That is not a typo, it is a cordless SDS-MAX hammer with a 1-9/16” carbide bit capacity runs off a single M18 battery including the all the batteries you already have. While this was first reported to be coming many months back it looks like September it will finally be here: 2717-22HD ($799, 2x 9.0Ah), 2717-21HP ($649, 1x 9.0Ah) and bare tool 2717-20 ($499). Pre-Order this month (through October) and there is a Free M18 FUEL Hammer Drill deal these kits are all included on. These are the first tools we have seen that will include the 9.0Ah batteries and are very excited to get our hands on those as well.
Not that everyone doesn’t want to go cordless anyway but there are a couple OSHA influences that are helping push companies towards cordless and newer technology. In general cords and hoses cause more injuries so eliminating those make the workplace safer which is always a good thing. More specifically the enforcement of power cord rules seems to be getting much tighter. If there is any damage to a cord attached to a power tool on the job (even if not being used, even with a piece of duct tape on it that says “don’t use”) it can get you into trouble. The proper way to take a tool out of service it to cut the cord off entirely so nobody can use it. For extension cords there must be a safety tag on each and every extension cord and you can never attached two cords together. These are some of the finable offenses so going cordless avoids some liabilities related to cords. While there is a slightly higher price upfront on these tools, companies we have talked to know being on the right side of any of these potential problems is often the less expensive option.
The impact energy behind this unit is rated for 5.1 ft-lbs right in line with their corded rotary hammer 1-9/16” SDS-MAX 5317-21 ($399) at 5.5 ft-lbs. These two models share 95% of the same components which is good news for dependability and parts availability. Milwaukee’s testing on drilling speed actually has the cordless drill faster by 10%. Running constantly in chipping model it’ll go for 20 minutes non-stop, in drilling mode where you might not be working continuously it should last significantly longer. This is not going to make sense for heavy rotary drill users but for those who are chipping out small jobs or driving ground rods or drilling holes in existing structures this may very well be an ideal solution.
If you are not 100% clear about the difference between SDS-Plus vs SDS-MAX check out our linked post or video below. For more questions on any Milwaukee Tools give the pros at Ohio Power Tool a call 800-242-4424 and they will be happy to help you find the right tool for the job.
