Milwaukee M12 Fuel Gen2 Hammer Drill and Impact Combo 2598-22 Review

With advances in battery and motor technology over the past few years, power tools are getting smaller than ever while also delivering the power of tools much larger just a few years earlier.

The 2598-22 M12 drill and impact set is a great example of this.   The kit includes a hammer drill, hex impact, 4.0 battery, 2.0 battery, charger and a carry bag.

The 2504-20 M12 hammer drill is 1 3/16” shorter and 2.4 ounces lighter than the previous version.  The cooling fins have been moved to the back of the unit to save space and allow for better balance.   The brushless motor spins the drill at 450 rpm on low and 1750rpm on high.  The 1/2” all metal chuck is very nice and will accept a majority of the bits you could need.

The 2553-20 impact driver is also improved.  The impact mechanism and chuck are set further back result in just short of an inch reduction in length to reach tighter spots.  There is a 4 mode drive control on the top.  It has 3 speeds and a self-tapping screw mode.  This mode will drive at full speed until the impact engages then slows it down for more control and to prevent snapping the head of screws.

The build quality of both tools is nothing short of excellent.  The rubber grip provides good feel and the balance is just about perfect with both the 2.0 and 4.0 batteries.  It really looks like Milwaukee tried to make this unit as durable as possible with seven screws holding the housing together and just a tank-like feel.

The battery life on both tools is quite good.  Obviously, the 4.0 battery will last much longer than the 2.0 but both tools were able to perform for quite a while with the 2.0.  Where the 4.0 battery really helps is for drilling larger holes through thick wood or for longer runtimes with the impact driver.  I was able to drive a few pounds worth of 3 1/2” deck screws with the impact on a 2.0 battery without an issue.

With the impressive build quality, power and large number of other M12 tools Milwaukee offers, the 2598-22 M12 kit is a great compact hammer drill and impact combo to pick up for anyone looking for one.