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If you drill concrete every day, you already know this: cords slow you down. Generators get in the way. And older cordless hammers just didn’t hit hard enough.

That’s exactly what Milwaukee set out to fix with the new M18 FUEL SDS Max Rotary Hammer lineup — including the 1-9/16″ (2917-20 / 2917-22HD) and the 1-3/4″ (2918-20 / 2918-22HD) models. These Gen II hammers aren’t just updates. They’re faster drilling, harder hitting, lighter weight, and packed with more control features than ever before.

If you’re a general contractor, concrete pro, electrician, plumber, mechanical contractor, or remodeler, this is the cordless upgrade you’ve been waiting for.

M18 FUEL 1-9/16” SDS Max Rotary Hammer
(2917-20)

The 1-9/16” model is purpose-built for professionals who drill frequently in the 5/8”–1-1/4” range and are sensitive to tool weight and size. At just 14.1 lbs bare tool, it delivers serious power while remaining manageable for repetitive overhead and horizontal drilling.

Powered by a POWERSTATE Brushless Motor and REDLINK PLUS Intelligence, it produces 6 ft-lbs of impact energy, 488 RPM, and 3,300 BPM. That translates to faster drilling and harder hitting compared to corded competitors in its class. When paired with the M18 REDLITHIUM FORGE HD12.0 battery, it can drill over 24 holes sized 7/8” x 6” per charge, and over 18 holes at 1” x 6” per charge. The improved thermal capabilities of FORGE maximize work per pack, extending runtime during demanding applications.

-6 ft-lbs impact energy
-488 RPM
-3,300 BPM
-14.1 lbs (bare tool)
-SDS Max 1-9/16” capacity
-2 Modes: Rotary Hammer & Hammer Only
-POWERSTATE Brushless Motor
-REDLINK PLUS Intelligence
-ONE-KEY Enabled
-VACLINK Compatible
-5-Year Warranty

When paired with the M18 REDLITHIUM FORGE HD12.0 battery (48-11-1813), this hammer can drill over 24 holes (7/8” x 6”) per charge. That’s real runtime for anchor setting, rebar doweling, tilt-wall installs, and structural connections.

For contractors who want to hit the ground running, the 2917-22HD kit delivers a complete, high-performance setup right out of the case. This kit includes the 1-9/16” SDS Max rotary hammer, two M18 REDLITHIUM FORGE HD12.0 battery packs, the M18 & M12 Rapid Charger (48-59-1808), a durable carrying case, grease tube, and side handle. The inclusion of FORGE HD12.0 batteries is a major advantage — not just for runtime, but for sustained power under heavy load. With improved thermal performance, these batteries help maximize holes per charge and maintain consistent output during demanding anchor drilling and repetitive applications.

Designed for Maximum Control

This isn’t just about power; it’s about safety and comfort:

–AUTOSTOP Enhanced Kickback Control prevents over-rotation during a bind-up.
–Upgraded AVS Anti-Vibration System reduces vibration by over 20% using mechanism isolation.
–Variable speed trigger + forward/reverse for better precision.
–12-position chisel adjustment for versatility.
–Chisel lock (Hammer Only mode) for continuous chipping.

If you’re drilling anchors all day or running repetitive 1” holes, the 2917 keeps fatigue down while keeping productivity up.

M18 FUEL 1-3/4” SDS Max Rotary Hammer
(2918-20)

Step up to the 1-3/4″ model and you’re moving into heavier chipping territory. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1-3/4 in SDS Max Rotary Hammer w/ ONE-KEY delivers 11 ft-lbs of impact energy, making it the hardest hitting SDS Max hammer in its class. It’s built for pros who chip frequently and drill in the 1” to 1-1/2” range. Despite the increase in power, Milwaukee reduced the weight compared to the previous generation, bringing the bare tool down to 17.4 lbs while improving drilling speed by over 25% and increasing impact energy by more than 35%. That combination of more power and less weight directly translates to higher productivity and less fatigue over long workdays.

For contractors who need more power and perform frequent chipping or moderate drilling between 1”–1-1/2”, the 1-3/4” model steps up dramatically. Over 15 joules, this hammer is the hardest hitting in its class. It produces 347 RPM and 2,625 BPM while remaining lighter than the previous generation at 17.4 lbs bare tool (21.4 lbs with battery). Compared to Gen I (2718-22HD), this Gen II version drills over 25% faster, hits over 35% harder, reduces vibration through upgraded AVS, and adds an expanded feature set.

