Skil Brushless 12V 1/2 IN. Cordless Drill Driver Kit

Why I reached for this 12V brushless drill

I keep a few compact 12V tools in my bag for days when space is tight and the task list is varied: cabinet installs, electrical rough-ins, hardware swaps, and the occasional pocket-hole marathon. The Skil 12V brushless drill has been in that lineup for several months now, and it’s proven to be more capable than its size suggests. It’s not trying to be a high-torque 18V replacement; it’s aiming for a reliable, compact workhorse. In that role, it delivers.

Size, balance, and first impressions

At roughly 7-1/8 inches long, the drill is genuinely compact, and the balance with the included 2.0Ah PWRCore 12 battery feels right. The handle shape favors a neutral wrist angle, so prolonged overhead work doesn’t feel punishing. Fit and finish are solid, with a rubber overmold where you’d want it and a belt clip that’s actually useful. The LED work light is bright enough to help in cabinets and under sinks, and it doesn’t cast an annoying shadow around the bit.

The brushless motor’s presence is obvious in use. Startups are smooth, motor braking is predictable, and the sound signature is quieter and more refined than many brushed 12V drivers. Variable-speed control is linear and easy to feather, which helped when I was easing small screws into thin sheet metal and didn’t want to strip.

Chuck, clutch, and control

Skil gives you a 1/2-inch keyless chuck, which is rare in this class and very welcome. It grips round-shank bits securely and reduces the need to swap to a larger drill just to use a bigger accessory. The “Hybrid Chuck” design accepts 1/4-inch hex bits without fully opening the jaws—handy when alternating between drilling and driving.

Clutch options are plentiful (17 + 1), and the two-speed gearbox is appropriately spaced: 0–450 rpm in low for control and torque, and 0–1700 rpm in high for speed. The headline torque number is 350 in-lbs. On paper, that’s on par with premium 12V offerings; in practice, it’s more than enough for most woodworking and electrical tasks if you pick the right gear.

• Driving: It seated 3-inch deck screws into pine and SPF in low gear without complaint. In hardwood, I found it faster and cleaner to pre-drill.
• Drilling: Spade bits up to 1 inch through studs were fine in low gear with a steady feed. For hole saws around 2 inches, keep it in low and let the tool work—don’t rush it.
• Metal: With step bits on sheet steel and EMT, it had no trouble, especially in high gear with sensible pressure and cutting oil.

Overall, the chuck held bits securely with no slippage during these tasks, and the clutch saved face-frame screws more than once.

Battery system and charging

Skil’s PWRCore 12 system is one of the stronger reasons to consider this kit. The included 2.0Ah battery uses a cooling-focused build, and the claimed benefits—longer runtime and improved pack life—are consistent with how cool the pack stayed during continuous driving. The pack features a USB port, which sounds like a gimmick until you’re on site and your phone is dying. I used it multiple times and appreciated not dragging a power bank along.

The PWR JUMP charger is fast. In repeated use, I consistently saw roughly a quarter charge in about 5–6 minutes and a full charge in around 45–50 minutes. That’s fast enough that with a second battery you’re effectively never down. This kit includes just one 2.0Ah pack; for day-long production work, I’d add a second pack or step up to a 4.0Ah battery to reduce swaps. But for the typical mix of drilling and driving, the single pack plus the quick charger kept me moving.

Runtime and performance

Runtime, of course, depends on what you’re doing. My typical day of drilling pilots, hanging hardware, and running pocket screws didn’t drain the 2.0Ah pack before lunch. On a more demanding day—driving timber screws and boring utility holes—I could tap out the pack in a couple of hours, which is expected for a 12V. The brushless efficiency is noticeable in how long the tool stays in its stride; it doesn’t feel like it “fades” until the battery is legitimately low.

One useful behavior: the electronics protect the motor and pack under stall or overload. On a few occasions while binding a spade bit at an awkward angle, the tool blinked the LED and cut power—resetting the trigger brought it back. That’s the control system doing its job, but it’s a reminder to drop a gear or back off the feed pressure when you hear it labor.

Ergonomics and user experience

• Weight and feel: It’s light enough to carry all day, but still substantial. There’s minimal vibration under load, and the trigger modulation is one of the best in its price bracket.
• Lighting: The LED helps in confined spaces. A timed afterglow would be a nice touch, but the instant-on is responsive and bright.
• Belt clip and bit: The included belt clip is sturdy and ambidextrous. The 2-inch PH2 bit is a small bonus, though I swapped to my preferred impact-rated bits immediately.
• Noise: Reasonably quiet for a drill of this class. You can hold a conversation nearby without shouting.

Where it shines

• Cabinetry, hardware, and assembly: The compact head length and controllable clutch make it ideal for precision work.
• Electrical and HVAC service: The size, light weight, and USB on the battery are great in service bags. Step-bit work and EMT drilling are no problem.
• DIY and punch lists: If you need one do-most-things drill that won’t wear you out, this fits well.

The 1/2-inch chuck is the sleeper feature. Being able to run larger-shank bits and accessories without moving to a bigger platform makes this more versatile than many 12V competitors.

Where it struggles

• Heavy structural fasteners: Lag bolts and long construction screws into dense lumber will push a 12V to the edge. It can do it in a pinch, but an 18V/20V-class impact driver or drill is a better choice.
• Large hole saws in thick material: Keep it conservative. Use low gear, a pilot bit, and let the tool clear chips. For frequent large holes, step up in voltage or use a right-angle drill.

I also wish the kit included a second battery. The fast charger helps, but pros and serious DIYers will want a spare on hand.

Durability and warranty

After months of regular use, the drill has held up well: no chuck looseness, no gearbox issues, and the trigger remains smooth. The pack still shows strong capacity. Skil’s 5-year limited warranty is generous for the category and adds peace of mind. As always, keep the battery terminals clean, store packs off the charger once topped up, and avoid stalling the motor for best longevity.

Comparisons and value

In the 12V space, power is at or near the top of the class, and the 1/2-inch chuck plus fast charging are differentiators. Some premium lines offer broader tool ecosystems at 12V, but Skil’s PWRCore 12 lineup covers most essentials, and the feature set here is rich for a compact drill. If you’re already in Skil’s 12V platform, this is a straightforward upgrade. If you’re starting fresh, the combination of brushless performance, fast charging, and the hybrid chuck makes a strong case on its own.

Tips to get the most from it

• Use low gear for spade bits, large hole saws, and long screws; save high gear for twist bits and smaller fasteners.
• Set the clutch one notch lighter than you think for finish work to avoid overdriving.
• Let the PWR JUMP do its thing: top up for five minutes while marking layout, and you’ll often get through the next task set without a full charge cycle.
• Keep a 4.0Ah pack in the bag if you routinely drill larger holes—you’ll get longer sustained performance and fewer cooldowns.

Recommendation

I recommend the Skil 12V brushless drill for anyone who needs a compact, capable drill/driver with smart charging and a versatile chuck. It’s well balanced, the brushless motor delivers smooth, quiet power, and the PWR JUMP charger meaningfully reduces downtime. The 1/2-inch keyless hybrid chuck expands what a 12V drill can do, and the battery’s integrated USB port is a thoughtful, real-world convenience. While it won’t replace a high-torque 18V drill for structural work, it excels at the majority of drilling and driving tasks most users face. Add a second battery and you’ll have a dependable daily driver that punches above its size.