Choosing among Milwaukee tools starts with a practical question: do you need a compact specialist, a matched drill-and-driver setup, or a broader M18 platform? I rank the M18 FUEL Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit first for its versatile two-tool core and included 5.0Ah batteries. The M12 Subcompact Brushless 2-Tool Combo Kit is my pick for overhead work and confined spaces, while the M18 FUEL High-Torque Impact Wrench suits demanding fastening when its power is genuinely needed.
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The tradeoffs are substantial. The lighter M12 kit gives up the M18 platform’s voltage and larger battery capacity; the impact wrench is a purpose-built tool rather than a general kit; and the six-tool M18 package is difficult to judge because its included tools and battery details are not specified here. I compare these five by useful coverage, portability, included equipment, and how clearly each fits a buyer’s job, not by treating every Milwaukee product as interchangeable.
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Key Takeaways
- The M18 FUEL hammer drill and impact driver kit is the most balanced pick here because it pairs two common tools with two 5.0Ah batteries, a charger, and a case.
- The M12 subcompact kit is the better fit for overhead work and tight spaces, but its 12V platform and compact batteries are less suited to buyers prioritizing longer runtime or an M18-only setup.
- The M18 FUEL impact wrench is the specialist choice for high-torque fastening; its stated maximum torque depends on using M18 REDLITHIUM FORGE batteries.
- The M12 3/8-inch ratchet makes sense for automotive maintenance where access and powered rundown matter, but it is a bare tool with a 35 ft-lb torque ceiling.
- The six-tool M18 kit promises the broadest tool count, yet missing details about its tools and batteries make it harder to compare confidently with the clearly specified two-tool kits.
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18V Brushless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit |  | Best Overall | Model: 3697-22 | Voltage: 18V | Tools included: Hammer drill and impact driver | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Milwaukee M12 Subcompact Brushless 2-Tool Combo Kit |  | Best Compact Combo | Model: 3494-22 | Voltage: 12V | Tools included: Subcompact drill and impact driver | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/2-Inch High-Torque Impact Wrench with Friction Ring |  | Best for High-Torque Fastening | Model: 2967-20 | Voltage: 18V | Drive size: 1/2 in. | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 Cordless 3/8-Inch Ratchet |  | Best for Automotive Maintenance | Model: 2457-20 | Drive size: 3/8 in. | Voltage: 12V | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Milwaukee M18 Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit (2696-26) |  | Best for Buyers Seeking a Multi-Tool Package | Model: 2696-26 | Voltage: 18V | Number of tools: 6 | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Milwaukee | Model | Voltage |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18V Brushle | 3697-22 | 18V |
| Milwaukee M12 Subcompact Brush | 3494-22 | 12V |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/2-Inch Hi | 2967-20 | 18V |
| Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 Cordless | 2457-20 | 12V |
| Milwaukee M18 Cordless 6-Tool | 2696-26 | 18V |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18V Brushless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit
This is my leading pick because it combines two of the most commonly needed cordless tools without forcing the buyer into a narrow specialty. The brushless hammer drill and impact driver cover drilling and driving, and the package includes two 5.0Ah batteries, a charger, and a case. That makes it a more complete starting point than the M12 ratchet, which is only one automotive-focused tool and arrives without a battery.
Its M18 platform also gives this kit a different job from the lighter M12 pair. If the priority is reaching overhead or squeezing into a confined cabinet, the M12 Subcompact kit’s stated short tool lengths and lighter weights are more appealing. The M18 kit is the better choice when a buyer wants a broad everyday combination and the added hammer-drill function. The provided specs list a 2,000 in-lb torque figure, but do not identify which tool it applies to; I would not use that number to compare the drill and driver separately.
The tradeoff is that this is a larger, heavier package than the compact M12 option, and the provided information does not state individual tool dimensions, speeds, or weights. That makes it harder to judge fit for delicate, repetitive, or overhead work. Still, among the five, it provides the clearest balance of two-tool utility and included battery support. Choose it for a versatile M18 core, not because it is the smallest or most specialized option.
Pros:- Includes a brushless hammer drill and impact driver for broader task coverage than a single-tool purchase.
- Two 5.0Ah batteries, a charger, and a case are listed in the package.
- Uses Milwaukee’s 18V M18 platform rather than the more compact 12V M12 system.
- Hammer-drill functionality adds a capability not listed for the M12 combo.
Cons:- The supplied information does not give individual tool dimensions, weights, or speeds.
- Less explicitly compact than the M12 subcompact kit for overhead or confined-space work.
