Milwaukee Cordless Lithium-Ion 2-Tool Combo Kit

As someone who spends a significant amount of time working on various DIY and professional projects, I was eager to try out the Milwaukee Cordless Lithium-Ion 2-Tool Combo Kit, model 2697-22CT. Milwaukee has a longstanding reputation for producing robust and reliable tools, so my expectations were high. This combo kit includes a compact hammer drill driver and a hex impact driver, both designed for efficiency and ease of use.

The first thing I noticed about the kit was its compact design. The tools are lightweight and easy to handle, which is essential for prolonged use and accessing tight spaces. The hammer drill driver, with its all-metal gear case and chuck, feels durable and built to last. The hex impact driver, on the other hand, is compact and well-balanced, making it easy to maneuver even in awkward positions.

One of the standout features of this combo kit is the LED light on both tools. This feature is incredibly useful when working in dimly lit areas, providing ample illumination for precise work. The inclusion of a contractor bag for storage is a thoughtful addition, making it easy to keep everything organized and transportable.

In terms of performance, the hammer drill driver is equipped with a 1/2" all-metal ratcheting chuck and a hammer function, offering up to 28,800 BPM. This makes it versatile enough for drilling into various materials, including concrete. The impact driver, with a maximum torque of 1,500 in-lbs and up to 3,450 IPM, is more than capable of handling most driving tasks with ease.

However, my experience with the batteries and charger was less than ideal. The kit includes two 1.5Ah batteries, which I found to be somewhat inconsistent. Initially, one of the batteries showed up as defective, and it took multiple attempts and some finagling to get it to charge. This issue persisted with both batteries, occasionally causing them to show as defective even after being charged. While this might be a quality control issue, it was frustrating nonetheless. It’s worth noting that Milwaukee offers a five-year limited warranty, which provides some peace of mind, but the inconvenience of dealing with faulty batteries is a significant drawback.

Despite the battery issues, the tools themselves performed admirably. The hammer drill driver delivered ample power for drilling into various materials, including wood, metal, and even concrete. The all-metal chuck held bits securely, and the variable speed control allowed for precise adjustments. The impact driver was equally impressive, driving screws and bolts with ease. Its compact size made it particularly useful for working in confined spaces.

One thing to consider is that these tools are not brushless, which means they may experience more internal wear and tear with extensive use. For someone who uses these tools daily on job sites, the brushless models might be a better investment. However, for home use and light commercial tasks, this combo kit provides excellent value for money.

The overall build quality of the tools is commendable. They feel solid and well-constructed, with no noticeable flex or play in the components. The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, even during extended use. The tools are also relatively lightweight, reducing fatigue when working on larger projects.

In terms of battery life, the 1.5Ah batteries provided a reasonable amount of runtime. They charged quickly, often faster than I could deplete them during typical use. However, for more demanding tasks or extended use, upgrading to higher capacity batteries might be necessary. The battery system also features an indicator to show remaining charge, which is a handy feature for planning your work sessions.

One minor gripe is the charger included in the kit. It only charges M18 batteries and not the M12 series. This limitation might be inconvenient for users who have a mix of Milwaukee tools from different battery platforms. Additionally, the charger occasionally had issues with properly seating the batteries, which could lead to incomplete charging if not monitored closely.

In conclusion, the Milwaukee Cordless Lithium-Ion 2-Tool Combo Kit is a well-rounded package that offers solid performance and excellent value for money. The tools are robust, comfortable to use, and versatile enough for a wide range of applications. However, the inconsistent performance of the batteries and charger is a notable downside. If Milwaukee can address these issues, this combo kit would be a top contender in its category.

Would I recommend this tool? Yes, with some reservations. For home users and those tackling light commercial tasks, this combo kit is a great investment. It provides the power and versatility needed for most projects, and the compact design makes it easy to handle. However, for professional users who rely on their tools daily, the battery and charger issues might be a deal-breaker. In such cases, opting for the brushless models or ensuring you have access to higher capacity batteries could be a better choice. Overall, this kit offers a good balance of performance, durability, and value, making it a worthwhile addition to any tool collection.