Silversurfer

Did you ever discover what the issue was that caused the unresponsiveness?

Forget about the drill, where do you find girlfriends like that?! My girl would freak if she knew how much good quality tools were. Although the Fuel 1 is very nice, the new Fuel 2 is noticeably nicer. Almost 2x the torque, better feeling handle, 5.0 batteries, belt clip, bit holder, side handle, lighter, more compact.....

Thanks for the info Dwain. I'll definitely pick up a few compact batteries then before they get discontinued. I'm glad you told me. Btw Dwain I was watching your awesome hammer drill video recently and started looking into the Metabo. Apart from the clutch button being on top where most ppl will hold their hammer drill, I've read that the trigger has a slow start function that takes some getting used to, the grip is pretty bulky and the LED doesn't stay on even when the trigger is no longer pressed (vs Dewalt, Milwaukee, Makita). Did you notice these things too? I haven't been able to find a LTX on display yet to see for myself.

Thanks guys. Will take a look at the SDS drill but as Bigmike said, I can't get the Fuel 2 off my mind and the grip does feel significantly better. Doof also makes a good point that I Might not need a free third 3.0 battery with the extra capacity of the 2 x 5.0 batteries. The 5.0 batteries are the same size as the 3.0 batteries and close in weight so I'd rather be carrying around a 5.0 battery than 3.0. And to make it more compact as my go to drill, I can always get a 2.0 battery. Wonder if that would reduce the torque and by how much? The Fuel 1 goes from 725 to 650 from using 3.0 to 2.0 batteries.

Hi Dwain, Great extensive testing and video. Really thought it was thorough and comprehensive. I called Metabo and the technical rep said that the SB18 LT was more suitable for the weekend warrior. Plus I'm finding the LTX pretty hard to find. Was wondering if you had a chance to handle the SB18 LT? Unlike the LTX, it doesn't come with many features and its made in PRC (China).

When I was at the store, I looked at 3 Fuel 2 hammer drills on display. Put a drill bit into them and noticed that 2 had some noticeable chuck wobble with the drill bit. The third one was perfect with no visual chuck wobble with the drill bit. I actually checked out the 2702, the new compact brushless non-Fuel model, and noticed that the 4 on display all had noticeable chuck wobble with a drill bit installed. In addition, my buddy bought a 2702 and found that the chuck was binding a bit (stiff) out of the box. Milwaukee told him to exchange it. In terms of the chuck wobble I saw, Milwaukee also assured me that the Fuel line uses higher grade materials in their chucks with finer tolerances than the 2702 line. I don't care about cosmetic wobble but it would bother me if there is visible run out with a drill bit installed. Ricky, do you have run out even with the drill bit installed?

Hi guys, Learned a lot by watching your YouTube videos and thought I'd join the forum to learn even more. I have been looking at picking up either the Fuel 1 or Fuel 2 hammer drill and would really appreciate any insight. I just moved into my first house and am finding that I enjoy being a DIYer, plus the house needs some work. I'm already finding that my faithful M12 hammer drill (2411) lacks in power when I'm drilling through brick to mount light fixtures, etc. on the exterior walls of my car garage. So thought it was finally time to get a 18V hammer and looks like I chose a perfect time with the Fuel 2 Hammer (2704) having just been released. My local retailer has 2 options on sale right now and I was hoping you guys could give me some advice to make my choice easier: 1. With the $100 trade in event on right now, they have the Fuel 1 (2604-22) with 2 4.0 batteries for $219 + you get a free third 3.0 battery. I came into the store initially to buy this hands down for the great price and 3 batteries until.....I saw the Fuel 2. 2. Fuel 2 with 2 5.0 batteries (2704-22) for $259 with trade in. I like the grip, weight, and compactness of the Fuel 2 over the Fuel 1 and based on size, it could become my new go to drill with a 2.0 batt. But I don't get a free third battery. It's definitely overkill for anything I'm doing right now but for the $40 difference and no free third battery, it still might be nice to have a better feeling drill that just came out. Mind you, a newly released drill hasn't been tested like the Fuel 1 has. 3. OR do you think there will be even better deals on the Fuel 2 over Black Friday and Xmas? Overall I will be using the drill around the house with the occasional brick use and already have an impact driver that I'm happy with. Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely fascinated by the Fuel 2 impact driver's new self tapping screw mode but honestly, I can't think of any jobs I can actually use it on. Both Fuel models are definitely way more than I'll ever need but I believe in investing in high quality tools especially since I'll be a lifetime DIYer and don't want to feel underpowered again esp when I'm outside in the cold. Thanks guys. I look forward to any advice you guys can share on my 3 options.