Skil Brushless 20V Compact Multi-Head Drill Driver Kit

Why I reached for the Skil multi‑head drill

A compact drill that legitimately reaches where others can’t is a rare find. After several weeks of cabinet installs, hardware swaps, and some awkward under-sink repairs, the Skil multi-head drill has earned a regular spot in my bag—not because it’s the most powerful drill I own, but because it’s the most adaptable one I can grab with confidence.

This is a brushless, two-speed, 20V drill/driver that ships with four heads: a 3/8" keyless chuck, a locking 1/4" hex bit holder, a right‑angle head, and an offset head. The whole point is to solve access problems without resorting to weird extensions, and on that front it succeeds.

Setup and attachment swapping

Swapping heads is quick and positive. The interface locks with a reassuring click and there’s minimal wiggle once seated. I found I could change from the hex head to the right‑angle head one-handed while perched on a ladder. That’s the kind of real-world convenience that matters more than any brochure spec.

• 3/8" keyless chuck: Good grip, single sleeve, spins true enough for precision pilot holes. There’s no hammer mode (this is a drill/driver), but for wood, plastics, and light metal it’s perfectly capable.
• 1/4" locking hex holder: My go-to for driving screws. The lock collar grips bits securely; no surprise ejections.
• Right‑angle head: Compact and sturdy, it kept the profile slim enough to drive cabinet pulls inside narrow drawers and to run screws adjacent to framing in a tight utility closet.
• Offset head: The star of the kit for hinge plates and near-edge screws. Being able to drive within a finger-width of an obstacle without cam-out is exactly why you buy an installation-style driver.

None of the heads felt like an afterthought. The right‑angle head, in particular, kept torque transmission clean. As with any angle head, you’ll feel a little more twist under heavy load, so keep your grip steady and use shorter shank bits when possible.

Power, gearing, and control

On paper, you get up to 450 in‑lbs of torque and a 0–500 / 0–1,800 RPM two‑speed gearbox with 17+1 clutch settings. In practice:

• Low speed/high torque handled 3" construction screws into SPF without drama, provided I stayed in low and used a sensible pilot for dense knots.
• High speed is appropriately fast for twist-bit pilot holes and small hardware screws, and the electric brake stops the chuck quickly, which reduces bit walk and head stripping.
• The clutch is easy to read and consistent. For furniture hardware, I lived around settings 6–10; for pocket screws and larger fasteners, bump up as needed. It saves you from overdriving when you’re working near finishes.

The brushless motor is efficient and relatively quiet. Compared to my older brushed compact drill, this Skil runs cooler during extended driving and recovers faster between bursts.

Ergonomics and balance

Bare tool weight is listed at 1.57 lbs, and it feels every bit as nimble as that sounds. With the included 2.0Ah battery, it’s still a light package, though attachments change the balance slightly:

• Hex head: Most neutral and compact. Great for all‑day screwdriving.
• Chuck head: A hair more nose‑heavy, as expected, but still well-balanced.
• Right‑angle/offset: Adds bulk out front. The grip angle and soft overmold help keep control, but you’ll notice the leverage change in awkward orientations.

The one‑finger variable speed trigger is smooth and predictable at low RPM, which is critical for delicate starts. The forward/reverse selector is crisp and resists accidental toggles. The belt clip is sturdy and placed well enough that the tool hangs comfortably with any head attached.

The LED worklight is actually useful

A strip LED illuminates the work area evenly—no halo or hot spot—and it offers both pre‑light and after‑glow. Tap the trigger and the light comes on, then it stays on for up to about ten minutes after you let go. That sounds gimmicky, but inside base cabinets and attic runs, it doubled as a temporary task light while I staged fasteners and bits. I’d love a user‑adjustable timer, but I’ll take this over the typical blink-and-it’s-gone light most drills provide.

