Best Milwaukee Sds Drill of 2026
Milwaukee SDS drills deliver the brute force needed for concrete and masonry work. We have analyzed specs, battery compatibility, and owner feedback to find the best models for different budgets and tasks.
Quick answer
The Milwaukee 2712-22 M18 Fuel 1-1/8" SDS Plus is the best overall for its balance of power and portability. For heavy demolition, the Milwaukee 2715-22 M18 Fuel 1-9/16" SDS Max is the top pick, while the corded Milwaukee 5304-21 1" SDS Plus is the best budget option.
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- Tested on specs (power, torque, PSI)
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Research updated June 2026.
Milwaukee 2712-22 M18 Fuel 1-1/8" SDS Plus
The most versatile SDS Plus drill in Milwaukee's lineup.
| Product | Best For | Impact Energy | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee 2712-22 | Best Overall | 2.1 ft-lbs | 4.8/5 | $$$ |
| Milwaukee 2715-22 | Heavy Demolition | 5.0 ft-lbs | 4.7/5 | $$$$ |
| Milwaukee 5304-21 | Best Budget | 1.6 ft-lbs | 4.5/5 | $ |
| Milwaukee 2713-22 | Compact Power | 1.9 ft-lbs | 4.6/5 | $$ |
| Milwaukee 2717-22 | Dust Management | 2.1 ft-lbs | 4.4/5 | $$$ |
Milwaukee 2712-22 M18 Fuel 1-1/8" SDS Plus
Best OverallPros
- Powerful brushless motor
- Anti-vibration system
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Batteries not included
- Not for heavy demolition
The 2712-22 is the most popular Milwaukee SDS drill for good reason. It delivers 2.1 ft-lbs of impact energy which is enough for 90% of masonry drilling tasks including anchor holes and small chipping. Owner reviews consistently praise its smooth operation and long runtime on a single 5.0 Ah battery.
This drill uses the M18 Fuel platform meaning it shares batteries with hundreds of other Milwaukee tools. The anti-vibration system reduces user fatigue significantly compared to older models. It is ideal for electricians, plumbers, and general contractors who need a reliable daily driver.
Milwaukee 2715-22 M18 Fuel 1-9/16" SDS Max
Best for Heavy DemolitionPros
- Massive impact energy
- Auto-stop carbon brushes
- Excellent dust management
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Expensive
The 2715-22 is Milwaukee's most powerful cordless SDS Max drill. With 5.0 ft-lbs of impact energy it can handle large diameter holes up to 1-9/16 inches and serious chipping work. Owner reviews from concrete contractors rate it as a true corded replacement for most demolition tasks.
This tool features an auto-stop carbon brush system that shuts off the drill when brushes need replacement protecting the motor. It also has a built-in dust management system that connects to a vacuum. The main downside is its 9.1 lb weight which makes overhead work tiring.
Milwaukee 5304-21 1" SDS Plus
Best BudgetPros
- Very affordable
- Lightweight
- No battery to manage
Cons
- Less impact energy
- Cord limits mobility
The 5304-21 is a corded SDS Plus drill that offers Milwaukee quality at a budget price. It delivers 1.6 ft-lbs of impact energy which is adequate for drilling into brick, block, and light concrete. Owner reviews highlight its reliability and low vibration for a corded tool.
This model is perfect for homeowners or DIYers who do occasional masonry drilling and do not want to invest in a battery system. It is also a good backup tool for professionals. The 8.0 amp motor provides consistent power without worrying about battery charge levels.
Milwaukee 2713-22 M18 Fuel 1-1/8" SDS Plus
Best CompactPros
- Very compact and light
- High RPM for fast drilling
- Good power-to-weight ratio
Cons
- Less impact energy than 2712
- Not for heavy chipping
The 2713-22 is the most compact SDS Plus drill in Milwaukee's M18 Fuel lineup. At just 4.2 lbs it is easy to maneuver in tight spaces like overhead or between studs. It still delivers 1.9 ft-lbs of impact energy which handles most anchor drilling tasks efficiently.
Owner reviews note that this drill is particularly good for electricians and HVAC installers who need to drill many small to medium holes quickly. The higher RPM (1,600) compared to the 2712 helps with speed in softer materials. It does lack the anti-vibration system of the 2712 which some users notice on longer jobs.
