Skil Brushless 12V 1/2 in. Drill Driver & Laser Measurer Kit

A compact kit that punches above its weight

I didn’t expect a 12V drill paired with a pocket laser to handle most of my weekend projects, but this Skil 12V drill and laser kit did exactly that. After a few weeks of cabinet installs, shelves, repair work, and some light metal drilling, I came away impressed by how much capability Skil squeezed into a compact, affordable package—and where the natural limits of a 12V setup still show.

The drill: small body, real performance

The drill is the star here. It’s brushless, which you can feel immediately in the smooth start-up and the way it maintains speed under load. With two mechanical speeds (0–450 and 0–1700 rpm) and a 17+1 clutch, it covered the basics without drama. Low speed is where I lived for fastener work; it sinks 2-1/2 to 3-inch screws into framing lumber without cam-out when the clutch is set correctly. Flip to high speed, and it’s fast enough to keep twist bits moving cleanly through softwood and drywall. In thin sheet metal, I had no trouble stepping through pilot holes up to about 1/4 inch, as long as I kept the speed in check and used cutting fluid.

The rated 350 in-lbs of torque is honest and well managed. It’s plenty for cabinetry, trim, hardware, pocket holes, and general maintenance. You’ll feel the limit if you try to run large spade bits or hole saws in studs; it can do it in a pinch, but that’s where an 18V drill is the right tool. For 90% of indoor projects, this 12V did the work without feeling underpowered.

The hybrid chuck is genuinely useful

Skil’s 1/2-inch “hybrid” chuck is a smart choice. It grips round-shank bits securely and, thanks to the hex recess down the center, accepts 1/4-inch hex bits without opening the jaws. That combo let me switch from drilling to driving in a second. More importantly, the chuck stays tight. I didn’t have the annoying mid-hole loosening I sometimes see on light-duty drills. The clutch ring has clear markings, the throw is positive, and I liked the detent for drill mode.

Ergonomics and build quality

The drill is compact at roughly 7-1/8 inches long and balances nicely with the included 2.0 Ah battery. It’s not featherweight, but it’s lighter than most 18V models and still feels substantial, which I prefer when drilling. The handle shape works for long sessions without hot spots, and the belt clip is positioned well—handy for ladder work. Fit and finish on my unit were clean: no sharp mold lines, consistent chuck centering, and switches that feel solid.

Noise and vibration are controlled for its class. You can still tell you’re using a geared tool at high speed, but the brushless motor smooths out the torque pulses. After driving a couple dozen screws and drilling a dozen holes in a row, fatigue wasn’t an issue.

Battery, runtime, and charging

Skil’s PWRCORE 12 battery tech uses cooling material around the cells, and while I can’t measure internal temps, I can say the pack stayed cool during moderate, continuous use. Runtime is where it should be for a 2.0 Ah 12V: a small-to-medium project on a single charge, and often more if you’re mostly driving. The included PWR JUMP charger is compact and convenient for quick top-offs between tasks. If you plan longer days or are working through dense material, budget for a second pack—but for home users and pros tackling punch lists, one battery can get you through a lot of typical tasks.

The laser measurer: pocket-friendly and practical

The laser measurer rounds out the kit nicely. It’s rated to 100 feet with ±1/8-inch accuracy, which matched my indoor results. I used distance mode for room dimensions and cabinet runs, continuous mode to walk off spacing, and area mode to quickly check material estimates. The level function is a thoughtful add-on: a digital arrow guides you to level, and when it hits ±0.5°, you’re good. That’s more than accurate enough for picture hanging, shelves, and appliance placement. For long wall runs or tile layout, a dedicated rotary or cross-line laser is still the better pick, but as an everyday helper, this handled a lot.

Charging is via Micro-USB on the laser’s integrated battery. On the plus side, it takes a charge from a phone brick or power bank, and the cord is included. On the downside, Micro-USB is dated, and the battery isn’t user-replaceable, so long-term serviceability is limited. In normal use, though, I only needed to charge it occasionally; power draw is low.

Real-world tasks and bit selection

• Driving: Coarse-thread deck screws, cabinet screws, and structural screws up to 3 inches went in cleanly in low gear with properly set clutch. For long structural screws or lag bolts, pre-drilling is wise, and beyond a certain size you’ll want an impact driver or 18V drill.
• Drilling wood: Twist bits up to 3/8 inch and spade bits up to 1 inch were comfortable, especially in high gear for twist bits. For larger holes, step up gradually or use an 18V drill.
• Drilling metal: Pilot holes and step-bit work in thin steel and aluminum were smooth with cutting fluid. Keep speed moderate and pressure steady.
• Layout: The laser’s area mode sped up quick material take-offs, and the level function made short work of a bank of frames.

What I liked

• Surprisingly capable 12V drill with smooth brushless power and a wide usable range.
• Hybrid 1/2-inch chuck that grips well and accepts hex bits without fiddling.
• Sensible gearing and clutch; easy to dial in for screw sizes and materials.
• Compact, balanced feel with the 2.0 Ah pack; good control in tight spaces.
• Laser measurer is accurate for indoor work and the level function is genuinely helpful.
• Thoughtful kit extras: belt clip, PH2 bit, soft bag, and a compact charger.
• 5-year limited warranty provides confidence for a budget-friendly kit.

What I’d change

• Only one battery in the box. A second 2.0 Ah would make this a turn-key kit for longer days.
• The laser’s Micro-USB charging and non-replaceable battery are dated. USB-C and a swappable cell would improve longevity.
• As with most 12V drills, heavy boring with large bits will bog it down—know the limits and you’ll be fine.

Who it’s for

If you’re a homeowner, DIYer, or pro who wants a compact drill that doesn’t give up much to larger models for everyday tasks, this kit hits a sweet spot. It’s also a smart pick as a secondary drill for pros who already run a heavier 18V setup and want something lighter for finish work and punch lists. The laser measurer adds real utility for take-offs, quick measurements, and leveling without a separate purchase.

If your work regularly involves large-diameter drilling, structural fasteners, or hole saws in dense material, look at an 18V drill. Likewise, if you need a full-featured leveling tool for layout across rooms, a dedicated laser level is the better investment.

The bottom line

Skil’s 12V drill and laser kit feels like it was designed by people who do real work in real spaces. The drill is compact, confident, and easy to live with; the laser measurer is accurate and handy; and the whole package makes sense for the kind of projects most of us tackle weekly. I appreciate that Skil didn’t chase flashy specs at the expense of usability—the hybrid chuck, balanced form factor, and straightforward controls matter more in daily use than headline torque numbers.

Recommendation: I recommend this kit to anyone who needs a compact, reliable drill for general projects and appreciates the convenience of a pocket laser. It offers strong value, thoughtful design, and enough performance to cover the majority of household and light professional tasks without weighing you down. If you already own a heavy-duty 18V drill, this makes an excellent “reach for it first” companion; if you don’t, it’s a great starting point that leaves room to grow.