Lowe’s has heavily discounted a lot of Skil cordless power tools, specifically all of the models that are available for pickup at stores in my area.
This effectively looks like a clearance sale, as they try to reduce in-store inventory, similar to what Lowe’s has done with the Flex tools in their inventory.
As you might know, Skil and Flex are both owned by the same manufacturer, Chervon.
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The discount on Skil tools varies, but most of the items that can be picked up locally are now 50% off. Two of the less expensive accessory types tools, a work light and small fan, are 33% off.
Many of the Skil tools that were included in Lowe’s blowout sale last month – see Massive Discounts on Flex and Skil Tools at Lowe’s – are showing as out of stock.
We’ve heard rumors that Lowe’s is dumping Flex tools from stores, and it seems they’re also intent on reducing Skil inventory.
At this time, there are 12 Skil SKUs – all discounted right now – that are available for pickup in my area. My regional Lowe’s stores are down to 5 Flex SKUs – a starter kit, reciprocating saw, circular saw, charger (at the same price as the starter kit with battery), and saw blade.
Unfortunately, almost all of the discounted Skil items are add-on tools and accessories. I’m only seeing one option with a battery – the cordless worklight with starter kit.
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Doresoom
Just an FYI, the prices were bouncing around quite a bit last week, but they seem to have stabilized on what they are now.
I got one of the tower lights with battery for $40, but now they’re up at $70 and mostly unavailable in my area.
I saw some people posting about some of those Skil 12V tools hitting as low as $10 each.
MM
I had zero intention of buying into yet another battery platform, but the Skil right-angle impact driver is actually very good, being much more powerful than M12 or M18. I’d have snagged one of those at clearance pricing but it seems that Lowes doesn’t carry it anymore.
That said, my store claims to have one of the mighty “flip drills” for only $59.98, with battery and charger!
Jim Felt
It seems to me that the more often these second tier brands are “clearanced” and abandoned by the likes of Lowe’s the stronger Milwaukee and Dewalt would seem in the greater marketplace?
Bosch is great but not a serious contender for whatever odd reasons in Big Box store-land.
Maybe even someday the Japanese will get their acts together? Pun intended.
I’m just so darn lucky to have a local all brands tool sales and repair outlet. Phew!
Or am I completely missing something?
Saulac
Just noticed that Skil 12v batteries has charge level indicator AND USB C port, which I assume works both ways for charging and supplying. Meanwhile my collection of M12 batteries don’t even have charge indicator. But yes, I am supposed to believe that M12 will be the last one standing simply because they are superior than anything else.
Troy
Yeah, the newer-gen Skil batteries are great. No need for a $30-40 USB adapter. Just plug into the USB-C port and charge your phone, laptop, or whatever. They also have an increasing number of tools (especially lights) that accept either 12V or 20V batteries.
Stuart
Different target users. From what I was told, DIY and home users tend to prefer multi-functional batteries. Pro users tend to have different priorities, such as faster charging and high durability.
How many Skil 12V tools are used daily compared to Milwaukee M12 tools?
That said, I think USB ports are a good idea for DIY battery packs. USB-charging in lieu of a standard charging dock seems to be more of a cost-cutting measure.
Luke
If they’re getting rid of Flex power tools, are they also getting rid of Flex Stack Pack?
Stuart
I thought they got rid of it already. None of my stores have any, and looking online some of the options are a 3 hour drive away.
Stack Pack might be a different department and subject to different contracts.
Mike
Last week, I bought the SKIL 12V 3/8-in ratchet wrench on sale at Lowes for $20. The inflator and the barrel jigsaw are both great
Was in Lowe’s last night and most of the Flex tools were also heavily discounted – $79 for the drill kit; same for the compact impact driver; one of the nail guns was $99 – tool only.