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Milwaukee M18 Compact 1/2" Drill Driver Kit 2606 Review

This beefy drill features industrial build quality with an all-metal chuck but was just slightly outmatched when it came to drilling power
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Milwaukee M18 Compact 1/2" Drill Driver Kit 2606 Review
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Price:  $180 List
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Manufacturer:   Milwaukee
By David Wise and Austin Palmer  ⋅  Feb 14, 2022
78
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#6 of 23
  • Drilling - 35% 8.8
  • Driving - 35% 9.0
  • Battery Life - 20% 4.8
  • Convenience - 10% 5.8

Our Verdict

While the Milwaukee M18 Compact 1/2" Drill Driver Kit 2606 (not of the “Fuel” line from Milwaukee) is an exceptionally good cordless drill, it couldn't quite claim an award, though it did finish in the upper tier of the entire list of best drills. This drill packs plenty of power, finishing close to the top in both our drilling and driving tests. It has an average battery life and a handful of convenience features, along with a heavy-duty, all-metal chuck. While this drill is a bit heavy and expensive for the casual DIYer, it was definitely in the running for the best of the best, only falling a tiny bit short.
REASONS TO BUY
Burly construction
Tons of power
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
Costly
Editor's Note: We updated this drill review on February 14th, 2022, with new sections to cover which drills we recommend and why.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Tool Only Drill
Editors' Choice Award
Best Drill Kit Overall
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for Your Buck
Best Buy Award
Best 12 Volt Option a Budget
Price $180 List
$155.00 at Amazon
$189 List
$174.99 at Amazon
$169 List
$115.00 at Amazon
$79 List
$59.00 at Amazon
$139 List
$104.91 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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94
89
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48
Star Rating
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Bottom Line Although it did not earn a top spot, the M18 still has tons of drilling and driving powerThis tool delivered excellent results across the board and is a fantastic option to complement the M18 battery systemA drill driver set capable of a wide range of tasksA great budget drill for a homeowners or DIYer and has more than enough power for moderate to light-duty tasksOur favorite compact 12-volt drill when considering overall performance and price
Rating Categories Milwaukee M18 Compa... Milwaukee M18 Fuel... Kobalt XTR 24-volt... Craftsman V20 1/2-I... Bosch 12V Max Drill...
Drilling (35%)
8.8
9.6
9.4
6.6
5.8
Driving (35%)
9.0
10.0
9.4
6.2
4.5
Battery Life (20%)
4.8
9.8
8.4
4.4
3.2
Convenience (10%)
5.8
6.2
6.2
6.0
5.8
Specs Milwaukee M18 Compa... Milwaukee M18 Fuel... Kobalt XTR 24-volt... Craftsman V20 1/2-I... Bosch 12V Max Drill...
Five Inch Hole Saw Test 30 seconds 15 seconds 17 seconds 55 seconds 70 seconds
Lag Screw Test 5.00 in 5.00 in 5.00 in 4.37 in 3.87 in
Manufacturer Peak Torque 500 in-lbs 1,200 in-lbs 1,200 in-lbs 280 in-lbs 256 in-lbs
Measured Charge Time 31 min 25 min 85 min 58 min 85 min
Measured Weight 3.79 lbs 4.06 lbs 4.09 lbs 3.44 lbs 2.17 lbs
Measured Length 7.25 in 7 in 7 in 8.25 in 6.625 in
Measured Number of Settings 16 14 22 23 20
Manufacturer Stated RPM Low: 0 - 450
High: 0 - 1800
Low: 0 - 550
High: 0 - 2000
Low: 0 - 550
High: 0 - 2000
Low: 0 - 450
High: 0 - 1500
Low: 0 - 350
High: 0 -1300
Included Battery Pack(s) 1.5 Ah Tested with 2.0 Ah 4 Ah
Tested with 2.0 Ah (not included with kit)
1.3 Ah 2.0 Ah
Max Chuck 1/2 in 1/2 in 1/2 in 1/2 in 3/8 in
Battery Voltage 18V 18V 24V 20V 12V
Drill Model Tested 2606-20 2803-20 KXDD 124B-03 CMCD700 PS31
Box Model (Kit) Tested 2606-22CT Tested tool-only, no kit KXDD 1424A-03 CMCD700C1 PS31-2A
Battery Indicator Location Battery Battery Battery Battery Drill
LED Location Above the trigger Above the battery Above the battery Above the trigger Above the trigger
Included Belt Clip No Yes Yes No No

Our Analysis and Test Results

This drill finished in the top portion of the group overall, just behind the DeWalt DCD777C2 and ahead of the DeWalt DCD771C2. The M18 and the DCD777C2 are almost identical regarding driving performance, convenience, and battery performance, but the DeWalt did slightly better in our drilling tests. Neither the M18 nor the DCD777C2 struggled much in our tests. The DCD777C2 was a bit faster at drilling through the steel sheet and using the 5" hole saw. The M18 also has a slightly higher list price than the DCD777C2. The DCD7771C2 can't match the battery life or drilling performance of the M18, but it is better at driving in fasteners.

