Hi everyone! I recently bought a house after living in apartments for quite a while, and now I'm looking to build up my tool collection. Currently, I just have a basic set of hand tools. I'm hoping to get some tips from experienced DIYers, especially since I'm pretty new to this whole thing. My dad is a pro with a legendary collection of tools from brands like Milwaukee, Makita, and DeWalt, and he's given me a nudge toward Milwaukee gear.
Right now, I really need a drill and a leaf blower. I found a bundle at Home Depot that includes a Milwaukee M18 drill and an M18 leaf blower. My dad suggests sticking to the M12 line for the drill because it's lighter, which is great for me since I have some issues from a previous hand surgery.
However, I want to make sure I'm making the right choice, especially with the leaf blower. I have a small yard with about 15 large trees and artificial turf that holds onto debris, and I'm tired of raking all the time. I'd love some advice on whether this combo kit is worth it or if there are better options!
3 Answers
Just a heads up, the drills in the kit weigh similarly, around 2.3 lbs. The main weight difference comes from the batteries. If you'll only be drilling a few holes now and then, I’d say stick to one battery platform. It makes life easier when you can switch batteries across tools. Given you're looking to maintain your yard, that kit looks like it could suit your needs!
I've used that leaf blower from the bundle, and honestly, it's decent but can feel like they're practically giving it away with the kits. I bet a lot of people already have one just sitting around. They definitely don't sell it alone much. If you don’t need a collector’s item, it might be worth considering grabbing something else unless you're keen on the set.
I own both the M12 and M18 drills, and trust me, there's a significant difference in their size and weight. The M12 is what I reach for most times for typical homeowner tasks. As for the leaf blower, I can't comment on that exact model, but I went with a Ryobi 40V instead since I was already in that system. It works well for cleanup!