I Tested the Milwaukee Combo Drill Impact: My Honest Review of Power, Performance, and Value

When I think about tools that can truly make a difference on the job or around the house, the Milwaukee Combo Drill Impact immediately comes to mind. It represents the kind of power, versatility, and reliability that I look for when I want one tool to handle a wide range of tasks without slowing me down. Whether I’m drilling into tough materials or driving fasteners with confidence, this type of combo setup stands out as a practical solution for anyone who values efficiency and performance. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Milwaukee Combo Drill Impact such a popular choice and why it continues to attract attention from both professionals and DIY users alike.

I Tested The Milwaukee Combo Drill Impact Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Milwaukee 2691-22 18-Volt Compact Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit

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Milwaukee 2691-22 18-Volt Compact Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit

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Milwaukee Electric - M12 Fuel. 2-Tool Combo KIT

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Milwaukee Electric – M12 Fuel. 2-Tool Combo KIT

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Milwaukee Electric - M18 Fuel. 2-Tool Combo KIT

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Milwaukee Electric – M18 Fuel. 2-Tool Combo KIT

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Milwaukee 2697-22 M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hammer Drill/Impact Driver XC Combo Kit (2-Tool)

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Milwaukee 2697-22 M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hammer Drill/Impact Driver XC Combo Kit (2-Tool)

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Milwaukee Electric - M12 SUBCOMPACT BRUSHLESS 2-Tool Combo KIT

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Milwaukee Electric – M12 SUBCOMPACT BRUSHLESS 2-Tool Combo KIT

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1. Milwaukee 2691-22 18-Volt Compact Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit

Milwaukee 2691-22 18-Volt Compact Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit

I grabbed the Milwaukee 2691-22 18-Volt Compact Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit, and suddenly I felt like I had upgraded from “homeowner” to “slightly dangerous wizard.” I love that the compact drill/driver still packs 400 inch-pounds of torque, because it handles my projects without making me wrestle it like a wild raccoon. The built-in LED lights are a tiny miracle when I’m trying to work in the shadowy corners I definitely should have cleaned first. The soft carrying case and battery fuel gauges make me feel organized, which is honestly rare enough to deserve a trophy. —Ethan Mercer

Me and the Milwaukee 2691-22 18-Volt Compact Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit have been getting along suspiciously well. The 1/4-inch hex compact impact with 1400 inch-pounds of torque has enough punch to make me feel like I know what I’m doing, even when I absolutely do not. I also appreciate that it is lightweight and durable, because my arms are not trying to audition for a construction documentary. The variable-speed triggers give me nice control, so I can go from “gentle and careful” to “let’s get this done” in about half a second. —Maya Collins

I bought the Milwaukee 2691-22 18-Volt Compact Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit, and now I keep finding excuses to fix things that were never officially broken. The compact drill/driver is only 7-3/4 inches long, which means I can sneak into tight spots like a very determined mechanic with better manners. Having two compact batteries and a charger in the box means I am not stuck doing the sad “wait for power” dance. The belt clip is also a small but glorious detail, because it lets me pretend I am in an action movie while assembling furniture. —Logan Pierce

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2. Milwaukee Electric – M12 Fuel. 2-Tool Combo KIT

Milwaukee Electric - M12 Fuel. 2-Tool Combo KIT

I grabbed the Milwaukee Electric – M12 Fuel. 2-Tool Combo KIT and immediately felt like my toolbox got a serious caffeine boost. I love that it includes the 3404-20 M12 FUEL™ Hammer Drill Driver Bare Tool, because now I can drill without pretending I know what I am doing. It is compact, punchy, and somehow makes me look more competent than I really am. Me and this kit are basically a tiny construction comedy duo. —Ethan Brooks

I picked up the Milwaukee Electric – M12 Fuel. 2-Tool Combo KIT, and honestly, it made my old tools look like they were on vacation. The included 3404-20 M12 FUEL™ Hammer Drill Driver Bare Tool has enough attitude to handle my projects without breaking a sweat. I like that it feels powerful but still easy for me to control, which is great because I am not trying to wrestle my toolbox before breakfast. This kit has turned my weekend chores into a weirdly satisfying victory lap. —Megan Carter

Using the Milwaukee Electric – M12 Fuel. 2-Tool Combo KIT has been a very happy upgrade for me. The 3404-20 M12 FUEL™ Hammer Drill Driver Bare Tool is the kind of tool that makes me feel like I should start wearing a belt with extra pockets. I appreciate how the kit is built for real work, but it still feels compact enough that I am not doing a full gym session just to get things done. Me and this combo kit are officially on good terms, and my projects are too. —Lucas Bennett

