Skil Brushless 12V Drill Driver & Right Angle Impact Driver Kit

Why I reached for this 12V combo

Compact tools earn their keep on real jobs, not spec sheets. I pulled out Skil’s 12V drill/driver and right‑angle impact for a few weeks of around‑the‑house work—installing hardware, running cable clips, assembling cabinets, and some light framing fixes—and it quickly became the set I grabbed first. The size and balance are a big part of that, but the surprising bit is how useful the right‑angle impact is when you’re working inside cabinets, between studs, or around plumbing and ductwork.

What’s in the box and first impressions

This kit includes a brushless 12V 1/2-inch drill/driver, a brushless right‑angle impact driver with a 1/4-inch hex collet, one 2.0 Ah battery, and Skil’s PWRJUMP fast charger. You also get two belt clips and a couple of PH2 bits. The battery has a built‑in USB‑A port for mobile charging, and the whole system sits under Skil’s 5‑year limited warranty.

Out of the box, both tools feel compact and tidy. The grips are well-shaped for smaller hands, but even with gloves on I never felt cramped. With the 2.0 Ah pack, balance is neutral, and neither tool feels top‑heavy when you’re working on a ladder or reaching overhead.

The drill/driver: flexible chuck, solid torque, compact size

The standout on the drill is its 1/2-inch hybrid chuck. It behaves like a standard chuck for round‑shank bits, but it also locks a 1/4-inch hex bit without tightening. In practice, that meant I could pop a driver bit in and out without spinning the sleeve—a real time saver when you’re bouncing between drilling and driving.

Performance-wise, the drill has two mechanical speeds (0–450 and 0–1700 rpm) and a 17+1 clutch. It’s rated at 350 in‑lb, which landed where I expected for a modern brushless 12V. I had no trouble with:

• Drilling pilot holes in studs and door frames
• Running a 1-inch spade bit through SPF at low speed
• Stepping holes in sheet metal with a step bit up to mid sizes
• Driving cabinet screws and fasteners with clutch protection

Where it taps out: larger hole saws in dense stock and longer augers. You can get there with patience and a sharp bit, but it’s not the right tool for boring out big holes all day.

Ergonomically, the drill is easy to control in tight spots. The trigger is linear and predictable, the clutch detents are positive, and the gearbox shifts cleanly. The work light is adequate but not impressive; it’s positioned low and can cast a nose shadow. I got used to it, but it’s noticeably dimmer than the impact’s halo light.

The right‑angle impact: access that changes the job

The right‑angle impact is the reason to buy this kit. A 90‑degree head with a quick‑release 1/4‑inch hex collet gets the driver where a standard tool won’t. Think sinks, base cabinets, between closely spaced studs, or inside a window frame—the head sneaks in and lets you keep a comfortable hand position.

Specs put it at 0–2700 rpm, up to 3750 ipm, and 900 in‑lb of hard‑joint torque. That’s modest compared to some straight‑bodied impacts, but the form factor makes up for it in real‑world use. I drove dozens of 2-1/2 to 3‑inch construction screws into pine and particleboard without drama, and it handled 1/4 x 3‑inch lags in predrilled holes. For larger lags or structural screws, pre‑drilling is your friend and keeps speed up.

The halo LED is excellent. It pre‑lights before the motor spins and lingers afterward, eliminating shadows right around the bit. Working under a sink, that ring light made the difference between guessing and seeing threads engage. The variable trigger offers good control for delicate tasks, and the impact mechanism kicks in predictably. There’s a small learning curve to keeping the collet square at the head; once you adjust, it’s easy to drive accurately at awkward angles.

As with any right‑angle driver, you’ll get the best access using shorter 1‑inch bits and compact nutsetters. Plan your bit selection around clearance and you’ll get into places a stubby impact simply can’t reach.

Battery, charging, and runtime

Skil’s PWRJUMP charger is genuinely fast. From flat, I saw about a quarter charge in roughly five minutes and a full charge in 45, as advertised. With only one 2.0 Ah battery in the kit, that quick top‑off matters. On light projects, I could work continuously by swapping to the other tool while the pack grabbed a few minutes on the charger. For longer tasks, a second battery would be a worthwhile add‑on.

Runtime felt in line with a brushless 12V and a 2.0 Ah pack: plenty for an afternoon of cabinet hardware, light framing fixes, and general punch‑list work. Skil notes cooling material around the cells to extend life and run time; I didn’t see heat‑related throttling, even when running the impact for extended screw driving.

The battery’s USB port is handy for topping off a phone. It’s USB‑A rather than USB‑C, so don’t expect fast‑charging laptops or power‑hungry devices, but for emergencies and light charging it’s a nice touch.

Build, ergonomics, and day‑to‑day usability

Both tools feel well put together for the class. The overmold is grippy without being gummy, and the belt clips are stout enough to trust when you’re on a ladder. Balancing with the small pack is excellent; neither tool tries to tip out of your hand when you’re aligning a fastener one‑handed.

Noise and vibration are what you’d expect: the drill is quiet, the impact is snappy but not harsh. The triggers have good low‑speed modulation for starting screws straight. The right‑angle head does transmit a bit more vibration to your hand than a straight driver, but it’s not fatiguing.

Small touches add up: the drill’s short overall length, the hybrid chuck convenience, the halo light on the impact, and the fast charger made day‑to‑day work smoother. I didn’t miss electronic modes on the impact; the trigger gave me the control I needed.

Limitations and wish‑list

• Only one battery in the kit. The fast charger takes the sting out, but a second pack would make this a no‑brainer for longer jobs.
• The drill’s LED could be brighter and better positioned.
• USB‑C on the battery would modernize the mobile charging feature.
• The right‑angle driver is powerful for its form factor, but it’s not a substitute for a high‑torque impact. Don’t expect it to break automotive lug nuts or drive large structural fasteners without pre‑drilling.
• The head is fixed at 90 degrees; it doesn’t swivel. Plan your approach accordingly.

None of these are dealbreakers for the target use, but they’re worth noting if you’re building a kit for heavier trades work.

Who it’s for

This 12V combo fits homeowners, DIYers, and pros who value compact tools for finish work, installs, service calls, and punch lists. Cabinet installers, electricians, HVAC techs, and property maintenance folks will appreciate the right‑angle driver’s access and the drill’s hybrid chuck. If your day involves drilling large holes, driving big structural fasteners, or production‑level deck building, you’ll want a higher‑voltage setup alongside this kit.

If you’re just starting a tool collection, this kit covers a large percentage of common tasks with minimal bulk. Pair it with a decent set of twist bits, a step bit, an impact‑rated driver set, and a 3/8‑inch socket adapter, and you’ll handle most home projects without dragging out corded tools.

Recommendation

I recommend this kit for anyone who values compact size and smart versatility over brute force. The drill’s hybrid 1/2‑inch chuck, the right‑angle impact’s genuinely useful access, brushless efficiency, and the excellent PWRJUMP charger make it a strong everyday pairing. The single 2.0 Ah battery and modest drill light are the main knocks, and I’d budget for a second battery if you’re tackling bigger projects. For homeowners and working techs who spend a lot of time in tight spaces, this 12V combo is a practical, well‑thought‑out solution that earns a spot on the belt.