Skil 12V Brushless Drill and Hammer Drill Review

Skil 12V Brushless Drill Reduces Size While Maintaining Performance

The biggest appeal of 12V power tools is undoubtedly their compact size and lightweight design. Well, the folks at Skil decided they could do better with their 12V cordless drill products. We'll take a closer look at the Skil PWRCore 12V 2-Speed Brushless Cordless Drill and Hammer Drill to see how it's changed from the previous generation.

Want more drills? Check out our top cordless drill recommendations!

Skil 12V Brushless Drill Performance

As far as performance goes, the Skil really hasn't changed anything from the previous model. These bits feature a brushless motor that spins up to 450 RPM in low gear and 1,700 RPM in high gear. Torque up to 350 in-lbs.

If you use a percussion drill (which we recommend), you'll get an extra low speed of 6750 BPM and high speed of 25500 BPM to aid in concrete and masonry drilling.

So, what does this mean in terms of actual performance?

With this kind of performance, you have the power to handle most everyday household drilling and driving tasks. We found it confident in screwing and drilling with twist drill bits of all sizes.

For the sake of science (and to satisfy our own curiosity), we tested several types of drill bits and found that a 1" spade bit or auger bit is about the same size as this one. We had success drilling with a 1 1/2" self-feed drill, but it made the drill work hard at that point. If you find yourself needing more power, consider Skil's full-size models for maximum performance.

Skil 12V Brushless Drill Design Notes

ergonomics

The most notable change to these drills is undoubtedly the reduction in size. The drill bit is 6.06 inches long from tip to tail, and the hammer is 6.54 inches long. That's almost a full inch compared to their predecessors!

The loose diamond weighs 1.9 pounds, while the rotary hammer weighs 2.1 pounds. Weight has dropped slightly compared to the previous model.

In addition to being compact, they feel very comfortable in the hand. The handle is angled slightly forward, which makes for a more favorable working angle when using this drill.

Additional features

• led lights
• double sided belt hook
• Ratcheting 1/2" Chuck
• 17 clutch settings
• tether ready
• Bit holder on the rear of the foot
• Compatible with all Skil PWRCore 12 batteries

Skil 12V Brushless Hammer Quick Comparison

These Skil 12V drills hit the shelves with an attractive price tag. The drill driver kit retails for $69.99 while the hammer drill kit is only $99.00! Both come with a 12V 2.0Ah battery, an upgraded PWRJump charger, and a 5-year warranty. Plus, the batteries have a USB-A port on the back, so they can double as a portable power source for your device.

the bottom line

As we mentioned before, the important thing about these drills is that they are significantly reduced in size without losing any performance. Not to mention, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better deal than this. I mean, a compact brushless drill kit for under $100 and a killer warranty to back it up? Yes, please!

Overall, these bits are a great choice for homeowners and DIYers alike, and you'll have a lot more fun than what some other DIY brands offer. The hammer drill, in particular, is also a good choice for professionals looking for a high-value, compact complement to their premium workhorse drill for light work.

Specification

• Model: SKIL DL6290A-00 (electric drill), HD6290A-00 (electric hammer)
• Power: Skil PWRCore 12V battery
• No-load speed: 0-450/1,700
• Strike rate (hammer drill only): 0-6,750/25,500 BPM
• Chuck: 1/2 in.
• Maximum Torque: 350 in-lbs.
• Length: 6.06" (Drill), 6.54" (Hammer Drill)
• Weight: 1.90 lbs. (drill), 2.01 lbs. (hammer drill)
• Warranty: 5 years
• Price: $69.99 (Drill), $99.00 (Hammer Drill)