What's inside
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Our Top Picks
Makita XPH16Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Compact Brushless Cordless18 volts6.9 x 3.47 x 6.9 inchesCheck on Amazon
Makita XRH06ZB 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Sub-Compact Brushless CordlessNo Size3.8 x 13.8 x 8.7 Inches0.01 PoundsCheck on Amazon
Short answer: balance matters more than peak power
For overhead work, the Makita XPH16 is generally easier to keep under control because it is lighter and more compact than the Milwaukee 2804-20 bare tool. That difference is most useful when you’re drilling a run of holes above shoulder height, working from a ladder, or holding the drill at arm’s length. The Milwaukee is a powerful alternative, but its extra weight and strong torque response can make it more tiring and harder to manage in awkward positions.
Neither drill is a small, light-duty tool. Both are 18V-class hammer drills intended for demanding drilling and driving. The practical question isn’t which one has more muscle; it’s whether you need the Milwaukee’s added performance often enough to accept more weight overhead. Battery choice also matters: a large-capacity pack can noticeably change the balance of either tool.
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At a glance
| Factor | Makita XPH16 | Milwaukee 2804-20 |
|---|---|---|
| Tool class | 18V brushless hammer drill | 18V brushless hammer drill |
| Bare-tool weight | About 4.2 lb | About 4.5 lb |
| Overall feel overhead | Lighter and easier to reposition | More substantial; demands a firmer grip |
| Maximum stated torque | About 1,250 in-lb | About 1,200 in-lb |
| Best fit | Control and repeated overhead drilling | Heavy drilling where power and platform matter |
Weights and torque figures are manufacturer specifications; the weight you hold in practice depends on the battery and installed bit. Torque ratings are not a direct measure of how comfortable a drill feels in your hands. Handle shape, balance, clutch behavior, and the chance of a bit binding all matter.
What makes one easier overhead?
Every extra ounce becomes more noticeable when your arm is raised. A difference of roughly a third of a pound between bare tools may seem small on a bench, but it adds up during repeated holes or when you’re reaching across a ceiling. The XPH16’s lower bare weight gives it an advantage for these jobs, especially with a compact battery. With a large battery fitted, that advantage can shrink, so compare complete tool-and-battery setups rather than tool-only numbers.
Control also depends on what happens when the bit catches. Both drills have enough torque to wrench your wrist if a large bit binds. Keep both hands on the drill, use the side handle when the work allows it, and start holes at low speed. For overhead work, brace yourself securely and avoid leaning off a ladder to reach a point just out of range. A drill reaction can upset your balance as well as your grip.
Neither model should be treated as effortless with a large hole saw or long auger bit above your head. If the bit seizes, a powerful hammer drill can twist hard before you can react. Use the right bit, clear chips when drilling wood, and stop if the drill repeatedly stalls.
Power, speed, and the jobs each suits
The XPH16 is not a weak choice. Its listed maximum torque is slightly higher than the 2804-20’s, though those figures shouldn’t be read as a simple head-to-head performance verdict. Manufacturers’ torque tests and tool behavior under load can differ. In ordinary use—driving screws, drilling wood, and making holes in masonry with an appropriate bit—both offer more capability than many occasional users need.
Milwaukee’s 2804-20 is a strong fit for people already using the M18 battery system or regularly drilling demanding holes. Its power is useful at bench height or on tough jobs where you can plant your feet and use the side handle. Overhead, that same high-output class calls for restraint: high torque is not a benefit if you can’t safely control a bind.
For concrete, a hammer drill is appropriate for smaller holes with masonry bits, such as holes for anchors. It is not a substitute for a rotary hammer when you’re drilling many large holes or working in hard concrete. Those jobs are slower, harder on the bit, and more fatiguing with either drill.
Which one should you buy?
Choose the XPH16 if overhead comfort is a regular priority, if you want the lighter of these bare tools, or if you already own compatible Makita batteries. It is also the more sensible choice when your work is varied and you want a capable hammer drill without buying more size than the job requires.
Choose the 2804-20 if you’re invested in Milwaukee M18 batteries, value its performance for heavy drilling at normal working height, or find a good bare-tool price. If overhead work is occasional and you mostly drill at a bench or from the floor, the Milwaukee’s extra weight may not matter much. The cheaper option is fine when it fits your battery collection and handles your actual bit sizes without repeated stalls.
Before buying, try each tool with the battery you’ll use. Hold it overhead for 30 seconds, then switch direction and operate the trigger. A drill that feels comfortable for a quick showroom lift can feel different after several minutes. If you primarily need a lighter drill for screws and small holes, consider a compact 18V drill driver instead; you may not need a hammer-drill mechanism at all.
Make overhead drilling safer
Use the shortest battery pack that still gives you enough runtime, and fit a sharp bit suited to the material. A dull masonry bit makes you push harder and work longer; a dull wood bit can grab instead of cutting cleanly. Use the side handle for larger bits when positioning allows it, and keep the drill aligned with the hole rather than levering it sideways.
For repeated overhead holes in concrete or masonry, a lighter rotary hammer may be a better tool category than either of these drills. A compact cordless rotary hammer can drill masonry more efficiently, reducing time spent holding the tool overhead. For long-duration work, a stable platform or a suitable overhead drill support may help, provided it is rated for the tool and task. Don’t use a support as a substitute for secure footing or two-handed control.
On the narrow question of control overhead, the Makita XPH16 has the edge because it is lighter. The Milwaukee 2804-20 remains a sound buy when battery-platform compatibility, price, or heavy work at manageable height matters more. For either drill, choosing a sensible bit and keeping the tool from binding will make a bigger safety difference than a small difference in torque ratings.