Skil 20V 3-Tool Kit: Drill Driver, Reciprocating Saw, PWR ASSIST USB Adapter (2 batteries)

Why I reached for this kit

I picked up the Skil 20V kit to cover the basics for around-the-house projects without dragging cords through the yard or the living room. It’s a straightforward bundle: a compact two-speed drill/driver, a reciprocating saw, a USB adapter that turns any of the batteries into a mobile power bank, two 2.0Ah batteries, and a charger. After several weekends of jobs—framing repairs, trimming branches, cutting down scrap, assembling shelves, and a fair bit of screwdriving—I have a clear sense of where this kit shines and where it runs out of steam.

What’s in the box (and what you’ll actually use)

You get:
- Drill/driver with a 1/2-inch chuck, 17+1 clutch, and two-speed gearbox (0–420 / 0–1450 rpm)
- Reciprocating saw rated at 0–3000 spm with a 1-inch stroke
- Two 20V 2.0Ah batteries with Skil’s temperature management design
- A 20V charger
- PWR ASSIST USB adapter (two USB-A ports, total 3.6 A output)
- A basic PH2 bit, a wood-cutting blade, belt clip, and an Allen key

The included bit and blade are good for getting started. If you plan to cut metal, do pruning, or sink a lot of screws, plan on grabbing a set of quality bits and purpose-made blades (bi-metal, carbide, or pruning) right away.

Design and ergonomics

Both tools feel balanced with the 2.0Ah packs installed. The drill is compact (about 7-7/16 inches long), which helped in cabinet interiors and between studs. The grips are comfortable, the triggers are predictable, and the belt clip is handy on a ladder. The reciprocating saw is straightforward: a tool-free blade clamp that’s quick and positive, and a shoe that can be adjusted with the included Allen key.

My gripe on the saw is that the Allen key storage isn’t great—it can wiggle loose if you’re bouncing between cuts. I ended up parking the key in my pouch to avoid losing it. Otherwise, build quality is solid for the price tier. No flashy extras, just the basics executed cleanly.

Drill/driver performance

Specs first: 177 in-lbs of torque, 1/2-inch chuck, two speeds, and a 17+1 clutch. On paper that torque number is modest, and in practice it’s accurate to call this a light- to medium-duty driver.

What it does well:
- Furniture assembly, cabinet hardware, and general fastening with #6–#10 screws
- Pilot drilling in softwood and light metals with twist bits up to 3/8 inch
- Hole saws up to about 2 inches in softwood if you’re patient and use low gear
- Driving 2-1/2 to 3-inch deck screws into SPF with proper pilot holes

What tests its limits:
- Large spade bits or self-feed bits in dense lumber
- Big lag screws or structural fasteners
- Aggressive hole-sawing in hardwoods

The 1/2-inch chuck is a nice surprise at this power level, simply because it opens the door to larger shank accessories you may already own. The clutch range is broad enough to dial in for small brass screws without chewing heads. I kept it in low gear for drilling larger holes and switched to high for zip-through pilot holes and small fasteners. The motor never overheated on me, but if you lean on it with oversized bits, it stalls predictably rather than twisting your wrist—good for beginners and weekend users.

Reciprocating saw performance

The saw is the highlight here. With a 1-inch stroke and 0–3000 spm, it’s nimble rather than brute-force. Pair it with the right blade and it’s excellent for:
- Cutting 2x lumber and plywood flush or to length
- Demolition on trim, drywall, and studs with nails
- PVC and ABS pipe work
- Yard cleanup and pruning with a dedicated pruning blade

Vibration is present—as it is on most compact recip saws—but manageable. There’s no orbital mode, so cuts in wood aren’t as fast as pro-level saws, yet they’re cleaner and easier to control. The tool-free blade clamp is genuinely good: blades lock positively and release without wrestling gloves or a second hand. Between demo cuts in 2x material and trimming branches up to wrist thickness, I never had a blade eject or loosen.

