Customer Reviews

Skil 2372-01 7.2-Volt Lithium-Ion Power Wrench

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(17)

 

 

As with any tool, how "good" it is perceived to be is usually based on our intended use. With that being said, this is a very good tool and is also being offered at a good price. Buy it locally and you will have to pay sales tax. Buy it online for a few dollars cheaper and you will have to pay shipping. I certainly wouldn't buy a bunch for resale, but for light duty and small chores, this tool will get the job done.

If you need a mechanic's type tool set for work; this tool is not for you. If you want a tool capable of busting loose lug nuts to change tires, this tool is not useful for that. You get the point, this tool is not an "All in one", "Do Everything" tool - nor is it advertised as being one.

What this tool does do well is handle small jobs around the house. I have many corded and cordless tools as well as a couple of air tools. I use those for my heavy work. However, for around the house, this kind of tool can't be beat for convenience. It's lightweight, can get into small spaces and if the power isn't quite enough for what you are loosening or tightening, then you can use it like a manual wrench and it will do whatever your muscles will allow you to do.

The instruction manual that comes with this tool states that you should break a nut/bolt loose in the tool's manual mode (or do the final tightening), and THEN use this tool in the powered mode to finish screwing or unscrewing the bolt/nut/screw. This tool WILL NOT break loose a very tight bolt/nut in the powered mode and it WILL NOT tighten a bolt/nut sufficiently in the power mode. However, used per the manufacturer's instructions, IT WILL properly handle a surprising number of small jobs and beats hauling a heavy tool bag around for small, simple jobs. I find myself using this tool more and more because of its convenience. That's what I bought it for.

This is "only" a 1/4" drive, however, get a 1/4" to 3/8" adapter (very inexpensive) and a whole lot of other sockets become useable. My biggest gripe with my cordless tools is that when I reach for one when I have a small job to do and I find that the battery has drained just sitting on the shelf. NiCad batteries are notorious for this and defeats the purpose of a cordless tool for me (for occasional use). This tool has the newest and best in cordless battery technology - namely a Lithium-Ion battery. Lithium-Ion batteries don't have the same problems as NiCad batteries. Lithium-Ion batteries hold their charge - even after sitting for months at a time not in a charger. Not only that, but the Lithium-Ion batteries last longer than NiCad's and don't develop "memory". That means that you will get more uses out of this battery before it starts loosing the ability to accept a full charge.

I don't like to see a tool get knocked unfairly. Most of us have heard the saying "Use the right tool for the right job", and the same holds true here. For a tool to use around the house, this one would be very convenient and do the job most would need for light work. Even if you are a professional who uses hand and power tools on your job, this tool could still have a place among your other tools. This tool is well above just a power screwdriver and as I stated previously, if it doesn't have enough power for what you are use it for, then use it manual mode. If that's not enough power for the job, then you are using the wrong tool. I am an ex-mechanic and a certified tool nut. I've done construction/ destruction and many other tool related jobs in between. I own more tools than I realistically will ever need, however, I'm glad I picked up one of these tools to have around the house for when I just want to grab something for a light job and have the battery still charged when I reach for it and let me get a small project done. This it does very well.

Just some food for thought.

I too have had similar problems as others on this product - but I would consider it a HUGE PROBLEM! The tool completely died for absolutely no reason after about 9 months of ownership with very little (or lite) usage. The charger light just remains lit a solid green (indicating a full charge) with or without the Skil Wrench in the charger. When I do place the Skil wrench on the charger there is no change in the led color light. Either the tool or charger is completely dead?!

The couple times I did use the Skil wrench though it was very handy and cool tool and would love to have a replacement but I am very hesitant as I am reading other owners are having similar issues. Not good! Absolutely disappointed that the tool would just die for no apparent reason. It was working the last time I used the tool, afterwards I placed the tool onto the charger and came back a month or two later and now the tool is completely dead. Arrrg!

Like I said, wouldn't mind having another one but I don't see that happening based on my experience on the MTBF Quality of the tool along with other experiencing similar issues. Real shame!

Outstanding product, better than the original, just use a 1/4 to 3/8 adapter and this tool will pay for itself.

I just got this a few weeks ago for Christmas and already used it a few times. Was thrilled with the offset capabilities of the tool. It may be called a wrench (and it's main job is) but with the adapter and bits that come with the set I have used it for offset and tight driving problems also (phillips, torx, hex, etc.) A pleasure to have in my tool collection.

The Skil Power Wrench is a perfect tool for around the house. Once opened, I immediately went to work fixing my coffee table, and it worked great. It has just enough power for the small jobs and turns into a regular ratchet for those times you need a little more torque. Over all I would definitely recommend it for the DIY'r

Good for light to medium duty work. Feels solid even though it's pretty lightweight.

This is a high quality product which performs exactly as described. One of the best additions to my tool set for quite some time. I would love to see a 3/8" drive big brother to this product.

I find this tool totatly awsome.I work as a mechanic for a high end dealership and this tool works perfect for me.

This thing worked so good...for like a month. Then it died completely, and I can't recommend that.

At an Airline to remain nameless while I was working there, everyone had these. We use them on the line where there is no air for air tools other than a nitrogen bottle. The tool does an excellent job in removing and installing nuts and bolts. It seems to get them just a tight enough for torquing, but not over tightened. If you desire to use German Torque (Good'n'Tight), then run the unit til it stops, and pull your own torgue. This is one of the best tools that I have added to my tool box in a VERY long time. The tool is well built, and appears to be heavy duty. I highly recommend it for all mechanics. A power tool that has no Power Cord, or dragging a bulky air hose to those tight places where you really prefer not to be. The tool is covenant to grab, and comfortable to use.

However, no product is without negatives and I would not be fair not to mention them. I have found 2.

1.) Takes longer to charge that I would prefer, but 1 charge lasts all week (never ran all the way down on me, and I am a heavy user of it).

2.) A little Bulky. In some REAL tight places, it is tough to get the exact right angle... However, I find it works in over 99% of the places I have desired to use it, and is a real time saver.

Overall rating from me would be a 9.8 on a scale of 1 to 10. I love the item, and never want to be with out it. One of the best optional tools that I have added to my tool box, and I would highly rate this for all Aircraft Mechanics in the Hanger or on the line. I am sure that other Non-Aircraft Mechanics would find great uses for this unit as well.