Product Description

Driver generates 650 in.-lbs. of torque, uses M18 18V battery to deliver up to 65% more holes per charge. Cordless: Yes, Rated RPM: 0 - 450, 0 - 1,800, Torque (in./lbs.): 650, Blows Per Minute (BPM): 0 - 28,000, Battery Included: Yes, Charger Included: Yes, Case Included: Yes

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8561 in Home Improvement
• Brand: Milwaukee
• Model: 2611-24
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 13.58" h x 5.30" w x 17.32" l, 13.26 pounds

Features

• Milwaukee cordless, high performance 18-volt hammer drill kit
• Features 4-Pole frameless motor to maximize tool efficiency to increase run-time; 1/2-Inch single-sleeve ratcheting metal chuck with carbide jaws and variable speed trigger
• The on-board battery fuel gauge displays remaining run-time and built-in LED light illuminates work surface
• The kit includes 2 XC 2.8-Ah Li-Ion batteries, a 1-hour charger, and an impact resistant case
• 9-1/4-Inch at 5.3-pounds; backed by 5-year limited power tool warranty

Amazon.com Product Description

Milwaukee 2611-24 M18 LITHIUM-ION Cordless High Performance Hammer-Drill/Driver

Amazon.com Product Description
Ready to kick up the power? Look no further than the Milwaukee M18 LITHIUM-ION High Performance Hammer-Drill/Driver. Built to last, this hammer drill driver includes innovative features, lightweight and efficient design. Compact, well-balanced and full of power, the M18 LITHIUM-ION Cordless High Performance Hammer-Drill/Driver is the HEAVY-DUTY answer to a tough jobsite.

Examples of innovation include Hammer Mode of 0-28,000 BPM, Milwaukee's 4-Pole Frameless Motor that maximizes tool efficiency to increase run-time, single-sleeve ratcheting metal chuck with carbide jaws, variable speed trigger, built-in LED light and battery fuel gauge.

When you need to bring the power, bring the best. Whether the job requires extreme power or you just need to have a little extra kick, the M18 LITHIUM-ION High Performance Hammer-Drill/Driver is the perfect solution to complex issues that often arise on the job.

The M18 LITHIUM-ION High Performance Drill Driver allows you to apply concentrated power for accuracy and professional results. Bright LED lighting allows work in low-light situations. With adjustable speeds, you can place the power exactly where you need it most.

Features, Benefits & Applications
The Milwaukee M18 LITHIUM-ION High Performance Hammer-Drill/Driver is the most powerful tool in its class, with 650 in./lbs of torque. It features a powerful Hammer Mode of 0-28,000 BPM, 1/2" single-sleeve ratcheting metal chuck with carbide jaws, 4-Pole Frameless Motor and is powered by a 18V XC High Capacity LITHIUM-ION battery for longer life and run-time. Also, to place power exactly where you need it most, the M18 High Performance Hammer-Drill/Driver includes adjustable speeds ranging from high speed RPM of 1-1,800 and low speed RPM of 0-450.

With more than 100% more grip for bit retention than other leading brands and impressive compact size and weight, the M18 LITHIUM-ION High Performance Hammer-Drill/Driver minimizes downtime and worker fatigue. Utilizing the new 18V XC High Capacity LITHIUM-ION battery, the 2611 impressively delivers up to 65% more holes per charge. Additionally, the Milwaukee M18 LITHIUM-ION High Performance Hammer-Drill/Driver includes a 5-year/2,000 Charge Battery Warranty and Impact Resistant Case for optimum tool life.

The Milwaukee M18 LITHIUM-ION High Performance Hammer-Drill/Driver offers endless application including running wire, drilling metal to run conduit, conduit clamps, running copper pipe, Pex, anchoring pipe hangers, running pipe through wood, setting duct anchors, drilling pilot holes duct work, fastening duct and general fastening.

Milwaukee LITHIUM-ION Battery
Milwaukee is the leader in LITHIUM-ION technology, launching the first Li-Ion System in 2005 and the first backward compatible Li-Ion in 2006. Perfecting the formula in 2008, Milwaukee's LITHIUM-ION Batteries are 65% lighter, 50% smaller and store more than 30% more power than "compact" NiCd batteries. They also feature a Fuel Gauge that lets you know when to recharge, making it faster and easier to scope projects and decrease downtime.

Select M18 models feature the 18V XC High Capacity LITHIUM-ION Battery Pack that offers increased run-time with 40% less weight than an 18V NiCd battery. Featuring Milwaukee's Digital Power Management to help ensure optimal battery life and run-time, the 18V XC High Capacity LITHIUM-ION Battery Pack protects the battery and tool during the toughest jobsite application.

To combat on-site problems like bent/broken terminals, damaged clips and broken welds caused by use and abuse, Milwaukee LITHIUM-ION batteries are equipped with recessed terminals, slide pack dual clips and over-molded housing, and integrated welded frame and cell separators.

