Milwaukee 3697-22 Hammer Drill Combo Kit Review Power and Speed Unleashed

Description

Highlights of the Milwaukee 3697-22 Combo Kit

Having put the Milwaukee 3697-22 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit through its paces, I must say its brushless motor technology truly stands out. This combo kit offers a powerful hammer drill that drives through dense materials with ease, tackling 2-9/16″ self-feed holes without breaking a sweat. The impact driver matches that power with an impressively fast driving speed, yet maintains excellent control, which is crucial for any serious DIYer or professional.

The kit comes with two 5.0Ah batteries, a multi-voltage charger, a side handle, and a robust carrying case, making it ready for action out of the box. Thanks to the mechanical clutch, I noticed consistent driving performance across a wide range of fasteners, which saved me from overdriving or stripping screws during my projects. Overall, this combo is a well-rounded package for anyone who needs a versatile and reliable cordless drill set.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that caught my attention was the solid construction of both tools. The hammer drill and impact driver feel sturdy yet not overly heavy, tipping the scales at just over 16 pounds for the whole kit. The ergonomic grips and balanced weight distribution made long work sessions less tiring. I appreciated the inclusion of a side handle for the hammer drill, which enhanced control during heavy-duty drilling, especially when working on tougher materials like concrete or hardwood.

Both tools have a compact design, which allowed me to work comfortably in tight spaces and awkward angles. The durable carrying case also adds convenience for storage and transport, protecting the tools and batteries from dust and damage. Slightly bulky for some, but this package feels like it was designed with the professional user in mind.

Performance Under Load

The combo kit didn’t just promise power; it delivered. The hammer drill’s brushless motor is a beast when it comes to torque, providing around 2,000 inch-pounds of force. During use, I could easily drill through thick plywood and even masonry without slowing down. The fastest drilling and driving speeds under load made my tasks noticeably quicker.

The impact driver excels at driving screws with precision and speed. I was able to tackle decking screws and lag bolts with minimal effort. The mechanical clutch ensures that the tool doesn’t overtighten fasteners, which is a common issue I’ve faced with less sophisticated drivers. The battery life was impressive too; the included 5.0Ah Lithium-Ion batteries lasted through several hours of continuous use, and the multi-voltage charger refilled them quickly.

Benefits for Different Users

This toolset caters well to a variety of users. For professionals, the durability and power are clear advantages. For homeowners or hobbyists, the combo offers versatility and ease of use. My nephew, who’s just started tinkering in his garage, found the impact driver particularly friendly due to its lightweight design and intuitive controls. The hammer drill, on the other hand, suited my more demanding projects, such as installing shelves into concrete walls.

I also noticed the tools adapt seamlessly to different tasks, thanks to adjustable torque settings and speed controls. Whether driving delicate screws or tackling heavy-duty drilling, this combo kit handles it without fuss.

Downsides to Consider

Despite its many strengths, the combo kit isn’t without flaws. The weight of the tools might be a bit much for users looking for ultra-light equipment, especially for extended overhead work. The hammer drill, while powerful, can feel somewhat bulky compared to some slimline competitors.

Another drawback is the lack of included batteries in some packages, which can be inconvenient if you’re not aware beforehand. Also, while the fast charging time is a plus, heavy users might want to invest in additional batteries to avoid downtime. The price is on the higher side, but that’s expected with premium tools — more on that below.

Price to Quality Ratio

This combo kit sits at a premium price point, but it offers value that justifies the investment. When compared to other cordless drill and impact driver combos, the Milwaukee set stands out for its robust build, advanced brushless motors, and impressive battery capacity. The multi-voltage charger adds flexibility, allowing it to work efficiently even with different battery types.

If you’re weighing cost versus performance, this kit delivers solid bang for the buck in terms of durability, power, and versatility. For casual users, it might be more tool than necessary, but for anyone serious about their craft, it feels like a smart purchase that will last for years.

Product Competitors

Looking at alternatives, brands like DeWalt and Makita offer similar cordless combo kits with comparable features. The DeWalt kits tend to be slightly lighter and sometimes come with more battery options, which can be a plus for portability. Makita’s brushless models also impress with their quieter operation and ergonomic designs.

Where the Milwaukee combo kit shines is in its torque delivery and fastest driving speed, particularly for impact drivers, which I found noticeably quicker than some competitors. Its mechanical clutch is also a feature not always present in rival models, offering more consistent fastening performance. However, if battery interchangeability and weight are your top priorities, you might find some competitors more appealing.

Versatility and Settings

Both tools in this combo kit offer versatile settings that I found invaluable. The hammer drill includes multiple speed options and a mechanical clutch with adjustable torque levels to suit different materials and fastener sizes. This feature prevented the dreaded stripping of screws or over-driving, which can ruin a project.

The impact driver boasts a quick driving speed without compromising control and features a 1/4″ hex chuck for easy bit changes. I tried various bits and fasteners, from drywall screws to large lag bolts, and the response was always consistent. The brushless motors in both tools are a game-changer, offering increased efficiency, less heat generation, and longer tool lifespan.

User Experience and Practical Insights

Using this combo kit daily has been a satisfying experience. The tools feel reliable and save me time on every job. My coworker borrowed the impact driver to assemble some furniture, and even he commented on how smooth and powerful it was compared to his old cordless driver. The battery life has been a standout feature for me, rarely requiring a mid-project recharge.

On the flip side, storing the kit requires a bit of dedicated space, especially with the bulky case. Also, for those used to ultra-light or compact tools, adjusting to the slightly heavier weight might take some getting used to. However, the trade-off here is definitely in favor of power and performance.

Key Benefits:

• Powerful brushless motors enable drilling and driving in dense materials effortlessly
• Fastest driving speed among impact drivers enhances productivity
• Mechanical clutch ensures consistent fastening without over-driving
• Includes two high-capacity 5.0Ah batteries and a multi-voltage charger for extended use
• Durable, ergonomic design with useful accessories like side handle and carrying case

Limitations:

• Heavier weight may cause fatigue during prolonged overhead tasks
• Some packages may not include batteries, requiring a separate purchase
• Bulkier case demands more storage space
• Higher price point compared to entry-level combos but justified by performance

This combo kit is definitely a beast in the cordless hammer drill and impact driver category. If you prioritize power, speed, and durability, it’s one of the top contenders out there, even when stacked against reputable competitors.

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