If you missed the premiere of our new buying guide series, here's the scoop – and we put ourselves in your shoes. We know what it's like to stare at a sea of options without knowing what the best drill and impact driver set is, or how to determine which of these features and specs make sense and which are just hype. So take it from the pros at Pro Tool Reviews – here's our pick of the best drill and impact driver 2 tool combo kits in several major categories.
Editor's note: Check out our best cordless drill kits under $150 article.
Remember we're looking at the 18V/20V Max category – 12V is a whole category and it's deep enough for us to peruse all the same advice you'll find here.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2 Tool Combo Kit (3697-22)
When you need the best overall 2-tool drill and impact driver combo set, we employ a "pay for what you pay for" mindset. Having said that, it's hard to go wrong with the Milwaukee 3697-22 M18 Fuel Drill and Impact Driver Set. These 4th generation brushless tools have more torque and speed than their predecessors. The 2904 is one of the best cordless drills on the market with the added auto-stop feature for extra safety while drilling. We also like the triple LED lights on the new impact driver, and the 2,000 inch-pounds of torque borderline is almost more than you'll ever need in a tool like this (heretic, we know). The kit costs around $399 and includes two 5Ah batteries.
drill size
- Model: Milwaukee 2904-20
- Maximum no-load speed: 2,100 RPM
- Impact Rate: 0 – 33,000 BPM
- Maximum Torque: 1,400 in-lbs
- Weight: 3.3 lbs
Impact driver specification
- Model: Milwaukee 2953-20
- Maximum no-load speed: 3,000 RPM
- Impact rate: 0-4,400 IPM
- Maximum Torque: 2,000 in-lbs
- Weight: 2.24 lbs
The Best Drill and Impact Driver Kits for Professionals on a Budget
GEN5X Brushless 18V Compact Hammer Drill/Driver and Impact Combo
Not everyone benefits from the spending power of big construction companies, and sometimes the money you save on tools means more money in your pocket. That doesn't mean you want the cheapest tool. After all, you are a professional and need professional performance. If you're after the Ridgid R9208 Brushless Drill and Impact Driver Kit, it's just $269. We also often see it discounted. With a variety of other budget-conscious Ridgid tools available as add-ons, it further points the scales in favor of this top pick.
drill size
- Model: Rich R86116
- Maximum no-load speed: 2,100 RPM
- Impact rate: 27,300 BPM
- Maximum Torque: 700 in-lbs
- Weight: 3.0 lbs
Impact driver specification
- Model: Richie R86037
- Maximum no-load speed: 2,750 RPM
- Impact rate: not listed
- Maximum torque: 2,250 lb-in.
- Weight: 3.0 lbs
Best Lightweight Drill and Impact Driver Set
DeWalt Atomic 20V 2 Tool Combo Kit DCK254E2
The DeWalt DCF850 20V Impact Driver breaks all records with a compact head length of less than 4 inches. It even makes the 4th generation Milwaukee 2953 punchier in comparison. With 1825 in-lbs of torque and 3250 RPM, this tool stands out in its class. However, don't expect it to hold up well over extended periods of maximum torque driving. The physically larger DeWalt DCF887 still beats it there.
Still, you'll love the kit's compact size and power. That doubles when you realize it also includes two 2.0Ah DeWalt PowerStack batteries.
drill size
- Model: DEWALT DCD709
- Maximum no-load speed: 1,650 RPM
- Impact rate: 0-28,050 BPM
- Maximum Torque: 340 UWO (see our: Units in Watts article)
- Weight: 2.5 lbs
Impact driver specification
- Model: DeWalt DCF850
- Maximum no-load speed: 3,250 RPM
- Impact rate: 0-3,600 IPM
- Maximum Torque: 1,825 lb-in
- Weight: 2.1 lbs
Best Value Drill and Impact Driver Sets
Ryobi HP 18V Brushless Compact Drill and Impact Kit PSBCK01K
Of course, your day job isn't a trade job, but you have a flair for building and fixing things and expect professional results. Jumping all the way to pro-level pricing isn't an option, but you want a great-value kit that delivers. Maybe you're willing to sacrifice some of the latest features for solid performance. If this sounds like you, grab the great value Ryobi PSBCK01K drill and impact driver kit for around $179.
The ONE+ HP series does a great job of reducing the bulk inherent to previous Ryobi 18V tools. Both the tools and the battery feel thinner and more manageable. If you want something with more patterns and a hammer drill, the pricier Ryobi PBLCK02K kit will set you back an extra $50.
drill size
- Model: Ryobi PSBDD01
- Maximum no-load speed: 1,700 RPM
- Maximum Torque: 400 in-lbs
- Weight: 1.0 lbs
- Length: 6.4 inches
Impact driver specifications
- Model: Ryobi PSBID01
- Maximum no-load speed: 2,900 RPM
- Impact rate: 3,800 IPM
- Maximum Torque: 1,700 in-lbs
- Weight: 1.84 lbs
The best drill and impact driver kits for homeowners
HART Tools 20V Cordless Combo Kit HPCK202BN
If you consider yourself a DIYer or homeowner looking for a basic tool set, HART Tools has some great products. We don't recommend them for professionals, but many of our readers only need a tool for occasional use. In this case, this basic toolset of HART provides extraordinary value. It retails for $129, and we've often seen it on sale for $99 — including two 1.5Ah batteries and a charger.
