Amazon just launched preorders for the new Skil Flip Drill, and I’m not quite sure what to make of it.
From the product description, the Skil Flip Drill features a “double collet flip head” so that you can “quickly change between drilling and driving bits with just a twist.”
Basically, it lets you load two separate hex-shank drilling or driving accessories that you can quickly switch between.
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It looks like there are two identical 1/4″ hex bit chucks. Meaning, there doesn’t appear to be a traditional 3-jaw drill chuck, making this more of a cordless screwdriver than a drill.
The top surface is magnetic, for quick onboard storage of bits or screws.
The Skil Flip Drill features a brushless motor, electronically-controlled torque settings, a drill setting, and LED worklight.
- Works with Skil 12V or 20V batteries
- Brushless motor
- Speed:
- 12V: 0-420/0-1550 RPM
- 20V: 0-450/0-1700 RPM
- Max torque:
- 12V: 300 in-lbs
- 20V: 350 in-lbs
- 9+ drill mode electronic torque clutch settings
- 1/4″ hex collets
- Weighs 2lbs
The online user manual points out where the different controls and buttons are.
The kit comes with the tool, 20V 2Ah battery with two-way USB-C charging port, 20W USB-C charger, charging cable, belt clip, 2″ PH2 screwdriver bit, and 4 hex-shank drill bits.
Price: $99.99 (I’m betting it’ll be lower for Black Friday)
Model: DL6300D-12
ETA: November 2024
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Compared to the Worx Brushless Switchdriver
Worx has a brushless Switchdriver with 1700 RPM max speed and 445 in-lbs max torque.
The original Worx Switchdriver came out in 2015, and it must have sold well enough for Worx to launch the Nitro Switchdriver 2.0 sometime since then.
If you’re looking for a dual chuck tool, the Worx looks to be a better buy.
Discussion
There’s so much going on here!
To start off, I don’t know how I feel about the rotating bit chuck part, as it looks to only work with 1/4″ hex shank drill and screwdriver bits. Aren’t 1/4″ hex shank accessories quick-change by their very nature?
The D-handle form factor is reminiscent of other brands’ multi-chuck cordless screwdrivers, such as by Festool and Milwaukee.
According to the user manual, the 2Ah battery kitted with the tool is fully recharged in 85 minutes with the included USB-C charger. If you’ve got a separate USB-C PD charger, you can speed up the charging time.
Here’s another angle of the Flip Drill.
Before anyone says “it’s a gimmick,” it absolutely is. Here’s the big question – is the Skil Flip Drill awesome, or absurd?
The Skil Brushless Flip Drill seems interesting to me, but I’m wondering if it’s practical compared to other 1/4″ hex chuck cordless screwdrivers with more standard designs.
Earlier today I saw that the Milwaukee M12 cordless screwdriver is on sale at Home Depot for $79 again. It’s a fairly capable and compact cordless screwdriver that’s kitted with 2 batteries and a standalone charger.
Personally, I’d choose the Milwaukee over the Skil without hesitation.
If switching between 1/4″ hex bits is too much of a hassle, one could always go with a cordless drill for drilling holes, and a separate screwdriver or impact driver for driving fasteners. Around the holidays, you can get a basic 2-tool combo kit for $99, and sometimes less.
On that note, I strongly prefer using a drill chuck for drilling holes, as they wobble less than 1/4″ hex bit chucks. Plus, drill chucks can be used with round and 3-flat drill bits, in addition to 1/4″ hex shank bits.
I think I’d find it more appealing if Skil did away with the rotating bit chuck part and simply made this a D-handle cordless screwdriver.
Then again, my first cordless drill was a Black & Decker Firestorm, which had a removable drill chuck that allowed for quick switching between drill and screwdriver bits. That feature helped steer my purchasing decision.
Although the Brushless Flip Drill looks a bit ridiculous to me, but not any more so than the Worx Switchdrivers, maybe it’ll be a holiday season hit this year with homeowners and DIYers.
It’s surprising that Skil only launched the new tool at Amazon so far; maybe it’ll pop up at Lowe’s later in the season.
Update: User Reviews are in… Kind of
I’ve been watching the Skil Flip Drill on Amazon, and it seems that they combined the listing with an older Skil 20V Max cordless drill.
