Skil Vs. Craftsman Drills: Which Brand Delivers Better Value?
Introduction: Understanding Today’s Drill Market
When shopping for a new power drill, homeowners and DIY enthusiasts often find themselves weighing options between established brands. Skil and Craftsman represent two popular choices in the affordable to mid-range drill market, each with their own reputation and following. But which brand actually offers better performance, value, and reliability? This comparison examines both brands in detail to help you make an informed decision for your next drill purchase.
Both Skil and Craftsman have undergone significant changes in recent years, including changes in ownership and manufacturing processes. These shifts have affected their product quality, pricing, and market positioning. We’ll explore how these brands compare today, rather than relying on outdated perceptions.
Corporate Background: More Similar Than You Might Think
One of the most surprising aspects when comparing these two brands is their corporate relationship. According to multiple sources, Craftsman power tools are currently manufactured by Chervon, which is also the parent company of Skil. This means that despite different branding, there may be significant similarities in components and manufacturing processes between the two lines.
This connection wasn’t always the case. Historically:
Skil’s Evolution
Skil has a long history dating back to 1924 when it introduced the first portable circular saw. The brand changed hands several times, being owned by Bosch for many years before being acquired by Chervon in 2016. This Chinese tool manufacturer has since repositioned Skil with new cordless platforms and updated designs.
Craftsman’s Journey
Craftsman, once the flagship tool brand of Sears, has an even longer and more complex ownership history. After Sears’ financial difficulties, Stanley Black & Decker acquired the Craftsman brand in 2017. However, the production of various Craftsman power tools has been licensed to different manufacturers, including Chervon for certain power tool lines.
This shared manufacturing connection means that when comparing certain Skil and Craftsman drill models, you might be looking at tools with very similar internal components despite different external designs and branding.
Product Range Comparison
Both brands offer a range of drills across different price points and capabilities:
Skil Drill Offerings
Skil’s current lineup includes:
– Basic 12V cordless drills for light household tasks
– 20V brushed motor drills for general DIY work
– 20V brushless drills with higher performance and battery efficiency
– Hammer drills for masonry applications
– Corded drill options for sustained power needs
Craftsman Drill Offerings
Craftsman’s selection includes:
– Entry-level 20V MAX cordless drills
– Mid-range V20 brushless drills
– Hammer drill options
– Specialty drills like right-angle drills
– Corded options in various power ranges
| Feature Comparison | Skil | Craftsman |
|---|---|---|
| Primary voltage platform | 20V (PWRCore 20) | 20V (V20) |
| Brushless options | Yes, in mid to higher range | Yes, in mid to higher range |
| Entry-level price point | $70-90 range | $80-100 range |
| High-end drill options | Limited selection | More extensive range |
| Hammer drill capability | Available in select models | Available in select models |
Performance Analysis: How They Stack Up
According to a hammer drill test track video review comparing Skil, Ryobi, and Craftsman, all three brands performed similarly for light and medium-duty work. This suggests that for most homeowner applications, either brand would provide adequate performance.
Power and Efficiency
Both brands offer comparable power ratings in their respective drill categories. The brushless motor options from both manufacturers provide better efficiency and longer runtime compared to their brushed counterparts. In performance testing, Skil drills sometimes demonstrate slightly better power efficiency, while Craftsman often features more robust construction.
Battery Technology
| Battery Comparison | Skil PWRCore 20 | Craftsman V20 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity options | 2.0Ah, 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah | 2.0Ah, 4.0Ah, 6.0Ah, 8.0Ah |
| Fast charging | Yes, with PWRJump technology | Yes, with standard fast charger |
| Battery platform compatibility | Limited to Skil PWRCore 20 tools | Works across all V20 Craftsman tools |
| Unique features | USB charging port on some batteries | Wider range of capacity options |
Skil’s PWRCore 20 platform includes innovative features like USB charging ports on batteries and quick-charge technology. Craftsman’s V20 platform offers a wider range of battery capacity options, including higher capacity batteries for extended runtime.
