Milwaukee M18 Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit Review Best Durable Power Tools

Description

Highlights of the Milwaukee 2696-26 M18 Cordless Combo Kit

The Milwaukee 2696-26 M18 Cordless Lithium-Ion 6-Tool Combo Kit packs a punch right out of the box. What grabbed my attention first was the versatility offered by this set, including a hammer drill, 1/4 hex impact driver, circular saw, oscillating multi-tool (Swizel), grinder, and a tape measure—all running on the 18-volt lithium-ion platform. The kit comes with two batteries, which is a lifesaver during extended tasks because you can charge one battery while using the other. Handling the tools felt intuitive, and the cordless design truly offered freedom of movement without the hassle of tangled cords or limited reach.

Good Aspects of the Toolset

• Highly durable construction: Each tool is built with metal components that give a robust feel and stand up well to rough job site conditions.
• Easy to handle: The ergonomic design means less fatigue, which I appreciated after 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 you might encounter.
• Battery life: The Lithium-Ion batteries provide consistent power and hold a charge well, enabling me to work through sizable projects without interruption.

The set’s compact dimensions and reasonable weight (around 36.5 pounds total) make it portable, yet it holds enough heft to feel solid and reliable.

Drawbacks to Consider

• The weight of the entire kit can be a bit much if you need to carry it around frequently; it’s not the lightest combo pack out there.
• Some tools, like the grinder, felt a bit bulkier than expected, which might limit precision work in tight spaces.
• The batteries are not included in the package, which means an additional purchase if you don’t already own compatible Milwaukee batteries.
• There’s a learning curve with the oscillating multi-tool’s accessories (Swizel), which might frustrate beginners at first.

Performance and Usability

The hammer drill and 1/4 hex impact driver worked flawlessly on various materials, from drywall to hardwood. I was impressed by the speed settings and torque control, which made transitioning between drilling and driving screws seamless. The circular saw, while compact, cut cleanly through plywood and even some thicker boards. It’s clear that this combo kit is engineered for serious DIYers or professionals needing powerful cordless tools.

A funny moment happened when my nephew tried the oscillating tool—it’s quite intuitive, and he got excited using it to sand some old furniture. This just shows how user-friendly the set can be for both pros and casual users.

Value Proposition

There’s no denying the price to quality ratio here is attractive. Considering you get six essential power tools with a five-year warranty backing them, this kit offers serious bang for the buck. It’s not a cheap impulse buy, but the investment feels justified by the durability, battery compatibility, and sheer convenience of having all these tools in one package. For those who already own Milwaukee M18 batteries, this is a particularly savvy buy.

Product Competitors

I compared this combo kit to other popular brands like DeWalt and Makita’s similar 6-tool packages. While those competitors often come with more varied accessories or slightly lighter tools, the Milwaukee set shines with its solid build quality and the power of its lithium-ion batteries. DeWalt’s kits sometimes lack the grinder or oscillating tool, which makes this one more versatile. On the downside, some rivals offer lighter battery packs or more compact saws, making them better suited for users prioritizing portability over raw power.

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 for precise torque control during delicate tasks. 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, making it ideal for sanding, scraping, or cutting. The two included batteries snap in quickly, and the LED charge indicators help monitor power levels effectively.

In daily use, switching between tools was smooth, thanks to the consistent design language and balanced weight distribution. The bright red color makes the tools easy to spot in a busy workshop or job site.

Areas for Improvement

The biggest hurdle is the overall weight and bulkiness, especially for users who need to carry the set to multiple job locations. Another issue is the lack of included batteries, which surprised me given its premium status. Including at least one battery would make this combo more user-ready out of the box. Finally, some of the accessories for the oscillating tool could be better organized or more abundant to enhance versatility right away.

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
• Batteries not included, requiring extra purchase
• Grinder size may limit precision in confined areas
• Initial complexity in mastering oscillating tool accessories

Overall, this cordless combo kit impressed me with its power, versatility, and durability, though it’s not without its quirks. It suits serious DIY enthusiasts and professionals who value all-in-one solutions backed by a reputable brand and solid warranty.

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