Skil 20V Compact Cord and Hammer Drill: Embracing New Levels of Compactness
Skil’s PWRCore 20 system is unveiling its latest generation compact tool, putting a renewed focus on “compact.” In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Skil 20V Cordless Compact Drill and Hammer Drill to see the extent of its improvements.
Performance of the Skil 20V Cordless Compact Drill
When it comes to performance, these bits utilize a brushless motor that operates at 500 RPM in low gear and 1800 RPM in high gear. In hammer mode, the hammer drill adds 7500 BPM on low and 27000 BPM on high, with torque reaching up to 450 in-lbs.
This performance isn’t much different from the previous version. Low gear reaches 20 RPM, and that’s about it. Considering the goal of compactness, it’s not surprising to find speed and torque in similar positions.
So, what can you achieve with this level of performance?
The answer is quite a lot. You can easily handle standard tasks like twist drilling and screw driving. Additionally, you can use a 1-inch spade bit or a 2-inch hole saw. These drills are more than capable of tackling home repairs and weekend projects. However, if you require a 2 9/16″ self-feed drill for more demanding tasks, Skil’s heavy-duty models remain the top choice for maximum performance.
Size and Weight: Impressive Reductions
One of the notable features of these bits is their reduced size. The drill measures only 6.1 inches from tip to tail, compared to the 6.6 inches found in rotary hammers. That’s a significant one-inch difference!
The weight has also decreased. The drill weighs 1.9 lbs, while the hammer weighs 2.0 lbs. The drill has dropped by 5 oz, and the hammer by 7 oz.
Considering we’re emphasizing compactness, Skil has made impressive improvements in both size and weight. These drills now resemble 12V tools more than 20V ones.
LED Light: Illumination at Its Best
Skil is renowned for its LED lights, often surpassing other brands in this aspect. While most brands limit their LED placement to the foot, Skil goes the extra mile. They’ve mounted an LED strip on the foot, complete with a diffuser to soften the light. This feature proves handy when drilling into a white wall. Moreover, there’s an on/off button, so you can use the drill as a work light for up to 10 minutes by simply setting it down.
Other Highlights
- Ratcheting 1/2″ Chuck
- 17 clutch settings
- Reversible belt clip included
- Bit holder on the rear of the foot
- Tether point under the bit holder
- The included PWRJump charger can charge the battery from 0% to 25% in just 5 minutes!
- Compatible with any Skil PWRCore 20 battery
Quick Comparison of Skil 20V Cordless Compact Power Drill
| 1st Generation Compact | 2nd Generation Compact | |
|---|---|---|
| No-load speed | 0 – 480/1800 rpm | 0 – 500/1800 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 450 in-lbs | 450 in-lbs |
| Head length | 7.1 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Bare weight | 2.2 lbs | 1.9 lbs |
Skil 20V Cordless Compact Power Drill Prices
The best place to purchase next-gen drills and hammer drills is Amazon. The drill is priced at $99, while the hammer is available for $129. Both come in kits that include a 2.0Ah battery and an upgraded PWRJump charger. The tools also come with a 5-year warranty. Additionally, the battery features a USB-A port, allowing it to double as a power source.
To acquire a brushless drill kit with a 5-year warranty for less than $100 is an outstanding value in today’s economy.
The Bottom Line: Skil PWRCore 20 Compact Cord Drill and Hammer Drill
In their pursuit of compactness, Skil has successfully made their 20V cordless compact drill and hammer drill even smaller. Both tools are noticeably smaller and lighter, without compromising on the performance we’ve come to appreciate from previous versions. With their great-value pricing, homeowners and DIYers can confidently choose the Skil PWRCore 20 Compact Cord Drill and Hammer Drill.
Specifications
- 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