Which kit is better for a homeowner starting out?

The 3699-22. It covers drilling and fastening at $149.99 at West Marine as of November 3, and you can add a saw later on the same M18 batteries.

Do I need the 3-tool kit?

Only if you cut pipe, conduit, lumber or demo material. The HACKZALL is the one real advantage, and it costs about $249 more as of November 3.

Is the SURGE driver worth it over a standard impact driver?

Yes if you work in occupied or quiet spaces. Milwaukee rates it up to 50% quieter with 3X less vibration, which matters for long fastening runs.

Do both kits use the same batteries?

Yes. Both include two M18 REDLITHIUM XC 5.0Ah packs and an M18/M12 charger, and both fit the 200+ tool M18 system.

Which is better for metal work?

The 3-tool kit, because of the HACKZALL. The 3699-22 drill handles metal drilling, but it cannot cut.

Is the 3-tool kit worth the extra money?

Only if you would otherwise buy a recip saw. A bare M18 FUEL HACKZALL plus the $149.99 kit usually costs less than $399.00.

Milwaukee 3699-22 M18 FUEL 2-Tool Combo Kit vs Milwaukee M18 3-Tool Combo Kit (Hammer Drill, Impact Driver, Hackzall)

Buy the 3699-22 kit if you want the best drill-and-driver pair for the money. At $149.99 at West Marine as of November 3, it costs about $249 less than the 3-tool kit at $399.00 at The Home Depot. Buy the 3-tool kit if you need a reciprocating saw and want a hydraulic-quiet driver is not your priority. The 3699-22 is the better value unless you cut pipe, conduit or lumber regularly.

Today the Milwaukee 3699-22 M18 FUEL 2-Tool Combo Kit costs $220.00 less at its best price.

Ask our shopping agent