The Milwaukee Tools You'll Need To Complete Your Kit

Putting together your own basic tool kit is as much an adult milestone as perfecting your own signature potluck recipe or scheduling preventative medical appointments each and every year. Often, the first step to building your own tool kit is to choose a reputable brand that falls into the price range that works for your budget. Then, you can invest in the specific tools every homeowner should have for basic tasks like minor repairs and beginner DIYs. If this sounds like a lot of work, don't worry; we've done the work for you with the help of power tool expert Kelly Bradley.

A Senior Merchant at The Home Depot, Bradley offered exclusive advice for House Digest readers regarding the Milwaukee brand tool she recommends including in your kit. Why Milwaukee? "As a leader in the professional tool industry since 1924," the expert explained, "Milwaukee Tool is known by pros and doers alike for its durable and high-performing lineup of solutions."

If you're looking to build your first real grownup kit of power tools and power tool accessories, Kelly Bradley exclusively told House Digest that starting with the M12 FUEL™ 2-Tool Combo Kit is a good move. Bradley referred to the tools that come with the set as "the as the most powerful subcompact drill and the fastest driving subcompact impact driver, while being the overall most compact drill and impact driver solution. Featuring REDLITHIUM™ battery technology," she elaborated, "this user-friendly tool kit delivers superior performance, enhancing productivity."

As for other Milwaukee basics that Bradley believes outperform other brands' equivalents, she recommends the brand's cordless drills, multi-tools, reciprocating saws, and impact drivers in general. Specifically, the power tool specialist recommends the Milwaukee M18 FUEL™ 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Hammer Drill/Driver (Tool-Only), the Milwaukee M18™ 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool (Tool-Only), the Milwaukee M18 FUEL™ 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless HACKZALL® Reciprocating Saw (Tool-Only), and the Milwaukee M18 FUEL™ SURGE 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/4 in. Hex Impact Driver (Tool-Only). 

Whether you're a DIYer who came into this article already owning a curated tool kit or looking for the next step after acquiring all of Kelly Bradley's Milwaukee recommendations for a basic kit, a next step is available. For those who wish to cross the line from must-have tools to nice-to-have tools, Bradley has a more advanced recommendation: "The M18™ 4 Tool Combo Kit is an excellent choice, offering the versatility needed to cut, drill, and drive with ease," she exclusively told House Digest.

The kit includes the M18™ compact brushless ½-inch hammer drill, the M18™ compact brushless ¼-inch hex 3-Speed impact driver, the M18™ brushless 7-1/4-inch circular saw, and the M18™ Hackzall. The pro was quick to recommend Milwaukee's larger products, too. "Milwaukee's trade-focused solutions are built to deliver unmatched power, run-time, and durability to all trades — from landscapers to automotive and beyond," the pro expounded. "Shop equipment that outperforms even your best expectations, like blowers, chainsaws, and air compressors at The Home Depot." Here is some bonus advice: don't forget to take advantage of the retailer's convenient shipping and delivery services.