The best impact driver is one that is rugged, powerful, light and has a battery to last. I’ve found what you need with the Milwaukee 2697-22 M18 18-Volt 1/2-Inch 2-Tool Combo Kit.
I don’t often do tool reviews, but I figured some of you might be looking for recommendations based off the tools that I use, and I wanted to start here.
I used to make the mistake of many homeowners and DIYers and I used a drill driver for everything. I didn’t realize the versatility that an impact driver provided. It wasn’t until my Dewalt drill driver began to fail that I began researching impact drivers more thoroughly.
I chose to go with the Milwaukee 2697-22 M18 18-Volt 1/2-Inch 2-Tool Combo Kit because it comes with the impact driver, the compact hammer drill, two batteries and a charger. I feel like the price is more than reasonable consider other options out there.
Rugged
This impact driver delivers up to 2,750 RPM, 3,450 IPM and 1,500 in-lbs of fastening torque for class-leading performance. What more could you ask for?
Battery Life
The M18 Lithium batteries deliver 3.0 amps of runtime. In practice I’ve found that with light use they last ALL DAY. If I’m using the impact driver for large lag bolts I might get a few hours out of it.
That said, the M18 Lithium batteries deliver a full charge in about 30 minutes – more than enough time to swap batteries.
Practical Use
I didn’t understand how much more efficient it could be to have a separate drill and driver. Now I would never go back. Being able to predrill and then have a separate driver revolutionized my workflow.
I can honestly say that Milwaukee 2697-22 M18 18-Volt 1/2-Inch 2-Tool Combo Kit is one of my favorite tools, and I recommend it to everyone I know. It delivers serious power and fulfills any task I ask of it.
I think this sounds like a very good setup. I build a lot as well as a small regenerative farmer, and I tried Makita two years ago for the first time. I think they make a very good battery and great tools, and I paid right at 100 bucks for the impact driver and drill. Lately I see people leaning away from DeWalt and Rigid and toward Milwaukee and Makita, with a small resurgence as well for Skil and especially their magnesium plate circular saws. Thanks for all your posts and God bless you and your family.
Thank you!