Milwaukee 2717-22 M18 Fuel 1-1/8" SDS Plus with Dust Extractor
Best with Dust ManagementPros
- Integrated dust extraction
- Same power as 2712
- OSHA silica compliant
Cons
- Heavier than 2712
- More expensive
The 2717-22 is essentially the 2712 drill with an integrated dust extraction attachment. It uses the same 2.1 ft-lbs impact energy motor but adds a HEPA vacuum system that captures dust at the source. This makes it compliant with OSHA silica dust regulations on jobsites.
Owner reviews from contractors working in occupied buildings or clean environments appreciate the dust control. The system works well with a standard Milwaukee vacuum. The added weight (6.8 lbs) and higher cost are the main trade-offs for the dust management feature.
What to Check Before Buying a Milwaukee SDS Drill
Understanding the difference between SDS Plus and SDS Max is critical. SDS Plus bits have a 10mm shank and are suitable for holes up to 1-1/8 inches in diameter. SDS Max bits have an 18mm shank and are used for larger holes and heavier demolition work. Most homeowners and tradespeople will only need SDS Plus.
Battery compatibility matters. All cordless Milwaukee SDS drills use the M18 battery platform. If you already own other M18 tools, buying a bare tool (without battery) saves money. If you are new to Milwaukee, a kit with batteries and charger is a better value.
Impact energy is the key performance metric. It is measured in foot-pounds (ft-lbs) and directly correlates to drilling speed in concrete. For occasional use, 1.6 to 2.0 ft-lbs is sufficient. For daily professional use, 2.0 ft-lbs or more is recommended.
Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing an SDS Drill
Buying too much drill for your needs is common. A heavy SDS Max drill like the 2715-22 is overkill for drilling a few anchor holes in brick. A lighter SDS Plus model will be easier to handle and less fatiguing for most tasks.
Ignoring vibration control is another mistake. Milwaukee's anti-vibration system on models like the 2712-22 significantly reduces hand and arm fatigue. Cheaper corded models without this feature can cause discomfort on longer jobs.
Forgetting about dust management is a safety issue. Drilling into concrete creates silica dust which is hazardous. If you work indoors or in occupied spaces, consider a model with dust extraction or plan to use a separate vacuum attachment.
FAQs
What is the difference between SDS Plus and SDS Max?
SDS Plus has a 10mm shank and is for holes up to 1-1/8 inches. SDS Max has an 18mm shank and is for larger holes and heavier demolition.
Can I use SDS Max bits in an SDS Plus drill?
No, SDS Max bits have a larger shank and will not fit in an SDS Plus chuck. You need the correct chuck type for each bit.
Does the Milwaukee 2712-22 come with batteries?
The 2712-22 is often sold as a bare tool without batteries. Some kits include batteries and a charger. Check the listing carefully before purchasing.
How much impact energy do I need for drilling into concrete?
For anchor holes up to 1/2 inch, 1.6 ft-lbs is enough. For larger holes or harder concrete, 2.0 ft-lbs or more is recommended.
Is a corded Milwaukee SDS drill better than cordless?
Corded drills offer unlimited runtime and consistent power at a lower cost. Cordless drills offer portability and convenience. Choose based on your jobsite needs.
What is the warranty on Milwaukee SDS drills?
Milwaukee offers a 5-year limited warranty on most of their power tools including SDS drills. Batteries have a 2-year warranty.
Can I use a Milwaukee SDS drill for chipping?
Yes, most Milwaukee SDS drills have a hammer-only mode for light chipping. For heavy demolition, use a dedicated breaker or SDS Max model.
What size battery should I use with a Milwaukee SDS drill?
A 5.0 Ah or larger M18 battery is recommended for best runtime. Smaller batteries like 2.0 Ah will work but drain quickly under heavy load.
Are Milwaukee SDS drills made in the USA?
Milwaukee tools are designed in the USA but manufactured in various countries including China, Mexico, and the US. Check the specific model for origin.
Which Milwaukee SDS drill is best for overhead work?
The Milwaukee 2713-22 is the lightest at 4.2 lbs making it the best choice for overhead drilling. The 2712-22 at 5.4 lbs is also manageable.
Our verdict
The Milwaukee 2712-22 M18 Fuel 1-1/8" SDS Plus is the best overall SDS drill for most users due to its excellent balance of power, weight, and battery compatibility. For budget-conscious buyers, the corded Milwaukee 5304-21 offers reliable performance at a much lower price point. Choose the 2715-22 SDS Max if you need maximum power for heavy demolition work.