- The listed 2,000 in-lb torque figure is not assigned to a specific tool in the provided specifications.
Best for: Buyers who want a well-equipped M18 drill-and-driver foundation for varied drilling and fastening tasks, with batteries, charger, and case included.
Not ideal for: People who prioritize the smallest tools for overhead work, already have no need for a hammer drill, or need a clearly documented tool-by-tool weight and speed comparison.
- Model:3697-22
- Voltage:18V
- Tools included:Hammer drill and impact driver
- Motor:Brushless
- Batteries:2 × 5.0Ah lithium-ion
- Listed torque:2,000 in-lb; tool association not specified
- Included components:Two batteries, charger, and tool case
Our verdict“I rank this first for its practical M18 two-tool coverage and clearly listed battery package, while buyers focused on compactness should choose the M12 combo instead.”
Milwaukee M12 Subcompact Brushless 2-Tool Combo Kit
This kit stands out when tool size is part of the job, not a minor convenience. Its 12V drill and impact driver are specified at 5.4 and 4.3 inches long, with compact-battery weights of 2 pounds and 1.7 pounds. Those measurements make the M12 pair a more natural choice for overhead work or tight spaces than the M18 FUEL combo, whose supplied details do not give comparable dimensions.
Compact does not mean limited to light fastening only: the drill is listed at 350 in-lb of torque and the impact driver at 1,100 in-lb. Both use brushless motors and REDLINK overload protection, and two batteries are included. Compared with the M12 ratchet, this is a much more flexible kit for general drilling and driving; the ratchet remains the better shape for reaching automotive fasteners where a ratchet head is useful.
The clear compromise is platform and runtime. This is a 12V kit, and its compact batteries may need more frequent changes than larger-capacity packs. Buyers who are building around M18 tools or need a hammer drill should favor the M18 FUEL kit instead. I place the M12 combo just behind the overall pick because it is excellent for a defined need—compact access—but not as broadly suited to buyers seeking one main kit for varied work.
Pros:- Short tool lengths and low listed weights suit overhead work and tight access.
- Includes both a drill and impact driver, with two lithium-ion batteries.
- Brushless motors and REDLINK overload protection are specified for both tools.
- The impact driver’s listed 1,100 in-lb torque gives the compact kit meaningful fastening capability.
Cons:- The kit is limited to Milwaukee’s 12V M12 platform.
- Compact batteries may provide less runtime than larger-capacity packs.
- The drill’s 3/8-inch chuck and listed capabilities may not fit buyers who specifically need a larger, more powerful drilling setup.
Best for: DIYers, installers, and maintenance workers who frequently drill or drive overhead or in cramped spaces and want two matched tools with batteries included.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need an 18V M18 setup, prefer larger-capacity battery packs, or want the hammer-drill function included with the M18 FUEL combo.
- Model:3494-22
- Voltage:12V
- Tools included:Subcompact drill and impact driver
- Drill length and weight:5.4 in.; 2 lb. with compact battery
- Impact driver length and weight:4.3 in.; 1.7 lb. with compact battery
- Drill torque:350 in-lb
- Impact driver torque:1,100 in-lb
- Included batteries:Two lithium-ion batteries
- Warranty:5 years on tools; 2 years on batteries
Our verdict“I recommend this M12 kit over the M18 options when low weight and short tool length matter more than platform voltage and longer battery capacity.”
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/2-Inch High-Torque Impact Wrench with Friction Ring
For demanding fastening, this is the most specialized and forceful tool in the group. Milwaukee lists up to 1,000 ft-lb of fastening torque and 1,000 ft-lb of nut-busting torque, along with a four-mode control system. Compared with the M18 drill-and-driver kit, it is far better suited to heavy-duty socket work; it is not a replacement for that kit’s drilling capability or its two-tool coverage.
The 7.6-inch body and friction-ring anvil make the wrench more manageable than a bulkier impact tool might be, while the friction ring supports quick socket changes. Four modes give the operator a way to adjust speed and power rather than treating every fastener alike. Those features matter when a task calls for deliberate control, but the listed peak figures carry an important condition: maximum output depends on using M18 REDLITHIUM FORGE batteries.
This is a bare wrench, with no battery listed among the included components. A buyer who does not already own compatible M18 batteries should account for that missing piece and avoid assuming the advertised maximum torque comes from every M18 pack. Compared with the M12 ratchet, this model is aimed at far heavier fastening and uses a 1/2-inch drive rather than a compact 3/8-inch drive. I rank it below the general-purpose kits because its usefulness depends on having the right heavy fastening work and battery setup.