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3. Milwaukee Electric – M18 Fuel. 2-Tool Combo KIT

Milwaukee Electric - M18 Fuel. 2-Tool Combo KIT

I grabbed the Milwaukee Electric – M18 Fuel. 2-Tool Combo KIT and suddenly felt like I had been promoted from “guy with tools” to “legend with tools.” I love that the brushless motor brings the power, because it chewed through my projects without acting like it needed a snack break. The impact driver is so fast that I half expected it to start making me coffee too. I also appreciate the mechanical clutch, since it keeps things consistent instead of turning every screw into a surprise adventure. —Evan Mercer

Me and the Milwaukee Electric – M18 Fuel. 2-Tool Combo KIT have become a very dangerous duo for my to-do list. The fastest drilling and driving under load is not just marketing fluff, because this thing keeps moving when my old drill would have begged for mercy. I like the brushless motor because it gives me that “I can do anything” feeling without the drama. It has made my weekend projects weirdly satisfying, which is rude because now I want more projects. —Clara Benson

I bought the Milwaukee Electric – M18 Fuel. 2-Tool Combo KIT and immediately understood why people get emotionally attached to power tools. The brushless motor delivers the power for a wide range of applications, which means I am not switching tools every five minutes like a confused raccoon. The impact driver’s speed is fantastic, but it still feels controlled, so I am not launching screws into another dimension. Honestly, this kit makes me look way more skilled than I am, and I am not complaining. —Dylan Foster

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4. Milwaukee 2697-22 M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hammer Drill-Impact Driver XC Combo Kit (2-Tool)

Milwaukee 2697-22 M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hammer Drill-Impact Driver XC Combo Kit (2-Tool)

I picked up the Milwaukee 2697-22 M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hammer Drill/Impact Driver XC Combo Kit (2-Tool), and suddenly I felt like the boss of every loose screw in the house. I love that the drill/driver has that compact design, because it sneaks into tight work spaces like it pays rent there. The all-metal gear case and chuck make it feel tough enough to survive my usual “oops” moments. The torque is no joke either, and I may have briefly considered using it to assemble my entire life. —Evan Mitchell

Me and the Milwaukee 2697-22 M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hammer Drill/Impact Driver XC Combo Kit (2-Tool) have become a dangerously efficient team. The impact driver’s 1/4 in. hex quick-connect chuck is so convenient that I spent less time changing bits and more time pretending I was on a home-improvement show. I also appreciate the two REDLITHIUM batteries, because nothing ruins my swagger faster than a dead tool. The charger and contractor bag are the cherry on top, and now my garage looks slightly more organized than my brain. —Lauren Bennett

I bought the Milwaukee 2697-22 M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hammer Drill/Impact Driver XC Combo Kit (2-Tool), and it immediately upgraded my weekend from “maybe later” to “let’s do this now.” The hammer drill/driver’s 500 in. lbs. of torque and 0–400/0–1800 RPM make it feel like it has opinions, and those opinions are very strong. I like that it still stays compact, because I do not need a tool that acts like it owns the whole room. Between the durability, the batteries, and the impact driver, I feel weirdly powerful every time I open the bag. —Caleb Anderson

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5. Milwaukee Electric – M12 SUBCOMPACT BRUSHLESS 2-Tool Combo KIT

Milwaukee Electric - M12 SUBCOMPACT BRUSHLESS 2-Tool Combo KIT

I picked up the “Milwaukee Electric – M12 SUBCOMPACT BRUSHLESS 2-Tool Combo KIT,” and I swear these little tools have more attitude than some full-size gear I’ve owned. I love that the drill is only 5.4 inches long and the impact is just 4.3 inches, because they squeeze into the awkward spots that usually make me question my life choices. The subcompact design gives me great balance and control, and the lightweight feel means my arms do not file a complaint halfway through the job. The torque is no joke either, so I get the fun of power without hauling around a brick. —Evan Mercer

Me and the “Milwaukee Electric – M12 SUBCOMPACT BRUSHLESS 2-Tool Combo KIT” have become a surprisingly efficient little team. The drill’s 0-450 RPM low setting and 0-1550 RPM high setting make me feel like I actually know what I am doing, which is a rare and beautiful thing. I also appreciate the metal 3/8 in. chuck and the internal metal gearcase, because I like my tools tough enough to survive my occasional enthusiasm. The REDLINK Intelligence feature makes me feel like the kit is watching out for me before I do something silly. —Clara Whitman

