Construction plumber for over 30 years. That whole time Ive used a corded old style Hole Hawg with selfeed bits for making holes in wood. The drill is a beast but it fights the user as much as the wood, between its weight, and providing counter-rotational force. And this is magnified after catching a couple nails (and you do.)
Recently bought the M18 Hole Hawg and 9.0 batteries to use with Big Hawg bits. I have a wide variety of FUEL tools and they are very convenient but I wouldnt say anything was revolutionary in its function. Until now. The effortlessness required to make holes with this combo (and I dont say this hyperbolically,) is mind blowing. And the little extra time to remove the plug (if it doesnt fall out on its own) is a price gladly paid.
I dont care for the raised handle, and it was removed before the first hole was drilled. That saves space in tight fits, and I prefer a hand-on-the-tool connection. The weight, speed, and power in relation to the cutting surfaces of Big Hawg bits is optimal. When the tool does bind, power is automatically cut to the motor.
One thing the drill lacks, and one thing the bits lack:
Why doesnt the drill have a rafter hook Its good enough for a circular saw and Sawzall, and this tool cries out for one as much if not more than the others. Theres no excuse why this is lacking.
The Big Hawg arbor is marketed as quick change but it isnt, nor is anything else requiring a tool. Why hasnt Milwaukee added its seemingly solid-built, real quick change 7/16 arbor (49-56-7240) to the Big Hawg line
That said, more than any other Milwaukee tool Ive ever used (and their pipe cutters come a distant second,) I want to thank the engineers who designed the M18 Hawg system.