Over at Amazon, there are some new listings for SKIL cordless power tools, their first since Chervon acquired the brand in 2016 from Bosch.
Chervon, a power tool manufacturer, owns several of their own brands – such as EGO, Hammerhead, and more recently Skil and SkilSaw – and has manufactured tools for others. You might not know the Chervon name, but I’m sure you have seen some of their tools.
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The new lineup of Skil PWRCore cordless power tools, from what I can tell so far, seems to be aimed at DIYers and homeowners.
From the listings, it looks like there will be 2 lineups – Skil PWRCore 12, with 12V Max tools, and Skil PWRCore 20, a lineup of 20V Max tools.
So what does PWRCore, read as Skil Power Core, mean?
Skil says that they have developed “industry-leading PWRCore 12 lithium battery technology” that delivers longer runtime and battery life. They “wrap each cell with cooling material to keep the battery powering on for 25% longer runtime and 2X battery life.”
It looks like each Skil PWRCore battery pack, at least those bundled with the 2-tool combo kit, has a built-in fuel gauge, and a USB charging port, allowing you to charge your devices. They’re calling this PWRAssist mobile charging.
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Each charger features a PWRJump charging feature, where you can recharge a PWRCore 12 2.0Ah battery pack to 25% in just 5 minutes. A full charge takes 45 minutes.
The image I found on Amazon shows a built-in USB charger, which is a nice touch, and a trend I hope becomes increasingly popular.
This sounds a lot like the Craftsman 12V Max Nextec QuickBoost technology that they developed nearly 8 years ago. At the time, the QuickBoost tech would recharge a battery pack to 25% in just 3 minutes. (I don’t recall ever using this feature on my Nextec chargers, but it seems like it could be useful.)
To start off, there will at the least be a new SKil PWRCore 12 brushless drill and impact driver combo kit, complete with (2) 2.0Ah battery packs and a charger.
Pricing is not yet available.
Buy Now(via Amazon) – as of the time of this posting, the combo is not currently available for sale yet.
There will also be a Skil PWCore 12 brushless drill and 12″ digital level combo kit.
Skil designed the new digital levels with BLUE vials, which they say are easy to see, highly accurate, and include both vertical and horizontal leveling.
Pricing is not yet available.
Buy Now(via Amazon) – as of the time of this posting, the combo is not currently available for sale yet.
Additional Listings
From additional listings, we know that there will be a new 3-in-1 multi-function tool, with drill, hammer, and screwdriver modes, “ideal for a wide range of drilling, fastening, and hammer drilling applications.”
These listings are incomplete, but you might find them interesting.
SKIL HD527803 5.0Ah Powercore 20 Lithium Battery – this is the one that mentions the 3-in-1 hammer drill-type tool.
SKIL RS582902 with 2.0Ah Pwrcore 20 Lithium Battery & Charger – this one mentions a reciprocating saw (or similar) with a 1″ stroke length and up to 3000 SPM cutting speed. They say that the tool is super-compact and 10% shorter than competing tools.
SKIL BY519601 4.0Ah Pwrcore 20 Lithium Battery with Fuel Gauge – “phase change material inside the battery housing can absorb heat and slow down the temperature rise speed, extending the runtime before the battery overheats.”
SKIL CB738701 Brushless Battery And Charger – $150 combo kit that features the following:
Skil OS592701 oscillating multi-tool – the new Skil PWRCore 12 multi-tool features 6 speeds and soft-start.
Skil Lh553101 brushless area light – LED light with 400 lumen output and pivoting head. (The “brushless” part is probably a mistake.)
Skil DL529001 brushless drill/driver – features a 1/2″ single-sleeve keyless chuck. (Milwaukee’s M12 Fuel brushless drill/drivers are the only other models I know of to feature a 1/2″ chuck.)
Skil’s “drill driver hybrid chuck” features an integrated 1/4″ hex bit holder so that bits can be used without tightening the chuck. Max torque is said to be 350 in-lbs.
