Skil 2.0Ah 12V USB-C Battery and Charger Starter Kit

A week with a compact power solution

I tossed the Skil 12V USB‑C kit into my everyday tool bag for a week of mixed work—light carpentry, electrical odds and ends, and some shop tinkering. It didn’t take long to realize this little bundle is less about raw capacity and more about simplifying how I keep things running. Between topping off a 12V drill, recharging my phone on a site with no outlets nearby, and managing one charger for multiple devices, the kit proved far more versatile than a typical “battery plus charger” combo.

What you actually get

The kit centers on a 12V 2.0Ah lithium pack with a USB‑C port built right into the battery. That port supports USB‑C Power Delivery (PD 3.0) for two-way use: you can charge the battery itself via USB‑C, or you can use the battery as a power bank to charge other devices. Skil includes a compact 20W PD charger and a USB‑C to USB‑C cable, plus a jacket for the battery that makes it friendlier to toss in a bag when you’re using it as a power bank.

It’s compatible with the PWR CORE 12 system, so it fits every Skil 12V tool I own. The battery’s fuel gauge shows charge in 25% increments—simple and reliable.

Charging performance and real timings

Specs say a full charge takes about 85 minutes with the included 20W PD charger. My results were right on target: going from fully depleted to full typically landed between 83 and 90 minutes across four cycles in a 68°F shop. Partial charges are efficiently handled as well. I averaged roughly:

• 0–25% in 12–15 minutes
• 0–50% in about 30–35 minutes
• 0–80% in around 60 minutes

The last 20% understandably slows as the battery balances, which is normal lithium behavior. For a 2.0Ah pack (roughly 24Wh), 20W PD is a sensible match—fast enough to turn a dead pack around during lunch, with minimal bulk.

One practical note: the included charger isn’t a cradle. It’s a compact PD unit that plugs in via USB‑C, which cuts down on clutter and lets it double as a charger for your phone, earbuds, or small tablet. For a small shop or a go-bag, that matters.

Using the battery as a power bank

The two-way USB‑C port on the battery is genuinely useful. I used the pack to recharge a phone, a compact Bluetooth speaker, and a USB‑C inspection light. At 20W PD, it’s not a laptop charger, but it’s perfect for phones, headlamps, meters, and site lighting with USB‑C input. The battery jacket helps here—it keeps the pack from getting dinged up in a backpack and makes it less awkward to set on a surface while powering a device.

In my testing, the battery delivered steady output and stayed cool. I didn’t encounter any hiccups with PD handshakes on common devices; it negotiated 5V and 9V as expected. As with most two-way PD ports, I couldn’t get simultaneous pass‑through (charging the battery while powering another device) to work—the port seems to prioritize either in or out, not both at once. That’s fine, and probably by design for longevity.

On-tool performance and where it fits

A 2.0Ah 12V battery is all about compact tools and intermittent use. On a 12V drill/driver, I got a comfortable half day doing cabinet hardware, electrical boxes, and small fasteners. On a compact oscillating tool, it’s more of a “finish the cut and swap” situation. If you’re leaning on 12V saws or you’re on a heavy production task, you’ll want a larger pack in rotation. But as a lightweight companion battery—and as a dual‑purpose power bank—it makes a lot of sense.

What impressed me was how the kit reduced friction. I didn’t need a dedicated tool charger on a small job; I brought the tiny PD charger and one cable. If my phone dipped midday, the battery itself became the power bank. Back at the bench, I topped the pack off without thinking about which charger belonged to which ecosystem.

Build, ergonomics, and indicators

The pack feels solid, clicks confidently into tools, and the four‑segment fuel gauge is bright enough to read in daylight. The gauge accuracy struck me as consistent; the 25% steps tracked closely with the runtime I expected on light tools. The included cable is decent and long enough for tabletop use, and the battery jacket is more than a nice‑to‑have—it keeps dust and debris off the port and makes the pack easier to pocket when you’re using it off‑tool.

The 20W charger is compact, and while it’s not a desk ornament, it’s easy to toss into a pouch and forget. Because it’s a general PD charger, it reduces how many wall warts I carry. That said, if you prefer a fixed-base cradle that docks the battery, this kit won’t scratch that itch.

Limitations to be aware of

• Capacity: 2.0Ah in a 12V form factor is compact but not long‑running. If you’re a heavy user, budget for additional packs or step up to larger capacities in the same system.
• Power Delivery headroom: 20W PD is perfect for small devices, but don’t expect to charge power‑hungry tablets at full speed or any modern laptop beyond a slow trickle.
• Pass‑through behavior: The USB‑C port behaves as either input or output in my experience, not both. Plan accordingly if you were hoping to daisy‑chain.
• No cradle: The PD charger approach is great for portability, but if your workflow relies on wall‑mounted tool chargers with status lights visible across the shop, this is a different model.

None of these are deal‑breakers for what the kit sets out to be. They’re just the tradeoffs inherent to a compact, two‑way USB‑C approach.

Where it shines

• Small job kits and service bags where space is at a premium.
• Users already invested in Skil’s PWR CORE 12 tools who want a go‑anywhere charging option.
• Anyone who values a battery that doubles as a reliable power bank for phones, meters, and lights.
• Travel: one charger and one cable can handle both the tool battery and your personal devices.

In day‑to‑day use, the kit’s convenience exceeded my expectations. It’s easy to keep topped up, it spares me from packing an extra power bank, and it keeps my 12V tools ready without a bulky dock.

The bottom line

The Skil 12V USB‑C kit is a smart, modern take on an entry battery/charger bundle. The 2.0Ah pack and 20W PD charger won’t win any raw power contests, but that’s not the point. They prioritize portability, compatibility, and versatility—and they deliver on all three. Charging times align with the spec, the USB‑C two‑way port works cleanly, and the whole setup encourages a simpler, lighter kit.

Recommendation: I recommend this kit for anyone using Skil’s 12V tools who values portability and cross‑device charging. It’s a particularly good fit for service techs, DIYers, and pros who keep a compact 12V kit for light tasks. If you need all‑day runtime on demanding tools or prefer a traditional dock charger, look for a higher‑capacity battery or a different charging style. But for a small, flexible, and well‑thought‑out charging solution that pulls double duty on and off the job, this kit is a strong choice.