaukee by rating and by owner reports on large bits. Neither is short of power for yard work.
The DeWalt, slightly. Both are among the most compact hammer drills made.
No. The Milwaukee 2904 adds AUTOSTOP; the DeWalt DCD999 adds an E-Clutch, both as heavier or newer options.
Both run mowers, blowers, trimmers and chainsaws. Compare the specific mower you want.
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