Skil Brushless 12V 5-Tool Combo Kit

A compact 12V kit that covers the basics well, with a few caveats

I put the Skil 12V kit through a mix of homeowner projects and light jobsite tasks to see how far a compact, brushless lineup can go. As a package, it’s thoughtfully assembled: a drill/driver with a 1/2-inch keyless chuck, a 1/4-inch hex impact driver, an oscillating multi‑tool with auto-sensing speed control, a pivoting area light, a Bluetooth speaker, two 2.0Ah USB‑C batteries, and a USB‑C charger. It’s clearly aimed at portability and convenience, and in many ways, it succeeds—especially with power delivery and charging that fit how people actually work today.

What’s in the box and first impressions

• Drill/driver (brushless) with a 1/2-inch single-sleeve keyless chuck
• 1/4-inch hex impact driver rated at 1,500 in‑lbs
• Oscillating multi‑tool with 3.6° oscillation and 6-speed auto-sensing
• Area light: up to 400 lumens, 120° pivot, rated up to 12 hours on a 2.0Ah pack
• Bluetooth speaker with up to 100 ft wireless range
• Two 12V 2.0Ah USB‑C batteries with two‑way charging and 60W USB‑C output
• 20W USB‑C PD charger and USB‑C cable
• Accessories: two PH2 bits (one double-ended), two belt clips, sanding pad and papers (60/120 grit), bi‑metal plunge blade, 1m AUX cable

Ergonomically, the tools are compact and well balanced with the 2.0Ah packs. Grips are comfortable, the triggers are linear, and the belt clips are actually usable on either side. Build quality looks tidy with consistent fit and finish. Nothing feels premium in a boutique sense, but nothing feels flimsy either.

Performance: drill/driver

The drill/driver stands out for a 12V unit thanks to its 1/2‑inch chuck; most compact drills in this class use 3/8‑inch chucks, so the larger size expands bit options. The variable‑speed trigger is nicely controllable for countersinking and small hardware. For typical homeowner tasks—drilling pilot holes, driving cabinet screws, installing hinges—it behaves predictably and the clutch steps are well spaced.

Push it into heavier material and you’ll feel the limits of the platform and the electronics. In low gear with the clutch set to drill, I could bore clean holes with brad‑point bits up to 3/8 inch in softwood and run 3/4‑inch spade bits with moderate feed pressure. Larger spades and hole saws will bog or trigger protection if you try to power through. That’s not unusual for 12V, but the drill here can be a bit conservative; the protective cut‑out occasionally arrives earlier than you expect when a bit binds.

Takeaway: very capable for fixtures, hardware, and light carpentry. For frequent larger bores, step up to a 20V/18V drill or use sharper, lower‑tooth‑count bits and let the tool keep its RPMs up.

Performance: impact driver

On paper, the impact driver’s 1,500 in‑lbs of torque suggests it should be the kit’s muscle. In reality, it’s tuned for control more than outright grunt. The selectable speed ranges are helpful for preventing cam-out with small fasteners, and it’s great for cabinet screws, electrical boxes, tapcons in plastic anchors, and general assembly.

Where it struggles is in sustained high‑load driving. Long structural screws, lag bolts, and thicker timber connections tend to coax the electronics into over‑protection, cutting power to save the tool. A fresh battery helps, and pre‑drilling relieves the load, but if your work regularly involves 3–4 inch construction screws into dense lumber, this driver will feel underpowered and occasionally frustrating.

Takeaway: excellent finesse and compact control for small to medium fasteners; not the right tool for heavy structural duty.

Oscillating multi‑tool

This is the unexpected star of the kit. The 3.6° oscillation angle gives it a confident cut speed, and the auto‑sensing six‑speed control works well. When you press into a cut, it ramps output smoothly; when you’re easing into a finish cut or working drywall, it calms down. With the included bi‑metal plunge blade I made drywall openings, undercut door casings, and trimmed PVC without drama. Vibration is well managed for a 12V body, and sanding with the included pad and papers is perfectly serviceable for spot work and detail sanding.

