Skil 20V 12 In. Pivoting Head String Trimmer Kit

Why I reached for this Skil trimmer

A light, straightforward trimmer can make yard work feel like less of a chore. That’s what drew me to Skil’s 20V cordless trimmer: it promised easy handling, quick conversion to an edger, and fewer fiddly adjustments. After multiple weekends cutting along fences, trees, and sidewalks, I came away impressed with the ergonomics and convenience, with a few caveats around line management and storage that are worth knowing.

Setup and ergonomics

Out of the box, assembly is simple. The straight steel shaft clicks together firmly, and the telescoping adjustment gives a broad range for height. I’m 5'10", and with the shaft extended a notch past halfway, my posture stayed upright without hunching. The auxiliary handle slides to where you want it and locks into place—nothing fancy, but it holds position reliably.

At just over five pounds, the trimmer is easy to carry and swing. The balance sits slightly forward, which I prefer for trimming along foundations. The pivoting head rotates 90 degrees for edging; the latch is secure but not stubborn, so you can switch modes without wrestling the mechanism. Overall, it’s a highly approachable tool: minimal buttons, a clear guard, and a head that goes where you need it without straining your wrists.

Cutting performance: light and tidy

This model uses a single 0.06-inch twisted line and spins at a no-load 8,000 RPM. In practice, that combination is tuned for lawn maintenance rather than clearing. It breezes through typical turf grasses and handles thin weeds, but it’s not built to chew through thick, woody stems or weeks-old overgrowth. If you keep your yard in regular rotation, the 12-inch cutting swath is plenty and helps you cover edges and open patches quickly.

The clockwise rotation means the cleanest cut happens on the left side of the head, with debris flung to the right. If you’re trimming against a fence or landscape edging, keep that orientation in mind; leading with the left side gives a neater line and reduces tear-out. The included flower guard is handy for pacing, though I flip it out of the way in tight beds where visibility matters more.

Vibration is well controlled for a tool at this weight, and the digital brushless motor starts and stops crisply. Compared to brushed-motor trimmers I’ve used at this size, this one feels more efficient and a bit quieter, with less harshness in the handle.

Edging mode and control

The 90-degree pivot is the star of the show for edging. The head rotates without rotating the shaft, so your posture stays neutral; that’s kinder to your back and shoulders on longer runs. The edge guide helps keep a consistent reference along sidewalks and driveways. It’s not as rigid as a dedicated blade edger’s shoe, but it’s good enough to keep your lines straight if you let the tool set the pace rather than pushing it.

With the 0.06-inch line, edges come out crisp in soft soil and regular turf. If you’ve got compacted soil or a heavy thatch at the edge, take it in two lighter passes rather than forcing it—you’ll waste less line and get a cleaner result.

Line feed and spool experience

This trimmer uses an auto-feed system that advances line each time you pull the trigger. It’s genuinely convenient—no bumping, no guessing—but it does reward a slight change in habits. If you “feather” the trigger a lot, you’ll feed more line than you need and chew through the spool quickly. Using longer, continuous trigger pulls keeps the line length steady and reduces waste.

Rewinding the spool is straightforward. The open/wind design means you pop the cover, pull the spool, and wind fresh line in the indicated direction. The twisted 0.06-inch line is what the trimmer is designed around; it cuts cleanly and runs relatively quietly. I recommend keeping an extra pack on hand. In my area, 0.06-inch twisted line isn’t hanging on every store peg, so I ordered a bulk roll online and have been set since. As with any single-line trimmer, feed consistency matters: trim at steady RPM and avoid knocking the guard—both help keep line breaks to a minimum.

Battery and runtime

The kit includes a 20V 2.0Ah battery and a 60W charger. Charging from empty took just under an hour for me. Runtime depends on how aggressive you are and how often the auto-feed actuates, but in typical suburban trimming (grass edges, around six trees, and a 30-foot fence line), I averaged about 20–25 minutes of continuous cutting per charge. With more intermittent use—trimming, walking, edging the driveway—I could finish a modest yard in one battery.

If you’ve got a larger property or you habitually cut back thicker growth, a second 2.0Ah pack or stepping up to a higher-capacity battery would make sense. The single battery port on the tool is normal for this class, and swapping packs is a two-second operation. Heat management is good; the motor never felt overworked, and the battery stayed within a comfortable temperature range.

Noise, comfort, and safety

Noise levels are friendly to neighbors and conversation—no gas scream, just the whir of the head and line. I found the grip texture comfortable with gloves, and the trigger has a smooth travel without a stiff click at the end. As always, eye protection matters; the guard is effective, but pebbles and mulch chunks can still launch, especially given the clockwise rotation.

Weather resistance and build

With an IPX4 rating, the trimmer shrugs off splashes and light mist. I used it on damp mornings with no issues. The steel shaft feels sturdy, and the head pivot locks down without play. The guard plastic is on the thinner side, which helps keep weight down; treat it with a bit of care and it should hold up. The overall fit and finish are solid for a compact homeowner tool.

Storage and the included bracket

Skil includes a wall bracket, which is a thoughtful touch. It’s serviceable, but the fit is a little finicky. With the battery installed, I had to pay attention to the angle to get it to sit securely, and it doesn’t “snap” in the way a dedicated rail system would. If your garage wall is precious real estate, the bracket will do the job; just know it’s not a premium hanger and may take a moment to line up.

Who it’s for (and who should look elsewhere)

This Skil trimmer is at its best in small to medium yards where you’re maintaining regular growth: edging sidewalks, trimming around beds and trees, and cleaning fence lines. If you value a lightweight tool with quick mode changes and minimal fuss, the auto-feed and pivoting head shine. Homeowners already on Skil’s 20V platform will appreciate the included battery and charger, and newcomers get everything they need to start cutting immediately.

If your property has a lot of dense weeds, overgrown edges, or you prefer to run heavier 0.08-inch line, you’ll want a more robust trimmer with dual line or a higher-voltage system. Likewise, if you tend to constantly feather the trigger, be prepared to adjust your technique or you’ll run through line faster than you expect.

The bottom line

What stands out with this trimmer is how easy it is to live with. The adjustable shaft and light weight make it comfortable for different users, the 90-degree pivot turns edging into a quick flip instead of an awkward wrist twist, and the brushless motor delivers smooth, efficient power for typical yard tasks. The auto line feed keeps you working—provided you use longer trigger pulls—and the included battery/charger combo keeps the kit simple.

There are quirks. The storage bracket works but feels like an afterthought, and the 0.06-inch twisted line isn’t the most common on every store shelf, so I plan ahead and keep extra on hand. Within its intended scope—regular lawn maintenance rather than heavy brush—it’s a dependable, well-balanced tool.

Recommendation: I recommend this Skil 20V trimmer for homeowners who want a lightweight, easy-to-use trimmer/edger for routine yard upkeep. It’s comfortable, efficient, and thoughtfully designed for typical suburban lawns. If you need to tackle thicker, neglected growth or you prefer running heavier line, a more powerful model would be a better fit, but for everyday trimming and clean edging, this one hits the mark.