If you expect to do heavy demolition all day, you’ll want a larger saw and higher-capacity packs. For targeted cuts, one-off remodel tasks, or controlled demo where you don’t want to overcut, this saw earns its keep.

Batteries, charging, and runtime

Each 2.0Ah pack is reasonable for short sessions. On the drill, a single pack handled a couple hundred small screws and a bunch of pilot holes before dropping to one bar. On the recip saw, runtime depends heavily on the blade and material. Light pruning and PVC cutting go a long way on a 2.0Ah; aggressive demo work in nailed lumber drains it faster. I often rotated batteries: one working, one on the charger.

Charging time was roughly 45–60 minutes from low to full per 2.0Ah pack in my shop, which kept me moving between tasks. The temperature management in the packs seems to work as advertised—they stayed warm but not hot, and I didn’t hit a thermal shutdown.

If you’re planning longer sessions, consider adding a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah battery to the kit. The tools feel well-balanced with larger packs, and the upgrade meaningfully extends the saw’s usefulness between charges.

The USB adapter is more useful than it looks

The PWR ASSIST adapter turns a battery into a pocketable power bank with two USB-A ports (total 3.6 A). I used it to keep my phone and a headlamp charged while working in a detached garage with spotty outlets. It’ll run a Bluetooth speaker all afternoon or top up a tablet. It’s not USB-C PD and won’t fast-charge a laptop, but as a jobsite convenience, it’s handy—and it’s included.

Durability and warranty notes

Nothing in the kit failed or misbehaved in my time with it. The housings, chucks, and clamp mechanisms are holding up well with reasonable care. As with most cordless lines, pay attention to warranty terms: Skil’s tool coverage is generous when registered, while battery coverage is typically shorter. If you’re budget-planning, remember that replacement packs are the main long-term cost—taking care of them (avoid deep cold, don’t store fully depleted, rotate use) pays dividends.

What could be better

• Drill torque ceiling: The 177 in-lbs motor sets a clear cap on hole size and fastener ambition. Fine for homeowners; limiting for heavy build-outs.
• Battery capacity out of the box: Two 2.0Ah packs are adequate, but the recip saw benefits from at least one higher-capacity pack in your bag.
• Shoe adjustment on the saw: Requiring an Allen key is fine, but the onboard storage could be more secure.
• No orbital action: The saw’s straight stroke is controlled but slower in framing lumber than orbital models.

Who this kit is for

• Homeowners and DIYers who need reliable cordless basics for repairs, light remodeling, and yard cleanup
• Renters and new homeowners building a first tool set without overspending
• Anyone already eyeing Skil’s PWRCORE 20 ecosystem who wants a useful starting point

Who should look elsewhere:
- Pros or serious remodelers needing all-day runtime and higher torque
- Users planning heavy demolition or frequent large-diameter drilling

Practical tips to get the most from it

• Use sharp, matched blades: Bi-metal for nails, carbide for tough demo, pruning blades for green wood.
• Let the saw do the work: Light pressure and full strokes cut faster and save battery.
• Size your bits and pre-drill: The drill rewards proper pilot holes and right-angle approaches.
• Add one high-capacity battery: It transforms the recip saw experience on longer jobs.
• Keep the charger nearby: With two packs cycling, you can work continuously on typical DIY tasks.

Recommendation

I recommend the Skil 20V kit for homeowners and DIYers who want a capable, no-fuss combo for everyday projects. The drill is compact and well-mannered for light-duty drilling and driving, and the reciprocating saw punches above its weight with a secure blade clamp and predictable cutting performance. The two 2.0Ah batteries and quick charging keep you moving on typical jobs, and the included USB adapter is a thoughtful bonus that I ended up using more than expected.

It’s not the right pick if you need high torque or contractor-grade runtime, and I’d budget for at least one larger battery to complement the included packs. But as a balanced, affordable entry into a modern 20V platform with real utility out of the box, this kit hits the mark.