Milwaukee Tool is about to raise the bar on SDS Max performance. The new M18 FUEL 1-3/4″ SDS Max Rotary Hammer (2918-20) ships in March 2026 — and on paper, it’s a significant step up from the outgoing 2718 that pros have relied on for years.
What Changed: 11 Ft-Lbs vs. 8.1 Ft-Lbs
The headline number is impact energy. The new 2918 delivers 11 ft-lbs — up from 8.1 ft-lbs in the 2718 model it replaces. That’s a 36% increase in raw hitting power, which translates to faster drilling in reinforced concrete, harder stone, and stubborn masonry. Milwaukee also pushed the BPM count to 2,625 at 347 RPM.
For real-world context, Milwaukee says the 2918 paired with a FORGE HD12.0 battery will chip 1/2 ton of material per charge — and drill 18+ holes (1″ x 6″) before swapping packs. If you’re doing sustained anchor drilling or demo on a job site, that runtime matters.
Key Specs
- Impact energy: 11 ft-lbs (up from 8.1 ft-lbs on 2718)
- Speed: 0–347 RPM / 0–2,625 BPM
- Chuck: 1-3/4″ SDS Max
- Motor: POWERSTATE Brushless
- Intelligence: REDLINK PLUS (overload, overheat, over-discharge protection)
- Kickback control: AUTOSTOP Enhanced — detects bind-ups and cuts power
- Vibration control: AVS Anti-Vibration System
- Dust control: VACLINK wireless — activates compatible dust extractor from the tool
- Tracking: ONE-KEY compatible
- Chisel positions: 12-position adjustment
Kit Options
The 2918 launches in two configurations:
- 2918-20 — Bare tool (pricing TBD)
- 2918-22HD — Kit with 2x FORGE HD12.0 batteries, M18/M12 Rapid Charger, carrying case
The outgoing 2718-20 bare tool was $899. Expect the 2918 to land in a similar range or slightly above — Milwaukee hasn’t announced pricing yet.
Why This Matters
The SDS Max category is where Milwaukee competes most directly with corded tools and gas-powered alternatives on heavy construction sites. The jump to 11 ft-lbs puts this in the same conversation as full-size corded hammers. When Milwaukee announced the broader rotary hammer expansion at World of Concrete 2026, the 2918 was the tool generating the most talk among concrete crews.
For tradespeople who’ve been skeptical about cordless SDS Max performance — the 2718 was already capable, but the 36% power jump on the 2918 removes more of the remaining objections. The VACLINK wireless dust extraction is also a practical upgrade for enclosed spaces where dust control affects both air quality and bit life.
If you’re on the M18 platform and do regular anchor drilling or core boring, this is worth watching. Not sure which battery platform fits your workflow? Check our Milwaukee vs. DeWalt vs. Makita battery platform comparison and our SDS vs. SDS Max chuck guide for the full breakdown.
Availability
March 2026. Milwaukee is a Home Depot exclusive — no Amazon listings for new Milwaukee tools. Watch the Home Depot site for the 2918-20 bare tool and 2918-22HD kit to go live next month.
Sources: ToolGuyd, Ohio Power Tool News
