Is Walmart's Low Priced Milwaukee Impact Driver Kit Deal Worth Buying?

Milwaukee has an outstanding reputation for high-quality, durable equipment. They are second only to DeWalt when the best power tool brands are ranked and are the top pick with many professionals. So when a Milwaukee impact driver kit deal comes along at Walmart, claiming to save a massive $278.01 on the list price, people are bound to pay attention. They currently have it listed at just $179.99.

Milwaukee produces several kits, so to avoid confusion, this is part number 3497-22. It comprises their M12 FUEL ½-inch Hammer Drill, M12 FUEL ¼-inch Impact Driver, two batteries, a charger, and a carry bag. It could be an attractive bundle for keen DIYers and home auto enthusiasts who need tools that are more powerful than a standard drill driver.

So, is it worth buying? The reduction in the price seems tremendous, but Walmart hasn't been entirely accurate with the amount you'll save. Over at Amazon, the list price is $194.95. Home Depot has it at $229.00. So yes, it's cheaper at Walmart, but not by the huge margin they suggest. However, that shouldn't detract from whether this is a deal worth buying. These are excellent tools, and it's a competitive price, so let's look at the pros and cons in more detail.

These are 12-volt tools, so they don't have the outright performance of the brand's 18-volt (M18) models, but they should in no way be considered underpowered. This is borne out by one Walmart customer who said, "More than enough power for most DIY jobs." The M12 models are more compact and maneuverable, so you can get them into tighter spaces. In fact, one of the batteries is a CP (compact) version to further reduce bulk.

The "FUEL" designation means these tools have brushless motors that maximize battery power and offer increased reliability. Milwaukee claims the hammer drill is the most powerful subcompact drill driver on the market, and the other tool is the fastest subcompact impact driver. Judging by customer feedback at Walmart, the combo is certainly popular. It gets a 4.6-star rating, with one buyer saying, "Love these for their size and weight, small and light but also very powerful." At Home Depot, it gets an even higher 4.8 stars, and comments like "Tools of incredible performance, comfort, and strength" are common.

A hammer drill and an impact driver might not be among the must-buy power tools for first-time homeowners, but for those who are going to tackle more challenging tasks like building decks and patios, these tools are unlikely to disappoint. However, Walmart does call it a "Flash Deal," so it's worth checking whether the price has changed before you buy.

While hammer drills are widely understood and fairly common, the same may not be true for impact drivers, and there are things you should know about the tool before buying. There's little point in buying any kit if one of the main components is misunderstood, and it's going to be underused.

Even when their prices are reduced, Milwaukee's contractor-focused tools still carry something of a premium compared to consumer brands. Ryobi, one of the best power tool brands according to Home Depot customers, has an 18V drill (though not a hammer drill) and impact driver kit at $149.00. If you only need an impact driver, Skil has one for $80.00. If you already own cordless power tools from another brand, it's also worth considering whether you want the hassle of another set of batteries and a charger cluttering up the place or whether it's simply more convenient to buy from the same platform.

The power tool market can be very confusing, and retailer deals are common, so it's important to shop around. While Milwaukee has long been a favorite with pros, if you seldom use a hammer drill or impact driver, you can find more budget-friendly alternatives from brands like Ryobi, Craftsman, Kobalt, and Skil. For the dedicated DIY enthusiast or tradesperson, Walmart's low-priced Milwaukee impact driver kit deal could be well worth buying. For the occasional weekend warrior, perhaps not so much.