Save Money By Getting Your Hands On A Milwaukee Combo Kit

If you’re on the Milwaukee battery platform and want to expand your tool offerings, there’s no better way to jump in headfirst than with the purchase of a combo kit. Whether you’re looking for trade-specific tools or a general starting point for your toolbox, our team put our heads together to pick out the best Milwaukee combo kits available this year.

Best Milwaukee Combo Kit Overall

M18 Fuel 6-Piece Set

Milwaukee has a 6-piece M18 Fuel combo kit available at The Home Depot that is the best overall if you’re looking to jump into the M18 battery system. Normally, we like what we call a General Contractor’s Kit for starters: hammer drill, impact driver, circular saw, and reciprocating saw. Milwaukee ups the ante by including its mid-torque impact wrench and an angle grinder. All the tools are brushless and this set includes the 4th generation M18 Fuel hammer drill and impact driver.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• 2904-20 M18 Fuel Hammer Drill
• 2953-20 M18 Fuel Impact Driver
• 2962-20 M18 Fuel 1/2-Inch Mid-Torque Impact Wrench
• 2821-20 M18 Fuel Sawzall
• 2880-20 M18 Fuel 5-Inch Angle Grinder
• 2730 M18 Fuel 6 1/2-Inch Circular Saw
• 2 x 5.0Ah Batteries
• M18 and M12 Charger

Price: $1199.00

Best M18 Fuel Drilling and Driving Combo Kit

M18 Fuel Gen 4 Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Set 3697-22

A hammer drill and impact driver is the foundational combo kit for any brand. Milwaukee’s flagship M18 Fuel set is now in its 4th generation and features a fantastic combination of size and performance.

The Milwaukee 2904 hammer drill tops out at 2100 RPM and 1400 in-lbs of torque, plus it has an advanced kickback control system. All that and it’s just 6.9 inches long and weighs 4.9 pounds with a 5.0Ah battery.

The Milwaukee 2953 impact driver jumps up in speed to 3900 RPM with 2000 in-lbs of torque, 4400 IPM, and 4 control modes, including an assist mode. It’s just under 4.5 inches long and weighs 3.8 pounds with a 5.0Ah battery.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• 2904-20 M18 Fuel 1/2-inch Hammer Drill/Driver
• 2953-20 M18 Fuel 1/4-Inch Hex Impact Driver
• 2 x 5.0Ah Batteries
• M18 and M12 multi-voltage charger

Price: $399.00

Best M12 Fuel Drilling and Driving Combo Kit

M12 Fuel Gen 3 Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Set 3697-22

If Milwaukee’s M12 system is more your style, the M12 Fuel flagship combo got an upgrade at the same time as the M18 Fuel set. Now in its 3rd generation, both tools target an increase in power while dropping size.

The Milwaukee 3404 hammer drill now has 400 in-lbs of torque to go with 1550 RPM on the top end. That’s a 14% increase in power, yet the drill drops 0.8 inches off the length down to 5.9 inches. It also has a slight weight reduction a comes in at 2.6 pounds with a 2.0Ah battery.

Shifting over to the Milwaukee 3453 impact driver, it’s a similar story. It picks up 15% more torque, jumping up to 1500 in-lbs. It also gains some speed and now has a max of 3600 RPM. Its size difference isn’t as dramatic, but it’s still compact at 5 inches long. There’s a slight drop in weight as well, sitting right at 2.0 pounds with a 2.0Ah battery.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• 3404-20 M12 Fuel Hammer Drill/Driver
• 3453-20 M12 Fuel Hex Impact Driver
• M12 4.0Ah Battery
• M12 2.0Ah Battery
• M12 Lithium-ion Charger

Price: $199.00

Best Value Milwaukee Combo Kit

M18 7-Tool Set 2695-27S

When it comes to value, we’re looking for the most bang for your buck. For Milwaukee, we turn to their brushed tools and trade-off some of the top-end performance to get a better price without sacrificing design quality.

The 7-tool kit is a great set for remodelers and home repair specialists. It includes the drill, impact, driver, and circular saw we like to see in a General Contractor’s Kit. The reciprocating saw is a one-hand M18 Hackzall rather than a full-size Sawzall. You also get an angle grinder, oscillating multi-tool, and LED light. Plus, this kit comes with two standard 3.0Ah batteries and two 3.0Ah High Output batteries. It’s also available with just the two standard batteries for $100 less.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• 2656-20 M18 1/4-inch Impact Driver
• 2606-20 M18 1/2-inch Drill Driver
• 2630-20 M18 6 1/2-inch Circular Saw
• 2625-20 M18 Hackzall
• 2680-20 M18 4 1/2-inch Grinder
• 2626-20 M18 Multi-Tool
• 2735-20 M18 LED Work Light
• (2) M18 3.0Ah Batteries
• (2) M18 3.0Ah High Output Batteries
• M18/M12 Multi-Volt Charger

Price: $599.00

Best Milwaukee Combo Kit for Electricians

M18 Knockout, Hammer Drill, and Step Bit Set

Milwaukee built a combo kit specifically with electricians and the electrical boxes they have to install in mind. It starts with the 2677 M18 Force Logic 6-Ton Knockout Tool and a punch/die set that covers 1/2-inch to 4-inch holes. Then it adds the Gen 3 M18 Fuel hammer drill (2804) and a 3-piece step bit set.

Here’s the thing: you can get the same knockout tool and die set for $1599.99. This combo adds the hammer and step bits for $50 less!

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• 2804-20 M18 Fuel Hammer Drill
• 2677-20 M18 Force Logic 6T Knockout Tool
• M18 2.0Ah Compact Battery
• 1/2-inch to 4-inch punches and dies
• 7/16-inch Exact Draw Stud
• 3/4-inch Exact Draw Stud
• 1 1/8-inch Exact Draw Stud
• 3/4-inch Exact Rapid Reset Draw Stud
• M18/M12 Multi-Volt Charger
• (2) Carrying Cases
• Step Bits Set (48-89-9221)

Price: $1549.00

Best Milwaukee Combo Kit for Plumbers

M18 Fuel Hammer Drill, Impact Driver, and Super Hawg Set

No one covers the needs of MEP (maintenance, electrical, and plumbing) like Milwaukee does and it shows in a combo kit specifically designed to help plumbers in the rough-in stage of construction.

The 4th generation M18 Fuel hammer drill and impact driver takes care of most of the drilling and driving. But when you need more torque and control for large hole saws, Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel Super Hawg takes center stage. A pair of 5.0Ah batteries keep the hammer drill and impact driver going while two 6.0Ah High Output batteries keep the Super Hawg running at its best.

Hey, if you want to tell your Sparky friends about this one, it’s helpful for their rough-ins as well.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• 2904-20 M18 Fuel Hammer Drill
• 2953-20 M18 Fuel 1/4-inch Impact Driver
• 2809 M18 Fuel Super Hawg
• (2) M18 5.0Ah Batteries
• (2) M18 6.0Ah High Output Batteries
• M18/M12 Multi-Volt Charger

Price: $999.00

Best Milwaukee Combo Kit for Automotive

M12 Fuel Impact Wrench and Ratchet Set

We had a hard time deciding which Milwaukee combo kit would be our top pick for mechanics. It came down to the M12 Fuel impact wrench and ratchet set or the M18 Fuel 3 impact wrench set. We’re still not 100% united on the final call, so get both if you can swing it.

