Milwaukee Drill Combo Kits: M12 FUEL vs M18 Power Compared

Best for
All-round M18 starter kit with big batteries

The Milwaukee 2697-22 M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless combo pairs a 1/2 inch hammer drill driver with a 1/4 inch hex compact impact driver. The kit includes two M18 REDLITHIUM XC extended capacity batteries, listed at 4 amp-hours, an M18 and M12 multi-voltage charger, and a contractor bag.

The listing gives 500 in-lbs of torque and 1,800 RPM maximum speed, plus a 1-hour charge time and a 5-year limited warranty. It does not describe the motors as brushless. The spec table lists 20 volts, which reflects peak voltage marketing rather than a different platform; the tools are M18. At 10.9 pounds, the kit weight includes both tools and batteries.

• 1/2 inch hammer drill driver
• 1/4 inch hex compact impact driver
• Two M18 XC 4.0 Ah batteries
• Multi-voltage charger that also charges M12

It suits buyers who want a hammer mode for occasional masonry plus long run time. It gives way to the 2892-22CT when compactness and brushless efficiency matter more.

Best for
Single-drill buyers joining M18

The Milwaukee M18 18V Lithium-Ion 1 2 inch drill driver compact kit, model 2606-21CT, is the only single-tool kit here. It includes one battery and a hard case. The drill uses a 4-pole frameless motor, delivering 500 in-lbs of torque over two speeds, 0-400 and 0-1,800 RPM.

REDLINK Intelligence provides overload protection, the battery has a fuel gauge and the listing says it operates down to 0°F. One spec line lists a 6.35 mm chuck, which contradicts the 1/2 inch in the title; the title and model are the better guide. It is not described as brushless.

• 500 in-lbs, 0-400 and 0-1,800 RPM
• One battery, hard case
• Fuel gauge and overload protection

It suits anyone who only needs a drill to start on M18. It gives way to any two-tool kit once you drive a lot of long screws, where an impact driver does the job far better.

Best for
Masonry and heavy drilling

The Milwaukee Electric Tools 2997-22 Hammer Drill and impact driver kit is listed with the biggest numbers here: up to 2,000 in-lbs of torque and 2,000 RPM, with drilling capacity of 3.5 inches in wood and 0.5 inches in metal. The spec torque figure likely reflects the impact driver, since the listing does not break it out per tool.

The listing is otherwise sparse. It describes a hammer drill for concrete, masonry and metal, an impact driver for screws and bolts, and compatibility with the M18 system and the M18 and M12 multi-voltage charger. It does not specify how many batteries or which capacity ship in the box, and it does not say whether the tools are brushless, so check contents before ordering.

• Hammer drill plus impact driver
• Up to 2,000 in-lbs and 2,000 RPM listed
• 3.5 inch wood, 0.5 inch metal capacity

It suits builders who drill into concrete or brick for wall mounts and shelving. It gives way to the 2892-22CT for lighter, compact indoor work.

Best for
Tight spaces and furniture builds

The Milwaukee 2892-22CT M18 Compact Brushless 2-Tool kit pairs a compact drill driver with an impact driver, both brushless, and includes two batteries. The listing highlights a compact design for overhead and tight spaces and longer run time from the brushless motor and battery pairing.

Listed figures are 500 in-lbs of torque and 3,000 RPM maximum speed. It is compatible with the M18 system of more than 175 tools. The listed 16-ounce weight cannot be right for two tools and two batteries, so ignore it. There is no hammer mode, so masonry is not its job.

• Brushless compact drill driver and impact driver
• Two M18 batteries
• Compact size for tight spaces

It suits desk, shelf and cabinet builders who want M18 power without bulk. Pair it with a proper Milwaukee drill bit set to get the most out of it.

Best for
Desk, rig and theater installers

The Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12-Volt Li-Ion Brushless kit is the 2598-22 combo sold with a free M12 3/8 inch ratchet (2457-20). The listing brand is KnightsaxPrivateer, a seller that bundles the Milwaukee kit with the ratchet, so buy knowing the bundle comes from that seller. It includes the 2504-20 1/2 inch hammer drill driver, the 2553-20 1/4 inch hex impact driver, an M12 REDLITHIUM 2.0 compact battery, an M12 XC 4.0 battery, a charger, two belt clips and a contractor bag.

The description rates the hammer drill at 1,700 RPM and 350 in-lbs of torque, and the spec table’s 1,300 in-lbs and 3,300 RPM figures fit the impact driver better. The listed warranty is 5 years on the tool, 3 years on the XC battery and 2 years on the compact battery. These are the smallest, lightest tools here, which is exactly what you want when you are driving screws inside a gaming desk or mounting a soundbar bracket.

• M12 FUEL brushless hammer drill and impact driver
• 2.0 Ah and 4.0 Ah batteries
• Bonus M12 3/8 inch ratchet

It suits installers and hobbyists who value size and weight. It gives way to M18 kits when you need more torque. For very small fasteners, our cordless screwdriver guide covers an even lighter option.

Best for
Home owners wanting four tools

The Milwaukee 2695-24 M18 18V Cordless Power kit is the biggest bundle here, with four tools: the 2607-20 hammer drill driver, the 2656-20 1/4 inch hex impact driver, the 2625-20 Hackzall reciprocating saw and the 2735-20 work light. Two 3.0 Ah extended capacity batteries with fuel gauges, a charger and a tool case are included.

The hammer drill offers three drill settings and 18 clutch settings. The Hackzall is a one-handed reciprocating saw with Quik-Lok blade changes for PVC, branches and lumber, and the work light has an adjustable sealed aluminum head on a flat base. The listing does not describe these tools as brushless.

• Hammer drill, impact driver, Hackzall and work light
• Two 3.0 Ah XC batteries with fuel gauge
• Tool case

It suits home owners who want a broad starter set. It gives way to brushless kits when efficiency and compact size matter most.