Description
Highlights of the Milwaukee Cordless Combo Kit
The Milwaukee 2696-24 M18 Cordless Compact Combo Tool Kit is a robust four tool set for anyone who wants one battery platform to cover most of a job. It pairs a 1/2-inch hammer drill/driver, a Sawzall reciprocating saw, a 1/4-inch hex impact driver and a work light. All four run on M18 REDLITHIUM XC extended capacity batteries, the part of the spec sheet that keeps a set like this working through demanding tasks without constant battery swaps. On the numbers, the electric-powered tools combine torque and speed sensibly: the impact driver is rated at up to 1400 in-lbs of torque and the hammer drill reaches 1,700 RPM, a spread that covers heavy-duty and precision work from the same set of packs.
Drawbacks to Keep in Mind
The limitations are practical rather than mechanical. The kit’s weight of 21.6 pounds makes it hefty to carry for extended periods, which is felt most by anyone moving between job sites several times a day. The included contractor bag is serviceable but thin on padding and organization, so a buyer who wants tools protected and sorted will end up replacing it. The work light’s 100 lumens is an honest figure rather than a marketing one, and 100 lumens is close-range illumination: enough to light the spot being worked on, not enough to light a whole workspace.
User Experience and Features in Depth
Taken tool by tool, the hammer drill/driver combines a frameless motor with peak torque of 550 in-lbs, the figure that decides how it handles wood and metal. The two-speed range (0 to 450 and 0 to 1700 RPM) is the standard arrangement, low speed for control and high speed for material removal. The Sawzall reciprocating saw is the more interesting piece on paper, with a patented gear-protecting clutch and a counterbalance mechanism aimed at reducing vibration, which is what makes a recip saw controllable in demolition rather than merely powerful. Anyone cutting mostly one-handed in awkward spots may prefer the M18 Fuel Hackzall for that work instead. The impact driver’s 1400 in-lbs in a compact housing suits bolts and screws in tight spots where a full size driver simply will not fit.
The work light earns its place with a fold-away hook and a 135-degree rotating head, so it stands where it is needed instead of being held. Output remains the limit for large-scale job site illumination. Two M18 XC high-capacity Red Lithium batteries and a 1-hour charger are included, and that charger spec is what keeps downtime manageable across a longer project.
Value Assessment: Is the Investment Justified?
On balance this cordless combo kit sits in a sensible spot for price to quality ratio and performance. It is not the cheapest option on the market, but the durability and power output justify the gap for a serious DIYer or a professional. Battery capacity carries most of that argument, since cheaper kits with smaller packs spend more of the day on the charger. For a buyer who wants wider coverage from the same platform, the six tool M18 kit stretches the same battery system across more tools. For anyone after a reliable battery-powered combo with robust torque and decent ergonomics, this one earns its price despite the weight and a few ergonomic quirks.
Areas for Improvement
The tools are solid performers; what surrounds them is where the kit could be better. The basic contractor bag is the obvious upgrade, with padding and compartments to stop tools shifting and to keep accessories in one place. The work light’s brightness is the second, since a higher output would make it useful beyond close work. Weight is the third and the hardest to solve, because the heft comes largely from the extended capacity batteries that make the kit worth owning in the first place. A more rapid charger or an additional battery would also change the calculation for anyone tackling large projects regularly.
Competitive Options in the Market
Against the DeWalt DCK299M2 or the Makita XT269M, Milwaukee’s case rests on strong torque and battery technology. REDLITHIUM packs are rated for longer runtimes than much of the competition, and that shows up as fewer interruptions. DeWalt tends to counter with lighter tools and more comfortable ergonomics over a long day, while Makita often ships faster charging and a better work light. Inside Milwaukee’s own range the comparisons matter just as much: the five tool 2695-25CX covers more ground for a modest step up, and the M18 Fuel hammer drill combo is where the brushless motors and higher output sit. This kit’s argument is raw power and versatility at a lower entry point than Fuel, which sways buyers who rank performance above weight.
Positive Features That Impress
- High torque and RPM figures across the set support efficient work on tough materials.
- REDLITHIUM XC batteries are rated for extended runtime, and the 1-hour charger keeps downtime short.
- Versatile tool selection covers drilling, cutting, driving and lighting without a second platform.
- Frameless motors keep a reasonable balance between power and tool weight.
- Patented clutch and counterbalance in the reciprocating saw reduce vibration and improve control.
Negative Attributes to Consider
- The combined weight of the kit is on the heavier side, which builds fatigue over a full day.
- Contractor bag lacks padding and organization, so tools shift around during transport.
- Work light output is limited to 100 lumens, which falls short in larger areas.
- Some tools are bulky for very tight spaces next to lighter competitors.
In practical terms, power and battery life are the standout features of this set, and the tools themselves feel well-built and reliable. Carrying the whole kit takes some adjustment, and the plain carrying case will disappoint anyone who values neat storage. Overall it is a solid choice for a durable cordless combo with strong performance and decent versatility, and it holds its position among the cordless combo kits at this level.
