Since the beginning of SDS-Plus Rotary Hammers it seems like the preference of most users has been for the longer style D-Handle made famous by Bosch Bulldogs (current models 11255VSR or RH228VC). Even today with corded models these longer D-Handle hammers sell 5-to-1 to the more compact units with vertically mounted motors. It’s this fact that makes it so surprising in the cordless SDS-Plus Hammers there are almost no D-Handle units, zero with the higher performance Brushless motors.
Just a few months ago we did a comparison (see video below) of the top SDS-Plus Cordless Tools and later compared the Hilti TE4-A18 against the rest. Not one of those models use the D-Handle design, most commonly preferred by users. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1” SDS-Plus 2713-22 ($479 kit, $279 bare) looks to change all that but why has it taken so long to give users what they want?
The First Cordless SDS-Plus Rotary Hammers (back in NiCd days) were D-Handle but similar to the first cordless grinders they performed terribly and left a lasting impression that cordless SDS-Plus hammers were a joke. In Corded SDS-Plus world the vertically mounted units are typically the premium units with vibration control so with these 2 factors it makes sense why the premium brushless units would launch with that design. The unfortunate part for users is that most people still prefer the D-Handle inline design because it provides a longer body better for drilling overhead or into ground as well as better leverage when chipping.
The Milwaukee D-Handle FUEL 2713-22 (2.1 ft-lbs) will outperform their other 1” FUEL 2712-22 (1.7 ft-lbs) in power, weighs 1.5 lbs lighter and costs less. We would not be surprised if the D-Handle 2713 version became much more popular than the 2712 SDS-Plus. The 1-1/8” FUEL 2715-22 (3.3 ft-lbs) will stay the premium unit which is a vertical motor and about $50 higher.
According to the Milwaukee’s testing they are reporting the new 2713-22 D-Handle unit will be 30% faster than Hilti TE7C, 27% faster than Bosch Bulldog Extreme as well as faster than their own new corded SDS-Plus hammer models. Hole per charge with a M18 5.0Ah battery is 140 holes drilling a 3/8″ x 1-1/2″ depth. The D-Handle does not have vibration control like the 2712 & 2715 but the natural mechanics of the inline motor actually has much less vibration (holds true across most brands).
Overall we have been very impressed with how well Milwaukee Cordless Rotary Hammer offerings has filled out, this makes five cordless SDS-Plus hammers and coming very soon the first cordless SDS-Max hammers. If you have any questions on any Milwaukee Tool give the pros at Ohio Power Tool a call 800-242-4424 and they will be more than happy to answer your questions.
For more info on the difference between SDS-MAX and SDS-Plus check out our video below and for more info on the new FUEL 2713-22 check out the full Milwaukee Press Release below that.
MILWAUKEE, WI – Since their launch, Milwaukee Tool’s M18™ FUEL™ SDS Plus cordless rotary hammer solutions have been outperforming cordless competitors and rivaling their corded counterparts. Now, Milwaukee Tool has redefined the SDS Plus rotary hammer market once again with the addition of a M18™ FUEL™ 1” D-Handle Rotary Hammer solution. Featuring an in-line design for extended overhead and downward drilling applications, this new hammer not only gives users the power they expect from their corded tools, but exceeds it. With the productivity advantages of cordless and extended runtime, the D-Handle delivers a full day’s work on one charge.
“As users look for increased productivity, Milwaukee’s advances in motor and battery technology have made it possible to provide a full range of SDS Plus solutions on a single battery platform. This has allowed the rotary hammer market to begin trending from corded to cordless.” said Andrew Plowman, Director of Product Management for Milwaukee Tool. “Through our best-in-class FUEL™ technology, we’re able to provide these users with the ability to completely cut the cord and experience the immense productivity benefits of a cordless D-Handle on the same battery platform as the other tools they’ve come to know and trust.”
By design, the new M18™ FUEL™ 1” D-Handle Rotary Hammer provides a more ergonomic experience for users who frequently drill overhead or downward. These hammers drill faster than their corded counterparts, are built with corded durability, and can exceed runtime expectations by delivering a full day of work on one charge. Milwaukee is able to accomplish this level of performance by combining three exclusive innovations, the POWERSTATE™ brushless motor, REDLITHIUM™ battery pack, and REDLINK PLUS™ intelligence.
The POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor works harder, lives longer, and converts energy into power more efficiently, providing the tools with greater speed and performance than competitive corded units. There are no wearable parts which extends the life of the motor, reduces motor friction and cools more rapidly to deliver years of maintenance-free performance.
Milwaukee REDLITHIUM™ XC5.0 batteries provide a full day of work on one charge, 20% more power and 2X more recharges than standard lithium-Ion batteries. REDLITHIUM™ XC5.0 also delivers best-in-class performance in extreme job-site conditions. With Milwaukee® durability built into each pack, the REDLITHIUM™ XC5.0 battery operates cooler and performs in climates below 0°F/-18°C with fade free power.
REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence hardware and software is the most advanced system on the market. It integrates full-circle communication between tool, battery and charger to protect them from overloading, overheating and over-discharging. The protections help maintain ideal conditions for maximum application performance.
Available in March of 2016, the new M18 FUEL™ 1” D-Handle Rotary Hammers are a true testament to Milwaukee’s focus on the user and investment in game-changing technology.
M18 FUEL™ 1” D-Handle Rotary Hammer Kit (2713-22)
- 1″ Max Capacity
- 0-1,500 RPM
- 0-4,400 BPM
- 2.1 ft. lbs. Impact Energy
- 16.6″ long
- 5.5 lbs
Includes M18 FUEL™ 1” D-Handle Rotary Hammer, (2) M18™ REDLITHIUM™ XC5.0 Battery Packs, M18/M12 Multi Charger, Side Handle, Depth Rod and Carrying Case.
*Also available as a bare tool (2713-20)
M18 FUEL™ 1″ SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Kit (2712-22)
- 1″ Max Capacity
- 0-1,400 RPM
- 0-4,900 BPM
- 1.7 ft. lbs. Impact Energy
- 12.48” long
- 7 lbs
Includes M18 FUEL™ 1″ SDS Plus Rotary Hammer, (2) M18™ REDLITHIUM™ XC5.0 Battery Packs, M18/M12 Multi Charger, Side Handle, Depth Rod and Carrying Case
*Also available as a bare tool (2712-20) and with HAMMERVAC™ Dedicated Dust Extractor (2712-22DE)
M18 FUEL™ 1-1/8″ SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Kit (2715-22)
- 1-1/8″ Max Capacity
- 0-1,350 RPM
- 0-5,000 BPM
- 3.3 ft. lbs. Impact Energy
- 12.8″ long
- 7.7 lbs
Includes M18 FUEL™ 1-1/8″ SDS Plus Rotary Hammer, (2) M18™ REDLITHIUM™ XC5.0 Battery Packs, M18/M12 Multi Charger, Side Handle, Depth Rod and Carrying Case
*Also available as a bare tool (2715-20) and with HAMMERVAC™ Dedicated Dust Extractor (2715-22DE)
M18™ 7/8” SDS Plus Rotary Hammer (2605-22)
- 7/8” Max Capacity
- 0-1,400 RPM
- 0-4,800 BPM
- 11.75” Long
- 7.2 lbs
Includes 2605-20 M18™ 7/8” SDS Plus Rotary Hammer, (2) M18™ XC High Capacity RED LITHIUM Battery Packs, 1-Hour Charger, Side Handle, Depth Rod and Carrying Case
*Also available as a bare tool (2605-20)
M18™ 5/8” SDS Plus Rotary Hammer (2612-22)
- 5/8” Max Capacity
- 0-1,300 RPM
- 0-7,000 BPM
- 12” Long
- 5.5 lbs
Includes M18™ 5/8” SDS Plus Rotary Hammer, (2) M18™ XC High Capacity RED LITHIUM Battery Packs, M18™ and M12™ Multi-Voltage Charger, Side Handle, Depth Rod and Carrying Case
*Also available in a one battery kit (2612-21) or as a bare tool (2612-20)
