Skil 14 IN. String Trimmer & Leaf Blower Combo Kit

Why this combo caught my eye

I’ve spent a fair amount of time testing battery-powered OPE, and the Skil combo stood out as a straightforward, two-tool solution for typical yard maintenance. On paper, it pairs a 14-inch string trimmer with a compact blower, both running on Skil’s 40V platform with brushless motors. In practice, it feels intentionally designed for homeowners who want simple setup, decent power, and easy storage without committing to a full stable of tools.

Setup and ergonomics

Out of the box, both tools are quick to assemble. The trimmer’s straight shaft folds at a hinge, which is genuinely useful if you’re tight on wall space or tossing it in a trunk. The hinge mechanism feels secure once locked, and I didn’t notice play at the joint during use. The blower’s tube clicks on and off without a fight, making it easy to store in a smaller footprint.

The trimmer weighs 6.8 lb and the blower 4.6 lb (tools only). With the 2.5Ah battery installed, the trimmer feels midweight for the class, balanced slightly rearward. I found the handle and trigger positioning comfortable for my height (5'10"), but note that this shaft is fixed-length. If you’re shorter or taller than average, you may find yourself nudging the front handle above or below the hinge to get balance right. It works, but it’s not as universally comfortable as a telescoping design.

Controls are simple. The trimmer uses a variable-speed lever with a cruise-style hold, which lets you set an RPM and focus on guiding the head. There’s a safety lock-out that must be pressed when you restart—functionally fine, but a small speed bump when you’re repeatedly stopping and starting around obstacles. The blower has a standard variable trigger and a boost button that’s easy to thumb without changing grip.

The trimmer: cut quality, power, and line management

For general trimming and edging in suburban turf, the trimmer’s 14-inch cutting width is a sweet spot. It has the power to maintain head speed through typical lawn grasses and light weeds, especially with the dual-string setup and 0.080-inch twist line. I tested it on overgrown edges, a patch of Bermuda that likes to crawl onto the walkway, and the grass around a fence line; the motor maintained RPM well in medium-thick areas without bogging.

The head is kitted with a dual-line bump feed and a twist-load design. That twist-load system does what it promises: feed line through the ports, twist the head, and you’re reloaded in under a minute. It’s less fussy than winding a spool manually. The bump feed itself is predictable—tap and go—and it advanced consistently on concrete and grass. As with most dual-string heads, if you’re heavy-handed along hard edges, you’ll use line faster; dialing in the speed lever and keeping the head angle shallow helps.

Cut quality is clean and even at moderate speeds. At maximum speed, it’s aggressive and will chew through lighter material quickly, though you’ll burn more line and battery. I found the middle of the speed range ideal for 80% of routine trimming.

The blower: everyday cleanup with a usable boost

Skil rates the blower up to 500 CFM and 193 km/h (about 120 mph), and it feels appropriately strong for a compact unit. It shines on hardscapes—driveways, patios, decks—where that boost button instantly adds punch to lift damp clippings or stubborn debris out of seams. On turf, the regular speed range is plenty for dry leaves and clippings; boost helps when leaves are matted or after a light rain. It will disturb decorative rock if you get too close in boost, so ease in around gravel beds.

The fan has a smooth ramp-up and low torque twist, and the tool’s light weight makes it easy to maneuver one-handed without fatigue. I wouldn’t pick it for pushing big windrows of wet leaves across a half-acre, but for daily or weekly cleanup, it’s efficient.

Runtime and charging

With the included 2.5Ah battery, expect practical, task-based runtime rather than marathon sessions. In my testing:

• Trimmer: around 30–45 minutes of mixed-speed trimming, edging, and touch-ups on a modest suburban yard, using moderate speed most of the time.
• Blower: around 15–20 minutes if you lean on higher speeds and boost regularly; closer to 25 minutes at moderate flow on hard surfaces.

These numbers line up with what I’d expect from a 40V, 2.5Ah pack in tools of this output class. The standard charger brings the 2.5Ah battery back in roughly an hour. If you maintain a larger property or want fewer interruptions, pairing the kit with a second battery—or stepping up to Skil’s 5.0Ah pack—makes a meaningful difference. On the flip side, smarter throttle discipline goes a long way: set the trimmer’s cruise just high enough to maintain a clean cut, and use the blower’s boost sparingly.

Noise and vibration

Both tools are relatively quiet compared to gas, with the blower a touch louder at high and in boost. Ear protection is still smart. Vibration is minimal in both tools—noticeably less than a typical gas trimmer—thanks to the brushless motors and balanced heads.

Build quality and maintenance

The plastics on both tools feel thick where it matters, and the trimmer’s hinge uses a robust latch that inspires confidence. After several sessions, I didn’t see loosening at the joint or the front handle. Routine care is simple: keep the guard clear, wipe debris from the intake on the blower, and inspect the line head for wear. The twist-load head is the real maintenance win here—it takes the dread out of reloading.

Skil’s PWRCORE 40 battery ecosystem means you can cross-share packs if you already own compatible tools. As always, store the battery in a cool, dry place and avoid leaving it on the charger indefinitely.

Storage and transport

This combo is tailor-made for tight spaces. Folding the trimmer drops its length dramatically, and the blower’s quick-release tube creates a compact bundle. If you’re in a condo or have a small shed, that hinge and removable tube are more than marketing points—they make a practical difference.

What could be better

• Fixed-length shaft: The trimmer doesn’t telescope, so fit is all about handle position. It worked for me, but people on the ends of the height spectrum may wish for an adjustable shaft.
• Safety restart: Having to re-engage the trimmer’s lock-out after each stop slows you a beat when doing lots of short, precise cuts.
• Runtime with blower on high: The blower’s boost is effective but will drain the 2.5Ah pack quickly. The kit would be even stronger with a second battery, or a higher-capacity pack as standard.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners with small to mid-size yards who want a simple, reliable battery setup for weekly upkeep.
• Anyone already in the PWRCORE 40 ecosystem who needs a capable trimmer and a compact blower.
• Users who value easy storage and quick line reloads.

Who should look elsewhere? If you regularly clear heavy, wet leaf piles over larger areas, or you need long, continuous runtime without a second battery, a more powerful blower or a larger battery may suit you better. For users who need a telescoping trimmer shaft for fit and ergonomics, this fixed-length design might not hit the mark.

Recommendation

I recommend this Skil combo for typical suburban yard care. The trimmer’s 14-inch cut, dual-line bump feed, and fast twist-load head make routine edging and trimming efficient. The blower is compact yet capable, with a useful boost for stubborn debris. Both tools feel well balanced, the foldable trimmer and removable blower tube simplify storage, and the 40V platform delivers solid, predictable performance.

The included 2.5Ah battery is adequate for modest tasks, but plan on managing speed thoughtfully or adding a second/larger battery if your cleanup runs long—especially with the blower. If you want an all-day tool or a telescoping trimmer, this isn’t the kit. For everyone else, it’s a practical, easy-to-live-with pairing that covers the essentials without fuss.