I reviewed Skil’s 12V Max brushless drill kit last year, and it both surprised and impressed me with how powerful and high-performing it was. At that time, you could buy the kit for $80, which was a great price for what you got.
Now, that Skil PWRCore 12 brushless drill kit is on sale at Amazon, for $57.06. A $23 reduction in price? Sounds great!
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But, there’s also this drill kit plus 12″ digital level bundle, priced at $59. So for just $2 more, you get a small digital level.
Is this a good deal?
In my opinion, yes. If you want a cordless drill that’s very capable for its size and price, this is it. Additionally, you get the PWRCore charger with USB port and PWRCore 12V battery, also equipped with a USB port.
The drill has an innovative that’s a little gimmicky but also potentially useful. Inside the drill chuck is a 1/4″ hex recess, which allows you to use a power but without having to lock it into the chuck.
- 350 in-lbs max torque
- 17 + 1 clutch settings
- 1/2″ keyless chuck
- 0-450/0-1650 RPM
The digital level is described as having highly accurate blue levels, and it also gives you real-time arrow guidance when you reach 0°, 45°, or 90°. It also has a magnetic edge, 10 value memory feature, and has inch markings on one side and metric on the other.
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Spec-wise, the drill delivers quite a lot of bang for the buck.
What’s the downside? For this particular drill, it’s its size. 12V-class cordless drills are supposed to be compact and light. In a general sense, it is. But compared to other 12V-class cordless drills or more premium 18V and 20V Max drills, the Skil seems large for its voltage.
However, you do get great specs and thoughtful features.
There’s a question as to whether you see yourself buying into the Skil 12V platform in the future, but if you’re in the market for an under $60 cordless drill kit, that’s probably not a top concern or consideration.
Even if this would be your one and only Skil cordless power tool, at least the battery can serve double-duty as a USB-charging power bank.
I bought a USB battery power bank of what I’m guessing is of approximately comparable battery capacity, for around $36 back in 2017. While the PWRCOre battery is not quite the same thing, or as versatile as a portable phone and device charger, it’s still a good bargain that you get a multi-functional battery and the drill kit for under $60, and an even better deal if you could use the level.
If you want the drill kit, you might as well get this bundle, as it’s only $2 more. If there was a $10 or greater difference, that would be different. But for $2 more, why not.
To be frank, I’m not sure I would buy this for personal needs. But if I wanted to get a housewarming gift for a friend or family? Sure, this would definitely fit the bill.
Price: $59
Bonson
Really interesting deal. I’m more fascinated by a digital level included in the bundle at that price. It appears the digital level goes for $44ish on its own.
Part of me says a digital module on a 12″level is overkill. Then I remember how much I enjoy the audible indicator on my 24” that the convenience shouldn’t be limited to size so why not have it at every size?
Patrick
The 12v 5 tool kit is on sale for $146 at Amazon. This kit retails normally for $250. I bought it awhile ago for $170 and it’s great for what I needed. Many of Skill 12v tools are currently on sale at Amazon, circular saw kit , recip saw kit, etc 40% off retail.
Aaron
$130 if you use slower free shipping!
audiovideofreak
For the advanced DIYer…no. I always look for magnetic levels cause you never know when you’ll need the magnetic feature. Even to find nails in studs. A good gift idea for a beginner though.
fred
Among our carpenters, installers, masons and plumbers – across 3 businesses – there were mixed emotions about magnetic levels. I think that most of the masons had no use for them. The Plumbers seemed to ask for (we bought a lot fo Checkpoint brand) torpedo-sized levels with magnets. The carpenters and installers either seemed to love them or hate them. The crews doing commercial work (steel studs and jambs) may have liked them – but some of the residential carpenters hated most everything (levels, tapes etc.) that had magnets – telling us that they were a nuisance in that they attracted all sorts of ferrous bits.
Its always nice to have options – and “one man’s meat is another man’s poison”
Thom
If I was a new young homeowner just starting out I would give SKIL a try. I like what Chervon has done with the brand.
Blocky
I bought the drill driver/ impact combo a couple weeks back. The drill driver feels clunky, a little too large for 12v, doesn’t have many steps in the variable speed trigger, and has a fairly loud electrical motor whine not present in my Makita or Bosch brushless drills.
I really like the halo light on the impact, and the styling, but the drill detracted enough that I’m returning the set unused, despite being a ‘good value’.
I’m interested in the digital level, but only because I have a dozen levels that suit my various uses. A diy-er might get equal or more practical use from a $5 torpedo level without buttons and batteries.
Blocky
Also the chuck is too deep for the quick hex holder to work with many bits. I thought I was prepared for the Skil to be only ok, but after holding it, I’d recommend almost any other 12v for a beginner, brushless or not.
The charging features are cool tho. Sigh.
Spammer
I really like the halo light on the impact, and the styling, but the drill detracted enough that I’m returning the set unused, despite being a ‘good value’.
Eric
Sounds oddly similar to what Blocky said…
Stuart
Thanks!
That’s definitely a spammer; they get through the filter by copy/pasting others’ comments and then go on a spamming spree later.
PETE
While as a site owner we complain about spammers. At the same time- your site is strong enough to have people waste their time to actually spam your site!
The What?
Well at least it’s more than what everyone else is offering with their drills and it’s dirt cheap. And why would you buy a skil if you already had a makita and a Bosch? Makes no sense. And haven’t you ever heard of a magnetic bit tip holder? That’s typically what you use with all one inch bits and impact drivers. Or you get some longer bits. The problem isn’t the chuck being too deep, it’s operator error.
Blocky
I like to try new tools. I work in a lot of different places outside of my shop and have to keep at least three kits besides what I throw to people work for me.
No errors, only wishing the feature had more usability. The chuck is on the deep side and the hex holder could have been at least 1/2” closer to the opening. It swallows smaller drills with a 1/4” hex base for example. If you think you’ll be smart with a bit holder, you’ll have to keep one with a long, thin base on hand -or- for it to work with most Dewalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, Makita, Ryobi etc bit holders, you’ll have to open the jaws all the way every time you insert the bit holder, which makes it significantly less quick— not quick at all, actually.
As someone who has the tool on my desk, thought I might save others the disappointment.
I was writing to be helpful, not to take anyone down a peg. Read again, friend, but imagine a possible context outside of yourself.
Mopar4wd
I really wish some stores stocked these so I could do a hands on. I have been looking for a 12v or compact set of tools to go along with My ryobi tools. Skil is on the list along with Bosch and Makita, but I would really like to at least hold one.
Tom D
Amazon returns are quite nice – it Might be worth the risk to just buy it and see.
MattJ
They have a limited selection at the Lowe’s near me — seems to be just the 12V impact and drill.
Fm2176
I couldn’t find Skil cordless at my Lowe’s despite them stocking a few tools late last year. I don’t need or even want to add Skil to my toolbox, but figured I’d check out the displays.