Skil Impact Drivers
Skil sells brushless impact drivers with three speeds and smart batteries at prices well below the pro brands. Here is what you get, what you give up and which model fits your work.
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A Skil impact driver is one of the better values for DIY use. The PWRCore 20 brushless ID6739 is rated at 1,800 in-lbs with three speeds, and it is compact and light. The PWRCore 12 ID5744 (1,100 in-lbs) suits furniture, cabinets and tight spots. Weaknesses: a smaller tool range than Ryobi or DeWalt, thinner store availability, and batteries that only fit Skil tools.
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Is a Skil impact driver worth buying?
For homeowners and DIYers, yes. Skil's brushless PWRCore 20 impact driver has three speed settings, a compact head and a torque rating in the same class as many name-brand drivers, usually for less money. Its batteries add features that pro brands charge extra for, such as USB charge-out ports.
What you give up is ecosystem. Skil's tool range is smaller than Ryobi's or DeWalt's, store availability is patchier, and the brand has less of a track record on jobsites. This guide is based on Skil's published specs, retailer listings and owner feedback. We did not test these tools.
Skil PWRCore 20 and PWRCore 12 impact driver lineup
| Model | Platform | Max torque | No-load speed | Impacts/min | Speeds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ID6739B (bare) / ID6739 kits | PWRCore 20 brushless | 1,800 in-lbs | 1,800/2,500/3,100 RPM | 2,450/3,400/3,950 IPM | 3 |
| ID574402 / ID5744 kits | PWRCore 12 brushless | 1,100 in-lbs | 0-1,600/2,600 RPM | 0-2,500/3,500 IPM | 2 |
These are Skil's claimed figures. Torque is measured differently by every brand, so read the ID6739's 1,800 in-lbs as "mid-size 18V-class driver," not as a direct match for a 1,825 in-lb DeWalt. Skil has also sold earlier and newer variants with different codes (for example, a newer PWRCore 12 driver with a higher rating), so check the current listing for the exact model.
The ID6739 tool alone is listed at about 2 lb, light for its torque class. Kit SKUs vary: some include a 2.0 Ah battery with a USB port and a PWRJump charger, others a USB-C battery and a USB-C charger.
Which Skil impact driver to buy
Skil PWRCore 20 Brushless Compact Impact Driver (ID6739)
Best for: homeowners building decks, fences, sheds and furniture on a budget.
- Torque
- 1,800 in-lbs
- Speed
- 1,800/2,500/3,100 RPM
- Impacts
- up to 3,950 IPM
- Weight
- about 2 lb bare
Three speeds are the feature that matters most for DIY. Speed 1 lets you drive cabinet and furniture screws without snapping them. Speed 3 has the power for 3-inch deck screws and pre-drilled lag screws. The brushless motor helps a 2.0 Ah pack last through a weekend project.
Strengths
- Three speeds at a budget price
- Compact and light
- USB charge-out batteries in many kits
Weaknesses
- No self-tapping or assist mode
- Smaller tool range than Ryobi or DeWalt
- Kits often include only one 2.0 Ah battery
Skil PWRCore 12 Brushless Impact Driver (ID574402)
Best for: furniture assembly, cabinet installs, overhead work and small hands.
- Torque
- 1,100 in-lbs
- Speed
- 0-1,600/2,600 RPM
- Impacts
- up to 3,500 IPM
- Length
- 5-7/8 in
A 12V driver is lighter in the hand and less likely to wreck small fasteners. It is the right pick if you mostly hang shelves and assemble furniture. It will drive 3-inch screws, just slowly.
Strengths
- Light, easy to control
- Two speeds
- Pairs with Skil's 12V drill in combo kits
Weaknesses
- Too light for lag screws and big deck jobs
- Length is not especially short for a 12V tool
- 12V tool range is limited
Which speed setting for which job on the ID6739
Three speeds only help if you use them. Skil does not add a self-tapping or auto mode, so the speed selector is your main control. These are starting points, not rules. Back off if a screw head starts to sink too deep.
| Job | Speed setting | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Flat-pack furniture, cam bolts | 1 | Stop at snug; particleboard strips fast |
| Hinges, small brass or cabinet screws | 1 | Or switch to a drill with a clutch |
| Drywall screws | 1 or 2 | A dimpler bit stops overdriving |
| Self-drilling screws into thin metal | 2 | High speed burns the drill point |
| 3-inch deck and framing screws | 3 | Use a fresh impact-rated bit |
| 1/4-inch lag screws | 3 | Pre-drill; a 4-inch lag needs a pilot hole |
Impact-rated bits matter as much as the tool. Cheap bits snap or round out quickly under impact. See our guide to impact driver bits for what to buy.
