Milwaukee Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit

Milwaukee’s Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit, model 2697-22, brings together a 1/2-inch hammer drill driver and a 1/4-inch hex compact impact driver in a compelling package. When I first got my hands on this combo kit, I was eager to see if it lived up to Milwaukee's reputation for delivering robust, reliable tools. Here’s my detailed take on the kit after putting it through its paces.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that struck me about the kit was its solid build quality. Both tools feel well-constructed, with a durable all-metal gear case and chuck. The hammer drill driver, in particular, exudes a sense of ruggedness that makes it clear it’s built to withstand the rigors of heavy-duty use. The impact driver is compact, measuring just 5.75 inches in length, which makes it incredibly easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

Performance and Power

Performance-wise, the combo kit does not disappoint. The hammer drill driver offers a peak torque of 525 in-lbs and can reach up to 29,000 BPM, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from drilling into concrete to driving screws into dense materials. The 4-pole frameless motor is a standout feature, providing improved power and runtime.

The impact driver, on the other hand, delivers a peak torque of 1,400 in-lbs and can hit up to 3,200 IPM. This makes it incredibly efficient for tasks that require rapid, repetitive driving, such as assembling furniture or framing. The REDLINK Intelligence system is another noteworthy feature, offering protection against overload and efficient temperature management. This ensures that the tools run smoothly even during prolonged use.

Battery and Charging Experience

However, my experience with the batteries and charger was less than stellar. The kit includes two 1.5Ah batteries, which, while sufficient for light to moderate tasks, showed some issues. I encountered a consistent problem where the batteries would not charge properly. The charger’s indicator light flashed red and green, signaling a faulty battery, even when the batteries were seated correctly. This issue persisted across multiple charging attempts and even when using a different Milwaukee charger.

This charging inconsistency can be quite frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of a project and need to swap out batteries quickly. On the flip side, when the batteries did charge correctly, they provided a respectable amount of runtime. For less intensive tasks around the house, the battery life was adequate, but for more demanding projects, I found myself reaching for the charger more often than I’d like.

Usability and Comfort

In terms of usability, both tools are quite user-friendly. The hammer drill driver features a 1/2-inch metal single sleeve ratcheting lock chuck, which makes bit changes quick and easy. The compact design of the impact driver is a major plus, especially when working in confined spaces. Both tools are lightweight, reducing fatigue during extended use.

One minor gripe is the lack of consistent inclusion of accessories like belt clips. Only one of the tools came with a belt clip, which felt a bit stingy for a kit at this price point. The canvas bag included in the kit is functional but could benefit from added padding and internal dividers to better protect the tools during transport.

Versatility and Applications

The versatility of this combo kit is another strong point. The hammer drill’s dual-speed settings (0-550/0-1,700 RPM) allow for precise control over a variety of tasks, from slow, controlled drilling to high-speed driving. The impact driver’s compact size and high torque make it ideal for both light and heavy-duty applications.

Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast tackling home improvement projects or a professional in need of reliable tools for light commercial jobs, this combo kit covers a broad spectrum of needs. The hammer drill is particularly impressive when drilling into tougher materials like concrete, while the impact driver excels in driving screws and bolts with ease.

Durability and Longevity

Durability is always a concern with power tools, and this kit mostly meets expectations. The all-metal gear case and chuck are designed to withstand significant wear and tear. However, the recurring battery and charger issues raise concerns about the long-term reliability of the kit. Milwaukee offers a five-year tool warranty, which is reassuring, but the initial quality control issues with the batteries and charger could be a deal-breaker for some users.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Milwaukee’s Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit has a lot to offer in terms of performance, power, and versatility. The tools themselves are well-built, powerful, and capable of handling a wide range of tasks. However, the issues with the batteries and charger cannot be overlooked. For anyone considering this kit, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons carefully.

Would I recommend this combo kit? If you’re looking for powerful, high-performing tools and can tolerate some potential battery and charging hiccups, then yes, this kit is worth considering. Its robust build and versatile applications make it a valuable addition to any toolkit. However, if reliable battery performance is a non-negotiable for you, you might want to explore other options or consider investing in higher-capacity batteries separately.

Overall, the Milwaukee Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit is a solid choice for those who need a reliable set of tools for various tasks but be prepared for some potential hurdles with the batteries and charger.