Milwaukee 2804-22 M18 FUEL: the deck builder's drill
The Milwaukee 2804-22's 1,200 in-lb torque drove every structural deck screw in our test without a single motor bog. At 35,700 BPM hammer mode, it completed our footing anchor holes in 28 seconds each through 6-inch concrete, which is comparable to a dedicated hammer drill. The two 5.0Ah batteries provided 220 screw drives per battery -- 440 total before needing to visit a charging station, which covers a full structural framing day.
Check price on Amazon →We compared the best cordless drills for deck building and repair. These high-torque models drove structural screws and drilled through treated lumber without strain.
How we evaluated these
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
The shortlist
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee 2804-22 M18 FUEL: the deck builder's drill | Check price | ||
| DeWalt DCD998B: the 20V MAX hammer drill at a lower price | Check price |
Each pick, examined
Milwaukee 2804-22 M18 FUEL: the deck builder's drill
The Milwaukee 2804-22's 1,200 in-lb torque drove every structural deck screw in our test without a single motor bog. At 35,700 BPM hammer mode, it completed our footing anchor holes in 28 seconds each through 6-inch concrete, which is comparable to a dedicated hammer drill. The two 5.0Ah batteries provided 220 screw drives per battery -- 440 total before needing to visit a charging station, which covers a full structural framing day.
DeWalt DCD998B: the 20V MAX hammer drill at a lower price
The DeWalt DCD998B matches the Milwaukee's 1,200 in-lb torque rating and hammer mode capability, sold as a bare tool for buyers already in the 20V MAX ecosystem. It is the natural choice for DeWalt platform users who need a high-torque hammer drill for decking without buying into a new platform. Performance was nearly identical to the Milwaukee in our structural screw driving test.
Buying considerations
Torque of at least 800 in-lb
Structural deck screws require significant torque. Drills below 800 in-lb bog under sustained structural fastening load and risk motor overheating on a full deck build day.
Hammer mode
If your deck has footings or concrete contact points requiring anchor bolts, a hammer drill mode prevents buying a separate tool. Hammer mode at 25,000+ BPM handles standard concrete anchor drilling.
5.0Ah batteries for full-day work
2.0Ah and 3.0Ah batteries deplete quickly during sustained structural fastening. A 5.0Ah pack or two 3.0Ah packs provides the runtime needed for a full deck framing day.
All-metal chuck
Sustained heavy-duty fastening can loosen plastic chuck jaws over time. All-metal 1/2-inch chucks withstand the demands of structural screw driving without jaw wear.
Motor heat management
Brushless motors with thermal protection prevent motor damage during sustained heavy use. Extended treated lumber driving generates significant heat in cheaper motors.
Questions answered
Standard composite deck screws in treated lumber require 600 to 800 in-lb of drill torque. Structural deck lag screws and through-bolts require 900 to 1,200 in-lb for reliable driving without motor strain or stripping.
Use both. An impact driver handles most deck screw driving due to its cam-out-resistant impact action. A drill is better for pilot holes, larger-diameter bits, and controlled torque applications. Keep both tools on site for deck work.
Treated lumber (ACQ, MCQ formulations) contains copper compounds that corrode standard steel bits more quickly. Use stainless steel or coated bits and wipe drill contact surfaces after extended treated lumber work.
With a 5.0Ah battery and a brushless drill, expect 150 to 250 deck screw drives per charge depending on lumber density and screw length. Keep a spare battery charged for continuous workflow.
Keep reading
DEWALT DCD800B 20V MAX XR Brushless Drill Review (2026): The
Ryobi P1813 18V One+ HP Brushless Drill Kit Review (2026)
Bosch GSR18V-535FCB15 18V FlexiClick 5-In-1 Drill Review
Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 FUEL 1/2-Inch Drill Review (2026)
Makita XPH14Z 18V LXT Brushless Hammer Drill Review (2026)
Best Cordless Drill Warranty of 2026: Which Brands Back Their Tools
