This combo kit combines Milwaukee's 18-volt cordless Power Plus Sawzall, the 18-volt Power Plus 1/2-inch hammer drill, and a durable contractor's bag. The Sawzall is an effective cordless version of Milwaukee's famous corded reciprocating saw, with a 1-inch stroke and a variable-speed trigger providing 0 to 2,000 spm. The saw also features Milwaukee's quick-locking, steel blade-clamp system for fast and easy tool-free blade changing. As a cordless tool, it's great for electricians, plumbers, contractors, demolition experts, or anyone else who desires the capacity to cut through wood or metal quickly, without being tethered by a cord. This saw cuts quickly and relatively smoothly for a reciprocating saw, and the 2.4 amp hr battery offers more work per battery charge than lesser ni-cads can provide. While the cordless Sawzall has a relatively low level of vibration, this could be further improved with a soft-cushion grip on the rear handle. That said, this is nonetheless a tough, effective saw, capable of most any job a corded reciprocating saw can do. The first thing one notices about the hammer drill is the reversible battery--a feature unique to Milwaukee drills and one that comes in handy when working tight spots. The tool's balance feels good with the battery attached either way, although--oddly enough--we found the reverse battery configuration a little better than the normal configuration. The hammer drill has two speed ranges, from 0 to 500 rpm and 0 to 1,600 rpm, and the hammer action produces 20,800 beats per minute. The five-planet gearing system delivers high-torque performance, as well as transmission durability with 20 clutch positions. You can choose between drill-only mode and hammer-only mode. The handle has a soft-cushion grip. The forward/reverse switch is placed just above the trigger, so you can easily change direction with the trigger hand without significantly changing your grip. The free contractor's bag not only sports the cool Milwaukee logo, but it's also plenty big enough to carry both tools, and lives up to Milwaukee's "Nothing But Heavy Duty" motto. --Brian Trinen
