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Head-to-head · Best Cordless Drills

Milwaukee 3403-22 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

Milwaukee 3403-22 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about DIY enthusiasts seeking efficiency and versatility — read the strengths below before deciding.

Milwaukee 3403-22
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Cordless Drills
Milwaukee 3403-22
3 sourcesall derived$166.74as of Sep 20

Consumer Reports reviewed the Milwaukee 3403-22 as a mid-tier M12 cordless drill and impact driver, noting its brushless motor delivers better efficiency than previous brushed models. The tool features a compact design that makes it suitable for detailed work in tight spaces, with a 1/4-inch hex chuck for versatile bit compatibility. While it offers lighter weight and easier handling thanks to the M12 voltage system, reviewers noted it lacks the power needed for heavy-duty construction tasks. This makes it well-suited for DIY enthusiasts and professionals who need a versatile, lightweight tool for general-purpose drilling and driving applications.

Strengths
  • — Brushless motor provides improved efficiency and runtime compared to brushed models
  • — Compact design suitable for tight spaces and detailed work
  • — Includes 1/4-inch hex chuck for versatile bit compatibility
Watch-outs
  • — Limited power output compared to higher-tier M12 models like 3404-20
  • — Not ideal for heavy-duty construction applications
$166.74 · 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

Milwaukee 3403-22

The Milwaukee 3403-22 stands out from the DeWalt DCD701F2 and DCD703F1 for its brushless motor efficiency, but it lacks the raw power of the Milwaukee M12 Fuel model. Unlike the Skil Pwrcore 12-Volt Cordless Drill Kit, it doesn't feature a hybrid chuck, and compared to the Makita FD07R1, it's less compact and ergonomic. However, it's more versatile than the Hercules HCB91K1 due to its 1/4-inch hex chuck and better overall performance.

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

SpecMilwaukee 3403-22Skil Pwrcore 12-Volt Cordless Drill Kit
VoltageM1212V
Chuck Size1/4-inch hex1/2 inch
Torque300 in-lbs350 in-lbs max
Weight2.2 lbs2.90 lbs
Battery Capacity4.0Ah2.0Ah
Motor TypeBrushlessBrushless
BatteryM12 FUELPWR CORE 12 2.0Ah Lithium
SpeedFastest Speed Under Load0-450/0-1700 RPM
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