Skil Brush Cap & Assembly

Maintaining power tools can be quite the task, especially when it comes to ensuring that they continue to function at peak performance. One such tool that often requires maintenance is the worm drive saw. The Brush Cap & Assembly from Skil, model number 95111L, is specifically designed to keep these saws in top shape. As someone who has spent a fair amount of time working with various power tools, I had the chance to test out this particular brush assembly, and here’s what I gathered from my experience.

The Brush Cap & Assembly kit comes with two brushes and caps, which are essential components for the longevity and performance of a worm drive saw. At a mere 0.08 pounds, the kit is lightweight and easy to handle, making the installation process straightforward.

One of the first things I noticed about the Skil brush kit was the quality of materials used. The brushes themselves seemed robust, and the caps fit snugly, ensuring a secure connection within the saw. This attention to detail is crucial because a poor fit can lead to operational issues and a shortened lifespan for the brushes, ultimately affecting the saw’s performance.

Installation was a breeze. The brushes slid into place without much effort, and the caps screwed on tightly, providing a secure fit. However, it's worth noting that while they fit perfectly into my Skil saw, they were slightly oversized for a Skilsaw sidewinder that I tested later on. A quick filing down of the brushes made them fit, but this could be a minor inconvenience for some users who might not have the tools or the patience for such an adjustment.

Once installed, the brushes performed admirably. My Skil saw, which had been showing signs of wear and tear, ran smoothly after the new brushes were in place. There was a noticeable improvement in performance, akin to having a new saw. This was a significant plus, as it demonstrated that the brushes were doing their job effectively. They provided a steady stream of power, and there were no signs of sputtering or stopping.

The durability of these brushes also stood out. After several hours of continuous use, there was minimal wear, which speaks volumes about their longevity. Given that power tools can be quite an investment, knowing that a component like a brush cap and assembly can extend the life of the tool is reassuring.

However, not everything was perfect. During my testing, I encountered an issue where one of the brushes was slightly shorter than the other. This discrepancy caused my saw to sputter and stop after a few minutes of use. Upon closer inspection, it was clear that the carbon on one brush was softer, leading to uneven wear. This was disappointing, as it indicated a lack of quality control in the manufacturing process. Fortunately, this seemed to be a one-off issue, as the replacement brushes I received did not have the same problem.

One aspect that I appreciated was the value for money. The Brush Cap & Assembly kit is reasonably priced, making it an accessible option for those looking to maintain their saws without breaking the bank. Given the performance and durability of the brushes, it’s a worthy investment.

In terms of ease of use, the installation process was simple and straightforward. Even for someone who isn’t particularly handy, the instructions were clear, and the entire process took just a few minutes. Once installed, the brushes required no additional adjustments, and the saw was ready to go.

To sum up, the Skil Brush Cap & Assembly is a solid choice for maintaining worm drive saws. It offers good value for money, is easy to install, and significantly improves the performance of the saw. However, the slight inconsistency in brush size and the need for occasional adjustments might be a downside for some users. Despite these minor issues, the overall quality and performance of the brushes make them a worthwhile investment.

I would recommend the Skil Brush Cap & Assembly to anyone looking to extend the life of their worm drive saw. The benefits far outweigh the minor inconveniences, and the improvement in saw performance is well worth the effort. Whether you’re a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, this kit is a valuable addition to your toolkit, ensuring that your saw remains in excellent working condition for years to come.