We already talked about some of the new Skil PWCore 12 cordless power tools, and we knew that there was a PWRCore 20V lineup also on the way. Here’s what we know so far.
First up, there’s a Skil PWRCore 20V 3-tool cordless power tool combo, featuring a drill/driver, impact driver, and USB adapter accessory. I suppose that’s a clear indication that the included battery pack doesn’t have a built-in PWRCore USB charging port.
The tools also don’t seem to be brushless. Neither the tools themselves, nor the product descriptions, make any mention about a brushless motor. So, until I see indication otherwise, I’m going conclude that they have regular brushed motors.
Torque and speed details aren’t mentioned. The impact driver has pre-light (what’s that?) and after-glow LED illumination.
The combo kit, model CB739101, comes with (1) 2.0Ah battery pack and a charger.
Price: $119
Buy Now(via Amazon)
It looks like the same Skil PWRCore cordless drill/driver is available in a separate combo kit, model DL527502. They’re describing it as a “Go-To DIY drill” that can tighten screws or “drill into surfaces and more.”
Amazon’s description lists the torque as 177 in-lbs. For comparison purposes, the Bosch PS31-2A 12V Max cordless drill/driver delivers 265 in-lbs. The PWRCore 20V drill has 2 speed settings – 0-420 and 0-1450 RPM.
(Something seems fishy about Amazon’s specs rating. Either this is a very under-powered drill/driver, or their specifications table is inaccurate.)
The kit’s said to be bundled with a 2.0Ah battery and 1-hour charger.
Price (as of the time of this posting): $68.31
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Next, there’s a Skil PWRCore 20V cordless hammer drill, HD527803. Like the other tools, it doesn’t seem to be brushless. I mention this again because I had assumed that the PWRCore 20V lineup would feature brushless tools like the PWRCore 12V lineup, and also similar to the 24V Max tools that Skil’s OEM, Chervon, makes for Lowes and Kobalt.
The PWRCore hammer drill has a quick-selection switch, which I prefer more than clutch dial settings, and is rated to 350 in-lbs max torque. It has the same speed settings as the drill/driver 0-420/0-1450 RPM, but is said to be capable of delivering up to 350 in-lbs torque.
The hammer drill comes with a 5Ah battery pack, which takes 130 minutes to charge.
Price: $100
Buy Now(via Amazon)
The same (or similar) PWRCore impact driver is available in a kit – model ID572702.
It has a single speed range of 0-2500 RPM (0-3200 IPM), and is rated to 1100 in-lbs max torque.
Price (as of the time of this posting): $78.05
Buy Now(via Amazon)
There’s also a new Skil PWRCore jigsaw, sold as a bare tool, JS820301.
It features a 4-stage orbital function, 2800 SPM sped, a blade brake, and built-in dust blower.
Price (as of the time of this posting: $70.07
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Finally, it what I believe is the least expensive 18V-class kit of its kind, there’s a new PWRCore 20V reciprocating saw kit, RS582902.
The saw has a 1″ stroke length and 3,000 SPM cutting speed. It also features a tool-less blade change system and an adjustable shoe.
Skil says that “it expertly cuts through almost any material from fiberglass and PVC to metal and masonry.” (I know that there are masonry reciprocating saw blades out there, but I don’t think I’ve ever used one. Have you?)
It’s bundled with a 2Ah battery pack and 1-hour charger.
Price: $90
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Lastly, there’s 5Ah battery pack, BY519603. I haven’t seen a 2Ah battery pack yet, at least not sold separately, but I assume they will be.
Skil says this about their new platform:
The PWRCore 20 system features a wide range of products backed by industry-leading technology. The PWRCore 20 Lithium Battery has a patented temperature management system that results in longer run time and longer battery life. Each cell is surrounded by revolutionary phase change materials to keep the battery cool and powering through any project.
Price (as of the time of this posting: $67.84
Buy Now(via Amazon)
First Thoughts
I wish that Chervon would release some details about their new Skil PWRCore cordless power tools already. The new platforms interested me, at first, and from an editorial standpoint. But the more I see, the more “meh” I feel about things.
They tout that “the Future of DIY has arrived,” and that you can “forget the bulky, heavy tools of a generation ago.”
But isn’t that pretty much true of ALL Li-ion cordless power tools?
It looks to me like Skil will focus a little more on their PWRCore 12V cordless power tools – and PWRCore 12V-powered accessories such as levels, and that the PWRCore 20V lineup is a little more value-oriented even. Otherwise why not engineer all of the tools with brushless motors?
The PWRCore 12V lineup still holds quite a bit of my interest and attention, and I’m really eager to see what Skil might be coming out with next. But these PWRCore 20V power tools? I can see some potential benefits, but it’s a hard sell right now, at least compared to competitors’ 18V-class options. Ryobi has a very mature 18V One+ cordless power tool lineup, and Craftsman has their new V20 cordless power tool lineup aimed at similar types of users.
The pricing seems very competitive, though, even aggressive, and so Skil might have an edge there, appealing to beginner DIYers and homeowners looking for their first cordless power tools.
It’ll be interesting to see where they go from here, although I’d be far more interested if some of Skil’s PWRCore 12V tech trickled up onto this 20V Max product family. From the product descriptions so far, which is the only information we have to go on right now, that does not seem to be the case.
