Description
Highlights of the Milwaukee 2696-26 M18 Cordless Combo Kit
The Milwaukee 2696-26 M18 Cordless Lithium-Ion 6-Tool Combo Kit is a broad set rather than a specialist one. The versatility is the headline: a hammer drill, 1/4 hex impact driver, circular saw, oscillating multi-tool (the listing spells it Swizel), grinder and a tape measure, all running on the 18-volt lithium-ion platform. One point needs flagging before anything else. The listing states the kit ships with two batteries, then contradicts itself lower down by saying batteries are not included, so the pack contents should be confirmed with the seller before ordering rather than assumed either way. What is not in doubt is the cordless design, which delivers freedom of movement without tangled cords or limited reach.
Good Aspects of the Toolset
- Highly durable construction: metal components give each tool a robust feel and stand up well to rough job site conditions.
- Easy to handle: the ergonomic design is aimed squarely at less fatigue across a long afternoon of drilling and cutting.
- Comprehensive tool selection: from drilling holes to grinding metal and cutting wood, this combo kit covers nearly every task on a general punch list.
- Battery life: the lithium-ion batteries provide consistent power and hold a charge well, which is what lets sizable projects run without interruption.
The set’s compact dimensions and reasonable weight (around 36.5 pounds total) keep it portable, and the mass is at least in proportion to what is in the case.
Drawbacks to Consider
- The weight of the entire kit counts against it for anyone moving between sites daily, since this is not the lightest combo pack available. A compact M12 set such as the 2494-22 drill and impact pairing exists for exactly that reason.
- Some tools, the grinder in particular, are bulkier than expected, which can limit precision work in tight spaces.
- If the kit ships without batteries, as one part of the listing states, that is an extra purchase unless compatible Milwaukee packs are already owned.
- There is a learning curve with the oscillating multi-tool’s accessories, which can frustrate beginners at first.
Performance and Usability
The hammer drill and 1/4 hex impact driver are specified across the full range from drywall to hardwood, and the speed settings and torque control are what make moving between drilling and driving screws painless. The circular saw is compact by design but rated for plywood and thicker boards. This is a kit engineered for serious DIYers or professionals needing powerful cordless tools, not for occasional shelf hanging. Anyone whose work leans heavily on drilling should weigh it against the 3697-22 Fuel hammer drill combo, which puts the same budget into two brushless tools instead of six mixed ones.
The oscillating tool is the most approachable item in the set for a first time user, since sanding or scraping old furniture needs no setup beyond fitting the right accessory. That accessibility matters in a household where more than one person picks up the tools.
Value Proposition
The price to quality ratio is the strongest part of the argument. Six power tools with a five-year warranty behind them is a lot of covered hardware for a single purchase. It is not a cheap impulse buy, but the outlay is justified by the durability, battery compatibility and the convenience of one platform covering the whole list. For anyone already holding Milwaukee M18 batteries it is a particularly shrewd buy, while anyone starting from nothing will find a smaller platform such as the M12 2498-25 five tool kit the cheaper way in.
Product Competitors
Set against DeWalt and Makita’s comparable 6-tool packages, the trade is clear. Those rivals often arrive with more varied accessories or slightly lighter tools, while the Milwaukee set leads on solid build quality and the power of its lithium-ion batteries. DeWalt’s kits sometimes omit the grinder or the oscillating tool, which leaves this one the more versatile package. Some rivals do offer lighter battery packs or more compact saws, better suited to buyers who put portability ahead of raw power. Inside Milwaukee’s own line the nearest rival is the 2695-25CX five tool set, and the wider field is worth scanning across the rest of the cordless tool bundles.
Usability and Features in Depth
Each tool in the combo kit offers multiple speed settings or modes. The hammer drill features adjustable clutch settings, allowing precise torque control on delicate work. The circular saw includes a depth adjustment lever for accurate cuts, and the grinder’s safety guard is easy to reposition. The oscillating tool supports a variety of attachments, which makes it the sanding, scraping and trimming tool of the group. Batteries snap in quickly, and the LED charge indicators make power levels easy to monitor.
In daily use, switching between tools is smooth thanks to the consistent design language and balanced weight distribution. The bright red housings are also easy to spot in a cluttered workshop or on a busy site.
Areas for Improvement
The biggest hurdle is the overall weight and bulkiness, especially for users hauling the set between job locations. The second is the battery question, which on a premium kit should not be ambiguous on the listing at all: including at least one pack, and stating it clearly, would make this combo far more ready to use on arrival. Finally, the accessories for the oscillating tool could be better organised and more numerous, so the tool arrives able to do more than one job.
Summary of Key Positives
- Robust and durable metal construction ensures longevity
- Ergonomic design reduces user fatigue
- Comprehensive 6-tool set covers a wide range of tasks
- Reliable 18-volt lithium-ion batteries with good runtime
Summary of Key Negatives
- Relatively heavy for portable use
- Battery contents stated inconsistently on the listing
- Grinder size may limit precision in confined areas
- Initial complexity in mastering oscillating tool accessories
Overall, this cordless combo kit makes its case on power, versatility and durability, quirks included. It suits serious DIY enthusiasts and professionals who value all-in-one solutions backed by a reputable brand and a solid warranty.
