BestvsTool

DeWalt DCD999 vs Milwaukee M18 FUEL: Which Hammer Drill Takes the Crown?

Both are professional-grade hammer drills, but the M18 FUEL’s torque and agility give it the edge—though the DCD999 still punches hard with FLEXVOLT support.

DeWalt 20V MAX FLEXVOLT Hammer Drill (DCD999)
Hammer Drills
4.6(850)
DeWalt 20V MAX FLEXVOLT Hammer Drill (DCD999)
High-power hammer drill with FLEXVOLT Advantage and 3-speed control for demanding applications.
$239

Pros

  • Huge headroom when paired with FLEXVOLT batteries (up to 42% more power)
  • Solid all-metal chuck with carbide inserts
  • 3-speed flexibility for different tasks

Cons

  • Relatively heavy (3.6 lbs bare)
  • Higher cost for top-tier battery setups
Winner
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hammer Drill
Hammer Drills
4.7(1200)
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hammer Drill
Milwaukee’s flagship hammer drill with POWERSTATE brushless motor, compact size, and strong torque.
$199

Pros

  • More compact (6.9 in) and lighter for its class
  • Strong torque (1200 in-lbs) with efficient electronics
  • Compact enough for tight spaces

Cons

  • No 3-speed mode (only 2 speeds)
  • Less torque ceiling compared to some FLEXVOLT setups
Quick Specs Comparison
Side-by-side specs with best values highlighted
SpecificationDeWalt DCD999Milwaukee M18 FUEL
torque_uw12191000
torque_in_lbs11001200
speed_settings32
no_load_speeds0-450 / 0-1,300 / 0-2,000 RPM0-550 / 0-2,000 RPM
bpm3825032000
chuck_size1/2 in.1/2 in.
weight_lbs3.63.2
length_in8.46.9
led3-mode LED (spotlight up to 20 min)Integral LED above trigger
battery_system20V MAX / FLEXVOLTM18
Price$239$199
Detailed Category Comparison
How each tool performs in key categories

Power & Torque

Milwaukee Wins
DeWalt DCD9999/10
Milwaukee M18 FUEL9.5/10

Milwaukee’s 1,200 in-lbs gives it a torque edge over DeWalt’s ~1,219 UWO equivalent.

Speed & Versatility

DeWalt Wins
DeWalt DCD9999.5/10
Milwaukee M18 FUEL8.8/10

DeWalt’s 3-speed gearbox provides better flexibility than Milwaukee’s 2-speed system.

Size & Weight

Milwaukee Wins
DeWalt DCD9998.3/10
Milwaukee M18 FUEL9.2/10

Milwaukee is ~6.9 in and 3.2 lbs vs DeWalt ~8.4 in and 3.6 lbs.

Features & Extras

DeWalt Wins
DeWalt DCD9999.2/10
Milwaukee M18 FUEL8.9/10

FLEXVOLT capability & 3-mode LED push DeWalt’s extra usability advantages.

Value

Milwaukee Wins
DeWalt DCD9998.8/10
Milwaukee M18 FUEL9.3/10

Milwaukee offers flagship-level performance at lower cost.

Full Review & Buying Guide
In-depth analysis and recommendations

The Verdict

Both are professional-grade hammer drills, but the M18 FUEL’s torque and agility give it the edge—though the DCD999 still punches hard with FLEXVOLT support. Both tools represent excellent value in their respective price ranges and offer professional-grade performance for serious DIYers and contractors.

Who Should Buy the DeWalt DCD999?

The DeWalt DCD999 is perfect for users who prioritize versatility. Its huge headroom when paired with flexvolt batteries (up to 42% more power) makes it an excellent choice for professionals who need reliable performance day after day.

Who Should Buy the Milwaukee M18 FUEL?

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL excels in demanding tasks. With its more compact (6.9 in) and lighter for its class, it's ideal for users who demand maximum performance and don't mind paying a premium for it.

Final Recommendation

We recommend the Milwaukee M18 FUEL for users who need maximum performance and are willing to invest in premium features.