The M12 Fuel set includes Milwaukee’s impressive 3/8-inch stubby impact wrench that boasts 250 ft-lbs of torque. Alongside it, you have two M12 Fuel 3/8 ratchets: a standard and an extended reach. Both reach 200 RPM and have 55 ft-lbs of torque, so you get the same performance characteristics as you switch between them.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• 2554-20 M12 Fuel Stubby 3/8-inch Impact Wrench
• 2557-20 M12 Fuel 3/8-inch Ratchet
• 2560-20 M12 Fuel 3/8-inch Extended-Reach Ratchet
• M12 2.0Ah Battery
• M12 4.0Ah Battery
• M12 Charger

Price: $699.00

Best Milwaukee Combo Kit for Lawn Care

M18 Fuel 5-Tool Lawn Care Set

Milwaukee broke into lawn care years ago and the launch of the M18 Fuel self-propelled mower in 2022 gave them a complete setup. You can get your hands on everything you need to get started with battery powered lawn care with a 5-tool kit available at The Home Depot. It includes the mower, Quik-Lok string trimmer, hedge trimmer, blower, and chainsaw. This Milwaukee combo kit also includes an 8.0Ah High Output and a pair of 12.0Ah High Output batteries, plus a dual-port rapid charger and a single-port M18/M12 rapid charger.

Going with the Quik-Lok string trimmer rather than the standard model is a good call—you can easily add the edger, pole saw, brush, or other attachments as you see fit.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• 2823-20 M18 Fuel Mower
• 2825-20 M18 Fuel Power Head with Quik-Lok
• 49-16-2717 M18 Fuel Quik-Lok String Trimmer Attachment
• 2724-20 M18 Fuel Blower
• 2726-20 M18 Fuel 24-inch Hedge Trimmer
• 2727-20 M18 Fuel 16-inch Chainsaw
• M18 RedLithium High Output 8.0Ah Battery
• (2) M18 RedLithium High Output 12.0Ah Batteries
• M18 Dual-Bay Rapid Charger
• M18/M12 Rapid Charger

Price: $2059.00

The post Best Milwaukee Combo Kits 2022: M18 Fuel, M12 Fuel, and More! appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Hart 20V Brushless Combo Kit Blends Versatility And Value

The Hart 20V brushless 4-tool combo kit includes some heavy hitters from Hart’s ever-expanding lineup. The combo set includes a drill driver, impact driver, 7 1/4-inch circular saw, and a 200-lumen flashlight along with a couple of batteries and a charger. If you’re new to Hart, or you’re starting to build your tool arsenal, this is a great place to start.

Upgrading to the Hart 20V Brushless Combo Kit

Brushless Motor

If you’re new to the idea of brushless power tools, a brushless motor is a big improvement over standard brushed motors. Although the brushless models are a bit more expensive, you can expect longer runtime, better power, and extended motor life. Read more about the differences here.

Hart Brushless 1/2-Inch Drill Driver

The 1/2-inch chuck on Hart’s brushless drill driver accepts a wide variety of drill and driver bits. With 1800 RPM on the top end and up to 450 in-lbs of torque, this drill can tackle the majority of your projects. Convenient features include a belt hook, LED work light, and keyless chuck. Controls are easily identifiable and, overall, this is a very approachable tool for beginners with the performance advanced DIYers need.

• 1800 RPM max speed
• 650 in-lbs of max torque
• 2-speed gearbox
• 24-Position clutch
• 1/2-inch chuck
• Length: 7 1/2-Inches
• Weight with battery(4Ah, 2Ah): 3.94lbs, 3.38lbs
• Bare Weight: 2.56lbs
• Model #: Hart HPDD25

Hart Brushless 1/4-Inch Impact Driver

The Hart 20V brushless impact driver boasts a monster 2200 in-lbs of torque to go with its 3000 RPM top speed. Even at the professional level, that’s pretty impressive. This single-speed impact driver has a variable speed trigger to help you control fastening along with an LED light and belt hook. Overall, we expect this impact driver to accomplish the full range of tasks we do with our professional-grade models.

• 2200 in-lbs of torque
• Up to 3000 RPM
• Variable speed trigger
• 1/4″ hex chuck
• LED work light
• Belt clip
• Length: 6 inches
• Weight with battery(4Ah, 2Ah): 3.75lbs, 3.19lbs
• Bare Weight: 2.38lbs
• Model #: Hart HPID25

7 1/4-Inch Circular Saw

One big surprise for this kit is that it includes a 7 1/4-inch circular saw. Typically these kits include a 6 1/2-inch, so the higher capacity is a nice touch. Hart includes a 24T carbide tooth blade that the brushless motor spins up to 4000 RPM for quick cutting.

This saw has the aluminum shoe and a plastic blade guard we expect to see at this level, and there’s a vacuum dust attachment that can help you keep your workspace cleaner. The really nice thing about this saw is that it’s less than 8 pounds with a 4.0Ah battery, making it easy to manage for those weekend projects

• 4,000 RPM no-load speed
• 2 3/8-inch max cut depth at 90‚ 1 7/8-inch at 45°
• Arbor size: 5/8″
• 0-56º bevel
• LED work light
• Weight with battery (4Ah, 2Ah): 7.88lbs, 7.31lbs
• Bare Weight: 6.44lbs
• Model #: Hart HPCS25

LED Flashlight

Hart’s 20V 200-lumen flashlight is a handy addition to this kit. The lens swivels 360-degrees allowing you to direct light where you need it and work hands-free. Additionally, the handle slips securely over 2x which eliminates the need to play work light Jenga when your project takes you into the attic or around bare joists.

• Over 200 lumens
• 360° rotating head
• Mounts on 2x lumber for hands-free use
• Length: 7 1/4-Inches
• Weight with battery(4Ah, 2Ah): 1.81lbs, 1.25lbs
• Bare Weight: 0.44lbs

Batteries And Charger

In an effort to simplify your tool shed, Hart made their 20V batteries compatible with any power tool on their 20V platform. Hart includes two batteries to get you on the right track.

• 2.0Ah
• 4.0Ah
• 20V Charger

Hart 20V Brushless Combo Kit Price

You can pick up one of these combo kits at Walmart for $298 with everything we mentioned plus a carry bag to store it all in. Buying everything separately would run you north of $475, so this really is a high-value way to jumpstart your tool game.

The Bottom Line

If you own your own home, there are going to be plenty of projects and repairs along your journey. Hart’s 20V brushless 4-tool combo kit gives you what you need to get started with higher performance thanks to brushless technology. Even better, you can find it and a ton of other Hart tools conveniently at your local Walmart.

To explore Hart’s full line of 20V tools, click here

The post Hart 20V 4-Tool Brushless Combo Kit Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Grab Ryobi’s Most Compact Drill and Impact Driver in a High-Value Combo Kit

Having used all of the tools in Ryobi’s HP Compact lineup, we’re impressed with the combination of size, performance, and the price they’re offering. The value gets even better with the Ryobi HP Compact brushless drill and impact driver combo kit.

Ryobi HP Compact Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit Details

We’ll get into the tool specifics in just a second. For now, let’s start with what comes in the box. You get the brushless drill, brushless impact driver, two 1.5Ah batteries, charger, and carry bag.

There are no belt hooks in the package, but there are installation points for them if you’d like to add them later.

One other thing—the tools in the Ryobi HP Compact combo kit are legitimately compact. Not just compact for Ryobi, but compact even when compared to premium professional brands. You can check out more of those details in our individual reviews.

HP Compact Brushless Drill

There are several things worth pointing out on Ryobi’s compact brushless drill. First of all, it has a 1/2-inch chuck instead of a 3/8-inch. That opens up more accessories such as hole saws, auger bits, and self-feed bits that won’t fit in smaller chuck sizes.

You still have to manage the bit size, of course. Don’t expect to use a 6-inch hole saw and get very far.

The drill has a 2-speed gearbox that its brushless motor spins up to 1700 RPM in high speed. Low runs up to 450 RPM and is where you’ll get its full 400 in-lbs of torque.

From an application standpoint, it can handle everything we expect from our premium compact drill drivers. Plan on using your full range of twist bits and spade/auger bits up to 3/4-inch or so. We recommend sticking with diameters 1 1/2 inches or less on hole saws.