Performance Comparison


milwaukee m18 compact 1/2" drill driver kit 2606
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Drilling


First off, we ranked and compared the M18's performance by using different bits to drill various sized holes. This accounts for 35% of its overall score and is based on the M18's performance at drilling into a solid door with a large hole saw (5"), drilling through a steel sheet with two different twist drills, and drilling holes in a piece of 2x12 dimensional lumber with a 1" diameter spade or paddle bit. It did very well.

milwaukee m18 compact 1/2" drill driver kit 2606 - just one of our multiple drilling tests features a 16 gauge steel...
Just one of our multiple drilling tests features a 16 gauge steel that each product has to drill through.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

The Milwaukee M18 drilled into the solid door with the 5" hole saw without any significant issue, never stalling or struggling. However, it does take a bit longer than some of the other drills, taking 30-35 seconds compared to 17 seconds or so of the top models.

milwaukee m18 compact 1/2" drill driver kit 2606
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

This drill also drilled the 1" holes with the paddle bits without any hassle, quickly and easily drilling through the wood. It didn't stall out, even when drilling in its higher gear, and is one of the best at this test.

milwaukee m18 compact 1/2" drill driver kit 2606
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

The M18 finished out with a strong showing when drilling through a steel sheet. It seemed like it struggled a tiny bit more than we would expect with the ¼" drill, but it still drilled through in about 2.3 seconds. It never stalled out or anything; it just took a bit more force than some of the other drills to power through. However, it did do a great job with the ½" drill, punching through the 16 gauge steel sheet relatively effortlessly.

milwaukee m18 compact 1/2" drill driver kit 2606 - lag screws proved to be a tough challenge.
Lag screws proved to be a tough challenge.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Driving


Our subsequent two tests — driving in both a #9 wood screw and a 5" long, ½" lag bolt — also account for 35% of the total score. We rated each drill on the time it took to drive in each screw, how much the drill had to work to do so, and if it could set the heads properly. The M18 again did quite well.

This drill is pretty solid at driving regular (#9) wood screws. It lets you drive them to their full depth in a gentle and controlled way, easily setting the head flush with the surface of the wood. It has plenty of power to stop and start again without stalling, but it isn't the fastest at driving in the screws, with some of the top drills sinking them in just a bit faster.

milwaukee m18 compact 1/2" drill driver kit 2606
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

The M18 also did very well in our lag screw test — a much harder task than the first driving one. We drilled a pilot hole then used the M18 to sink the 5" long bolt through a 2x4 into a 4x4.

milwaukee m18 compact 1/2" drill driver kit 2606 - we predrilled holes for the lag screws.
We predrilled holes for the lag screws.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

It did this easily, setting the screw to its full depth without complaining, taking just a fraction of a second longer than the top drills overall.

milwaukee m18 compact 1/2" drill driver kit 2606
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Battery Life


Next, we evaluated and scored the recharge time and battery life of the M18and the number of included batteries. These three assessments account for 20% of its total score, with the Milwaukee M18 finishing just average. We tested this drill with the 1.5 Ah battery that came with the package we purchased, which can be used with compatible tools.

To compare the battery life between drills, all with different voltages battery sizes, we alternated driving 16 3" long #9 wood screws to their full depth and drilling three 1" diameter holes with the spade bit, basing the scores on the number of cycles completed. The best drills finished over eight, while the M18 only made it through about 4.5 cycles of this before calling it quits. Fortunately, this is one of the fastest charging batteries of the bunch, only taking 31 minutes to recharge completely.

We also liked that you can purchase the M18 as a package that includes an additional battery, so you can always have one on the charger while you work.

milwaukee m18 compact 1/2" drill driver kit 2606
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Convenience


For the final 10% of its final score, we rated and scored the various features and functions on the M18 that make it easier and more efficient to use. It did reasonably well.

This drill is a bit on the heavy side, weighing in about 3.75 lbs., but it does have the option to add a belt clip. Unfortunately, this belt clip isn't included but can be attached near the battery pack. The clutch can hold a bit up to one-half-inch. The M18 has two different operating gear ratios.

It has a decent integrated work light, but it does dim after about seven seconds — a little fast for our taste, but at least you don't have to hold down the trigger the entire time.

milwaukee m18 compact 1/2" drill driver kit 2606
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

We particularly liked that this drill has a battery level indicator, but it can be harder to swap batteries on this drill. It can bind up a bit when removed, and the double locking tabs are a bit harder to disengage than the single tab system used by other models.

Should You Buy the M18?


The M18 is a burly drill that packs a punch, just not enough to earn it an award. However, it was a contender for one and should be able to easily handle even the most challenging drilling tasks, albeit a bit slower than our top choices. This drill isn't a great budget buy; it has one of the highest list prices of the entire group.

What Other Drill Should You Consider?


If Milwaukee is your brand of choice, we prefer the higher-ranking Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2" Drill Driver. This drill has the same level of drilling performance but slightly better driving performance than the non-Fuel. The battery life is also significantly longer, and the price is lower, making the Milwaukee of choice.

David Wise and Austin Palmer