The Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless 1/2 in Drill/Driver, Model 3601-20, is a cordless drill/driver built for drilling holes and driving fasteners in wood, sheet goods, and general jobsite materials. This is a drill/driver designed for drilling and fastening in tight spaces and overhead work. If you already run Milwaukee M18 batteries and want a lighter everyday drill instead of a bulkier flagship model, this one hits the sweet spot.

The big reason this tool matters is the balance between size and output. Milwaukee keeps the overall length to 5.7 inches, but still gives you a brushless motor with 550 in-lbs of torque and a 2-speed transmission rated at 0-550 and 0-1,700 RPM. On the job, that means it can handle common pilot holes, light to medium drilling, and a wide range of fastening work without feeling nose-heavy or oversized in cramped areas.

The design is clearly aimed at real jobsite use, not just shelf specs. The all-metal gear case adds durability where compact drills usually take abuse, and the 1/2 inch metal chuck gives you better long-term bit retention than cheaper plastic-heavy setups. Milwaukee also includes 13 clutch settings, so you get more control when you need to avoid overdriving screws in finished material, hardware installs, or repetitive fastening.

At 2.3 lbs tool only, this compact drill is easier on your wrist during long stretches of work, especially when you are reaching between studs, working off a ladder, or drilling above shoulder height. That lighter weight matters more than people think. A drill you can comfortably keep in your hand all day usually gets used more accurately and with less fatigue than a larger tool that has more power than the task actually needs.

Milwaukee also backs the tool with REDLINK Intelligence, which is there for a practical reason: overload protection and temperature monitoring help protect both the tool and battery during harder applications. This is not a hammer drill, so it is the wrong pick for concrete and masonry drilling, but for wood framing, rough-ins, cabinet work, punch-list tasks, and general fastening, it is the kind of drill that earns a permanent spot in the truck.

As part of the Milwaukee M18 platform, the 3601-20 works with M18 REDLITHIUM batteries and fits into a very large cordless system with over 250 compatible solutions. This bare tool setup makes the most sense for existing Milwaukee users who already own chargers and packs. If you are buying into the platform for the first time, just remember battery and charger are sold separately.

Who should buy it? Electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, remodelers, carpenters, maintenance crews, and serious DIY users who need one compact cordless drill for everyday drilling and fastening. If your work is mostly wood, hardware, light metal drilling, and screw-driving in confined spaces, this model makes a strong case. If you regularly drill masonry, large self-feed bits, or heavy structural fasteners all day, step up to a heavier drill or hammer drill instead.

Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless 1/2 in Drill/Driver That Actually Makes Sense For Daily Carry

This is the kind of compact drill that covers a lot of real work without dragging around more size and weight than you need.

• Who it's for: Pros and serious DIY users who already run M18 and want a compact cordless drill for everyday drilling and fastening.
• Why it stands out: The mix of 5.7 inch length, 550 in-lbs of torque, 1,700 RPM top speed, and metal chuck gives it a very usable balance of access, speed, and durability.
• Worth knowing: It is a bare tool and it is not a hammer drill, so plan on adding a battery and charger if you are new to M18, and look elsewhere if masonry is a regular part of your day.

• Is this a hammer drill? No. The 3601-20 is a drill/driver and does not include a hammer function.
• What battery system does it use? It uses Milwaukee M18 batteries and chargers.
• How fast does it run? It has a 2-speed transmission rated at 0-550 RPM and 0-1,700 RPM.
• Is ONE-KEY enabled? No. This model is not ONE-KEY enabled.