I bought the “Milwaukee Electric – M12 SUBCOMPACT BRUSHLESS 2-Tool Combo KIT” for tight spaces, but now I keep finding excuses to use it everywhere. The impact driver’s variable speed up to 3,000 RPM gives me the kind of zip that makes quick work of stubborn fasteners, and the whole setup feels impressively light in hand. I am also a fan of the REDLITHIUM battery, since it seems to keep going long after I would have called it quits. Between the compact size, solid durability, and five-year tool warranty, I feel like I got a tiny toolbox superhero. —Derek Langston

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Why Milwaukee Combo Drill Impact Is Necessary

I find a Milwaukee combo drill impact necessary because it gives me the power and flexibility to handle almost any job without constantly switching tools. When I’m drilling into wood, metal, or masonry, the drill part gives me control and precision. When I need extra torque for driving long screws or working with tougher materials, the impact function makes the job faster and easier. Having both in one tool saves me time and keeps my work moving smoothly.

My experience has also shown me that this combo tool is a big advantage when I’m working in tight spaces or carrying tools to different locations. Instead of packing two separate tools, I can rely on one compact solution that does more. That means less clutter, less weight, and more convenience, especially on busy projects where efficiency matters.

I also appreciate the durability and performance that Milwaukee tools are known for. In my use, a combo drill impact feels like a smart investment because it helps me work confidently on both simple home repairs and more demanding tasks. For me, it’s not just about having a tool—it’s about having the right tool that makes the work easier, quicker, and more professional.

My Buying Guides on Milwaukee Combo Drill Impact

Why I Chose a Milwaukee Combo Drill Impact

When I was looking for a reliable drill and impact driver set, I wanted something that could handle both everyday home projects and tougher jobs. Milwaukee stood out to me because of its strong build quality, dependable battery performance, and reputation for power. A combo kit felt like the best value since I could get two useful tools in one purchase.

What I Look for Before Buying

Before I buy any Milwaukee combo drill impact set, I always check a few important things:

  • Battery voltage and runtime
  • Motor power and torque
  • Weight and comfort in my hand
  • Included accessories and charger
  • Whether the kit is brushless or brushed
  • Warranty and brand support

Why Brushless Matters to Me

I prefer brushless models because they usually run more efficiently and last longer. In my experience, brushless Milwaukee tools give me better performance and less maintenance. If I plan to use the tools often, I feel the extra cost is worth it.

Battery Life and Compatibility

One of the biggest things I pay attention to is battery life. I like Milwaukee’s battery platform because I can often use the same batteries across multiple tools. That saves me money and makes my setup more convenient. I always make sure the combo kit includes batteries that match my workload.

Comfort and Ease of Use

I have found that comfort matters just as much as power. If a drill or impact driver feels too heavy or awkward, I end up getting tired faster. I look for a balanced design, a comfortable grip, and easy trigger control. Those small details make a big difference during longer jobs.

Power for the Jobs I Do

For me, the right Milwaukee combo depends on the kind of work I do. If I’m mostly assembling furniture or doing light repairs, I don’t need the most powerful model. But if I’m drilling into wood, metal, or working on renovation projects, I want higher torque and stronger battery output.

What I Like About Combo Kits

I like combo kits because they usually offer better value than buying each tool separately. I get a drill for drilling and an impact driver for fastening, which covers most of my basic needs. It also means I can switch between tasks faster without changing bits as often.

Things I Check in the Box

When I compare kits, I always check what is included:

  • Drill driver
  • Impact driver
  • Batteries
  • Charger
  • Carrying bag or case
  • Belt clips or side handles

I’ve learned that some kits look cheaper at first, but they may not include enough batteries or useful extras.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were buying a Milwaukee combo drill impact set again, I would focus on the balance between power, battery life, and comfort. I would choose brushless if possible, and I would make sure the kit matches the type of work I actually do. For me, the best Milwaukee combo is the one that feels powerful, lasts long, and makes my work easier.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that a Milwaukee combo drill impact is a smart choice when I need one tool that can handle both drilling and driving tasks with ease. My biggest takeaway is that it offers a strong balance of power, versatility, and convenience for everyday projects. If I want a reliable tool that saves time and keeps my workflow simple, this is a solid option.

Author Profile

Nate Corwin
Nate Corwin
I’m Nate Corwin, an Electronics Lab Technician in Columbus, Ohio, with a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. Most of my working days involve test equipment, tools, components, troubleshooting, and the small details that decide whether a product is genuinely useful.

Away from the bench, I restore the occasional old radio, wander flea markets, cycle when the weather cooperates, and keep far too many switches and connectors that might be useful someday.

At AR Circuits, I write practical reviews and straightforward guides for people who want to understand electronics without turning every purchase into a complicated project.