Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Milwaukee M12 FUEL Brushless Hammer Drill & Impact Driver Combo Kit (2-Tool)
Best Compact 12VSKIL PWRCore 12V Brushless Drill Driver & Impact Driver Kit (CB736701)
Best Ultra-BudgetPrice
$146-$229
$68-$100
Summary
The M12 FUEL combo punches well above its weight — community members report building decks with it and using it daily for professional carpentry. At under $150 on sale, it's the best compact kit for tight-space work.
At under $70, the SKIL PWRCore 12V is the only brushless combo kit that won't break the bank for light DIY use. The patented PWRCore battery tech delivers 25% longer runtime than standard 12V batteries.
Pros
- FUEL brushless motor delivers professional-grade performance in a compact 12V package
- Includes 45-piece bit set when purchased at Home Depot during promotions
- Extremely lightweight — ideal for overhead work and tight spaces
- Compatible with the full M12 ecosystem of 100+ tools
- The Spruce named the M12 FUEL drill their top overall cordless drill pick
- Brushless motors in both tools at a sub-$70 price point — rare at this tier
- PWRCore 12 battery wraps each cell with cooling material for 25% longer runtime and 2x battery life
- PWRJump charger goes from 0% to 25% in just 5 minutes for quick top-ups
- Hybrid chuck on drill driver accepts 1/4-inch hex bits without tightening
- 4.8/5 stars from Walmart customer reviews
Cons
- 12V limits runtime and power on heavy-duty tasks like driving ledger locks all day
- Can overheat in extreme heat conditions during repetitive high-torque applications
- M12 batteries not interchangeable with M18 tools — separate ecosystem investment
- Hammer drill function is underwhelming for serious concrete work
- 12V limits power for heavy-duty tasks — not suitable for professional or sustained use
- Smaller ecosystem than DEWALT or Milwaukee — fewer compatible tools available
- Community members suggest waiting for a larger kit deal for better long-term value
- Not ideal if you plan to expand into outdoor power equipment on the same battery platform
Our take
Don't dismiss 12V. The M12 FUEL is shockingly capable for its size, and if you work in tight spaces or overhead constantly, you'll reach for this over an 18V kit more often than you'd expect.
If you're a renter or occasional DIYer who just needs something reliable for furniture assembly and picture hanging, SKIL's PWRCore kit is genuinely impressive for the price. Don't expect it to replace a pro-grade tool, but for the money it's hard to beat.
Buy
The verdict
Get the Milwaukee M12 FUEL Brushless Hammer Drill & Impact Driver Combo Kit (2-Tool) if you want compact 12v performance. Get the SKIL PWRCore 12V Brushless Drill Driver & Impact Driver Kit (CB736701) if you value ultra-budget more. Both are excellent choices in cordless drill impact driver combo kits.