Because of this, the reviews have been lumped together, and so when you look at the top of the page there are “141 ratings” with a 4.7 star rating. However, the bulk of those reviews – and the associated rating – appears to be for the older and completely different product!
Some of the “free product” reviews are positive, others not so much, with complaints about the driver being awkwardly front-heavy and weakly powered.
Out of the 3 verified purchase reviews that are not “Vine free product” reviews, one declares it to be “Hot Garbage,” another discusses complaints and why they returned it, and the only positive one is a short sentence fragment.
BigTimeTommy
Looks like dumb garbage!
Arelles
Even for an installer, wouldn’t that “d” handle be a bit cumbersome in cabinets?
Jeremiah McKenna
It is. Total gimmick. I want to say that Black and Decker or Craftsman made one like this a few years ago and of course it flopped, just like these are.
There isn’t any real need for this, unless you are a lazy person, not good with your dexterity or may have one hand and need to switch between two bits all the time, like a small drill bit and Phillips #2. But in reality, for production work, you’ll typically make all of your holes first, then come back and insert the screws.
Rob Ziemba
I could see if they’re trying to cater to an installer who is assembly lining with only two bits. Think of a cabinet installer who is pre-drilling mounting holes in cabinets and then driving the screws. If you were drilling all of your screw holes in one pass, then switching bits and driving all of your fasteners, then changing bits isn’t hassle. If you have to drill a hole, driver screw, drill a hole, drive a screw, then I see where this could save some hassle. Honestly though I would probably just have a second drill or driver at that point with whatever dedicated but I needed
Joel Burke
I got more drills than most, this idea can be done with a chuck but isnt ideal, too long, this is the answer, very useful to have in the shed for cabinet work, always setup for 8g no 2s, great onsite trying to take less tools, power is all I’m worried about, but it’s not meant for the big jobs
Nate
If they had made it a rotary hammer with a ¼” hex bit head, I think that would appeal to me more than this which is a hard pass.
Stuart
Kind of like the Rockwell H3? https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/rockwells-new-12-volt-h3-rotary-hammer-drill/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Brian
Lol. Him talking about the old B&D Firestorm. I had one of those a hundred years ago. That said I happen to like the newer stuff Skil is putting out. It’s not what if call pro grade but is more than enough to handle everything a homeowner will throw at it plus more. For their price point they are really good tools. Most of my cordless tools are Milwaukee but I’m not afraid to experiment. I look forward to see what they bring out in the future. I’m not really sure about this one. The biggest market would be dyi people and woodworkers. I know lots of woodworkers will have multiple drills for different things but no matter how you look at this the new drill would be faster than juggling two drills. I’m curious but too early to say if I’ll buy one.
Jeremiah McKenna
That’s it, the Firestorm. What a piece of junk, just like the two on this page.
Nate
Not the Rockwell, mine lasted less than a year with mild use. I still wouldn’t buy the skil, just would be more interesting.
Mike
Looks like a solution looking for a problem.
Alexander Barfield
Hmm, I’d try one out if they make a 12v version
Stuart
As mentioned in the post, this works with Skil 12V batteries.
Goodie
There’s so much to like with what Skil’s doing. The dual 12/20v engineering is pretty cool. As is the USB battery angle. I don’t get the “reversible 2-in-1”, but I do really wish these guys luck. There is so much they are doing that’s innovative. Frankly, Ryobi and Black & Decker also try weird things in the DIY/homeowner market as well. Some of those turn out to be truly useful (Ryobi 18v soldiering iron, 18v garden cultivator, their crazy 5-in-1 18v stapler/nailer, etc). I see this as Skil’s effort to keep this market segment weird.
MKY
Stuart-
“… maybe it’ll be a holiday season hit ***these*** year with homeowners and DIYers.”
Stuart
Thanks! *fixed*
Eric
I think you all are being too hard on this guy. If I was already using that battery system I’d put it on my wish list. The applications I’d love it for are the awkward and precarious scenarios. As everyone knows, swapping bits or drills while on a ladder is cumbersome at best and dangerous at worst. Thanks for the article.
Stuart
(MKY was pointing out a error/typo, something I always appreciate.)
