Skil 7.5 Amp 1/2 IN. Drill

Why I reached for a corded 1/2-inch drill again

A good 1/2-inch corded drill still earns its spot on the shelf, especially for jobs where torque matters more than outright speed. I put the Skil 1/2-inch drill to work across a handful of tasks—boring large holes in framing lumber, stepping up holes in steel plate, and carefully opening drainage holes in ceramic planters—and it reminded me why a simple, stout corded drill is still useful. It’s not fancy, but it’s effective.

Build and ergonomics

At just over five and a half pounds and about 14 inches long, this is a fairly substantial tool. The soft-grip main handle is comfortable, and the two-finger trigger gives good leverage for feathering the speed. The auxiliary side handle threads on securely and lets you clock it where you need it. It’s made of plastic and feels a bit flexy under heavy load—functional, but not confidence-inspiring. I kept it on for torque-heavy tasks and removed it for lighter work.

The keyed 1/2-inch chuck is the right match here. A keyed chuck adds a step to bit changes and you do have to keep track of the key, but it grips big shanks and hole saw arbors tightly and doesn’t slip. For a drill with this much torque, that tradeoff makes sense.

One small convenience: the built-in horizontal bubble level. It’s basic—horizontal only—but handy when you’re trying to keep a line straight across a cabinet side or fence rail without an extra jig. I wouldn’t buy the drill for the level alone, but I found myself glancing at it more often than I expected.

Power and speed

The 7.5-amp motor is the headline. Paired with a modest top speed of 950 RPM, the Skil is tuned for torque. It won’t win races with small twist bits, but when you ask it to turn a 1-1/2-inch spade bit through a double 2x plate or drive a 2-inch hole saw for a vent, it digs in and keeps turning.

Speed control is linear and predictable. I could creep the bit into metal stock without skating and ease up to a comfortable cutting speed. The lock-on button is there if you’re doing repetitive drilling in a jig or light mixing; use it with care, because torque reaction is real. This drill will twist in your hands if a bit binds. The side handle and a steady stance aren’t optional when you’re pushing larger cutters.

Noise and vibration are tame for a corded drill in this range. Under load there’s a steady mechanical whir without harshness, which makes longer sessions more bearable.

Wood, metal, and ceramic performance

• Wood: In framing lumber and plywood, the Skil 1/2-inch drill is in its element. I ran spade bits up to 1-1/2 inches and a 2-1/8-inch hole saw through SPF studs with consistent results. Keeping the speed moderate and letting the bit clear chips prevents binding, but even when a spade bit caught a knot, the motor didn’t stall—the handle just reminded me to keep both hands on the tool. For smaller holes—1/8 to 3/16 inch—you’ll notice the lower top speed. They’re clean, just not especially fast.

• Metal: In mild steel, I stepped holes up to 3/8 inch using cutting oil and a center punch. The low-end control is excellent, and the keyed chuck never let go. Again, top speed is not high, so small pilot holes take a bit longer than with a high-RPM drill, but the torque pays off as the bit size increases. Take your time, apply steady pressure, and the motor maintains its tempo without bogging.

• Masonry and ceramic: This isn’t a hammer drill, so manage expectations. With sharp carbide masonry bits and a spritz of water for cooling, I opened drainage holes in ceramic planters and drilled into brick for plastic anchors. The progress is slower than a hammer drill, but the Skil’s torque keeps the bit turning consistently at low speed, which helps avoid chatter and glazing. I found the built-in bubble level useful here to keep my holes straight across a row of pots.

Controls and features that matter

• Variable-speed trigger: Smooth enough that I could start holes delicately on slick surfaces.
• Lock-on button: Useful for stationary setups or light mixing, but I avoided using it during freehand heavy drilling due to torque reaction.
• Side handle and depth gauge: The side handle is essential for control; the depth gauge is simple but genuinely helpful when repeatability matters (shelf pins, anchor holes).
• Bubble level: Limited to horizontal alignment, which covers a surprising number of tasks. A vertical level would have been a nice addition.

The keyed chuck tradeoff

A keyed 1/2-inch chuck is a deliberate choice. It adds a step to your workflow, and you’ll need a routine to keep the key handy. In return, you get clamping force that holds up under heavy torque. I had zero slippage with big shanks and hole saw arbors, which is not always the case with budget keyless chucks. If quick bit changes are your priority, you’ll find this slower. If secure grip and torque are the priority, this is the better setup.

A simple tip: tether the key to the cord or store it in a dedicated spot in your kit. Hunting for the key is the fastest way to sour the experience.

Where it excels and where it doesn’t

Strengths:
- High torque at usable speeds for large bits, hole saws, and tougher materials
- Predictable trigger response for delicate starts
- Secure bit retention from the keyed 1/2-inch chuck
- Included side handle and depth gauge add real utility
- Built-in bubble level is a small but helpful alignment aid

Limitations:
- Top speed of 950 RPM makes small-hole work slower compared to higher-RPM drills
- No hammer mode, so masonry drilling is possible but not fast
- The plastic side handle feels a little flimsy and flexes under heavy load
- Heavier and longer than compact drills, which is noticeable overhead or in tight spaces

Practical tips for getting the most from it

• Use the side handle anytime you’re over 1/2 inch or using a hole saw. It’s not just about comfort; it’s about safety.
• Keep speeds moderate with large bits. Let the torque do the work and clear chips frequently.
• For metal, use cutting fluid and step up through sizes. The drill’s low-speed control shines here.
• For ceramics and brick (non-structural, light-duty), use sharp carbide bits, low speed, and cooling. Don’t expect hammer-drill speed.
• Tether the chuck key. You’ll thank yourself on the second bit change of the day.

Durability and build impressions

After a mix of shop and onsite jobs, the Skil 1/2-inch drill shows the kind of robustness I expect from a corded tool in this class. There’s minimal play at the chuck and the trigger feel has stayed consistent. The housing doesn’t warm excessively during intermittent heavy use. I wouldn’t use it as a dedicated mixer for thick mortar all day—continuous high-load runtime will tax any drill in this category—but for occasional mixing of thin-set or compound at low speed, it handled short runs without complaint.

I do wish the side handle were a notch sturdier. It hasn’t failed, but the flex is noticeable when a bit binds. It’s a minor gripe, but it stands out because so much else about the tool feels solid.

Who this drill is for

If you’re a homeowner or a pro who needs a straightforward, torquey corded drill for larger holes, metalwork, or occasional light masonry, this is a sensible, capable choice. It’s a great “second drill” alongside a compact cordless driver—bring out the Skil when you need grunt and sustained power without worrying about batteries.

If your work leans heavily on small pilot holes, high-speed drilling, or frequent masonry anchoring, you’ll be better served by a high-RPM drill for the former and a proper hammer drill for the latter.

Recommendation

I recommend the Skil 1/2-inch drill for users who value torque, control, and straightforward reliability over top-end speed and convenience. Its 7.5-amp motor, keyed 1/2-inch chuck, and solid variable-speed behavior make it a strong performer with large bits in wood and metal, and a competent option for careful ceramic or brick work when a hammer drill isn’t required. The tradeoffs—slower small-hole drilling, a basic side handle, and no hammer mode—are easy to live with if your tasks align with its strengths. As a dependable corded workhorse for larger holes and tougher materials, it earns its keep.