First Thoughts
Chervon has a lot of experience in designing and manufacturing cordless power tools, and it looks like they’re leveraging their know-how and manufacturing capabilities to revitalize the Skil brand.
Chervon and Skil look to be emphasizing brushless motor technology. All of the Skil PWRCore 12 tools I’ve seen described so far, although there could be others, are brushless. Well, at least those that have motors. Maybe all of the tools are brushless, maybe not, we’ll have to see.
So far, the PWRCore 12 lineup looks to include a drill, impact driver, a 12″ digital level with blue vials, and an oscillating multi-tool. The drill/driver that features a 1/2″ chuck and integrated 1/4″ hex bit holder looks to be the same model.
The PWRCore 20 lineup seems to include a reciprocating saw (or something similar), a level, and an LED worklight.
I am sure there will be more tools.
For years, users have been wishing for more 12V-class compact cordless power tools to fill the absence left by Craftsman’s halted Nextec lineup. I would assume that the new Skil PWRCore 12 lineup will answer those wishes.
As for Skil PWCore 20, they will face strong competition, from brands like Ryobi, Craftsman (under Stanley Black & Decker), Black & Decker, and Kobalt, among others.
We don’t have pricing details yet, but from the designs and descriptions, it looks like Skil is aiming at the entry-level DIY tool category.
A few years ago, Chervon launched their EGO brand of cordless outdoor power tools, which has grown to be one of the best brands of DIY and homeowner cordless OPE tools on the market.
I am a little hesitant about some of the features. The PWRJump feature, which allows you to rapidly recharge a battery pack to 25%, is a feature that’s good in theory, but one I never took advantage of back when I was still using Sears Craftsman Nextec tools. And building a USB charger in every single battery pack, at least those that have the PWRAssist feature – won’t that add to their size and cost?
While potentially useful, I’d rather buy a USB charging power adapter attachment or accessory, than to pay for that feature in every single battery pack that comes with a kit or is purchased separately.
I said pretty much the same thing when Black & Decker announced their Smartech Bluetooth battery with built-in USB charger two years ago. But that was also just one kit that cane with the battery.
But, on the other hand, there are times when I definitely could benefit from having a PWRBoost quick-partial-charge feature, or when I wish the battery pack I’m using did have a USB port.
With the PWRBoost feature and PWRAssist charging feature, one could take a depleted PWRCore 12 battery, give it a 5-minute charge, and have enough juice in their pocket to recharge their smartphone or another device.
Do you think that the new Skil PWRCore cordless power tools will rise up to pose serious competition to Ryobi, Craftsman, and Kobalt?
I’ve posted about Skil power tools before, but have never been excited about their cordless power tools, aside from maybe the Bosch-era iXO screwdrivers. I am open to the Skil PWRCore offerings changing that – IF they aim high enough. But, I am excited about the new lineups, at least the 12V Max platform.
Do you think that this is the first push of many? Will Chervon look to also build Skilsaw into a professional cordless power tool brand? Skil serving the entry-level and DIY side of things, and Skilsaw serving the advanced DIYer and pro user side of things – that would be something.
Diplomatic Immunity
Geez. So many brands releasing so many cordless drills. At this rate everyone should have a cordless drill in their glove box.
Matt
Professional grade power. 350 in lb drill and 1100 for the impact.
Skil brand. A heavyweight saw manufacturer with low level driving options. But….an already established company looking to stir the pot.
Brushless. ALL offerings are brushless.
Slide pack Batts. The ergonomics should be great. The color scheme? Not over the top.
The prices will be what gets me into this system.
I am super excited to test these out
satch
Matt, me too. Don’t know why but I like the look of the tools. They look like tools rather than toys which is the image I get from Ryobi. An unfair image given their increase in quality over the years but that neon green..
Matt
$89 for a Brushless drill kit. I do not foresee the combos being much more than $129-149 if not less.
If the battery hype lives up to what they’re saying and if the suggested power/ torque numbers hold true…i don’t see any reason that these couldn’t become a lower priced professional option as far as light duty, 12v work.
