Skil Brushless 20V Oscillating Multi-tool Kit

A calmer, cleaner cut from a cordless oscillating tool

I put the Skil 20V multi-tool through a mix of jobs that usually separate the okay oscillators from the useful ones: flush-cutting finish nails, plunge-cutting drywall inside a cabinet, trimming door casing for new flooring, scraping old caulk, and detail sanding inside a shelf corner. Across those tasks, two things stood out immediately: the vibration control really does make a difference, and the quick-change system is fast without requiring a vice grip to operate.

Design and ergonomics

Skil uses an isolated motor design that decouples the drive from the main body. In the hand, that translates to notably less buzz. I could choke up on the head when plunge-cutting without my fingertips going numb, and longer sanding sessions didn’t leave my palm tingling. It still vibrates—it’s an oscillating multi-tool—but the edge is blunted in a way I appreciated, especially when working overhead or at awkward angles.

The layout favors control over speed racing. There’s a simple on/off slide switch so you can lock it on and use both hands on the tool while you steer the cut. A six-position speed dial sits where your thumb can roll it without shifting your grip. Soft-start keeps the tool from jerking when the head first contacts the work. I also noticed the constant-speed behavior: once a cut starts, the head maintains tempo under load instead of slogging when it meets a knot or a nail.

With the included 2.0Ah battery, balance is neutral—no nose dive. The grip diameter is modest with comfortable overmold, and the LED work light is bright enough to paint the cut line right at the head. The after-glow is handy when you stop mid-cut and need a second to check your line.

Accessory changes and compatibility

Skil’s tool-free lever is straightforward: flip it open, drop on an OIS or Starlock basic-compatible accessory, close it, and it locks with an audible snap. If you’re using a closed-back blade, you can remove the lower part of the mandrel to install it, then reattach—no hex key required. I like that it doesn’t demand a lot of hand strength to open. The action feels cammed and positive. The lever does “snap” shut with a sharp click that sounds harsher than it is, but I never worried about engagement—there was no accessory wobble or creep during use.

Compatibility is broad enough for most users. It takes Starlock basic and OIS, so you’re not locked into a proprietary accessory ecosystem. If you’re invested in Starlock Plus/Max, that’s not this tool.

Cutting and scraping performance

For wood and trim work, the tool is decisive with the right blade. Using a good carbide multitool blade, I could plunge into painted casing without burning and undercut door jambs cleanly. The oscillation angle is listed at 3.6 degrees total, which sits in the sweet spot—aggressive enough to move material without yanking you off line. In 2x pine, the constant-speed control helps cuts feel consistent rather than chattery.

On metal, a bi-metal blade handled brad nails and a few errant finish nails flush to the surface. As with all oscillators, let the blade do the work, and you’ll get accurate cuts without blueing the tooth edge. For tile tasks, the included rigid scraper was fine for old silicone and thinset blobs. A carbide-grit accessory removed grout in short runs without brutal vibration or overheating the head, though grout removal still drains batteries quickly.

In drywall, it’s an excellent layout and repair tool. Plunge-cutting along a pencil line inside a dishwasher cabinet was easy to control with the slide switch locked on and both hands guiding. The LED lit the cut line well, and using a drywall-specific blade kept dust down to an acceptable level. There’s no dust extraction port, so I paired the job with a small vac hose nearby.

The theme here is predictable control. The soft-start, stable speed, and low vibration make it easier to hold a straight line, especially on plunge cuts where oscillators can skate. Noise is on the reasonable side for this class, but I still wore hearing protection.

Sanding and detail work

The triangular pad and included sheets are fine for quick cleanups and breaking edges. Hook-and-loop adhesion is strong, and the pad held up to some pressure while I feathered an inside corner. As with most included consumables, the sanding papers are consumable in the truest sense—good to get you going, but upgrade to quality mesh or premium sheets for better longevity and dust control. Without a dust port, frequent vac cleanouts keep the abrasive cutting efficiently.

Battery, charging, and runtime

The kit’s 2.0Ah battery is a sensible match for a compact oscillating tool. In mixed use (drywall, casing undercuts, a couple of nail flush cuts, and some grout scraping), I saw roughly 45–70 minutes of active runtime depending on speed and load. Oscillating tools are inherently power-hungry; that’s normal. What helps is Skil’s PWRJUMP charger. A quick pit stop gets you a meaningful bump in charge in a few minutes, and a full charge lands in the sub-hour neighborhood. In practice, that meant I could swap to another task, grab water, and be back cutting without breaking the day’s rhythm.

A bonus on the battery is the USB output. I used it once to top off a phone while I was working in a bathroom with no outlets free—handy, not life-changing, but nice.

If you’re planning a day of heavy demo or lots of grout removal, add a 4.0Ah battery or keep a spare 2.0Ah on deck. For most punch-list and remodel tasks, one pack and the fast charger covered my needs.

Build quality and heat

Fit and finish are solid for the category. The head stayed tight, the accessory interface didn’t develop play, and the housing only grew warm during prolonged grout work. The lever mechanism showed no signs of loosening, and the on/off switch remained crisp. I like that Skil includes a small accessory case so the sanding pad and blades don’t disappear into the bottom of a tool bag. I do wish the kit came with a full carry case or a depth guide for drywall, but those are nice-to-haves rather than musts.

Blade choice matters

Like any multi-tool, performance rises or falls with your accessory selection. The included blades work for first cuts and light duty, but stepping up to a carbide wood blade for trim and a quality bi-metal blade for nails transforms the tool. You’ll cut faster, cleaner, and keep heat under control. If you’re new to oscillators, budget for a better blade pack alongside the tool.

Pros and cons

• What I liked:

  • Noticeably reduced vibration and soft-start for better control and less fatigue
  • Simple, secure tool-free accessory change that doesn’t require heavy hand strength
  • Bright LED with after-glow and practical on/off slide switch plus speed dial
  • Quick partial charging and usable runtime on a compact 2.0Ah pack
  • Broad accessory compatibility (Starlock basic and OIS)

• What could be better:

  • The lever’s snap on closure sounds harsher than it is and can feel abrupt
  • No dust extraction option for sanding
  • Kit blades are basic; plan to upgrade
  • One 2.0Ah battery may not satisfy heavy, continuous use without a spare

Recommendation

I recommend the Skil oscillating tool for DIYers and pros who want a budget-friendly cordless multi-tool with genuinely good manners: low vibration, predictable speed control, and a no-fuss accessory change. It’s a strong fit for punch-list work, trim fitting, drywall repairs, and general remodeling tasks. The included 2.0Ah battery and fast charger make it easy to keep moving, and the LED, soft-start, and constant-speed behavior all contribute to cleaner, more controlled cuts.

I’d pair it with higher-quality blades right away and consider an extra battery for grout-heavy or all-day use. If you need Starlock Plus/Max compatibility or a dust-ready sanding solution, look elsewhere. For most users, though, this tool hits the practical sweet spot: comfortable, capable, and uncomplicated.