Description
Highlights of the Milwaukee 2695-24 Combo Kit
The Milwaukee 2695-24 M18 18V Cordless Power Tool Combo Kit is built around a blend of versatility and power rather than one standout tool. The kit includes a 1/2-inch hammer drill/driver, a Hackzall reciprocating saw, a 1/4-inch hex impact driver, and a work light, all powered by two REDLITHIUM XC extended capacity batteries. Weight is spread sensibly across the set, and the Hackzall with its single-handed rubber texture handle is the tool that benefits most, since overhead and tight spot cutting is where one handed control counts. Anyone who mainly wants that saw should compare the kit against the standalone M18 Fuel Hackzall before buying four tools to get one. The 3 amp-hour batteries are rated for long run time and quick recharge, helped by the smart charger with Redlink intelligence that guards against overheating, which matters most on back to back tasks.
- Versatile tool selection that covers a variety of trades like construction, plumbing, and carpentry
- Ergonomic design making prolonged use less tiring
- Powerful batteries with onboard fuel gauge to avoid surprises
- Reliable work light that stands steady and illuminates dark areas effectively
Pitfalls That Might Affect Some Users
Although the combo kit shines in many departments, a few drawbacks are worth naming. The weight of the tools combined with the batteries, while not excessive, becomes a factor during extended sessions, particularly for anyone not accustomed to heavier gear. The work light’s brightness, adequate for most indoor tasks, falls short on very large or outdoor nighttime projects where a stronger beam is necessary. The reciprocating saw’s blade change system, quick as it is, carries a short learning curve if accidental releases are to be avoided. For buyers who prefer ultra-compact or lightweight tools, the overall size and heft will read as bulky.
- Tools can feel a bit heavy for prolonged use
- Work light brightness might not suffice for large-scale outdoor jobs
- Blade change system on the saw requires careful handling
Performance and Features in Daily Use
The hammer drill is specified with three drill settings and 18 torque options, the range that makes it usable across softwoods, hardwoods and light masonry without fighting the tool. The keyless chuck keeps bit changes fast and hassle free. The impact driver is rated from small screws up to lag bolts, and the variable speed trigger coupled with onboard LEDs is what makes it workable in tight or dim spots. The neatest engineering here is the way the batteries communicate with both charger and tools to optimise power output and extend pack life. Raw power is only half the story: the smart electronics improve efficiency and prevent overheating, which is exactly what professionals who push tools hard need.
Design and Ergonomics
Milwaukee clearly put thought into weight distribution and grip comfort across this set. The rubber texture on the Hackzall’s handle is functional rather than cosmetic, adding grip when working overhead or cutting through dense material like PVC or lumber. The hammer drill and impact driver are both compact builds with well-placed controls, which allows one-handed adjustment without fumbling. The work light, with its aluminum sealed head and flat base, is designed to stay durable and stable even on uneven surfaces. The counterpoint is the bulk of the whole kit, contractor bag included, which makes it a set for buyers who want well-rounded coverage rather than ultra-lightweight portability.
Competitive Options
Against popular rivals like DeWalt’s 20V MAX or Makita’s 18V LXT kits, the Milwaukee set stands on its REDLITHIUM battery technology, which is built for longer run time and better power management. DeWalt tools are slightly lighter and Makita bundles a few more accessories in some packages, but the Milwaukee kit’s battery communication system and work light durability give it an edge on demanding job sites. The real gap is brushless motors, which several competitors fit and which win on efficiency and maintenance. Milwaukee’s own answer to that is the M18 compact brushless drill and driver set, and it is worth putting both side by side with the wider combo kit selection. If battery runtime and tool toughness rank highest, this combo is a strong contender; if the newest brushless hardware does, look further.
Value for Money
Weighing the range of tools included, the robust battery system, and the 5-year warranty, the value here is solid. It is not the cheapest kit on the market, but the quality and thoughtful features justify the investment for professionals or serious DIYers. Four essential tools with consistent performance, backed by Milwaukee’s reputation, is a sensible buy for anyone who would rather not swap brands or battery platforms every year. Buyers who only need drilling and driving can spend less on the M18 compact drill and impact driver pairing. The included contractor bag and charger add to the practicality of this package, which arrives ready to work.
Practical Applications and User Experience
The impact driver suits decking and cabinet assembly particularly well, since torque and compact size are exactly what repetitive fastening in awkward positions demands. The Hackzall is the approachable one of the group, which is unusual: reciprocating saws generally are not novice friendly, and one handed operation with a proper grip surface is why this one is. The work light earns its keep in the situations nobody plans for, such as a garage power cut, where it replaces the scramble for a flashlight. The hammer drill covers masonry holes on outdoor projects, and its variable settings are the guard against overdriving screws that plain drills lack. Buyers wanting one more tool in the same case should look at the 2695-25CX five tool set instead.
Areas of Improvement
The blade storage and accessory organisation inside the contractor bag could be better, since loose blades and bits jostle in transit and that gets frustrating on the move. The charger, effective as it is, is bulky enough that a more compact design would save real space in a van. The LED work light could offer adjustable brightness levels rather than a single setting, giving more control across different environments. Performance in extreme cold or heat is another gap: the listing says nothing about it, so buyers working in those conditions have no published figures to rely on. None of this is a deal breaker, but each would lift the package.
This combo kit from Milwaukee delivers a powerful and flexible toolset with thoughtful design and smart battery electronics. The flaws are minor next to the overall performance, battery life and versatility, which make it a worthwhile set for many trades and projects. For drilling, cutting, driving and lighting a workspace, it covers the essentials with solid reliability.
