Quick verdict
The Milwaukee 2804-20 is a full-power drill in a compact shell; the Makita XPH16Z is a light compact with under half the torque. Buy the Milwaukee for augers, hole saws and masonry; buy the Makita for screws, pilots and a drill that is easy to hold all day.
Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 FUEL Hammer Drill
The 2804-20 is the full-power M18 FUEL hammer drill: 1,200 inch-pounds of peak torque in a 6.9 inch body with an all-metal chuck. It pulls large augers and hammers concrete and is still compact enough for a belt.
Milwaukee 2804-20 full-power M18 FUEL hammer drill versus Makita XPH16Z compact LXT hammer driver-drill: torque, weight, hammer performance and platform compared from published specifications.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score /100 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 FUEL Hammer Drill | Best for Power | 8.8 | Check price |
| Makita XPH16Z 18V LXT Compact Brushless Hammer Driver-Drill | Best for Light Weight | 8.3 | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 FUEL Hammer Drill
The 2804-20 is the full-power M18 FUEL hammer drill: 1,200 inch-pounds of peak torque in a 6.9 inch body with an all-metal chuck. It pulls large augers and hammers concrete and is still compact enough for a belt.
Reasons to buy
- More than twice the torque
- Full-size chuck and hammer performance
- Still compact at about 6.9 inches
- Runs the M18 yard range
Reasons to avoid
- Heavier than the XPH16Z
- Costs more
- More drill than light work needs
Makita XPH16Z 18V LXT Compact Brushless Hammer Driver-Drill
The XPH16Z is the compact LXT brushless hammer driver-drill: 530 inch-pounds of max torque, 0 to 500 and 0 to 2,000 RPM, 30,000 BPM, in a short light body. It is the drill for screws, pilots, small augers and the occasional anchor, with less than half the torque of the Milwaukee and a good deal less weight.
Reasons to buy
- Light and short for overhead and ladder work
- Brushless with hammer mode
- Lower price
- Runs the LXT yard range
Reasons to avoid
- 530 in-lbs limits large bits and deep masonry
- Slower on hard jobs
- Not a replacement for a full-size drill
Where these two differ
The 2804-20 is a full-power hammer drill that happens to be compact; the XPH16Z is a compact drill that happens to have a hammer mode. Milwaukee rates the 2804 at 1,200 inch-pounds and Makita rates the XPH16Z at 530. The Makita is lighter, shorter and cheaper, and it gives up the heavy jobs to get there.
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 | 2804-20 | XPH16Z |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Milwaukee M18 | Makita 18V LXT |
| Torque | 1,200 in-lbs peak | 530 in-lbs max |
| Top speed | 2,000 RPM | 2,000 RPM |
| Hammer | Yes | Yes, 30,000 BPM |
| Weight | Heavier | Light |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
What 530 inch-pounds does
Deck screws, fence pilots, hardware, a bulb auger, a spade bit through a rail, a small anchor in a patio. The XPH16Z does all of that with a light hand and a battery that lasts. What it does not do is pull a two-inch auger through a 6×6, drive a hole saw for a vent or hammer a dozen deep holes in a slab without slowing to a crawl.
What 1,200 inch-pounds does
All of the above and the heavy jobs too. The 2804 is the drill that mixes a bucket of post mix, bores through a post for a carriage bolt and hammers into block. It carries more weight for it and the all-metal chuck holds a big bit without slipping.
Weight and comfort
The Makita is the drill to hold overhead for an afternoon of pergola screws. The Milwaukee is compact but has the mass of its motor. For light work the Makita is more pleasant; for hard work the Milwaukee is the only one of the two that finishes.
Platform
Both batteries run mowers, blowers, trimmers and chainsaws from their makers. Packs already owned decide this for most buyers.
Yard jobs this decides
A raised bed, a trellis, a gate latch, a hose reel and a bulb planting are XPH16Z jobs done lightly. A fence with set posts, a deck with bolted beams and a shed on a slab are 2804 jobs done without strain. The compact Makita will attempt the heavy list and tire; the Milwaukee will do the light list with weight to spare. Batteries follow the platform already owned, and both brands run a full outdoor range.
Setup tips
On the Makita, let the drill reach full speed before a hole saw touches wood and back the bit out often to clear chips, which keeps its smaller motor cool. On the Milwaukee, use the low gear for augers and keep a second hand on the body, since there is no bind sensor.
Common owner complaints
XPH16Z owners mention stalling on large bits, which is a mismatch of tool and job. 2804 owners mention weight overhead and the lack of bind protection. Both are reliable drills.
Which one should you buy
Buy the 2804-20 if the project list includes augers, hole saws, mixing or more than a few masonry anchors. Buy the XPH16Z if the yard is timber and screws and you value a light drill and a lower price. A Makita owner with heavy jobs should look at the XPH14Z instead.
Our verdict
The Milwaukee 2804-20 is the more capable drill and takes the comparison. The Makita XPH16Z is the better tool for light work and a lighter hand.
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
Torque needs
Large augers, hole saws and deep anchors need the Milwaukee. Screws and small holes do not.
Weight
The Makita is noticeably lighter for a day overhead.
Platform
M18 or LXT packs in the shed decide it; both have full yard ranges.
Price
The Makita is cheaper and the Milwaukee gives more for the money.
Our verdict
The Milwaukee 2804-20 is a full-power drill in a compact shell; the Makita XPH16Z is a light compact with under half the torque. Buy the Milwaukee for augers, hole saws and masonry; buy the Makita for screws, pilots and a drill that is easy to hold all day.
FAQs
Yes, for pilots, countersinks and hardware. Add an impact driver for the screws. Large augers through posts are where it struggles.
Small anchors, yes, with its hammer mode. A dozen deep holes in a slab want the Milwaukee.
The Makita, by weight. The Milwaukee is compact but heavier.
Yes, the XPH14Z at 1,250 in-lbs, which is the fair comparison to the 2804-20.
Related guides
Milwaukee 2904-20 vs Milwaukee 2804-20: Is the Gen 4 Hammer Drill Worth the Upgrade
DeWalt DCD999 vs Makita XPH14Z: Heavy XR Hammer Drill Against the LXT Flagship
DeWalt DCD999 vs Milwaukee 2804-20: Heavy FlexVolt Advantage Against Compact M18 FUEL
DeWalt DCD800 vs Milwaukee 2804-20: Drill Driver Against Compact Hammer Drill
DeWalt DCD800 vs Makita XPH14Z: Light XR Driver Against Full-Power LXT Hammer Drill
DeWalt DCD805 vs Makita XPH14Z: Compact XR Against the LXT Flagship Hammer Drill
DeWalt DCD805 vs Milwaukee 2804-20: The Two Compact Hammer Drills Most People Cross-Shop
