Skil PWR CORE 20 2 x 2.0Ah 20V USB-C Batteries

A smarter 20V pack that moonlights as a power bank

I put a pair of Skil’s USB‑C 20V batteries in my bag for a few weeks and they changed how I manage power on and off the job. Instead of hunting for a proprietary charger, I topped them up with the same USB‑C brick I use for my laptop, then flipped the script and used the battery to power that laptop between tasks. It’s a simple idea—put a full‑power USB‑C PD port on a 20V tool battery—but in daily use it solves a bunch of small frustrations.

What you get and how it’s built

The kit includes two 20V, 2.0Ah lithium‑ion packs, two protective jackets, and a short (0.5 m) USB‑C to USB‑C cable. Each pack is compact—about 2.0 x 4.9 x 3.1 inches—and light at 0.86 lb. Compared with older PWRCore 20 packs in my pile, these are roughly a fifth smaller, which you notice immediately on compact tools like an impact driver or oscillating multi‑tool. The jackets add a bit of protection and grip, and make the packs feel more toss‑friendly when they’re riding in a tool bag next to wrenches and screws.

Build quality is solid. The USB‑C port sits in a recessed, reinforced pocket with a small LED that pulses to indicate charging or discharging. There’s also a standard fuel gauge on the pack. Nothing rattles, the latch action is positive, and the contacts are cleanly finished.

USB‑C PD in practice

This is the headline feature: a two‑way, 100W USB‑C Power Delivery 3.0 port. In plain English, you can use a USB‑C PD charger to charge the battery, or you can plug the battery into a device and power it. That works for phones and tablets, sure, but the 100W ceiling means it can sustain more demanding loads like site lights, jobsite routers, and most modern laptops. I used it to run a 14‑inch laptop during a plan review and later to top off a USB‑C laser level between cuts. The output was stable and didn’t cause any of my devices to negotiate down to a low power mode.

A note on expectations: each pack stores 40Wh. At a 100W output, you only get a short burst of runtime; dial it back to 30–60W (typical laptop draw while typing) and it becomes a very practical life raft. With two packs, you effectively have ~80Wh to rotate through.

Charging options and real‑world speed

Skil’s two‑way approach pays off if you already carry a USB‑C PD wall adapter or a PD car charger. Plug in the included cable and the pack pulls power; the port LED pulses to confirm what it’s doing. Charging speed depends on your adapter’s capability and the battery’s own charge profile. With a 65W PD brick I saw quick, useful top‑offs during lunch, and a full charge in a reasonable window. The beauty is flexibility: I charged one pack from a truck inverter via a PD car adapter, and the other from a shop wall brick—no dedicated cradle required.

If you prefer a traditional tool‑bay charger, these still work on Skil’s PWRCore 20 chargers. That versatility is the win: whichever power source is closest becomes your “charger.”

Two caveats:
- The cable is short. It’s fine for a bench, but I’d throw a 2 m cable in your bag for day‑to‑day.
- There’s no wall adapter in the box. Budget for a good 65–100W PD charger if you don’t own one.

On‑tool performance and runtime

On tools, a 2.0Ah pack is squarely in the “compact” class. That’s great for ergonomics and short‑burst work; less so for sustained, high‑draw tools.

Where it shines:
- Impact drivers, drill/drivers, and oscillating multi‑tools. The lighter pack reduces wrist fatigue, and the runtime is perfectly adequate for punch‑list tasks or assembly work.
- Inspection lights and jobsite fans. Low, steady draw makes the 40Wh capacity go a long way.
- Service scenarios. I used one pack on a drain auger for quick clears and swapped to the second while the first recharged via USB‑C.

Where it’s less ideal:
- Circular saws, reciprocating saws, and blowers. You can absolutely use it, but expect shorter stints. For heavy cutting days, step up to higher‑capacity packs and keep these as backups or for the USB‑C perk.

The 20% size reduction compared with older packs makes compact tools feel nimble. That’s easy to undervalue until you climb a ladder or reach into a cabinet and notice the difference.

Using it as a power bank

This is the “why not both?” moment. The pack effectively doubles as a rugged 40Wh power bank with a proper PD port. A few practical uses I found:
- Powering a laptop during plan reviews or on‑site invoicing.
- Running a USB‑C laser level or recharging a phone in the truck.
- Acting as a UPS‑style buffer for a small jobsite router when the breaker trips.

I appreciate the pulsing LED—it’s a quick status check without waking devices. I also like that the port is the only one you need to remember; no second, slower USB‑A as a distraction.

Durability notes

There’s no stated IP rating, so treat the USB‑C port with the same care you would any electronics on site. The jacket helps keep debris at bay and adds a bit of drop protection, but I still keep the port area pointed up in dusty cuts and cap the cable when it’s not in use. After a few weeks, the port remained snug and the latch springs felt as firm as day one.

Compatibility and ecosystem

These packs slot into any PWRCore 20 tool I tried without wiggle or misalignment. If you’ve invested in Skil’s 20V lineup, adding a pair of USB‑C packs increases your charging options without changing how your tools behave. If you’re cross‑brand, the USB‑C feature is still valuable as a standalone power bank, but obviously you won’t be able to run non‑Skil tools with them.

What I’d change

No tool is perfect. Here are the misses and mild gripes from daily use:
- Capacity per pack. 2.0Ah is intentionally compact, but for many pros a 4.0–5.0Ah USB‑C option would be a stronger primary pack.
- No included PD wall adapter. Understandable, but it means an extra purchase for some buyers.
- Short cable. A 0.5 m lead feels limiting on a jobsite or in a truck cab.
- Single port. One USB‑C keeps it simple, but a second port (or passthrough power with a tool attached) would add flexibility for charging multiple devices.

Who it’s for

• DIYers and pros who value compact tools and flexible charging.
• Service techs and maintenance crews who recharge on the go and need a reliable, rugged PD power source.
• Anyone already in Skil’s 20V ecosystem who wants to reduce reliance on proprietary chargers.

Who should look elsewhere:
- Users who primarily run high‑draw tools all day. You’ll want higher‑capacity packs as your main batteries, possibly supplemented by one of these for the USB‑C convenience.

Practical tips

• Label the jackets with a marker so you can track rotation and usage.
• Carry a 2 m, 100W‑rated USB‑C cable and a 65–100W PD wall adapter or car charger.
• Keep a small brush or compressed air handy to clear dust from the port area.
• If you travel, each pack is 40Wh—well under typical airline limits for carry‑on lithium batteries—but always check your carrier’s policies.

Recommendation

I recommend the Skil USB‑C 20V battery two‑pack for anyone in the PWRCore 20 family who wants more flexible charging and a credible power‑bank function without adding extra gear. The combination of two‑way USB‑C PD, compact size, and light weight makes these ideal “daily drivers” for compact tools and an excellent backup power source for USB‑C devices. The lack of an included PD wall adapter and the modest 2.0Ah capacity are the only real drawbacks, but they’re easy to work around—grab a good charger and consider pairing these with a couple of higher‑capacity packs for heavy tool days. For everyday tasks and on‑the‑go charging, this is a smart, modern upgrade that simplifies life on site.