Features
- Includes a drill driver and an impact driver
- Brushless motors for both tools
- Compact design for use in tight or overhead spaces
- Variable speed trigger on both tools for control
- 17-stage torque adjustment (drill)
- 1/2-inch single-sleeve keyless ratcheting chuck (drill) for quick bit changes
- One-handed collet for fast impact-driver bit changes
- 3-speed selection on impact driver
- Control mode to reduce screw cam-out and cross-threading (impact driver)
- Integrated LED worklight and "halo" light providing extended illumination (up to ~10 minutes)
- Metal gearbox on impact driver
- Battery with cell-wrapping cooling material for extended runtime and life (manufacturer claim)
- Battery includes a USB port for mobile charging
- Automatic fast charger that charges 0% to ~25% in approximately 5 minutes (based on 2.0Ah battery)
- Includes two PH2 bits, two belt clips, and a battery jacket
Specifications
Drill No Load Speed | 0–500 / 0–1,800 RPM |
Drill Max Torque | 450 in-lbs |
Drill Clutch Settings | 17 + 1 (clutch + drill mode) |
Drill Chuck Capacity | 1/2 in |
Drill Number Of Speeds | 2 |
Drill Chuck Type | Keyless single-sleeve ratcheting |
Drill Tool Weight | 1.92 lb |
Impact Driver No Load Speed | 1,800 / 2,500 / 3,100 RPM |
Impact Driver Max Impact Rate | 2,450 / 3,400 / 3,950 IPM |
Impact Driver Claimed Torque | 1,800 in-lbs |
Impact Driver Torque Settings | 3 |
Impact Driver Collet Capacity | 1/4 in |
Impact Driver Tool Weight | 2.01 lb |
Battery | PWRCORE 20 20V 2.0Ah lithium (included) |
Charger | PWRCORE 20 Auto PWRJUMP charger (0% to ~25% in ~5 minutes with 2.0Ah battery, per manufacturer) |
Led Worklight | Strip LED worklight with pre-light and after-glow, up to ~10 minutes illumination |
Included Accessories | (2) PH2 bits, (2) belt clips, battery jacket, 2.0Ah battery, PWRJUMP charger |
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Two-tool kit containing a sub-compact brushless 20V drill driver and a sub-compact brushless 20V impact driver. Designed for use in confined or overhead spaces, the kit includes a lithium battery, an automatic fast charger, basic driver bits, belt clips, and a battery jacket.
Skil Brushless 20V Compact Drill Driver and Impact Driver Kit Review
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.
Project Ideas
Business
Tight-Space Install Specialist
Offer a niche service for installs in cramped or overhead locations: cabinet pulls, under-cabinet racks, curtain rods over stairwells, closet systems, and smart-home brackets. The compact drill/driver pair reduces damage risks in finished spaces, while the impact driver’s control mode cuts down on stripped fasteners—fewer callbacks, faster jobs.
Realtor Staging and Punch-List Express
Partner with realtors to handle same-day staging installs and listing punch-lists—floating shelves, art hanging, towel bars, door hardware, and quick fixes. The fast charger keeps you rolling between showings, and the LED halo lets you work in vacant homes without power. Bundle services into flat-rate ‘rooms’ or ‘whole-home’ tiers.
Van/RV Upfit Microservice
Provide modular storage, L-track, wall cleats, bike mounts, and lightweight cabinetry installs for vans and RVs. The sub-compact tools excel in confined interiors, and the drill’s clutch protects thin wall panels while the impact driver handles lag bolts into ribs. Offer weekend packages with on-site power via the battery’s USB for device charging.
Pop-Up Booth and Event Display Assembly
Contract to assemble and disassemble retail pop-ups, farmers’ market stalls, and trade show displays. Quick bit changes and three-speed impact settings speed hardware swaps across mixed materials, while belt clips and after-glow lighting streamline early-morning or late-night builds. Sell recurring packages to brands for consistent revenue.
Property Manager Turnover Quick-Response
Market a 60–90 minute ‘turnover tune-up’ for rentals: rehang blinds, tighten hinges, mount coat hooks, replace door stops, and patch/anchor shelving. The drill’s torque settings prevent overdriving in MDF and hollow-core doors, and the impact driver’s control mode reduces anchor blowouts. Use fast charge to hit multiple units back-to-back efficiently.
Creative
Slim Floating Nightstands with French Cleats
Build compact floating nightstands that mount via French cleats and include routed cable pass-throughs. Use the drill’s clutch to drive consistent pocket-hole and cleat screws without overdriving, and the impact driver’s control mode to set anchors cleanly in drywall or masonry. The compact size and halo LED make aligning cleats in tight corners and low light easy.
Overhead Kitchen Pot Rail and Herb Trellis
Install a ceiling-mounted pot rail with a slim herb trellis above a window. The sub-compact form makes overhead drilling safer and less fatiguing, while the 1/2-inch chuck securely holds larger pilot bits for lag screws. Switch the impact driver to low speed for stainless hardware to avoid cam-out and scuffs.
Modular Entryway Organizer (French Cleat Wall)
Create interchangeable cubbies, hooks, and mail slots on a cleated backer board so modules can be rearranged seasonally. Use the drill’s 17-stage torque for consistent cabinet screw seating and the impact driver for quick module swaps. The LED after-glow helps verify stud marks and level lines without juggling a separate light.
Folding Wall-Mounted Desk for Small Spaces
Build a compact fold-down desk with torsion-box top and concealed hinges. Pre-drill precise pilot holes with the drill and set toggle bolts or sleeve anchors with the impact driver’s mid-speed setting to prevent over-torquing. The compact bodies and belt clips are ideal for ladder work and tight hallway installs.
Reclaimed-Window Cold Frame
Repurpose old windows into a shoulder-height cold frame for early seedlings. Drill drainage and hinge pilot holes with the keyless chuck, then drive exterior screws with the impact driver’s higher IPM for hardwood frames. The fast charger minimizes downtime between cuts and assembly, and the battery’s USB port can power a temp sensor during test fits.