We recently posted about the new Skil PWRCore cordless power tool lineup, and the new Skil brushless multi-tools that emerged since then.
There were several reasons why I was interested in the new Skil PWRCore cordless power tools, at least in the context of reporting about them. First, this is the first big change to come to the brand after Bosch sold it to Chervon, a Chinese-based power tool and accessories company.
But also, the new charger was said to feature a fast-charge option which allowed for a 25% charge in 5 minutes. The battery packs were also advertised as having build-in USB charging ports, for connecting your depleted personal electronics to.
These features are nothing new – we saw the same quick-partial-charge feature on Craftsman chargers (also made by Chervon), and Black & Decker was first to integrate a USB port in their 20V Max battery packs.
Still, I thought it was a pretty cool thing for Skil to do.
There are other interesting aspects as well. From the language, Chervon also engineered the battery packs with similar phase-change cooling materials as can be found in their EGO branded outdoor power tool battery packs.
In my post about the new Skil cordless multi-tool kits, I remarked about how the charger looked different, and seemed to lack the PWRJump quick-charge functionality. A reader thought otherwise, saying that it appeared to have 2 USB ports.
Skil has not yet responded to our repeated requests for more images and product details, but they have uploaded some product manuals that provided some new details.
So, from the product manuals, it appears that there are 2 types of chargers, and different types of battery packs. Some select kits will come with the PWRJump charger and a PWRAssist battery pack, but others – most notably the combo kits – will come with a more basic charger and battery pack.
The “basic” charger lacks the 25% quick-charge feature of the PWRJump charger, and it also doesn’t have any USB charging ports. It’s a little slower too, taking about 1 hour to recharge a 2.0Ah battery pack. The PWRJump charger takes about 45 minutes.
There are no new details regarding Skil PWRCore 20 cordless power tools.
What I’m hoping is that the new PWRCore 12 cordless power tools are the start of a larger rollout. There’s definitely demand for entry- and even mid-priced compact cordless power tools in the 12V Max voltage category. I loved a lot of what Chervon designed for the Sears Craftsman Nextec lineup, and was disappointed when it was all but abandoned a few years ago.
At the time, I was told repeatedly that “more is coming,” but the last new Sears Craftsman Nextec tools debuted in 2012.
More Info(Skil PWRCore 12 tools via Amazon)
