Milwaukee M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless 5-Tool Combo Kit — Hands-On Review

After spending several weekends running the Milwaukee M18 5-Tool Combo Kit through a mix of renovation tasks, woodworking projects, and job-site drills, we’ve put these tools through real-world conditions. This isn’t a spec-sheet rewrite — it’s what we saw, felt, and relied on when the job mattered. Below we walk through what stood out, who this kit is for, and why it earned a permanent spot in our van.

Price: $479.90 

(as of Jul 21, 2025 11:42:28 UTC – Details) 

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Our immediate impression — built for pros, usable by enthusiasts

Right out of the case the M18 5-Tool Combo feels like a step up from DIY-grade toolsets. The five essentials included (drill/driver, impact driver, circular saw, reciprocating saw, and LED work light) cover the vast majority of day-to-day tasks. In our hands, these tools struck a balance between power and portability — they’re light enough for overhead work but solid enough to chew through dense materials without stalling.

Why this kit becomes your go-to

• Comprehensive lineup: covers drilling, driving, cutting, demolition, and illumination — everything you need to start most jobs without running back to the truck.
• Two reliable batteries: the included 18V lithium-ion batteries provide consistent output and swap quickly between tools.
• Durable case and charger: the molded case keeps tools organized on the move, and the charger gets batteries ready quickly between jobs.

Performance tested — how it behaved under real workloads

We tested this kit across a mix of tasks: drilling angled holes in treated lumber, driving long deck screws into framing, cutting dimensional lumber and plywood with the circular saw, and performing rough trims and demolition with the reciprocating saw. We timed battery swaps, judged ergonomics during extended use, and compared cutting speeds against corded equivalents.

Drill/Driver & Impact Driver — the day-to-day workhorses

The drill/driver felt precise for pilot holes and fast enough for through-bolts. Torque control and clutch settings gave us confidence when working near finished surfaces. The impact driver surprised us with its fast driving speed and consistent torque — even 3” deck screws into dense wood were handled without a fuss. Both tools stayed cool for extended runs and the grip reduced vibration-related fatigue.

Circular saw — clean cuts with controlled depth

On plywood and 2x lumber the circular saw produced straight, tear-free cuts when we used a guide. The base plate tracked well and the blade engagement was smooth. It won’t replace a full-size contractor saw for heavy ripping all day, but for job-site crosscuts and on-the-spot ripping it’s an excellent compromise of power and portability.

Reciprocating saw — demolition with confidence

We used the reciprocating saw for ripping out old trim, cutting nails and through small sections of framing. The stroke and control delivered aggressive cutting when needed, and finesse for more delicate tasks was achievable by modulating speed. Blade changes were quick, which kept workflow moving.

LED work light — small but mighty

The included LED light proved very handy in low-light cabinets and basements. It delivers broad, even illumination and is rugged enough to knock around in a tool bag. Having a compact, bright light built into the kit saved us from carrying a separate spotlight during evening work.

Ergonomics & battery life — what we found after a day on site

One of the first things we noticed: balance. Each tool is designed so that the center of gravity is close to the grip, which makes overhead and one-handed tasks less fatiguing. The trigger response is predictable and the forward/reverse switches are easy to access without repositioning your hand.

Battery life depends on the task. In mixed-use scenarios (drilling, driving, cutting), a single 18V battery often lasted through a half-day of intermittent work. For continuous heavy cutting, expect to cycle batteries. The included charger charges quickly enough that swapping batteries doesn’t cost you much downtime. Importantly, these batteries are compatible with the broader Milwaukee M18 family — a big efficiency gain if you already use M18 tools.

Standout durability points

• Molded case keeps tools secured and protected during transport.
• Tool housings handled drops and scuffs without cosmetic or functional damage.
• Switches and controls held up after repeated use in dusty and damp conditions.

Who should consider this kit?

If you’re a contractor, remodeler, or a serious DIYer who wants a single kit that covers most jobs, this is an excellent starting point. It’s especially valuable for those who appreciate portability without sacrificing the performance needed on moderate to heavy tasks. If your work is strictly light-duty or you need specialized saws for high-volume ripping, you might prefer mixing other dedicated tools into your setup — but for a compact, complete kit, this delivers strong value.

Is it worth the investment?

Weighing the upfront cost versus replacing tools individually, the convenience of battery interchangeability, and the reduced downtime from having two batteries, we came away convinced this kit is a good investment for frequent users. Occasional DIYers will also find the kit useful, though the price-to-usage equation should be considered.

Maintenance, accessories, and practical tips

To keep the kit running at its best:

• Store batteries in a cool, dry place and avoid leaving them fully discharged for long periods.
• Keep blades and bits sharp — the saw and drill performance drops significantly with dull blades.
• Use the carrying case to protect batteries from moisture and to keep spare blades/bits organized.

Pro tips we picked up in the field

• Rotate batteries during high-demand projects to keep a charged spare ready.
• Use a guide or fence for the circular saw when precision is required.
• Match reciprocating saw blades to the material for cleaner cuts (demolition vs. finish blades).

See why pros choose the M18 system

Beyond this specific kit, what makes Milwaukee’s M18 line appealing is the ecosystem. The batteries included work with a wide variety of M18 tools, saving cost and reducing clutter. In our testing, that compatibility translated to real convenience — a charged battery could move from drill to saw to light without missing a beat.

Final verdict — our summary after hands-on use

This 5-tool combo kit delivers a professional-feel lineup that’s well-suited for day-to-day construction, remodeling, and advanced DIY. It strikes a rare balance: powerful enough for demanding tasks, compact enough to be truly portable, and durable enough to survive job-site conditions. If you want a single purchase that will cover most of your needs and integrate into a larger M18 tool ecosystem, this kit is an excellent choice.

Ready to add this kit to your toolbox?

If our hands-on testing aligns with what you need — a dependable, portable, and performance-focused set of tools — this Milwaukee M18 5-Tool Combo Kit is a strong contender. It’s the kind of kit that reduces “do I have the right tool?” moments and keeps you productive on the clock.

We stand by the practical observations above because we used these tools across demanding scenarios and compared them to corded and competing cordless options. For anyone building a reliable kit that grows with an ecosystem of tools, the M18 line makes a compelling case.