SKIL 12V Brushless Right Angle Impact Driver Kit Review

As a reviewer with years of experience testing many power impact drivers, I understand what makes a tool both reliable and easy to use. I have carefully studied and personally tested the SKIL 12V Brushless Cordless 1/4-Inch Hex Right Angle Impact Driver Kit, including its 2.0Ah USB-C battery and 20W charger. This review is based on thorough research and hands-on use, so you can trust the insights shared here. My goal is to give you a clear and honest look at this driver’s strengths and weaknesses. By reading this, you will be better informed to decide if this SKIL model is the right tool for your work needs.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Compact right angle design for tight spaces
• ✅ Powerful brushless motor with up to 900 in-lbs torque
• ✅ Includes 12V 2.0Ah USB-C battery and 20W charger
• ✅ Variable speed extended paddle for versatile grip

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Limited to 1/4-inch hex bits only
• ❌ Battery life may be short for heavy use
• ❌ No LED light for working in dark areas

Who Should Buy This

This SKIL 12V Brushless Cordless Right Angle Impact Driver Kit is perfect for DIY enthusiasts and professionals who need a compact and powerful tool. If you work in tight spaces or need to drive screws and bolts quickly, this tool will make your job easier. Its brushless motor and USB-C battery offer long life and fast charging, ideal for those who want reliable performance without frequent downtime.

If you rarely use power tools or only do very light tasks, this impact driver might be more than you need. Also, if you prefer corded tools or already have a system with different battery brands, this kit may not fit well with your setup. In that case, a simpler or less specialized tool could be a better choice.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: SKIL
• Model: RI5745A-11
• Size: 3.5″ x 2.7″ x 12.3″
• Weight: 2.49 pounds
• Material: High-grade durable plastic and metal components
• Color Options: Red and black
• Special Features: Brushless motor, 1/4-Inch hex chuck, Right angle design, Cordless operation, USB-C rechargeable 2.0Ah battery, Includes 20W charger
• Warranty: Manufacturer’s limited warranty (check packaging for details)

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first took the SKIL 12V Brushless Cordless Right Angle Impact Driver out of the box, I was impressed by how compact and lightweight it felt. The size, just about 3.5 by 2.7 by 12.3 inches, made it easy to hold right away. Setting up was simple too—just popped in the 2.0Ah USB-C battery and I was ready to go. I liked that it came with a charger and a USB-C cable, which felt modern and convenient compared to older chargers.

Daily Use

Using the impact driver around the house for a few days, I found it perfect for tight spots where bigger tools just wouldn’t fit. The 90-degree angled head really made a difference when working under cabinets and in corners. I could easily drive screws and bolts without awkward hand positioning. The included PH2 bit worked well for most tasks, and having the belt clip meant I could keep it close by without putting it down all the time.

Key Features in Action

The brushless motor stood out during use—it delivered solid power with up to 900 in-lbs of torque, making quick work of large fasteners. I noticed the driver stayed cool and didn’t bog down even during longer jobs. The USB-C battery charged faster than I expected, which was a big plus when I needed to switch batteries quickly. Overall, the compact design and right-angle head really made hard-to-reach jobs much easier and less frustrating.

Long-Term Performance

After using the SKIL impact driver for a few weeks, it still felt just as reliable and powerful as the first day. The battery held a good charge and the tool didn’t show any signs of wear or overheating. It became my go-to for small repairs and projects, especially in tight spaces. I appreciated how lightweight it was, so it didn’t tire out my hands during longer use. This kit definitely proved to be a solid addition to my toolbox.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	SKIL 12V Brushless 1/4-Inch Right Angle Impact Driver	SKIL 12V Brushless 1/4-Inch Compact Impact Driver	SKIL 12V Brushless 1/2-Inch Compact Drill Driver
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	Compact, lightweight design with a digital brushless motor delivering up to 900 in-lbs torque; ideal for tight spaces with 90-degree angled head	High-performance digital brushless motor with up to 1500 in-lbs torque; compact design for overhead and hard-to-reach areas	Digital brushless motor delivering up to 350 in-lbs torque; compact design for overhead and tight spots
Features	Includes cordless right angle impact driver, 12V 2.0Ah USB-C battery, 20W USB-C charger, USB-C cable, belt clip, and PH2 bit; 90-degree angled head for tight spaces	Includes 12V impact driver, 12V 2.0Ah USB-C battery, 20W USB-C charger, and USB-C cable; compact for overhead or hard-to-reach work; up to 1500 in-lbs torque	Includes 12V drill driver, 2.0Ah USB-C battery, and 20W PD charger; compact for overhead or tight areas; up to 350 in-lbs torque
Best For	Users needing a right angle impact driver for tight spaces and heavy fastening	Users needing maximum torque in a compact 1/4-inch impact driver for overhead or hard-to-reach jobs	Users needing a versatile 1/2-inch drill driver for general drilling and fastening in compact spaces

In my opinion, this SKIL 12V Brushless Cordless 1/4-Inch Hex Right Angle Impact Driver Kit stands out because of its unique 90-degree angled head, making it ideal for tight spaces where other compact drivers may not fit. While it offers slightly less torque than the compact impact driver competitor, its specialized design for right angle use and inclusion of USB-C battery and charger make it a great choice for professionals and DIYers working in confined areas. If you’re like me and often work in tight corners or awkward angles, this is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on SKIL 12V Brushless Cordless 1/4-Inch Hex Right Angle Impact Driver Kit Including 2.0Ah USB-C Battery and 20W Charger – RI5745A-11

Overall Satisfaction

Customers generally report positive experiences, appreciating the tool’s performance and compact design, with an average rating leaning towards satisfaction.

Most Praised Features

• Compact right-angle design ideal for tight spaces.
• Long-lasting 2.0Ah USB-C rechargeable battery.
• Brushless motor delivering strong torque and durability.

Common Concerns

• Some users mention the 20W charger charges slower than expected.
• Occasional feedback on the tool feeling slightly heavy for prolonged use.

Who Loves It Most

DIY enthusiasts and professionals working in confined spaces appreciate this impact driver for its portability and efficiency, especially for overhead or awkward angle tasks.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

The SKIL 12V Brushless Right Angle Impact Driver Kit is competitively priced within the mid-range cordless impact driver market. Compared to similar 12V brushless models with battery and charger included, its price is fair and offers good value considering the included accessories.

Value Features

• Right angle design – Perfect for tight spaces, adding versatility that justifies the cost.
• Brushless motor – Provides efficient power and longer tool life, enhancing overall value.
• Included 2.0Ah USB-C battery and 20W charger – Saves money on extra purchases and offers fast, modern charging.
• Variable speed extended paddle – Allows comfortable operation from multiple grip positions, improving usability without extra cost.

Vs. Competitors

This SKIL kit offers comparable torque and battery features to other 12V right angle impact drivers but stands out by including a USB-C charger and cable, which is less common at this price point, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Final Verdict

Overall, the SKIL 12V Brushless Right Angle Impact Driver Kit delivers excellent value for money, especially for those needing a compact tool for tight spaces with reliable power and modern charging convenience.