M18 Compact Brushless 1/2" Drill/ Driver
Battery answer
Every reviewed M18 pack powers SKU 3601-20 at full rated performance, with no battery-specific condition.
- Battery platform
- Milwaukee M18
- Packs required
- 1 pack
- 9 work without conditions.
Battery requirement sources (1)
- Milwaukee Tool — manufacturer page, retrieved 2026-07-31
Compare the reviewed packs See tool specifications and sources
Milwaukee · Drill Drivers · SKU 3601-20 · Milwaukee source
Compare the reviewed M18 packs
| Battery | Capacity | Energy | Power level | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48-11-1813 | 12 Ah | 216 Wh | PWR5 | Works |
| 48-11-1820 | 2 Ah | 36 Wh | not published | Works |
| 48-11-1828 | 3 Ah | 54 Wh | not published | Works |
| 48-11-1840 | 4 Ah | 72 Wh | not published | Works |
| 48-11-1850 | 5 Ah | 90 Wh | PWR2 | Works |
| 48-11-1850R | 5 Ah | 90 Wh | not published | Works |
| 48-11-1861 | 6 Ah | 108 Wh | PWR4 | Works |
| 48-11-1865 | 6 Ah | 108 Wh | PWR3 | Works |
| 48-11-1881 | 8 Ah | 144 Wh | PWR4 | Works |
Energy is capacity × nominal voltage — our arithmetic on Milwaukee’s figures, not a number they publish. It is the only honest way to compare packs across capacities. Power level is Milwaukee’s own PWR tier where they publish one.
Compatibility sources (1)
- Milwaukee Tool — manufacturer support, retrieved 2026-07-30“All M18 Batteries are compatible with M18 tools & chargers.”
Kit configurations
Ways Milwaukee sells this exact tool in a box. Contents are decomposed to manufacturer SKUs; non-SKU’d accessories — side handles, belt clips, cases — are omitted because they carry no compatibility meaning.
M18 Compact Brushless 1/2" Drill/Driver Kit (3601-21CT)
| Qty | Component | SKU |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | M18 Compact Brushless 1/2" Drill/ Driver | 3601-20 |
| 1 | M18 REDLITHIUM CP2.0 Battery | 48-11-1820 |
| 1 | M18 & M12 Multi-Voltage Charger | 48-59-1812 |
Battery capacity in the box: 2.0 Ah across 1 pack(s). This is the directly comparable capacity when weighing the kit against the bare tool plus packs.
Contents provenance: manufacturer claim; review completed 2026-07-31 by jon.
Contents sources for 3601-21CT (1)
- Milwaukee Tool — manufacturer page, retrieved 2026-07-31
M18 Compact Brushless 1/2" Drill/Driver Kit (3601-22CT)
| Qty | Component | SKU |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | M18 Compact Brushless 1/2" Drill/ Driver | 3601-20 |
| 2 | M18 REDLITHIUM CP2.0 Battery | 48-11-1820 |
| 1 | M18 & M12 Multi-Voltage Charger | 48-59-1812 |
Battery capacity in the box: 4.0 Ah across 2 pack(s). This is the directly comparable capacity when weighing the kit against the bare tool plus packs.
Contents provenance: manufacturer claim; review completed 2026-07-31 by jon.
Contents sources for 3601-22CT (1)
- Milwaukee Tool — manufacturer page, retrieved 2026-07-31
Tool specifications and manufacturer claims
Basic tool facts
| Brushless | Yes |
|---|---|
| Weight, bare tool | 2.3 lb |
Specification sources (1)
- Milwaukee Tool — manufacturer page, retrieved 2026-07-31
Full specifications
As published by Milwaukee for SKU 3601-20, read 2026-07-31. Values are quoted in their units, not reformatted.
| Height | 7.95 in |
|---|---|
| Length | 5.7 in |
| Width | 2.2 in |
| Branding | Badge: Not Applicable · Tool: Compact Brushless |
| Brushless Motor | Yes |
| Chuck Size | 1/2 in |
| Chuck Type | All Metal |
| Colors | Black · Red |
| FUEL | No |
| Hammer Function | No |
| Charger | No |
| Maximum Torque | 550 in-lbs |
| Motor Type | Brushless |
| Number of Batteries Included | 0 |
| Number of Batteries Required | 1 |
| Number of Clutch Settings | 13 |
| Number of Pieces Included | 2 |
| Number of Speed Settings | 2 |
| ONE-KEY Enabled | No |
| RPM Range | 0-1,700 RPM |
| Switch Type | Trigger |
| Variable Speed | Yes |
| Warranty | 5 Year Limited Warranty |
| Weight w/Batteries | 3.2 lb |
What Milwaukee says about it
- Compact design: provides excellent balance and control, ideal for overhead applications or work in tight spaces
- Brushless Motor delivers the power to quickly complete most common applications
- Only 5.7" in length
- 550 in./lbs. of torque
- 0-550 RPM / 0-1700 RPM
- 2.3 lbs tool only
- All-metal gear case and 1/2 in. metal chuck: provide maximum impact and shock durability
- REDLINK Intelligence: Advanced overload protection defends against heavy duty applications and monitors the temperature to prevent damage and ensure maximum tool & battery life
- 5 year tool warranty
- Includes: 3601-20 M18 Drill Driver Bare Tool, Belt Clip
Manufacturer marketing copy, reproduced so you can judge it. We have not tested these claims.