Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Combo Kit Review Best Cordless Drill and Impact Driver

Description

Compact Yet Powerful Design

I recently got my hands on the Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit, and its compact size immediately stood out. The hammer drill and impact driver are surprisingly lightweight, weighing just over 8 pounds combined. It felt like carrying a small toolbox with me, which made tasks in tight spaces much easier. Plus, the 4 x 14.6 x 10.3-inch dimensions ensured I could stash it in my already cluttered garage without a problem.

What I loved most was the all-metal chuck on the drill. It gave me a sense of confidence, knowing the durability and grip would hold up over time, even with heavy usage. The Tri-LED work lights on the impact driver were another thoughtful addition, providing excellent visibility in dimly lit areas. I found myself working under the sink, and those lights saved me from holding a flashlight awkwardly with one hand.

Performance That Packs a Punch

The performance blew me away. This combo kit boasts the most powerful subcompact hammer drill and the fastest subcompact impact driver in its class, and I could see why. The hammer drill’s maximum rotational speed of 1550 RPM made drilling through wood and even metal an absolute breeze. I tested it on a few tough materials, and it performed admirably without overheating or slowing down.

The impact driver, on the other hand, has an impressive 4-mode drive control. The dedicated self-tapping screw mode was a game-changer for me. I didn’t have to worry about overdriving screws or damaging delicate surfaces. And let’s talk about torque—this thing delivers 1500 foot-pounds, which felt like overkill for some of my smaller DIY projects, but it’s nice to know that extra power is there when needed.

Key Benefits

• Compact design makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
• Tri-LED work lights improve visibility in low-light conditions.
• Hammer drill offers high rotational speed, perfect for tough materials.
• Impact driver includes a 4-mode drive control, adding versatility.
• All-metal chuck and gearcase enhance durability and grip.

Areas for Improvement

Despite its many strengths, I did notice a few areas where this kit could improve:

• The battery life on the smaller CP 2.0AH battery was underwhelming for larger projects. While the XC 4.0AH battery lasted longer, switching between the two felt like a disruption.
• The noise level was higher than I expected, particularly when operating the hammer drill on its highest setting. It wasn’t unbearable, but ear protection would be a good idea.
• Although the compact design is great, the tools felt slightly unbalanced in hand when using heavier bits.

Competing Products

In comparison to similar products on the market, such as the DeWalt 12V MAX Combo Kit or the Makita Sub-Compact Drill and Driver Set, the Milwaukee kit holds its own. Milwaukee edges out competitors with its superior torque and unique features like the Tri-LED work lights and self-tapping screw mode. However, in terms of battery life, the Makita kit offers slightly better longevity. DeWalt’s kit feels a bit more ergonomic, but Milwaukee’s durability and power remain unmatched.

Affordable Quality

Looking at the features, I’d say this combo kit offers excellent value for money. While it might feel slightly pricier than some alternatives, the build quality, performance, and thoughtful features justify the investment. If you’re someone who needs reliable tools for frequent use, this kit is worth every penny. On the other hand, if you’re a casual DIY-er, you might find similar tools at a lower price point, though they likely won’t match the performance of Milwaukee’s offering.

Final Thoughts on Battery Life

The inclusion of two batteries—one M12 Redlithium XC 4.0AH and one CP 2.0AH—was a smart move. I appreciated having a backup ready to go when one ran out of juice. However, I noticed a significant difference in run time between the two. The larger battery was perfect for heavier tasks, but the smaller one felt more like a stopgap solution. If Milwaukee could improve the efficiency of the CP battery, that would elevate this kit even further.

Additional information