-11 ft-lbs impact energy
-347 RPM
-2,625 BPM
-17.4 lbs bare tool
(lighter than Gen 1)
-Multiple speed settings
-2 Modes: Rotary Hammer & Hammer Only
-POWERSTATE Brushless Motor
-ONE-KEY Enabled
-VACLINK Compatible
-5-Year Warranty

This tool is engineered for heavy chipping, ground rod driving, tile scraping, bushing, demolition, structural reinforcement drilling, and coring for pipe and conduit. It eliminates cords, generators, and outlet chasing while maintaining productivity in demanding applications.

The 2918-22HD kit is built for heavy-duty users who demand maximum power and runtime for chipping, demolition, and larger diameter drilling. This kit includes the 1-3/4” SDS Max rotary hammer, two M18 REDLITHIUM FORGE HD12.0 battery packs, the M18 & M12 Rapid Charger, carrying case, grease tube, and side handle. With the hardest-hitting performance in its class, pairing this tool with dual FORGE HD12.0 batteries ensures extended runtime and sustained output during high-demand chipping applications.

Both models are powered by Milwaukee’s POWERSTATE Brushless Motor and REDLINK PLUS Intelligence, which work together to maintain consistent performance while protecting the tool from overload, overheating, and over-discharge. Safety and control are clearly a priority in this generation. AUTOSTOP Enhanced Kickback Control helps prevent over-rotation in bind-up situations, reducing the risk of injury. The upgraded Anti-Vibration System uses mechanism isolation, allowing internal components to move independently within the housing. The result is over 20% reduction in vibration, which makes a noticeable difference when you’re drilling or chipping for extended periods.

What Is VACLINK?

One of the biggest upgrades in this generation is VACLINK Wireless Dust Control.

VACLINK uses Bluetooth technology to connect the rotary hammer directly to a compatible dust extractor. When you pull the trigger, the vacuum automatically powers on. When you stop, it shuts off. This streamlines dust management, improves efficiency, and helps support OSHA-compliant setups without extra steps on the jobsite. Compatible systems include the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 9 Gallon Dual Battery Dust Extractor w/ PACKOUT and VACLINK (0888-22HD) and the Milwaukee M18 FUEL NEXUS 6 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum w/ PACKOUT and VACLINK (0914-20 & 0991-20), creating a fully cordless dust management solution.

SDS Max vs SDS Plus: Understanding the Difference

SDS Plus rotary hammers are typically designed for smaller, lighter-duty drilling. SDS Max rotary hammers are engineered for larger diameter holes, deeper drilling, and heavy chipping applications. Within the SDS Max category, the 1-9/16” and 1-3/4” class tools represent the most versatile range for contractors balancing power and ergonomics.

Users needing maximum power for 5”+ depth chipping or consistent 1-1/2”–2” holes may move into the 2” SDS Max class. However, for most commercial and structural applications, the 1-9/16” and 1-3/4” platforms deliver the ideal performance-to-weight ratio.

Primary Users & Applications

These tools are designed for general contractors, masonry and concrete professionals, demolition crews, mechanical and HVAC contractors, electricians, plumbers, power utility workers, and remodelers.

Typical applications include installing rebar into existing slabs, structural reinforcement, anchor installation, equipment mounting, tilt wall installation, ground rod driving, surface prep, tile removal, bushing, over-pour removal, coring for pipe and conduit, and heavy chipping during remodel or structural improvement projects.

ONE-KEY Tracking & Investment Protection

Both models are fully ONE-KEY compatible, allowing users to track and manage tools across jobsites. Inventory management, tool tracking, and productivity monitoring help companies protect investments and increase accountability across crews.

Choosing between the two models ultimately comes down to your primary application. The 1-9/16″ version is ideal for contractors who prioritize lighter weight and frequent drilling under 1-1/4”. The 1-3/4″ model is better suited for professionals who regularly perform heavy chipping and larger diameter drilling. Both eliminate the need for cords, generators, and outlet hunting while delivering performance that competes with, and often exceeds, corded tools in their class.

Milwaukee’s latest M18 FUEL SDS Max rotary hammers show just how far cordless concrete technology has come. With stronger impact energy, faster drill rates, upgraded safety systems, reduced vibration, and integrated dust control, these tools are built to increase productivity without compromising control. For professionals who depend on reliable performance in demanding concrete applications, this next generation delivers exactly that. Don’t hesitate to reach out at cs@ohiopowertool.com or 614-481-2111 with any questions, comments, or concerns, and be sure to follow us on all your favorite social media channels to stay in the know on all the latest announcements, deals, news, and more!