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.
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br /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.
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br /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.
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br /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.
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br /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.
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br /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.
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br /Just some food for thought.
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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
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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.

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

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

Had a Black Decker cordless Wrench for over 10 years but the NiMH battery dead. I've been searching for such cordless wrench for years untill now. This Skil 7.2-Volt Lithium-Ion cordless wrench has more torque and more efficient for me to work on my car. I expect it to last for many years.

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.
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Excellent product. Only delivers 100foot pounds, however, allows you to crank up to 400. It makes starting racheting easy. Have used it several times with great results. It comes with allen wrenches sockets, which came in very handy.

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

The power ratchet is a great tool. I recently purchased this item and have used it a number of times and find it to be very handy. Not having a cumbersome air hose to drag along is wonderful. It is powerful enough to be usable, light enought to put in a pocket and the battery life is good. The real proof will be if it keeps working. If it does, it will become a real asset.......
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I work as a mechanic and needed something to work on interior components. Something compact and convenient. This thing works very well for removing and installing bolts,nuts,and screws in compact areas. It does not have any power and is a bit noisy. But if you need something light weight it works great but don't expect to tighten or break anything with it.

These 2 replace my old cordless Black and Decker and Skill rachets. They are much lighter, have great battery life and plenty of power. I own a bicycle shop and they really come in handy and are used daily..

This is a great little tool! We used it to repair a tight squeeze on a sofa. Every other tool was too big and awkward to use and it would take two people to fix a spring in a sofa. With this tool, one person, five minutes.

I WAS REALLY IMPRESSED WITH THE QUALITY OF THIS ITEM. IT HAS A GREAT BALANCE, AND THE FEATURES CANNOT BE BEAT. IT IS ROBUST, POWERFUL, AND THE QUALITY OF DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION IS SUPBERB. SIMPLY PUT: I LOVE IT!

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?!
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br /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!
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br /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!
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Reading a few of the comments on this page, I am having a similar problem. I don't use the tool much, in the past year, I've only used it a couple times, but now, it's completely dead. The charger light is a solid green indicating a full charge...but nothing, tool is completely dead.
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br /The couple times I used it though for some simple jobs around the house, it was a cool tool and very handy...just very disappointed that the tool is now DOA for no apparent reason, still looks like brand new and there is no reason for it NOT to work. (ie abuse).
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br /Wouldn't mind having another one, if I could get a better gaurantee that it would work for more than a few turns. But, don't see that happening, so will not buy again.
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br /NP

This is a great tool. I have problems with arthritis and this realy makes thing easier to do. Plenty of power for all around thigs from toys to furniture and cars.

VERY GOOD PRODUCT.....IT ARRIVED WITH SOME KIND OF DAMAGE ON THE PACKAGING, BUT I CAN LIVE WITH IT
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br /IT ARRIVED ON TIME AND WITH THE RIGHT PRODUCT
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br /GOOD CHOICE
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br /THANKS
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br /AG
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I really like the concept of this tool. I'm fine with the limited power and needing to start or end in manual mode. However, when starting or stopping a bolt in manual mode, I feel as though I'm going to break this thing and I'm not a very large guy. The handle flexes a little which is very disconcerting when you are trying to start a potentially stuck bolt. I frequently resort to using my old sturdy ratchet sets to start with and switch to this if the bolt is long and I'm feeling lazy. It's difficult to tell how much torque you are using to tighten a bolt since the handle flexes. So, be careful with situations where you really need to know that something is tightened properly. Wait for a sale or a really good package deal with this one. I wouldn't recommend paying over $40 for it. It's just not powerful or sturdy enough to warrant that much money. I was able to find it packaged with a Skil 2336-02 iXO Lithium-Ion Cordless Screwdriver for $50. I had a coupon for $10 off, so I can't really complain. Just be careful with what you plan to do with this and you'll be fine.

Unbelievable power!!! Handy tool. Now I just have to steal it back from my wife.

