Milwaukee M18 6-Tool Combo Kit (2696-26) review — practical starter set

Intro

The Milwaukee M18 Cordless LITHIUM-ION 6-Tool Combo Kit (model 2696-26) is a bundled starter set that puts six cordless power tools and a work light into one package. The listing frames this as an M18 system kit with 18-volt lithium-ion power, a six-count unit set, and a five-year limited warranty. Owner feedback shows a lot of satisfaction with value and basic performance, but also a handful of recurring complaints — mostly about heat, battery drainage or charger issues. This review walks gift shoppers through what the kit actually contains, how the tools behave in everyday use, and the specific risks that matter if you’re buying this for someone else.

What it is / first look

At face value this is a full starter combo for someone who wants one purchase to cover the essentials: the listing identifies the kit as Milwaukee M18 Cordless LITHIUM-ION 6-Tool Combo Kit, model 2696-26. The listing’s unit count is six, and the Included Components line names the items that make up those six pieces: an M18 1/2" Hammer Drill/Driver (2602-20), a 1/4" Hex Impact (2650-20), a Sawzall Recip Saw (2620-20), a 6" Circular (2630-20), a 4-1/2" Cut-off Grinder (2680-20), and a Work Light (49-24-0171).

Key technical facts pulled straight from the listing: the kit is listed under the M18 system at 18 volts, with lithium-ion battery chemistry noted. The manufacturer warranty is a 5 Year Limited Warranty. The listing also reports an amperage of 150 A and a battery charge time of 1 hours. The listing lists weight as 4.54 g (the listing appears to include this number twice), which reads like a listing error for a multi-tool kit — double-check the current product page for an accurate package weight when you buy.

There are no product images supplied in the data I received. If you’re picturing color, many Milwaukee tools use a red/black palette; the listing here doesn’t provide images so a conservative assumption is that the typical Milwaukee colorway is likely but not guaranteed.

Who this is a good gift for

Be practical: a multi-tool combo kit is a fairly specific present. Below are clear recipient matches and the one assumption that must be true for each to make this an appropriate gift.

The new-home DIYer who wants one-box coverage

Why it fits: the bundle covers the core cordless needs for common home projects — drilling, impact fastening, reciprocating cuts, circular cuts, surface grinding and a jobsite light. Assumption: the recipient needs a general-purpose starter set and doesn’t already own an M18 battery ecosystem.

The weekend renovator who likes value-packed kits

Why it fits: multiple owners praised this kit as a good value and called it a “starter set” they were happy to unwrap. Assumption: they want functional tools for periodic use rather than top-tier brushless performance under heavy daily professional loads.

A gift for someone expanding a Milwaukee collection

Why it fits: the kit uses Milwaukee’s M18 labeling, which indicates it belongs to that broader family. Assumption: the recipient either already runs M18 batteries or is planning to adopt the M18 ecosystem — verify exact battery/charger inclusions before buying (see checklist below).

A practical team or group gift for a trades trainee

Why it fits: people learning trades often need a baseline tool set and owners describe it as a happy starter kit. Assumption: the trainee needs a general-purpose kit rather than pro-level, all-brushless tools.

Who this is not for (preview)

If the recipient expects professional-grade brushless motors, extended heavy-duty runtime without extra batteries, or you need documented charger/battery inclusions, consider a different option or verify the listing specifics. Several owner comments explicitly note that a brushless alternative would be preferable for heavier use, and there were a few reports about charging or battery problems (see the Safety and "Who should skip it" sections).

In daily use

Owners who wrote positive notes emphasize the emotional and practical value: several describe the kit as a joyful starter set and say the tools “work great,” “work wonderful,” and deliver the expected functions. The repeated practical takeaways from multiple owners are straightforward: the tools do the jobs they’re advertised to do for general DIY and household jobs, and the kit is often viewed as “good value” compared with buying tools individually.

