Skil 20V Drill Driver & Impact Driver Kit

Why I pulled this kit off the shelf

I gave the Skil 20V kit a workout across a handful of real-world projects: hanging shelves, assembling garage storage, drilling pocket holes in softwood, and tackling a small fence repair. I like kits that cover the two most common cordless needs—drilling and driving—with one battery ecosystem. This one includes a 20V drill driver, a 20V impact driver, a single 2.0Ah PWRCORE battery, a 20V charger, two PH2 bits, and two belt clips. It’s an approachable package for a homeowner or DIYer, and that’s exactly how I approached it.

Build, feel, and first impressions

Both tools feel compact and reasonably light with the 2.0Ah pack attached. The drill measures a touch under 7.5 inches front to back, the impact around 6 inches, so they fit well in cabinets and between studs. The grips are comfortable, and the balance is neutral—you don’t feel like the battery is dragging your wrist down.

The drill’s 1/2-inch keyless chuck held round-shank and hex bits securely without loosening, and the impact driver’s 1/4-inch hex collet gave a positive “click” on insertion and one-handed bit changes were easy. Both tools have LED work lights that are bright enough to be useful under shelves and inside closets. The included belt clips mount on either side and don’t get in the way.

Worth noting: these are brushed-motor tools. That’s in line with their price point and target user, and it shows up in the sound and a more pronounced soft-start feel at the trigger.

Performance: the drill driver

The drill offers two mechanical speed ranges (0–420 rpm and 0–1450 rpm) and a 17+1 clutch. In low gear with the clutch dialed appropriately, it handled general-purpose drilling in pine and poplar with twist bits up to 3/8 inch smoothly. Pocket hole drilling in softwood was no problem, and it put pilot holes in fence pickets all afternoon without complaint.

Torque, however, is modest. The spec is 177 in-lbs, and that bears out in use. Small hole saws in drywall are straightforward, but once I pushed into thicker pine with spade bits over about 5/8 inch, the drill bogged and occasionally stalled unless I feathered the trigger and cleared chips frequently. It’s fine for light metal work—think sheet metal or light-gauge aluminum with step bits—but you’ll need patience and sharp bits.

For driving, the clutch is consistent and well spaced. Setting 6–8 was great for cabinet screws and hardware without snapping heads, and I appreciated the gentle ramp-up. The flip side is that the trigger response is a little slow to reach full speed, which is great for control but not as snappy as pro-grade options.

Performance: the impact driver

If you’re building a deck, hanging ledger screws, or driving a lot of fasteners, the impact driver is the star of the kit. With a spec of up to 1100 in-lbs, it handled 3-inch deck screws into pressure-treated lumber without pre-drilling and seated them confidently. Running longer structural screws into framing was doable, especially with a pilot hole; you’ll notice it working harder on dense material, but it gets there.

For bigger hardware—lag screws into posts—the driver can manage 1/4-inch and some 5/16-inch lags with a pilot, but it’s not the right tool if you’re routinely running long, thick fasteners into hardwoods or engineered lumber. The 0–2500 rpm motor speed and 0–3200 impacts per minute keep it moving quickly on typical home tasks, and the compact head helps in tight corners. Vibration is present, as it is with most impacts, but not excessive.

Bit changes are quick, and the collet didn’t eject bits under load. I’d stick with impact-rated bits to avoid twisting or shattering under repeated impacts.

Battery and charging

The kit includes one 2.0Ah PWRCORE 20 battery and a 20V charger. The battery features Skil’s temperature management tech, and in my use it stayed reasonably cool, even during repeated driving sessions with the impact. Power delivery remained consistent until the last bars of the gauge. Runtime is what you’d expect from a 2.0Ah pack: adequate for small to mid-size projects, but you’ll want a second battery if you plan to work continuously.

The included charger isn’t a fast charger. A full charge isn’t quick, and I found myself planning breaks around charging or swapping to corded tools when I had only the single pack. My advice: if this kit is your main driver/drill setup, add a second 2.0Ah or step up to a 4.0Ah pack to keep the momentum going.

Usability details that matter

• Gear and clutch: The drill’s two-speed gearbox and 17+1 clutch give fine control. For larger bits, stay in low; for drilling pilot holes and small fasteners, high speed is the right call.
• LEDs: The work lights are well placed and stayed on long enough to line up a screw, though they’re not floodlights.
• Accessories: The PH2 bits are handy out of the box, and the belt clips are genuinely useful on a ladder.
• Noise: Both tools are on the louder side compared to brushless models, which is typical for brushed designs. Hearing protection is a good idea during extended use.
• Dust and chips: The drill sheds chips onto the grip area during overhead work, but the housing cleans up easily.

Where the kit shines

• Household projects and DIY: Hanging shelves, assembling furniture, mounting hardware, and basic carpentry are precisely what this kit is built for, and it handles them well.
• Driving screws quickly: The impact driver speeds up any project involving lots of fasteners, and its compact size reaches awkward spots.
• Bit compatibility: A 1/2-inch chuck on the drill is a nice upgrade at this price, accommodating larger shanks you sometimes see on hole saw arbors or specialty bits.

Where it comes up short

• Power headroom on the drill: At 177 in-lbs, it’s not a hole-drilling powerhouse. Larger spade bits or aggressive hole saws in dense materials will test it.
• Single, small battery: A lone 2.0Ah pack limits continuous workflow. The charger isn’t particularly fast, so downtime adds up.
• Brushed motors: There’s nothing wrong with brushed at this tier, but expect a bit more noise, a touch of sparking at the vents, and slightly less efficiency versus brushless alternatives.
• Trigger ramp: The soft-start feel makes delicate work easy, but if you like a snappier response, you may find it a little leisurely.

Tips to get the most out of it

• Match gear to task: Low gear for big bits and stubborn screws, high gear for small holes and rapid drilling.
• Use sharp, quality bits: Especially in the drill; sharp spade or auger bits reduce stalling in denser wood.
• Pre-drill for big fasteners: The impact driver benefits from a pilot on thicker lags, improving speed and reducing strain.
• Add a second battery: It transforms the experience from stop-and-go to steady progress.
• Mind the clutch: Let the clutch protect your fasteners and workpieces; it’s consistent and easy to dial in.

The bottom line

The Skil 20V kit is a sensible, budget-friendly pairing for everyday DIY. The impact driver is the clear strength here—compact, capable, and fast on common screws and medium-duty fasteners. The drill driver is competent for light to moderate tasks but lacks the torque to be your all-purpose hole-maker in denser materials. Both tools are comfortable to use, the controls are intuitive, and the 1/2-inch chuck is a pleasant surprise at this level.

Would I recommend it? For homeowners and DIYers who want a reliable, affordable combo for general tasks—yes, with a caveat. Plan on buying a second battery to avoid charging interruptions, and keep your expectations aligned with the brushed, entry-level nature of the drill’s power. If you routinely drill large holes in hardwoods or run heavy structural fasteners, I’d point you toward a brushless, higher-torque setup. For everyone else, this kit checks the right boxes and makes everyday projects easier without stretching the budget.