Fuel 1 or Fuel 2?

Hi guys,

Learned a lot by watching your YouTube videos and thought I’d join the forum to learn even more.  I have been looking at picking up either the Fuel 1 or Fuel 2 hammer drill and would really appreciate any insight.  I just moved into my first house and am finding that I enjoy being a DIYer, plus the house needs some work.  I’m already finding that my faithful M12 hammer drill (2411) lacks in power when I’m drilling through brick to mount light fixtures, etc. on the exterior walls of my car garage. So thought it was finally time to get a 18V hammer and looks like I chose a perfect time with the Fuel 2 Hammer (2704) having just been released. 

My local retailer has 2 options on sale right now and I was hoping you guys could give me some advice to make my choice easier:

1. With the $100 trade in event on right now, they have the Fuel 1 (2604-22) with 2 4.0 batteries for $219 + you get a free third 3.0 battery.  I came into the store initially to buy this hands down for the great price and 3 batteries until…..I saw the Fuel 2. 

2. Fuel 2 with 2 5.0 batteries (2704-22) for $259 with trade in.  I like the grip, weight, and compactness of the Fuel 2 over the Fuel 1 and based on size, it could become my new go to drill with a 2.0 batt.  But I don’t get a free third battery.  It’s definitely overkill for anything I’m doing right now but for the $40 difference and no free third battery, it still might be nice to have a better feeling drill that just came out. Mind you, a newly released drill hasn’t been tested like the Fuel 1 has.

3. OR do you think there will be even better deals on the Fuel 2 over Black Friday and Xmas? 

Overall I will be using the drill around the house with the occasional brick use and already have an impact driver that I’m happy with.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m definitely fascinated by the Fuel 2 impact driver’s new self tapping screw mode but honestly, I can’t think of any jobs I can actually use it on.  Both Fuel models are definitely way more than I’ll ever need but I believe in investing in high quality tools especially since I’ll be a lifetime DIYer and don’t want to feel underpowered again esp when I’m outside in the cold. 

Thanks guys. I look forward to any advice you guys can share on my 3 options.

In general the Fuel drill is overkill for most DIY users, but unless you really want the Gen2 Fuel you will be more than ok with the older model. If you do drill in brick fairly often you might want to consider the M12 sds drill. An SDS drill is way better at drilling in masonry than a “hammer drill” A hammer drill is good for the occasional small hole though.

What Jason said ^^^

The fuel one will do what you want to do but if it was me I would go for the gen 2 most likely you won’t need a 3rd battery unless you have other Milwaukee tools

Both deals are great and both will do what you need them to do. I sort of like the third battery though…..Flip a coin and don’t look back 🙂

I’d go gen2 cus it will be in the back of your mind that u could’ve just got the newest one;) plus the grip is a big improvement very comfortable.

Fuel Gen 2. Those 2 extra amp/hours go a long way to offset not having that 3.0 battery. Plus, if you’re a burgeoning DIY’er, there will be situations where you will want the power.

The Fuel Gen 1 is great, I have it, and love it. But there are a few projects that I’ve done where I’ve truly needed the extra power and coveted the 1100 in/lbs Makita and now the 1200 in/lbs Fuel.

I say all this, but you will be happy with the performance of either, either way. Go with you consumerist’s gut on this one.

And remember, on those big jobs, use the safety handle!

Heck, my M18 drill isn’t even a Fuel. I’d gladly take either one. But I sure want some of the big batteries…

Thanks guys. Will take a look at the SDS drill but as Bigmike said, I can’t get the Fuel 2 off my mind and the grip does feel significantly better. Doof also makes a good point that I Might not need a free third 3.0 battery with the extra capacity of the 2 x 5.0 batteries. The 5.0 batteries are the same size as the 3.0 batteries and close in weight so I’d rather be carrying around a 5.0 battery than 3.0. And to make it more compact as my go to drill, I can always get a 2.0 battery. Wonder if that would reduce the torque and by how much? The Fuel 1 goes from 725 to 650 from using 3.0 to 2.0 batteries.

