Milwaukee 2908 vs. DeWalt DCH172: Which Compact SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Wins?

Choosing the best compact SDS Plus rotary hammer comes down to two heavy hitters: the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2908 and the DeWalt 20V Atomic DCH172. I put both to work to see which one actually delivers for overhead drilling and tight spaces.

Video Review: Milwaukee 2908-20 vs. DeWalt DCH172

Performance and Drilling Speed

When comparing drilling speed in concrete, there is a noticeable difference. In my head-to-head test using 3/8" bits, the Milwaukee 2908 outperformed the DeWalt by nearly 20%.

The Milwaukee motor delivers more BPM (Blows Per Minute), which is crucial when you're drilling into hard aggregate or high-PSI concrete. If your priority is productivity and speed, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL is the clear winner here.

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Weight, Size, and Ergonomics

The DeWalt DCH172 is famous for being one of the lightest cordless rotary hammers on the market. If you are doing overhead electrical installs or MEP work all day, every ounce matters.

• DeWalt DCH172: Extremely lightweight, slim grip, and perfect balance. It’s a 2-mode tool designed for comfort.

• Milwaukee 2908: Slightly larger and heavier, but it offers a 3-mode selector (Drilling, Hammer Drilling, and Chipping).

For pure overhead comfort, DeWalt still holds the crown.

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Key Features: Safety and Dust Collection

Modern cordless power tools are all about safety. The Milwaukee 2908 features AUTOSTOP™ Kickback Control, which prevents the tool from spinning out if you hit rebar—a feature the DCH172 lacks.

Additionally, the Milwaukee Tri-LED lights provide much better visibility in dark corners compared to the single LED on the DeWalt.

Final Verdict: Which Compact Rotary Hammer Should You Buy?

• Choose the DeWalt DCH172 if you want the lightest SDS plus rotary hammer for 1/4" and 3/8" holes and don't need a chipping mode.

• Choose the Milwaukee 2908 if you need a 3-mode compact drill with more power, faster drilling speeds, and better safety tech.

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