Quick verdict
The Milwaukee 2904-20 is the stronger drill with an anti-bind feature in a body nearly as compact; the DeWalt DCD805 is lighter, cheaper and plenty for ordinary yard work. The platform in your shed decides it for most people. On a blank sheet, the Milwaukee is the better tool.
Milwaukee 2904-20 M18 FUEL Hammer Drill
The 2904-20 is the fourth-generation M18 FUEL hammer drill: 1,400 inch-pounds of peak torque, 0 to 2,100 RPM, a hammer mode, a mechanical clutch and AUTOSTOP control that halts the tool when a bit binds, in a body about as compact as the DeWalt. It is the stronger drill and shares batteries with Milwaukee M18 yard tools.
DeWalt DCD805 compact XR hammer drill versus Milwaukee 2904-20 M18 FUEL Gen 4 hammer drill: torque, speed, bind control, chuck and platform compared from published specifications.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score /100 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee 2904-20 M18 FUEL Hammer Drill | Best Power in a Compact Size | 9.1 | Check price |
| DeWalt DCD805 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill | Best Compact for DeWalt Owners | 8.8 | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
Milwaukee 2904-20 M18 FUEL Hammer Drill
The 2904-20 is the fourth-generation M18 FUEL hammer drill: 1,400 inch-pounds of peak torque, 0 to 2,100 RPM, a hammer mode, a mechanical clutch and AUTOSTOP control that halts the tool when a bit binds, in a body about as compact as the DeWalt. It is the stronger drill and shares batteries with Milwaukee M18 yard tools.
Reasons to buy
- 1,400 in-lbs peak torque in a compact body
- AUTOSTOP control stops a binding bit
- All-metal chuck with carbide teeth
- Runs the M18 platform
Reasons to avoid
- Costs more
- Slightly heavier
- Needs M18 packs
DeWalt DCD805 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill
The DCD805 is the compact 20V MAX XR brushless hammer drill: two speeds, a half-inch ratcheting chuck, hammer mode and a short, light body. It handles deck, fence and shed work and shares batteries with every DeWalt 20V yard tool.
Reasons to buy
- Compact, light and well balanced
- XR brushless with hammer mode
- Runs the DeWalt 20V MAX platform
- Lower price
Reasons to avoid
- Less torque than the Milwaukee
- No anti-bind control
- Two speeds, top speed 2,000 RPM
Where these two differ
Both are compact brushless hammer drills from the two biggest cordless platforms. The DCD805 is lighter and cheaper; the 2904-20 has more torque, a top speed of 2,100 RPM, an all-metal carbide chuck and AUTOSTOP bind control. For most buyers the batteries already in the shed decide it, and for a buyer starting fresh the Milwaukee is the stronger tool.
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 | 2904-20 |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | DeWalt 20V MAX | Milwaukee M18 |
| Torque | 1,000 UWO rating | 1,400 in-lbs peak |
| Top speed | 2,000 RPM | 2,100 RPM |
| Bind control | Mechanical clutch | AUTOSTOP |
| Chuck | 1/2 inch ratcheting | 1/2 inch all-metal, carbide |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
Power
DeWalt and Milwaukee rate power differently, so the numbers do not compare directly, but owners who use both agree the 2904-20 pulls big bits harder. For deck screws, pilots and small augers, neither drill is near its limit. For a two-inch auger through a post or a paddle in a bucket, the Milwaukee has more in reserve.
Safety and control
A large bit that catches can twist a wrist. The Milwaukee AUTOSTOP senses the sudden rotation and cuts the motor; the DeWalt relies on the mechanical clutch slipping, which is set by the user and does not react to a bind. For big-bit work, AUTOSTOP is a real advantage.
Size and weight
The DCD805 is a little lighter and about as short, which matters overhead and between joists. The 2904-20 is compact for its power and the difference is felt only at the end of a long day on a ladder.
Chuck and build
The Milwaukee all-metal chuck with carbide teeth grips bits without slipping under load; the DeWalt ratcheting chuck is good and lighter. Both drills carry long warranties and a reputation for durability.
Yard jobs this decides
Hanging a hose reel on brick, fixing a post base to a patio and anchoring a shed to a slab are hammer jobs both drills do; the Milwaukee finishes a row of deep anchors faster. Boring a 6×6 for a carriage bolt with a two-inch auger is where the Milwaukee torque and AUTOSTOP earn their keep, and where a braced hand on the DeWalt is sensible. Deck screws, fence pilots and bulb augers are a draw. Battery life per charge is similar on packs of the same capacity, since both are efficient brushless motors.
Common owner complaints
DCD805 owners mention the belt clip and the LED position. 2904-20 owners mention the price and AUTOSTOP triggering on a dull bit. Neither has a reliability pattern worth noting.
Which one should you buy
Buy the DCD805 if you own DeWalt 20V tools or want the lighter, cheaper compact for ordinary yard work. Buy the 2904-20 if you own M18 tools, run large bits, or are choosing a platform from scratch and want the stronger drill with bind protection.
Our verdict
The Milwaukee 2904-20 is the better drill and takes this comparison on power and control. The DeWalt DCD805 is the better value and the right answer for a DeWalt shed.
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 already owned
DeWalt 20V or Milwaukee M18 batteries in the shed settle it. Neither drill justifies a second platform on its own.
Torque needs
Large augers and mixing favor the Milwaukee. Screws and small bits do not need the extra.
Bind protection
AUTOSTOP on the Milwaukee cuts power when a bit catches. The DeWalt relies on a mechanical clutch.
Price
The DeWalt is cheaper bare and in kits.
Our verdict
The Milwaukee 2904-20 is the stronger drill with an anti-bind feature in a body nearly as compact; the DeWalt DCD805 is lighter, cheaper and plenty for ordinary yard work. The platform in your shed decides it for most people. On a blank sheet, the Milwaukee is the better tool.
FAQs
Milwaukee rates it at 1,400 inch-pounds peak torque; DeWalt uses a UWO rating that does not convert directly. In use, owners report the Milwaukee pulling larger bits more readily.
A control that senses a sudden rotation when a bit binds and stops the motor to protect the wrist. The DCD805 does not have it.
Yes, with an impact driver for the screws. The drill pilots, countersinks and fits hardware.
The Milwaukee all-metal chuck with carbide teeth grips harder. The DeWalt ratcheting chuck is good and lighter.
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