Skil 20V Brushless 1/4 In. Hex Impact Driver Kit

A compact, brushless workhorse that punches above its size

Skil’s 20V impact driver has been living in my tool bag long enough to prove what it is: a compact, no-nonsense driver with real power, straightforward controls, and a kit that covers the basics. It doesn’t chase gimmicks. Instead, it delivers consistent torque, excellent ergonomics, and small touches that make daily use easier.

Build, size, and ergonomics

The first thing I noticed was the size-to-power ratio. At 5.57 inches long and just 2.16 pounds (bare tool), it’s genuinely compact and easy to maneuver in cabinets, between studs, and under shelves. The rubber overmold is grippy without being too tacky, and the handle geometry fits my hand well—even during long runs of repeated fastening.

Skil uses a metal gearbox in this model, which is reassuring if you’re hard on tools or work around debris and dust. The forward/reverse selector has a positive click and hasn’t been bumped accidentally, and the electric brake stops the chuck quickly so it’s easier to finish screws flush without overdriving.

Power and performance

This driver is rated at up to 1,700 in-lb of torque with a high speed of 3,500 rpm and 3,500 ipm. In practical terms, here’s what that looked like in my shop and around the house:

• Framing and construction screws: Driving 3 to 3-1/2 inch construction screws into SPF studs was effortless. In high speed, it sank them decisively; in low, I could feather them in without tearing out fibers at the head.
• Decking and exterior work: Driving coated 2-1/2 inch screws through deck boards into joists felt well within its comfort zone. The motor doesn’t bog down at the end of the drive, and the hammering action engages smoothly.
• Lag and structural fasteners: With a pilot hole, it handled 5/16-inch x 3-inch lags into dimensional lumber respectably. If daily structural fastening is your norm, a higher-torque model would be faster; for occasional use, this one is more than capable.
• Hardware and furniture assembly: The smooth ramp-up of the variable-speed trigger made it easy to avoid overdriving cabinet screws and hardware. I used low speed for small fasteners and hinge screws and didn’t strip a head.

The digital brushless motor is the quiet achiever here. Brushless motors are typically more efficient and durable than brushed designs, and that shows up as longer runtime, consistent power under load, and no telltale smell or heat build-up after a long session.

Control and speed modes

You get two speed settings—low and high—plus a variable-speed trigger. It’s a simple setup, and it works. Low is tuned for control: starting screws, driving small fasteners, and working in softer materials where a high-impact setting can be too aggressive. High mode delivers the top-end 3,500 rpm/ipm for longer, larger screws and bolts.

There are no specialty assist modes (like self-tapping or bolt removal), which you might find on more expensive impact drivers. Honestly, I didn’t miss them for most tasks. Between low/high and a predictable trigger, I could place, start, and seat screws exactly where I wanted. The electric brake helps keep screws from walking and makes it easy to bump screws down flush without burying them.

Battery, charging, and runtime

The kit includes one 20V 2.0Ah battery and a charger. Runtime with the 2.0Ah pack has been solid for small projects and punch list work. On a typical afternoon of hardware installs, cabinet assembly, and driving a couple dozen construction screws, I didn’t need to reach for the charger. If your day involves hundreds of deck screws or frequent lag bolts, you’ll want a second battery or a higher-capacity pack, but as a bundled starter, this one gets you up and running.

A practical note: the battery interface is smooth and secure—no wrestling to dock or release—and the onboard indicator makes it easy to check remaining charge before starting a task.

Lighting and visibility

The LED worklight is better thought-out than most. It has pre-light (it illuminates before the chuck spins) and an afterglow (it stays on briefly after you release the trigger). That’s exactly what you want when you’re trying to find a pilot hole in a shadowy corner or align a bit before committing. I’ve relied on it under sinks, in closets, and inside cabinets where setting up a separate light would be overkill.

Bit changes and the collet

The 1/4-inch hex collet is quick and positive. Bit changes are fast, and I didn’t experience any wobble or unintentional releases. The driver ships with a 2-inch PH2 bit—handy for immediate use—but like most kits, you’ll want to bring your own assortment of bits and nutsetters.

Noise, vibration, and comfort

As with any impact driver, you get the characteristic chattering under load, but vibration through the handle is well-damped. The soft grip and compact mass help reduce fatigue. Over multiple hours of intermittent fastening, my wrist and forearm felt fresher than they do with heavier, older brushed drivers. That light, compact body is one of this tool’s quiet advantages; you simply end up reaching for it more.

Reliability and durability cues

Beyond the brushless motor and metal gearbox, the overall build feels tight: no creaks in the housing, a firm speed selector, and consistent trigger feel. The electric brake continues to bite hard after repeated cycles, which suggests the electronics are robust. I also appreciate that Skil kept the design clean—fewer fragile, protruding elements to snag or break.

What I’d change

• The kit is lean. You get the driver, a single 2.0Ah battery, a charger, and one bit. It would be nice to see a second battery or a soft bag included for those starting from scratch.
• Only two speed ranges. They’re well chosen, but some users might want specialized assist modes for self-tapping screws or bolt removal. Not essential, but worth noting if you rely on those features.
• Power ceiling. At 1,700 in-lb, it’s plenty for most DIY and light trade tasks. If you routinely drive large lags or structural screws all day, a higher-torque unit will be faster.

None of these are dealbreakers, and they’re understandable at this price and size class.

Who it’s for

• DIYers and homeowners who want a reliable, compact driver for furniture assembly, deck and fence work, cabinet installs, and general repairs.
• Pros who need a light, nimble secondary driver for tight spaces, punch lists, service calls, and finish work where control matters as much as speed.
• Anyone upgrading from a brushed drill/driver who wants the better runtime and precision of a brushless impact without the bulk or cost of a flagship model.

The bottom line

The Skil 20V impact driver gets the fundamentals right: real power for its size, excellent trigger control, a useful two-speed setup, and thoughtful touches like a pre-light/afterglow LED and an electric brake. The brushless motor and metal gearbox suggest long-term reliability, and the ergonomics make it a tool you won’t mind using for extended sessions.

Recommendation: I recommend this driver. It’s a balanced, compact package that covers the majority of fastening tasks with confidence and control. The included 2.0Ah battery and charger make it an easy entry point, and while heavy-duty, high-volume fastening may call for a bigger tool or a second battery, this Skil is exactly what most users need most of the time—dependable, comfortable, and ready to work.