What's inside
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Our Top Picks
Makita XFD131 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2"One Size10.16 x 15.08 x 6.06 inches7.25 poundsCheck on Amazon
Makita XFD10Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Driver-Drill1/2"8.6 x 3.7 x 8.9 Inches2.93 poundsCheck on Amazon
Short answer
For repeated, long runs with large spade bits, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL drill is the safer pick if the two drills cost about the same and you value control under load. The Makita XFD14 is a capable alternative, and it may be the better buy when it is meaningfully cheaper or already fits your battery collection. Neither drill makes a long series of 1-1/2-inch or 2-inch holes effortless: bit sharpness, wood, hole depth, and operator technique matter as much as the badge on the housing.
This comparison is about the standard drill-driver versions, not right-angle drills or impact drivers. Exact kit contents and specifications can vary by market, so check the listing for the specific tool you’re considering.
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What long spade-bit runs demand
A spade bit cuts quickly, but its broad paddle can grab when it hits a knot, a nail, or a partly blocked chip path. That sudden resistance can twist the drill and your wrist. Long runs also heat the bit, drain batteries, and expose weaknesses in the chuck or speed control. A drill that feels strong for one hole may become tiring after dozens.
For holes through framing, use the drill’s low-speed gear and keep the bit straight. Low speed gives you better control and more torque at the bit; it also reduces the chance of the drill wrenching around when the cutter catches. Use a sharp bit, clear chips regularly, and don’t lean so hard that the drill bogs down. If the hole needs to be clean or is close to an edge, a slower feed is worth the extra time.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL vs Makita XFD14
| Factor | Milwaukee M18 FUEL drill | Makita XFD14 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Frequent heavy drilling and buyers prioritizing control and a broad M18 tool system | Buyers already invested in Makita 18V LXT or finding a better tool-and-battery deal |
| Gear selection | Two speeds; use low for larger spade bits | Two speeds; use low for larger spade bits |
| High-load behavior | Strong choice for repeated framing holes; still needs a firm grip and sound technique | Capable in framing work; don’t treat its clutch or electronics as protection from every bit catch |
| Battery considerations | Runtime and balance change substantially with battery size | Same trade-off: larger packs can extend work time but add weight |
| Value case | Worth paying for if you will use its performance and already own M18 batteries | Often the sensible pick when it is cheaper or shares batteries with tools you own |
Both are high-output cordless drill-drivers with a low gear suited to larger bits. A published maximum RPM number is not a useful predictor of how quickly either will bore a large hole: the low-speed gear, battery condition, bit geometry, and wood species determine how the drill behaves in the cut. Don’t compare advertised torque figures too literally, either. Manufacturers may measure torque differently, and a high number does not guarantee a smoother or safer run.
Control, stalling, and bit catches
For long spade-bit work, a controlled stop is better than simply having more peak power. When a bit jams, the drill can rotate around the bit’s axis before the user can react. Keep both hands on the drill where possible, brace your stance, and keep your wrist out of the line of rotation. Do not hold the workpiece by hand while drilling. A side handle, where supplied or compatible, can help manage reaction torque; check the drill’s manual and fit it securely.
The Milwaukee is the one to lean toward if this is regular work and you want a drill built for demanding drilling rather than occasional assembly. But it is not immune to a sudden bind, and a heavier battery can make overhead work tiring. The XFD14 is not a lightweight-duty substitute: it can handle serious hole-making, especially with a fresh battery and sharp bit. If the Makita costs substantially less, the savings are more useful than a small performance edge you may not notice in ordinary framing.
Battery, runtime, and fatigue
Battery size affects both runtime and handling. A compact pack makes the drill easier to control overhead and in tight bays; a larger pack may reduce battery changes during a full day of drilling but adds weight at the handle. For a large batch of holes, keep a charged spare ready rather than pushing a pack until the drill repeatedly slows. Repeated bogging is a cue to stop, clear chips, check the bit, or change batteries—not to press harder.
There is no reliable hole count to promise from one charge. A 1-1/2-inch hole in dry softwood is a different load from the same hole through wet or knotty lumber, and a 2-inch bit removes much more material. If your runs are genuinely continuous, compare the cost of a second battery and charger as well as the bare drill or kit price. Search for the Milwaukee M18 FUEL drill-driver and Makita XFD14 in the configuration you need.
Which one should you buy?
Choose the Milwaukee if long spade-bit runs are a regular part of your work, you want a strong all-around drilling platform, and the price difference is small. It is also the straightforward choice if your other cordless tools use M18 batteries. Choose the Makita if you already own 18V LXT packs, the drill is on a better deal, or your drilling is heavy but intermittent rather than all-day production work.
For occasional holes in studs, either drill is more than adequate; the cheaper option is fine. Spend some of the savings on sharp, reputable wood spade bits and a spare battery. If you are routinely drilling large holes all day, also consider whether a purpose-built right-angle drill is a better fit for access and ergonomics. For either standard drill, the practical recipe is the same: low gear, a sharp bit, a secured workpiece, steady feed pressure, and a pause whenever the tool or bit starts to heat up or bog down.