Skil 12 In. Snow Shovel Attachment

What this tool is and where it fits

A 12-inch path can be the difference between a quick cleanup and a full-blown snow-removal project. That’s exactly the niche the Skil snow shovel attachment fills. It’s a compact, forward-throwing snow thrower head that snaps onto a 40V multi-head power head, turning the same motor you might use for a string trimmer or edger into a winter tool. With a plastic auger, IPX4 water resistance, and a slim 12-inch width, it’s aimed at clearing sidewalks, decks, patios, steps, and short driveways when storms leave a few inches rather than a foot.

Setup and compatibility

The attachment clicks onto a universal attachment-capable power head; I used it with a 40V Skil power head. The coupler alignment is straightforward—line up the drive shaft, tighten the collar, and you’re ready. The attachment itself weighs about 8 pounds, but once you add the power head and a 40V battery, you’re holding something closer to a compact snow thrower than a yard tool. It’s manageable, but balance and hand placement matter.

A small note on the system approach: I like that I can store one motor and swap heads year-round, and the shovel attachment benefits from that simplicity. Just be aware the power head is sold separately, and not all heads have identical speed controls. On mine, two speed ranges and a variable trigger gave the shovel a useful range for light dustings or denser snow.

Performance in real conditions

On a two-car driveway after a 3–4 inch powder snow, the Skil shovel attachment carved a clean 12-inch path and threw snow well clear of where I’d just stood. The forward-throw design means there’s no chute; it simply flings snow straight ahead. In light, cold snow, the effective throw distance was typically 10–15 feet. With the right pace and a little tailwind, hitting near the quoted 20 feet is possible, but I treated 10–15 as the baseline in most conditions.

In wetter, heavier snow (2–3 inches), the shovel still moved material reliably, but pace and technique mattered. Instead of trying to bulldoze, I found the best rhythm was:

• Keep the head slightly elevated to avoid plowing into the ground.
• Let the auger pull in snow at a steady walking pace.
• When bogged down, back up a foot and re-engage rather than forcing it forward.

The auger is 6 inches in diameter, but that doesn’t translate to a one-pass, 6-inch depth. Once the accumulation gets over about 5–6 inches, you’re better off taking multiple passes—top layer first, then the residual. The forward-throw design can redeposit snow if you face down a long, narrow run, so planning your passes to cast toward open lawn or an already-cleared edge is important.

Where it shines

• Sidewalks and walkways: The 12-inch width is faster than a manual shovel and more nimble than a full snow blower. I could trace right along curbs and between cars without blasting snow into wheel wells.
• Decks and patios: The plastic auger is the right choice here. It’s gentle on composite decking and pavers, and I didn’t leave scuffs or scrapes. You still have to mind raised screws or loose stones, but it’s far friendlier than a metal auger.
• Stairs and tight spaces: The compact head makes step-by-step clearing possible, something most small snow blowers struggle with.

Ergonomics and handling

The attachment is 8 pounds, but the working weight is dominated by the power head and battery. For me, fatigue sets in less from overall weight and more from balance. A few adjustments make a big difference:

• Slide the auxiliary handle up so your front hand carries more of the head weight.
• Keep the battery close to your body when you can; resting the rear of the tool against your forearm or hip reduces lever strain.
• Shorter, deliberate passes are easier to control than long lunges, especially in denser snow.

After about 10–15 minutes of continuous use, I felt it in my forearms—no surprise with any forward-throw shovel. If you anticipate longer sessions, a shoulder strap attached to the power head can help, though it’s not included.

Noise is much lower than a gas blower, and the lack of fumes is welcome on porches and near doors. Early mornings and late nights feel less intrusive with this setup.

Battery life and cold-weather tips

Runtime depends on your battery capacity and the kind of snow you’re moving. With a 40V pack warmed indoors beforehand, I typically saw:

• Light, dry snow (up to ~4 inches): a solid 45–60 minutes of intermittent clearing.
• Heavier, wetter snow (2–3 inches): more like 30–45 minutes, with frequent short resets to avoid clogging.

Two practical tips help:

• Keep batteries at room temperature before use; cold cells sag faster.
• Don’t store a wet attachment indoors without a quick wipe-down—ice build-up around the coupler makes the next use frustrating.

Charging on the Skil 40V platform is quick enough that a second battery can make near-continuous clearing realistic for larger areas.

Weather resistance and build

IPX4 water resistance is exactly what you want here: resistance to splashing water from any direction. I used it in sleet and wind-driven snow without issue. The plastic auger and housing took a few hidden acorn encounters on my deck without cracking or deforming, and the edges don’t chew up composite planks. I did get one small ice plug at the discharge lip after working heavy slush; shutting down and clearing it by hand took a minute. There’s no reverse spin on the auger, so clog clearing is manual—power down, wait for full stop, and scoop out.

Limitations to know before you buy

• Forward-only discharge: Without a directional chute, you must plan your clearing pattern. In narrow corridors or along fences, you may need to alternate sides or pull back and reset to avoid re-covering the path.
• Not a deep-snow machine: Over 6 inches, the shovel still works, but it becomes a multi-pass job. For regular 8–12 inch storms across a large driveway, a small two-stage blower is still the right tool.
• Weight distribution: The attachment is light; the system isn’t. If you have wrist or shoulder issues, take a test pass with a loaded battery and adjust your handle and stance before committing to long sessions.

Technique tips for better results

• Use an overlapping pattern: Clear a strip, step over into the untouched snow, and let the forward throw land into open space or onto the lawn.
• Work with the wind: Even a light breeze can add or subtract a few feet of throw.
• For heavy stuff, skim: Take the top layer first at a higher auger speed, then a second pass to the surface.
• On delicate surfaces, float the head: Keep a slight nose-up angle to avoid catching seams or raised fasteners.

System value

If you’re already on Skil’s 40V multi-head platform, this attachment adds real winter utility without storing another motorized tool. It also fits universal attachment-capable heads, which broadens your options. For apartment stoops, townhome walks, and small suburban driveways, it’s easy to justify. For rural, long-driveway users who see frequent deep dumps, it’s a great secondary tool for the “nuisance” storms between the big ones.

The bottom line

The Skil snow shovel attachment is a smart, purpose-built solution for quick clearing on walkways, decks, patios, and small drives. It’s nimble, gentle on delicate surfaces, and quiet enough to use without waking the block. The forward-throw design is both its superpower and its constraint: it moves a surprising amount of snow fast, but you need to plan your path to keep the cleared area clear. Treat the 12-inch width as a surgical tool rather than a wide plow, and it rewards you with quick, tidy results.

Recommendation: I recommend this attachment for homeowners who already own a compatible 40V power head or want a compact, deck-safe alternative to a full snow blower. It excels in light to moderate snow (up to about 4–6 inches), on tight paths, and on surfaces you don’t want to scratch. If your winters routinely bring deep, heavy accumulations across large areas, consider it a complementary tool rather than your only snow machine. For everyone else, it’s an effective, easy-to-store way to turn a multi-head system into a capable winter helper.