Milwaukee redefines SDS Plus rotary hammers with New D-Handle Solution

Words: Katherine O'tooleSince their launch, Milwaukee Tool’s M18™ FUEL™ SDS Plus cordless rotary hammer solutions have been outperforming cordless competitors and rivaling their corded counterparts. Now, Milwaukee Tool has redefined the SDS Plus rotary hammer market once again with the addition of a M18™ FUEL™ 1” D-Handle Rotary Hammer solution. Featuring an in-line design for extended overhead and downward drilling applications, this new hammer not only gives users the power they expect from their corded tools, but exceeds it. With the productivity advantages of cordless and extended runtime, the D-Handle delivers a full day’s work on one charge.

“As users look for increased productivity, Milwaukee’s advances in motor and battery technology have made it possible to provide a full range of SDS Plus solutions on a single battery platform. This has allowed the rotary hammer market to begin trending from corded to cordless.” said Andrew Plowman, Director of Product Management for Milwaukee Tool. “Through our best-in-class FUEL™ technology, we’re able to provide these users with the ability to completely cut the cord and experience the immense productivity benefits of a cordless D-Handle on the same battery platform as the other tools they’ve come to know and trust.”

By design, the new M18™ FUEL™ 1” D-Handle Rotary Hammer provides a more ergonomic experience for users who frequently drill overhead or downward. These hammers drill faster than their corded counterparts, are built with corded durability, and can exceed runtime expectations by delivering a full day of work on one charge. Milwaukee is able to accomplish this level of performance by combining three exclusive innovations, the POWERSTATE™ brushless motor, REDLITHIUM™ battery pack, and REDLINK PLUS™ intelligence.

The POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor works harder, lives longer, and converts energy into power more efficiently, providing the tools with greater speed and performance than competitive corded units. There are no wearable parts which extends the life of the motor, reduces motor friction and cools more rapidly to deliver years of maintenance-free performance.

Milwaukee REDLITHIUM™ XC5.0 batteries provide a full day of work on one charge, 20% more power and 2X more recharges than standard lithium-Ion batteries. REDLITHIUM™ XC5.0 also delivers best-in-class performance in extreme job-site conditions. With Milwaukee® durability built into each pack, the REDLITHIUM™ XC5.0 battery operates cooler and performs in climates below 0°F/-18°C with fade free power.

REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence hardware and software is the most advanced system on the market. It integrates full-circle communication between tool, battery and charger to protect them from overloading, overheating and over-discharging. The protections help maintain ideal conditions for maximum application performance.

Available now, the new M18 FUEL™ 1” D-Handle Rotary Hammers are a true testament to Milwaukee’s focus on the user and investment in game-changing technology.
Is Contact with Wet Mortar or Grout Dangerous?
April 2026

In the world of masonry, few materials are as common as mortar and grout. Whether you are laying brick, concrete masonry units (CMU), or pouring grout into masonry walls, wet cement and mortar are constant companions. However, beneath their utility lies a

The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic