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.
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