Today we’re cracking open the XU1 18V combo set featuring an impact driver and a hammer drill. If you’re considering a budget-friendly kit for DIY projects, this unboxing walks through exactly what’s inside, the first impressions, and a few quick tests straight out of the box.
What’s in the box
Right away, you’ll notice the kit includes two batteries and a 12-month warranty—nice to see at this price point. Inside the box:
- 18V Hammer Drill (brushless)
- 18V Impact Driver
- 2 x 18V batteries
- Standard 18V charger
- Instruction manuals (for the hammer drill, impact driver, and batteries)
- Belt/side clip (requires screwing onto the tool)
- Warranty info and product tags
The documentation calls out the hammer drill specifically, and there are separate manuals for each tool and the batteries. Always worth a quick skim before you get drilling or driving.
There’s also a tag reminding buyers this kit is intended for DIY use only—so think around-the-house fixes, furniture assembly, and light projects rather than heavy trade work.
Charger and accessories
The included 18V charger is a standard unit that should keep both batteries topped up. The kit also includes a clip you can attach to the side of either tool—handy if you like to hook it onto a belt or pocket while moving around the job site (or the garage).
First look at the tools
The hammer drill feels substantial in the hand, with that brushless motor promising better efficiency and longevity compared to brushed alternatives. The side clip can be installed on the drill if you prefer a ready-to-hang setup.
The impact driver is compact and straightforward. It doesn’t offer multiple speed settings—it’s a single-speed driver—so plan to feather the trigger for finer control when working with smaller fasteners.
Battery check and LED light
Before the first charge, it’s always good to test the batteries and see what’s shipped from the factory. The battery indicator shows about half charge out of the box, which is enough for a quick spin. Both tools also include an LED work light that comes in handy in dim corners and tight spaces.
Initial impressions on the impact driver: it doesn’t feel overly powerful at first squeeze, which aligns with the DIY positioning. Still, for basic tasks like assembling furniture, driving smaller screws, or light-duty work around the home, it should get the job done.
Quick test of the hammer drill
Clipping in the battery and giving the hammer drill a quick run reveals a solid feel. There was a moment where it sounded a bit unusual during the first spin-up—that can happen with brand-new tools straight out of the box, but it’s worth keeping an ear on it as you use it more. As always, consider a full charge before serious testing.
Who this kit is for
- DIYers who need a versatile combo for home projects
- Anyone starting their tool collection and wanting both drilling and driving capability
- Users who value having two batteries included for minimal downtime
Final thoughts
For a budget-friendly kit, the XU1 18V impact driver and brushless hammer drill give you the essentials: two tools, two batteries, a charger, and the must-have LED light. The single-speed impact driver and the DIY-only positioning set expectations appropriately—this is a home-friendly combo for light to moderate tasks rather than heavy-duty professional use. I’ll be putting both tools through more real-world tasks next—stay tuned for performance tests and long-term impressions.
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