Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless 1/2" Drill/Driver Kit (3601-22CT) review

The Milwaukee 3601-22CT is the most compact drill we compared. Milwaukee lists it at 5.7 in long and 3.2 lbs with the kitted battery, and the brushless motor delivers 550 in-lbs of torque across two speeds (0 to 550 and 0 to 1,700 RPM). An all-metal gear case and a 1/2 in metal chuck are aimed at jobsite durability, and the clutch has 13 settings. The kit includes two M18 REDLITHIUM CP2.0 batteries, a charger that takes both M18 and M12 packs, and a contractor bag, so you get a spare battery without paying extra. Milwaukee covers the tool for 5 years and the battery for 2, the longest tool warranty on this list alongside Bosch. Against that, Milwaukee's page shows no price, the 1,700 RPM top speed trails the Ryobi HP and DeWalt, and 13 clutch steps give less fine control for small screws.

Who it is for

tight spaces and overhead work

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• 550 in-lbs of torque
• 2 speeds at 0 to 550 and 0 to 1,700 RPM
• 5.7 in long and 3.2 lbs with the kitted battery
• All-metal gear case and 1/2 in metal chuck
• Two M18 REDLITHIUM CP2.0 batteries, M18 and M12 multi-voltage charger and contractor bag

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Shortest drill on this list at 5.7 in
• Strength: 5 year tool warranty and 2 year battery warranty
• Strength: Charger takes both M18 and M12 batteries
• Weakness: Milwaukee's page shows no price and links to retailers
• Weakness: Top speed of 1,700 RPM is lower than the Ryobi HP, DeWalt and Craftsman
• Weakness: 13 clutch settings, fewer than Ryobi's 24 or Bosch's 20

Key facts

• Torque: 550 in-lbs
• Speed: 0 to 550 / 0 to 1,700 RPM
• Length: 5.7 in
• Weight: 3.2 lbs with battery
• Warranty: 5 year tool, 2 year battery

Where it ranks

Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless 1/2" Drill/Driver Kit (3601-22CT) is No. 4 in our Best Cordless Drills verdict.