The short answer
Start with drilling and fastening, then add tools by job. A homeowner who handles interior repairs needs a different lineup than someone maintaining a wooded property. Staying on one battery platform can reduce duplicate chargers and batteries, but it only saves money when the tools fit your work.
1. Best first purchase: hammer drill and impact driver kit
The Milwaukee 3697-22 kit covers the two most common cordless tasks: drilling holes and driving fasteners. It is the most logical foundation for remodeling, deck repairs, hardware installation, and general maintenance because the kit includes batteries and a charger.
Read the Milwaukee 3697-22 combo-kit guide →
2. Best for property cleanup: handheld blower
The 2724-20 blower is useful for hard surfaces, grass clippings, light leaves, garages, and quick cleanup. It is easier to reach for than a gas blower, but sustained work and heavy debris increase battery demand.
Read the Milwaukee 2724-20 blower guide →
3. Best cutting tool for remodeling: oscillating multi-tool
The 2836-20 can make controlled plunge cuts, undercut trim, scrape residue, and handle detail sanding. It earns its place when a circular or reciprocating saw is too aggressive.
Read the Milwaukee 2836-20 multi-tool guide →
4. Best for rough cutting: HACKZALL or SAWZALL
Choose the compact HACKZALL for access, lighter pruning, pipe, and selective demolition. Choose the full-size SAWZALL for repeated two-handed demolition cuts and thicker material.
Compare HACKZALL vs. SAWZALL →
5. Best for small messes: two-gallon wet/dry vacuum
The 0880-20 is a portable cleanup tool for vehicles, punch-list work, small spills, and localized dust. Its strength is convenience, not replacing a full-size shop vacuum.
Read the Milwaukee 0880-20 vacuum guide →
6. Best for finish work: random orbit sander
The 2648-20 makes sense for flat surfaces, touchups, and projects where cordless movement matters. Abrasive choice and dust collection affect the result as much as the bare tool.
Read the Milwaukee 2648-20 sander guide →
7. Best for larger properties: QUIK-LOK string trimmer
The 3016-21ST kit is a stronger fit for buyers who want an attachment-capable outdoor system. Consider balance, runtime, storage, and which attachments you will realistically use.
Read the Milwaukee 3016-21ST trimmer guide →
8. Best low-cost upgrades: blades, bits, filters, and batteries
Consumables can improve tools you already own and often cost less than adding another bare tool. Compatibility matters: match the accessory to the exact tool, material, size, and speed rating.
See five useful Milwaukee accessories →
How to build the lineup without overspending
- Buy a kit first when you need batteries and a charger.
- Add bare tools only when they solve a recurring job.
- Budget for blades, bits, abrasives, filters, chain supplies, and protective equipment.
- Compare package contents and seller details—not just the model photo.
- Skip specialized tools until the work justifies them.