Skil 20V Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit

First impressions and kit contents

I reached for the Skil multi-tool to undercut a few door casings and clean up some drywall openings, and it quickly reminded me why oscillating tools are still the fix-it Swiss Army knife. This kit lands you the tool, a 20V 2.0Ah battery, a charger, a sanding pad with nine sheets (60/120/180), and two wood-cutting blades (a standard HCS plunge blade and an HCS segment blade). Out of the box, it’s truly ready for common homeowner jobs: trimming baseboard and jambs, cutting outlet openings, scraping caulk or adhesive, and detail sanding.

The tool itself is compact (about 12.7 inches long) and very light. Bare weight is listed at 1.72 pounds, and it feels that way in the hand—easy to use overhead or one-handed without fighting the nose. The rubber overmold isn’t squishy, but it provides a secure grip, and the balance point with the 2.0Ah pack lands nicely under your index finger.

Design, controls, and ergonomics

Skil uses a slide switch with a lock-on, so you don’t have to hold a trigger while you work. I prefer this for sanding and long plunge cuts—it reduces hand fatigue and keeps your grip consistent. Speed is set with a six-position dial (11,000–17,000 OPM), and soft start eases the tool up to speed without a jump.

The head geometry is slim enough to sneak into corners, and the 3.6-degree oscillating angle strikes a good balance between cutting speed and control. Some high-end models push a wider swing for faster cuts, but this angle keeps the tool from grabbing when you’re working in brittle materials like drywall or when you contact a fastener unexpectedly.

Overall, ergonomics are well thought out. The anti-vibration system (Skil’s VRS) is not a gimmick—you still know you’re using an oscillating tool, but the white-finger buzz is notably reduced. I could guide the blade with a lighter touch, which shows up in cleaner cut starts and less fatigue.

Power and cutting performance

The brushless motor and constant-speed control are the story here. In wood, the tool keeps a steady oscillation under load; it doesn’t surge or bog as you lean into a cut. That makes plunge cuts into 1x material predictable, and flush cuts against a floor or jamb track straight without burning the blade. In drywall, I could score and plunge at low speed for accuracy, then click up a notch or two to finish the opening. The included HCS blades are fine for wood and drywall, but you’ll want a bi-metal blade for nails, screws, and metal drywall corner bead.

The top-end 17,000 OPM is adequate for most tasks. There are faster multi-tools out there, but I didn’t feel constrained for typical remodel and repair work. For aggressive demolition in hardwoods or long rip flush-cuts, a bigger battery and a premium blade help. For delicate materials—veneer, finished trim, or plastics—dropping to speed 2–3 prevented melting and chattering.

Accessory system and blade changes

Skil’s tool-free clamp is a lever on the head with a magnetic accessory holder underneath. The magnet matters more than you think; it keeps the blade located while you align the 12-pin OIS interface and close the lever. I could swap accessories without hunting for a bolt or washer, and the clamp holds firm under load.

Two notes from real use:
- If the head is dusty or you’ve heated a blade, the lever can be stiff to open with gloved hands. Wiping the interface and cracking it open before the blade fully cools made changes quicker.
- This is an OIS mount. Most universal oscillating blades fit, but Starlock-specific blades aren’t compatible. If you already own OIS blades, you’re in business; if you’re switching from a Starlock tool, you’ll need new accessories.

The included sanding pad and nine sheets are a nice starter. For paint or finish removal, the lower speeds with gentle pressure keep the pad from loading up, and the constant oscillation avoids those little divots you get from inconsistent speed control.

Vibration, noise, and dust

The vibration reduction is effective. On longer flush cuts in poplar and pine, my fingers didn’t tingle like they do on older brushed tools. Precision improves as a result—less tool bounce, more blade on the line. Noise is typical for the category: not obnoxious, but loud enough that hearing protection is smart, especially at higher speeds or in tight rooms.

There’s no dust collection attachment. For drywall or sanding, I used a vac nearby and worked in short bursts. An adapter would be welcome for frequent sanding, but it isn’t common at this price point.

Lighting and visibility

The onboard LED is positioned well and includes an after-glow, which stays on briefly after you switch the tool off. In cabinets, under sinks, or behind appliances, that extra illumination helps you inspect a cut before you move on. You can still cast a shadow if the head is buried in a corner, but for most tasks the light made marking lines and following them easier.

Battery life and charging

With the included PWR CORE 20 2.0Ah battery, I comfortably completed a day’s mix of short tasks—undercutting three door jambs, cutting four drywall openings, and tidying a few errant shims—without needing a mid-morning swap. On longer, continuous cuts or extended sanding, expect to recharge or have a second pack ready. The included charger gets a 2.0Ah pack back in action fast enough that I could top off during cleanup or layout and keep moving. If you anticipate heavy use, the system’s higher-capacity batteries pair well and change the character of the tool, adding runtime and a touch of stability.

The brushless motor helps here, too. Efficiency translates to less heat and more work per charge, and I noticed the head stayed cooler than older brushed models under similar loads.

Where it shines

• Versatile starter kit: Battery, charger, sanding pad, and two wood blades make this a practical first oscillating tool.
• Low vibration, high control: VRS plus the 3.6° swing and constant-speed control give you stable, predictable cuts and smoother sanding.
• Lightweight and balanced: Easy to run one-handed and overhead without fighting the tool.
• Legit tool-free changes: The lever-and-magnet design reduces fumbles and speeds swaps.
• Thoughtful details: Soft start, after-glow LED, and a slide switch with lock-on support both precision and comfort.

Where it could be better

• Accessory limitations: OIS compatibility is broad, but it won’t take Starlock blades. If your kit is Starlock-based, that’s a barrier.
• Clamp stiffness when hot or dusty: Blade changes are generally quick, but the lever can stick after heavy cutting unless you keep the interface clean.
• Runtime on the included 2.0Ah pack: Fine for intermittent DIY and punch-list work; frequent, heavy users will want a 4.0Ah or larger battery.
• No dust collection: A vacuum nearby helps, but there’s no integrated solution for sanding.

Who it’s for

This is a strong fit for homeowners, DIYers, and remodelers who need a dependable, easy-to-use oscillating tool without chasing boutique features. It has the finesse for cabinetry and trim touch-ups and enough power for light framing modifications and demolition. Pros who live on an oscillating tool all day might miss a wider oscillation angle, higher top speed, or a Starlock mount, but I’d have no hesitation keeping this in a pro kit as a secondary or service tool—especially if you’re already on Skil’s 20V platform.

Recommendation

I recommend the Skil multi-tool. It strikes the right balance of performance, control, and value: the brushless motor with constant speed keeps cuts smooth; the vibration reduction makes a real difference in accuracy and comfort; and the tool-free, magnetic clamp is genuinely convenient. The included 2.0Ah battery and blades get you started on day one, and the six-speed range covers everything from delicate sanding to confident plunge cuts. If you need Starlock compatibility or marathon runtime on a single pack, look elsewhere or plan on a larger battery. For everyone else—especially homeowners and DIY remodelers—this kit is an easy tool to trust and an even easier one to use.