Pros:- Listed fastening and nut-busting torque reach up to 1,000 ft-lb with the specified FORGE battery condition.
- Four-mode control offers more adjustment than a single-speed approach.
- The 7.6-inch length and friction-ring anvil support access and quick socket changes.
- Its 1/2-inch drive distinguishes it from the smaller M12 ratchet.
Cons:- Maximum torque figures depend on M18 REDLITHIUM FORGE batteries.
- The listed package contains the wrench only; no battery or charger is specified.
- A specialist fastening tool cannot cover the drilling and general driving tasks of either combo kit.
Best for: Automotive, equipment, and mechanical users who need a cordless 1/2-inch impact wrench for high-torque fastening and already use, or plan to use, compatible M18 FORGE batteries.
Not ideal for: Buyers looking for a drill-and-driver kit, light fastener control, a ratchet for compact service work, or a fully equipped package with a battery included.
- Model:2967-20
- Voltage:18V
- Drive size:1/2 in.
- Maximum fastening torque:Up to 1,000 ft-lb
- Nut-busting torque:Up to 1,000 ft-lb
- Length:7.6 in.
- Anvil:Friction ring
- Control:Four-mode
- Battery condition:Maximum torque figures depend on M18 REDLITHIUM FORGE batteries
Our verdict“This is my pick for high-torque socket work, but only for buyers who need that specialist output and have the compatible M18 battery setup.”
Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 Cordless 3/8-Inch Ratchet
The M12 ratchet is a focused service tool, not a substitute for a drill or impact driver. Its 3/8-inch drive, low-profile head, and 9.47-inch length suit automotive maintenance where hand access can be awkward and a ratchet format helps reach fasteners. At up to 35 ft-lb and 250 RPM, it can speed up running fasteners compared with a manual ratchet, while the variable-speed metal trigger gives the operator control over that powered motion.
Compared with the M18 high-torque wrench, the 2457-20 is the more compact, lower-output choice. That makes it better suited to routine service work where the job calls for access and convenience rather than maximum breakaway force. It also has an LED light and onboard fuel gauge, useful details for working in dim areas and checking battery status. The catch is straightforward: the M12 battery is sold separately, so this bare tool makes the most sense for someone who already owns an M12 pack.
Its 35 ft-lb output should not be mistaken for a tool to loosen stubborn, heavily seized fasteners; that is where the high-torque M18 wrench belongs. Nor does the ratchet provide the broad use of the M12 drill-and-driver kit. I rank it for buyers who recognize a specific automotive need and already have a compatible battery, rather than someone starting a general Milwaukee collection from scratch.
Pros:- Low-profile head and compact 3/8-inch drive suit tight automotive access.
- Variable-speed metal trigger provides control while running fasteners.
- LED lighting and an onboard fuel gauge add useful work-area and battery information.
- REDLINK protection is specified for the tool.
Cons:- M12 battery is sold separately.
- The 35 ft-lb torque rating is far below the M18 high-torque wrench’s stated output.
- Its single-purpose ratchet format offers less general task coverage than either drill-and-driver combo.
Best for: Home mechanics and automotive technicians who want a compact powered 3/8-inch ratchet for routine service and already have an M12 battery.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need high breakaway torque, general drilling and driving, or a complete kit with a battery supplied.
- Model:2457-20
- Drive size:3/8 in.
- Voltage:12V
- Maximum torque:35 ft-lb
- Speed:250 RPM
- Length:9.47 in.
- Weight:16 oz.
- Battery included:No
- Work features:LED light, fuel gauge, variable-speed trigger, and REDLINK protection
Our verdict“Choose this bare M12 ratchet for routine automotive access work if you already own an M12 battery, not as your first all-purpose Milwaukee tool.”
Milwaukee M18 Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit (2696-26)
A six-tool package may appeal to someone setting up a workshop or replacing several cordless tools at once. The listed M18 cordless system and six-tool count suggest wider coverage than either two-tool combo. However, the product information provided here does not identify the six tools or state which batteries are included. That missing detail changes how confidently I can recommend it: tool count alone does not tell a buyer whether the kit covers their actual jobs.
By comparison, the M18 FUEL two-tool kit clearly names a hammer drill and impact driver and specifies two 5.0Ah batteries, a charger, and a case. It offers fewer tools, but its package is easier to evaluate. The M12 compact combo also spells out its drill and impact driver, dimensions, and battery count. The 2696-26 may be a better fit for someone who wants a broad assortment, but the available specs do not let me compare its individual tools against those better-documented options.
