Skil 20V Compact Impact Driver Delivers Higher Performance In A Smaller Package
If you take a look at the best names in the business, many offer a compact impact driver with lower weight and smaller size to fit in tighter spaces. The trade-off is performance, and you need to jump up to the more expensive flagship models to get the best. Is that always the case? We got our hands on the Skil 20V Compact Impact Driver to see what the product team came up with.
Skil 20V Compact Impact Driver Performance
Speed and Power
The Skil ID6739B features three standard drive modes and a Control Mode, which is an upgrade from the previous model’s 2-mode system. In high, the brushless motor tops out at 3100 RPM—400 RPM higher than the previous PWRCore 20 brushless model. The impact rate is higher as well, jumping from 3400 IPM all the way to 3950 IPM.
The only thing that stays the same is the torque. At 1800 in-lbs, it didn’t really need to increase, though. That’s enough power to drive the majority of fasteners you come across. Considering it’s also enough to break those socket adapters you might be tempted to use, the speed increase was a more important improvement.
It’s still not as fast as some of the top-tier Pro models, but it drives with confidence in an array of deck screws, structural screws, and small-diameter lag screws. Here’s a quick look at some recommendations for each mode:
| Impacts Per Minute | No-Load RPMs | Main Purpose | Best Application | |
| Mode 1 | 2,450 | 1,800 | Applies less torque to avoid damaging fasteners | Driving small screws during light-duty work, such as assembling furniture |
| Mode 2 | 3,400 | 2,500 | Applies medium speed and torque | Driving medium-duty deck screws and smaller bolts |
| Mode 3 | 3,950 | 3,100 | Applies max torque and speed | Driving heavy-duty wood fasteners and tightening small bolts |
| Control Mode | 3,950 | Variable | Steady control while driving fasteners | Perfect for driving long screws |
Using Control Mode
In control mode, the tool runs at low speed at first to help engage the fastener into your material. Once the screw is well engaged, the tool increases the speed automatically to finish the work efficiently. The control mode only functions when the tool is set in forward rotation. If you switch to reverse rotation while in control mode, the impact rate and speed are the same as in Mode 2.
Skil 20V Compact Impact Driver Design Notes
Ergonomics
This compact impact driver weighs in at 2.1 pounds bare and 3.1 pounds with the kitted 2.0Ah battery, which is what we expect from this category. Additionally, it measures 4.9 inches from tip to tail which makes it ideal for working in tight spaces such as a cabinet or crawlspace.
These are both significant improvements as well. The weight is down by nearly 1/2 a pound and the length is 8/10ths of an inch shorter. Holding them side-by-side, it’s an obvious difference.
Ergonomically, this impact driver feels pretty good in the hand. The compact battery doesn’t throw the tool off balance at all and the handle has a nice form-fitting curve to it. Skil also added some larger texturing and grooves to channel away sweat to maintain a secure hold while it’s in use.
LED Light
Much like most modern tools, this impact driver features an LED light for low-light conditions. This tool is equipped with a diffused halo-style light that surrounds the collet and it’s a more effective way of lighting than foot-mounted lights. In addition to the trigger activation, there’s also an option to turn it on for 10 minutes and to turn it back off if you don’t need the light for the full time.
Additional Features
- One-hand collet
- Onboard bit storage
- Reversible belt hook
- Tether ready
- Battery doubles as a USB-A power supply
- Compatible with all Skil PWRCore 20 batteries
Skil 20V Brushless Impact Driver Quick Comparison
| ID573902 (Original) | ID6739B (New) | |
| No-Load Speed | 1700/2700 RPM | 1800/2500/3100 RPM |
| Impact Rate | 2400/3400 IPM | 2450/3400/3950 IPM |
| Max Torque | 1800 in-lbs | 1800 in-lbs |
| Head Length | 5.7 inches | 4.9 inches |
| Bare Weight | 2.5 lbs | 2.1 lbs |
Skil 20V Compact Impact Driver Price
This compact impact driver kit retails for $99.99 and includes a single PWRCore 20V 2.0Ah battery and a single-port charger. Skil gives it a 5-year limited tool warranty and a 2-year limited battery warranty.
The Bottom Line
The Skil 20V Compact Brushless Impact Driver improves its performance while dropping in size and weight. Combined with a sub-$100 price tag, it’s one of the best values currently available. Add in more control than its predecessor and you have an outstanding impact driver for your weekend projects and home repairs that might also tempt value-minded Pros into pulling the trigger.
Click here to check out Skil’s entire line of power tools!
Skil 20V Compact Impact Driver Specifications
- Model: Skil ID6739B-10
- Power Source: Skil PWRCore 20V battery
- No-Load Speed: 0-1,800/2,500/3,100 RPM
- Impact Rate: 2,450/3,400,2,950 IPM
- Max Torque: 1,800 in-lbs.
- Torque Settings: 3
- Collet: 1/4 in.
- Weight: 2 lbs. (bare), 3.1 lbs. (with 2.0Ah battery)
- Warranty: 5-year limited
- Price: $99.99
This or the Kobalt Next Gen?
tips for choosing a durable cordless tool for drive purposes, drill n wrench for your own use.
where is this for sale from, I’m not finding it on Amazon?
Skill is owned by Chervon (not chevron), the same company the produces the Kobalt 24v line for Lowe’s. Great bang for the buck.