Skil Brushless 12V 5-Tool Compact Combo Kit

As a seasoned tool enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for versatile, reliable, and cost-effective tool sets that can handle a variety of tasks without breaking the bank. The Brushless 12V 5-Tool Compact Combo Kit by Skil (model CB8368A-20) piqued my interest due to its impressive list of features and affordable price point. After using this kit extensively, I am eager to share my detailed experience and insights.

Unboxing and First Impressions

Upon unboxing the kit, I was immediately struck by the compact and lightweight design of each tool. The set includes a drill driver, impact driver, oscillating multi-tool, Bluetooth speaker, and an area light. Also included are three batteries—two smaller 2.0Ah and a larger one—and a charger. The tools felt solid and well-built, not flimsy or cheaply made, which is always a good sign.

Drill Driver and Impact Driver

The drill driver quickly became one of my favorite tools in the kit. It features a variable speed trigger, which offers excellent control over drilling and driving tasks. The keyless chuck makes for quick and easy bit changes, a feature I greatly appreciate when juggling different tasks. The impact driver, with its torque of 1,500 inch-pounds, proved to be more than capable of handling tougher jobs like driving large screws and bolts. The adjustable settings on the impact driver help prevent screw cam-out, a thoughtful addition that ensures a smooth experience.

Oscillating Multi-Tool

The oscillating multi-tool in this kit is a versatile workhorse. It comes with sanding and cutting attachments, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. One of the standout features is its ability to automatically adjust to the project requirements. This smart feature simplifies the user experience and ensures optimal performance without constant manual adjustments. I found it particularly useful for precision work in tight spaces where larger tools simply wouldn’t fit.

Area Light and Bluetooth Speaker

The area light is a pleasant surprise, offering up to 400 lumens of illumination. It's bright enough to light up a work area effectively, and its portability makes it convenient for various settings. The Bluetooth speaker, with a range of up to 100 feet, is a fun and functional addition. It delivers surprisingly good sound quality and has proven to be quite durable, even after a few accidental drops.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the critical aspects of any cordless tool is battery life, and the Skil kit does not disappoint. The PWRCORE 12™ Lithium 2.0Ah batteries offer a decent runtime, and the charger ensures they’re back up to full power relatively quickly. During my usage, I found that the batteries held up well even during extended periods of work. However, for more demanding tasks, investing in higher capacity batteries like the 4.0Ah might be a good idea for extended runtime and better performance.

Performance and Usability

In terms of performance, the Skil tools are highly competitive for their class. The brushless motors provide enhanced power and efficiency, making these 12V tools punch well above their weight. They’re not the most powerful tools on the market, but for most residential and light commercial tasks, they’re more than adequate. The compact design makes them easy to handle, even for those with smaller hands, and I found them comfortable to use for extended periods.

Durability and Build Quality

The build quality of these tools is commendable. They feel sturdy and well-constructed, capable of withstanding the rigors of daily use. I’ve put the drill driver and impact driver through their paces on various DIY projects, and they have performed flawlessly. The oscillating multi-tool, in particular, has proven to be a versatile and reliable addition to my toolkit.

Value for Money

One of the most compelling aspects of this Skil tool kit is its value for money. The combination of five essential tools at an affordable price point makes it an attractive option for both hobbyists and professionals. The inclusion of features like the automatic adjustments on the multi-tool, the adjustable settings on the impact driver, and the durable Bluetooth speaker adds significant value to this kit.

Areas for Improvement

While my overall experience with the Skil 12V 5-Tool Compact Combo Kit has been overwhelmingly positive, there are a few areas where it could improve. Firstly, the charger could be more user-friendly. I found the batteries a bit tricky to insert and remove from the charger. Secondly, while the tools are robust, they are the older versions of Skil's PWRCORE 12 tools. Although they work well, some users might prefer the latest models.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

In conclusion, the Skil Brushless 12V 5-Tool Compact Combo Kit offers exceptional value and performance for its price. The tools are well-designed, efficient, and capable of handling a wide range of tasks. They are particularly well-suited for DIY enthusiasts, homeowners, and light-duty professionals who need a reliable and versatile set of tools without spending a fortune.

I would highly recommend this tool kit to anyone looking for a cost-effective yet high-quality solution for their tool needs. The combination of strong performance, thoughtful features, and excellent value makes it a standout choice in the 12V tool category. With this kit, Skil has indeed made a compelling case for itself in the competitive world of power tools.