SKIL 2888-03 18-Volt Cordless 2-Speed Drill/Driver Kit with Keyless Chuck, 2 Batteries and 1 Hour Charger

I bought this to replace a Chicago Electric drill for which I could not find a replacement battery. After using the new Skil drill several times, I have to say I'm very impressed. The speed switch on top works easily and gives me a choice for speed or high torque. One element I really appreciate here is the full length chuck grip. Some of the other manufacturers (like Black & Decker) don't offer this feature. Makes it much easier to tighten up on drill bits that can spin in the chuck. The old drill had a big battery with release buttons on opposite sides that were VERY awkward/difficult to use. This battery has ONE release button- a MUCH better design. And it comes with TWO batteries. Skil has been around for a while, and I expect will do a better job of providing replacement batteries. This drill looks to me to be the best value in the cordless drill market.

This is a nice package with two batteries and a charger and a carrying case for all. Works great.Only issue was one of the two carrying case zippers arrived broken. It was more work than the problem to return the entire package to the nearest shipping point.

The Skil 2888 is just a little shy of its predecessor the 2887 in a few ways:1) The 2887 had a perpendicular handle that could be screwed in for more precise or harder drilling or left off for conventional drilling while the 2888 has no add-on grip or receptacle for one.2) The 2887 came with a molded plastic clamshell case. The 2888 comes with a soft zipper-top bag that will hold the drill, both batteries and charger with a decent amount of space left over for misc. items but has no pockets.3) The 2887's batteries had built-in battery life meters, the 2888's while interchangeable with the 2887, do not have these meters.However, the 2888 comes with a 1.5A charger whereas the 2887 came with a 1.0A charger so the 2888's charger should charge much quicker than the 2887's. A very nice advantage to the 2888.The big problem I had with my predecessor 2887 was that both of the batteries that came with it became unable to hold a charge in just a couple years without much use on them. I am hoping these 2 batteries don't suffer the same fate.As far as the 2888 drill itself goes, it's quite hard to tell the difference between these 2 drills and I always really liked my 2887 a lot and I like the 2888 a lot. It was just the failure of the batteries that was disappointing in the 2887. But really, at this price point with 2 batteries, it is literally like you're buying the drill and getting the batteries, charger and case for free. Or buying the batteries and getting all the rest for free. I just stuck one of the new batteries on my old 2887 and stuck it and the old charger in the new 2888 soft bag and now I have a drill, screwdriver and 2 chargers in that bag. Good to go! :)

This "kit" I ordered from Amazon came with 2 batteries that were outdated from 2007, with only a shelf life of 3-4 years. CS was kind enough to send me a replacement kit but it to had the same older battery. Notice I said battery because on 1 came in this kit. The older battery is SB18A, Skil now manufacturers the SB18C as a replacement. Make sure you are shipped the updated version.

After having it for a year, the battery doesn't hold a charge for more than a few minutes and it is very difficult to remove the battery from the drill. Not worth the frustration.

OK

I owned the previous version of this drill for a number of years before it was accidentally broken. This is essentially identical, except that the battery life appears to be significantly improved. Excellent drill for cordless work.

For the price this drill is great. Its my 2nd one. Now I also have 4 batteries & 2 chargers.