This is something Ryobi hasn’t done and of course it’s because they don’t want to interfere with m12 sales… They haven’t taken advantage of the huge affordable 12v niche.
Stuart
I think the reason we haven’t seen Ryobi 12V tools is because they couldn’t get the price point low enough, because their 18V tools are so aggressively priced.
Bret
It’s not necessarily a mistake to list the lights as “brushless” because they really do not contain motor armature brushes. Sure, it doesn’t make sense to those of us who know what brushes and brushless motors are but we are smart enough to see through that kind of marketing.
The built-in USB port in the charger and batteries is a handy, interesting feature. It’s not enough to get me to buy into this line but it distinguishes it from most of the other DIY brands.
satch
Stuart, I just posted on these on the toolguyd forum. Should of known you would be on top of it. Good work.
I like the idea. Chervon/Skil are doing a smart thing here. They are introducing them on Amazon with other retailers to follow. Amazon is a de facto first retailer for many. Particularly in the under 40 crowd. I check it a lot as well. Love the option.
I have also seen it suggested they are aiming these at prosumer types as well so maybe not precisely entry level across the entire line. I like it that they have went to a bit more ‘tool look’ with the over moulding and possibly slighty deeper red hue than typical Skil looks to me at the stores. And Skil is starting to revamp their corded line as well. When you get to their site(consumer Skil not the pro saw site), the first thing listed is new sidewinder saws with the same red w/ black over moulded treatment. Just not as much as the cordless drills.
One question I have is the battery packs. Not being too familiar with Chervon’s styles, do thes3 packs resemble any they currently produce? Just wondered if the 18v models resembled the Kobalt 24v packs. In any case I applaud Chervon for trying to revitalise the old brand.
Stuart
Not many brands have 12V-class slide packs. Even if the 12V or 20V Max battery packs did resemble other brands’, there’s almost never cross-compatibility.
Chervon has experiencing developing cordless power tool battery packs, and it looks like some of EGO’s battery cell cooling tech made it over into the Skil packs.
satch
Stuart, I should have been more precise. I am not really wondering about cross compatibility but rather if these were tools or batteries already made by Chervon under another marquee and re-badged/slightly modified to make them Skil. I am simply not overly familiar with Chervon’s typical look for tools other than Kobalt. Of course they can mould any look they want. It is just that manufacturers like to keep engineering costs under control. Just like SBD changes their core battery packs shapes and pins slighlty between brands.
Stuart
Ah, sorry, I misread. As far as I am aware, Chervon has not produced 12V sized battery packs like this before. I haven’t seen the 20V batteries yet, but I would assume that they would be unique to Skil, especially given the cell-cooling tech that they mention in product listings.
satch
Thank you, sir.
satch
Also, given the natinal distribution and FIVE year warranty I would never consider Bauer or Hercules over these tools. There may be Harbor Freight stores popping up everywhere these days but the 30 and 90 day warranties remain.
TonyT
I admit to a certain fondness for HF (they have their place), but I’ve never considered their cordless tools, and my impression is that their current lineup isn’t a better value than Ryobi, Kobalt, or probably these Skil tools.
And at least with Ryobi, I know the battery pack won’t be changing (heck, 9AHr battery is now listed on HD, $160 for 2), and they’ll be coming out with a variety of useful, unique, and/or odd tools. Are the various HF lines’ batteries even compatible with each other? (Bauer/Hercules/Earthquake) With any past lines (Central Machinery)?
satch
Tony, I am not positive but I believe they are all different. Harbor Freight certsinly has its place but their cordless line does not really interest me.
aerodawg
“All of the Skil PWRCore 12 tools I’ve seen described so far, although there could be others, are brushless. Well, at least those that have motors.”
Well, if there isn’t a motor, isn’t it brushless by default? :p 😀
Stuart
Technically it’s also right to say that’s it’s a non-nuclear illumination source. =)
Matthew
I like the look of the 12V tools. With SBD/DeWalt basically abandoning their 12V line the only option for slide pack 12V tools has been Makita. I like them a lot more than the pod styles offered by Milwaukee and Bosch (even though the tools are great they aren’t as comfortable to me).
