Skil 20V Cordless Compact Drill Review: PWRCore 20

Skil 20V Compact Cord and Hammer Drill Reaches New Levels of Compactness

Skil's PWRCore 20 system is launching its next generation compact tool with a renewed emphasis on "compact." We're taking a deep dive into the Skil 20V Cordless Compact Cordless Drill and Hammer Drill to see just how much it improves.

Skil 20V Cordless Compact Cordless Drill Performance

In terms of performance, these bits use a brushless motor that spins at 500 RPM in low gear and 1800 RPM in high gear. When you're working in hammer mode, the hammer drill adds 7500 BPM on low and 27000 BPM on high. Torque up to 450 in-lbs.

This isn't much different than the previous version. Low gear gets 20 RPM and that's it. Considering the goal is to work in size, it's not surprising to see speed and torque in very similar positions.

So what can you do with this performance?

very much. All your standard twist drill drilling and screw driving tasks are easily performed. There's even a 1-inch spade bit or a 2-inch hole saw on the menu. Almost all home repairs and weekend projects are within the capabilities of these drills. If you want to use a 2 9/16" self-feed drill for roughing, Skil's heavy-duty models remain your first choice for maximum performance.

size and weight

The great thing about these bits is the size reduction. The drill measures only 6.1 inches from tip to tail, compared to 6.6 inches for rotary hammers. That's an inch short!

Weight also dropped. The loose diamond weighs 1.9 lbs and the hammer weighs 2.0 lbs. Drill down 5 oz, hammer down 7 oz.

Considering we're talking compact, the Skil has made impressive improvements in both size and weight, bringing these drills closer in size to a 12V tool than a 20V.

led light

It seems like we talk about the LED lights on Skil products more than any other brand. Most brands put LEDs on their feet and stop there, but Skil keeps raising the bar. In this case, they mounted an LED strip on the foot and added a diffuser to soften the light. You'll appreciate it when you drill holes into a white wall. There's also an on/off button, so you can set the drill down and use it as a work light for up to 10 minutes.

other highlights

• Ratcheting 1/2" Chuck
• 17 clutch settings
• Includes reversible belt clip
• Bit holder on the rear of the foot
• Tether point under the bit holder
• The included PWRJump charger charges the battery from 0% to 25% in just 5 minutes!
• Compatible with any Skil PWRCore 20 battery

Skil 20V Cordless Compact Power Drill Quick Comparison

Skil 20V Cordless Compact Power Drill Prices

The best place to get next-gen drills and hammer drills is Amazon. The drill is $99 and the hammer is $129. Both are kits that include a 2.0Ah battery and an upgraded PWRJump charger, and the tools come with a 5-year warranty. There's a USB-A port on the back of the battery, so they can double as a power source.

Get a brushless drill kit with a 5-year warranty for less than $100? That's a huge value in today's economy.

the bottom line

Skil set out to make their 20V cordless compact drill and hammer drill even more compact, and they succeeded. Both are noticeably smaller and lighter without sacrificing any of the performance we've enjoyed in previous versions. Combined with a great-value price tag, we give homeowners and DIYers two big thumbs-ups for the Skil PWRCore 20 Compact Cord Drill and Hammer Drill.

Specification

• Model: SKIL DL6293B (electric drill), HD6294B (electric hammer)
• Power: Skil PWRCore 20 battery (20V)
• Chuck: 1/2 in.
• No-load speed: 0 – 500/1800 RPM
• Maximum Torque: 450 in-lbs
• Strike rate (hammer drill only): 0 – 7500/27000 BPM
• Head Length: 6.1" (Drill Bit), 6.6" (Hammer Drill)
• Rig Net Weight: 1.92 lbs
• Hammer Loose Diamond Weight: 2.03 lbs
• Warranty: 5 years