Want more details? Check out the full review below.

HP Compact Brushless Impact Driver

Aside from the compact, lightweight physical design, one of the biggest highlights of Ryobi’s compact impact driver is its performance. With 1700 in-lbs of torque and 2900 RPM, there are no screwdriving applications you need to shy away from.

We normally turn to an impact wrench by the time we get beyond 1/4-inch diameter screws and we feel confident recommending this Ryobi impact driver for the full range up to that point. That’s pretty impressive for an impact driver that weighs less than 3 pounds with the battery.

Ryobi HP Compact Combo Kit Price

When it first launched, the kit price was $179, but Home Depot recently dropped it to $139. For a brushless combo, even on the compact side, that’s a really compelling price.

The Bottom Line

The Ryobi HP Compact brushless drill and impact driver combo kit fits a wide range of needs from DIY to light-duty professional jobs. With a price drop to $139, it’s one of the best values you can get right now. If you’re in need of a good compact combo for your home, work, or a gift (hint, hint), don’t think twice. Head over to your local Home Depot to pick it up or order online.

The post Ryobi 18V One+ HP Compact Brushless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Review PSBCK01K appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Get Started with XTR’s Higher Performance Using the Kobalt XTR 24V 5-tool Combo Kit

It’s taken us a while to get our hands on the Kobalt XTR 24V 5-tool combo kit (due to COVID-19). But now that it’s here, we wanted to know how it stacks up against Kobalt’s standard 24V Max tools and where it fits in the broader spectrum of tools.

This review is really a jumping-off point for the combo kit and we’ll follow it up with more detailed reviews of the individual tools.

What Comes in the Kobalt XTR 24V 5-Tool Combo Kit?

As combo kits go, this Kobalt XTR kit checks off the standard boxes and adds a pleasant twist. Here’s what’s in the box:

• Hammer drill with auxiliary handle, bit, and belt hook
• Impact driver with bit and belt hook
• Circular saw with blade and fence
• Reciprocating saw with blade
• LED light
• 4.0Ah battery
• 2.0Ah battery
• Charger

The pleasant twist is the box itself. It’s a hard-sided rolling case with a gasket lid to keep moisture out. Most brands toss in a soft bag, but getting a rolling case is a nice treat.

Kobalt XTR 24V 5-tool Combo Kit Tool By Tool

Check out our coverage of Kobalt XTR technology for a broader overview of what to expect. Here’s the skinny:

• Exists as a premium option alongside standard Kobalt 24V Max tools
• Advanced battery and motor technology
• Boosts performance by 50% over first-generation Kobalt 24V max tools
• New features to go along with performance that gets the job done faster, safer, and easier

The new 24V Ultimate Output batteries are compatible with all Kobalt 24V tools, including XTR. Likewise, you can use standard Kobalt 24V batteries in XTR tools, you’ll just get the best performance when you pair an XTR tool with an Ultimate Output battery.

Also, as summarized above, the XTR line isn’t replacing their existing 24V tools. It’s an upgraded line targeting serious DIYers and budget-minded Pros. If you’re wondering what to compare XTR to, these tools are more on par with Ridgid’s Octane in price but reaching higher in some of our performance tests.

Kobalt XTR Hammer Drill

The first thing we noticed about the Kobalt XTR hammer drill is that it’s still pretty compact despite getting a big performance boost.

Looking at power, the hammer drill spins up to 2,000 RPM just like the standard model. Torque is a different story, however. With 1,200 in-lbs available in Low, it packs 85% more power than the 650 in-lbs we saw before.

Even the blow rate in hammer drill mode has improved. What was 26,000 BPM is now 32,000 BPM.

That massive change isn’t just an improvement, it’s a performance level that matches some of the best premium hammer drills available.

We’re loving the higher performance, but there’s an important feature to note as well: kickback control. Kobalt now has anti-kickback technology built-in, making it safer to use with its beefier performance.

Read our full in-depth review!

Kobalt XTR Impact Driver

The Kobalt XTR impact driver gets a little more compact and is nearly the same weight as its predecessor. Like we’ll see with all of the tools in this combo, the big story is about performance.

Kobalt gives the XTR impact driver a 700-RPM speed boost (26% increase) with 600 in-lbs more torque (33% increase). Even the impact rate comes up by 500 IPM (14% increase), something we expect by default when the speed increases.

The torque value is worth talking about, even against premium professional models. At 1,800 in-lbs, Kobalt already had more than enough torque for a wide range of fastening jobs. 2,400 in-lbs in the XTR model puts it at a whole new level and jumps over what most of the traditional Pro brands offer.

Kobalt XTR Circular Saw

The Kobalt XTR circular saw gains just 1/16-inch cutting capacity with its move from a 6 1/2-inch blade to a 7 1/4-inch. That’s actually a pretty big compliment to the design of the 6 1/2-inch saw considering only a handful of cordless 7 1/4-inch models cut deeper.

It might seem like the 100-RPM speed increase is relatively light as well. When you consider the tooth speed, though, it’s more significant. With a 119 MPH tip speed on the larger blade, each tooth is moving 14% faster and there’s more muscle behind them.

You get a bit more bevel capacity as it shifts from 50º to 56º. There’s also a rafter hook, removable dust port, and full metal blade guard on the XTR model.

However, all of the added performance and features come with more weight. The 6 1/2-inch saw is truly a compact model while the new model is has a much more traditional weight and feel to it. At 9.4 pounds bare, it’s not obnoxious. In fact, it falls within the typical weight range of a corded circular saw—even when fully loaded with a blade and battery at 10.9 pounds.

Read our full in-depth review!

Kobalt XTR Reciprocating Saw

A quick glance at the spec sheet makes it seem like the Kobalt XTR reciprocating saw really only gained a touch of weight and a little longer stroke length.

What’s hiding is that the new motor and battery deliver much better cutting speeds in tougher materials. It also sports an orbital mode, making wood cutting even faster.

One of the less-noticeable features we really like is the more accessible blade clamp. It no longer travels inside the front housing and makes blade changes easier no matter what part of the stroke you stop cutting at.

It also boasts better vibration control than its predecessor, making it more comfortable to use for longer demo jobs.

Work Light

The work light that comes with the Kobalt XTR 24V 5-tool combo kit is pretty slick. It features a solid 700-lumen output in a compact package. It also has a lower output mode when you you’re working in closer quarters.

The head folds down to the handle and swings out 180º straight up from there. It pivots around 300º and let you put light at nearly any angle you could want.

Two sets of magnets on the back make working around ferrous surfaces convenient. A hook hides cleverly in the top and pivots 360º once you extend it.

You can even install a belt hook above the battery if you like.

We like the pistol grip design that’s taken from the foundation of the drills and impact drivers in the line. It’s a familiar feeling that’s comfortable to hold and stands on its own easily.

Price

The Kobalt XTR 24V 5-tool combo kit nails a solid value at $399 including the batteries, charger, and rolling hard case.

To put that in perspective, the comparable kit from Ridgid is $100 more, and it’s just their Gen5X tools, not the Octane models.

The Bottom Line

It’s hard to decide whether we’re more impressed by the upgrades in these tools or the kit’s value at $399. In the end, both are significant reasons to consider this combo for both budget-minded Pros and serious DIYers.

If you’ve been waiting to jump on board with Kobalt’s expanding 24V max lineup, it’s time to stop making excuses.

The post Kobalt XTR 24V 5-Tool Combo Kit Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Small Ridgid Builds Keep Drill and Driver Light and Accurate

This year, it looks like Ridgid is paying special attention to the subcompact market with releases that focus on less weight, increased maneuverability, and providing access to tighter spaces. Case in point: the Ridgid 18V Sub-Compact Drill and Driver Combo Kit. This set boasts a 30% size and weight reduction from the standard Ridgid 18V brushless drill and impact driver.

