Skil PWR CORE 20 Brushless 20V Compact Reciprocating Saw Kit

Why I reached for this compact recip saw

I put the Skil 20V compact recip saw to work on a punch list that would have punished a full‑size saw: flush‑cutting copper and EMT in a tight mechanical closet, trimming PVC stubs under a sink, notching fence boards around new posts, and pruning a few low branches that always seem to hang exactly where a ladder is least happy. A one‑handed saw is the right format for that mix—light enough to run with an outstretched arm, small enough to sneak between studs, and still powerful enough to chew through wood and metal without babysitting the cut.

Design and ergonomics

This saw is built around a brushless motor and a counterbalance gearbox, and both choices show up in the hand. At rest, the tool feels compact and dense rather than nose‑heavy. Skil’s overmold is grippy without being gummy, and the handle contour lets me choke up for one‑handed cuts or drop back for a two‑handed, more deliberate grip. The pivoting shoe is a simple but important detail; being able to rock the shoe into a surface keeps the blade from chattering and extends blade life.

Skil includes dual LEDs that “pre‑light” before the blade moves and stay on briefly after you release the trigger. That matters more than it sounds; in an attic, under a sink, or while aligning a plunge cut, having a pool of light before you start cutting is extremely helpful. The electric brake stops the blade quickly, so I felt comfortable setting the tool down between cuts without worrying about a freewheeling stroke.

Controls and features that matter

• Variable‑speed trigger: Linear and predictable. I could feather it for EMT and sheet metal without the start‑stop surging cheaper saws sometimes exhibit.
• Tool‑free blade change: A glove‑friendly collar makes swapping between wood and metal blades quick. The clamp holds tight; I didn’t experience any loosening.
• 1‑inch stroke at up to 3,000 SPM: That puts it squarely in the compact class—faster than most 12V one‑handers and competitive with 18/20V peers.
• Counterbalance gearbox: Noticeably reduces high‑frequency buzz compared to compact saws that rely solely on rubber overmold to mask vibration.

What you won’t find is orbital action, and that’s fine by me on a one‑handed format. Orbital tends to kick the saw around in thinner stock; for controlled cuts in metal, tight wood cuts, and flush work, a straight stroke is the right call.

Cutting performance

I tested with a mix of fresh and well‑abused blades to mirror real‑world conditions.

• Wood: With a 6 TPI demolition blade, the saw walked through 2×4 SPF cleanly. On nail‑embedded cuts, it stayed controllable across the nails without throwing big shocks into my forearm. On fence board notches, I preferred a 10–14 TPI blade for a cleaner edge; the variable trigger made it easy to slow down at the end of the cut.
• Metal: Using an 18 TPI bi‑metal blade, EMT and 1/2‑inch copper were straightforward with minimal burr. The saw’s ability to creep in at low RPM is a strength—no blade snatch when the teeth first touch. For 1/8‑inch angle steel, patience and a fresh blade were required, but it got there without drama.
• PVC and composites: The pivoting shoe helped avoid chatter. A medium‑tooth blade delivered tidy cuts on 1‑1/2‑inch and 2‑inch schedule‑40 PVC.

A compact recip will never match the sheer aggression of a full‑size, long‑stroke saw on heavy demo. The 1‑inch stroke here is optimized for control in close quarters, and that’s exactly where this tool shines.

Vibration and control

Skil’s counterbalance gearbox isn’t marketing fluff. Compared to other compact one‑handers I’ve used, this saw is easier to keep planted without a death grip. On overhead cuts, that pays off—less transmitted buzz means I can be more precise with the nose of the blade. You still feel reciprocating‑saw vibration, of course, but the frequency is lower and more manageable.

The shoe pivots smoothly, which lets you keep consistent contact from plunge to full stroke. I do wish the shoe were adjustable for length; it pivots but doesn’t extend, so you can’t “walk” to fresh teeth by shortening the exposed blade. Not a deal‑breaker, just a nice‑to‑have that remains on my wishlist.

