A Reliable DIY Companion
I think most DIYers will have heard of Skil tools – which is no surprise since they’ve been around since 1921. That’s when inventor Edmond Michel watched sugar cane workers, saw how hard it was, and developed a mechanized machete. So that tool didn’t really catch on but Edmond wasn’t put off!
The big break was in 1924 when he introduced the first portable circular saw. The Michel Electric Handsaw Company became Skilsaw. The rest, as they say, is history. Among numerous changes over the years they were first acquired by Bosch (1996) and then Chervon (2017).
Most Skil products now originate in China, so people question whether they still offer a great range of power tools or whether they’re just a blast from the past. The latest info I have is that they’ve sold over 130 million tools, so they must be doing something right!
Skil Tools Today – Still A DIY Staple
Before I go any further I want to clear up a bit of confusion between Skil and Skilsaw. Skil is the overall company name, and the brand name found on their DIY tools. Skilsaw covers a much smaller range of tools aimed at professional users. For example, things like their powerful worm drive circular saw that comes in at around $200. In this article I’m dealing with the DIY side of things. So Skil power tools, not Skilsaw.
OK, so what do they have, and are they worth your money?
I reckon Skil tools continue to offer great value for money, and they are a good choice for tackling everyday projects around the house and yard. They aren’t pro tools. They aren’t up there with Milwaukee or DeWalt. If you’re a contractor who needs heavy-duty tools for everyday use, you’ll want to look elsewhere 
But for the rest of us weekend warriors, Skil provides a reliable and affordable way to get our DIY jobs done. If you don’t mind having a cord then tools like the 5280-01circular saw I looked at recently are a bit of a steal. As you’d expect, they do a wide range of cordless models as well.
Skil also go well beyond the usual drills, saws, sanders, multi-tools, etc., that made them famous. They now offer a whole bunch of outdoor power tools including blowers, lawnmowers, weed wackers, chainsaws, and hedge trimmers. Many of them are cordless, and deliver 40V power that, as you might expect from the brand, is impressive for the money. Skil also has blades and drill bits, and a modest but affordable selection of tool boxes.
3 Skil Tools That Are Perfect For Your DIY Toolkit:
Skil PWR CORE 20V Cordless Drill Driver: This cordless drill/driver combo is a great addition to any DIYer’s toolbox, and has some interesting features for the money. It’s compact and lightweight, perfect for tackling all sorts of projects around the house. It has a ½” chuck, 2 speeds, and 17 torque settings. A fast charger can fully charge the 2.0Ah battery in 30 minutes. You can get the Skil 20V cordless drill/driver at Amazon for just $63.70.
Skil 7.5-Amp Variable Speed Reciprocating Saw: Need to demolish some old cabinets or rip through some lumber or pipe? This versatile corded reciprocating saw it easy to manage but surprisingly capable. There’s tool-free blade changing for convenience, and a metal gear housing for durability. This Skil reciprocating saw is just $49.99 at Amazon or you can opt for the heavy-duty 13 amp model for $102.00.
Skil Multi-Function Corded Detail Sander: This handy sander is your secret weapon for achieving a smooth finish on furniture, cabinets, and more. Detachable heads give it 4-in-1 versatility, and a starter set of 12 sanding sheets is included. It’s light, and easy to maneuver into all those awkward nooks and crannies. You can get the Skil detail sander at Amazon for only $39.00
Bottom Line?
Skil power tools are no longer made in the US. As far as I can tell most of their tools come from China. Does that mean they aren’t as good any more? It’s a common argument about imports, but I’d still sooner have a Skil tool than many of the no-name brands they compete with. They are extremely popular, you won’t find many complaints, and I think they still offer excellent value for money.