Battery, charging, and USB‑C perks

The kit includes a 2.0Ah PWRCore 20 battery and a 45W USB‑C PD charger. From fully depleted, my charge times hovered right around the claimed ~55 minutes. The charger’s small footprint and USB‑C cable are great in a crowded toolbox. I do wish the cable had slightly beefier strain relief for jobsite abuse, but the trade‑off for compactness is worth it to me.

Runtime with 2.0Ah is what you’d expect: perfectly fine for punch-list work, hardware installs, and a few dozen holes/screws in softwood. Continuous heavy driving will drain it faster. If you’re planning an all‑day build or lots of 3" screws, pair this tool with a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah battery.

The surprise feature is the battery’s 100W USB‑C output. As a field power bank, it’s genuinely handy. I’ve topped off a phone and even powered a USB‑C work light from it. Keep in mind a 2.0Ah pack is roughly 40Wh, so while it can deliver high power briefly, you’ll expend that capacity quickly at big wattage. Still, as an emergency backup, it’s a smart inclusion.

Precision and bit holding

Runout at the chuck was acceptable for a compact drill/driver—good enough for clean pilot holes and countersinks. The locking hex head holds impact‑rated bits securely and releases cleanly. With the right‑angle and offset heads, using high‑quality bits with short shanks minimizes flex and keeps fasteners square. If your work is very hole‑size sensitive, stick to the straight chuck whenever space allows.

Build quality and kit

The kit feels thoughtfully put together:

• A formed zip bag organizes the tool, attachments, battery, charger, and bits cleanly.
• On‑board bit storage is basic but convenient for a single PH2 or similar.
• The spindle lock and electric brake make one‑handed bit changes quick.
• Lock‑off and direction selectors are positive and confidence‑inspiring.

Nothing in my unit rattles, the attachment detents are strong, and the finish has held up to a few unplanned bumps and a dusting of drywall without complaint.

Where it shines—and where it doesn’t

Shines:
- Cabinet hardware, drawer slides, hinges, and close-to-edge screws using the offset head
- Tight framing spaces, shelf installs, and under-sink repairs with the right‑angle head
- General purpose screwdriving with the hex head, thanks to smooth low‑speed control
- Quick task lighting with the after‑glow LED
- Fast top‑offs via the 45W charger and convenient device charging from the battery

Less ideal:
- No hammer mode—use a rotary hammer or hammer drill for masonry
- The included 2.0Ah battery is best for light to moderate sessions; bring a higher‑capacity pack for all‑day builds
- Chuck capacity is 3/8"; if you routinely run large-bore bits that require 1/2", you’ll want a different drill for those jobs

Comparisons and value

Installation-style drivers often live in 12V ecosystems. This one brings 20V headroom and a brushless motor without losing the compact footprint. The result is more torque in reserve when a screw binds or when you need to spin a slightly larger bit in wood. If you already own 20V Skil batteries, it’s a no‑brainer addition. Even as a standalone kit, the combination of four useful heads, a practical charger, and a capable brushless powerplant makes a strong value case.

Who it’s for

• DIYers and pros tackling installs, trim, furniture, and hardware work
• Cabinetmakers and finish carpenters needing offset/right‑angle access
• Maintenance techs and remodelers who benefit from a compact, multi‑role driver
• Anyone who appreciates a compact drill that can also serve as a temporary work light and charge a phone on site

If your workload is heavy framing, large-diameter boring, or frequent masonry drilling, keep this as a secondary tool and pair it with a high‑torque drill/driver or rotary hammer.

Recommendation

I recommend the Skil multi‑head drill as a versatile, compact problem-solver that covers a surprising range of everyday tasks. It delivers clean, controllable power (up to 450 in‑lbs), smart access with four well-executed heads, and genuinely useful conveniences like the long‑running LED and USB‑C ecosystem. The included 2.0Ah battery keeps weight down and charges fast on the 45W PD charger, though I’d add a higher‑capacity pack for longer sessions.

If you value adaptability and routinely work in tight or awkward spaces, this kit will make your day easier. It doesn’t replace a heavy-duty drill for brute-force work, but it’s the one I reach for first—and the one I’m happiest to keep on my belt.