Milwaukee Cordless 9-Tool Combo Kit

When I unboxed the Milwaukee Cordless 9-Tool Combo Kit, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning. The first thing that struck me was the sheer size and heft of the tools. If you’re accustomed to smaller, lighter power tools, you might find these to be on the larger side. However, this translates into a substantial, robust feeling that promises durability and power. Milwaukee has always been a brand synonymous with quality, and this kit is no exception.

Design and Build Quality

The design of these tools is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Each tool is well-balanced and fits comfortably in hand, which is crucial for prolonged use. The materials used feel premium and sturdy. The carrying bags provided with the kit are a nice touch, offering ample space to store all the tools along with additional pockets for accessories like blades and guards. The thoughtful design extends to the internal compartments of these bags, making organization a breeze.

What's Included

The kit includes nine essential tools, all powered by Milwaukee’s M18 battery system. Here’s a quick rundown of what you get:

1. Hammer Drill – Powerful and efficient, perfect for heavy-duty drilling.
2. Impact Driver – Compact but mighty, great for driving screws and bolts.
3. Reciprocating Saw – Comes with a blade, ready for demolition work.
4. Circular Saw – Also includes a blade, ideal for cutting large pieces of wood.
5. Jigsaw – Blade not included, but versatile for various cutting tasks.
6. Grinder – Again, no blade included, but essential for grinding and cutting metal.
7. Oscillating Multi-Tool – Excellent for precision work and hard-to-reach areas.
8. Blower – Handy for cleaning up workspaces.
9. Worklight – Provides bright illumination for dimly lit environments.

Performance

Using these tools in various projects, I’ve been consistently impressed by their performance. The hammer drill and impact driver, in particular, stand out for their power and efficiency. They made quick work of tasks that usually take longer with less powerful tools. The reciprocating saw and circular saw came with blades, which was a pleasant surprise and saved me an extra trip to the hardware store.

However, it’s worth noting that the jigsaw and grinder do not come with blades. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s something you should be aware of so you can purchase the necessary accessories beforehand.

The tools are all cordless, which significantly increases mobility and convenience. I didn’t have to worry about finding power outlets or tripping over cords, which made for a smoother, more efficient work process.

Battery Life

The kit comes with two M18 batteries. While these batteries are known for their longevity, I found that tools like the circular saw and grinder tend to drain them relatively quickly. For extended projects, having additional batteries on hand would be beneficial. The batteries do recharge fairly quickly, but if you’re in the middle of a big job, waiting for a recharge can be a bit of a bottleneck.

Usability and Comfort

One of the standout features of this combo kit is the ease of use. The tools are designed with the user in mind, featuring ergonomic handles and intuitive controls. Even the more powerful tools are easy to handle and control, which is crucial for both safety and precision.

I particularly appreciated the little details, such as the LED worklights on the drill and impact driver. These small but thoughtful additions make a big difference when working in poorly lit areas.

Versatility

This combo kit covers almost all the bases. Whether you’re a professional tradesperson or a DIY enthusiast, you’ll find a use for every tool included. From drilling and driving to cutting and grinding, this kit has you covered. The oscillating multi-tool, in particular, is incredibly versatile and can handle a wide range of tasks with ease.

That said, I do wish there was an option to customize the kit. While the nine tools included are all incredibly useful, being able to swap out one or two for different tools based on individual needs would add even more value.

Weight and Portability

As mentioned earlier, these tools are on the heavier side. While this contributes to their robust build quality, it can also make them a bit cumbersome, especially for prolonged use. The carrying bags help with portability, but be prepared for some heavy lifting.

The blower and worklight are lightweight and easy to carry around, making them convenient for quick tasks and cleanups.

Conclusion

Overall, the Milwaukee Cordless 9-Tool Combo Kit is a powerhouse collection of tools that deliver excellent performance and durability. The design is well-thought-out, the tools are easy to use, and the carrying bags add a layer of convenience and organization. While the weight of the tools and the limited battery quantity are minor drawbacks, they are far outweighed by the benefits.

I would highly recommend this kit to anyone in need of a comprehensive set of high-quality, cordless power tools. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a passionate DIYer, this kit will not disappoint. The investment is well worth it for the power, versatility, and reliability that Milwaukee tools bring to the table.