Milwaukee 2504-20 vs Makita XPH14Z: Cordless Hammer Drills Compared
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A standard drill-driver stalls out on concrete and masonry. These hammer drills add a percussive action that pulverizes material as the bit spins, letting you drill into brick, block, and mortar without switching to a rotary hammer. The Milwaukee 2504-20 is the M12 FUEL compact option. The Makita XPH14Z is the full-size 18V LXT contender. Different sizes with different tradeoffs.
Quick Verdict
These serve different jobs. The Makita XPH14Z is the right hammer drill for drilling Tapcon holes in a foundation wall or mounting a TV bracket into a concrete ceiling. The Milwaukee 2504-20 is the right one for an electrician who needs to drill a few 1/4-inch holes in brick for cable clips without carrying a 5 lb drill. Pick based on the hole size you drill most often.
Light enough to carry all day and handles 1/4-inch masonry holes without issue.
38,250 BPM and 1,240 in-lbs push through poured concrete where the M12 stalls.
2.5 lb bare and compact profile fit between joists and reach above ceiling grids.
Handles both wood drilling and masonry without reaching for a second tool.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Milwaukee 2504-20 | Makita XPH14Z |
|---|---|---|
| Max Torque | 450 in-lbs | 1,240 in-lbs |
| Hammer BPM | 0 to 28,800 BPM | 0 to 38,250 BPM |
| Chuck Size | 1/2 in all-metal ratcheting | 1/2 in all-metal ratcheting |
| Max Speed | 0 to 1,700 RPM | 0 to 2,100 RPM |
| Battery Platform | 12V (M12) | 18V LXT |
| Weight (bare) | 2.5 lb (bare) | 4.9 lb (bare) |
| Drive Modes | 2-speed + hammer | 2-speed + hammer |
Milwaukee 2504-20
Price: $119 (Home Depot)
Pros
- 2.5 lb bare is compact enough for overhead drilling into concrete ceilings without arm fatigue
- All-metal 1/2-inch chuck holds large masonry bits without slipping under hammer load
- M12 batteries are smaller and lighter, keeping the total package under 3.5 lb
Cons
- 450 in-lbs is weak for drilling holes larger than 3/8 inch in hard concrete
- 12V motor bogs down on reinforced concrete or natural stone
- 28,800 BPM is lower than the Makita, so penetration rate in masonry is slower
Makita XPH14Z
Price: $159 (Amazon)
Pros
- 1,240 in-lbs of torque drills 1/2-inch holes in concrete block without stalling
- 38,250 BPM delivers noticeably faster penetration in masonry than the Milwaukee
- Side handle included for stability during aggressive drilling into hard materials
Cons
- 4.9 lb bare is nearly double the weight of the Milwaukee
- Full-size body doesn't fit into tight joist bays or between closely spaced studs
- Draws more battery capacity, shorter runtime per charge on smaller 18V cells
Best For
Occasional anchor holes in brick or block
Milwaukee 2504-20
Light enough to carry all day and handles 1/4-inch masonry holes without issue.
Tapcon anchoring into concrete foundations
Makita XPH14Z
38,250 BPM and 1,240 in-lbs push through poured concrete where the M12 stalls.
Overhead work in tight spaces
Milwaukee 2504-20
2.5 lb bare and compact profile fit between joists and reach above ceiling grids.
General contractor daily driver
Makita XPH14Z
Handles both wood drilling and masonry without reaching for a second tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use a rotary hammer instead of a hammer drill?
For holes 1/2 inch or larger in poured concrete, for drilling into stone, or for any sustained masonry drilling. Rotary hammers use an SDS-plus chuck and an electro-pneumatic mechanism that hits much harder than a hammer drill's ratcheting clutch. A hammer drill is fine for occasional small holes in brick and block.
Can I use a hammer drill as a regular drill?
Yes. Both of these have a non-hammer mode that turns off the percussive action. In drill-only mode, they function as standard drill-drivers for wood, metal, and drywall screws. The Makita is heavier than a typical drill-driver though.
Do masonry bits work in both of these?
Yes. Both use a standard 1/2-inch keyless chuck that accepts any round-shank masonry bit. Don't confuse these with SDS-plus bits, which require a rotary hammer's slotted chuck. Standard masonry bits have a smooth round shank with a carbide tip.