Skil2372-01 7.2-Volt Lithium-Ion Power Wrench

The Skil rechargeable 1/4" ratchet is great. I'm an aircraft mech. and there are hundreds of small bolts. This thing has been a time saver like you wouldn't believe. I first bought one from walmart for 40$ and figured it would be useful for a little while till it broke. That was 5 years ago. The battery still works great, but you have to hold pressure on it now or or won't spin, due to natural wear. I have been searching for a new one and couldn't find one anywhere. I think Skil quit making them. So when I saw this one I bought it quick. The new one I got seems to work just as good as the first one... And just another word in it, is that after my friends at work saw how good it worked for me they went and got one for themselves

At first I thought I was going to love my new Skil 2372-01 7.2 Volt Lithium-Ion Power Wrench after reading all of the great reviews (and the price was a bargain at only $20!). I didn't have an immediate need for it, so it sat charging for a couple of months before I began to build a 4'x 6' chicken coop which wasn't a terribly huge project but it called for an electric screwdriver.I first drilled holes, but found that I couldn't use 3" screws in them as it made the screwdriver get very hot, like it was being overworked, so I switched to 2-1/2" screws and 1-1/2" screws when working with the plywood (not my preference, but I didn't want to push it with the screwdriver). I used it a couple of days, recharging it after each use. On about the 3rd day, the power got low, so I charged it overnight. When I went to use it the next day it was completely dead and unable to be revived after trying a number of things.The seller wouldn't take it back because it was after 30 days (though less than a week after its first use). I went to Target, purchased a Black and Decker 6-volt (no wrench feature, but that's okay) and it was only $25 retail price. I finished my coop and chicken run with it, using 3" screws with no problem. In addition, I have never run out of power with my B&D, I charge it at night because I am finished using it, not because it is out of juice like the Skil one was.I have a Skil jigsaw which I love, but this screwdriver/wrench was a real disappointment.

Purchased 2 wrenches to aid in assembly of a quonset type building. The building is assembled with metal ribs - with each rib consisting of 6 panels and held together with 60 bolts. This is before the ribs are raised and bolted together which consists of another 60 bolts. The wrench is almost perfect for the task. It stops just short of required 8 pounds torgue and gives you decent battery time. I don't think any cordless tool would be perfect for this job. It would be nice if the batteries would last for 8 hours, they don't. If used continually (with slight torque) it is good for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. If left in the sun the battery drains fast. Battery does not seem to recharge until it is completely drained. Recharge time seems to be around 3 hours. For the price it is excellent bang for buck compared to units (I have not used) priced over $100.

The wrench has a 1/4" square bit head which only fits small sockets. It does not come with an adapter to step-up to the normal square bit heads for socket wrenches. (It does come with a few socket and screw bits that fit the 1/4" bit). I learned the hard way when I took it out for a Sunday project and it didn't fit my sockets. I will try to find at the hardware store a step-up converter but it should have come with one.

I can say that with assurance. I have my grand-fathers tool from the 20s through the 50s. my fathers from the 40s through the 90s and mine that I bought after I got married and got out of the USAF active and then went into the reserves through 1997. I was a jet aircraft mechanic and FLT ENG, So I have a Hugh collection of tools to choose from when I start repairing something. Did I mention that I have a 1977 MGB with a ford V6 C4 auto trans. Its one thing after another with a british old car. I reach for the power wrench first. This is my second one I broke the drive on the first and it was replaced right away. Then a couple of months ago the battery finally died. I think I killed the battery by keeping it on the charger all the time. Not supposed to do that according to the instructions I should have read them when I bought the first one. Both were factory reconditioned I paid less than 1/2 the cost of a new one. If I can get a couple of years use out of this one I'll be happy. I use adapters to fit other size sockets. You will love yours when you get it I guarantee that you'll use yours often...