The Brushed HART HPDD01 1/2-Inch Drill Bit covers the basics and should be good for wood drilling and basic fastening. The HART HPID01 Impact Driver delivers up to 1700 inch-pounds of torque for just about any basic fastening job you can think of. You really don't need to pay more for a drill/impact combo kit for occasional use.
drill size
- Model: HART HPDD01
- Maximum no-load speed: 1,600 RPM
- Weight: 3.0 lbs
- Length: 7.7 inches
Impact driver specifications
- Model: HART HPID01
- Maximum no-load speed: 2,500 RPM
- Maximum Torque: 1,700 in-lbs
- Weight: 2.6 lbs
Best FLEX Drill and Impact Driver Set
FLEX FXM204-2B 24V Cordless Drill with Turbo Mode and Quick Pop Impact Driver Kit
This 24V drill and impact driver kit gives you the powerful Flex FX1171T drill and the FX1371A impact driver in quick pop mode. The drill has 1400 inch-pounds of torque, while the impact driver provides 2500 inch-pounds of torque. These are very powerful tools. If you want a hammer drill and a FLEX stacked lithium battery, spend an extra $150 on the upgraded FXM202-2G kit.
The only downside to all this functionality is weight. These tools are expected to sacrifice compactness for the enhanced functionality they provide. Based on the feedback we've received, many of our readers don't mind this.
Best Makita Drill Bit and Impact Driver Set
Makita 18V LXT Lithium Ion Brushless Cordless 2-Pack. combination kit
We can't help but love the Makita XT268T Impact Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit. You get similar performance to Milwaukee, but without some features (such as autostop). We do think the Makita wins out in terms of ergonomics, though, and it's a bit less expensive. Makita batteries have been one of the most reliable brands for years, and the included charger will charge the battery in about 45 minutes — faster than most.
This kit gives you a really fast and powerful Makita XPH07 Hammer Drill with an included 3-speed Makita XDT14 Impact Driver. All this, plus a sturdy case to keep it safe and sound in the back of your work truck.
Metabo HPT KC18DBFL2CM MultiVolt 2 Tool 18V Brushless Combo Kit
Metabo HPT appears to be anti-inflation. The prices of their tools seem to have stayed the same or even dropped over the past year. In either case, the Metabo HPT three-hammer impact driver continues to impress. For just $199, the kit includes two sturdy tools, several 3Ah batteries, and a charger. Throw them in the included soft bag and you should be good to go on any job site.
With 1832 (oddly specific) inch pounds on the impact driver and a respectable impact drill, this kit offers a lot of performance for the price.
Why Use a Drill and Impact Driver Kit?
The Drill and Impact Driver 2 Tool Combo Kit is the best selling kit and there is something for everyone. For the pros, you can use the drill bit in the drill and the bit in the impact driver to drill pilot holes and drive screws without changing bits. Even if it's not the task at hand, a drill is your go-to tool for making holes, and an impact driver is your screwdriving specialist. Projects are always easier and faster when you have the right tool for the task at hand – and in many cases, this is a toolkit.
What is the standard?
We looked at each brand offering a 2-tool drill and impact driver combo kit to find the overall best performance, price, ergonomics, depth and warranty for the 18V/20V Max line. Many brands offer more than one combo kit at multiple price points, and we took those into consideration. Advertising partners are included but have not been unfairly considered in our selection. From an objective standpoint, it's all about which kit is the best in each category.
We don't provide a 12V tool for this set, although there are some good options. Some even have performance close to this higher voltage group. Ultimately, however, they do need to be seen as a group of their own. So keep an eye out for the 12V buying guide!
Disagree with our selection?
It doesn't matter! We know that personal preference comes first when determining the best cord drill and impact driver set, and that every deal is different. Do Pro Tool Nation a favor and tell us what your top picks are and why you like them. Feel free to drop it in the comments below or on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
At Pro Tool Reviews, we have our finger on the pulse of the tool industry. We're always on the lookout for the latest press releases and researching the latest tools. The tools most relevant to our professional audience make it into our editorial calendar for review. As an independent evaluation, we conduct hands-on reviews of more than 200 tools each year. We ran dozens of them through head-to-head tool comparisons. In addition, we've been awarded hundreds of other tools at national and international media events and trade shows. With a team of professional reviewers covering every major trade involved in the construction process, you are sure to get expert advice every time.
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