If you already rely on an oscillating tool for frequent plunge cuts in hardwoods or demolition, you’ll still want a higher‑voltage unit. For maintenance and remodel touch‑ups, this one earns its keep.

Area light

The area light is a true quality-of-life piece. The pivoting head has enough range (120°) to aim into cabinets, crawlspaces, and workbacks without gymnastics, and 400 lumens is bright enough for task lighting in a small room or under a sink. Runtime claims up to 12 hours on a 2.0Ah pack; in practice I comfortably got a full evening on lower settings and several hours on high. It’s the tool I reached for most during installs and punch lists because it’s light, quick to position, and sips power.

Bluetooth speaker

The speaker pairs quickly, keeps a reliable connection across a garage or small yard (the 100‑foot claim holds in open space), and includes a bonus AUX cable if you prefer wired. Sound quality is better than a phone speaker and fine for background audio while you work. It’s not a jobsite boombox, and that’s okay—portable and functional is the point here.

Batteries and charging

Skil’s 12V USB‑C batteries are the unsung hero of the kit. Two‑way USB‑C means you can charge the pack directly with a USB‑C PD source and also use the pack to power devices. The headline 60W USB‑C output is real, but remember capacity: a 2.0Ah 12V pack is about 24Wh. That’s excellent for quickly topping off a phone or tablet and will nudge a laptop in a pinch, but it won’t run high‑draw devices for long. Still, the convenience is huge—one pack that powers your tools and can rescue your phone or laser measure mid‑day.

Charging with the included 20W PD brick is straightforward; near‑empty packs topped off in roughly an hour in my use. The option to use any USB‑C PD charger you already carry is a genuine advantage versus proprietary slide‑on chargers when you’re traveling between sites.

Ergonomics and usability

• Size and weight are friendly for overhead work and tight spaces.
• Triggers are linear; feathering in small fasteners is easy.
• The 1/2‑inch drill chuck grips bits securely and speeds up swaps.
• Belt clips are included and reversible.
• Accessory pack is actually useful out of the gate: PH2 bits handle most screw heads you’ll meet, and the sanding pad/papers get you started on detail work.

Durability and warranty

Over a test period that included light carpentry, fixture installs, and a bathroom refresh, the tools held up fine with normal wear. Skil backs the kit with a 5‑year limited warranty, which is generous for this class. Practical note: keep your proof of purchase handy; it smooths any warranty interactions.

Where the kit makes sense

• New homeowners and renters who want a compact, complete setup for projects and maintenance
• DIYers who prioritize portability and don’t need heavy‑duty torque every day
• Pros who want a light, easy‑to‑carry second set for punch lists or finish work
• Anyone who appreciates USB‑C charging and the ability to power small devices from the battery

Where it comes up short

• The impact driver’s protection can intrude during high‑load driving; not ideal for long structural fasteners
• The drill/driver will bog on larger bits, and its protection can feel conservative in bind‑prone materials
• Only two 2.0Ah packs included; for bigger days you’ll want a 4.0Ah spare or frequent top‑offs

Tips to get the most from it

• Pre‑drill dense material and let the driver keep RPMs up to avoid tripping protection
• Keep one battery on the 20W USB‑C charger and rotate; short topping cycles work well with 2.0Ah packs
• Use sharp, low‑resistance bits and blades; the multi‑tool especially rewards quality accessories
• For bigger fasteners, consider the drill/driver in low gear with the clutch set appropriately, or step up to a higher‑voltage tool for that task

Recommendation

I recommend the Skil 12V kit for homeowners, DIYers, and pros looking for a compact secondary setup. The multi‑tool and area light punch above their weight, the drill is versatile for its size, and the USB‑C ecosystem adds real, everyday convenience. The impact driver favors control over brute force, so if your work leans heavily on long structural screws and lag bolts, you’ll be happier with a higher‑voltage platform. For everyone else, this kit covers a broad slice of real‑world tasks in a small, well‑priced package, and the 5‑year warranty provides welcome backup.