In-depth review
Milwaukee 2801-22 M18 Drill Kit Review (2026)
A research-based review of the Milwaukee 2801-22: 500 inch-pounds of torque, all-metal chuck, and pro-grade durability.
Milwaukee M18 Compact Drill Driver Kit (2801-22)
500 inch-pounds with an all-metal chuck, built for punishment.
Our verdict
The trade-off is professional durability against price and weight. This is the toughest drill in the group: 500 inch-pounds of torque, an all-metal 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck, and a build quality aimed at job sites, not weekend projects. It costs more and weighs more than the DeWalt, and casual DIYers will never use its full capability. But if the drill will be used hard, often, and for years, the Milwaukee's margin of durability is the cheapest insurance in power tools. Buy it for punishment; skip it for picture frames.
What we like
- 500 inch-pounds max torque
- All-metal 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck
- Job-site grade housing and gearbox
- Deep M18 platform with REDLITHIUM batteries
What to watch out for
- Heavier than DeWalt and Makita compacts
- Brushed motor, not Fuel brushless
- Premium pricing over mid-range kits
Who it is for
Serious DIYers, renovators, and pros who need a drill that survives daily heavy use.
Power and performance
Five hundred inch-pounds of max torque puts this at the top of the compact drill class. The two-speed gearbox runs 0 to 500 RPM for driving and 0 to 1,800 RPM for drilling. In practice, it drives long structural screws and bores large holes without the bogging that stops lesser drills. The brushed motor is the one spec that trails the price: Milwaukee's brushless Fuel line outperforms it, but the 2801-22's price reflects that, positioning it as the durable mid-tier rather than the flagship.
Chuck and durability
The all-metal 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck is the standout hardware detail: it grips bits tighter and survives drops and dust that crack plastic chucks. The 16+1 clutch covers the full range from delicate to structural. The housing and gearbox are built to job-site standards, which is why this drill shows up in contractor bags: it tolerates the drops, dust, and continuous use that kill consumer drills.
Batteries and the M18 platform
The kit includes two M18 REDLITHIUM CP2.0 compact batteries and a charger. Milwaukee's REDLITHIUM packs have a strong reputation for longevity and cold-weather performance. The M18 platform is the deepest 18V system in the industry, with an enormous range of tools from drills to lighting to outdoor equipment. Buying this kit is buying into that ecosystem, and the ecosystem is excellent.
How it stacks up
Against the DeWalt DCD771C2, the Milwaukee offers more torque (500 inch-pounds versus 300 UWO), a metal chuck versus plastic-sleeved, and tougher construction, at a higher price and weight: Milwaukee for punishment, DeWalt for value. Against the Makita XFD13, torque is close (500 versus 480 inch-pounds) and the choice comes down to ergonomics and platform preference: Makita feels better in the hand, Milwaukee feels indestructible. There is no wrong answer between them.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Light, compact, and powerful for its size
- Brushless motor with long battery life
- Owners call it their best cordless drill
Common complaints
- Storage bag quality could be better
- No bit holder on some kits
- Pricier than DIY-grade drills
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Key specifications
- Torque
- 500 in-lbs max
- Speed
- 0-500 / 0-1,800 RPM
- Chuck
- 1/2" all-metal ratcheting
- Clutch
- 16+1 positions
- Batteries
- Two M18 REDLITHIUM CP2.0 + charger
Also consider
DeWalt 20V MAX Drill Driver Kit (DCD771C2)
300 UWO with two batteries and the deep 20V MAX platform behind it.
- Power: 300 unit watts out
- Speed: 0-450 / 0-1,500 RPM
Makita 18V LXT Drill Driver Kit (XFD13)
480 inch-pounds in the best-balanced compact body made.
- Torque: 480 in-lbs max
- Speed: 0-550 / 0-2,100 RPM
Research-based assessment. ThePickLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Is the 2801-22 a Fuel model?
No. Fuel is Milwaukee's brushless premium line. The 2801-22 is the standard brushed M18 compact drill: very capable and durable, positioned below Fuel on price and peak performance.
How heavy is it?
It is heavier than the DeWalt and Makita compacts, a consequence of the metal chuck and robust gearbox. For extended overhead work, the weight is noticeable: that is the durability trade-off.
Can I use larger M18 batteries with it?
Yes. All M18 batteries fit all M18 tools. Larger XC packs (5.0Ah and up) extend runtime significantly for heavy driving, at the cost of added weight.