JJ
Trying to give this a fair chance, but what’s missing for me is a clutch. That’s as essential a feature for driving as a chuck is for drilling. I feel like I could swap heads on a Bosch Flexiclick (or any installation driver) as quickly as I could spin this thing. Hard to think of a use case where two drills or a drill and impact wouldn’t work better.
Rzorrok
It has an electronic clutch.
SWobig
Do both ends turn all when in use? Could be kind of dangerous with your hands if the end not being used is turning as well. I imagine it does. Not a fan of the D handle design or Skil power tools in general, but I can see a DIY market for something like this…
SEBTECHDIY
That the question I want to know. They kinda protect the “not in use” bit under a plastic plate but still could be dangerous.
TomD
Same – this would ALMOST be useful (as it is I just have my drill and impact when having to make lots of pilot holes) but if the backwards part still spins, I’d not want to have a drill bit there.
Farkleberry
Isn’t there something satisfying about finding just the right word…
absurd.
Skil is sadly no longer a pro brand, but should be focusing on producing competent, value level tools. Trade off some performance and longevity to hit a low price point if you think DIY is your niche.
This product is a cartoon transformer with late night infomercial appeal.
With all the one handed insertion quick change chucks out now, who would trade off a more ergonomic and undoubtedly rugged drive arrangement for this mutant?
I imagine it will sell like the novelty toy it is.
Jim Tealman
I am willing to bet that there is a handle for this drill and it will be available for purchase.
Makita tools are in my opinion top quality but. They have ways to get your extra dollars.
I have a 18v and 18V x 2 right angle drills. Massive torque both. I had to buy handles for both of them.
eddiesky
Will they come out with a rotary collet like CNC? LOL… (its got 6 collets!)
Joking aside, I think that most installers would have two tools. Hex-shank drill bits are more than say a job box of bits for a chucked driver. And having two tools allows for using one if say other is dropped or battery (if different) is down. And with the smaller M12 or Bosch drills or even DeWalt Atomic 12v, the weigh/fatigue issue is moot.
I would think this is a “nifty” gimmick that will fail over time in heavy use.
Cabinet guys here? Would this be ideal for say, shelf pin holes? Maybe for disassembly work, where a phillips and 1/4″ nut driver would speed up that. But by how much? Does it really save time, and money?
Brad
That’s a big absurd nope from me.
That Milwaukee M12 screwdriver is awesome tho. It’s good enough to get a Dewalt guy down the M12 rabbit hole to the point I’m picking up a few of them for Christmas gifts.
TomD
I have one – never really used it, using the M12 Surge for everything instead (speed 1 is fine for screws, I usually use 2 on self-tapping).
What do you use the M12 screwdriver for?
Dan A
If one was a standard keyless chuck, and the other a locking, impact style quick-change chuck, that would actually be useful. Especially if it was also a hammer drill.
Are these bit holders even locking? It doesn’t look like it.
Also, I’m not keen on the electronic speed and torque controls. Granted I haven’t used one yet, perhaps it works okay, but I strongly prefer mechanical controls, even if still controls an electronic clutch.
I don’t want to have to deal with pressing buttons and worrying about whether I pressed it hard enough or long enough, give me a switch or a dial any day!
fred
I’m with you Stuart in using drill with Jacobs chucks for drilling and Drivers with hex-recess collets for driving. Less wobble and better holes. When I’m trying to go into “production mode” – I might have several drills out with different drill bits chucked – for pilot and clearance holes for different screws being used. I might also have an impact driver or even 2 out with bits chucked (likely Robertson or Torx) if I’m using construction screws and my M12 (non-impact) screwdriver for use on hardware screws.
So, while this Skil tool is not for me – I’m glad to see Chervon trying out something new – and I bet it will get a place under many Christmas trees and then again sold as Father’s Day gifts – especially if BF and FD promotions make the price appealing.
Mark M.
I kinda want to like it, but the identical collets sort of kill the concept for me. If one was a 3-jaw chuck with a clutch, and the other was a 1/4″ with a separate clutch, that might get me off the fence. But then all that would add weight, presumably, so then you’re better off with switching bits or just having two separate tools. The only case I can think of this would be handy–not enough to buy it, but in theory–would be in like a crawlspace or attic or someplace where swapping bits or dragging two tools is problematic. Or maybe a dedicated workstation where all you did was switch between two bits.
