The Milwaukee 3494-23R M12 three-tool combo kit is back for the 2026 holiday season at $199. It bundles the compact brushless drill and impact driver with the older brushed 3/8-inch ratchet, two 2Ah batteries, a charger, and a bag.
ToolGuyd flagged the return on Oct 27.
Here is the real question. Is the $149 two-tool kit sitting next to it the better buy, or is the extra $50 worth a ratchet?
What you get
| Kit | Price | Contents | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3494-23R three-tool | $199 | M12 compact brushless drill, compact brushless impact driver, brushed 3/8 in. ratchet, 2x 2Ah batteries, charger, bag | Acme Tools |
| M12 two-tool | $149 | Drill, impact driver, batteries, charger | Acme Tools, Home Depot |
Both kits carry the same compact brushless drill and impact driver.
Only the ratchet and the bag differ between them.
The $50 question
A brushed M12 ratchet on its own runs well above $50, and Milwaukee’s FUEL brushless version costs considerably more.
If you do any automotive or assembly work, that $50 add-on is the cheapest way onto a ratchet.
Watch the motor. This is the older brushed model, not the current M12 FUEL brushless ratchet with the smaller head. It is slower and bulkier than the FUEL version.
For occasional bolt work in a tight engine bay, that trade is fine. For daily shop use, step up to FUEL.
ToolGuyd’s take is that the compact drill and driver feel better in the hand than the M12 FUEL equivalents, even though they give up some power.
Ergonomics over raw specs is a reasonable call for a homeowner or a DIYer who reaches for a drill a few times a week rather than all day.
Where it fits
M12 is Milwaukee’s subcompact platform. It is the right entry point if you want a light kit for cabinet work, appliance repair, and garage tasks, and it is cheaper to get into than M18.
If you are planning to run big saws, a rotary hammer, or serious automotive work, M18 is the platform to build on instead.
These promo kits do not sell out fast. Deutsch expects more holiday combo kits to land through the season, so there is no reason to rush this one.
Check back after Thanksgiving if you want to compare it against what else shows up.
Both kits are Home Depot and Acme Tools exclusives. We have no affiliate relationship with either retailer and do not earn anything if you buy one.
We are covering it because it is a genuinely good value for the money.
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