March 10, 2008

Skil 7.2V Lithium Ion Power Driver - Review

Skil has joined Bosch and Milwaukee (and now Hitachi) by getting into the compact driver market. Late last year they released a little 7.2V Pocket Driver, and we were pretty thrilled when they offered to let us try one out.

It's a very little driver that fits easily in the hands. It's got a 1/4" hex chuck for quick bit changing, a forward/reverse indicator, an 11 position clutch, and a little light to tell you when the battery is getting low.

The Skil Driver comes with a charger that the tool plugs right into (as opposed to having a detachable battery). The charger (the same one that comes with the Power Wrench) is capable of being wall mounted or it can just stand alone. Because of the li-ion battery, the tool can hold a charge for about 18 months, so it can hang out, stored away, ready to go and not taking up any space.

Like many other Skil tools, this pocket driver doesn't look like it's up for the constant abuse of a construction site. But for medium to light duty, it works nicely. Its compact size would make it handy in an apartment or for someone who likes to do small things around the house, but has little need to drive 3" screws into engineered lumber. Once a bit is in the driver, it has a solid 1/8th" of play back and forth, something that would likely be frustrating for someone in the trades.

Another thing we have to say about the Power Driver is that it comes with one of the neatest little bit holders we've ever seen. It doesn't hold a whole lot, but it fits right in your shirt pocket and has enough room for the most important drill/driver bits.

Amazon is selling the Skil driver for about $60-$70 which sounds about right (the Bosch 10.8V is $110 and the Milwaukee 12V is $125). Although this tool isn't as unique or innovative as the Skil Power Wrench, it's still a nice unit to have around the house for things like light electrical work, picture hanging, and assembling toys and furniture.

At Amazon

Read More in: All Reviews | Cordless | Lithium-Ion | Power Tools

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Posted by Tool Snob at March 10, 2008 5:09 AM

Comments

The Skil 7.2V Power Driver is currently being cleared out at The Home Depot for $34.00. If this is a tool you are interested in, check out the local THD to get one for a great price.

Posted by: T.L. at March 13, 2008 12:01 PM

bought the skil 7.2 driver because I had to put some screws in a tight place. for $39.00 I figured it worth a shot. boy was I surprised. this thing worked great. variable speed, and plenty of power. now I use it even if it's not a tight place. worth the money.

Posted by: chris rego at June 24, 2008 10:13 AM