The listing specifies a one-hour charge time and five-year limited manufacturer warranty, but those details do not resolve the central uncertainty about contents. I would verify the exact tool models, battery count and capacity, charger, and case before choosing this kit. Until then, I rank it fifth—not because six tools are inherently less useful, but because buyers cannot make a reliable fit comparison from the details supplied. Its strength is potential breadth; its weakness is unclear package composition.
Pros:- Lists six cordless tools on the M18 platform.
- Uses an 18V lithium-ion battery system.
- A one-hour battery charge time is listed.
- A five-year limited manufacturer warranty is specified.
Cons:- The provided product information does not name the six included tools.
- Battery quantity and capacity are not specified in the available details.
- The package cannot be compared tool by tool with the clearly documented M18 FUEL combo.
Best for: Buyers considering a broad M18 multi-tool package who can verify the exact included tools and battery contents before purchase.
Not ideal for: Anyone who needs a clearly documented tool list and battery package to compare against the M18 FUEL two-tool kit or the compact M12 combo.
- Model:2696-26
- Voltage:18V
- Number of tools:6
- Battery type:Lithium-ion
- Power source:Cordless
- Listed charge time:1 hour
- Warranty:5-year limited manufacturer warranty
- Tool and battery details:Not specified in the provided product information
Our verdict“This could suit a buyer seeking an M18 multi-tool package, but I rank it last until the exact tools and batteries are confirmed.”
How We Picked
I ranked these five options by how well their stated equipment and capabilities match a recognizable buyer need. A drill-and-impact-driver kit earns a broader role than a single-purpose ratchet or wrench because it can cover more everyday drilling and fastening tasks. At the same time, a specialist can rank highly for the right job: the high-torque wrench is not a general-purpose substitute for a combo kit, but its stated output makes it the strongest fit for demanding automotive or mechanical fastening.
I also looked at platform and included equipment. The M12 kits favor smaller form factors, while the M18 products are aimed at buyers building or using an 18V tool system. Batteries and accessories affect how ready a kit is to work: the M18 FUEL combo lists two 5.0Ah batteries, a charger, and a case; the ratchet explicitly does not include a battery; and the six-tool kit’s available details do not identify its tools or battery package.
Finally, I weighed disclosed specifications against uncertainty. Torque, speed, dimensions, and tool counts are useful only when the listing provides them clearly, so I do not assume that missing details are favorable. These rankings reflect the information supplied for this comparison, not hands-on testing. I exclude price and customer-rating claims and give each product a distinct role so readers can see why one option may fit better than another.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Milwaukee
I would choose among these Milwaukee options by starting with the work, then checking the platform and what arrives in the box. The biggest split is between general-purpose kits and specialist tools: a drill-and-driver combo serves a wider range of tasks, while a ratchet or impact wrench earns its place through a particular kind of fastening work.
Start with the job, not the tool count
If you need a dependable cordless base for drilling and driving, compare the two combo kits first. The M18 FUEL set lists a hammer drill and impact driver, while the M12 set pairs a subcompact drill with an impact driver and provides unusually clear size and weight details. The six-tool M18 kit may offer greater breadth, but its listed information does not say what those tools are. I would not treat a large tool count as a meaningful advantage until the contents match the work you actually do.
For vehicle maintenance, choose between the two single-purpose options by fastener demands and access. The M12 ratchet is designed around a 3/8-inch drive and routine service access; the M18 high-torque wrench is for substantially heavier fastening. Neither is a complete shop setup on its own, and the wrench’s torque claims have a stated battery condition.
Pick M12 or M18 based on size and system needs
The M12 kit’s short dimensions and low listed weights help explain its place in this lineup: it is the clearest choice for overhead work, tight spaces, and buyers who value a compact tool in hand. Its tradeoff is a 12V platform and the possibility of less runtime from compact batteries. The M18 kits are the more natural fit for buyers committed to that 18V system or who need features such as a hammer drill or a high-torque wrench.
Before choosing a bare tool, check which battery system you already own. The M12 ratchet does not include a battery, and the M18 impact wrench’s maximum output depends on M18 REDLITHIUM FORGE batteries. Battery compatibility is not a minor detail: it affects what you need to complete the setup and, in the wrench’s case, the stated performance ceiling.