I’ve already got my Makita 12V tools, but these may be something to gift a family member or friend who could use a drill/impact.
Tom
Sears looks like they are rolling out a new line of Craftsman power tools. I wonder whether Chervon is the OEM.
https://www.sears.com/20v-drill-and-impact-driver-combo-kit/p-A027414469
The yeti
Geez they look nearly identical
Erik
I’m assuming these new Sears Craftsman 20v tools came because TTI wouldn’t rebrand/supply any more 19.2v C3 tools for them?
Also this is what pisses me off as a Sears Craftsman customer. How many different battery platforms have they been through for cordless tools!
Toolfreak
“I cannot find the reference, but at least one person emailed or messaged in recently, commenting about how some Walmart Hyper Tough tools resembled one of Craftsman’s Nextec tools. We might see similar here – adaptations or evolutions of tools that Chervon has already developed for other brands.”
That was likely a reference to the fact that the 12V Nextec tools and the Hyper Tough 12V compact drill/driver were the same thing, just with slight differences in the battery casing to prevent using the battery from one in the other without minor modification.
I’m pretty sure all of the Hyper Tough power tools were made by Chervon, too, since most of the Skil tools left walmart shelves, the Hyper Tough ones that replaced them look to be almost the same, including the red/black color scheme, just without the Skil brand.
I’m still expecting the Skil brand to go back into walmart, though, I thought it would happen right after Chervon got the name.
glenn
What is with every second retailer releasing home brand cordless tools? As someone that uses tools for a living, I am not going to buy into a line of tools that could literally disappear at any time at the whim of a corporate manager that has most likely never even picked up a power too, l let alone used one.
Toolfreak
It probably has to do with manufacturers being picky about what price their tools sell for at a minimum and retailers wanting to offer a certain lineup of tools at a certain price tier.
Walmart likely went with Hyper Tough as a house brand since Bosch was winding down production on Skil tools prior to the sale to Chervon, and SBD likely didn’t want to sell their entire Black+Decker lineup at Walmart prices (though really they should), so Chervon probably struck a deal to sell the former Skil tools rebranded as Hyper Tough at such a volume that everyone still made money even selling the tools at the very low end of the market.
Kobalt was probably a similar case – Skil didn’t have a full line to offer at Lowe’s, SBD didn’t sell their full line there either, and Porter+Cable had about the same offerings as B+D/Skil, so Lowe’s probably wanted a line between B+D/Skil/P+C and DeWalt/Bosch with good bang for the buck and modern tech like brushless motors – so you get something like Kobalt power tools, which are actually pretty good by most accounts.
It’s still risky buying cordless power tools from any brand since they could change designs and battery compatibility at any moment – though I would agree it’s less risky with major brands, since Bosch/Dewalt/etc. rely a lot on brand loyalty and recognition to sell more tools, and you don’t get that if you screw over your best customers by making drastic changes and rendering their entire investment obsolete and forcing them to spend money on a whole new lineup.
Still, for a lot of people, they will probably only keep and use the cordless tools a few years anyway before they are broken from misuse or lack of care. I suspect a lot of money is made in the cordless tool market from such buyers who are buying a new set every so often because they don’t care for anything well enough to keep it long term.
Flotsam
Skil has been such a schizophrenic company for a long time which is why I guess they went with their Skil / Skilsaw branding. I have had a Skilsaw HD77 worm drive saw for years and so I got one of their magnesium bodied Skilsaw branded sidewinder saw as well. Not to mention i have an old Skil plunge router that i have had for years as well. All these have excellent build quality which is not what i have seen from the Walmart/Kmart Skilsaw tools i have seen recently.
