Did you know that SKIL, a beloved American power tool brand, is now under the ownership of the Chinese company?
Known for its wide range of electric power tools and accessories, SKIL® offers electric power tools and accessories primarily for consumers. In the early 1920s, Edmond Michel, a French inventor, created a motorized handsaw, which later inspired the founding of the SKIL company in 1924.
About SKIL
Since the company’s entry into the consumer market, they have become one of the most recognizable names in power tools especially for their iconic Skilsaw. SKIL prioritizes user-friendly technology and empowering users to tackle their next project with confidence.
SKIL is known for their ergonomic design in their power tools, making them easy for consumers and do-it-yourselfers to use. The brand is also known for their basic designs which eschew unnecessary flourishes and focus on what is needed for the tools to operate. This also makes them long-lasting and quite durable under normal conditions.
Is SKIL a Good Brand?
SKIL is a budget-friendly brand that offers user-friendly power tools suitable for most DIY tasks and some occasional professional use.
However, they may not be the best choice for heavy-duty projects or professional applications requiring high-performance tools and extensive warranties.
Who Owns SKIL?
Chervon (HK) Limited, a Chinese power tool and outdoor equipment company, currently owns the SKIL brand.
SKIL was an independent company until 1979 when it was acquired by Emerson Electric. In 1991, Emerson Electric and Robert Bosch GmbH merged into a joint venture. But by 1996, Bosch had fully acquired SKIL.
In 2017, Chervon (HK) Limited, a tool manufacturer located in Nanjing, China, purchased the SKIL brand from Bosch.
However, SKIL still operates as a separate brand of professional power tools.
Popular Tools by SKIL
Of the many different power tools that SKIL creates, they are arguably best known for their handheld worm drive circular saw. In fact, they are so well known for this product that it is often called a Skilsaw.
In addition to the Skilsaw, SKIL creates quite a number of power tools for the consumer. Just some of the products that they produce include the following.
- Cordless Drills, Drivers, and Screw Drivers
- Cordless Sealant Guns and Tackers
- Random Orbital Sanders, Multi-Sanders, and Belt Sanders
- Hammers, Drills, and Jigsaws
- Angle Grinders, Mixers, & Measuring Tools
- Reciprocating Saws, Routers, and Planers
Battery Systems
SKIL utilizes three distinct battery systems: PWRCore 12™, PWRCore 20™, and PWRCore 40™, designed to match the power and runtime needs of various tools, ensuring optimal performance for everything from compact devices to heavy-duty outdoor equipment.
Most of the SKIL cordless power tools run on PWRCORE 20™ battery system while the PWRCORE 12™ is for compact tools.
The PWRCORE 40™ is for battery powered chainsaws and gardening tools.
History & Facts
Edmond Michel, a French immigrant living in New Orleans was a tinkerer in the early 1920s. And when he saw local farmers use machetes to hack away at sugar cane, he created a mechanized version of machete which would later lead to the invention of electric handsaw in 1923.
When Michel’s invention was noticed by Joseph Sullivan, a land developer in Minnesota, he met with Michel and together they formed the Michel Electric Handsaw company in 1924. Based in Chicago, the company created six production models which were sold to professionals. Michel left the company two years after it was created, so Sullivan renamed it Skilsaw Inc.
The company was still focused on professional applications when in 1928 they created their signature power tool. The Model E Skilsaw that featured a worm drive. But it was almost ten years later when the Model 77 was released, which became their most popular power tool. So popular that it was considered the “workhorse on building sites”.
World War II saw the development of the PS-12 circular saw, used for military applications which included construction. The PS-12 was used in all theaters of the war and that is when many Americans were introduced to the company.
After the war, SKIL expanded its reach to international markets starting with Canada. It was then that SKIL started selling their power tools through hardware distributors and not just direct sales. By the 1950s, the name of the company changed to SKIL Corporation. The company fully entered the consumer market with a wide range of power tool products.
SKIL expanded into Europe and Australia, acquiring Sher Powertools which expanded the line up of SKIL. It was at that point when SKIL was acquired by Emerson Electric in 1979. However, the company continued to expand its reach and by the early 1980s had become the most popular power tool company in the US.
Dan Miller is a professional toolmaker with extensive experience in the metalworking and tooling industry.
An avid DIY enthusiast and passionate hobbyist woodworker, Dan shares his expert knowledge here.