How Much Smaller?

Ridgid emphasizes that their subcompact series features “lightweight design, heavyweight performance,” with the 18V sub-compact drill and impact driver combo kit being the flagship example of this mantra.

How does this work itself out practically with these tools? In the case of size reduction, the drill/driver 30% less than the 18V Ridgid R86009 brushless compact drill.

When compared to the 18V Ridgid R86039 impact driver, this subcompact version punches in at a 30% lighter weight and a 35% more compact frame.

Less weight and a more compact frame mean you can work longer. The smaller head gets you into tighter spaces more easily.

We did notice that, particularly with the impact driver, those smaller dimensions don’t affect the handle. You get the same comfortable hex grip as always. Proportionally, however, the battery feels pretty robust in relation to the tool itself. All this is to say that, while the business ends of these tools do look pretty tiny, the butt end of these tools look thick. If these tools were models, they’d be wildly popular on Instagram.

Heavyweight Performance

How does the Ridgid 18V Sub-Compact Drill and Impact Driver Kit perform? Both tools feature brushless motors and work with all Ridgid 18V batteries, including the Octane lineup.

The drill has the expected High and Low gear/speed settings to match power with the application you have at hand. It maxes out at 1,750 RPM in High. With its variable speed and 24-position clutch, you have precision at your fingertips. It also features all-metal gears so we expect decent durability when you bear down.

The impact driver cranks out up to 1,800 in-lbs of torque, and it features a quick-release hex collet for fast loading and unloading of bits.

Both tools in the Ridgid 18V Sub-Compact Combo Kit feature reversible belt clips, bit holders, and LED work lights.

Pricing

The Ridgid 18V Sub-Compact Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit retails for $199 at your local Home Depot or online. In addition to both tools, the kit includes two 18V 2.0Ah batteries, a charger, two belt hooks, a double-ended bit, a single-ended bit, and a bag.

Like all of the Ridgid lineup, the Ridgid R9780 comes with a Lifetime Service Agreement when you register it within 90 days of purchase.

Ridgid 18V Sub-Compact Drill and Impact Driver Combo Specs

• Kit Model: Ridgid R9780
• Motor: Brushless
• Dimensions: 6.17 x 7.83 in. (Drill/Driver); 4.67 x 7.48 in. (Impact Driver)
• Drill Speed: 0-1,750 rpm
• Max Driver Torque: 1,800
• Warranty: Lifetime Service Agreement
• Price: $199

The post Ridgid 18V Sub-Compact Drill and Impact Driver Combo R9780 appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Hart 20V Brushless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Puts More Power and Runtime in Your Hands

We found that Hart’s 4-tool combo kit gave homeowners an excellent all-around tool set for household repairs and projects. When your needs go beyond simple repairs and you want something that can work harder and longer, that’s when you turn to brushless tools. The Hart 20V brushless drill and impact driver combo is a great way to get started and gives you two key tools you’ll use frequently.

Hart 20V Brushless Drill Features

The Hart 20V brushless drill has a 1/2-inch chuck, 24-position clutch, and 2-speed gearbox. Low speed gives you up to 500 RPM and the most torque while high speed gets you up to 1800 RPM with less available torque.

Hart doesn’t actually list the torque each mode has, which is somewhat unusual. With some brands reporting unit watts out and others boasting in-lbs of torque (sometimes both hard and soft torque values), it may be more important to simply talk about what you can expect to do with this drill.

How Does the Hart 20V Brushless Drill Perform?

We ran a handful of experiments to see how large of a bit you can reasonably expect to use. Drilling in wood, we found using the full range of twist bits all the way up to 1/2-inch works really well. The tool also easily handles 1-inch spade and auger bits as well as self-feed bits up to 1-1/2-inches.

Realistically, you can go a little higher than that depending on the hardness and thickness of the wood. But without an auxiliary handle to help you out, you can run into a higher risk of the drill binding up.

The Hart brushless drill did well on metal as well. I needed to drill 1/2-inch holes through both 1/4-inch steel and aluminum on my boat trailer. I used the Hart 20V brushless drill along with a cobalt drill bit to make it happen.

Following that up, I also had some step bit work in the same materials, creating holes nearly 3/4-inches wide. I didn’t experience any issues with power in either of those applications. The tool drills quickly and easily and it never starved for power in metal.

The biggest difference we noticed across all of our drilling was the top-end speed. Most of our drills fall in the 2000 – 2100 RPM range. With the Hart brushless drill, we experienced some slow down on lighter drilling. Still, while the drop is noticeable, it’s not obnoxiously slow by any means.

Dropping the tool to 500 RPM in Low for high-torque tasks puts it in line with even some of our Pro-level drills.

Hart HPDD25 Specifications

• Model: Hart HPDD25
• No-load speed (Low): 0 – 500 RPM
• No-load speed (High): 0 – 1800 RPM
• Max torque: Not listed
• Weight (bare): 2.6 lbs.
• Weight (w/ 2Ah battery): 3.4 lbs.
• Length: 7.5 in.

Hart 20V Brushless Impact Driver

The Hart 20V brushless impact driver comes as a single-speed model with a standard 1/4-inch hex collet. It boasts a 3000 RPM top speed and impressive 2200 in-lbs of torque. We’re comfortable using anything around 1600 in-lbs, and Hart’s declared power level well exceeds several Pro brands.

Using the Hart 20V Brushless Impact Driver

Like the drill, the Hart 20V brushless impact driver gives up a little top-end speed compared to some of the other impacts we use. It’s a screw-driving monster, though! If there’s a standard head fastener (slotted, Phillips, Torx, square, etc) it won’t drive, we haven’t found it.

That led us to hex head fasteners and socket adapters. This is an area that Hart’s power level excels, but you also want to manage that power. A 1/4-inch hex shank isn’t difficult to break at with this kind of torque.

You can pretty much run full-speed when driving in wood. Adapters and bits break most frequently when fastening against metal. Smaller nuts and bolts are one thing, but save the lug nuts and larger fasteners for your impact wrench. Incidentally, Hart happens makes both a 3/8-inch and a 1/2-inch impact wrench.

Reviewer’s Note: We’d recommend making the switch from a Hart impact driver to a Hart impact wrench at the same point as our professional models. When driving something larger than a 1/4-inch ledger screw, timber screw, or lag, one of Hart’s impact wrenches is the better tool for the job.

Overall, we felt the Hart 20V brushless impact driver capable of driving anything we ask of our Pro-targeted tools.

Hart HPID25 Specifications

• Model: Hart HPID25
• No-load speed: 0 – 3000 RPM
• Max torque: 2200 in-lbs
• Weight (bare): 2.4 lbs.
• Weight (w/ 2.0Ah battery): 3.3 lbs.
• Length: 6.1 in.

Additional Field Notes on Both Tools

Size and Weight

We found neither of the tools in this kit unwieldy. However, both seem a bit heavier and longer than what you can find with some of the more expensive Prosumer models. The weight difference increases when you compare them to premium Pro models. Those looking for an entry-level tool shouldn’t find that a surprise nor a disappointment. It’s just one of the trade-offs we expect to make to get brushless performance at a better price.

In our opinion, we believe all levels of users should enjoy the feel and performance of both of these tools. This includes your kids as you teach them how to build projects and make their own repairs.

Belt Clips

We were initially a little concerned about Hart using wire form belt clips instead of the more stout styles we see on our professional tools. However, they’re stronger than they look. Sure, you can bend them (you can bend the flat style steel type as well), but they proved more than effective for daily use. They also slip on and off thicker belts more easily—but never accidentally.

