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Head-to-head · Best Cordless Drills

DeWalt DCD701F2 vs Skil Pwrcore 12-Volt Cordless Drill Kit

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

DeWalt DCD701F2 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.6 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about Budget-conscious DIYers needing portability — read the strengths below before deciding.

DeWalt DCD701F2
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Cordless Drills
DeWalt DCD701F2
7 sources1 derived$157.9as of Sep 20

The DeWalt Extreme 12V Max DCD701F2 delivers commendable drilling performance for its low voltage class, outperforming many 12-volt competitors in the review. It excels in compactness and convenience, making it ideal for tight spaces and extended use at arm's length. However, the battery insertion mechanism is awkward and the tool is priced higher than alternatives. This model suits users seeking a powerful yet portable 12-volt drill for light to medium-duty tasks.

Strengths
  • — Solid drill performance for a 12-volt model
  • — Good battery life among 12-volt versions
  • — Compact and lightweight at 2 lbs 6 oz
Watch-outs
  • — Stiff to insert battery into the tool
  • — Expensive compared to other models
$157.9 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Skil Pwrcore 12-Volt Cordless Drill Kit
Ranked #4 in Best Cordless Drills
Skil Pwrcore 12-Volt Cordless Drill Kit
4 sources2 derived$187as of Aug 20

ToolGuyd reviewed the Skil PWRCore 12 brushless drill and found it delivers unexpected power and speed, holding its own against higher-voltage competitors. The tool features a hybrid chuck, 2.0Ah battery with USB charging, and includes a PWRJump charger. While the drill performs well in drilling and driving tasks, a minor trigger lag was noted during initial testing, though it resolved with continued use. This drill is ideal for DIYers seeking a compact, powerful 12V option.

Strengths
  • — Delivers more power and faster speeds than expected for a 12V drill
  • — Brushless motor provides efficient performance
  • — Includes 2.0Ah battery with USB charging port
Watch-outs
  • — Slight trigger lag observed during initial testing
  • — Battery placement increases overall tool size
$187 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

DeWalt DCD701F2

The DeWalt DCD701F2 is more compact and lightweight than the Milwaukee 3403-22 and M12 Fuel models, but it's more expensive and has a stiff battery insertion mechanism. Compared to the Skil Pwrcore, it lacks a hybrid chuck and USB charging, though it offers better performance. Unlike the Makita FD07R1, it's not as ergonomically designed and has less torque, but it's more affordable and efficient.

Skil Pwrcore 12-Volt Cordless Drill Kit

The Skil Pwrcore 12-Volt Cordless Drill Kit outperforms the DeWalt DCD701F2 and Tinkr models in power and speed, but lacks the durability of the Milwaukee M12 Fuel model. Compared to the Milwaukee 3403-22, it has a hybrid chuck and USB charging, but it's less versatile. Unlike the Makita FD07R1, it's more affordable and has a better battery system, but it's less ergonomic.

Specs side-by-side

SpecDeWalt DCD701F2Skil Pwrcore 12-Volt Cordless Drill Kit
Voltage12V12V
Weight2 lbs 6 oz2.90 lbs
Chuck SizeKeyless1/2 inch
Battery12V Max.*PWR CORE 12 2.0Ah Lithium
Torque—350 in-lbs max
Speed—0-450/0-1700 RPM
Battery Capacity—2.0Ah
Motor Type—Brushless
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