As you probably already saw, I came out with a new Best Cordless Drills recommendations post for 2015 earlier today. While checking on the availability of Milwaukee’s new compact brushless drill, I came across a new drill kit that’s priced at just $99. Surely that can’t right. Can it?
The new Milwaukee M18 drill kit, model 2606-21CT, really does look to be priced at $99. I then realized that Andrew mentioned this combo in the comments section of the $89 impact driver deal post from the other day.
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For $99, you get the drill/driver, a compact Li-ion battery (1.5Ah??), and presumably a charger to recharge the battery. The 21CT part of the model number is how we know the kit only comes with a single compact battery pack.
The drill delivers 500 in-lbs of max torque (same as the new Milwaukee M18 compact brushless drill), weighs in at 2.9 lbs, measures 7-1/4″ long, and features an all-metal gear case, 1/2″ metal ratcheting chuck, and a 2-speed gearbox (0-400, 0-1800 RPM).
Milwaukee says that the M18 2606 is the most compact drill driver in its class and is more powerful than the competition.
There’s also a (2) battery kit for $169, a bare tool for $99 (same price as this kit!), and a special bonus bundle (2) battery kit that comes with a free screwdriver and screwdriver bit set.
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
Buy Now(Other Kit Options via HD)
What’s the catch? It looks like there’s no carrying case, or maybe it just comes with a soft case instead of Milwaukee’s usual hardshell case, and there’s only 1 Li-ion battery pack. As far as I can tell, the 2606-21CT is a Home Depot exclusive combo, as it doesn’t look to be available at any other authorized dealer.
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My local stores all have between 5 and 10 kits in stock, which might indicate that this could be intended as a Father’s Day special. Maybe?
In any case, this looks to be a fantastic deal. It’s not unheard of, but it’s a little surprising for Milwaukee to offer their latest brushed motor drill as part of a special combo instead of the previous generation model.
If this kit comes with a regular M18 1.5Ah battery pack and their typical charger, then it provide great entry into Milwaukee’s M18 lineup. Or, if you’d rather have an impact driver, that deal is still going on for one more day, thru the end of 4/23/15, unless supplies sell out sooner.
There’s no mention of an sale price expiration date of any kind.
What do you think? Tempting deal on a regular single battery drill/driver kit (as opposed to a cheapened “special buy” model which is sometimes the case), or is there some other catch that I am somehow missing?
KL
I’ve handled the kit in-store, it’s most definitely in a hard case w the cardboard blouse slipped over. Too bad, straight to recycling the plastic cases go for me!!
Andrew
KL, I’ll gladly take those cases off your hands! 🙂
Andrew
I saw the kit in-store: it does come with a hard case; 1.5 battery and dual (M12/18) charger. The deal was supposed to end last Sunday, but since the item isn’t regularly-stocked, they’re still selling them at $99.
Free tip: if your home depot doesn’t have this exact item in stock (It says “Special Buy” on the cardboard packaging, show them this item’s listing on the app and grab one of the $169 versions (which comes with the two batteries) and they’ll likely match the price. Worked for myself and two friends at stores in our area.
OnTheWeb
I paid $270 for my first Makita 12v impact driver way back when it was maybe the only one on the market and you could only read about it in a magazine. These tools are cheap.
Bill
I picked up one of this over the weekend. I’m a new homeowner and this is my first drill. I notice seeing electric sparks through the vents once I release the trigger. Is this normal?
adam
yes. unless you get a top of the line brushless, sparks are normal.
Stuart
Yep, as Adam mentioned, sparks are normal. Brushless drills don’t spark, since contact between motor brushes and motor is what causes the sparking, and certain brands’ sealed drills don’t spark.
Pete
Oh man, I want it but the knowing the Makita is double the torque breaks my heart. lol my m12 kit can do nearly everything it just takes some time
Josh
Several years ago I bought some 18v hitatchi drill. Looks like a ninja turtle. It’s been a good drill, but lately the steel chuck has been hard to use. Even though I keep it in the case when not using, it managed to get rusty to the point where I have to work hard to get it to open and close around a bit.
I have been thinking of upgrading to Milwaukee. I want a tool brand that has a tool in all the categories so the batteries can be swapped. Should I go with this one, or hold out for one of those fancy brushless Fuels?
Pete
In my opinion the brushless is only for the guys that need the most out of each battery because theyre nowhere near a power source. I on the other hand am almost always by a power source.
For the fuel price tag you can buy more tools!
John A
okay, let’s do some simple math. Who is this special, you get the drill, one charger, and one standard battery and a hard case for $99.
The regular price is now a new lower price of $169 but comes with an additional battery. An additional battery would be $79. So, is it a good deal?
John A
I will say however, the 2697-22-2361-20 combo kit comes with the 2607-20 1/2″ HAMMER drill, 2656-20 impact driver, (2) 48-11-1828 M18 XC high capacity batteries, 48-59-1801 charger and a contractors bag, on sale now for $279 ($20 off) AND you get a FREE light which has received rave reviews.
So, in fact, I would be saving $120.00 !!
I personally have some attic and basement projects coming up, and I KNOW I will be using the light.
Also, being the batteries and HIGH CAP., makes it even more tempting…
I don’t know, the drill offer doesn’t seem that good, they are just taking away a $79 battery and lowering the price, that’s right, $79.. ?????
Andrew
link?
Josh
That’s a good point. However, I’m going to look at it like this. If I already own some 18v Milwaukee tools or if I plan to buy other 18v Milwaukee tools, the batteries are interchangeable. This tool is costing the same as the version with zero batteries. So It’s more like you are getting a free battery that you will be able to use with the rest of your stuff, and a $99 drill.
John A
The link to the combo kit with the light and HIGH cap. batteries is here>>>
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M18-18-Volt-Cordless-Lithium-Ion-Hammer-Drill-Impact-Driver-XC-Combo-Kit-with-Free-M18-LED-Flood-Flash-Light-2697-22-2361-20/205809628
Good point Josh, low CAP. battery though, I’m getting the one in the link above, BUT holding onto receipt until AFTER Memorial day 😉 Just in case…..
Andrew
Thanks, John. I missed that when I was looking through last night — think I was looking for one with the flashlight and wasn’t paying attention. I see the Hammer Drill/Impact driver with XC batteries and an third XC is the same price. I may take the ones I just got back and upgrade. Not a bad deal.
John A
Psssstt… I used the competitors 20% off coupon and got it for $219.20 + tax….. If the offer is not avail, sit tight, we have father’s day and memorial day sales coming up….