5 Budget-Friendly Milwaukee Tools To Use Around The House Without Breaking The Bank
Well-made tools are a workman's best friend, which is why brands like Milwaukee have long been the preferred choice of professionals and serious DIYers alike. Never skimping on quality details, Milwaukee fits the niche for those who want top-tier performance and are willing to pay for it. With some of their heavy-duty construction equipment costing well over $10,000, you can expect to shell out big bucks to build a comprehensive single-brand tool arsenal. But when you're just starting to assemble a practical set of supplies, you'll be pleased to find there are some high-value tools bearing the Milwaukee label that are available at a much more approachable price point.
There are numerous manual and power Milwaukee tools that won't break the bank, though not all the electric products come with batteries. Like many other manufacturers, Milwaukee's system uses interchangeable proprietary batteries (M12 and M18) that work across various tools. As long as you have the batteries, all you need are the tool shells. Milwaukee is an excellent brand to get behind in this regard, delivering ever-reliable functionality in different battery packs designed for optimal power output, longevity, and maneuverability. Plus, it makes their high-quality equipment more affordable. To start building your Milwaukee collection, check out these five budget-friendly tools under $100 that any homeowner can appreciate.
Milwaukee 18V Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Compact Drill/Driver
An all-purpose drill is essential for tons of different jobs around the home, and the Milwaukee 18V Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Compact Drill/Driver offers a streamlined option that balances quality and value. Retailing at $98.99 on Amazon (without the battery), this drill may be slight in size and low in cost, but its top-end performance will deliver solid results across a range of applications. M18 battery compatibility and a quick, powerful brushless motor set it among the more efficient tools to add to your collection. You can choose different 18-volt batteries for lighter weight or longer lifespans and higher output. Meanwhile, a variable speed trigger, two speed settings going up to 1,700 RPM, and a mechanical clutch let you dial in the perfect level of control for the job.
Further improving the drill's efficiency is REDLINK Intelligence. The battery constantly adjusts to the job, adapting to heavy-duty, high-temperature situations to avoid damage and premature wear. A solid all-metal gear case protects against shock and impacts, ensuring lasting utility. At only 5.7 inches long, the lightweight and ergonomic product is also easier to maneuver in tight spaces than the average drill. It's multi-faceted, dependable, and budget-friendly, offering daily benefits for most DIYers.
M18 Random Orbit Sander
When you're facing a sanding project, you can save time and effort using a lightweight, easy-to-use cordless tool. And with the Milwaukee Electric Tools M18 Random Orbit Sander ($93.99 on Amazon), you'll also save money on a practical and powerful product. Corded power reaches up to 12,000 OPM to rapidly sand assorted surfaces. For added control, a variable speed dial lets you adjust the 5-inch sander's speed to match the project, delivering fast and steady operation.
Alongside its power, the sander's cordless design and light, 2-pound body make it easy to pull out for any random project. Plus, you get a dust collection apparatus to make the task safer and cleanup more convenient. Attach the canister for fuss-free dust capture. Or, use the universal hose adapter to set up your vacuum for handling messier jobs. It's flexible for countless uses around the house. Since it's a key omission from Milwaukee's 9-tool combo kit, this value-priced product is worth grabbing to complete your collection. The sander is good for 35 minutes of use with a 3.0Ah battery pack, giving you plenty of juice for stripping furniture finishes, smoothing coarse wood, sanding drywall mud, and much more!
6-Piece Phillips and Slotted Head Screwdriving Set
Quality screwdrivers are tools any homeowner should have, and, paired with an all-purpose cordless drill, you can accomplish the majority of everyday household drilling and driving projects. For these simple hand tools, comfort and durability are the primary concerns. And Milwaukee's 6-Piece Phillips and Slotted Head Screwdriving Set shines on both fronts. Ergonomic tri-lobe handles enhance comfort and boost power for high-torque applications, offering dependable performance that the brand backs with a limited lifetime warranty. Featuring #1, #2, and #3 Phillips screwdrivers and three slotted sizes for just $22.97, this kit can manage most DIY jobs you'll encounter for years to come.
Adding to the kit's accommodating design are the magnetic tips. No more dropping screws under furniture or off ladders, saving you tons of time and aggravation dealing with slips. Meanwhile, convenient holes on the handles offer more storage options. Each driver also displays the head type on the handle, making them easier to identify when pulling them out of your tool kit. End to end, these screwdrivers are as user-friendly as they are budget-friendly, making every DIY easier on the hands and quicker to complete.
Fastback Flip Utility Knife 2 Piece Set
Looking for a great gift for the handy homeowner in your life? Keeping a utility knife on hand helps with a ton of chores you'll come across during the day, and Milwaukee delivers several clever combo contraptions to make life easy in its Fastback utility knives. Some feature pocket knife blades and others utility blades, with various add-ons such as screwdrivers and wire strippers that let you do more with one tool. Each piece is affordable and super functional, and you can still expect the brand's commitment to build quality no matter which style you choose.
In the Fastback Flip Utility Knife 2 Piece Set ($36.50 on Amazon), you can knock out everything from opening boxes to cutting carpet with convenient one-handed press and flip action. The knife even includes a wire stripper and gut hook to accomplish more projects around the house. An additional storage section holds five extra blades, so you'll always have a fresh piece available for efficient cuts. Milwaukee claims its blades stay sharp five times longer than comparable options, so the 50 replacement blades that come with the set should last quite a while. And, thanks to the durable metal casing, the knife itself will offer a lifetime of use.
18V Cordless Hackzall Reciprocating Saw
As the makers of the original Sawzall, Milwaukee is one of the most trusted reciprocating saw brand's you can find. The classic design quality extends to its M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hackzall Reciprocating Saw, a versatile cutting device that supplies several advantages in the house and outdoors. With the help of its impressively fast cutting speed, you can breeze through wood, PVC, and metal with a single hand. Use it to break off old fasteners, resize piping, and easily remove established shrubs and branches in the garden. Thanks to a dual gear anti-vibration system and its lightweight, compact design, it makes work more accurate and less stressful.
Other handy features include an LED light for visibility in any conditions and a QUIK LOK blade clamp. Changing blades couldn't be simpler than the onboard latch to secure and release blades as needed. Unfortunately, the blades and battery don't come with the tool, which only costs $68.55 on Amazon. But since it's on the M18 system, it can borrow batteries from your Milwaukee drill or sander. Meanwhile, the optional bi-metal thin kerf blades promise more cuts before you need to change blades or batteries. From demo to new builds, a Hackzall's rough-cutting capability can be an excellent solution to many DIY needs.