Choosing between these power tools comes down to the kind of work you need covered: a dedicated impact driver for fastening, or a compact kit that also adds a drill/driver. The Makita DTD173 and Milwaukee M12 3494-22 take those two different routes.
Quick verdict
At USD 59.99, the Makita is the lower listed-price route to a dedicated impact driver. At USD 159.95, the Milwaukee broadens the job range with both a drill/driver and an impact driver. The right pick depends less on brand preference than on whether drilling needs to be part of the same purchase.
| Product | Listed price | Battery setup | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makita DTD173 18V LXT | USD 59.99 | Battery not included | New |
| Milwaukee M12 3494-22 | USD 159.95 | Two lithium-ion batteries included | Open box |
Where each product wins
Makita DTD173: This is the more focused choice for driving screws and fastening bolts. Its stated 180 N·m of torque suits demanding construction, woodworking, and automotive tasks, while its brushless motor and compact design keep the emphasis on a streamlined impact-driver format.
Milwaukee M12 3494-22: The advantage is task coverage. Alongside the impact driver, the kit includes a drill/driver with low and high speed ranges of 0-450 RPM and 0-1,550 RPM. The impact driver is listed with variable speed up to 3,000 RPM, giving the kit separate tools for drilling and fastening rather than asking one tool to handle both roles.
Product notes
Makita DTD173 18V LXT Cordless Impact Driver
The Makita DTD173 is aimed at shoppers who want a dedicated impact driver rather than a paired drill/driver kit. Its stated 180 N·m torque targets screw driving, bolt fastening, and demanding construction, woodworking, or automotive tasks. The brushless motor and compact feature further support a focused tool for driving work. Choose it when a single 18V LXT impact driver is the priority and the listed new condition matters to you. Its main limitation is scope: it is one impact driver, not a two-tool package with a separate drill/driver. That distinction becomes important when making holes and driving fasteners are both part of the same project.
Milwaukee M12 3494-22 Subcompact 2-Tool Combo Kit
The Milwaukee M12 3494-22 is the stronger fit when one purchase needs to cover both drilling and driving. It pairs a drill/driver with an impact driver, and its two included lithium-ion batteries support the dual-tool arrangement. Its subcompact design is described for balance and control during overhead drilling or driving, as well as access in tight spaces. Choose it for projects that regularly move between drilling holes and fastening hardware, where separate tools can keep each task distinct. The trade-off is the listed open-box condition rather than new. It also carries the higher listed price of the two options, reflecting its broader kit format.
Final choice by use case
- Choose the Makita DTD173 for fastening-focused jobs where a dedicated impact driver is the central tool.
- Choose the Milwaukee M12 3494-22 when regular drilling and driving calls for both a drill/driver and an impact driver.
- Choose based on condition preference if new condition is important: the Makita is listed as new, while the Milwaukee is listed as open box.