Any improvement will be a good thing and these do look better. The real thing I was surprised that there were no new saw offerings , especially cordless saws.
satch
Flotsam, other articles are reporting a fairly complete lineup of tools for both voltagles. To include a 5-3/8 saw for the 12v line and a 6-1/2 for the 18v. I suspect though that we will not see any real reporting on them til it’s clear they will actually be available. If what I wm seeing ismaccurate then there will be the saws, omt, lasers, one handed recipro saws, and a number of other building/demo/diy tools available. All brushless to boot. While we will have to see how this all plays out, it is pretty obvious Chervon is serious about rebooting Skil.
satch
Forgot to add, a jigsaw too.
Toolfreak
The Skil/Skilsaw thing was just Bosch’s marketing dept taking advantage of how well known and liked the HD77 / Mag77 worm drive saws were in pro/commercial use. They tried to seperate the bargain-line Skil stuff and make Skilsaw to be high-end, though I doubt anyone cared as long as the HD77 / Mag77 was pro quality.
Skil probably floundered a little under Bosch since they didn’t care a whole lot about it. They had lots of good tools over the years but Chervon and other manufactuers probably did a lot if not most of the work designing them, and Bosch just yeah whatevered a lot of it and the market had to figure out what was good and what wasn’t.
Probably just as well Chervon got the name and all, though still really surprising they haven’t already released a full lineup on skil-branded tools to make a big profit on their purchase.
ToolOfTheTrade
The last place I saw skil tools being sold at was Walmart. Skilsaw and skil are 2 different brands within the same company except the skilsaw brand don’t make anything except for circular saws and most recently a recip saw. This stuff is probably going to be garbage and the last thing the market needs is a brand that never made decent tools to begin with, trying to make a comeback under new ownership. Chevron should have just let the skil brand die instead of trying to add cordless to a brand that had very little significance in the market (no thanks to Bosch) & focus on the skilsaw brand products. Last time I was at Walmart I didn’t see any skil tools other than a very old looking jigsaw which was on clearance. Skilsaw is not sold at Walmart. There’s already too many unnecessary brands that make cordless tools and for a brand like skil to try to make a comeback is pointless. I highly doubt that there are a bunch of loyal people awaiting for skil cordless tools.
Nathan
Doesn’t lowes sell skil tools? I wonder how that’s going to play
Framer joe
Another ridiculous cordless tool.to chose from….skill/saw was a big player,..were good tools, only some diy no nothings will buy these…
Only Craftsman has a chance for a comeback because of it’s past history…but even that is a long shot…
Only Hitachi/MPT could expand into a fourth player…. Dewalt, Milwaukee, Makita…have control of the Pro wallets..
Everyone else has to beat Ryobi …they are all Diy toys…..
satch
I think we should not overlook Stuart’s question about as to whether Chervon will try to position Skilsaw as a pro brand for cordless as well as their saw lineup. I would say most definitely. At least they had better try.
With the new movement of Craftsman, Lowe’s will come under some pressure to make shelf space for Craftsman. As has been discussed, this prime real estate could come at the expense of some Kobalt power tools. We simply don’t know yet. Either way Chervon has a lot on the line.
My bet is we will see some pro level cordless stuff in the Skilsaw line. And if I were Skil, I would start off with a killer ordless worm drive saw based off the Ego battery platform. I haven’t used it but see very good reviews. If you watch any of these videos comparing the newer flexvolt and Makita 36v rear handle saws in head to head tests against the corded Skil it is unreal. I never thought I would see the day when any saw out cut a good old Skil wormdrive, but they do.
The Ego battery tech would give Skilsaw an instant ‘in’ for the Skilsaw, a tablesaw, and a reciprocating saw. If they fly, then bring out a rotary hammer and maybe even a mitre saw. Skilsaw could pull this off. Blokes in the trades fully understand the difference between Wally World Skil toolsmand the great old saws. But this new flexvolt stuff is going to eat into their sales I would think. Transitioning to pro cordless drills later would be fairly easy. I would love to see this iconic old brand be reinvented. Bosch pulls this off eadily with their blue and green tools. Chervon/Skil can make it hsapen too.
astroboy
any idea when it will be available in amazon? i want to try it.
Stuart
I’d guess it’ll be up in time for the holiday season.