Power tools · owner-verdict comparison

DeWalt DCK240C2 vs Milwaukee 2997-22: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Milwaukee 2997-22: 84% of 105 owners recommend it, vs 65% of 17 for the DeWalt DCK240C2.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

DeWalt DCK240C2

65%of 17 owners recommend
65% recommend · 0% neutral · 35% don't
Owners praise
  • Great value for the price
  • Good starter kit for homeowners
  • Reliable, lasts many years
Owners complain about
  • Older brushed motors, brushless kits better
  • Chuck loosens and drops bits
  • Some units failed or felt underpowered
Full owner report →

Milwaukee 2997-22

84%of 105 owners recommend
84% recommend · 14% neutral · 2% don't
Owners praise
  • Exceptional durability, owners report these tools still running strong after 8, 10, even 15 years of regular use, including daily abuse
  • Excellent value for DIY and homeowner use, described repeatedly as more than enough tool for the price of the kit
  • Holds up to light trade and even full professional/industrial use despite being the non-Fuel line
Owners complain about
  • The bundled flashlight is considered the weakest/most useless item in the kit and goes largely unused
  • Batteries drain quickly or lose punch over time, the angle grinder is called a 'battery hog' and older tools feel like they've lost their get-up-and-go
  • A handful of individual tools eventually failed or smoked out, an impact driver or two, a circular saw, and one drill on first use
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the DeWalt DCK240C2 if
  • ✓DIY beginners and new homeowners
  • ✓Budget buyers wanting a starter drill/impact set
  • ✓Light household repairs and general chores
Skip it if
  • Pros or heavy-duty users needing brushless power
  • Buyers who can stretch to a brushless combo kit
Get the Milwaukee 2997-22 if
  • ✓Homeowners/DIYers wanting a one-and-done starter kit for house projects
  • ✓Light-trade pros (HVAC, plumbing, handyman) needing durable tools without FUEL pricing
  • ✓Buyers who abuse tools daily and still expect years of service on a budget
  • ✓Anyone building a battery ecosystem who plans to add FUEL tools later
Skip it if
  • Commercial/industrial users running tools 8+ hours a day, every day
  • Buyers wanting the angle grinder or included flashlight for real work

What DeWalt DCK240C2 owners say

“This two pc combo is definitely a good buy !”
— @Stewarts_Woodworks on YouTube
“Great kit at a great price. PIus, I purchased this kit several years ago for $200 and it's still going strong.”
— @Andy.H.H. on YouTube
“I am shocked DeWalt is still selling this old VERY OLD drill & impact driver combo.”
— @iwillbnnedafterispeakwhy6498 on YouTube

What Milwaukee 2997-22 owners say

“These are great. I have both lines in my job as a millwright for concrete plant assembly and they work side by side everyday. Going strong for 2 years now.”
— Nimbian-highpriest on Reddit
“Been using base model brushed drill at least once a week for the better part of a decade now. Keep saying I’ll get fuel when it stops working but it just won’t quit.”
— yemoodle on Reddit
“I was very disappointed with the non-FUEL line. Let the smoke out of the drill the first time we used it.”
— Cody0303 on Reddit

DeWalt DCK240C2 vs Milwaukee 2997-22: frequently asked questions

Is the DeWalt DCK240C2 or the Milwaukee 2997-22 better?

Real owners lean toward the Milwaukee 2997-22: 84% of 105 owners recommend it, vs 65% of 17 for the DeWalt DCK240C2.

Who should get the DeWalt DCK240C2?

Owners point the DeWalt DCK240C2 at dIY beginners and new homeowners, and budget buyers wanting a starter drill/impact set.

Who should get the Milwaukee 2997-22?

Owners point the Milwaukee 2997-22 at homeowners/DIYers wanting a one-and-done starter kit for house projects, and light-trade pros (HVAC, plumbing, handyman) needing durable tools without FUEL pricing.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the DeWalt DCK240C2 is older brushed motors, brushless kits better. For the Milwaukee 2997-22, it's the bundled flashlight is considered the weakest/most useless item in the kit and goes largely unused.