Choosing between two tool-only Milwaukee M18 drills comes down to one question: do you need hammer action for masonry, or will a straightforward drill/driver handle your power-tools tasks? The 2904-20 M18 FUEL 1/2" Hammer Drill/Driver carries a listed price of USD 135.00, while the M18 1/2" Drill/Driver 2606-20 is listed at USD 59.99. Both are bare tools with no battery included, and both run on M18 lithium-ion batteries, so your decision rests on the feature set and the condition of the listing.
Quick verdict
If you regularly drill into brick, block, or concrete, the 2904-20's hammer function is the more capable match despite its higher listed price. If you mostly drill wood and metal and want to spend less up front, the open-box 2606-20 is the economical pick, as long as you're comfortable with a tool-only listing that has no original box.
Comparison table
| Compare | 2904-20 Hammer Drill | 2606-20 Drill/Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 135.00 | USD 59.99 |
| Hammer action | Yes | Not listed |
| Motor | Brushless | Brushless |
| Chuck size | 1/2 in | 1/2 in |
| Battery included | No | No |
| Condition | New | Open box |
| Auxiliary handle | Yes | Not listed |
Where each product wins
Choose the 2904-20 if you need hammer action for concrete and masonry, value the auxiliary handle for two-handed control, and want a new-condition bare tool. Choose the 2606-20 if your work is mostly drilling in wood and metal, you want the lower listed price, and you're willing to pick up an open-box tool without its original box.
Milwaukee 2904-20 M18 FUEL 1/2" Hammer Drill/Driver (Tool Only)
This is the more feature-rich of the two. The hammer function is the standout addition, giving you a way to tackle masonry without switching to a dedicated rotary hammer. The listed attributes also include a 1/2-inch keyless chuck, a compact and heavy-duty build, and an auxiliary handle for extra leverage. You'll pay USD 135.00, which is the higher listed price in this pair. The main limitation is that it's a tool-only listing-no battery or charger is included-so you need an existing M18 battery system. Also, the price is significantly higher than the 2606-20, so weigh whether the hammer action justifies the difference for your typical projects.
Milwaukee M18 1/2" Drill/Driver 2606-20 (Tool Only)
If you're after a straightforward drill/driver, this open-box listing is the more budget-conscious route. At USD 59.99, it's the lower-priced option, and the brushless motor and 18-volt M18 platform keep it a capable daily driver for wood, metal, and general fastening. The limitation to keep in mind is the condition: the seller describes it as open-box and without the original box, though the listing notes the surface is generally pristine and the tool retains its original finish. You're getting the bare tool only, so factor in the cost of batteries and charger if you're not already in the M18 system.
Final choice by use case
For masonry and heavy drilling where hammer action and a stable grip matter, go with the Milwaukee 2904-20 M18 FUEL 1/2" Hammer Drill/Driver. For lighter-duty drilling and a lower up-front cost, the Milwaukee M18 1/2" Drill/Driver 2606-20 in open-box condition is the practical choice-just make sure you have compatible M18 batteries in your workshop before you buy.