About Milwaukee Tool
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation, a Brookfield, Wisconsin-based subsidiary of Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. (TTI) (HKEx stock code: 669, ADR symbol: TTNDY) is an industry leading manufacturer and marketer of professional and industrial heavy-duty portable corded and cordless power tools, accessories and safety equipment. Products include the legendary Sawzall® recip saws, V28™ and V18™ lithium-ion cordless tools, Hole-Hawg® drills, portable band saws, circular saws, driver drills, hammer drills, rotary hammers, pneumatic nailers, grinders, sanders and the new Trade Titan™ series of heavy-duty work carts and accessories.

For more information on the full line of Milwaukee power tools and accessories, please call 1-800-SAWDUST or visit www.milwaukeetool.com.

What's in the Box
M18 High Performance Hammer Drill Driver, (2) 18V XC LITHIUM-ION batteries - 48-11-1828, 18V Charger 48-59-1801, Side Handle and Carrying Case.

Product Description
Milwaukee 2611-24 M18 LITHIUM-ION Cordless High Performance Hammer Drill Driver with Hammer Mode

From the Manufacturer
As the cornerstone of the new M18 cordless family, the new 2611 Hammer drill delivers revolutionary power, run-time, and ergonomics. The new Milwaukee 4-Pole Frameless Motor generates a best-in-class 650 in-pounds of torque to meet the application rigors of the jobsite. Utilizing the new 18-volt XC High Capacity LITHIUM-ION battery, the 2611 delivers up to 65% more holes per charge. At only 91/4-Inch long and 5.3-pounds, it is the most compact high performance hammer drill available, which minimizes user fatigue and maximizes productivity by fitting into tight spaces. The 2611 incorporates an easy to use 1/2-Inch single-sleeve ratcheting metal chuck with carbide jaws for maximum grip. Other features include the Battery Fuel Gauge, which displays remaining run-time and the Built-in LED Light that illuminates work surface.

Customer Reviews

Everything its promised to be
Background - I own a sewer and water excavating company that gets into some building and concrete work as well so we have a lot of experience with corded/cordless tools of many brands. Hilti, Bosch, Dewalt, Makita.

After owning several Milwaukee drills including the previous V18 hammerdrill, 14.4v drill, and M12 compact driver this drill takes it all. This is just a initial review of my thoughts, its only been in the shop now for a week. It seems more akin to a corded drill than a cordless. I had a bit catch in some steel in first gear and the drill just about took my arm with it. The V18 could do a similar feat. Its overall feel is very good. It fits well, balanced well, fine and responsive and of course, incredible power. Its comparable in weight and size to the compact 14.4v milwaukee drill which has served me well reliably here and overseas.

I would give it an overwhelming 5 stars if not for the strange handlebar accessory that mounts using two jaws instead of a band like most others that squeezes around the gearcase. The handlebar in my experience never gets used anyways. It has the ability to have a belt hook and bit holder mounted by the battery at the bottom of the grip like the compact M18 driver/drill (2601-22), there is a mounting space and screw hole for them. But it doesn't come with it. Why after this price tag they didn't include them eludes me.

Its case is rugged with some softer black rubber for grip and fall protection. The batteries and charger also have rubber corners on them. The light is a nice feature but is essentially standard on new tools. The new style battery is smaller than the V18 and slides on and off better than the V18 battery. If you want an around the house drill get the compact 2601-22 but if you need something on the professional scale this drill is a no-brainer. Milwaukee is discontinuing their V18 line and this M18 is the future along with several new tools in the plans including a grinder and jigsaw this winter.

Small issues tarnish a great drill
First, I'll state that the drill itself, along with the M18 batteries, are great. If it wasn't for Milwaukee's poor service, this would be a 5 star rating.

I am a partner in a small home building company. We had previously purchased the compact M18 drill/driver (2601-22) and liked it, so decided to invest in their more powerful "flagship" hammer drill/driver as well.

The compact drill/driver came with extremely useful belt hook and bit holder accessories, so I expected them to be on their self-proclaimed "flagship" drill as well. When I discovered these parts missing I contacted Milwaukee, thinking it had been left out by accident, and they said they stopped providing them as standard accessories late last year. So, with shipping and minimum order fees, I had to spend over $20 to get $3 in parts. Very frustrating considering the high cost of this drill.

Second, the trigger switch on my drill died after 3 weeks of light use. I sent it in for warranty repair, and the current estimate is that it is going to take 3-4 weeks to get my drill back because Milwaukee for some reason is not making enough repair parts for this drill. And they would not just send me a new one. Again, extremely frustrating considering the high cost of this drill.

