Skil 20V Brushless Hammer Drill Kit with 75-piece Drill & Drive Bit Set (interlocking case)

Why I reached for this kit

I have plenty of drills to choose from, but I grabbed Skil’s 20V brushless hammer drill kit on a few weekends where I knew I’d be hopping between materials—setting Tapcons in brick, drilling pocket holes in softwood, and driving a mix of cabinet screws and structural fasteners. The appeal was obvious: a compact brushless drill, a 2.0Ah battery and charger, and a 75‑piece bit set that rides along in an interlocking case. For a single box to toss in the trunk, this covers a lot of ground.

Setup and first impressions

The drill feels light for its class and the balance with the included 2.0Ah pack is neutral. The 1/2-inch ratcheting, single-sleeve chuck tightens confidently by hand and held on to round-shank twist bits and hex shanks without slipping. The two-ring interface—one ring for torque settings (17 positions) and one for mode (screwdriver, drill, hammer)—is clear and deliberate. The variable speed trigger is smooth with a predictable ramp-up, and the forward/reverse selector has a positive click.

The LED worklight turns on before the chuck spins and lingers for a bit after you let off the trigger. It’s placed low on the base, so it illuminates the work area well enough for cabinet interiors and under-sink work, though like most base-mounted LEDs it can create a slight shadow right under the chuck when you’re close to the surface.

On-paper power vs. real-world tasks

Skil rates the drill at 400 in-lbs of torque with two gear ranges: 0–450 RPM and 0–1,700 RPM, and hammer mode up to 25,500 BPM. Those numbers place it in the “compact, general-purpose” category—stronger and more efficient than brushed DIY drills, but a step below the high-torque pro units.

In practice, that’s exactly how it behaves. For most homeowner and light trade tasks, it’s quick and controllable. For sustained heavy fastening, it can bump up against its limit.

Driving screws and fasteners

I started with a batch of cabinet installs and framing repairs using #8 and #10 wood screws up to 2-1/2 inches. In speed 2 with the clutch engaged around 8–10, the drill drove cleanly without cam-out. The clutch engages predictably and saves hardware and workpieces from over-torque—handy when you’re working with softwoods or MDF.

Moving to deck work, 3-1/2-inch construction screws into pressure-treated 2x stock were better approached in speed 1. With the clutch turned off (drill setting), the tool will drive these home, but it isn’t brisk, and you need to keep steady pressure as the screw approaches full depth. If you leave the clutch on for this length of screw, it will trip early; that’s by design and aligns with the torque rating. For frequent structural fasteners or ledger work, I’d pair this kit with a mid-tier impact driver or move up to a higher-torque drill.

Spade bits are included (3/4 and 1 inch), and the drill handled them in studs and sheathing as long as I stayed in speed 1 and cleared chips periodically. For hole saws in drywall and softwood, it’s fine; in dense hardwoods or when hole-sawing larger diameters, it slows down, which is expected.

Drilling in wood and metal

For wood, the included brad-point bits track well in face frames and cabinetry. Pocket-hole pilot drilling in softwood is a non-issue, and general 1/8–3/8-inch holes are quick in speed 2. For clean, tear-out-free holes in plywood veneers, the lower gear gives good control.

In metal, with sharp twist bits and cutting fluid, I had no trouble with pilot holes and stepped up to 3/8-inch in mild steel plate. Using a center punch and managing speed in low gear kept the drill happy. I wouldn’t pick this for frequent 1/2-inch holes in steel—it’s simply not geared for that kind of sustained load—but for brackets, electrical boxes, and general shop tasks, it performs as expected.

Hammer drilling into masonry

Hammer mode is where this compact drill earns its keep for occasional anchors. The included carbide masonry bits are serviceable for light work. In brick and mortar, 3/16 and 1/4-inch Tapcon holes progressed smoothly at a measured pace. In poured concrete, it will make holes, but it’s noticeably slower, and vibration climbs. For a few anchors here and there, it’s fine; for a day of wedge anchors in cured concrete, you’ll want a rotary hammer.

The extra IPM in speed 2 makes a difference for smaller bits; for 1/4-inch holes in harder material, I found starting in speed 1 to keep the bit from walking, then shifting to speed 2 to finish.

Battery life and charging

With the 2.0Ah pack, I got through a small cabinet job and a handful of masonry anchors before reaching for the charger. The 30W charger isn’t a “rapid” unit; expect roughly an hour to an hour and a half for a full charge depending on temperature and starting level. If you anticipate back-to-back tasks or a full day on site, a second battery is the simplest upgrade. The PWRCORE 20 platform is widely available, so expanding later is straightforward.

Ergonomics and control

The grip feels natural, and the light overall weight reduces fatigue when you’re drilling overhead or working off a ladder. The electric brake stops the chuck quickly, which keeps holes tidy and helps when you’re swapping bits. Spindle lock and the ratcheting chuck make bit changes one-handed once you get the hang of it.

Noise and vibration are typical for the class; hammer mode is buzzy but manageable. I do appreciate the pre-light/afterglow LED in tight spaces. The tool body is compact, and the shorter length pays off in stud bays and under cabinets.

The 75-piece bit set and carrying system

The bit assortment covers the basics: a good spread of 1 and 2-inch driver bits (Phillips, square, Torx, slotted, hex), nut setters, a magnetic extension, brad-point wood bits, standard twist bits, a few spade bits, and carbide masonry bits. It’s a starter set, not a lifetime collection, but I used several pieces without issues. The interlocking bit case snaps onto the main carry case, which is more useful than it sounds—everything travels together, and you’re less likely to forget a needed bit.

The suitcase-style drill case is protective and organized, though a little bulky if you’re just heading inside for a five-minute task. I didn’t see a belt clip in the kit; I missed that a few times when working off a ladder.

Where it shines and where it doesn’t

Strengths:
- Compact, light, and easy to control
- Brushless motor delivers efficient, smooth power
- Clean mode and clutch layout for quick task switching
- Solid 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck holds bits well
- Handy LED with pre-light and afterglow
- The kit’s interlocking bit case genuinely improves portability

Limitations:
- 400 in-lbs torque ceiling shows on longer structural screws and big hole-making
- 2.0Ah battery and 30W charger are fine for light duty; not ideal for all-day work
- Hammer mode is suitable for brick/mortar, less so for hard, cured concrete
- No belt clip in the box

Final take and recommendation

Skil’s 20V brushless hammer drill kit hits a sweet spot for homeowners and serious DIYers who want one box that covers most drilling and driving tasks, including the occasional masonry anchor. It’s comfortable, thoughtfully laid out, and the brushless motor keeps it responsive and efficient. The included 75-piece bit set and interlocking case system add real day-to-day convenience.

I wouldn’t choose this as the primary driver for deck building or as a go-to for heavy concrete work. The torque and hammering action simply aren’t tuned for sustained, high-demand tasks. Pairing it with an impact driver for structural screws, or stepping up to a rotary hammer for lots of concrete, is the right move if those are on your calendar.

Recommendation: I recommend this kit for new homeowners, DIYers, and light-duty pros who value portability and a complete starter package. It’s a capable, easy-to-use drill that covers wood, metal, and basic masonry without fuss. If your workload leans toward long structural fasteners, big hole-making, or frequent concrete anchoring, consider a higher-torque drill and a faster charging setup—or plan to complement this with an impact driver and a spare battery.