Milwaukee 3697-22 Power Tool Combo Kit Review Best for Heavy-Duty Projects

Description

Unboxing and First Impressions

The Milwaukee 3697-22 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit immediately stood out to me with its sturdy carrying case and well-organized layout. As someone who’s had my fair share of underwhelming tools, the build quality of this set was a pleasant surprise. Both the hammer drill and impact driver felt solid in hand, with a sense of durability that gave me confidence right from the start. The inclusion of two 5.0Ah batteries and a multi-voltage charger added extra convenience, ensuring I wasn’t scrambling for power mid-task.

The compact design of the tools is worth noting too. Despite their robust capabilities, they don’t feel bulky or cumbersome, which is a relief for anyone who spends hours working on projects. The ergonomic grip was another standout feature, making it comfortable to use for extended periods.

Key Benefits of the Combo Kit

• Brushless motor technology ensures greater efficiency and durability, extending the life of the tools.
• The 1/2″ hammer drill packs serious power, capable of handling tough materials like dense wood or masonry with ease.
• The 1/4″ hex impact driver boasts the fastest driving speed among similar products, making repetitive tasks feel less tedious.
• Two 5.0Ah lithium-ion batteries provide long-lasting performance, keeping downtime to a minimum.
• The mechanical clutch ensures consistent performance when driving a wide range of fasteners.

The fast drilling and driving capabilities under load were particularly impressive. I tested the hammer drill on some dense wood panels, and it breezed through 2-9/16″ self-feed holes without hesitation. The impact driver, on the other hand, handled screws and bolts with speed and precision, making it ideal for assembly tasks.

Performance and User Experience

What stood out most during testing was the raw power of these tools. The hammer drill’s torque output of 2,000 inch-pounds felt like overkill in the best way possible. Whether I was drilling into concrete or working with hardwood, the drill never felt like it was struggling. The brushless motor not only delivered exceptional power but also ran cooler and quieter compared to other drills I’ve used in the past.

The impact driver was equally impressive. Its fast driving speed didn’t come at the cost of control, which is a tricky balance to achieve. Whether driving small screws into drywall or securing larger bolts into wood, the variable speed control allowed me to adjust to the task at hand seamlessly. These tools feel like they were designed with real-world applications in mind.

However, the 16-pound weight of the kit, including the case and accessories, can make it a bit hefty to lug around. While the individual tools are lightweight enough for use, carrying everything together might be cumbersome for some users.

Areas for Improvement

• The weight of the entire kit may be inconvenient for those frequently on the go.
• No built-in LED light for low-light situations, which is something I’ve come to appreciate in other tools.
• The lack of included belt clips feels like a missed opportunity for added convenience.

Despite these minor gripes, these are far from dealbreakers. The performance and efficiency of the tools more than make up for the downsides, but they’re worth mentioning for those who prioritize portability or extra features.

Product Comparisons

Compared to other 18V cordless combo kits I’ve tried, this one definitely holds its own. For example, I’ve used a DeWalt combo kit in the past, and while it performed well, the Milwaukee tools seemed to edge it out in both power and speed under load. DeWalt’s tools tend to feel slightly lighter, which might be preferable for smaller tasks, but they don’t quite match the high torque output of Milwaukee’s hammer drill.

On the other hand, Makita’s combo kits are often praised for their energy efficiency, but they lack the raw drilling speed and driving power that Milwaukee offers. The 5.0Ah batteries included in this kit also outlast some of the smaller-capacity options that Makita includes with their kits.

Where Milwaukee could improve to keep pace with competitors like Bosch is in the addition of more user-centric features, such as integrated LED lights or customizable speed settings.

Price to Quality Ratio

For the performance and reliability this kit delivers, it’s hard to argue against its value for money. While it might not be the cheapest option out there, the features and durability make it a worthwhile investment. The high-capacity batteries alone are a significant advantage, as they reduce the frequency of recharging, saving time and effort on larger projects.

Other kits might offer a lower price point, but they often compromise on power output or battery life, which can be frustrating during demanding tasks. If you’re someone who relies on tools that can handle a diverse range of applications without breaking a sweat, this kit is a smart choice.

Final Thoughts on the Combo Kit

The Milwaukee 3697-22 Combo Kit is a powerhouse designed for professionals and serious DIY enthusiasts alike. From the brushless motor technology to the fast driving and drilling speeds, it excels in almost every performance category. The high torque, coupled with the long-lasting 5.0Ah batteries, ensures that this kit can handle anything from basic home repairs to challenging construction tasks.

While it has a few minor shortcomings, such as the overall weight and lack of added features like LED lights, these are easily overlooked when you consider the raw performance and reliability of the tools. It’s clear that Milwaukee has designed this kit with productivity and durability in mind, making it a standout option in the power tool combo kit market.

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