Our In-Depth Review of Milwaukee 2897-22 M18 FUEL Combo Kit

Milwaukee 2897-22 M18 FUEL Combo Kit

Editor Rating: 4.8/5

Excellent

Milwaukee 2897-22 M18 FUEL Combo Kit Review

Reviewed by: Timothy Henderson

Last modifiedAug 8, 2022 @ 2:33 pm

 

 

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Milwaukee 2897-22 M18 FUEL Review Summary:

Some handymen have no need for huge combo kits containing a large number of various tools, as their profession requires only the use of drills and impact drivers. Fortunately for such professionals, most power tool brands now also manufacture and sell 2-piece toolsets. Milwaukee 2897-22 M18 FUEL is one of such kits – is it the right choice for your needs?

The tools found inside 2897-22 are the 1/2″ hammer drill/ driver and a 1/4″ hex impact driver. As expected, both devices sport the signature Milwaukee design – they’re compact, lightweight, and ergonomic. As members of the company’s M18 FUEL flagship range of products, they’re also highly efficient and use the same battery packs as all other tools in that lineup.

In the following paragraphs, we’ll be taking a closer look at both tools and try to determine the toolset’s overall value for the money.

Specifications:

  • Number of Tools – 2
  • Weight – 17.8lbs
  • Battery – 2 Li-Ion batteries
  • Voltage – 18V
  • Warranty – 5-year limited

Milwaukee 2897-22 – The Basics


The hammer drill/driver, code-named 2704-20, is a potent device with a brushless engine at its heart. Once we combine this with the integrated REDLINK Intelligence system, we get a hammer drill that works like a charm.

Fortunately, its performance is not the only great thing about it. The 2704-20 is also well-designed and feels perfectly balanced in hand. This will be invaluable to all those who use hammer drills in a professional environment.

The 2753-20 hex impact driver, on the other hand, is one of the most powerful devices of its type for the money. It delivers 1,800 in-lbs of torque and reaches the maximum speed of 3,000 RPM, which is more than enough for most driving and fastening applications.

It’s a compact and lightweight unit, and one featuring Milwaukee’s signature 4-drive mode control (allows adjusting the amount of exerted power). It also has a LED light and an onboard battery fuel gauge.

These tools are accompanied by a charger, two batteries, two bit holders, a side handle, and a robust carrying case. The whole kit is covered by a generous 5-year limited warranty deal.

The Features


Hammer Drill/Driver 2704-20


With the weight of 3.5 pounds and the dimensions of 12″ x 3″ x 12″, the 2704-20 hammer drill/driver is quite compact and lightweight. Once we combine this with the fact that it also has a good balance once the battery is attached, we get a device that doesn’t feel overly light or too heavy. Although this might seem insignificant, it is of essential importance to all those who use cordless hammer drills on a daily basis.

Another great thing about this model’s design is that it comes with an auxiliary handle. As expected, it features a rubberized surface that prevents slippage and allows the user to exert the necessary amount of force when drilling through stone, mortar, brick, and concrete. Unlike the auxiliary handles featured on most other hammer drills, this one is quite short, which means that handling the 2704-20 is a lot less awkward during the more challenging applications.

When it comes to power, the best thing about this unit is that it has a brushless engine at its heart. As you probably already know, this means longer lifespan, better performance, and less maintenance.

With the BPM rating of 32,000 blows per minute and the peak torque of 1,200 in-lbs, the Milwaukee 2704-20 is more than capable of assisting you with all of your concrete-drilling projects. Depending on how tough the task in front of you is, you’ll be able to choose to between two different speed settings. Moreover, the unit’s variable clutch settings allow the user to select between a few torque force levels.

Impact Driver 2753-20


The other tool in the 2897-22 M18 FUEL combo kit is the 2753-20 1/4″ hex impact driver. Its weight of 2.1 pounds and the dimensions of 3.5″ x 8.2″ x 5.8″ tell us that this is a genuinely compact impact driver. Not only does this mean that it causes no fatigue during prolonged use, but also that the unit can be used in tight areas, such as crawl spaces.

Another great thing about its design is the inclusion of all the necessary extra features. For example, the integrated LED work light will allow you to illuminate your workpiece in poorly-lit conditions. The belt clip, on the other hand, allows easier carrying around the job site. There is also a fuel gauge (makes it easy to check the battery status) and a bit holder for quick bit storage.

Having a peak torque of 1,800 in-lbs and reaching the impressive 3,000 revolutions per minute, the Milwaukee 2753-20 is an exceptionally potent impact driver. Its constant power output will allow you to tackle all driving and fastening tasks with a peace of mind – handling the general workload is not a problem for this device.

One particularly interesting thing about its performance is the included 4-mode drive feature. It introduces a couple of different driving modes that the user can choose from. Their purpose is to allow the operator to adjust the amount of needed power to the task at hand, and, in that way, prolong the model’s life.

Accessories & Warranty


The hammer drill and the impact driver found in this combo kit are accompanied by two M18 REDLITHIUM XC 5.0 battery packs, one multi-voltage charger (48-59-1812), an auxiliary handle, some belt clips and bit holders, and a sturdy plastic carrying case. The whole package is covered by the Milwaukee’s standard 5-year limited warranty.

Hammer Drill-Driver 2704-20

Pros:

N

Two high-performing M18 power tools

N

Two high-capacity battery packs

N

Sturdy carrying case

N

5-year warranty deal

Cons:

N

No LED light & battery gauge on the hammer drill

N

Poorly positioned torque selector on the impact driver

R

Things we liked about it

Just like we expected, the design and performance of both tools coming inside this combo kit are stellar. Both the hammer drill and the impact driver have a design that makes using them very easy, whether you’re a professional contractor or just a DIY hobbyist.

Fortunately, the 2897-22 M18 FUEL toolset also contains all the extra items you’ll ever need – a charger, two high-capacity batteries, a sturdy carrying case, as well as some additional accessories.  When combined with a 5-year warranty, it’s a deal with an excellent value for the money and a purchase that’s hard to regret.

Q

Things we didn’t like

When it comes to downsides, we didn’t like the lack of the battery gauge and LED light on 2704-20, as well as the poorly located torque selector on 2753-20.

What Users Say About The Milwaukee 2897-22


Most of the users agree that this toolset is absolutely worth the price it comes at, with some buyers calling it a “phenomenal” and “flawless” deal. They’re pleased with the impressive performance of the included tools, as well as with their user-friendly controls and ergonomic design. Users also praise the inclusion of a convenient carrying case.

Conclusion


In conclusion, Milwaukee 2897-22 M18 FUEL combo kit is undoubtedly an excellent purchase for all those who need a high-performing hammer drill and impact driver in a single package. As it also includes all the necessary accessories, it’s a well-rounded combination and precisely the kind of deal one can expect from Milwaukee.

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