SKIL PWRCORE 12 12V Drill/Driver Combo Kit (CB742901)

SKIL’s 12-volt combo includes an impact driver and a drill/driver combo.  The drill uses the standard twist chuck to tighten bits.  This is a tried-and-true setup but we greatly prefer the quick change chucks found on other models and on the impact driver in this kit.  Check out this chuck adapter from Bosch.  Trust us: it’ll greatly improve your workflow for being such an inexpensive upgrade.

The drill has two speeds: fast at 1700 rpm and slow at 450 rpm.  It’s helpful to have different speeds on power drills, which is commonly ignored.  It’s all a function of heat, which is the number one killer of drill bits.  Drilling through hard materials like metal generates lots of heat.  Also, large drill bits generate more heat since they take larger bites out of the material.  When drilling through tough materials or when using larger-diameter bits (above a half inch or so), consider slowing down the drill to prolong bit life.  You can use the faster speed setting when using smaller bits or when drilling through soft materials like wood or plastic. 

The driver includes a quick-change chuck as well as an integrated magnet to confidently seat drill bits.  Many aspiring DIYers wonder why impact drivers are needed when the drill/driver will do just fine.  The drill/driver does actually do just fine as a one-size-fits-all solution, but it lacks the automatic clutch mechanism in the impact driver.  Impact drivers like the one included in SKIL’s CB742901 automatically adjust the torque when loosening or tightening bolts and screws.  This allows for complete tightening without stripping a screw.  It also delivers the optimum torque when loosening stubborn bolts.

Impact drivers are definitely a luxury but we’re seeing them offered at non-luxury prices.  You’d be well-served by investing in a quality combo kit.

The CB742901 impact driver also includes an integrated light.  This is particularly helpful when driving screws in tight and dark spaces like inside cabinets.

The included charger is fast; the PWR JUMP technology takes a dead battery to 25% in only 5 minutes.  This is incredibly helpful when the battery dies just before the end of a job since it doesn’t take long to eke out just a little bit more work time.  A full charge is accomplished in 45 minutes. 

Unfortunately, this combo only includes one battery.  That may not be an issue for some users, but workflows that drill a hole, then drive a screw, then drill another hole, then drive another screw will be impaired by the constant bit changes or battery swaps that will be required.  We see a lot of value in having both tools live with fresh batteries simultaneously.  If you’re interested in the CB742901, consider purchasing an extra battery. 

One really neat feature that SKIL engineered is a USB port in the back of the battery.  If you don’t need the juice for your drill or driver, you can plug in any USB cable and charge phones, tablets, speakers, or other devices.