Another important spec for me was the battery life. Haven't had it long enough to judge yet, but I presume the 2.4 ah should need less charging.

In addition to motor & battery performance, I was highly interested in chuck performance. (This is probably the main reason I wanted to relegate my old unit to backup). The Milwaukee chuck has performed wonderfully, gripping shanks of all sizes like a mad pit bull. I also appreciate the reversable battery mount, which amazingly eases the hand strain when you are drilling overhead( By lowering the center of gravity to below your grip).

My only possible reservation about this model is durability. It just doesn't look as rugged as the Bosch model I looked at. I don't plan on dropping it, but you never know when your going to set it down in the wrong place at the wrong time. Another reviewer said he dropped it from a step ladder with no ill effect, however, so maybe it's tougher than it looks.

Simply the best (Rating: 5.00)
Review : One of the finest tools i've ever used. reliable with Power to spare. A bit on the expensive side but well worth it. 2 batteries included.

My Hammer Drill can beat up your Hammer Drill... (Rating: 5.00)
Review : I bought this beast about a year ago to replace a DeWobble DW959K-2 (please see my review of that, uhh, *worthy* offering). This should have been my first choice but I let a _friend_ talk me into the yellow. This is quite simply the best 18V HD on the market. It's got more torque (495 in/lbs, a little over 40 ft/lbs!!) than many corded drills and as one reviewer already noted, will probably sprain your wrist before it gives up driving. It is a _bit_ on the heavy side but no more than any comparable Bosch or yellow equivalent and the batteries are cheaper to replace and longer lasting than either of those. So far I've used it to build a deck, rennovate two bathrooms, too many woodworking projects to list and I'm still using the original two batteries. I've dropped it numerous times, more than once onto concrete and one time for sure it landed right on the chuck, and it still works/sounds like brand new.

One of the features I really like is the reversible battery pack. They make getting into tighter places (like in between joists) easier. The squeeze buttons on the battery packs do require a bit of finger/thumb strength but they aren't much problem for me and have gotten easier with time. The five year warranty is also nice, I think only Hitachi offers a similar warranty.

If you're a contractor or someone who makes their living with their tools, this should be the only drill you look at. You'll never even look at anything yellow again. If you're a weekend warrior, it may be a bit on the expensive side but look at it this way: you'll only ever have to buy one.

You'll never look at a yellow tool again (Rating: 5.00)
Review : I bought this drill after reading several reviews in woodworking magazines and this forum. There just aren't enough adjectives to describe what a work of art and workhorse this drill is. Enough power to satisfy even Tim Allen and yet it doesn't have a bulky, over-weight feel. From the lowest torque settings all the way to the hammer function, the gear action is as smooth as glass and it _never_ feels like it's running out of gas even drilling into hard metal. You can't go wrong with this tool. Once you use it, you'll be a Milwaukee convert for life.

This one would do "Tim the Tool Man" proud. (Rating: 5.00)
Review : If you can hang on to this "Red Devil" it will drill, saw and/or hammer its way through anything you put in front of it. It's an absolute delight to own a tool that goes around looking for a challange. Reversable batteries are a great idea and they'll wear you out on a single charge. I've read a couple of comments about the batteries being hard to remove from the drill. If you'll pinch in the "top" of the black release button they're a piece of cake. Would recommend this drill to anyone who appreciates real quality. No, I don't work for Milwaukee. I'm retired, best job I ever had. Thanks for listening. Bernie Brock

Lots of Power (Rating: 5.00)
Review : I bought this drill about two years ago in a combo pack. I have used large spade bits through thick stock and the drill doesn't even flinch. In fact, I think this thing would twist my hand off before it gave! Warning, use the clutch on delicate items! The only drawbacks are the drill is larger and heavier that other 18 volts I've tried and replacement batteries are big bucks. I guess its the price of all that power. I have also used the hammer setting when going into concrete. Works as well as a corded drill. Battery life seems good, you can make a lot of holes and drive a lot of screws on one charge. The chuck is solid but will slip like any other keyless if you don't snug it down. I have worked this drill very hard over the past two years and while I have given it cosmetic scars it shows no signs of giving out anytime soon. Go to a store, pick-up and feel all the 18 volt drills. The Milwaukee just feels much more solid than all the rest. You will not regret this purchase!