Features
- Compatible with PWRCORE 12™ and PWRCORE 20™ batteries
- Tool-free setup (flip-out legs, extend pole)
- Collapses for compact storage and transport
- Foot-control switch for hands-free brightness changes
- Three brightness levels: 200 / 1,000 / 2,500 lumens
- 270° pivot and 270° swivel for directional control
- Wall-mountable via keyholes
- Battery USB-C port for charging devices (100W)
Specifications
| Voltage | 12 / 20 V |
| Light Source | LED |
| Brightness Modes | 2,500 lm / 1,000 lm / 200 lm |
| Runtime (With Included 20 V 2.0 Ah) | Up to 4.5 hours at 1,000 lumens |
| Runtime (Examples) | Up to 9 hours at 1,000 lm with 20V 4.0Ah battery; up to 6 hours at 1,000 lm with 12V 4.0Ah battery |
| Rotation | 270° pivot + 270° swivel |
| Extended Height | 5.2 ft |
| Tool Weight | 4.98 lbs |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 21.65 in × 4.72 in × 6.10 in |
| Kit Contents | Tower light (LH2500D-00), PWRCORE 20 20V 2.0Ah USB-C battery (BY5100B-00), 20W USB-C PD charger (PD0020B-00), 3A USB-C to USB-C cable |
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Portable tower light compatible with 12V or 20V PWRCORE batteries. Sets up without tools (flip-out legs, extendable pole) and collapses for storage. Brightness is adjustable with a foot-control switch across three settings. The light head can pivot and swivel for directional lighting. The included 20V battery provides a USB‑C port for charging devices.
Skil 12V/20V Compact Tower Light, 20V Kit Review
Lighting up a workspace, whether it's a dimly lit attic or a garage during a power outage, can be quite the challenge. Enter the Skil Compact Tower Light, a versatile and powerful solution that has quickly become one of my go-to tools for a variety of projects. Let's dive into what makes this tower light stand out in a crowded market of work lights.
First Impressions and Setup
Straight out of the box, the Skil Compact Tower Light impresses with its lightweight and compact design. Weighing in at just 4.98 lbs, it's easily portable, making it a breeze to move from one location to another. The setup is equally straightforward—no tools required. Simply extend the pole, flip out the legs, and you're ready to go. The light can extend up to 5.2 feet, providing ample height for most tasks.
Versatility and Adjustability
One of the standout features of this tower light is its versatility. The LED panel can pivot and swivel 270 degrees, allowing you to direct the light exactly where you need it. Whether you're working in a tight corner or need to illuminate a broader area, the adjustable angles make it incredibly adaptable. The light also has three brightness settings: 200, 1,000, and 2,500 lumens. This range makes it suitable for various tasks, from simple household chores to more demanding projects like construction or painting.
Power Options and Battery Life
The Skil Compact Tower Light is designed to be powered by either 12V or 20V batteries, providing flexibility depending on what you have on hand. I used a 20V 2.0Ah battery and found the runtime to be impressive. At the medium brightness setting (1,000 lumens), it lasted for over 4.5 hours, which is more than enough for most tasks. For those longer projects, having a spare battery on hand would ensure you never run out of light.
Performance and Light Output
When it comes to performance, this tower light does not disappoint. The light output is nothing short of impressive. At its highest setting of 2,500 lumens, it can easily illuminate a large area, making it ideal for outdoor projects or poorly lit indoor spaces. The medium and low settings provide more than enough light for less demanding tasks, and the ability to adjust the brightness ensures you won't be wasting battery life unnecessarily.
Practical Features
The Skil Compact Tower Light includes several practical features that enhance its usability. The foot control switch is a thoughtful addition, allowing you to turn the light on and off without bending over. This is particularly useful when your hands are occupied. The legs can be adjusted to provide a stable base, even on uneven surfaces, ensuring the light remains steady and doesn't tip over.
Another noteworthy feature is its wall-mounting capability. While I haven't needed to use this feature yet, I can see its potential for more permanent setups where a stable light source is required.
Build Quality and Durability
In terms of build quality, the Skil Compact Tower Light feels robust and well-constructed. Despite its lightweight design, it doesn't feel flimsy. The materials used appear durable, and the overall construction suggests it can withstand the rigors of regular use. The collapsible design also contributes to its durability by protecting the LED panel and other components when not in use.