Battery life and charging

What owners report: a common positive thread is that batteries “last long and hold charge during non-usage,” which buyers called a plus for intermittent DIY work. The listing lists Battery Type as Lithium Ion and a Battery Charge Time of 1 hours; owners recommend buying extra batteries to lengthen continuous work time on bigger jobs. A minority of owners reported severe battery-related issues: one cited that the tools “absolutely destroy battery's and have no power at” and suspected non-genuine batteries; another noted a faulty charger that needed replacement. Those negative notes are uncommon in the total feedback pool but are worth watching if the gift recipient will be using the tools commercially or for long sessions.

Heat and motor behavior

Several owners remarked the tools can run hot during sustained use. One reviewer suggested that “brushless would be better,” which implies owners expected improved heat/durability performance from brushless motors; the listing itself does not specify whether the motors in this set are brushless. If the recipient will use tools for extended heavy work, heat and motor longevity are practical concerns.

Reliability and fit for purpose

Most owners said the kit performs as expected and offers a reliable baseline for home or light-professional use. Positive themes included “Happy with a purchase,” “Excellent product,” and “Better priced than local hardware / big box stores.” Owners who use the kit for standard household repairs and weekend projects reported satisfactory performance.

Materials & build quality

The listing provides high-level system facts (M18, 18 volts, lithium-ion), a long manufacturer warranty (5 Year Limited Warranty), and a specific parts list. The manufacturer is listed as Milwaukee and the model number is 2696-26. Beyond those facts, the listing does not provide detailed material calls (for example: housing materials, specific motor type, or casing materials). Owners’ lived-experience notes are the best source of build-quality signals here:

• Positive pattern: many owners explicitly praise the brand and value, calling Milwaukee a “great quality” and expressing satisfaction with being able to start a tool collection with this kit.
• Qualms: a few owners suggest brushless motors would be more durable, and a handful reported charger or battery problems that required replacement or warranty support.
• Warranty: the listing provides a 5 Year Limited Warranty, which is a concrete piece of manufacturer-level protection you can cite when gifting.

Bottom line: build quality is generally described as solid for a starter/mid-range kit by buyers, but the kit is not universally described as the highest professional tier. If extreme motor longevity and the latest brushless tech are priorities, this is an important caveat.

Safety considerations

Safety-first guidance for gift shoppers: pay attention to batteries/charger inclusion, heat in sustained use, and the odd listing weight and amperage entries.

• Battery/charger clarity: the listing names Battery Type and Battery Charge Time, but the Included Components line lists the six tools and the work light only. The listing data does not explicitly state whether batteries or a charger are included with the kit. Several owners advised purchasing extra batteries; one owner reported a charger that failed and had to be replaced. Make sure the current product page clarifies whether batteries and a charger are in the box before gifting.
• Tools running hot: multiple owner comments mention hot-running tools under load. That’s normal to some degree for cordlessly-driven power tools, but you should assume the recipient will need to pause for cooling during extended use and observe recommended duty cycles in the tool manual.
• Battery drain reports: while many owners praise battery life and charge retention, at least one buyer reported rapid battery depletion and questioned battery authenticity. If the recipient reports unusual battery behavior, stop heavy use and pursue warranty support through Milwaukee.
• Weight and specs: the listing lists weight as 4.54 g in two fields — which is clearly inconsistent with the physical reality of six cordless power tools. Treat that as a listing error and verify package weight and shipping details on the seller page prior to purchase (especially if you need to calculate shipping, portability, or gift travel).
• Warranty is on your side: the listing provides a 5 Year Limited Warranty — keep the paperwork and the order confirmation in case of defective chargers or early failures mentioned by some owners.

