The 1.7-Pound Impact Driver and 2-Pound Drill/Driver in This Milwaukee Kit Blew Away Bigger Tools
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If you're looking to take on more DIY projects this summer, you need tools that can stand up to the challenge. We tested the best power tools, hand tools, workshop tools, and lawn and landscaping tools for our Men's Journal Tool Awards, and the winner of best power tool needs to be in every guy's tool kit. Milwaukee M12 Subcompact 2-Tool Combo Kit comes with a solid drill/driver and impact driver that will help experienced builders and beginners alike. Here's what made it stand out against the competition.
Why the Milwaukee M12 Subcompact 2-Tool Combo Kit Is the Best Power Tool of 2026
Tasks like building a deck need the power and runtime of a larger, 18-volt drill/driver, but for just about everything else, this one-two punch is the best combination of torque, weight, and utility. Milwaukee M12 Subcompact 2-Tool Combo Kit is as useful to rookie homeowners as it is to seasoned DIYers and contractors. The drill/driver, which drills holes and sets strip-prone screws without damage, is just 5.5 inches deep so it gets into tight spots a larger tool won't. And at just about 2 pounds, overhead work-like installing a ceiling fan or anything you're doing on a ladder-isn't a slog.
The star of the kit is the tidy impact driver. This tool easily places structural screws with 1,100 in-lbs of torque, metered out by a variable speed trigger. With the two included 12-volt batteries you could set 3-inch screws for hours with this tiny, 4-inch-long and 1.7-pound impact driver.
Milwaukee M12 Subcompact 2-Tool Combo Kit Specs
- Voltage: 12V (M12 platform)
- Motor type: Brushless motors in both tools
- Kit includes:
M12 Subcompact Brushless 3/8" Drill/Driver (3401-20) M12 Subcompact Brushless 1/4" Hex Impact Driver (3450-20) (2) M12 REDLITHIUM CP2.0 battery packs M12 charger Contractor bag (2) belt clips
Drill/Driver Specs
- Chuck size: 3/8" metal chuck
- Max torque: 350 in-lbs
- Speed settings:
Low: 0–450 RPM High: 0–1,550 RPM - Length: 5.4 inches
- Weight: 2.0 lbs with battery
Impact Driver Specs
- Collet: 1/4" hex
- Max torque: 1,100 in-lbs
- Speed: 0–3,000 RPM
- Impact rate: up to 4,100 IPM
- Length: 4.3 inches
- Width: 2.0 inches
- Weight: 1.7 lbs with battery
Key Features
- Subcompact design for tight spaces and overhead work
- REDLINK Intelligence overload and temperature protection
- Compatible with all Milwaukee M12 batteries
- Part of the M12 system with 150+ compatible tools
- On-tool battery fuel gauge
- Internal metal gearcase (impact driver) for durability
- 5-year tool warranty / 2-year battery warranty
Why You Should Trust Me
Sal Vaglica has been testing gear for about 20 years. He previously served as a gear editor for Men's Journal and before that tested hand and power tools as an editor at This Old House magazine.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the Home Living section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 2:48 PM.