Battery Choices

You get a pair of 2.0Ah batteries in the Hart 20V brushless drill and impact driver kit. That delivers a bump up from the 1.5Ah batteries included with some of their brushed tools. These slim packs keep the weight and profile down. We actually prefer them—certainly for impact drivers. If you need more runtime, Hart Tools makes 4.0Ah packs you can buy separately.

Pricing

The Hart 20V brushless drill and impact driver combo runs $178 at Walmart. The kit includes the tools, a pair of 2.0Ah batteries, and a charger. There’s a soft bag to store the tools in and there’s a bit for each tool along with a belt clip.

Many brushless combos in the same vein are closer to $200 and up, so you’re saving a little money by going with Hart.

For more information about this and other HART Tools, click here.

The Bottom Line: Where Does it Fit?

The performance and design we see from the Hart 20V brushless drill and impact driver combo kit put it squarely in a sector we call “Prosumer”. It strikes a balance between design, performance, and price that meets a lot of requirements, including light to medium-duty professional-level work. At the same time, it’s within reach of DIY budgets.

There are certainly trade-offs between this and premium designs. We also haven’t performed long-term endurance testing. Still, if getting a lot of performance for your money is a high priority, we find the value here hard to ignore. In the end, serious DIYers and even budget-conscience tradesmen should consider this kit as a viable alternative to more expensive options.

The post Hart 20V Brushless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Hands-On Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Hart Tools 4-Tool Combo Kit Gets Your DIY Projects On Track

Hart has moved into Wal-Mart, becoming the primary power tool brand for the discount retailer. The tools that were in there before were okay, but some of them were questionable, even for DIYers. We wanted to see what to expect from the brand, so we started with the Hart Tools 4-tool combo kit to see what you should expect.

Hart Tools 4-Tool Combo Kit

What’s in the Box

The Hart Tools 4-tool combo kit includes a 20V drill driver, impact driver, reciprocating saw, and LED light. For power, Hart includes a pair of 1.5Ah battery packs and a 2-amp charger. Your manuals are included along with a blade for the saw, double-ended driver bit, 1/4-inch hex driver bit, and a bag to store all of your gear.

All of the tools have brushed motors. Even though there are very real benefits to brushless motors, brushed motors still have enough power to do the job well and it helps keep the cost down.

The batteries are slim packs, which is great for keeping the weight of your tools down on smaller projects. If you need more runtime, Hart also has 2.0Ah slim packs and 4.0Ah extended capacity batteries available.

What we like about the design is that the batteries are slide packs. That allows the battery to slide underneath the handle instead of up into it as stem packs do. It gives the product teams much more flexibility in the handle design, particularly when it comes to the diameter.

One downside is the lack of a battery-level indicator on the pack or the tool. Make sure you keep both batteries charged so you have a backup if you run the first one down.

These Hart tools run at 20V max, which is the same as 18V nominal. Check out our article for more information on the (lack of) difference between 20V Max vs 18V.

20V Drill Driver

• 0 – 440 / 0 – 1600 RPM
• 24-position clutch
• 2-speed gearbox with variable speed trigger
• 1/2″ chuck
• 3.8 pounds with 1.5Ah battery (3.0 pounds bare)

We wanted to know what the Hart Tool 20V drill driver can handle, so we ran it through the same kind of tests we put premium professional brands through. The maximum speed of 1600 RPM is a bit slower than more expensive models, but Hart put some muscle behind it.

At high speed, I was able to confidently drill through wood with a 1/2-inch Milwaukee Red Helix Titanium twist bit, a 7/8-inch Bosch Daredevil spade bit, and a 1-inch Bosch Daredevil High-Speed Auger Bit.

Kicking it into low gear, the drill had no problem breaking through using a 1 1/2-inch Milwaukee Switchblade self-feed bit.

Depending on the bit you’re using (sharp, quality accessories are always going to drill better), you can expect to drill up to 7/8 of an inch in high speed and 1 1/2 inches in low when you’re drilling through soft to medium wood. Those numbers will be a bit different in hardwoods, metal, or other materials and you have a wider range if you’re using a hole saw.

20V Impact Driver

• 1700 in-lbs of torque
• Single-speed drive with variable speed trigger
• 1/4-inch hex chuck
• 3.4 pounds with 1.5Ah battery (2.6 pounds bare)

An impact driver’s primary job is to drive fasteners and the 1700 in-lbs of torque Hart gives this model is plenty. Deck screws and drywall screws go in agreeably fast. Some of the smaller ones don’t even force it to engage the hammer and anvil.

1/4-inch ledger screws are about the largest fastener we ask our impact drivers to tackle and Hart did just fine setting those as well. It fastens in a reasonable amount of time and it doesn’t push the motor to the point of concerning strain.

We also ran our 1/2-inch twist and 1-inch spade bits since they have 1/4-inch hex shanks. The impact driver was able to drill through the same material as the drill driver with no issues. It’s slower because of the impact design, but if you want to use it with those hex shank drill bits, you can.

20V Reciprocating Saw

• Up to 3300 SPM with a 7/8-inch stroke length
• Easy access blade release lever
• Pivoting shoe with adjustable length
• 4.7 pounds with 1.5Ah battery (3.9 pounds bare)

3300 SPM is a fast stroke rate, even compared to Pro-level reciprocating saws. The 7/8-inch stroke length is a bit shorter and you’ll notice some slowing when you cut thicker wood. You can help speed things up by rocking the blade and allowing more of the sawdust and chips to come out of the teeth.

This is a speed and length configuration that’s ideal for cutting PVC and thin metal such as EMT and copper pipe. In fact, it does quite well cutting in those materials. It’s not going to cut as well in thick metal, so leave the rebar cutting to a different saw.

One of the things you might not think of a reciprocating saw for is in your landscaping. Paired with a low TPI pruning blade, we’re comfortable using this saw to cut branches up to 4 inches thick. It can save having to drag your chainsaw out for some of the lighter work!

The light weight of the saw is nice, but there’s some vibration to it. Be sure to keep the shoe pressed against the material and use its pivot to your advantage. That will help mitigate a lot of vibration and make the cut easier on you.

20V LED Flashlight

• 200 lumens
• Rotating head
• Handle mounts on 2x material
• 1.2 pounds with 1.5Ah battery (0.4 pounds bare)

The Hart Tools 20V flashlight has several helpful features with practical advantages. Its slim handle design is comfortable to grip, making it an easy choice if you’re going for an evening walk.

We like the rotating head’s ability to pivot either direction and shift to a 45º upward angle. It’s handy if you’re working under an engine or you need to set it on the ground and still work at standing height.

The space between the handle is intentionally designed to fit over 2x material, whether that’s joists, supports on your sawhorse, or some other creative idea you have.

200 lumens is a good output level to work in closer quarters with. Lights that put out 1000 lumens or more are great but can blind you with reflection in tight spaces. When you’re digging around under a sink or engine, it’s just right.

Price

This Hart Tools 4-tool combo kit is available at Wal-Mart for $178. The tools come with a 3-year warranty. It’s a pretty competitive price in the brushed combo kit market.

For more information about this and other HART Tools, click here.

The Bottom Line

When we started out this review, we really wanted to understand what this Hart Tools combo kit opens up for you. It’s clearly a step up in quality and performance from what Wal-Mart was carrying previously. In terms of job capability, there’s a lot you can accomplish around the house, garage, and shop.

It’s definitely something we recommend for DIYers handling typical home improvement projects on a budget. If you tackle more serious jobs, you might want to check out Hart’s brushless tools for a boost in performance.

The post Hart Tools 4-Tool Combo Kit Hands-On Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

DeWalt 12V Brushless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Moves 12V Line into Competition

Every 12V shootout we’ve done in the past couple of years left me feeling kinda “meh” about DeWalt. Their 12V cordless tools didn’t have anything wrong with them per se, but they were being outpaced by an increasing number of brushless models. Whispers reached us a few months ago and now I finally have the DeWalt 12V brushless drill and impact driver combo in my hand.