Skil PWRCore batteries: what the features mean
- PWRCore: Skil's name for its battery design, which it says manages heat to keep performance up and extend pack life.
- PWRAssist: a USB port on the battery to charge a phone. Handy on a job with no outlet.
- USB-C batteries: newer packs can charge from a USB-C PD charger, so one cable can serve your laptop, phone and tool battery.
- PWRJump charger: Skil says it gives a quick partial charge so you can get back to work faster.
PWRCore 20 batteries also run Skil's 20V yard tools, which helps if you want one battery for the garage and the garden. They do not fit Flex, EGO or any other brand. For the capacity basics, see the impact driver battery guide.
12V or 20V Skil: which platform?
| If you mainly... | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Assemble furniture, hang shelves, install cabinets | PWRCore 12 | Lighter, gentler on small screws |
| Build decks, fences, sheds or framing | PWRCore 20 | More torque and runtime |
| Want saws and yard tools on one battery | PWRCore 20 | Much broader tool range |
| Work overhead for long stretches | PWRCore 12 | Less arm fatigue |
Our 12V vs 18V impact driver comparison explains the trade-offs in more depth. For most homeowners, PWRCore 20 is the safer platform because it covers more tools.
How Skil compares with other value brands
Skil's main rivals are Ryobi ONE+, Black+Decker, Hart and Harbor Freight's Bauer and Hercules lines. Ryobi offers a far larger tool range and more modes on its top driver. Black+Decker is easier to find but its budget driver is brushed and single-speed. Skil sits in between: brushless and three speeds for less than many name brands, with a tool range that covers the common needs.
Availability shifts. Skil is sold at Lowe's, Walmart and online, but in-store stock varies by region. If you want to walk into a store for a spare battery, check your local options first. For more value picks, see our list of budget impact drivers and the best impact drivers for DIY and homeowners. If you are weighing platforms, read choosing a cordless tool platform.
Safety: wear eye protection while driving fasteners and hearing protection for long sessions. Impact drivers do not control final torque. Finish lug nuts and structural bolts with a torque wrench.
Verdict
Skil is one of the best-value platforms for DIY. The PWRCore 20 ID6739 gives you brushless power and three speeds at an entry price, and the PWRCore 12 driver suits lighter indoor work. Choose Skil if price and features matter more than a huge tool catalog. If you expect to grow into specialist or pro tools, Ryobi, DeWalt or Milwaukee offer more room to expand.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Skil?
Skil is owned by Chervon, a tool maker that also owns EGO and Flex. Bosch sold the brand to Chervon in 2017. The brands share a parent but not batteries: Skil PWRCore 20, Flex 24V and EGO 56V packs are separate systems.
Is Skil as good as DeWalt?
For home use, a brushless Skil driver covers the same jobs as an entry DeWalt driver. DeWalt wins on tool range, durability under daily jobsite abuse, accessories and service network. Skil wins on price and on features like USB charge-out batteries. Torque figures are measured differently by each brand.
What is PWRAssist on a Skil battery?
PWRAssist is a USB port on some Skil PWRCore batteries that lets the pack charge a phone or other device. Newer packs use a USB-C port that can also charge the battery itself. Check the specific battery listing, since not every pack has the feature.
Do Skil 12V and 20V batteries interchange?
No. PWRCore 12 and PWRCore 20 are separate platforms with different battery shapes. Pick the one that matches the tools you want, or the yard tools you already own on Skil 20V.
What warranty does Skil offer?
Retail listings for PWRCore tools show a 5-year limited tool warranty when registered (3 years if not) and 2 years on batteries and chargers. Confirm the current terms on skil.com before buying and register the tool within the stated window.