Skil PWR CORE 20 Brushless 20V 3/8 in. Compact Impact Wrench Kit

Why this compact 3/8-inch impact has been riding in my tool bag

I’ve been putting the Skil 20V 3/8‑in impact wrench to work on a mix of automotive and general repair tasks for several weeks—everything from motorcycle maintenance to suspension hardware and lag bolts in treated lumber. The short version: it’s genuinely compact, pleasant to use overhead or in tight spaces, and it delivers more real‑world torque than its size suggests. It isn’t perfect, but its mix of performance, thoughtful lighting, and a smart battery/charger package makes it an easy grab for mid‑duty work.

Design and ergonomics

The head length is notably short (about 4.8 inches), which matters when you’re reaching past radiators or steering components. The tool balances well with the included 2.0Ah pack; it feels light enough for extended use and easy to control one‑handed on fasteners where alignment is critical. Grip texture is grippy without being gummy, and the forward/reverse rocker has a positive, crisp action.

One quirk: my battery has a touch of play at the interface. It doesn’t cut power or feel unsafe, but you can feel and hear a faint rattle if you shake the tool. It’s not a deal‑breaker, just not as tight as the best in class.

The 3/8‑inch anvil uses a friction ring. Socket swaps are quick, retention is solid enough for day‑to‑day work, and I had no issues losing sockets mid‑spin. If you prefer a detent pin for maximum security, you’ll miss that option, but for speed and convenience the friction ring fits this tool’s mission.

Controls and modes

Skil uses a digital push‑button for the three speed settings rather than a mechanical slider. I expected to miss the physical switch, but the button is easy to tap with a thumb, and the mode change is immediate. The speeds span a useful range for precision and power:

• Low: best for starting fasteners and small hardware.
• Medium: a safe default for most tasks.
• High: maximum rpm/ipm for stubborn bolts.

A standout feature is Reverse Control Mode. When backing out fasteners, the tool senses breakaway and automatically slows to reduce the chance of flinging a nut across the garage. It’s one of those “you didn’t know you needed it” features that pays off the first time you’re working over a gravel driveway or inside a wheel well.

The variable‑speed trigger is nicely progressive, and the electric brake stops the anvil quickly so you’re not waiting on wind‑down between moves.

Lighting that actually helps

Skil’s Halo Light wraps illumination around the nose instead of relying on a single, off‑axis LED. The difference is real: threads and socket engagement are easier to see and shadowing is minimal. There’s a standard work light mode that comes on before the motor spins and lingers after you release the trigger, plus a high‑output setting that can stay on for an extended period. I’ve used it as a quick task light under a dash and inside a fender liner—handy when you don’t want to juggle a separate flashlight.

Performance in the shop

On paper, the tool is rated at 170 ft‑lbs fastening torque with up to 220 ft‑lbs of nut‑busting. In practice, here’s how that translated for me:

• Lug nuts torqued to spec: It consistently removed passenger‑car lug nuts set between 85–100 ft‑lbs. If a shop has hammered lugs on well beyond spec or there’s corrosion, results vary. For heavily over‑torqued or rust‑frozen nuts, a mid‑torque 1/2‑inch impact is still the right call. But for routine tire rotations on properly torqued wheels, this 3/8‑inch handled the job.
• Suspension and engine bay fasteners: No problem with common M8–M12 bolts, alternator brackets, strut tower hardware, and brake caliper guide pins. The compact head earns its keep in crowded engine bays and tight undercarriage spots.
• Small engines and equipment: On a motorcycle, snowblower, and lawn equipment, it’s a sweet spot—plenty of power without the bulk of a 1/2‑inch gun that can overdo it on smaller hardware.
• Wood/lag work: Driving 5/16‑in. lags into pre‑drilled 4x stock in high speed was efficient; in softer materials you can start in low and bump up to avoid overdriving.

Vibration is well managed for a compact tool. The impacts feel crisp rather than harsh, and the metal gearbox gives confidence under repeated hits. The tool doesn’t get hot quickly, and I didn’t encounter thermal cutouts in typical use.

Battery and charging experience

The kit’s 2.0Ah PWRCORE 20 battery is a sensible pairing for a compact 3/8‑inch impact. Runtime has been perfectly adequate for a day of intermittent use—say a few dozen lug removals and assorted bolt work—before I need a top‑off. If you’re doing long runs of lag bolts or more continuous use, a second pack or a higher‑capacity battery will keep you moving.

Two battery features stand out:

• PWRJUMP fast charge: If you drain the pack, a quick pit stop gets you back to about 25% in roughly five minutes—enough to finish a task or keep momentum on a project. The trade‑off is the charger’s fan is loud while it’s working. It’s not a quiet charger, but it is fast.
• USB charging on the battery: The built‑in USB port turns the pack into a power bank without an extra adapter. I’ve used it to top off a phone and a headlamp on site. It’s the kind of quality‑of‑life feature that you appreciate in the field.

Skil’s 20V ecosystem has filled out nicely, so this pack can serve across a number of other tools if you’re building out a kit.

Durability and build quality

The overall build feels solid. The housing seams are tidy, the overmold is even, and the anvil shows minimal wobble. The metal gearbox is reassuring. My only ding on fit is the slight battery slop noted earlier; it doesn’t affect operation but slightly detracts from the premium feel. Otherwise, the controls, trigger, and selector all feel robust, and the friction ring hasn’t loosened up with use.

What I’d change

• Tighter battery fit: Even a small amount of play introduces noise and reduces confidence. A firmer latch or tighter rails would elevate the feel.
• Charger acoustics: The fast‑charge performance is great; a quieter fan profile would make it less intrusive in a small shop.
• Forward auto‑stop option: Reverse Control Mode is excellent. A gentle forward auto‑stop or torque‑sense mode for snugging could help prevent over‑tightening small fasteners. Not essential, but it would round out the control suite.

Who it’s for

• DIYers and enthusiasts who work on cars, motorcycles, small engines, and household projects, and want one compact impact that covers most mid‑duty fasteners.
• Technicians who need a lightweight secondary impact for tight spaces where a 1/2‑inch is overkill.
• Anyone who values good task lighting and quick charging in a budget‑friendly kit.

If your day revolves around rusted suspension bolts and seized hardware, step up to a higher‑torque 1/2‑inch impact. If you regularly break free wheels that were hammered on with a shop gun, same advice. But for the majority of general maintenance and repair, this 3/8‑inch model hits the mark.

Bottom line

The Skil 20V 3/8‑in impact wrench punches above its weight in power, is genuinely compact, and adds thoughtful touches that matter—excellent 360‑degree lighting, a practical reverse auto‑stop, and a battery that doubles as a power bank. The charger is loud and the battery fit could be tighter, but neither has affected performance in my use.

Recommendation: I recommend this tool. It’s a well‑rounded, compact impact that handles everyday automotive and project work with confidence, fits where larger wrenches won’t, and offers meaningful usability features at a fair price. If you stay within its intended envelope—mid‑duty fasteners and properly torqued hardware—you’ll get a lot of value and very little frustration.