LED lighting and visibility

The dual LEDs are bright and well‑placed. The pre‑light feature is perfect for aligning flush cuts behind pipe straps or into a scribe line inside a cabinet. The after‑glow gives you a few beats to inspect the cut before reaching for a flashlight. Like all recip saw LEDs, they’ll collect dust; a quick thumb swipe clears them.

Battery and charging experience

My kit came with Skil’s 20V 2.0Ah battery and the Auto PWR JUMP fast charger. For compact saw work, the 2.0Ah pack keeps the tool light, which is a big benefit in one‑handed use and overhead cuts. Runtime depends heavily on material and blade, but as a ballpark:

• Light pruning and PVC: roughly 30–45 minutes of intermittent cutting per charge
• Mixed wood/occasional nails: 20–30 minutes
• Predominantly metal: 15–20 minutes

The fast charger’s “get you back to work” claim held up in practice. Short top‑ups during cleanup or layout gave me enough juice to finish tasks without a long downtime. If you anticipate long demo sessions, stepping up to a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah PWRCORE 20 pack meaningfully extends runtime at the cost of some front‑end weight. The PWRASSIST USB port on the battery is a nice bonus in a pinch—it kept my phone alive during a long afternoon in the field.

Skil also touts cooling material wrapped around the cells; I can’t verify the construction, but I will say the pack stayed cooler than expected after repeated short cuts, and I never hit a thermal cut‑out.

Maintenance and blades

The tool‑free clamp makes swapping blades simple. As with any recip saw, the blade is everything. Keep a few fresh metal‑cutting blades on hand and a coarse wood blade for fast work, plus a finer tooth blade for cleaner wood cuts. Worn blades amplify vibration and drain battery faster.

Where this compact saw fits in a kit

• Electricians and plumbers: It’s ideal for EMT, copper, PVC, and quick framing nibbles in tight bays.
• DIYers: A perfect “reach for it first” saw for yard cleanup, fence repairs, and small demolition.
• Remodelers: Great for targeted cuts where a full‑size saw is overkill or physically won’t fit.

If your daily work is heavy demo—deck teardown, roofing, constant nail‑embedded timber—keep a full‑size long‑stroke saw on the truck. This compact model isn’t meant to be your only recip; it’s the right tool for places a big saw can’t go.

Durability and build

Nothing about the saw felt flimsy during testing. The shoe hinge stayed snug, the blade clamp never loosened, and the switchgear remained crisp. The housing takes scuffs without looking tired, and the LEDs didn’t flicker after a few inadvertent bumps. Dust and chips inevitably get everywhere with recip work; a quick blow‑out keeps the trigger and clamp working smoothly.

Pros and cons

Pros
- Compact, well‑balanced, and genuinely one‑handable
- Brushless motor with strong low‑speed control for metal
- Counterbalance reduces buzz and improves accuracy
- Dual LEDs with pre‑light/after‑glow are genuinely useful
- Fast charger minimizes downtime; battery’s USB port is handy
- Electric brake adds a layer of safety and convenience

Cons
- 2.0Ah kit battery is light but limited for extended demo
- No shoe length adjustment; pivot only
- No orbital mode (a plus for control, but slower for rough wood ripping)
- Still a reciprocating saw—expect dust, noise, and vibration

The bottom line

The Skil 20V compact recip saw finds the sweet spot for tight‑space cutting: enough power and stroke to be productive, tuned for control rather than chaos, and thoughtfully equipped with features that make a difference in real work—brushless efficiency, a legit counterbalance, and excellent lighting. I kept reaching for it because it feels nimble without feeling underbuilt.

Recommendation: I recommend this saw for tradespeople and DIYers who need a compact, one‑handed recip for finish‑adjacent demolition, plumbing and electrical tasks, and overhead or confined cuts. Pair it with a larger pack if you plan heavier sessions, but as a nimble problem‑solver that fits where bigger tools won’t, it earns a spot in the bag.