Milwaukee 2697-22 M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hammer Drill/Impact Driver XC Combo Kit Review

When we first unboxed the Milwaukee 2697-22 M18 Combo Kit, we knew we were holding something special. After putting these tools through their paces on various projects—from building deck structures to hanging drywall—we can confidently say this 2-tool kit delivers professional-grade performance that justifies every penny.

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Why This Milwaukee Combo Kit Stands Out From the Competition

The Milwaukee 2697-22 isn’t just another cordless tool set cluttering the market. During our testing, we discovered what sets this kit apart: the perfect marriage of raw power and intelligent engineering. The M18 platform has become Milwaukee’s flagship system, and after extensive use, we understand why professionals consistently choose this lineup.

What impressed us most was the consistency. Whether we were drilling through hardwood joists or driving 3-inch lag screws into pressure-treated lumber, both tools maintained their torque without the battery fade we’ve experienced with competing brands.

Unpacking the Complete Kit: What’s Inside the Box

Let’s talk about what you’re actually getting with the Milwaukee 2697-22:

– **M18 Compact Hammer Drill (2607-20)**: The workhorse that handles drilling and hammer drilling duties
– **M18 Impact Driver (2656-20)**: The fastening specialist that became our go-to for virtually every driving application
– **Two M18 XC Extended Capacity Batteries**: Each delivering 3.0Ah of runtime
– **M18/M12 Multi-Voltage Charger**: Charges both battery platforms efficiently
– **Heavy-Duty Contractor Bag**: Actually durable, unlike the flimsy bags that come with some kits
– **Belt Clips**: Pre-installed on both tools for convenient carrying

The inclusion of two batteries proved invaluable during our testing. One could charge while we worked with the other, eliminating downtime completely.

The Compact Hammer Drill: Power in a Surprisingly Small Package

When we first held the Milwaukee 2607-20 hammer drill, its compact size caught us off guard. Measuring just 7.5 inches in length, this tool fits into tight spaces where full-size drills simply can’t operate. But don’t let the size fool you—this drill punches well above its weight class.

Real-World Drilling Performance We Experienced

The 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck grips bits securely, and we didn’t experience a single instance of bit slippage during our testing. We pushed this drill through various materials:

– **Hardwood**: Sailed through oak and maple with 1-inch spade bits
– **Metal**: Drilled through 1/4-inch steel plates without hesitation
– **Masonry**: The hammer function tackled concrete anchoring with surprising efficiency
– **Composite Materials**: Handled deck boards and engineered lumber effortlessly

The drill offers 500 inch-pounds of torque and operates at two speeds: 0-400 RPM and 0-1,800 RPM. This dual-speed gearbox gave us the control we needed for precise pilot holes and the speed required for larger diameter drilling.

Hammer Function That Actually Works

We’ve tested hammer drills that offer this function as an afterthought. The Milwaukee 2607-20 is different. When we switched to hammer mode for concrete anchor installations, we could immediately feel the percussive action working in tandem with the rotation. While it won’t replace a dedicated rotary hammer for extensive masonry work, it handled our concrete and brick drilling tasks admirably.

The M18 Impact Driver: Our New Favorite Fastening Tool

If we had to choose just one tool from this kit, the 2656-20 impact driver would be a tough contender. This tool became our constant companion throughout testing, and it’s easy to see why professional contractors swear by it.

Driving Power That Exceeds Expectations

Milwaukee rates this impact driver at 1,500 inch-pounds of torque, and we can attest to its muscle. During our deck building project, we drove hundreds of 3-inch coated deck screws without a single instance of cam-out or stripped screw heads. The impact mechanism delivers force in rotational bursts, which translates to:

– Less wrist fatigue compared to standard drills
– Reduced cam-out and stripped fasteners
– Ability to drive long screws without pre-drilling in most softwoods
– Effortless removal of seized or corroded fasteners

The variable speed trigger offers 0-2,600 RPM, giving us precise control for delicate work and full power when we needed it.

Compact Design Makes All the Difference

At only 5.7 inches long, this impact driver became our go-to tool for tight spaces. We used it extensively in cabinet installation, where the compact head length allowed us to drive screws at awkward angles and in confined spaces where larger impact drivers simply wouldn’t fit.

Battery Performance: Extended Capacity Lives Up to Its Name

The two M18 XC 3.0Ah batteries included in this kit proved to be workhorses during our extended testing sessions. Milwaukee’s REDLITHIUM battery technology delivers on its promises:

During a full day of mixed drilling and driving tasks, we typically used about 1.5 batteries. The runtime impressed us, especially considering the power these tools deliver. We appreciated that the batteries feature an onboard fuel gauge—five LED lights that show remaining charge at the press of a button.

The multi-voltage charger brought batteries from depleted to fully charged in approximately 60 minutes, which meant our morning coffee break was usually sufficient charging time when we started with a drained battery.

Cold Weather Performance Worth Noting

We tested these tools in sub-freezing temperatures, and the REDLITHIUM batteries maintained performance far better than other lithium-ion batteries we’ve used. Milwaukee’s claims about cold-weather operation aren’t marketing fluff—we experienced it firsthand.

Build Quality and Durability: Built for the Job Site

Milwaukee’s reputation for durability is well-earned. After months of testing, including a few accidental drops from ladders and scaffolding, both tools show minimal wear. The all-metal gear cases and chuck provide confidence that these tools will withstand professional use.

The ergonomic grip design deserves special mention. The rubber overmold provides secure grip even with gloved hands or in sweaty conditions. The balanced weight distribution means extended use doesn’t result in the hand fatigue we’ve experienced with some competitors’ tools.

What Real Customers Are Saying: Milwaukee M18 Cordless Drill Impact Driver Combo Kit 18V Li-Ion

Our hands-on experience aligned remarkably well with feedback from thousands of verified purchasers. Customers consistently praise several aspects that we also discovered:

**Performance in Professional Settings**: Contractors report that this kit handles daily job site demands without issue. Many mention that after years of use, their original tools still perform like new—a testament to Milwaukee’s build quality that our testing period suggested would be the case.

**Battery System Versatility**: Multiple reviewers echo our appreciation for the M18 platform compatibility. Users who invest in additional M18 tools love the battery interchangeability, which we found to be a significant cost savings over time.

**Compact Size Advantage**: DIYers and professionals alike mention the