Skil 20V 1/2 IN. Hammer Drill Kit

A compact hammer drill earns its keep by how often I reach for it

After a few weeks with the Skil 20V hammer drill, I’ve found myself grabbing it for more than just quick fixes. It’s a straightforward, compact driver with a hammer function that covers most homeowner jobs, and its kit-friendly price makes it easy to recommend in the right context. Just keep your expectations in line with its modest torque and you’ll be rewarded with a reliable, easy-to-use tool.

Build, balance, and first impressions

The drill is compact at just under 8 inches long, and it feels nimble in tight spaces. The grip is comfortable with a slightly rubberized texture, and the overall balance is neutral with the 2.0Ah battery installed. The housing leans toward lightweight composites; it doesn’t feel fragile, but it’s clearly optimized for portability rather than jobsite abuse.

The 1/2-inch keyless chuck is a pleasant surprise on a drill at this level. The auto spindle lock makes one-handed bit changes simple, and I had no trouble cinching down on round-shank bits. Runout on my sample was minimal—good enough for clean pilot holes in hardwood without chatter.

An LED sits below the chuck and stays on for about 10 seconds after releasing the trigger. It’s bright, well-placed, and genuinely useful when you’re reaching into cabinets or working after dusk.

Controls and modes that make sense

Skil kept the interface intuitive:

• A two-speed gearbox: 0–420 rpm in low, 0–1450 rpm in high
• A 17-position clutch plus dedicated drill and hammer settings (17+1+1)
• A variable-speed trigger with predictable ramp-up

Low speed pairs nicely with the clutch for controlled fastening; high speed favors drilling small to medium holes. The mode collar has positive detents, so it’s easy to switch between screwdriving, drilling, and hammering without overshooting.

Power and torque: controlled, not brute force

On paper, the 177 in-lbs rating tells the story: this isn’t a high-torque bruiser. In practice, that means it excels at light- to medium-duty tasks—assemble cabinetry, set hinges, install hardware, drill pocket holes, and drive typical deck screws—while it runs out of steam with long structural fasteners or big hole saws.

• Softwood and hardwood: 1-1/4" spade bits are fine; a 1-1/2" self-feed in pine pushes the limits. In oak, stay under 1" unless you’re patient and use a sharp bit.
• Metal: Up to 3/8" holes in mild steel using a stepped bit worked smoothly in low gear with oil. High gear is better for small pilot holes in aluminum and thin-gauge steel.
• Large fasteners: 3" deck screws drive well; 4" screws and lag bolts are a stretch. If you regularly drive long fasteners, you’ll want an impact driver or a more powerful drill.

What you trade in headline torque, you gain in finesse. The clutch is consistent and the trigger control is excellent for delicate work where stripping a head or overdriving a hinge screw is a risk.

Hammer mode: capable for small masonry jobs

The hammer function (0–6,300 / 0–21,750 bpm) isn’t rotary-hammer level, but it’s perfectly serviceable for occasional masonry. I used it to set Tapcons for a ledger in brick and to drill anchors in cured mortar and block. With quality carbide bits:

• 3/16" and 1/4" anchors in brick and block are no problem
• 5/16" is doable with patience
• 3/8" is slow-going and not what I’d call efficient

Vibration is manageable, and the drill doesn’t feel like it’s beating itself up—a common issue with budget hammer modes. If masonry is a frequent task, a dedicated SDS-plus rotary hammer will be far faster; for the occasional anchor or sleeve, this is a handy feature to have in a single tool.

Battery, charging, and runtime

The included PWRCORE 20 2.0Ah battery is on the small side by today’s standards, but the system’s temperature management does a good job stretching runtime without thermal throttling. I was able to drill a couple dozen masonry holes and drive a bin of fasteners on one charge before it tapped out. The charger is reasonably quick; expect roughly 45–60 minutes from low to full.

A nice bonus on the battery pack is the USB output, which let me top off a phone in a pinch. It’s not a must-have, but it’s surprising how often it comes in handy on a job or in a camper.

Accessory kit: convenient starter set

The 101-piece accessory kit covers the basics—twist bits, spades, masonry bits, and a variety of driver tips. As with most bundled assortments, it’s best treated as a starter set. The bits are perfectly fine for occasional drilling and driving, but if you plan to drill a lot of stainless or hardened fasteners, upgrade individual bits as you go. The organizer keeps pieces tidy, though I wish the drill itself shipped with a small bag or case; storing the tool and charger alongside the bit box requires some drawer space or an aftermarket bag.

Everyday use and small touches

• The LED delay is genuinely useful when you want to inspect a hole or fastener after releasing the trigger.
• The 1/2-inch chuck gives you more headroom for larger wood-boring bits than many entry-level kits that stick with 3/8-inch chucks.
• Noise is about what you’d expect; hammer mode is loud but not obnoxious. Ear protection still recommended.
• The compact length makes it a solid choice for RV maintenance and cabinet work where a longer drill fights you.

Where it falls short

No tool at this price point does everything. Here’s what I’d improve:

• More torque headroom: 177 in-lbs limits big fasteners and large hole saws.
• Higher top-end speed: 1450 rpm is fine, but a 1700–2000 rpm second gear would speed up small hole drilling.
• Storage: No dedicated bag or case for the tool and charger.
• Battery capacity: The 2.0Ah pack is lightweight, but a second battery or a 4.0Ah option would reduce downtime on bigger projects.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners and DIYers who need one drill to cover drilling, driving, and occasional masonry
• Apartment and RV owners who value compact size and a versatile kit
• Anyone building out the SKIL 20V platform on a budget

Who should look elsewhere? If you routinely drive big structural screws, bore large holes in hardwoods, or drill masonry every week, a higher-torque drill or an SDS-plus rotary hammer will save you time and effort.

The bottom line

The Skil 20V hammer drill is a compact, user-friendly package that does a lot for its size. It shines in everyday drilling and driving, handles light masonry without drama, and its thoughtful touches—auto spindle lock, LED delay, and a genuinely useful clutch—make it easy to live with. The trade-offs are clear: modest torque and a small battery. If you understand those limits, it’s a dependable, versatile tool that punches above its weight for household and light renovation work.

Recommendation: I recommend it for homeowners, DIYers, and anyone who wants an affordable, compact drill with a hammer mode for occasional masonry. It’s not a heavy-duty workhorse, but as a do-everything, grab-and-go drill that’s simple to use and easy to store, it earns a spot in the kit.