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SKIL 12V Compact Drill — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home Cordless DrillsSKIL 12V Compact Drill

SKIL 12V Compact Drill — image 1

Skil

SKIL 12V Compact Drill

Expert Review Analysis

The Skil DL6290A-11 is a compact 12V brushless drill driver designed for tight spaces, featuring a 6.06-inch body length and 1.9 lbs weight. It delivers 350 in-lbs of torque and includes a versatile 2.0Ah battery with USB-C two-way charging capabilities.

✓ Best for: DIY homeowners, beginners, or professionals needing ultra-compact tools for light-to-medium tasks in tight spaces, such as overhead electrical work, cabinetry, and furniture assembly.✗ Not ideal for: Heavy-duty tasks requiring high torque, drilling into masonry or concrete (due to lack of hammer mode), or users who prefer the higher power output of 18V or 20V platforms.

Pros

✓Extremely compact 6.06-inch length allows for easy maneuverability in tight spaces
✓Lightweight 1.9 lbs construction reduces user fatigue during overhead or prolonged use
✓Strong 350 in-lbs max torque provides sufficient power for light-to-medium duty tasks

Best Seller Rank History

Now#136Best#136Worst#164 +14

Lower = better sales rank

Rating Trend

Rating4.2/ 5Reviews21+-222 reviews -0.60

Specifications

Battery

Battery Capacity2.0Ah mAh

Battery ChemistryLithium-ion

Battery SeriesPWR CORE 12

Controls

Clutch Settings17+1

Trigger TypeVariable speed

Design

Tool Length6.06 inches mm

Chuck Capacity1/2 inch mm

Weight1.9 lbs g

Chuck TypeSingle-sleeve keyless (ratcheting)

Tool Width2.66 inches mm

Features

Belt ClipReversible

Bit HolderYes, on foot

Tether ReadyYes

Included AccessoriesDrill driver, 2.0Ah battery, 20W PD charger, belt clip, screwdriving bit (2 in. PH2), charging cable

General

ColorRed

BrandSKIL

ModelDL6290A-11

Warranty5-year limited

Lighting

LED LightYes, with pre-light and after-glow

Performance

Max Torque350 in-lbs in-lbs

No-Load Speed0-450/0-1,700 RPM RPM

Speed Settings2 speeds

Ports

USB PortUSB-C (60W two-way charging) W

Charger Wattage20W PD W

Power

Voltage12 V V

Motor TypeDigital brushless

Battery Technology

Two-Way ChargingUSB-C port allows charging battery or devices

Cooling TechnologyExtends battery life by 2x and runtime by 25%

Chuck

Chuck Type1/2 inch single-sleeve keyless ratcheting

Dimensions & Weight

Height7.81 inches

Width2.66 inches

Depth6.06 inches

Weight1.9 pounds

Research Sources

protoolreviews.com

beavertools.com

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User Reviews

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4.8

(252 reviews)

$67.99$69.993% off

DL6290A-11Red

Cordless Drills Drill Sets Rechargeable Drills

✓

USB-C battery supports two-way charging for both the tool and external electronic devices

✓Digital brushless motor offers improved durability and extended tool life compared to brushed models

✓17+1 clutch settings provide precise torque control for various screwdriving applications

✓LED light features pre-light and after-glow functionality for improved visibility in dark areas

Cons

✗Limited to 12V platform which offers less power than 18V or 20V tools for heavy-duty tasks
✗Performance specifications remain unchanged from previous generation models in the lineup
✗Lacks hammer mode functionality, making it unsuitable for drilling into masonry or concrete
✗Some reported variances in tool length and weight measurements across different sources
✗May be outpaced by newer competitor models offering higher torque or advanced features

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓Praised for its ultra-compact 6.06-inch length and 1.9 lbs weight ideal for tight spaces
✓Maintains strong performance with 350 in-lbs torque and 1,700 RPM speed for a 12V tool
✓Next-generation update is significantly lighter and shorter than the prior HD5290A model
✓Features like LED lighting and 17 clutch settings enhance usability for professional tasks

Criticized by Experts

✗Performance is unchanged from the previous generation, potentially lacking innovation
✗12V platform limits power output compared to heavier 18V or 20V competitor tools
✗Some data sources report inconsistent length and weight measurements for the tool

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓Compact size and lightweight design make it highly convenient for DIY homeowners and beginners
✓USB-C battery charging feature adds convenience for charging mobile devices on the go
✓Good value proposition when purchased as a complete kit with battery and charger included

Users Complain About

✗Limited power output makes it unsuitable for demanding jobs requiring high torque
✗12V platform constraints may disappoint users needing heavy-duty drilling capabilities

Expert Opinion

Professional reviewers, including Pro Tool Reviews, highlight the Skil DL6290A-11 as an excellent choice for tight spaces due to its compact 6.06-inch length and lightweight 1.9 lbs build. They note that while the performance specs (350 in-lbs torque, 1,700 RPM) are strong for a 12V tool, they are unchanged from the previous generation. The tool is praised for being a next-gen update that is lighter and shorter than its predecessor, making it ideal for overhead work and cabinetry.

What Users Say

Everyday consumer feedback is limited in direct quotes but generally infers praise for the tool's compact size and the unique convenience of the USB-C battery for charging devices. Users appreciate the value of the kit format. However, there are common inferences that the 12V power limit may be insufficient for more demanding construction jobs, aligning with general category norms for this voltage class.

Common Complaints

Limited power for heavy-duty tasks, lack of hammer mode for masonry, and performance being unchanged from previous models.

How It Compares

vs. Skil Prior Model (HD5290A)

Advantages

✓1 inch shorter length (6.06 in vs 7.40 in)
✓Lighter weight (1.9 lbs vs 2.4 lbs bare)

Disadvantages

✗Same max torque (350 in-lbs) and speed (450/1,700 RPM)

Choose the DL6290A-11 for better maneuverability and reduced fatigue in tight spaces.

vs. Typical 18V Compact Drills (e.g., DeWalt 20V Compact)

Advantages

✓Significantly shorter length (6.06 in vs 6.5-7.5 in)
✓Lighter weight (1.9 lbs vs 2.5-3.5 lbs)

Disadvantages

✗Lower max torque (350 in-lbs vs 460-650 in-lbs)
✗Lower max speed (1,700 RPM vs 1,800+ RPM)

Choose the Skil 12V for tight spaces and portability, but choose 18V models for higher power and speed.

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