Skil Brushless 12V Drill Driver and Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit

What’s in the box and why this kit is interesting

Skil’s 12V kit pairs a brushless drill/driver with a brushless oscillating multi‑tool, a 2.0Ah PWRCORE 12 battery, and a standard charger. You also get a PH2 bit, belt clip, a sanding pad with papers, and a bi‑metal plunge blade to get you cutting right away. On paper, the highlights are the compact 12V form factor, brushless motors in both tools, a hybrid 1/2" chuck on the drill for quick bit changes, and a 6‑speed Auto Sensing control on the multi‑tool. After several weeks of use on trim work, light carpentry, and a bathroom refresh, here’s how it actually performs.

The drill/driver: compact, quick to switch, best for light to medium tasks

The drill is spec’d at 350 in‑lb with two speeds (0–450/0–1,700 rpm) and 17+1 clutch positions. That torque number is competitive for a 12V class drill, and the brushless motor helps with efficiency. The standout feature, though, is the hybrid 1/2" chuck. It accepts round shank bits like a standard 1/2" chuck, but there’s also a quick‑insert 1/4" hex interface so you can snap in a driver bit without opening the jaws. In practice, that saved me time when I was pre‑drilling and then driving screws—no hunting for a separate bit holder.

Performance is solid within 12V expectations. In pine and poplar, the drill drove 2‑1/2" construction screws cleanly at low speed with the clutch set around 10–12. On a fresh 2.0Ah pack, I drove about 45 three‑inch decking screws (pre‑drilled) plus a handful of pilot holes before the battery hit its last bar. It also spun a 1" spade bit through SPF studs without complaint, and I ran a 3/4" auger through two 2x plates at low speed. Stepping up to a 1‑1/2" hole saw in 3/4" plywood was possible, but I had to feather the trigger and keep it in first gear to avoid stalling—about what I expect from a compact 12V.

A few caveats from my time with it:
- The chuck needs a firm hand. Under heavier drilling, I had to re‑snug it a couple of times or a smooth shank bit would start to creep. The knurling is fine and easy to grip, but it doesn’t feel as “lock‑solid” as the best ratcheting chucks.
- Bit runout was acceptable on shorter bits, but with a 6" twist bit I could see a faint wobble at high speed. It wasn’t enough to blow out holes in wood, but it’s worth noting if you drill a lot of thin metal where precision matters.
- Compared with many 20V drills, this isn’t meaningfully smaller in length (Skil lists 7‑1/8"). It is lighter and easier on the wrist, but don’t expect a sub‑6" head length.

Bottom line: as a 12V drill/driver for cabinetry, hardware, light framing correction, and punch‑list work, it gets the job done. If your day involves heavy boring or constant large fasteners, you’ll want more voltage.

The oscillating multi‑tool: the star of the kit

The multi‑tool is where this kit shines. It’s brushless, oscillates at 11,000–18,000 OPM with a 3.6° angle, and offers 6‑speed Auto Sensing to match speed to load. In use, the tool ramps smoothly, and the 3.6° throw strikes a nice balance—aggressive enough to cut quickly, but not so large that it gets skittish on a plunge.

I used it for:
- Cutting drywall openings for boxes and a vent—clean plunges with controlled starts on speed 3–4.
- Undercutting door jambs with the included bi‑metal blade—no trouble with occasional nail contact, though switching to a high‑quality carbide blade sped things up.
- Removing old caulk and trimming shims—excellent control at lower speeds.
- Sanding inside corners—effective for touch‑ups, as expected with any OMT.

The Auto Sensing feature is genuinely helpful. While flush‑cutting baseboard, the tool would add a bit of oomph when I leaned into it, then drop back when I lightened pressure. That gave me fewer burned edges and better control. Vibration is well managed for the class; I could run it for long stretches without numbness. With the 2.0Ah battery, I got roughly 20–25 minutes of continuous cutting at mixed speeds, or a couple of hours of intermittent task work. The accessory change is tool‑free and secure, and the included sanding pad and papers are decent for prep work.

If your project list includes flooring, trim, or remodel tasks, this multi‑tool alone makes the kit compelling.

Battery and charging: good efficiency, but one pack limits momentum

Skil’s PWRCORE 12 battery packs use a cooling wrap around the cells and the company claims about 25% longer runtime and double the life compared with the prior design. The included 2.0Ah pack ran cooler than I expected on the oscillating tool, even at higher speeds, and heat soak was modest after long cuts. On the drill, the brushless motor clearly helps stretch runtime for typical fastening.

The standard charger is straightforward. In my tests, a fully depleted 2.0Ah pack took about an hour to recharge. The biggest limitation is simple: you only get one battery. For anything more than short sessions, a second 2.0Ah (or a 4.0Ah) makes a huge difference in productivity, especially if you’re toggling between tools.

Ergonomics, controls, and small touches

• Balance and grip: Both tools feel well balanced with the 2.0Ah pack. The handles are slim with grippy overmold that doesn’t get slick.
• Lights: The drill’s LED is bright enough to be useful; it could be better placed to avoid casting a shadow from larger bits, but it’s fine most of the time.
• Clutch and gearbox: The 17‑position clutch has distinct clicks and repeats torque consistently. The 2‑speed selector on the drill engages crisply.
• Belt clip: Included and easy to swap sides—handy when you’re up a ladder.
• Accessories: The included bi‑metal blade is adequate; for faster progress in dense materials or nail‑embedded wood, upgrade to a quality carbide tooth blade.

What I’d change

• Include a second battery. A two‑tool kit really benefits from two packs, even if they’re both 2.0Ah.
• Upgrade the chuck. The hybrid design is clever and speeds up bit changes, but the clamping feel and retention could be more confidence‑inspiring.
• Offer a rapid charger option. The standard charger is fine, but a quicker turnaround would better support the multi‑tool’s higher draw.

Who this kit suits best

• Apartment and homeowner users who want a compact, lighter setup for maintenance, furniture assembly, light woodworking, and remodel touch‑ups.
• DIYers tackling flooring, trim, or door installs who will get serious value from the oscillating tool.
• Pros who want a small kit for punch lists and finish work—provided they keep expectations in the 12V lane and add a second battery.

If you’re frequently drilling large holes, driving long structural fasteners, or running tools all day, step up to a higher‑voltage platform or pair this kit with a heavier‑duty drill.

Value and alternatives

Within the 12V space, brushless motors on both tools and a 1/2" hybrid chuck are uncommon at this price point. The oscillating tool’s performance and Auto Sensing speed control lift the overall value. The single 2.0Ah battery keeps the initial cost down, but plan on budgeting for at least one more pack. If you already own another 12V system with a top‑tier drill and just need an OMT, you might consider buying a standalone tool; conversely, if you’re tool‑less and want a compact two‑piece starter, the Skil 12V kit is a rational entry.

Recommendation

I recommend the Skil 12V kit for users who prioritize a strong oscillating multi‑tool and a capable light‑duty drill/driver in a compact package. The multi‑tool is a standout—smooth, controllable, and fast enough for real work. The drill is competent for everyday tasks, with the hybrid chuck making bit changes genuinely quicker, though its chuck clamping and high‑load stamina are merely average for the class. Add a second battery and you’ve got a handy, grab‑and‑go setup for most home projects and punch‑list jobs. If your workload leans heavy on drilling large holes or continuous fastening, or if you demand best‑in‑class chuck precision, look elsewhere or plan to supplement the drill with a more powerful model.