Price Point Analysis
When comparing similar models between the two brands, Skil drills typically come in at a slightly lower price point than comparable Craftsman models. However, both brands position themselves in the affordable to mid-range market segment.
| Price Comparison (Approximate) | Skil | Craftsman |
|---|---|---|
| Basic cordless drill kit | $70-90 | $80-110 |
| Brushless drill kit | $120-150 | $130-170 |
| Hammer drill kit | $130-160 | $140-180 |
| Tool-only option (no battery) | $40-70 | $50-90 |
It’s worth noting that both brands frequently run promotions, especially during holiday sales events, which can significantly affect the comparative value proposition.
Warranty and Customer Support
Warranty coverage can be a deciding factor when choosing between similar tool brands:
Skil Warranty
Skil typically offers a 5-year limited warranty on their cordless drills and a 2-year warranty on batteries. Their customer service has received mixed reviews, with some users reporting difficulties with warranty claims.
Craftsman Warranty
Craftsman offers a 3-year limited warranty on most power tools and a separate warranty for batteries (typically 2-3 years). Their customer service is generally considered more accessible, partly due to the brand’s wider retail presence.
Tool Ecosystem and Compatibility
For many users, the decision between Skil and Craftsman isn’t just about a single drill, but about buying into a battery platform and tool ecosystem.
Skil’s PWRCore 20 Ecosystem
Skil’s 20V platform includes:
– Various drill and driver options
– Circular saws, reciprocating saws
– Sanders and grinders
– Lawn and garden tools
– Specialty tools like heat guns and inflators
Craftsman’s V20 Ecosystem
Craftsman’s ecosystem is more extensive:
– Full range of drills and drivers
– Multiple saw options
– Complete lawn and garden lineup
– Specialty tools
– Lighting solutions
– Vacuums and cleanup tools
If you’re planning to expand your tool collection over time using the same battery platform, Craftsman currently offers a more extensive ecosystem of compatible tools.
Pros and Cons Analysis
Skil Drills
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Generally lower price point | More limited tool ecosystem |
| Innovative battery features (USB ports) | Less retail availability |
| Good power efficiency | Customer service can be hit or miss |
| 5-year tool warranty | Fewer high-capacity battery options |
| Lightweight design | Less brand recognition among newer DIYers |
Craftsman Drills
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More extensive tool ecosystem | Slightly higher price point |
| Better retail availability | Shorter tool warranty (3 years vs. 5) |
| Strong brand recognition | Heavier in some comparable models |
| Wide range of battery capacities | Less innovative battery features |
| More accessory options | Quality consistency has varied after ownership changes |
Use Case Recommendations
Based on the comparison, here are recommendations for different user types:
For Casual DIYers
Either brand would serve well for occasional use. If budget is the primary concern, Skil typically offers a slightly better value. If you anticipate expanding your tool collection, Craftsman’s broader ecosystem might be worth the slightly higher initial investment.
For Serious Home Renovators
For those who use tools frequently but aren’t professionals, both brands have limitations. However, Craftsman’s more extensive lineup and higher-capacity battery options might better serve users with more demanding projects.
For Budget-Conscious Buyers
Skil generally offers the better value proposition for similar specifications, especially if you’re just purchasing a single drill rather than building a collection.
For Ecosystem Expansion
If you plan to build a collection of cordless tools that share batteries, Craftsman offers a more comprehensive ecosystem with more specialty tools.
Alternative Considerations
It’s worth noting that several sources in the comparison search results suggested considering Ryobi as an alternative to both Skil and Craftsman. Ryobi consistently ranks well in DIY-focused tool comparisons and offers an extremely extensive tool ecosystem at a similar price point to both Skil and Craftsman.
The Verdict: Which Brand Wins?
The comparison between Skil and Craftsman drills reveals that these brands are more similar than different, particularly given their shared manufacturing connection through Chervon.
Choose Skil if:
– You prioritize getting the lowest possible price for decent quality
– You appreciate innovative battery features like USB charging
– You prefer a longer warranty period
– You’re primarily purchasing a drill rather than building a collection
Choose Craftsman if:
– You value a broader ecosystem of compatible tools
– You want more retail options for purchases and returns
– You need higher capacity battery options
– You appreciate the brand’s legacy and recognition
For many DIYers, either brand will provide satisfactory performance for typical household projects. The decision often comes down to specific features, pricing at the time of purchase, and whether you’re planning to invest in additional tools on the same battery platform.
Remember that both brands represent mid-tier options in the power tool market. For professional or heavy-duty applications, users might want to consider higher-end brands, while acknowledging the corresponding increase in price.