Skil’s Value-Packed Impact Wrench is a Win for Auto Enthusiasts and DIYers
If your impact wrench needs lie more with a compact size than the absolute strongest performance, Skil has several models to choose from. The most recent addition is the 1/2-inch IW6720B-10, which shaves off some size compared to the rest of the brand’s lineup and has a pretty attractive price point. I’ll walk you through what it offers, where it stands in the playing field against Skil’s other offerings, and compare it to models from other brands.
Skil PWRCore 20 Brushless Impact Wrench Overview
- Model: Skil IW6720B-10
- Weight: 2.2 lbs (bare)
- Max impact rate: 3350 IPM
- Max speed: 3000 RPM
- Fastening torque: 220 ft-lbs
- Breakaway torque: 260 ft-lbs
- Two speed modes
- Variable speed trigger
The Skil IW6720B-10 is Skil’s third iteration 1/2-inch impact wrench on the PWRCore 20 (20V) battery system. It’s also the most compact out of the three, standing just under 8 inches tall and weighing only 2.2 pounds bare.
This model features two speed modes, with a variable speed trigger to further control your fastening rate. On the highest setting, it achieves impact rates of up to 3350 IPM and top speeds of 3000 RPM. For torque, it gets up to 220 ft-lbs when fastening and 260 ft-lbs for nut busting.
Those are solid numbers for a compact impact wrench, and having a brushless motor helps it get more out of the compact battery that comes with it. Obviously, you’re not going to rip a frozen lug off a CAT loader, but it’s great for properly fastened lugs on passenger vehicles, driving structural screws, and a range of other automotive and construction applications.
Additional Features
- Friction ring anvil
- LED worklight
- Metal gearbox
How Does it Compare?
While it wouldn’t be relevant to compare the IW6720B-10 against Pro-grade impact wrenches, there are a couple of brands that have models within the general price point and performance range as the Skil IW6720B-10.
Let’s see how this model stacks up against Ryobi’s PSBIW25 and Craftsman’s CMCF921B.
Skil IW6720B-10 (This model) | Ryobi PSBIW25 | Craftsman CMCF921B | |
---|---|---|---|
Max Impact Rate: | 3350 IPM | 3800 IPM | 3100 IPM |
Max Speed: | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Breakaway Torque: | 260 ft-lbs | 275 ft-lbs | Not Provided |
Fastening Torque: | 220 ft-lbs | Not Provided | 275 ft-lbs |
Speed Modes: | 2-speed | 4-speed | 2-speed |
Weight: | 2.2 lbs | 2.3 lbs | 4 lbs |
Head Length: | 6 inches | 5.8 inches | 8.7 inches |
Price: | $109 (kit) | $139 (kit) | $109 (bare) |
Skil PWRCore 20 Impact Wrench Price
This impact wrench is available on Amazon as a kit for $109, which includes a 2.0Ah PWRCore 20 battery and a charger. Skil backs your purchase with a 5-year warranty.
Should You Buy It?
At just over $100 for the kit, it’s clear Skil is targeting value-minded auto enthusiasts with the IW6720B-10 impact wrench. While this tool isn’t packed with all the bells and whistles you’ll find on Pro-grade models, some people just need something straightforward to quickly handle lug nuts and suspension bolts. It’s a solid compact tool to have in your garage.
However, for stubborn fastening jobs, Skil’s mid-torque IW5761B-10 impact wrench more than doubles this model’s torque specs, and it’s only around $60 more for the kit. The trade-off with that model is size, as it adds almost 3 pounds in weight and is considerably bulkier than the IW6720B-10. If you’re after higher performance and don’t mind the size increase, the IW5761B-10 may serve you better.
Better yet, get both and let the tools complement one another so you have the right tool for any job.