Skil Brushless 20V 1/2 in Impact Wrench Kit

What I used it for

I put the Skil impact wrench to work on the kind of jobs most DIYers and mobile techs face: rotating tires torqued to 90–100 ft-lbs, swapping brake components, loosening suspension fasteners in the 14–19 mm range, and chasing stubborn, lightly rusted hardware on a daily driver. I also used it for assembly and teardown on a small trailer, where speed and portability matter more than brute force. Over a couple of weekends and an evening in the garage, I leaned on it enough to get a clear picture of where it shines and where it runs up against its limits.

Design and ergonomics

Skil’s compact, brushless design feels well thought out in the hand. The grip shape and overmold are comfortable, and with the included 5.0Ah PWR CORE 20 battery the tool balances well without feeling nose-heavy. The 1/2-inch square anvil uses a friction ring, which made socket swaps quick and one-handed. Retention was secure with impact-rated sockets; I never slung a socket across the shop. The belt clip is sturdy and actually usable, and the tool stands upright on the battery pack without needing to hunt for a flat spot on the bench.

The integrated LED is bright and the after-glow is handy when you’re repositioning or checking threads after the trigger is released. The light is focused enough to illuminate work in a wheel well or under a dash without a separate flashlight.

Controls and modes

The trigger is responsive and offers good low-speed control for starting fasteners cleanly. You get two main speed presets—High and Low—and a Reverse Control Mode. Low is ideal for starting nuts and running smaller fasteners in without the hammering coming on too early. High is where you want to be for lug nuts and most undercar fasteners.

Reverse Control Mode is the standout. In practice, it breaks a fastener loose and then stops rotation automatically. That keeps lug nuts from spinning off and dropping, and it prevents a bolt from backing out at full speed and getting launched into a fender liner. It’s a thoughtful feature that makes real-world use smoother, especially when you’re working alone.

Power and performance

Skil rates this tool at up to 200 ft-lbs, and that lines up with what I felt in use. On lug nuts torqued to 95 ft-lbs, the impact took them off in a couple of quick hammer bursts. Lightly rusted suspension bolts came free with a short pause to let the hammer do its work. Heavier, truly seized hardware is where the limitations show. This is not a high-torque truck wrench, and it’s not the right pick for axle nuts, crank bolts, or bolts that have seen a decade of rust in the salt belt. For those, plan on a breaker bar or stepping up to a bigger impact.

Within its intended range, it’s quick. The brushless motor spins fast, and the blows feel consistent rather than chattery. For assembly, I relied on Low plus the variable trigger to snug fasteners before finishing with a torque wrench. As with any impact, don’t use it as your final torque method; it’s for removal and run-down.

Battery, charger, and runtime

The included 5.0Ah battery is a strong match for the tool. Runtime was excellent across a full tire rotation, a brake caliper bracket swap, and miscellaneous hardware removal, with charge left at the end. The real convenience is the PWR JUMP rapid charger. A short hit on the charger—about five minutes—consistently gave me enough juice to finish a task when I had misjudged the battery. For full charges, it’s still quicker than basic chargers, and the fan kept things cool even when I cycled the pack back-to-back.

The PWR ASSIST USB adapter feels like an afterthought on paper, but it proved handy. I topped off a phone and a headlamp from the battery pack at the tailgate without digging for a separate power bank. If you’re working away from outlets, that bonus earns its keep.

Build quality and durability

Fit and finish are solid. The selector switches click positively, the anvil shows no early slop, and the housing hasn’t picked up any alarming rattles. The friction ring was tight out of the box and eased slightly after a few socket changes—right where I want it. I didn’t see any undue heat buildup in normal use, and the brushless motor kept the sound and vibration reasonable. As with most mid-torque impacts, ear protection is still a good idea; it’s not loud by shop standards, but the hammering adds up.

Everyday usability

The size and weight make this an easy reach for daily jobs. It fits between lugs on alloy wheels without scuffing, gets into suspension pockets where larger impacts struggle, and the LED helps when your headlamp shadow is in the way. Reverse Control Mode saved me time keeping hardware from dropping, especially on vertical studs. Because the tool tops out at a mid-range torque, it’s also less likely to overdo it when running fasteners in; I still always finish with a torque wrench, but I wasn’t constantly backing fasteners off to correct overtightening.

Where it falls short

• Torque ceiling: 200 ft-lbs is honest and useful, but it’s a ceiling you’ll hit on larger, rusted, or high-torque assemblies. Plan accordingly.
• Modes: Having only High, Low, and Reverse Control Mode is simple, but a true mid setting would be welcome for more nuanced control on mid-size fasteners.
• Accessory quirks: The LED is bright, but its beam is a bit narrow. Not a deal-breaker, just something you notice while indexing the socket in tight spots.

None of these are deal-killers; they’re just the trade-offs that come with a compact, mid-torque 20V impact.

Comparisons and value

In a crowded 20V/18V field, the Skil impact wrench competes on practicality rather than raw force. You’re getting a brushless motor, a 1/2-inch friction ring anvil, a generous 5.0Ah battery, the rapid charger, and a USB adapter in one kit. That matters if you’re buying into a system for the first time or you want a grab-and-go kit for the garage or truck. Heavier hitters exist, but they’re larger, pricier, and often sold bare. For the work most car owners and light-duty mechanics need, this kit hits a smart balance.

Who it’s for

• DIYers and weekend warriors handling tire rotations, brake work, light suspension, and general fastener removal.
• Maintenance techs who want a compact 1/2-inch impact with reliable runtime and quick top-ups.
• Anyone already using Skil’s 20V platform who needs an automotive-capable addition.

If your work regularly involves axle nuts, large chassis bolts, or heavily corroded fasteners, you’ll want a higher-torque impact as your primary tool, and keep this one for lighter, faster tasks.

Recommendation

I recommend the Skil impact wrench for users who value a compact, well-balanced 1/2-inch impact with thoughtful features and a complete kit. It delivers trustworthy mid-range torque, excellent battery life, and a genuinely useful Reverse Control Mode that streamlines real-world work. The included 5.0Ah battery and rapid charger minimize downtime, and the USB adapter is a practical bonus for mobile jobs. It’s not a heavy-duty bruiser, so don’t expect it to conquer axle nuts or deeply rusted hardware. But for the bulk of automotive maintenance and general fastening, it’s a dependable, easy-to-live-with tool that earns a place in the toolbox.