Milwaukee 1/2" Drill/Driver with ONE-KEY™ Kit

A compact drill/driver that offers impressive performance in a smaller package is always a welcome addition to any toolkit. The Milwaukee 1/2" Drill/Driver with ONE-KEY™ Kit delivers on this front with some standout features that make it an appealing option for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Let’s dive into its various attributes and see how it holds up under practical conditions.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing you notice about this Milwaukee drill/driver is its compact design. Measuring just 6.9 inches in length and weighing around 4.62 lbs, it's easy to handle and maneuver, especially in tight spaces. This is a significant advantage when working in confined environments where a full-sized drill would be cumbersome. The drill’s small form factor does not compromise its build quality. It feels robust and well-constructed, with a solid grip that is comfortable to hold for extended periods.

Motor and Performance

One of the standout features of this drill/driver is its POWERSTATE™ brushless motor. Brushless motors are known for their efficiency and longevity, and this one is no exception. The motor delivers a peak torque of 1,200 in-lbs and a maximum RPM of 2,000, making it capable of tackling a wide range of drilling and driving tasks. The power and speed are adjustable via a two-speed transmission, allowing for greater control based on the application.

Technological Features

This drill/driver comes equipped with Milwaukee’s ONE-KEY™ technology, which allows for customizable settings via a smartphone app. You can tailor the drill's performance to suit specific tasks, set up different profiles, and even track the tool’s location if it goes missing. This level of customization and connectivity is impressive and can be particularly useful for professionals who need to fine-tune their tools for various jobs.

Safety and Control

Milwaukee has incorporated anti-kickback technology into this drill/driver, which enhances control and reduces the risk of injury when the bit gets stuck. This feature is crucial for maintaining safety, especially when working with high torque applications. The drill also features an LED light, which is beneficial for illuminating dark work areas. However, the LED’s placement near the battery could be better, as it sometimes doesn't light up the work area as effectively as one might hope.

Battery Life and Charging

The kit includes two 2.0 Ah batteries and a charger. The batteries are lithium-ion, which means they offer good longevity and decent performance between charges. One noteworthy point is the inclusion of a multi-voltage charger that can handle both M12 and M18 batteries. This is convenient for users who have multiple Milwaukee tools with different battery types. However, the charger included in the kit is not the rapid charger, which means longer charging times compared to the rapid version that Milwaukee also offers.

Practical Usage

In practical use, the drill/driver handles well and performs admirably for various tasks. I found it particularly useful for drilling into hardwood and for driving long screws without any issues. The compact size made it easy to use in tight spaces, such as between studs or inside cabinets. The grip is ergonomic and comfortable, reducing fatigue during prolonged use.

Drawbacks

Despite its many strengths, the drill/driver is not without its drawbacks. The chuck, although all-metal and ratcheting, can sometimes be difficult to tighten securely, especially with smaller bits. This issue can be frustrating when you need to change bits frequently. Some users might also find the LED light placement less than ideal, which can be a minor inconvenience.

Another point of contention is the tool bag included in the kit. While it’s spacious, it lacks internal organization, meaning that everything gets jumbled together. A more compact and organized storage solution would be preferable, especially for a tool designed for compactness.

Reliability Concerns

A few users have reported issues with the batteries or charger not working correctly right out of the box. While this wasn’t my experience, it’s worth noting that such problems could be a potential headache if encountered. Milwaukee’s customer service and warranty could mitigate these concerns, but it’s something to be aware of.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Milwaukee 1/2" Drill/Driver with ONE-KEY™ Kit is a powerful, compact, and feature-rich tool that performs well across a variety of tasks. Its brushless motor, customizable settings, and solid build quality make it a versatile addition to any toolkit. The compact size and ergonomic design enhance its usability in tight spaces and reduce user fatigue.

However, the few issues with the chuck and the mixed reports about battery reliability are worth considering. If Milwaukee can address these minor flaws, it would elevate this tool to near perfection.

Recommendation

I would recommend this drill/driver for both professionals and serious DIY enthusiasts. Its performance, versatility, and advanced features make it a valuable tool for a wide range of applications. Just be prepared to possibly deal with some minor quirks, and consider investing in a rapid charger for quicker battery turnaround. Despite its few drawbacks, the Milwaukee 1/2" Drill/Driver with ONE-KEY™ Kit is an excellent choice that delivers on its promises.