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Best for Light-Duty Use

Skil PWR CORE 12 Brushless 12V 1/2-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit

Five minutes on the charger gets you 30 minutes of drilling — basically always ready to go. A brushless motor at a budget price makes this the smartest buy for renters and occasional DIYers.

$65-$80
Pros
  • Brushless motor for better efficiency and longevity at a budget price
  • Ultra-fast charging: 5 minutes = 30 minutes of use
  • 18 clutch settings for precise screw depth control
  • Built-in LED light and belt clip included
  • 1,700 RPM max speed — fastest in the 12V budget category
Cons
  • Only one battery included — no spare
  • Stalls when drilling larger holes
  • No carrying bag or case
  • Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks like concrete or dense hardwood
Why we recommend it

The Skil PWR CORE 12 punches above its price class with a brushless motor that most competitors at this price don't offer. If you're hanging shelves and assembling furniture rather than boring through concrete, this is all you need.

What the experts said

We found the Skil PWR CORE to be a great budget-friendly option for tackling small projects around the house, like taking apart and assembling furniture and hanging wall art through six months of use.

The Spruce · read full review →

We found this drill performed well, even drilling through concrete without too much trouble, and you can always pick up another battery if you need one.

The Spruce · read full review →

Skil power tools are competitively priced, they retain many of the features of their beefier brand mates.

Good Housekeeping · read full review →