Pros

• Much more compact than previous brushed models
• Modest weight savings over previous models
• Considerable performance gains
• Excellent value at $149 for the 2-tool combo kit

Cons

• No major drawbacks

DeWalt 12V Brushless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit

Be sure to also check out our article on the Best DeWalt Drill

DeWalt 12V Brushless Drill vs 12V Brushed

Let’s start by taking a quick tour of the improvements DeWalt made for their new brushless cordless drill and compare it to their brushed model.

• Length: The brushless drill drops more than 1.5″ off of the brushed length, now just 5.97″ long
• Weight: The smaller size also comes with a 5-ounce weight reduction
• No-Load Speed: The brushless DeWalt DCD701 picks up 25 more RPM in low (425 RPM) and maintains the brushed model’s 1500 RPM top speed
• Power: There’s a big jump in power, moving from 189 UWO to 250 UWO—a 32% increase
• Kitted battery moves from 1.3Ah to 2.0Ah

There are some things that aren’t changing as well. Both models have…

• 15 clutch settings
• 3/8″ chuck
• 2-speed gearbox

Looking More Broadly

The length of the DeWalt 12V brushless drill is a massive improvement. Check out our best 12V drill review, it’s shorter than any other drill we tested, meaning it can get you into tighter spaces than any of its major competitors.

At 2.4 pounds with its battery, the DeWalt DCD701 is in the lighter half, just a few ounces heavier than the top contenders and nearly a pound lighter than the Milwaukee M12 Fuel drill.

Overall, this is a drill that’s about the best combination of weight and size we’re seeing in the 12V landscape. Add in handle curves that fit your hand well and you can’t ask for much better when you’re looking for a compact drill.

What About Performance?

I put the DeWalt 12V brushless drill through a variety of drilling tests and it passes with flying colors. With as well as it performed, I decided to run a little head-to-head test against Milwaukee’s M12 Fuel 2503.

Starting with the smallest Bosch Daredevil spade bit in my 12-piece set, I drilled through untreated 2x pine until the drill couldn’t go any further. On high, both drills were able to run a 5/8″ bit through. While they were both successful, DeWalt was clearly faster.

Kicking both drills into low, Milwaukee moved right on past the 1″ bit and successfully drilled through with a 1-1/4″. That’s impressive work for a 12V drill. DeWalt one-upped it, though, driving through with a 1-3/8″ bit.

DeWalt 12V Brushless Impact Driver

Like the drill, let’s start with a look from the brushed generation to the brushless impact driver.

• Length: The brushless model drops 1.2″ off the head length, shrinking to 5.05″
• Weight: The weight comes down slightly, losing 2.6 ounces
• No-Load Speed: The top speed jumps from 2450 RPM to 2850 RPM and gains an extra 200 IPM
• Speeds: The brushed single speed motor gives way to 3-speed electronic modes on the brushless—high, low, and Precision Drive assist
• Power: Maximum torque get a massive upgrade, skyrocketing from 950 in-lbs to 1450 in-lbs
• Kitted battery moves from 1.3Ah to 2.0Ah

The features DeWalt doesn’t change are really good ones and we’re glad they kept them.

• 3-LED light ring around the chuck
• One-hand bit insertion
• One-hand bit ejection
• Accepts 1″ bits

Looking More Broadly

Like the drill, the DeWalt 12V brushless impact drive makes huge gains in the footprint department. Its 5.05″ head length is the shortest of any traditional pistol grip models in this class and goes toe-to-toe with the Ridgid Palm Driver (5.0″).

The couple of ounces that the DeWalt DCF801 drops helps its overall ranking in the 12V class as well. At 2.24 pounds, it sits right next to the Bosch PS42 and Milwaukee M12 Fuel impact driver as the lightest pistol grips with a battery.

Once again, DeWalt is taking steps that make it the best combination of size and weight in the 12V class. We’re definitely impressed. At the same time, DeWalt is calling these “Xtreme Compact” cordless tools and it looks like the marketing matches the claim.

Performance

Realizing the DeWalt 12V brushless impact driver is primarily a screwdriver and small nut driver, I put it to the kind of light work I expect from my 12V impacts. For a 12V impact, it’s a quick-driving model that’s very easy to use.

For a better idea of its performance, I brought out Milwaukee’s latest M12 Fuel impact driver—the very same one that dominated our best 12V impact driver review article. This time, I used 1/4″ ledger screws into layered OSB subfloor to see how their driving speed compared. Test after test, these two impact drivers simply refused to give in. They’d be at a dead tie. Milwaukee would be slightly ahead. DeWalt would be slightly ahead. By the time it was done, I couldn’t make a call as to which one was faster.

Shootout Results

We put DeWalt up against the best 12V impact drivers available. You can check out its head-to-head performance yourself here. If you just want it in a nutshell, this is how it fared:

• Size: 90
• Feature Set: 100
• Speed: 68
• Torque: 66
• Noise Level: 86
• Value: 85
• Overall: 4.0 out of 5.0 (3rd place overall)

Pricing

We’re looking at the DeWalt 12V brushless drill and impact driver combo kit. The set comes with a charger and a pair of 2.0Ah batteries for $199. If you want just one or the other, the kits are $99 as are the bare tools. Another $114 on the individual tool kits gets you a TSTAK container to carry them in, but there isn’t an option for the 2-tool combo.

Let’s put that combo price in perspective a little. Milwaukee’s current M12 Fuel combo (2598-22) runs $229. Makita’s CT232 runs $139 to $149, depending on what case you want. Bosch doesn’t offer a combo kit for their 12V brushless drill and impact driver.

The big takeaway is that you’re paying a little more than Makita for serious performance gains. That performance closes in on Milwaukee for a much lower price.

Who Should Buy the DeWalt 12V Brushless Drill and Impact Driver Combo?

I am very impressed with DeWalt’s performance, ergonomics, and feature set for this combo. The performance is close enough to the top that I have to wait until we’ve put it through all of our standardized tests before I make a call. It’s so good that one or both of these might take over the top overall rankings.

Backing that up with incredibly compact designs, it hits what you need if size and weight are your highest priorities. And with the price set where it is, the DeWalt Xtreme Compact combo kit may very well be a perfect balance that fits everyone’s needs.

There’s zero doubt in my mind that this is a Pro-level 12V kit and its price is certainly attractive for serious DIYers, too. What’s interesting is that there’s high enough performance here to make homeowners think about passing on a DIY/Prosumer 18V line and going for more compact 12V tools instead.

The Bottom Line

DeWalt has done a fantastic job bringing down the size and ramping up the power in these tools. The DeWalt 12V brushless drill and impact driver combo kit takes a couple of tools that felt like afterthoughts and turns them into legitimate contenders. If you’re a DeWalt fan, it’s time to be proud of their 12V line again!

DeWalt 12V Brushless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Specifications

• Kit Model: DeWalt DCK221F2
• Included Batteries: 2 x 2.0Ah
• Price: $199

DeWalt 12V Brushless Drill Specifications

• Model: DeWalt DCC701
• Power Source: DeWalt 12V Max batteries
• No-Load Speeds: 0–425/0–1500 RPM
• Max Power: 250 UWO
• Length: 5.97″
• Weight with Battery: 2.4 lbs
• Price: $99
• Warranty: 3 years

DeWalt 12V Brushless Impact Driver Specifications

• Model: DeWalt DCF801
• Power Source: DeWalt 12V Max batteries
• No-Load Speed: 0–2850 RPM
• Max Torque: 1450 in-lbs
• Impact Rate: 3600 IPM
• Length: 5.05″
• Weight with Battery: 2.24 lbs
• Price: $99
• Warranty: 3 years

The post DeWalt 12V Brushless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Milwaukee Compact Brushless Combo Kit Offers Brushless Benefits at a More Affordable Price

Milwaukee first introduced its Compact Brushless line around 2016. These are drills and impact drivers with brushless motors that aren’t part of the M18 Fuel line. They tend to be a little smaller and less powerful while still offering the additional runtime and long-life benefits of a brushless motor. Better yet, they cost less and still have Milwaukee’s 5-year warranty. The Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless Combo Kit (Milwaukee 2892-22CT) is a new part of the line that includes a drill driver and impact driver.

