Skil has released several 12V/20V tools in recent months, and many of them lean into the lifestyle category. Such is the case with the Skil 12V/20V Collapsible Lantern, which features a unique design we haven’t seen from other major cordless players. What applications is this light a good fit for? I’ll walk you through its features so you can decide if you want to add it to your Skil roster.
Skil 12V/20V Collapsible Lantern
- Model: Skil LH0300D-00
- Max brightness: 300 lumens
- Dual brightness settings
- Power source: Skil 12V/20V battery
- Max runtime: 9 hours (with 20V 2.0Ah battery)
- Weight: 0.4 lbs
- Collapsed height: 1.9 inches
While collapsible lanterns aren’t a brand-new concept, the Skil LH0300D-00 lantern is the first model from a major power tool brand to feature this design. Its silicone lampshade pulls out to provide 360° illumination while diffusing the light, and retracts back in for compact storage.
Like many recent Skil tools, you can power this lantern using either a 12V or 20V Skil battery. This is convenient for those on either platform, eliminating the need to buy into a separate battery system just to use it.
It features two brightness settings which you can toggle between using the power button. On low, it has a 50-lumen output, and it reaches up to 300 lumens on high.
For runtimes, Skil estimates up to 5.5 hours using a 12V 2.0Ah battery at 300 lumens, or up to 9 hours using a 20V 2.0Ah battery. Note that this model is only available as a bare tool, so any batteries/chargers you need are sold separately.
Additional Features
- USB-C Out Port: Connect a USB-C cord to the lantern to charge your mobile device on the go.
- Retractable Hanging Hook: Hang on at-height surfaces for hands-free illumination.
Skil 12V/20V Collapsible Lantern Price
This lantern retails at a very reasonable $39 as a bare tool. It’s not available as a kit at this time, so be sure to pick up a 12V or 20V Skil battery and charger/charging cable if you’re not already on one of these platforms. Skil backs your purchase with a 5-year warranty.
Should You Buy It?
Skil excels at making interestingly designed tools that serve a purpose, and that’s exactly what you get with this lantern. Its collapsible structure enables compact storage, letting you take it virtually anywhere you need portable lighting. While 300 lumens isn’t the brightest illumination level we’ve tested, this model isn’t trying to compete with top-of-the-line work lights.
I can see if being useful during camping trips, inside low-light garages or work areas, or even during emergency home power outages. Plus, its sub-$40 price point is friendly for those on a budget, especially if you’re already part of Skil’s 12V or 20V battery systems.
