Milwaukee M18 3-Tool Combo Kit vs Milwaukee M18 FUEL 5-Tool Combo Kit

Both kits share the same hammer drill, impact driver, two XC5.0 batteries, charger and brushless FUEL platform, so core drilling and fastening performance is identical. The 3-tool kit swaps in the one-handed HACKZALL, which cuts faster in tight spots and is lighter to carry. The 5-tool kit adds a 6-1/2" circular saw and a work light, and its far larger review base (2,674 vs 326 ratings, both 4.7) suggests a longer track record. Buy the 3-tool if you cut pipe and conduit overhead; buy the 5-tool if you frame, rip sheet goods and want one bag for the whole job.

• Choose the M18 3-Tool Combo Kit if you do plumbing, electrical or demolition work and want a one-handed recip saw instead of a circular saw.
• Choose the 3697-25 5-Tool Kit if you need to cut lumber and want a work light, and would rather buy the full set once.