Milwaukee’s Newest Power Tools: M18 and M12 Kits and Solo Tools

The Milwaukee Electric M18 FUEL 2-Tool Combo Kit, model 3697-22, is the obvious starting point for anyone building an M18 setup. The description lists a brushless cordless hammer drill and impact driver, two 5.0Ah batteries, a charger and a tool case. That is everything you need for drilling, driving and assembly on day one, and those two batteries will power every M18 bare tool in this guide.

Milwaukee claims the hammer drill handles the widest range of applications of any hammer drill driver, and that the impact driver has the fastest driving speed of any impact driver without sacrificing power or control. The drill has a mechanical clutch for consistent driving across fasteners. The listing gives 2,000 in-lb of torque, which lines up with the impact driver, and a total kit weight of 15.9 pounds. The listing does not break out drill speed or the drill’s own torque figure. If you do not own any M18 batteries yet, this is the most sensible Milwaukee M18 FUEL combo kit to anchor everything else.

• Brushless hammer drill and impact driver
• Two 5.0Ah batteries, charger and case
• Mechanical clutch on the drill

Best for
M18 owners making precise cuts

The Milwaukee 2836-20 M18 FUEL Brushless Lithium-Ion Oscillating Multi-Tool is the premium multi-tool in this lineup. Its Auto-Load feature starts slowly for precise cuts, then ramps to top speed once the blade is under load, which helps you start a plunge cut exactly on the line. A variable speed dial lets you set speed to the job, and the 4.2-degree oscillation angle is designed for fast cutting.

A 180-degree span LED light helps in dark cabinets and behind desks, and vibration dampening technology aims for the lowest full-tool vibration. It is tool only, weighs 3.1 pounds, measures 13 by 5 by 3 inches and carries a 1-year manufacturer warranty per the listing. The listing does not include accessories or an OPM range. Pick it over the 2626-20 if you want brushless FUEL performance and smoother control; skip it if you want blades and sanding pads included.

Best for
M18 users wanting accessories in the box

The Milwaukee 2626-20 M18 18V Lithium Ion Orbiting Multi Tool is an older, non-FUEL M18 model, but it is still useful because the listing includes woodcutting blades and a sanding pad with sheets. It has 12 speed settings and an all-metal gear case, a rubberized handle for grip and an LED panel on the head. The listing also mentions REDLINK technology, which lets the tool and M18 battery communicate to reduce power when the tool nears overheating.

The listing is inconsistent on speed: the features say 11,000 to 18,000 OPM, while the specs list a minimum of 8,000. It weighs 2.9 pounds and is 11-7/8 inches long. It is tool only, so you need an M18 battery. If you want a capable multi-tool with accessories ready to go and do not need brushless performance, this is the value route.

The Milwaukee Electric M12 FUEL 2-Tool Combo Kit is the compact alternative to the M18 kit. The listing names a 3404-20 M12 FUEL hammer drill driver, and the description reads “M12 FUEL 2PC COMBO HD, ID,” which indicates a hammer drill and impact driver. It runs on 12-volt lithium-ion batteries, with two batteries noted in the specs, and the kit weighs 8 pounds, about half the M18 kit.

Be careful with this listing. The brand field shows a reseller name rather than Milwaukee, the included-items feature text is cut off, and some specs look off, including a torque figure of 1,500 ft-lb that is not realistic for a compact drill. It lists 1,550 rpm. Confirm exactly what is in the box, including batteries and charger, on the product page before you buy. For those building on M12, the smaller size is a real advantage when you are working inside a PC case or under a desk. For a broader view of kits, see our Milwaukee tool kit guide.

Best for
Cutting and grinding metal in the garage

The Milwaukee 2880-20 M18 Fuel Brushless Lithium-Ion Small Angle Grinder takes 4-1/2 inch and 5 inch discs and uses a no-lock paddle switch, which stops the tool as soon as you let go. An electronic clutch provides kickback protection, overload protection guards the motor, and an anti-vibration side handle improves comfort and control. The 5/8-11 spindle accepts common grinding accessories.

It is compatible with all M18 batteries, weighs 5 pounds and measures 13 by 8.5 by 3.5 inches, with 8,500 rpm listed. Some spec fields are clearly mislabeled, such as a “Hammerdrill” style name. For anyone who fabricates brackets, cuts threaded rod or cleans up welds, this is the tool that turns a drilling kit into a metalworking setup.

Best for
Adding a light driver to M18

The Milwaukee 2953-20 18V Cordless 1 4″ Hex Impact Driver is a tool-only M18 driver with up to 2,000 in-lb of torque and 3,900 rpm. It offers 4-mode drive control, so you can dial down for small screws and go full power for lag bolts, and single-handed bit insertion speeds up bit swaps. Tri-LED lights reduce shadows and a metal belt clip keeps it on your hip.

The listing gives a 4.47-inch length and a 2.2-pound weight, which makes it easy to use in tight spaces. If you already own M18 batteries, this is a cost-effective way to add a dedicated driver. If you want bigger lug-nut power, look at our Milwaukee impact wrench guide instead.