Excellent drill but overload protection a real problem
Overall the M18 is a great drill with an excellent clutch (that does not slip even with small twist drills the way the Hitachi does), good clutch mechanism, 2 speed gear box that is smooth to change, a bright dual LED light setup, and a sturdy case. It does not come with a bit holder or belt clip but you can special order the 4 parts needed and pay an extra $20 for what would have cost Milwaukee 50 cents to add to the kit - don't you love it when the bean counters are in charge.

The Milwaukee has a new design for the side handle that attaches the way the one for the Ridgid drill does at a 90 degree angle to the handle on either side. I prefer the old style which like those on the Makita and DeWalt drills can be anywhere in a 360 degree circle. With some tough drilling situations I like to have the "side" handle straight up just like a heavy duty core drill so I get more effective control over the drill twisting when the bit catches. With the Milwaukee I can't do this and so half the benefit is gone - can still use the handle but is it less effective than with the old design. The engineers probably wanted to make the drill shorter by an inch but this is not a good trade off in my opinion. Where I need short I will use a right angle drill which with its longer main handle works better in controlling any twisting of the drill anyway.

A couple of important caveats to consider before investing in this drill. It uses lithium-ion batteries which are known to overheat and catch fire so the engineers at Milwaukee decided to be very conservative and whenever the power draw exceeds a set level, power is cut to the motor and the LED lights go off. It is an instantaneous cutting off of the power so when using a large hole cutter there is a frequent start and stop and restart and restop while boring a hole which is not at all good. We use lithium-ion powered 18 volt drills from Hitachi, Makita, and DeWalt as well as the Milwaukee M18's and it is only with the Milwaukee drills that we have this problem at anywhere near this level. The only way to get around this is to start off at partial power and slowly add power, being careful not to run the drill at a full torque load.

The manufacturer's specs don't take this overload protection into account and you really cannot use the full power from the drill in situation where there is a high torque load at any point of the process. If Milwaukee had the circuitry designed to operate more like a slow blow fuse one might be able to get access to the full power potential of the drill.

The recharger is also designed to do a very slow charge so it takes 40 minutes on average to recharge the battery compared to 30 minutes with the Makita LXT and 15 minutes with the DeWalt DCD970 batteries. In theory this is supposed to result in longer battery life but on the job it means having a third battery charged and ready which is not something we need with the other drills. A nice touch with the Milwaukee charger is its plug which permits another plug to share the same outlet.

For really heavy duty use the DeWalt DCD970 is a much better drill for two key reasons. First is the more sane overload protection that has yet to cut power to the drill even when we have used it with a Blue Boar TCT Stucco & Wood bit to bore 6-1/4 inch holes through stucco walls and OSB sheathing.

BLUE BOAR 6-1/4" (159mm) Stucco-Brick & Wood Tungsten Carbide Tipped TCT Hole Saw with M16 Thread, requires mounting shank with M16 Thread and 10mm carbide pilot bit

The second reason we much prefer the DeWalt DCD970 is that it has a 3-speed gearbox. With a corded drill if the hole cutter is not very efficient (like a bi-metal hole saw or a self feed bit going into wood) it takes longer, sometimes a lot longer, to cut the hole but that is all that happens. With a cordless drill heat is more of a problem and when the power draw is too fast for the battery it loses a lot more of its available power and needs to be recharged after cutting fewer holes or driving fewer screws. The DeWalt DCD970 gives you 3 choices and it is more effective as it works within the "sweet spot" of its power range.

I can cut a hole faster at a slower speed with the DeWalt as it just keeps on turning than when using the M18 where the drill's power keeps going off and on repeatedly. The DeWalt is a smoother operating drill and I can cut 6" holes with a modern hole cutter like the Blue Boar TCT hole cutters and a 18 volt cordless drill, while my Milwaukee corded Hawg stud drill is maxed out with a 4 5/8 inch Milwaukee Selfeed bit. Matching the best hole cutter and the best torque range makes a big difference in how long and how many holes we can cut per battery.

We actually decided on a recent job to time how long it took to make 3 5/8 size holes in 1 1/8 inch thick Advantech subflooring and with a new Lenox bi-metal hole saw it took 45 seconds and it was smoking by the time the first hole had been made. With a Blue Boar TCT hole cutter it took 3 seconds with the DeWalt DCD970 and 5 seconds with the M18, and 4 seconds with a Makita BDF452HW drill which our light duty drill. After cutting the single hole with the Lenox hole saw it took more than half an hour to recharge the M18 battery. Now we know that getting a drill with a wide range of torque gearing and using a modern hole cutter makes all the difference in the world.

BLUE BOAR 3-5/8" (92mm) Self-Feed TCT 2-1/4" deep multipurpose Tungsten Carbide hole cutter outperforms self-feed bits & bi-metal hole saws. Cut wood, MDF, OSB, laminates, Hardie & chipboard, plaster, drywall, brick, Formica, non ferrous materials