Skil Brushless 20V Compact Drill Driver and Impact Driver Kit

Why this compact combo caught my eye

I spend a lot of time in attics, closets, and under-sink cabinets, so a sub-compact drill/impact pairing is more than a convenience—it’s sanity-saving. Skil’s 20V compact combo promised brushless motors, real speed control, and work lights that double as area lights. After a few weeks of installs, cabinet work, and general maintenance, it’s clear this is a thoughtfully designed kit with a few quirks worth noting.

Build and ergonomics

Both tools land in the sweet spot for size and weight. The drill is just under two pounds bare, and the impact is about the same. With the 2.0Ah pack they’re still easy on the wrist and balance well. The handles have a slim profile without going too narrow, and the overmold is grippy without feeling gummy. I had no trouble keeping a sure hold with gloves on, and the belt clips are sturdy and well-placed for right- or left-handed use.

The impact driver gets a metal gearbox, which I always appreciate in a compact tool—it’s a clue that the internals are built to last. The drill’s 1/2-inch single-sleeve ratcheting chuck is compact but secure; it grips round-shank bits more confidently than many budget chucks and resisted loosening in repeated start/stop drilling.

The drill: compact size, real capability

On paper, the drill’s 450 in-lbs of torque and 0–500/0–1,800 RPM two-speed gearbox put it in the “strong enough for most tasks” category. In practice, that’s exactly how it performed. With a sharp 3/4-inch spade bit, it moved through studs cleanly in low speed, and 1-1/4-inch hole saws in pine were manageable with a bit of patience and a firm stance. You’ll want a higher-torque drill for heavy auger work or big self-feeds in hardwood, but that’s not this kit’s mission.

The 17-position clutch is genuinely useful. Driving cabinet screws into softwoods, I could dial in a setting that seated heads flush without chewing up the material. In higher torque settings, it transitions to drill mode predictably. Trigger modulation is smooth, with a wide enough feathering range to start fasteners delicately without surprise jumps.

Bit changes are fast. The ratcheting action bites down positively with a single hand, and I saw minimal runout with typical 1/8–3/8-inch twist bits—better than average for this class.

The impact driver: speed options and real control

The impact is compact but not underpowered. Skil rates it at 1,800 in-lbs with three speed settings (1,800/2,500/3,100 RPM) and a control mode that’s tuned for reducing cam-out and cross-threading. That control mode turned out to be the hero for cabinet hinges and electrical cover screws; it ramps into impact later and avoids the “slam” that can mar softer fasteners.

Speed 1 is slow and steady—great for delicate work. Speed 2 is an all-around setting for 2–3-inch screws in framing, decking, and general assembly. Speed 3 steps up for longer fasteners and small lags; it drove 3-inch coated screws into pressure-treated lumber without drama and backed out old, stubborn hardware reliably. If you regularly drive large structural screws or big ledger lags, a higher-output impact will do it faster, but this compact driver handled the bulk of what I threw at it.

The one-handed 1/4-inch collet is nicely sprung. Bit swaps are quick, and the detent holds shorter impact bits securely.

Lighting and visibility

Skil went further than an obligatory token LED. The drill uses a bright bar-style light at the base that spreads light across the work area, and the impact’s “halo” ring around the nose provides shadow-free illumination right where the bit meets the work. Both lights have pre-light and a long afterglow that acts like a temporary work light—handy when you set the tool down to mark a hole or grab a fastener. After finishing a task in a dim closet, I still had enough light to tidy up without reaching for a flashlight.

Battery, charger, and runtime

The kit includes a 20V 2.0Ah pack and Skil’s PWRJUMP charger. The charger is genuinely convenient: from a fully depleted pack, I was back to roughly a quarter charge in around five to six minutes—enough to finish a small task. After that jump, it charges at a more typical pace. If you work in fits and starts, this quick top-off is more valuable than it sounds.

Skil uses a cell-wrapping material in the battery intended to wick heat and extend runtime. I can’t validate the long-term claims, but I will say the pack stayed cool during extended driving and didn’t trigger thermal cutoffs. There’s also a USB port on the battery, which I used to top up a phone and a laser measure—small quality-of-life touches that matter on site.

One limitation: the kit includes a single battery. For continuous work, you’ll want a second pack (ideally a 4.0Ah) to avoid downtime.

The included “battery jacket” is an extra I didn’t expect. It slips over the pack to add a layer of protection and grip. I found it useful when setting tools down on rough surfaces, and it’s easier to hold onto the pack in cold, damp weather.

Durability and design details

Fit and finish are better than I typically expect at this price point. The housing seams are tight, the trigger feel is consistent across both tools, and the variable speed control is predictable. The drill clutch ring and speed selector have positive detents, and the impact’s three-speed slide switch is easy to hit without shifting your grip.

I also didn’t notice excessive vibration or rattle, even at high impact rates. Both tools stayed composed and planted, which translates to less fatigue over a long workday.

What could be better

• Direction selector sensitivity: On both tools, the forward/reverse switch is a little light. A glancing bump with a gloved thumb can nudge it out of position, and because the trigger interlock is tied to the selector, the tool won’t run until you reseat it. It’s not a deal-breaker, but a stiffer detent would prevent the occasional hiccup.
• Single 2.0Ah battery: The fast charger softens the blow, but a two-battery bundle would better match how these tools are likely to be used.
• Peak power ceiling: The drill’s 450 in-lbs and the impact’s 1,800 in-lbs are appropriate for a sub-compact kit, but if you routinely run large hole saws or structural fasteners, you’ll hit the ceiling. That’s a tradeoff for the size advantage.

Who it’s for

• DIYers and homeowners who want a compact, capable kit that won’t feel like a compromise. The brushless motors, 1/2-inch chuck, and smart lighting put it well ahead of entry-level 12V sets.
• Tradespeople who need a lightweight second set for service calls, overhead work, or tight spaces. The impact’s control mode and the drill’s precise clutch are excellent for finish hardware and light installs.
• Anyone who appreciates quick turnarounds. The PWRJUMP “get me back to work” charge is a genuine time-saver.

If you’re a framing crew lead or a deck builder running long structural screws all day, you’ll be happier with higher-output tools. But as a compact daily driver kit, this one makes a lot of sense.

Final recommendation

I recommend this Skil compact combo. It strikes a smart balance of size, control, and capability, with real attention to user experience—excellent lighting, confident chucks/collets, and a fast charger that rescues you mid-project. The drill has enough torque for common tasks, the impact’s three speeds and control mode give you finesse when you need it, and both tools are comfortable to use in tight or overhead spaces. Add in the metal gearbox on the impact, thoughtful accessories, and the useful USB-enabled battery, and it’s a well-rounded package. The forward/reverse selector could use a firmer detent, and I’d prefer a second battery in the box, but those are manageable tradeoffs for a compact, brushless kit that performs as reliably as this one.