Practical Applications
Throughout my use of this tower light, I've found it to be incredibly versatile. It's been a lifesaver during power outages, providing reliable light in the garage and around the house. Its compact design makes it easy to store when not in use, and the adjustable brightness settings have been invaluable for different tasks. Whether I'm working on a car in the garage, painting a room, or setting up camp, this light has proven to be a dependable companion.
Room for Improvement
While the Skil Compact Tower Light is an excellent tool, there's always room for improvement. One area that could be enhanced is the battery life on the highest brightness setting. Although it's sufficient for most tasks, those working on more extensive projects might find it beneficial to have an even longer runtime. Additionally, while the light is adjustable, having a finer degree of control over the angles could provide even more precision when directing the light.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, the Skil Compact Tower Light is a fantastic addition to any toolkit. Its combination of portability, powerful light output, and practical features make it a versatile and reliable option for a wide range of tasks. Whether you're a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, this tower light offers the flexibility and performance needed to get the job done.
I highly recommend the Skil Compact Tower Light for anyone in need of a reliable, portable, and powerful lighting solution. Its ease of use, impressive battery life, and versatile design make it a standout choice in the market. Whether you're working in a dark attic, a dimly lit garage, or even setting up a campsite, this light has you covered.
Project Ideas
Business
Pop-Up Event Lighting Rentals
Rent portable lighting kits for backyard parties, weddings, and trade booths. Offer packages with 2–6 lights, spare 20V batteries, and setup. The 5.2 ft mast, 2,500 lm output, and 100W USB-C charging support DJs, photo booths, and vendors without running cables.
Night Real Estate & Construction Docs
Provide after-hours lighting for real estate twilight shoots, punch-list walkthroughs, and insurance documentation. Quick, tool-free setup and directional control minimize glare while capturing clean photos/video. Bill per visit or subscription for builders/property managers.
Market Stall Lighting + POS Charging
Rent lights to night-market and food-truck vendors with bundled batteries and a POS-ready 100W USB-C charging cord. Wall-mount via keyholes in booths or use the tower mode; foot-control dimming keeps displays properly lit while preserving battery life.
Emergency Outage Kit Subscriptions
Assemble kits for HOAs and small businesses: tower light, spare batteries, USB-C charger, and checklist. Offer annual service to test runtimes and rotate batteries before storm season. Revenue from monthly fees, emergency callouts, and replacement accessories.
Light-Painting Photo Workshops
Host evening classes teaching long-exposure techniques using the tower light with gel/gobo accessories. Provide small-group sessions at parks or urban locations; charge per attendee and sell accessory kits. The adjustable 200–2,500 lm output simplifies learning and creative control.
Creative
Snap-On Softbox & Barn Doors
Design a 3D-printed frame that clips to the light head and accepts foldable diffusion fabric and hinged barn doors to control spill. Use heat-resistant PETG and magnets/Velcro for quick swaps between diffuser, gels, and grids. The 270° pivot/swivel lets you bounce or feather the 2,500 lm output for photo/video or finish work.
Portable Shadow-Theater
Build a collapsible shadow-play screen (PVC frame + translucent fabric) and use the tower light behind it for family shows or community events. The foot-control switch changes brightness hands-free for dramatic scenes, and the swivel/pivot angles create crisp or soft silhouettes.
French-Cleat Docking Rail
Create a shop-wide French-cleat system with keyhole plates so the light can be wall-mounted anywhere, then undock to use as a tower. Add cable clips for the USB-C lead so the battery doubles as a workstation charger while the light aims precisely where you work.
Night Mural & Graffiti Rig
Build a compact wheeled dolly with a mast to roll along walls and alleys. Mount the light at 5.2 ft and use the 270° pivot to graze surfaces for tracing and paint correction. The battery’s USB-C port powers your phone/tablet for reference images during long sessions.
Light-Painting Adapter Kit
Make a lightweight L-bracket handle with quick-swap colored gels and gobo plates to turn the light into a light-painting tool for long-exposure photography. Use 200/1,000 lm modes for nuanced trails and the foot-control for on-the-fly intensity changes mid-exposure.