Milwaukee 3697-22 M18 FUEL 2-Tool Combo Kit vs Skeletool CX
These are not substitutes. The Milwaukee 3697-22 is an 18V cordless drill and impact driver kit for drilling, driving, and hammer drilling into masonry. The Leatherman Skeletool CX is a 5-ounce pocket multi-tool with pliers, a bit driver, wire cutters, and a 154CM blade. Buy the Milwaukee if you have jobs to build; buy the Skeletool if you want capability that rides in a pocket. On price, the Milwaukee is $346.00 at Amazon as of November 3, 2026, and the Skeletool CX is $79.95 at Amazon as of November 3, 2026.
Today the Skeletool CX costs $266.05 less at its best price.
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Milwaukee 3697-22 M18 FUEL 2-Tool Combo Kit
4.9$346.00at AmazonObserved Nov 2, 2026, 3:21 PM
Choose the Milwaukee 3697-22 if you need cordless drilling and driving power, hammer-drill capability for brick and concrete, and two 5.0Ah batteries to keep working.
Pros
- Two brushless FUEL tools: 1/2 in hammer drill and 1/4 in hex impact driver
- Up to 1,400 in-lbs peak torque and 2-9/16 in self-feed holes in dense material
- AutoStop Control Mode stops the motor on bind-up
- Two XC5.0 batteries, multi-voltage charger, and contractor bag included
- 4-Mode DRIVE CONTROL on the impact driver
Cons
- $346.00 is a large outlay next to a hand tool
What separates them
| Milwaukee 3697-22 M18 FUEL 2-Tool Combo Kit | Skeletool CX | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | 18V cordless power tool combo kit | Pocket-sized multi-tool |
| Primary job | Drilling, driving, hammer drilling into masonry | Pliers, screwdriving, wire cutting, cutting |
| Power source | Two M18 REDLITHIUM XC5.0 18V batteries | Hand powered |
| Weight | 3.3 lb (per tool) | 141.75 g (5 oz) |
| Blade | No blade; 1/2 in all-metal chuck and 1/4 in hex impact chuck | 2.6 in 154CM straight-edge, 58-60 HRC, locking, one-hand opening |
| Torque | Up to 1,400 in-lbs peak on the hammer drill | Hand torque only |
| Carry | Contractor bag included | Pocket clip; sheath sold separately |
| Price | $346.00 at Amazon as of November 3, 2026 |
Price history
$346.00$79.95
- Milwaukee 3697-22 M18 FUEL 2-Tool Combo Kit: lowest $149.99 on Nov 2; $346.00 on Nov 3.
- Skeletool CX: lowest $79.95 on Nov 2 at Amazon.
Prices at every store
Milwaukee 3697-22 M18 FUEL 2-Tool Combo Kit
- DigiKeyNew
In stock
$351.08Free shippingObserved Nov 2, 2026, 4:06 PM - Home DepotNew
In stock
$399.00Free shippingObserved Nov 2, 2026, 3:43 PM - AmazonNew
Availability unknown
$346.00Free shippingObserved Nov 2, 2026, 3:21 PM - WalmartNew
Availability unknownSold by JTI USA
$349.99Observed Nov 2, 2026, 3:43 PM
Also available at
- Red Tool StoreCheck price at Red Tool Store
- Electrical PartsCheck price at Electrical Parts
- Frederick IndustrialCheck price at Frederick Industrial
Specs compared
| Spec | Milwaukee 3697-22 M18 FUEL 2-Tool Combo Kit | Skeletool CX |
|---|---|---|
| color | Red | Onyx, Black & Stainless, Guava, Nightshade, OD … |
| Weight | 3.3 lb | 141.75 g |
| size | M | — |
| Power Source | Battery, Cordless | — |
| Number Of Tools | 2 | — |
| Tool Components | Impact Driver, Drill/Driver | — |
| Battery Voltage | 18V | — |
| Battery Type | Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) | — |
| Number Of Batteries | 2 | — |
| Motor Type | Brushless | — |
| Speed |
Questions and answers
- Which is better for drilling into brick?
- The Milwaukee. Its hammer drill mode and up to 1,400 in-lbs peak torque are built for brick, block, and concrete. The Skeletool CX has no drill.
- Which is better for everyday carry?
- The Skeletool CX. At 141.75 g and 4 in closed, it fits a pocket and covers pliers, screwdriving, wire cutting, and a locking blade. The Milwaukee kit weighs pounds and needs a bag.
- Is the Milwaukee worth the extra money?
- If you have drilling and driving work, yes. $346.00 buys two brushless tools, two 5.0Ah batteries, a charger, and a bag. If you only turn screws by hand, the $79.95 Skeletool CX covers it.
- Which lasts longer?
- Different wear paths. The Milwaukee's batteries and brushes-free motors are the wear items over years of jobsite use. The Skeletool CX's 154CM blade at 58-60 HRC holds an edge well, and its 420 stainless frame resists corrosion.
- Do I need both?
- Many tradespeople carry both: the Milwaukee kit for building work and the Skeletool CX for quick fixes, wire cutting, and prying without walking back to the bag.
- Does the Skeletool CX come with a sheath?
- No. The sheath is sold separately. The Milwaukee kit includes a contractor bag.
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