We first learned about new SKil PWRCore 20V cordless power tools 6 months ago, when they started popping up on Amazon.
Shortly after that, we spoke with Skil about their brand relaunch. Skil told us that their new cordless power tools would be designed for modern DIYers, centered around brushless motors, and deliver outstanding performance. The tools would feature competitive pricing and a 5 year warranty.
It has been six months, and a note in my calendar reminded me to take a close look at their current offerings and availability. I was expecting to see a swarm of new tools.
There are new tools, but not the kind I had been expecting. In my brand relaunch post, I wrote:
When I asked about pricing, I was told that Skil was entering the mid pricepoint market, and that although their new PWRCore cordless power tools will be competitively priced, the performance of their tools will surpass that of their competitors’.
What I am seeing now are very competitively low-priced brushed motor offerings with modest features and specs. Right now, Skil’s PWRCore 20V cordless power tools look to be on-par with competitors’. That’s good, but not what I had been expecting. What are they doing to raise the bar, rather than meet the status quo?
Here’s the good part. Actually, the great part. Skil isn’t quite conforming to the traditional DIY tool-selling practices of the past. There are individual cordless power tool kits, meaning DIYers or other users don’t have to start off with a cordless drill kit or multi-piece cordless power tool kit.
Instead of combo kits and maybe a drill kit and impact driver kit, there are standalone saw kits and different combo kit options.
Craftsman has also done this, with a couple of their V20 cordless power tool kits last holiday season.
What it means is that if a DIYer wants a cordless jig saw, they can get just a cordless jig saw in a kit, equipping them to work on a project without having to spend more on tools they might not need or want.
This also allows users to “test the waters,” buying a Skil 20V cordless power tool to fill a hole in their tool box. If you’re a corded tool user, or mainly use 12V cordless power tools, or 18V/20V Max tools from another brand, you can invest in a Skil tool without being forced into duplication.
In contrast, if you want a cordless jig saw, and just a jig saw, you can’t get that from Ryobi. You can, however, get a jig saw kit from Skil, and also Craftsman.
There are other cordless power tool combo kits, such as this one with Skil 20V drill, jig saw, and USB charger bundle.
But where are the Skil 20V brushless power tools? Maybe we’ll still see some more Skil PWRCore 20 offerings ahead of Father’s Day.
I reviewed the Skil PWRCore 12 brushless cordless drill kit, and it was very impressive for its size, besting entry-level 18V and 20V Max cordless drills on performance. Based on that experience, I had been hoping to see an expansion of their 12V line with additional brushless power tools, and eager to see the emergence of PWRCore 20 brushless power tools. That hasn’t happened yet, but it has still only been a few months – we’ll check back periodically over the next few months, and again next Fall.
Do you know what else I really want to see? Skilsaw cordless power tools.
Buy Now(Skil 20V via Amazon)
There is one curiosity, even a concern. After a few months, there aren’t very many user reviews for the new Skil cordless power tools. There are some, but very few aside from those by the “Vine” reviewers who received free product. No matter how good the launched and upcoming tools are, if they’re going to compete with brands such as Craftsman and Ryobi, Skil needs to work on their exposure. Ryobi has a large userbase with a community-like following, and Stanley Black & Decker inherited the Craftsman Tools legacy and fanbase. Skil has for years been a forgettable player in the DIY cordless power tool market. Maybe they’ll improve their visibility once the new “outstanding performance” tools hit the market.
Have any readers purchased or used Skil PWRCore 12V or 20V cordless power tools yet?
