Better drill for hard use? Milwaukee M18 "2904" or ...?

[alpha&omega]

I am a bit hesitant to use an Impact on plate steel because it lacks some safety features. If the bit binds up, most of the modern drills will stop on their own which could save someone an injury and costs of medical care if they get hurt.

Then there is the issue of getting a 1/2 drive 'socket' to drill bit converter.

Impact drivers also don't run at the same speed as drills or hammer drills which could affect some usage.

Absolutely right. You don’t want to use an impact on any tough metal. Drilling into plastic or wood with an impact is one thing, but any metal that’s not aluminum which requires drilling should be left to a drill.

The kit the OP is looking into is great for the kind of stuff he is talking about. But as others have said, if you want to drill through a whole bunch of concrete (esp reinforced) you’ll want to jump up to the Bosch. Milwaukee is the best bang for the buck with regards to impact and hammer drill combos. Makita impacts might be even better, but I’m not going to jump ship after 15 years and buy a different line of batteries and a charger just for one impact. Plus Milwaukee’s newer Surge impact is so nice and quiet for doing work indoors. Definitely my go to for 99.9% of the contracting work I do.