Pros

• Both tools are genuinely lightweight and compact in their class
• Neither tool struggled to maintain speed in our testing
• Lower price than M18 Fuel kits ($249)
• Brushless motors

Cons

• Drill had lower than expected results in our soft torque test
• Basic feature sets

Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless Drill Driver

Performance

In our 18V cordless drill shootout, the compact models had to drive 3/4″ auger bits and 1-1/2″ self-feed bits for their speed test. Milwaukee keeps the auger bit moving at 1171 RPM—71% of the 1665 RPM no-load speed we measured on our tachometer.

With the self-feed bit in low speed, it averages 408 RPM which is 73% of its 556 RPM no-load speed.

These are mixed results. In the high-speed test, Milwaukee is near the bottom. However, it’s in the top 5 in the low-speed test.

Perhaps the bigger takeaway is in the efficiency—its percentage of no-load speed. While there are some drills that have higher percentages, what this shows us is that the motor isn’t struggling to keep these bits moving. We’re confident that you can handle anything that other compact drills can. You might just trade off a little speed.

The other side of performance is torque. It’s important to note that our torque test is a soft torque test. Check out our best cordless drill article for more testing details.

In this test, Milwaukee only averages 121 in-lbs. Soft torque usually runs 50% – 60% of the hard torque, so we expected it to be closer to 250 in-lbs. I don’t have a solid answer for why it’s lower, but Milwaukee isn’t alone here. Seven other compact drills are also in the 120 in-lbs – 130 in-lbs range.

Feature Set

For both tools in this combo kit, the feature set is pretty basic. The Milwaukee 2801 drill driver has a 2-speed brushless motor with an 18+1 clutch, a full-metal chuck,  LED light, and a reversible belt hook. It’s basic, but it’s functional and it’s all you really need to effectively make holes and drive fasteners.

Physical Build

We measured the Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless Drill Driver at 7.78″ tall and 6.63″ long. Aside from the two sub-compact drills we tested, it’s the most compact in the 18V Compact class.

Bare, it’s 2.45 pounds and 3.43 pounds with a 2.0 Ah battery on our scale. That’s also an impressive feat, with just the two sub-compacts and Skil’s compact model weighing less.

Having a lighter weight and compact footprint makes this a really pleasant drill to use. That said, the Gen 3 M18 Fuel drill and hammer drill models are really compact in their own right.

Ratings

• Speed Under Load: 3.5
• Torque: 2.0
• Feature Set: 4.0
• Weight: 4.2
• Footprint: 4.8
• Overall: 4.2 out of 5.0

Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless Drill Driver Specifications

• Model: Milwaukee 2801
• Power Source: Milwaukee M18 RedLithium batteries
• Chuck: 1/2″
• No-Load Speed: 0–500/0–1800 RPM
• Torque: 500 in-lbs
• Weight: 2.5 lbs
• Height: 7.75″
• Length: 6.5″

Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless Impact Driver

Performance

Driving 1/4″ ledger screws, the Milwaukee Compact Brushless Impact Driver averages 450 RPM, just 30 RPM slower than the Gen 3 M18 Fuel model. That’s plenty of speed with a fastener and the motor doesn’t feel like it’s in danger of overheating or stalling.

Before we go into torque, it’s important to note that the values we record do not reflect the manufacturer’s testing for specs. However, it does give us a repeatable test for making comparisons.

Milwaukee specs this model at 1600 in-lbs of torque and we really think that’s the sweet spot for impact drivers. It gives you enough speed and torque to drive smaller fasteners up to 1/4″ or so without getting to the point that you break socket adapters every time you work on a hex fastener.

For fastening torque, we saw a solid 2088 in-lbs average. The Gen 3 M18 Fuel had the highest at 2656 in-lbs. But what’s really impressive is how hard it hits in reverse. While the M18 Fuel model consistently broke 3600 ft-lbs, the Milwaukee 2850 broke 4500 in-lbs.

Feature Set

If the drill’s feature set is light, the impact driver’s is even lighter. It has a single-speed brushless motor, LED light, and reversible belt hook. If you’re the type of Pro that leaves your impact driver in high and feathers the trigger for smaller screws, this feature set is just fine.

Physical Build

Milwaukee’s Gen 3 M18 Fuel Impact Driver already has one of the most compact designs available, but the Milwaukee 2850 is no slouch in that department. Its length is just 5.00″ and it’s only 7.69″ tall, making it the 3rd smallest overall.

It’s solid in the weight department as well. As a bare tool, it’s 2.1 pounds and 3.0 pounds with a compact battery, putting it just 0.1 pounds behind the leader.

Ratings

• Speed Under Load: 3.5
• Torque: 4.3
• Feature Set: 4.1
• Weight: 4.8
• Footprint: 4.5
• Overall: 4.2 out of 5.0

Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless Impact Driver Specifications

• Model: Milwaukee 2850
• Power Source: Milwaukee M18 RedLithium batteries
• Chuck: 1/4″ hex
• No-Load Speed: 0–3400 RPM
• Torque: 1600 in-lbs
• Impact Rate: 0–4200 IPM
• Weight: 2 lbs
• Height: 7.75″
• Length: 5.1″

Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless Combo Kit Pricing

There are a couple of ways to get your hands on this kit. The Milwaukee 2892-22CT comes with two  2.0 Ah batteries and a soft bag for $249.99. Some retailers also have it in a Packout and we’re seeing prices around $349 for that.

I’d go with the Packout option, personally. Even if you aren’t currently building a Packout system, it’s nice to have the hard case.

If you’re thinking about individual tools, here are your options:

• 2801-20 (bare drill driver): $99.99
• 2801-22CT (drill driver with two 2.0 Ah batteries): $207.14
• 2850-20 (bare impact driver): $69.99
• 2850-21P (impact driver with one 2.0 Ah battery): $123.99
• 2850-22CT (impact driver with two 2.0 Ah batteries): $139.89

At most retailers, the upgrade from a single tool kit to the full 2-tool combo is just $50 and gives you the versatility of using a drilling and driving combo kit together.

The Bottom Line

The 2892-22CT Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless Combo Kit is a really well-rounded drill and impact driver set. Its fairly mundane feature set is offset by quality performance in the class with weights and footprints that are near the most compact for both tools.

At roughly $250 for the kit, this is in a really great spot for Milwaukee fans. Its cost is within reach for serious DIYers and it has the performance for Pros that don’t need a ton of power. Since both tools have brushless motors and Milwaukee’s 5-year warranty, it’s a win.

The post Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless Combo Kit 2892-22CT Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

The Ridgid R9000K 12V Drill and Impact Driver Kit pairs together a couple of compact tools that on paper, spec out very well. In fact, in terms of speed and torque, these are more powerful than 12V kits that cost $50+ more than the $129.99 you’ll pay for this one.

I was kind of surprised when I looked at user feedback given about this kit compared to the glowing reviews that other manufacturers received on theirs. Some of the complaints included loose battery fitting, the chuck not holding onto the bit, low power, and ergonomics. This certainly isn’t representative of all of the feedback out there as there are definitely some very happy owners as well.

