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Quick verdict
The Milwaukee 2804-20 is the better choice for repeated large hole-saw work, especially in framing lumber and thick plywood. Its clutch, gearbox, side handle, and overall control make it easier to keep a 3- to 6-inch hole saw moving without twisting your wrist.
The Ridgid R86116 is a credible cheaper alternative. It has enough torque for occasional large holes and is a sensible buy if you already own Ridgid 18V batteries. For a homeowner drilling a handful of holes for plumbing or wiring, the Ridgid can do the job. The Milwaukee earns its higher price through better control under load, not because either drill can ignore the limitations of a large hole saw.
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Milwaukee 2804-20 vs. Ridgid R86116 specifications
| Feature | Milwaukee 2804-20 | Ridgid R86116 |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | M18, 18V | RIDGID 18V |
| Chuck | 1/2-inch metal keyless | 1/2-inch keyless |
| Speed range | 0–550 / 0–2,000 rpm | 0–550 / 0–2,100 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 1,200 in-lb | Up to about 1,300 in-lb, depending on published rating |
| Modes | Drill, hammer drill, clutch | Drill, hammer drill, clutch |
| Best battery for hole saws | High-output 5.0Ah or larger | 4.0Ah or larger |
Published torque numbers are not a reliable prediction of how quickly a hole saw will cut. They are measured under controlled conditions, and the result at the wall depends on battery output, arbor design, tooth sharpness, material, and how aggressively you push. Both drills have plenty of motor power for large hole saws; the real contest is control and heat management.
How they handle large hole saws
For a 2-inch hole saw, either drill is comfortable in ordinary construction lumber. A 3-inch saw begins to expose the difference between a strong cordless drill and a merely adequate one. Both tools can make the hole, but the Milwaukee feels more settled when the saw hits a knot or the plug starts binding.
With 4-inch and larger saws, the material matters more than the badge. In softwood, both drills can work if you use the low-speed range, keep the pilot bit sharp, and periodically back the saw out to clear chips. In hardwood, laminated beams, or wet lumber, the job becomes demanding. The Ridgid may stall sooner or require more careful feed pressure. The Milwaukee generally maintains speed better, but it is still possible to overheat either drill.
For sheet metal, use a bi-metal hole saw and cutting oil. Do not run a large metal saw at the drill’s maximum speed. A 3-inch saw in thin steel needs controlled speed and light pressure; forcing it can strip teeth, glaze the material, or activate the drill’s electronic protection. Neither model is a substitute for a dedicated low-speed hole-cutter setup when you are making dozens of metal penetrations.
If you need a complete setup, compare bi-metal hole saw kits with replaceable pilot bits rather than buying a single oversized saw. A dull pilot bit makes the drill work harder and allows the arbor to wander.
Control, kickback, and user fatigue
Large hole saws can grab suddenly when they break through the back of a board or when the cut slug wedges inside the cup. That reaction is the main reason to use a side handle. The Milwaukee includes a substantial auxiliary handle and has a solid two-speed selector. The Ridgid also provides a side handle, and it is adequate, but the Milwaukee’s body and handle arrangement feel more confidence-inspiring during high-torque work.
Keep the clutch in the drill setting for hole saws. A clutch setting can slip repeatedly, creating heat and making an already slow cut frustrating. Set the selector to low gear for saws above roughly 2 inches, particularly in thick lumber. High gear is useful for smaller saws and thin material, but speed should follow the saw manufacturer’s recommendation rather than the trigger’s maximum.
Use both hands, brace the side handle against your body, and keep the drill square to the work. If you are drilling overhead, reduce the hole size or use a lighter tool when practical. A large saw loaded with a solid wood plug can be surprisingly difficult to control.
Battery choice and runtime
A compact 2.0Ah battery makes either drill lighter, but it is a poor match for repeated large holes. Use a high-output Milwaukee battery of at least 5.0Ah for the 2804-20, or a 4.0Ah-and-larger Ridgid pack for the R86116. More capacity does not make a dull hole saw sharp, but it reduces voltage sag and gives the protection electronics more room before shutting down.
Expect runtime to vary sharply. A few 2-inch holes through studs may use little energy. A series of 4-inch holes through doubled lumber can drain a pack quickly and heat the motor. Keep a spare charged battery available if the work involves more than a few penetrations. For heavy daily use, a Milwaukee M18 high-output battery or the equivalent RIDGID 18V 4.0Ah battery is a more useful upgrade than chasing a higher torque rating.
Which drill should you buy?
Choose the Milwaukee 2804-20 if large hole saws are a regular part of your work, you drill in dense or doubled lumber, or you want the more refined high-torque tool. It is also the safer choice for contractors who cannot afford to fight the drill all day. Buy it as a bare tool only if you already have M18 batteries; otherwise, the complete kit price can change the comparison substantially.
Choose the Ridgid R86116 if your large-hole work is occasional and the lower purchase cost matters. It is fine for running plumbing through studs, making cable openings, and cutting moderate-size holes in framing lumber. The value is strongest when you already own compatible Ridgid packs and chargers. Spending the difference on a quality hole saw arbor with replacement pilot bits may improve the job more than moving to the Milwaukee.
Whichever drill you choose, do not use a worn saw and compensate by leaning harder on the tool. Replace damaged teeth, clear the plug regularly, and stop if the housing becomes excessively hot. Those habits determine whether either brushless drill handles large hole saws reliably.