Silversurfer wrote:

And to make it more compact as my go to drill, I can always get a 2.0 battery. Wonder if that would reduce the torque and by how much? The Fuel 1 goes from 725 to 650 from using 3.0 to 2.0 batteries.

The torque reduction will likely be larger with FUEL 2, as the current output of the 2.0Ah batts is still the limiting factor.

At the 2015 Aus Symposium, I found out that Milwaukee are discontinuing the slim batts, not sure if this is worldwide or just here. They said they cost as much to make as 3.0’s, and so are not worth continuing.  😥  😥  😥  😥  😥  😥  😥

Thanks for the info Dwain. I’ll definitely pick up a few compact batteries then before they get discontinued. I’m glad you told me.

Btw Dwain I was watching your awesome hammer drill video recently and started looking into the Metabo. Apart from the clutch button being on top where most ppl will hold their hammer drill, I’ve read that the trigger has a slow start function that takes some getting used to, the grip is pretty bulky and the LED doesn’t stay on even when the trigger is no longer pressed (vs Dewalt, Milwaukee, Makita). Did you notice these things too? I haven’t been able to find a LTX on display yet to see for myself.

Silversurfer wrote:

Thanks for the info Dwain. I’ll definitely pick up a few compact batteries then before they get discontinued. I’m glad you told me.

Btw Dwain I was watching your awesome hammer drill video recently and started looking into the Metabo. Apart from the clutch button being on top where most ppl will hold their hammer drill, I’ve read that the trigger has a slow start function that takes some getting used to, the grip is pretty bulky and the LED doesn’t stay on even when the trigger is no longer pressed (vs Dewalt, Milwaukee, Makita). Did you notice these things too? I haven’t been able to find a LTX on display yet to see for myself.

Thanks for the props 😉 I don’t recall the Metabo being slow to start, as you can tell, it’s going to beat most competitors to the end of the hole, which is what counts i reckon 😉

The grip is beautiful, not bulky at all. There’s no drill more comfortable in existence to my knowledge. The LED comes on just by nearby vibrations sometimes, its kinda advanced, and we never spent time figuring it out exactly (maybe download the manual and have a read).

dwain wrote:

Thanks for the props 😉 I don’t recall the Metabo being slow to start, as you can tell, it’s going to beat most competitors to the end of the hole, which is what counts i reckon 😉

The grip is beautiful, not bulky at all. There’s no drill more comfortable in existence to my knowledge. The LED comes on just by nearby vibrations sometimes, its kinda advanced, and we never spent time figuring it out exactly (maybe download the manual and have a read).

Have you got around to filming that dewalt sds drill yet Dwain.

Turner85 wrote:

Have you got around to filming that dewalt sds drill yet Dwain.

we haven’t actualy received it yet, and have been unable to review the HT Wrench we already have. Should be a month or so away i guess.

I would say the Fuel 2 is the way to go. You get the bigger 5.0 batteries for the power and longevity when you need it and you can always pick up a 2.0 cheap for when you want something compact and down’t need a ton of power. I just got brand new 2.0 batteries for under $44 on Amazon.

Honestly owning the Gen 1 tools and now the Gen 2. I don’t think there is a big enough difference between the 2 to justify the price increase + 1 less battery. I’d go Gen 1 if I were you.

I rather have the newer model with those 5.0ah batteries than a third battery which isn’t even a 4.0 but a 3.0. My vote would be on the Gen 2 mainly because of those 5.0 batteries and that extra torque. It’s better to be overkill rather than not have enough juice as you found out with the M12 you have .

that is, until you hurt yourself with it 😉 I met a fella recently who broke his wrist with the Makita…

Silversurfer wrote:

 I can’t get the Fuel 2 off my mind and the grip does feel significantly better. 

There’s your answer!

Fuel 2

I bought the fuel 2 even though the 1 is on sale. The fuel 2 is a beast of a Hammerdrill. I’m sure the 1 is great though.

^^^ Might be time to change your ‘Favourite Power Tool’ in your profile then? 😉

Go with the 2!