Right Angle Impact Drivers are sort of the tool you don’t really realize you need until you really need it. Tight spaces, strange angles, and heights can make even the most advanced drill or driver impossible to use. Right Angle Drills or Impacts come in to save the day with a shape that is unique to cater to those odd jobs. Today we take a look at one from Skil-  in the Skil 12V Right Angle Impact Review.  

A Little About the Brand

Skil 12V Right Angle Impact Review

Skil Power Tools as a whole has some interesting history. The company was founded in 1924 by Edmond Michele, where both Skil and Skilsaw found their start. Chervon purchased both companies in 2016, and we’ve seen some huge steps forwards since their acquisition. Today, we know these two companies as separate brands that cater to different power tool markets. Skilsaw focuses on the professional contractor, while Skil is all about the DIY or prosumer crowd. With power tool makers edging to cover the homeowner market, the competition is fierce. Today, Skil has one main objective- To make awesome power tools that weekend warriors and homeowners will turn to for advanced features without the advanced price. This Right Angle Impact is a perfect example of taking what we know as homeowner grade tools, and pushing the envelope of expectations.  

Detailed Look

Skil 12V Right Angle Impact Review

The Right Angle design of this tool allows easy maneuverability in tight or awkward spaces. Being on a 12V battery platform enhances this tools ergonomics by keeping the battery light and the tool size smaller than 20V tools overall.   Skil included a brushless motor in this compact tool, designed to maximize the power and runtime.   The LED Halo light illuminates the workspace well, allowing you to quickly and easily see your fasteners with ease. The standard 1/4 inch hex collet features a quick change mechanism for easy bit changes.   Skil used a unique paddle design on the trigger, allowing variable speed control no matter now awkward your position is.   A benefit to Skil’s battery technology starts with their PWRCore technology for cooler battery power for enhanced tool life and battery performance. As well, the batteries feature a USB port to quickly charge your phone on the go. Additionally, the PWRJump setting on the charger allows for super fast charging when needed, 25% battery life in 5 minutes, or full charge in 45.   Skil stands behind their tools with a five-year warranty.  

Value

Skil 12V Right Angle Impact Review

Skil shines in a real way when it comes to their price point. It would be almost impossible to find a value quite as solid as this offering from Skil, especially with all the features they included. Skil prices the Bare tool at $79.99 on Amazon, or you can purchase the kit with a charger and 2.0 Ah battery for $129.99.  

My Thoughts

Skil 12V Right Angle Impact Review

There is a lot to love in this Right Angle Impact Driver. Skil is very clear about their goal to reach homeowners and the DIY crowd. The construction quality is much higher than what I expect to see on tools at this price point. Comparing their new cordless tools to most entry-level tools on the market, the few I have tried from Skil so far are hands and feet above the competition. A few features that stood out to me on this tool, is first the LED light. This is easily one of the most powerful LED lights I have seen on a tool. Rather than seeming gimmicky, this truly illuminates a surface and provides much-needed visibility. This is something all users will love, especially given the common uses of a tool like this. The Chuck is well made and grips standard Impact Rated Hex Bits with ease. Additionally, the included bit and bit holder on the tool are always welcome additions to improving user function. The trigger on this tool blew my mind. I generally think paddle triggers are a little bit of a mixed bag. They work great on sanders and the like but not always a huge success on something like this- where variable trigger speeds are used regularly. To be honest, though, the paddle is the perfect complement to this tool. It offers a great grip zone and improves ergonomics too, all without sacrificing the usability of the variable speed feature. The battery is another huge shining spot on this tool too. You have a small, compact battery with features that are truly forward thinking. The USB port and ultra fast charging are just the icing on the cake for making the most of the technology in their batteries. What about power? Well I would say overall this isn’t the strongest impact driver available on the market, with its max ipm and torque being lower than standard Impact Drivers. To me, this is expected for a 12V tool, and is normal of most Right Angle Impact Drivers as well.  Additionally, this tools is not designed to cater to the heaviest demand users, rather the homeowner and DIY users. For most any application those users would run into, it provides more than enough power to get the job done. Skil is definitely a brand I am excited to see revitalized. With a full gammut of new tools both on the 12V and their 20V line, I have no doubt they will make serious waves in the homeowner and DIY tool user market. Especially given the pricepoint of their tools, you would be hard pressed to find a better value.