Skil 12V/20V Brushless Slim Vacuum

This is the first compact car vac I’ve actually kept in the car. The Skil Slim Vacuum is barely more than two inches thick, tucks into a seat-back pocket, and has enough suction to make quick work of sand, crumbs, and typical vehicle debris. After a few weeks of use in my wagon and around the house, I’ve come to appreciate how much its design gets right—and where its limits show.

Design and build

The Slim Vacuum looks more like a book than a dustbuster. At roughly a 2-inch profile and just 2 pounds, it’s easy to stash and grab one-handed. The flexible hose pulls out to about 3.5 feet, which is just enough reach to get into footwells, under seats, and between console rails without having to drag the whole unit into awkward positions.

Two nozzles—crevice and brush—store onboard under a hinged lid, and that small touch matters. I didn’t end a single session muttering “where did the crevice tool go?” The included hanging clip is handy for garage storage, though the vacuum’s so slim I mostly keep it in the car.

Build quality is better than I expected at this price and size. Latches feel secure, the hose has a tight spiral that resists kinking, and the dust bin’s clear shell doesn’t turn cloudy after cleaning and rinsing.

Setup and power

The kit includes Skil’s PWRCORE 20 2.0Ah USB-C battery and a 20W USB-C PD wall charger. I like this approach for two reasons:

• You can charge the battery on the go using a USB-C cable in the car—no dock needed.
• The battery doubles as a power bank, with two-way USB-C PD up to 100W for devices. With the included 20W charger it tops up at a reasonable pace; to get anywhere near 100W you’ll need a higher-output PD charger and the right cable.

The tool is compatible with both Skil’s 12V and 20V platforms, which is rare and genuinely useful if you already own Skil gear. Performance is best on the 20V pack included in the kit; expect reduced run time and power on 12V.

Suction and performance

On paper, the Slim Vacuum posts 17 CFM, 60 inches of sealed water lift (about 15 kPa), and 30 air watts driven by a brushless motor spinning at 100,000 RPM. In practice, that translates to confident pickup of the stuff that actually plagues a car: beach sand in carpet pile, snack crumbs at the seatbelt buckles, dust along door pockets, and grit in rubber mats.

• Carpet and mats: It lifts surface debris in a single pass, and with the crevice tool pressed firmly along edges, it pulls embedded sand effectively. For deep, older grit worked into carpet fibers, you’ll need slower passes—but it still gets there.
• Crevices: The long, slender crevice tool reaches under seat rails and around console edges where I usually end up with a paintbrush and shop vac. This was faster.
• Hard surfaces: The brush attachment is gentle enough for vents, dash seams, and keyboard duty at a desk. It won’t leave scuffs on plastics if you’re careful.

What it’s not is a full-house handheld or a shop vac. The 0.05-gallon (about 0.2 L) bin is intentionally small, and suction is tuned for targeted cleanup, not whole-room vacuuming. Expect to empty the bin once or twice during a thorough car detail, which is fine—the one-click dust release makes that painless.

Noise is moderate and less shrill than many ultra-compact vacs. I was comfortable using it with the car doors closed without feeling like I needed ear protection.

Filtration and dust management

The filtration stack is multilayer and rated to capture particles down to 0.3 microns. It isn’t marketed as HEPA, so if you have severe allergies, keep that in mind, but it does a good job of keeping fine dust out of the motor and out of the air on exhaust. The cartridge pulls out easily, rinses clean under a tap, and snaps back in without fuss.

I like the see-through bin. It’s obvious when you’re approaching full. The hinge and latch are sturdy, and the one-click dump door keeps your hands out of the dirt.

Attachments and versatility

Beyond the two main nozzles, Skil includes a handful of inflator tips—main valve and swim ring adapters among them. Used on the exhaust, the vacuum can handle low-pressure inflation for things like beach balls or small inflatables. This is not a tire inflator, but it’s a nice emergency capability if you’re headed to the pool or park.

The lock-on feature is thoughtful. For longer sessions (floor mats, trunk wells) you can set it and keep a steady grip on the hose rather than holding a trigger.

Battery life

Skil doesn’t state run time, and real-world battery life will vary with how aggressively you use it and how often you stop to move seats or swap nozzles. With the included 2.0Ah pack, I consistently finished a full interior clean on one charge: two front footwells, rear bench, trunk lip, and door pockets, with a few minutes to spare. If you plan to use it heavily around the house, a second battery would eliminate downtime.

Ergonomics

The format shines in tight spaces. You cradle the flat body with one hand and work the hose with the other, which feels more controlled than holding a bulky handheld upside-down at odd angles. The hose ferrule swivels enough to prevent twisting, and the weight distribution is centered, so your wrist doesn’t fatigue.

The crevice tool is slim enough to reach between seat cushions and the center console without scraping. The brush has soft bristles that won’t mar textured plastics if you don’t grind them in.

What could be better

• Bin capacity: At 0.05 gal, you’ll be emptying frequently on dusty jobs. The quick dump helps, but a slightly larger bin would increase convenience without making the tool unwieldy.
• Not HEPA: The filtration is good for a compact vacuum, but allergy sufferers may want a certified HEPA handheld for indoor use.
• Single cyclone: With only one cyclone, extremely fine dust will load the filter faster than on multi-cyclone designs. Rinsing regularly keeps performance up.
• Charger speed: The included 20W wall charger is convenient, but if you want the full benefit of the battery’s 100W USB-C capability, you’ll need to supply your own higher-output charger.
• Upholstery hair: It handles light pet hair, but on fabric seats with stubborn hair, a motorized brush (not available here) is still the gold standard.

Reliability and maintenance

Brushless motors tend to be durable, and there’s less heat and wear than with brushed designs. Keep the filter clean, don’t overpack the bin, and the suction stays consistent. The hose and latch mechanism have held up well with regular use. Replacement filters should be easy to source through Skil’s PWRCORE 20 ecosystem.

Who it’s for

• Drivers who want a compact, always-with-you car vac that actually fits in the car and doesn’t live in the trunk as clutter.
• Apartment dwellers and desk jockeys who need a quick tool for drawers, windowsills, and keyboards without hauling out the main vacuum.
• Existing Skil users who like the idea of a 12V/20V-compatible tool and a USB-C battery that doubles as a power bank.

If you’re looking to deep-clean shag carpets or lift matted pet hair from fabric sofas, this isn’t the right tool. Pair it with a full-size vacuum or a handheld with a motorized brush for those tasks.

The bottom line

The Skil Slim Vacuum nails its mission: be the compact, always-ready cleaner that actually lives in your vehicle or on a hook in the garage, with enough reach and suction to keep everyday messes under control. Thoughtful onboard storage, a flexible hose, one-click emptying, and the versatility of a USB-C PWRCORE 20 battery make it easy to use and easy to keep charged.

Recommendation: I recommend the Slim Vacuum to anyone who prioritizes portability and smart storage over maximum capacity. It’s an excellent car-cleaning tool, a handy around-the-house spot cleaner, and a welcome addition for Skil battery owners. If you need HEPA-level filtration or a larger bin for extended cleaning, look elsewhere; for quick, effective cleanup in tight spaces, this one’s a keeper.