I'm a new homeowner and considering whether the M18 Fuel Drill and Surge Impact Driver combo is a smart purchase for my needs. The combo looks great, but I'm worried about overpaying or if it's overkill since I'm not really a pro and will only be tackling small projects around the house. I might eventually attempt to build something like a table, plus the extra battery seems appealing. With prices and tariffs potentially affecting deals soon, I'm eager to make informed big purchases. On a related note, are DeWalt's gold and black drill bits good, or should I go for the Bosch M42 set instead?
3 Answers
I can't say for sure if it's a great deal, but I've used the non-Fuel version for about a decade and it's held up well for various projects. I paid around $250 back then and found them really useful for home tasks!
I would be cautious about the Surge impact driver. It has about 50% less power because it uses hydraulic compression instead of the traditional hammer-and-anvil system. If you're just doing small tasks like hanging TVs or fixing doors, it could work for you. But if you're planning any larger projects, like constructing a deck, you might want to stick with the regular impact driver instead. Also, some say it has 75% less torque, just something to keep in mind!
I don't have any giant projects planned either, but having the option could be nice in the future.
You might want to save some cash and consider the M12 version instead. It’s lighter, and still more than capable for home use. Check out this link for the kit that’s around $200 less. That said, if you’re sticking with M18, look into this alternative kit with a better impact driver; it often comes with a free tool or battery, and for $399, it’s worth shopping around to ensure you’re getting the best deal!
Thanks! I’ll check it out. I was hoping to keep everything M18 since I already have a weed eater that uses those batteries.
Yeah, the Surge is quieter but for heavy-duty tasks, you do lose a lot of power.