Which is better for a homeowner starting out?

The Milwaukee kit at $179.00 covers drilling and driving, the two most common jobs, for far less. Add tools later as needed. The DeWalt kit only makes sense if you already know you need saws and a multi-tool.

Is the DeWalt kit worth the extra $420?

If you would otherwise buy a circular saw, recip saw and multi-tool, yes. Those three tools plus three extra batteries usually cost more than the gap. If you only drill and drive, the Milwaukee is the better buy.

Which has more power?

The Milwaukee impact driver is rated at 1,700 in-lbs, higher than the DeWalt DCF845's rating. The DeWalt hammer drill adds hammer mode for masonry, which the Milwaukee drill/driver lacks.

Which lasts longer on a charge?

The DeWalt kit includes two 5Ah batteries, more than double the capacity of the Milwaukee CP2.0 packs, so each tool runs longer per charge. The Milwaukee's two 2.0Ah batteries are lighter but drain faster.

Can I use one brand's batteries in the other's tools?

No. DeWalt 20V MAX and Milwaukee M18 batteries are not cross-compatible. Pick the platform whose tool lineup fits your future purchases.

Which is easier to carry to a job?

The Milwaukee 2-tool kit is far lighter and smaller. The DeWalt kit rolls in its bag but is bulky and heavy with five tools and five batteries.

DeWalt DCKSS550D3P2 20V MAX Brushless 5-Tool Combo Kit with 5 Batteries, Charger and Rolling Storage Bag (11 Piece) vs Milwaukee M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Compact Drill/Impact Combo Kit (2-Tool)

Buy the DeWalt DCKSS550D3P2 if you need a full cordless workshop: five brushless tools, five batteries and a rolling bag for $599.00 at Prime Source as of November 3. Buy the Milwaukee M18 2-tool kit if you mainly drill and drive and want compact, well-built tools for $179.00 at The Home Depot as of November 3. The DeWalt costs about $420 more, but it replaces four separate tool purchases. The Milwaukee is the better value for a small kit.

Today the Milwaukee M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Compact Drill/Impact Combo Kit (2-Tool) costs $420.00 less at its best price.

Ask our shopping agent