Still, I’m going to put the Ridgid R9000K kit through its paces while also looking at these specific issues. By the end, I hope to be able to say definitively whether or not this kit is worth the excellent value that it appears to be.

Ridgid R9000K Specifications

Drill

• Power Source: Ridgid 12V HyperLithium Battery
• No Load Speed: 0 – 350/0 – 1500 RPM
• Torque: 400 inch pounds
• Chuck: 3/8 inch keyless
• Clutch positions: 18

Impact Driver

• Power Source: Ridgid 12V HyperLithium Battery
• No Load Speed: 0 – 2000 RPM
• Torque: 1100 inch pounds
• Impacts: 0 – 3000 IPM
• Chuck: 1/4″ Hex

Included with the Ridgid R9000K Kit

• 2.0 amp hour Ridgid HyperLithium Battery
• 4.0 amp hour Ridgid HyperLithium Battery
• 2 belt hooks
• 12V charger
• #2 Hex shank Phillip’s bit
• Kit bag
• Manuals

Ridgid R9000K Out of the Box

Unpacking

When you unpack the Ridgid R9000K 12V Drill and Impact Driver Kit, you’ll find the drill, impact driver, 2.0 amp hour battery, 4.0 amp hour battery, charger, 1/4″ hex shank bit, a pair of belt hooks, and the manual.

I’m actually pretty happy that two belt clips were included. We’ve had other kits from time to time come through with just one, leaving us to wonder which tool is going to be left out and likely, less used since we can’t hang it on our belt safely.

It’s also really nice that you’ll get both a 2.0 and 4.0 amp hour battery. My reality is that I’ll be using one tool or the other on longer jobs, so to have the 2.0 to back up the 4.0 while it’s charging is reassuring that I won’t have to interrupt my work.

Feature Sets

The impact driver is pretty basic when it comes to features. You’ve got a forward/lock/reverse switch that’s easily accessible to your thumb or forefinger depending on which direction you want to push it. It has a standard 1/4″ quick connect chuck and variable speed trigger. The LED light on the front automatically comes on when the trigger is pulled and times out once you release it. The belt clip can be installed on either side if you have a preference. I’m a fan of Ridgid’s Hex Grip overmold that allows a solid grip with one hand.

The 2-speed drill in the Ridgid R9000K kit features the same belt clip, grip, LED, trigger, and direction/lock switch that is on the impact driver. Not to be confused with simply high speed or low speed, it’s the traditional tradeoff of high speed/low torque and low speed/high torque. That torque is controlled by the clutch adjustment collar that allows you to select 18 different clutch positions to dial in what you need.

Using the Ridgid R9000K 12V Drill/Impact Driver Kit

Okay, so you picked up this kit (or are thinking about picking up this kit) for $129.99. My goal this time around is to look at some of the complaints I’ve read about. I will share some thoughts from my experience, though.

First, the drill specs to 1500 RPM and it averages 1435 RPM on our tachometer. Using a 1/2″ twist bit, it holds onto an average of 1088 RPM—one of just 3 models to stay above the 1000 RPM mark. It holds its own with a 3/4″ auger bit as well, only dropping to 902 RPM.

While the 400 in-lbs torque specs are high, it settles in the middle of the group at 104 in-lbs.

The impact driver sits in the shadow of Milwaukee’s M12 Fuel that dominated our performance testing in this class. Ridgid’s 239 RPM average is decent compared to most but pales in comparison to Milwaukee’s 397 RPM.

It’s a similar story in torque. Ridgid’s 301 in-lbs of fastening torque and 600 in-lbs of breakaway torque are pretty far behind the leaders’ 804 in-lbs and 1680 in-lbs, respectively.

Ergonomics

One of the great things about 12V kits is lighter weight and more controlled one-handed fastening. 18V/20V tools often have enough torque to rip your arm off if you’re not prepared for it. There are plenty of shoulder, elbow, wrist injuries to prove it. One thing I was impressed with by both tools in the R9000K kit is that I was able to handle my tasks easily with one hand. There was power to spare, but not so much that one-handed fastening duties were in danger of being out of control.

When it comes to the lighter weight and compact size… well, there’s some room for debate there. The impact driver without the battery is almost as heavy as the 18V X4 Impact Driver I use for heavy-duty work. It’s also longer (although the housing is shorter) than its 18V brother.

The drill is significantly lighter and shorter than the hammer drill in that same 18V X4 kit though. Once you slap the battery packs in place, their lighter weight is immediately obvious, though.

The other small issue I have is one that plagues all pod-style 12V battery tools. It’s not a deal breaker by any means, but the 18V X4 tools have a smaller diameter handle that is a bit more pleasing to grip than this 12V kit.

Complaints about the Ridgid R9000K Kit

These are representative of the complaints that I found looking around online regarding the Ridgid R9000K Kit. I set out to see which of these I could replicate and confirm them or put them to rest.

The drill bit consistently falls out during work

This was by far the most common complaint that I found, even among some of the more satisfied users. I was conscious of this when I first started working with the drill, but as I did not experience any issue with it, I went on about my business. After switching out the bit a few times, it actually did come out on me.

When I investigated a little deeper, two things became apparent when I compared it to my Ridgid 18V X4 Hammer Drill. First, the teeth of the chuck that hold the bit in place are triangular in the Ridgid R9000K Drill. This leaves the bit being held by three points of those teeth instead of sides. On the 18V, you have a much larger, flatter surface holding the bit which is more secure.

The second thing that I noticed is that when you tighten down the chuck on the 12V drill, it comes to an abrupt stop. When you feel the chuck tighten around the bit on the 18V hammer drill, it allows you to ratchet down a little more. This leads me to at least feel like I was able to put more clamping force on the 18V and could certainly contribute to this issue.

Result: You may experience this.

The battery does not sit securely in the handle and occasionally gets caught on your shirt, pant or other item loosening it enough to fall out when in motion

I tried to catch the 4.0 amp hour battery on anything and everything that I could in both the impact driver and drill. I couldn’t get it to budge for anything without releasing it intentionally. There is a small amount of movement when the battery is locked in place (less than 1/16″) that is as much or less than my other cordless tools. The 2.0 amp hour battery would not be a concern since its design is flush with the handle.

Result: This is not an issue.

The impact has no power

I’m not entirely sure what this user meant by the impact having “no power’. 1100 inch-pounds of torque easily driver most screws and even small lags.

Result: What were you trying to drive?

My next biggest criticism was the handle grip. The design needs work, with better ergonomics

The handle grip actually is a larger diameter on the 12V kit compared to the 18V. Part of this is because of the battery size and the fact that most of those components fit inside the handle. Still, the handle really is a bit more comfortable on the 18V kit. With the compact battery, the balance is off some. The additional weight of the 4.0 amp hour battery helps that out quite a bit though.

Result: Mixed. There’s some truth here, but this is going to be a challenge for any manufacturer due to the nature of using compact stem batteries in 12V tools.

Price

You can pick up the Ridgid R9000K 12V Drill and Impact Driver Kit for $129.99. That’s still a decent value when you look at where other brands are:

• Ridgid 12V R9000K: $129.99
• Skil 12V Brushless: $149
• Milwaukee M12 Fuel 3497-22: $199
• Makita 12V CXT CT232: $148

The Bottom Line

There are a few tradeoffs to consider with the Ridgid R9000K 12V kit. There’s enough power to drill and drive the way we’re used to with 12V tools, but newer tools are pushing the boundary further, particularly for impact drivers.

It’s still one of the best values you can get in a 2-tool combo kit. If you’re looking for a compact kit to handle light-duty and household tasks, it’s a win. If you’re looking for a kit that rivals the performance of compact 18V tools, this isn’t it.

Editor’s Note: Check out our best cordless drill article for our top picks.

The post Ridgid R9000K 12V Drill and Impact Driver Kit appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.