Compare what is included, not just the headline capability
The M18 FUEL combo’s two 5.0Ah batteries, charger, and case make its package contents comparatively clear. The M12 combo also lists two batteries and gives separate tool specifications. By contrast, the ratchet arrives without a battery, the impact wrench is listed as the wrench only, and the six-tool kit leaves its tool and battery details unspecified in the information used here.
I would confirm batteries, charger, case, and exact tool models before buying a kit with incomplete package details. A bare tool may be a sensible addition to an existing system, but a buyer starting from zero should distinguish that from a ready-to-use combo. Clear contents make it easier to judge overall usefulness than a broad tool count or peak torque figure alone.
Match torque and control to the fastener
Torque figures are not directly interchangeable across a drill, impact driver, ratchet, and impact wrench. The M12 drill’s 350 in-lb and driver’s 1,100 in-lb describe different tools for different actions; the M12 ratchet lists 35 ft-lb; and the M18 wrench lists up to 1,000 ft-lb for fastening and nut-busting under its specified battery condition. These figures help position each product, but they do not make one tool a universal winner.
For everyday drilling and driving, use a combo kit. For routine automotive fastening where a low-profile ratchet helps reach the fastener, consider the 2457-20. For heavy socket work, the high-torque wrench is the specialist. Its four modes support adjustment, but it remains more tool than many basic maintenance jobs require.
Treat missing specifications as a real tradeoff
Not every product listing gives equal detail. The M18 FUEL combo does not supply individual tool weights or dimensions here, and its listed torque figure is not tied to a specific tool. The six-tool kit omits the tool list and battery package. I avoid filling those gaps with assumptions, because those facts affect portability, task coverage, and readiness to work.
If a missing detail would change your choice, verify it before ordering. For the six-tool package, confirm all six tools and batteries. For the M18 combo, seek tool-level specifications if size or speed matters. For the impact wrench, check which battery is required for its quoted peak output. This extra diligence matters most when comparing a clearly described compact kit with a package whose contents are uncertain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Milwaukee option is the best all-around pick in this comparison?
I rank the M18 FUEL Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit first for most buyers who need a general cordless setup. It names two commonly useful tools and includes two 5.0Ah batteries, a charger, and a case. The M12 combo is a stronger choice when compact size matters more, while the six-tool kit’s unspecified contents make it harder to judge from the supplied details.
Should I choose the M12 combo or the M18 FUEL combo?
Choose the M12 Subcompact kit if you regularly work overhead or in confined areas and want short, lightweight tools. Its stated drill and impact-driver dimensions make that advantage clear, though it uses a 12V platform and compact batteries may offer less runtime. Choose the M18 FUEL combo for a hammer drill, an 18V setup, and a clearly listed package with two 5.0Ah batteries, a charger, and a case.
Does the Milwaukee 2457-20 ratchet include a battery?
No. The product details specify that the M12 battery is sold separately. This ratchet makes the most sense for someone who already has a compatible M12 battery and needs a powered 3/8-inch tool for routine automotive access. Buyers without an M12 battery should account for the additional equipment needed to operate it.
What battery is needed for the M18 high-torque impact wrench to reach its stated maximum torque?
The provided details say the wrench’s maximum fastening and nut-busting torque figures depend on using M18 REDLITHIUM FORGE batteries. The wrench package is listed without a battery, so buyers should not assume that any M18 pack will produce the stated maximum. Check battery compatibility and package contents before choosing it for work that depends on peak output.
Is the Milwaukee M18 six-tool kit a better choice than the two-tool combo?
It may suit a buyer who wants several tools in one M18 package, but the details supplied for this comparison do not identify its six tools or battery contents. The M18 FUEL two-tool kit is easier to evaluate because its hammer drill, impact driver, two 5.0Ah batteries, charger, and case are specified. I would confirm the exact six-tool package before choosing it over the more clearly documented combo.
Conclusion
For a first general-purpose Milwaukee setup, I recommend the M18 FUEL hammer drill and impact driver combo because its tools and included battery package are clearly identified. Choose the M12 Subcompact combo if low weight and tight-space access matter more than M18 compatibility or longer runtime. Automotive buyers should select the M12 ratchet for routine service access, provided they have an M12 battery, or the M18 high-torque wrench for heavier socket work with the specified FORGE battery.
I would put the six-tool M18 kit on hold until the included tools and batteries are confirmed. That is the deciding difference in this roundup: the best pick depends on the work, but incomplete package details can make even a broad kit difficult to recommend. Match the platform to your existing batteries, then choose the tool format that fits your most frequent tasks.
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