Milwaukee® Introduces Industry’s First Cordless SDS Max Rotary Hammer

Words: Katherine O'tooleMilwaukee Tool brings game-changing innovation to the cordless power tool market with the introduction of the M18™ FUEL™ SDS Max Rotary Hammer. The SDS Max Rotary Hammer is the first cordless solution of its kind that provides the performance required for more demanding, heavy-duty drilling and chipping applications. With the launch of the new SDS Max, Milwaukee is now the only power tool manufacturer to provide a full line of rotary hammer solutions all on one M18™ battery platform.

“We’re excited to not only deliver the world’s first cordless SDS Max rotary hammer, but also the world’s first SDS Max rotary hammer solution powered by an 18V battery. For the first time, users won’t be limited to an extension cord or generator when they need to use a larger hammer. By utilizing proprietary M18™ and FUEL™ technologies, Milwaukee® has developed a rotary hammer with a 1-9/16” drilling capacity and the power to chip continuously for up to 20 minutes,” said Andrew Plowman, Director of Product Management for Milwaukee Tool. “The ability for our users to power this SDS Max off the same M18™ REDLITHIUM™ battery system they’ve been using with their SDS Plus solutions will provide unrivaled productivity.”

Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL™ technology* enables the M18 FUEL™ SDS Max Rotary Hammer to deliver the performance required for more demanding SDS Max applications, including dry coring and medium duty chipping in both concrete block and reinforced concrete.

The M18 FUEL™ SDS Max will also be among the first Milwaukee® solutions to be powered by the new M18™ REDLITHIUM™ HIGH DEMAND™ 9.0 battery pack. This game-changing battery technology delivers up to 5X more run-time, 35% more power and runs 60% cooler than standard lithium-ion batteries. This massive jump in run-time and increase in power will continue to push the limits of cordless potential.

Available in September of 2016, the M18™ FUEL™ SDS Max Rotary Hammer is a testament to Milwaukee’s ability to provide game-changing technology available on one platform that pushes the boundaries of expected performance and productivity.

* M18 FUEL™ is engineered for the most demanding tradesmen in the world. Delivering unrivaled performance, all M18 FUEL™ products feature three Milwaukee®-exclusive innovations–The POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor, REDLITHIUM™ Battery Pack and REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence Hardware and Software–that deliver unmatched power, run-time and durability on the jobsite. Simply put, M18 FUEL™ tools are the most powerful 18V cordless tools in their class.
From Day One to Long-Term Success: Onboarding Strategies for Contractors
January 2026

The construction industry is facing one of its toughest challenges in decades. Companies are struggling to find enough skilled workers while competing to keep the ones they have. At the same time, projects are becoming more complex, deadlines are tighter,

Finding the Right PPE for Your Work
January 2026

When it comes to PPE, one thing’s for sure: safety isn’t one size fits all. The work you’re doing, where you’re doing it, and even what time of year it is, can all make a big difference in what gear actually works. Price, comfort, and job performance all

Back Injuries: The Real Cost and How to Prevent Them
January 2026

The mention of back injuries makes mason contractors cringe, and for good reason. Masons lift heavy objects every day, all day long. When a person sustains a back injury, it is serious. It affects every part of their life, from their ability to perform wo

Detailing for Durability: The 2026 Guide to High-Performance Stone Veneer Transitions
January 2026

Some of the most expensive failures involving manufactured stone veneer installations don’t come from the stone at all, but rather from the material transitions and flashing around it. Transitions are weak points in the overall cladding where water can fi