Rog
I think if they found a way to make it look more like a traditional drill/driver setup they’d get more pro/prosumer interest, but it just looks like an Amazon-brand gimmick that no one in the trades would likely take serious.
Mike
Ron Popeil would be proud!
fred
If he were still alive, he’d probably add a spool of monofilament line with an extendable fiberglass pole and sell it as a combination drill and fishing rig.
Martin
Ooo! And the drill could double as a cordless electric reel for those who don’t want to put their beer down to land a fish!
I think you are on to something, Fred.
Eric
Where can I pre-order that?
tjb
Everyone is focusing on the gimmick, but there are some things here I’d like to see as a default feature on the big boy tools!
For example, USB-C charging as an option on batteries would be nice in a pinch. Convenient.
Even more useful though, a built-in USB-C port on the battery to use as a power bank without an extra dongle! I’d love it if all my DeWalt or Milwaukee batteries instantly because a self-contained power bank!
Then, the ability to use 12V or 20V batteries would be great. I already thought my DeWalt heated vest was awesome for being able to use either. And the DeWalt chargers being compatible with both. But being able to slap a 12V battery on my impact in a pinch would be great! Of course the specs go down on a 12V, duh – but at least it’s an option while your last 20V battery is charging!
So, aside from the questionable utility of the swapping-head gimmick, there’s actually some good stuff in there.
Goodie
I don’t have any of their stuff, but I think Skil over the last few years has become a very compelling brand. The USB features on the batteries, overall high build quality. They make a lot of good stuff. I think they are a worthy alternative to Ryobi. Skil is a bit like Ryobi in that they produce high quality and value, and occasionally have something weird…
Matthew
This is what I was coming here to say. 12 or 20V compatible is huge. I wish that DeWalt and Makita made some of their actual tools able to use either battery slide pack.
And if all manufacturers would make a battery with PD charging (both ways) built in it would free all of us users up to buy into more platforms. A huge driver to me going with DeWalt form most of my power tools is that the same charging port will work for 12 and 20 volt batteries. Now make it so that the same PD charger that can work on my laptop, tablet, phone and a number of electronic gadgets can also top off my tool battery.
MM
I want to like it but it’s honestly hard to think of anything this would be optimal for. Yes, sometimes jobs require switching back and forth between different bits to the point that becomes a hassle but in my opinion if you have that problem often enough that you want to spend money to address it you’re better off buying a second drill or impact driver. Switching tools is even faster than flipping the head around on this thing, and likely would result in better performance because you can use the better tool for the task. Let’s say someone had to run conduit along a masonry wall with P-clips and tapcons. I’d much rather do that with a compact hammer drill or a small roto-hammer & an impact driver versus using this tool for both. Or lets say it was a woodworking project where one needs to drill & countersink holes and then go back and drive screws. Again, I’d much rather have two tools here: a drill with a rigid chuck left in high gear to make the holes, and then a separate tool, either an impact driver or a drill/screwdriver in low range with a mechanical clutch to drive the screws. This flip drill could do both tasks but swapping between two tools is more convenient than doing the flip, changing gear range, and fiddling with electronic clutch settings each time.
You can swap between different tools with just one hand whereas flipping the head on this tool seems to require both hands. Furthermore, the size of the bit which is not in current use is limited by the size of the compartment it needs to flip into. And I certainly wouldn’t want this in place of my normal go-to drill: there’s no mechanical clutch, the flip mechanism is an extra point of failure and wastes power due to inefficiency in the bevel drive, it’s probably not powerful enough or durable enough for heavy-duty work, while simultaneously being a lot bigger than a compact drill or driver.
All that said, I still like the idea, if it’s economical enough then it could replace two tools for some applications, and the fact that it can run on both 12 and 20v batteries is a neat feature. It looks pretty cool too; it reminds me of some kind of cyberpunk laser pistol. I don’t think it’s ever going to see use by many professionals except maybe for some niche uses but I’m still glad to see new ideas like this come to market.
Munklepunk
IT’S A HUNDRED DOLLARS. It’ll low profile, swivel head so low torque, takes dual battery voltage, easy to charge, USB C is universal and has been for nearly a decade. You aren’t getting an sds, impact driver, chuck, vacuum, porta potty, or whatever else you think it should have. It would destroy that frame and then you would whine about it not being built “tough” enough. Not everyone is a contractor or builds twenty decks a week. Somer people climb a step ladder and put a light fixture in. Anyone do punch list work?
Nathan
Yeah, a lot of people are taking this as a production job site tool, but it really seems intended to be a grab and go tool: put in the drill bit and driver bit you need for the one job you’re doing up on a ladder, finish it, come down and change it for the next small job you need.
Yeah it might not make the cleanest holes, but most of the time it’s good enough for anchors or small screws.
Nathan
I see it as here’s our version of the installation driver under 100. Had we copied the others it would have to cost like the others ..
It’s not a horrible idea with hex shank drills. But. I’d just carry 2 devices. Or or run this with a say Philips and a square or ?
Jared
Seems like the sort of thing a person can easily imagine being useful, while actually being a lot less useful than you thought in practice. There might be some job where this is actually tremendously helpful – but I don’t think that’s why it came to market. It seems more like a tool invented to be something no one has so it can be gifted or impulse-purchased.
Clown Bombadil
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLdAhQ-Hyac
The Dual drill comes back from the depths..
Josh Walters
So a few years ago i bought a switch driver to use for one purpose, running a bit and a counter sink when neccessary. For me this is most useful when kicking concrete forms to a line my boss will try to get so many lives out of wood stakes and they often split, so we started counter sinking which solved that problem, but now i either need 2 drills or im constantly changing bits, or sometimes id have another crew member run ahead drilling the holes. Either way it’s 2 men or 1 doing 3 operations in other words SLOW.
The switch driver has made this a 1 man operation, I’m even thinking of getting the more powerful version because the brushed one I bought occasionally bogs down driving 3″ deck screws at form corners and I have to switch to 1st gear. All that to say gimmicks like this aren’t neccessary useless they can help in certain situations
Leo B.
I’m just curious- why not predrill and kick with 8d duplex nails? Seems like you’d get concrete in the screw head pretty easily, and the countersinking wouldn’t be necessary with a nail.
Justin
I know a lot of you all are hating on it but I can definitely see a lot of applications for this. I primarily work alone unfortunately; right now I do an impact driver and a drill if I need to drill a hole and drive a fastener. It works just fine for me I have plenty of batteries and plenty of impact drivers and drills.
But this would definitely be a nice quick tool to have for a small job to get in and out without lugging around multiple tools. I have a few other skill brand tools and I will still use them as often as I do my dewalt, milwaukee, and rigid tools.
I’d give it a go.
Michael F
I’m not sure I’d buy it, but I’m not totally against brands trying out oddball ideas like this. In theory, we should want wild tool ideas to be launched and either succeed or fail fast. Following the agile product design/manufacturing methodology would (again, in theory) be the fastest path to improvements in new tools and generating solutions that help make tasks more efficient.
Eric
It looks like it’s still a 2 handed operation to change to the 2nd bit. If that’s the case I just don’t see any reason to use this instead of just swapping out bits like normal or having a 2nd drill/driver with another bit loaded in it. The only way I see something like this being useful is you can just swap bits with the press of a button while keeping your other hand on whatever your working on.
Eric
Very good point. I can swap an impact bit as fast as turn that head if it takes 2 hands anyway….
Bonnie
This looks like a tool firmly focused on homeowners and maybe crafty types. Not professional users or weekend warriors like the audience here. Especially with the battery that charges directly off USB instead of requiring a separate charging station this to me looks like a tool to put up drywall anchors and assemble IKEA furniture.
Yadda
I own the Worx Switchdriver. I find it convenient when I am working on a ladder and need to predrill pilot holes and then drive screws.
potato
looks kinda gimicky but at the same time I like innovation and for those who do so be rewarded for it, so hoping its a good product
ParamountPaint
I like the idea of it. When I do kitchen installs, I’ve got 4 drills/impacts laying around:
1) drill with 1/8 bit to drill face frames
2) impact with t10 bit to fasten face frames with grk trim screws
3) impact with t15 bit for cabinet screws to fasten to wall
4) impact with #2 pozi for hinge screws
It would be nice to condense the clutter. Trying to switch bits out is terribly inefficient, at least for my people. They get dropped and roll off and you spend more time digging for the right bit than just grabbing another tool.