Who should skip it

• Anyone who needs all-brushless, professional-grade continuous-use tools: owner feedback specifically compares this set unfavorably to brushless options for heavy-duty or professional daily use. If the recipient’s work is trade-pro or heavy contractor use, a brushless-specific kit is the safer pick.
• Buyers who expect the kit to include multiple batteries and an explicit charger in the box without checking: the listing does not clearly state battery/charger inclusions in the Included Components line, so don’t assume batteries/charger are present without verification.
• Gift buyers on a strict budget who prefer single-purpose small gifts: this is presented as a premium-priced kit on the listing and should be treated as a main gift, not a stocking stuffer or small add-on.
• Gifts for teens or children: power tools are adult tools. The recipient should be a responsible adult familiar with power tool safety.

Verdict

The Milwaukee M18 6-Tool Combo Kit (2696-26) is a sensible, practical starter set that many owners report as a satisfying purchase. The strongest selling points are that it bundles the six most useful cordless tools and a work light under the M18 system, and it comes with a 5 Year Limited Warranty. Owner feedback repeatedly praises the felt value and basic on-the-job performance.

The main caveats for gift shoppers: the listing is unclear about whether batteries and a charger are included, a non-trivial minority of owners reported charger/battery issues, and several owners suggested a brushless alternative for heavier-duty demands. The listing also includes an apparent weight error (4.54 g) that you should confirm on the live product page.

Best gift fit

Buy this for someone who wants an all-in-one starter kit for home projects, a new homeowner assembling basic tools, or a hobbyist moving beyond hand tools. It’s a practical, confident main gift if you confirm battery/charger details and accept that the kit is likely aimed at home/DIY and light-pro use rather than nonstop trade-pro duty.

Check before you buy (quick checklist)

• Confirm whether batteries and a charger are included in the box — the listing’s Included Components lists only tools and a work light.
• Verify the package weight on the current product page; the listing’s weight fields read as inaccurate (4.54 g).
• Decide whether the recipient needs brushless tools for heavy professional work; several owners said a brushless kit would be better for that use-case.
• Keep the 5 Year Limited Warranty information and the order paperwork in case charger or early battery issues arise.
• Consider buying at least one spare battery if the recipient will use the kit for extended projects—owners advise extra batteries for long sessions.

Bottom line: recommend for a practical, value-minded gift for a DIYer, new homeowner, or hobbyist — with the important pre-purchase verifications listed above.

FAQ

The answers below come only from the product listing details and patterns in owner feedback supplied with the listing.

1. Q: How many tools are in the kit and what exactly do I get?

   A: The listing’s Unit Count is 6 and the Included Components list the six items: M18 1/2" Hammer Drill/Driver (2602-20), 1/4" Hex Impact (2650-20), Sawzall Recip Saw (2620-20), 6" Circular (2630-20), 4-1/2" Cut-off Grinder (2680-20), and a Work Light (49-24-0171).

2. Q: Does the kit include batteries and a charger?

   A: The listing provides a Battery Type (Lithium Ion) and a Battery Charge Time (1 hours), but the Included Components line lists the six tools and the work light only and does not explicitly state that batteries or a charger are included. Verify the current product page for battery/charger inclusions before purchasing.

3. Q: What voltage and battery chemistry does this kit use?

   A: The listing specifies 18 volts and lists the Battery Type as Lithium Ion.

4. Q: Is this a brushless tool set?

   A: The listing does not state whether the motors are brushless. Owner feedback includes a recurring comment that “brushless would be better,” which suggests some buyers would have preferred brushless motors; the listing itself is silent on motor type.

5. Q: How long is the warranty?

   A: The listing indicates a 5 Year Limited Warranty from the manufacturer.

6. Q: Are there any known reliability or safety issues I should know about?

   A: Owner notes show generally positive reliability for home use, but there are isolated reports of a faulty charger and a report of rapid battery drain in one review. Several owners also mention the tools can run hot under prolonged use. Given those patterns, verify battery/charger inclusions and keep warranty info handy in case of defects.

7. Q: The listing weight shows 4.54 g — is that the actual weight?

   A: The listing fields include Weight and Item Weight as 4.54 g; that reading is inconsistent with a six-tool cordless kit and appears to be a listing error. Confirm the accurate package weight on the current product page before buying if shipping, portability, or travel is relevant.