My old set of Milwaukee tools with NiCad batteries are still working great, but the batteries have eventually been turned into bricks. I've replaced them several times, but the cost of replacing the batteries with new ones that will just go dead again anyway is ridiculous, so I made the decision to jump to the pro-level Lithium Ion M18 series with the XC batteries. I did it initially with the 1/2" cordless impact to test with, since I needed one anyway (can't use air when away from the shop), and I was very impressed.
So I finally made the jump to the M18 series for the drill and 1/4" impact for driving screws and such. I just got them, but they seem very solid and very fast. This kit comes with two XC batteries and a charger, which compliments the two XC batteries and charger that came with my previous 1/2" impact purchase. I think at this point I can purchase bare tools and still be good to go. My existing stand-by Hitachi 1/4" impact driver is still going strong, but it sure is nice to have a LONG Li-Ion battery life that I can swap around with all my other cordless tools.
These tools are an improvement over the old versions in several ways. One of the ones I noticed first is that they each come with an LED light over the trigger now, to help light up where you're about to drill and during drilling. This doesn't mean much outside during the day, but in tight quarters or at night it can make a world of difference. The old drill didn't have a hammer function, and the receiver on the hammer drill looks a lot larger than the old model as well. The batteries are big (and a little heavy--but that's a price I'll pay all day every day), quick to charge, last a very long time on a charge, and they can actually be left on the charger unlike the old NiCad batteries.
I had to decide between this set or the
Factory-Reconditioned Milwaukee 2691-82 18-Volt Cordless M18 Lithium-Ion 2-Tool Combo Kit
with the slim-line batteries. I'm so glad I went the XC route instead. Even if you don't use your tools that often, go ahead and pony up for the higher end version with the much bigger and better batteries. You'll thank yourself someday...
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Milwaukee |
| Part Number | 2697-22 |
| Item Weight | 11 pounds |
| Item model number | 2697-22 |
| Batteries | 2 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color | Red |
| Material | Plastic, Steel |
| Power Source | cordless-electric |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number Of Pieces | 2 |
| Measurement System | Metric |
| Special Features | compact |
| Batteries Included? | Yes |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | 5 Year Warranty |