I’d also like other manufacturers to give it a go, because I don’t need any more battery platforms
DIYGuy
Saw these at one of my local Lowes last week kitted with the new 12v usb c batteries for $100
Jp
Seems too limited for me. I want regular drill bits and the variety they offer. Not hex shank. Hard pass.
Scott K
I don’t think I understand the benefits. It seems like swapping out hex bits would take the same amount of time as pushing a button and spinning the heads around. If the timing were the same, this tools has the added downside of an easy failure point.
MM
I think that Jared’s earlier coment nailed it: the main point seems to be to make some interesting new thing that people will impulse buy. Practically speaking the flip head is an added failure point, but it’s also a marketing gimmick. Pros will scoff at it but I bet a lot of the homeowner crowd will think it’s very cool.
I agree with you that this wouldn’t save any time over swapping bits. But it does have one advantage, at least in limited circumstances: if you’re swapping between exactly two bits you no longer have to worry about what to do with the un-needed bit when you swap. There’s no chance of accidentally dropping a bit or the hassle of taking them in and out of pockets or holders, and I think that some people will find that useful.
TomD
Maybe if it had a “second trigger” that you could press and have it switch heads or something …
One handed directional control is an important part of a tool (which is why the M12 cabinet installation tool is such a piece of junk) – being able to swap heads without letting go would actually be useful.
MM
That is a great idea! If you could switch between two bits without having to take a hand off the tool it suddenly becomes much more than just a gimmick.
Goodie
I feel like maybe they missed an opportunity here. Instead of the reversible collets for drilling and driving, I wish they had kept the “rotating” collet feature and allowed a user to “lock it” into various positions (maybe 0, 22.5, 45, and 90) . This would have brought many of the installation driver benefits to the Skil market. I like the magnetic storage area, and the drilling and driver modes. But, the gimmick of 2-in-1 really undersells what could have been an innovative take on the installation driver. I have a lot of respect for what Chervon has done for Skil; this seems like a misfire. I wish them luck with it.
UberChemist
Lol, the B&D Firestorm was my first foray into cordless power tools too! It took me 10 years to understand the point of having a separate impact driver and drill. Although, back when I could only afford one tool, I think I chose pretty well.
Stuart
It was pretty capable, too. I upgraded when I need a 1/2” chuck for use with larger Milwaukee hole saws.
Nate
Dewalt just needs to bring the push button release feature back but in a 12v Max tool…….I’d buy that!
Mike
Looks interesting a little gimmicky but neat. Any idea on the new multi head drill? Also different subject…but maybe you have some insight…skil has a cordless miter saw in Europe…Any chance that’s coming to the states?? Awesome job your reviews are the best!!!
Stuart
I haven’t seen any other multi-head drills besides this one.
This is also the first I’ve heard about a Skil cordless miter saw.
Unfortunately, there’s no one to ask. All of my contacts at Chervon (Skil’s parent) left the company.
Mike
They have a multi head 20v coming…like the M12 installation tool and bosch flexiclick. Yeah I’m always looking at what the tool companies have overseas…seems like they come out with some neat stuff overseas first before bringing it here! Get out there and mingle and make some new contacts lol!
Stuart
When everyone I’ve worked with at a company has been abandoning their ship, climbing aboard to “meet some new ones” isn’t a productive use of my time. Besides, most tool brands are inundated with influencer and wannabe influencer requests and demands these days. It’s not worth it to add to the noise.
If you have a question for Skil/Flex/Ego, you can try asking them directly via social media – you’ll probably have better luck reaching someone.
Goodie
I saw this at Lowe’s on a “try-it-out” display. It’s definitely unique, but it was much more appealing in person than it appears in a photo. Skil’s build quality is very impressive at their price point. It’s a very unique take on the installation tool category.
Nathan
I bought one and keep a klein 1/4- 5/16 and an apex with philips in each bit holder. It runs really well easily sinking 4in screws. The electric clutch takes some getting used too though. Other than that the magnetic holder on top works well and as a maintenance technician is my go to tool for disassembling and or putting together where a driver is needed