Quick verdict
The 2904-20 adds 200 inch-pounds, 100 RPM, a carbide chuck and AUTOSTOP over the 2804-20 for a modest price difference. Buy the Gen 4 if buying new; buy the Gen 3 if the discount is large or the work is light. Both are excellent compact hammer drills.
Milwaukee 2904-20 M18 FUEL Hammer Drill
The 2904-20 is the fourth-generation M18 FUEL hammer drill: 1,400 inch-pounds, 0 to 2,100 RPM, AUTOSTOP bind control, an all-metal chuck with carbide teeth and a body about as compact as the Gen 3. It is the stronger, safer drill for a little more money.
Milwaukee 2904-20 Gen 4 versus Milwaukee 2804-20 Gen 3 M18 FUEL hammer drills: torque, speed, AUTOSTOP, chuck and price compared, with a clear answer on whether the upgrade is worth it.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score /100 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee 2904-20 M18 FUEL Hammer Drill | Best Current M18 Hammer Drill | 9.1 | Check price |
| Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 FUEL Hammer Drill | Best Value M18 Hammer Drill | 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, 0 to 2,100 RPM, AUTOSTOP bind control, an all-metal chuck with carbide teeth and a body about as compact as the Gen 3. It is the stronger, safer drill for a little more money.
Reasons to buy
- 1,400 in-lbs, 200 more than the Gen 3
- AUTOSTOP stops a binding bit
- Carbide-tooth chuck
- Same compact size
Reasons to avoid
- Costs more
- AUTOSTOP can trip on a dull bit
- Gains are modest for light work
Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 FUEL Hammer Drill
The 2804-20 is the third-generation M18 FUEL hammer drill: 1,200 inch-pounds, 0 to 2,000 RPM, an all-metal chuck and a 6.9 inch body. It remains a strong compact drill and is often cheaper, without the bind sensor or the extra torque.
Reasons to buy
- Proven over years
- Often cheaper
- Same compact body
- Enough torque for a yard
Reasons to avoid
- No bind protection
- Less torque
- Older generation
Where these two differ
Same platform, same size, same job, one generation apart. The 2904-20 Gen 4 adds 200 inch-pounds, 100 RPM, a carbide-tooth chuck and AUTOSTOP bind control to the 2804-20 Gen 3. The Gen 3 is still sold, often cheaper, and still one of the best compact hammer drills made. The question is whether the Gen 4 additions are worth the difference.
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 | 2904-20 | 2804-20 |
|---|---|---|
| Generation | Gen 4 | Gen 3 |
| Torque | 1,400 in-lbs | 1,200 in-lbs |
| Top speed | 2,100 RPM | 2,000 RPM |
| Bind control | AUTOSTOP | None |
| Chuck | All-metal, carbide teeth | All-metal |
| Length | About 6.9 inches | About 6.9 inches |
Torque and speed
Two hundred inch-pounds and a hundred RPM are measurable on a large auger or a mixing paddle and invisible on a deck screw. Both drills bore posts and hammer anchors; the Gen 4 does the heavy versions a little faster and with a little more in reserve.
AUTOSTOP
This is the real upgrade. A big bit that catches in a knot or a rebar spins the drill in the hand and the wrist takes it. AUTOSTOP senses that rotation and cuts the motor. For anyone running two-inch augers or hole saws, it is worth the price gap on its own. For screws and small holes it never activates.
Chuck
Carbide teeth in the Gen 4 jaws grip a bit harder and resist wear. The Gen 3 metal chuck is good; the Gen 4 is better on big smooth-shank bits.
Yard jobs this decides
Boring every post on a long fence for carriage bolts, mixing post mix in a bucket and running a large hole saw favor the 2904. A deck of screws, a hose reel on brick and a bulb auger are the same on either. Both run every M18 yard tool battery.
Batteries and runtime
Both take any M18 pack and both are efficient brushless motors. A High Output 5 Ah or larger pack suits either for heavy work; a compact pack lasts an afternoon of screws.
Setup tips
If AUTOSTOP trips repeatedly on the 2904, the bit is dull or the drill is being forced; change the bit before changing the setting. Both drills want low gear for augers and a High Output pack for mixing, and both prefer drill mode in timber with hammer saved for masonry.
Common owner complaints
2904 owners mention AUTOSTOP tripping on a dull bit and the price. 2804 owners mention no bind protection. Both drills have long reliability records.
Which one should you buy
Buy the 2904-20 if buying new at close to the same price; the torque and AUTOSTOP are worth a modest premium. Buy the 2804-20 if it is substantially discounted or the work is light; it is still an excellent drill.
Our verdict
The 2904-20 is the better drill and the one to buy new. The 2804-20 is the value pick at a discount and loses little in everyday use.
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
Bind protection
AUTOSTOP is the headline. With big bits it protects the wrist; with screws it is irrelevant.
Torque
Two hundred inch-pounds more on the Gen 4 helps large augers and mixing.
Price
The Gen 3 is often discounted. A big gap favors it for light work.
Longevity
The Gen 4 is the current tool with the longer parts future.
Our verdict
The 2904-20 adds 200 inch-pounds, 100 RPM, a carbide chuck and AUTOSTOP over the 2804-20 for a modest price difference. Buy the Gen 4 if buying new; buy the Gen 3 if the discount is large or the work is light. Both are excellent compact hammer drills.
FAQs
A control that senses a sudden rotation when a bit binds and cuts the motor, so the drill does not wrench the wrist. The 2804 does not have it.
No. Both are about 6.9 inches long and similar in weight.
Yes, any M18 pack. High Output packs suit either on heavy work.
Yes, especially at a discount. It was the top compact hammer drill for years and remains strong.
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