Makita 18V LXT 2-Piece Combo Kit vs Milwaukee M12 FUEL 2-Tool Combo Kit

Buy the Makita XT269T if you want full-size 18V power for decking, framing and heavy drilling. Buy the Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3497-22 if you work overhead, in cabinets or in tight spaces and want the smallest, lightest kit. The Makita has more torque and two 5 Ah batteries; the Milwaukee is smaller, lighter and praised for build and ergonomics. Owners of both call them sturdy and powerful; the Makita's weak spot is a reported hammer-mode fault, the Milwaukee's is that its compact batteries run down faster on big jobs.

• Choose the Makita 18V LXT kit if you need full-size 18V torque, two 5 Ah batteries and a hammer drill for framing, decking and heavy fastening.
• Choose the Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3497-22 if you want the most compact drill and impact driver for overhead work, cabinets and tight spaces.