At the recent Milwaukee press event we had the opportunity to test out this compact 5/8” M18 SDS-Plus Rotary 2612-21 ($299, Ohio Power Tool) hammer drill. The purpose of this tool is designed specifically for those folks who do a lot of overhead drill with small diameter holes and don’t need to added cost and weight of the full size SDS-Plus like the 2605-22 ($449, Ohio Power Tool). This model will compete directly with the compact 18V Bosch SDS-Plus RHS181K ($299, Ohio Power Tool) which we drilled head to head with both of these units. Both tool kits feature (1) 4.0Ah battery, same sale price and similar performance so if you’re already into a system like the M18 Milwaukee or 18v Bosch you’d probably just stay with the brand you’ve already got.
Personally there is a tool we like even better than either of these for small diameter SDS-Plus drilling which is the Milwaukee 5/8” M12 SDS-Plus FUEL Rotary 2416-22XC ($299, Ohio Power Tool). The 12V tool includes (2) 4.0Ah batteries and a brushless motor but don’t let the smaller voltage fool you it actually out performs pretty much everything else in the category.
Another product we really think is worth a look for overhead drilling specifically is the M12 HammerVac 2306-22 ($199, Ohio Power Tool). It will actually work with any brand SDS-Plus hammer including these Bosch units and keeps 99% of the dust and debris from falling in your face. The advantage of teaming up with the M12 FUEL drill is that all the batteries would be compatible, so just 1 less thing to worry about.
The M18 Milwaukee 5/8” SDS-Plus drill will be available on Ohiopowertool.com shortly, bare tool 2612-20 $199, kit with (1) 4.0Ah battery & charger 2612-21 $299 or kit with (2) 4.0Ah batteries & charger 2612-22 $399. Check back soon, for any other questions on Milwaukee tools call the pros at 800-242-4424. For additional info on the new Milwaukee rotary hammer see their full press release below.
MILWAUKEE, WI – Milwaukee Tool Corporation continues to expand the fastest growing 18V cordless system on the market with the introduction of the M18™ Cordless 5/8” SDS Plus Rotary Hammer. At only 12” long and 5.5 lbs, this new addition to the rotary hammer offering delivers the performance and durability users have come to expect from Milwaukee in a compact size.
“Designed with small diameter anchors in mind, this trade-specific solution delivers optimized power and maximum speed to increase productivity in the most common applications,” said Rick Gambaccini, Group Product Manager, Milwaukee Tool. “Users no longer want a cumbersome, one-size-fits-all Rotary Hammer. This solution provides an option to carry a much smaller unit that can handle over 80% of the holes being drilled, while increasing comfort and reducing fatigue during all day use.”
Powered by Milwaukee’s revolutionary M18™ REDLITHIUM™ Battery, the M18™ 5/8” SDS Plus Rotary Hammer can drill over 100 ¼” x 1-1/2” holes in poured concrete per charge and is compatible with the entire M18™ System, now offering over 50 cordless Lithium-Ion products. Milwaukee® is committed to the ongoing development of this platform and will continue to provide innovative solutions that offer industry leading reliability, performance and ergonomics.
Specifications – 2612-21 M18™ 5/8” SDS Plus Rotary Hammer
• 5/8” Max Capacity
• 12” Long
• 5.5 lbs
• 0-1,300 RPM
• 0-7,000 BPM
Includes: 2612-20 M18™ 5/8” SDS Plus Rotary Hammer, (1) 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 two battery kit (2612-22) or as a bare tool (2612-20)
