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

A compact impact driver that punches above its size

I brought the Skil compact 20V impact driver onto a few small remodels and a backyard deck repair to see where it lands among today’s compact-class drivers. Short answer: it’s a capable, well-thought-out package that balances power, control, and useful features without getting fussy.

Design and ergonomics

At 4.88 inches front to back, the tool is genuinely compact. That matters more than spec sheets suggest—getting past cabinet face frames, into stud bays, or between joists is noticeably easier with a shorter nose. The handle shape is comfortable, and with the 2.0Ah battery the balance sits just forward of the web of your hand, which helps keep the bit from wandering when you start screws. The bare weight is light, and it remains easy to hold overhead or at arm’s length for longer runs.

Skil includes a sturdy metal belt clip and a simple PH2 bit to get you going. The one-handed collet lets you push bits straight in without pulling the sleeve—handy when you’re hanging on with the other hand—and it’s grippy enough that I didn’t see any wobble or walkout with standard 1-inch inserts in a bit holder.

Fit and finish are solid. The gearbox housing is metal, the trigger is smooth with a clear progression, and the speed selector is an easy-to-hit button. I would have liked a dedicated onboard bit holder, but the basics are covered.

Power and driving performance

Skil claims up to 1,800 in-lbs of torque and three no-load speed ranges (1,800/2,500/3,100 RPM with 2,450/3,400/3,950 IPM). In the field, that shakes out like this:

• Speed 1: Good for delicate work—cabinet hardware, electrical box screws, and small fasteners where you want finesse.
• Speed 2: My default for framing connectors, 2-1/2 to 3-inch construction screws, and most deck board work. It offers a nice sweet spot between control and pace.
• Speed 3: Best for long runs in softwood or when driving into dense material. It lifts the pace on 3-inch screws and helps break small, rusty fasteners during removal.

On the deck project, it drove 3-inch exterior screws into treated lumber without complaint in speed 2; switching to speed 3 shaved time and kept the driver from stalling when I hit knots. For heavier work—like short lag screws into pre-drilled studs—the tool had enough grunt to seat them firmly, though this is still a compact-class driver, not a high-torque brute. If you’re routinely tackling big structural fasteners, a mid-torque impact wrench or a higher-output driver would be a better fit. For general carpentry, cabinet install punch lists, and DIY projects, the power here is right on target.

The electric brake is quick, which helps maintain clean heads and reduces the tendency to scuff finishes when you stop on metal fasteners.

Control Mode: small change, big difference

Skil’s Control Mode keeps the tool from ramping too aggressively at the start and backs off as the screw seats. The aim is to reduce cam-out and prevent cross-threading. I used it for sheet-metal screws, outlet cover plates, and machine screws into pre-tapped holes. It behaves like a gentle assist mode—starting smooth, then easing up near the end—so you’re less likely to mar a surface or overrun a thread. It’s not a substitute for a clutch (this is an impact driver, after all), but it’s a smart feature that cut down on rework.

Lighting and visibility

The HALO light is the unsung hero here. Rather than a single LED below the collet, the ring casts even, shadow-free light around the bit. It’s bright—bright enough that I didn’t reach for a headlamp when working inside a cabinet. Pre-light and afterglow are both present, which lets you line up a fastener before the motor spins and verify seating after you stop. In very tight, glossy spaces the brightness can be a touch intense; shading with a finger was my simple fix. I’d rather have more light than not enough, and this setup is one of the best executions on a compact driver.

Battery and charging

The included 2.0Ah PWRCORE 20 battery kept the tool compact and light, and runtime was reasonable for a compact kit: a couple of hundred 2-1/2 to 3-inch screws in softwood before I reached for the charger. The standout is the Auto PWRJUMP charger. From empty, it boosts the pack to roughly a quarter charge in about five minutes (as stated), which was enough to finish runs or set a batch of joist hangers while another pack charged on a different bench. Full charge landed in the ballpark of three-quarters of an hour.

The battery’s built-in USB port is a practical extra. I topped off a phone and a rechargeable headlamp between tasks—small conveniences that add up when you’re working remote or out of outlets.

Noise and vibration

For an impact, it’s on the quieter side, with a less shrill strike note than many budget models. Vibration is well controlled, and the tool doesn’t buzz your fingers numb after a long session. That’s partly the brushless motor and partly the compact mass. You’ll still want hearing protection for extended use, but the tone is less fatiguing than average.

Durability and build quality

I ran the driver in dust, on a breezy jobsite, and in a light drizzle. The metal gearbox shell shrugged off scuffs, and the housing seams remain tight. The collet still locks crisply after dozens of changes. I can’t speak to multi-year wear, but nothing in my use suggests corner-cutting. The included “battery jacket” is essentially a protective sleeve; it’s not a must-have, but it kept the pack clean in a muddy crawlspace.

Where it fits

• DIYers stepping up to a first serious impact driver will appreciate the feature set and user-friendly control.
• Pros who want a compact driver for finish carpentry, service calls, cabinet installs, or punch lists will find enough power and excellent visibility in tight spaces.
• Trades that live on heavy structural fasteners might still want a bigger driver or impact wrench in the truck, using this as the everyday carry.

What I’d change

• Include a second battery in the kit. The fast-charge helps, but two packs should be standard for anyone working continuously.
• Add a dedicated self-tapping screw mode and a bolt removal assist. Control Mode covers many finesse tasks, but specialized modes would broaden its appeal for HVAC and metal work.
• Optional dim setting for the HALO light. It’s fantastic most of the time, but a lower step could help on reflective surfaces.
• A built-in bit holder would save pockets and trips to the pouch.

The bottom line

The Skil compact impact driver nails the fundamentals: useful power in a small footprint, predictable control across three speeds, a genuinely effective Control Mode, and the best work light arrangement I’ve used on a compact. The one-handed collet, quick electronic brake, and comfortable balance make day-to-day tasks smoother. The charging system is practical and quick, and the USB on the battery is a welcome bonus for off-grid work days.

It’s not the most powerful driver on the market, and you won’t replace a high-torque tool for big lags. But judged as a compact, jobsite-friendly driver for wood, light metal, and general fastening, it’s easy to live with and easy to recommend.

Recommendation: I recommend the Skil compact impact driver for DIYers and pros who value compact size, smart lighting, and controlled driving over sheer maximum torque. It has the right mix of performance, features, and ergonomics to handle the majority of everyday fastening tasks without fuss, and the rapid-charge capability helps keep work moving even with a single 2.0Ah pack. If your work leans heavily on large structural fasteners, pair it with a higher-torque driver or impact wrench; otherwise, this compact will carry most of the load.