Let me first say that I do not have a problem with Skil. I own several of their tools and use them all the time with no problems. Yet I found this product to be a waste of money.
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br /I purchased this "power wrench" at Wal-ly Mart-inez for just over $60 with tax a couple weeks ago because I was installing 2 pedestal sinks in tight spaces and thought this would be great for screwing in the lag bolts into the wall stud (piloted hole of course). Right at the top of the box it states 400 in/lbs. of torque, that would knock them right in. I noticed it had a Li-Ion battery as well which was just icing on the cake. I have had a handy little mini Skil driver in my electrical pouch that charged in 15-30 minutes and has worked great for me. So with that in mind I justified what I thought was a good deal for the features.
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br /When I finally got to installing the sinks I pulled out the "power wrench" and noticed the thing was dead and not going to work, so I figured I would wait 30 minutes and let it charge. I waited and waited and waited and the red charging light was still on after an hour. I thought something was wrong with the unit so I looked in the manual and low and behold A 3-5 HOUR CHARGE TIME!!!! You have got to be kidding me. They don't mention anything on the package about that.
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br /I figured this thing must pack a punch so it needed some extra charge time for the big battery, so needless to say I waited the extra couple of hours for it to finish charging. When it finally fully charged everything else was set to go. I was driving a 2" long 5/16" lag screw into a 2x6 behind sheetrock with a 1/4" pilot hole. The "power wrench" got about 1/2 - 3/4 of the way before it couldn't "power wrench" anymore. I then had to manually drive the lag screw home. I knew something was wrong. This thing has 400 in/lbs. of torque. I again looked in the manual and this thing has 400 in/lbs. of MANUAL torque. I went back to the box which I initially saw and of course there is a little asterisk next to the Powerful - 400 in/lbs of torque, and in tiny little print on the bottom back of the box is the asterisk with the words "in manual ratchet mode." Come to find out through online searches this thing only has 75 in/lbs of torque in auto mode. Isn't this why I bought the damn thing was for auto and not manual because I already have great manual ratchets. I don't think that driving 5/16" lag screws into piloted holes is a Heavy Duty task but it was for the "power wrench."
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br /I feel very duped by Skil with this purchase. While the idea of the tool is great I don't think this "power wrench" is even worth half of what I paid for it. I would have paid the price or more than I did for a corded unit with more torque. At a time where I see cordless power tools getting better and better the "power wrench" is definitely a sign of regression.
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br /Keep in mind that when you buy this tool what you are essentially buying is an Electric Manual Ratchet.
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br /Why don't they make a corded version of this with more torque???? Maybe in a 3/8" or 1/2" socket size. Oh well.....
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br /UPDATE July 12, 2008:
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br /I owned this piece of junk for not even a month and it crapped out on me. Fully charged I push the button and nothing. Called Skil service and they were great like always, but I had to ship it and pay for it to get this piece of junk fixed. Actually, they just sent me another reconditioned unit. So I guess a lot of them crap out. People, this thing is really junk. Don't buy it unless you get it for like 20 bucks. I'd hate to see anybody else get ripped off by paying 60+ bucks for it.

I bought two of these on special at Home Depot and I thought they were great. I thought I had "lost" them and so I bought two more before the special expired. That was in the last week of February and now just a little more than two months after purchasing these, two have just stopped working in the last week. They have a full charge and the charger light is green, but when the button is pushed...nothing. They were not abused or treated badly in any way. I kept them charged. I know they have a one year warranty (I have to send it to them at my cost), but I had never expected to use it. And the fact that two of the four died makes me wonder if it's not an isolated problem.
br /And it's really too bad, because before they died I would have rated these as one of the best tools I have ever owned. They are far superior to a portable drill for so many jobs. I hope Skil replaces the problem ones quickly.

I purchased this on a whim at a daily special and I have been more than pleased with it. It holds a charge for a very long time--I really am yet to run it down from the initial charge. I've only used it a few times, but have been impressed with the real "tool feel" of this one. Lots of torgue and speed make short work of most jobs and the off-set head is great.

I bought this a month ago looked and thought nice but I will never use it...WRONG! Lots of torque and the right angle drive gets you into really tight spots. Did a job on a machine that I had done the same repair a year ago, cut the time in half. This isn't an electric screwdriver, although it could be, it's a socket wrench. Gtreat item the person who said it wasn't strong is NUT's. BUY IT!

Received in good condition and in a timely fashion. However I have not used it enough to really rate its performance.

I think I used it maybe 4 times. Put it in the charger and green light indicates a full charge. But: nothing.

I have purchased approximately 10 or so of these wrenches over then past 2 years.I purchased extended warranty for a few bucks extra. Problem with that is that there is/was such a high failure rate of these ratchets that local retailers are not renewing stock of them once they are out.

As stated by other folks, these cordless ratchets just simply quit working. End of story. So far, I have had six of them fail, all less than a year old. Even had several warranty replacement ones failed !!! There is a mass defect in this tool and Skil/Bosch needs to step up to the plate and admit it.

I have had brand new,out of the box units setting in the "Smart" charger in use for only several months[light use I might add] only to go to use it and it is dead. The charge light is green constantly with only a flicker of red when you push the trigger switch while in the charger. The charger output is there at about 16 volts but whether it is regulated voltage by the time the wrench dies,I dont know. It seems to be a battery and/or charger issue. I'm thinkin that the ole Skil Smartcharger aint so smart and have been killing the Lithium-Ion cells in the wrench.... OR cells are defective from the get-go. I don't think it is a switch problem in the wrench. Just guessing though.

Sad thing is that I LOVE this tool! It is wonderful for low torque duty as in dashboards or many light duty jobs. With this widespread failure occurring however,they just don't last. Skil needs to go back to the drawing board and redesign OR repair what ever is happening to these ratchets.

The 1/4" cordless ratchet is a fantastic tool concept that just hasn't been quit perfected as a reliable product.... by any manufacturer that I am aware of.

I haven't talked to Skil for quite awhile but will be calling soon to see if they have taken positive steps to get reliable ratchets to purchasers who want and love this tool!

This tool has been discontinued by Skil. Wonder why ???

Very fast shipping. Packaged very well. Pleased with item. Will definitely order from company again.