Skil PWR CORE 20 Auto PWR JUMP Charger

Why I reached for this charger

After a few long days bouncing between a compact drill, an orbital sander, and a light-duty saw, I wanted a way to keep my SKIL 20V batteries turning around faster than the standard “boxed” charger manages. The Skil PWRCore 20 charger (model QC536001) has now lived on my bench for several weeks, and it’s become the default dock for every 20V pack in my kit. It’s not flashy, but it does the job quickly and predictably—and for me, that’s what a good charger should do.

What it is

This is a 120V, 6-amp fast charger designed for SKIL’s PWRCORE 20V lithium batteries. It supports the PWRJUMP feature, which gives a short, high-rate “boost” to get a battery back in action quickly, then transitions to a standard charge profile to top off safely. It has straightforward LED indicators for status and a fully automatic operation—dock the pack, walk away, and it shuts down when the job is done.

The footprint is modest for a fast charger at about 6.2 x 9 inches and 1.94 pounds. It’s stout enough not to slide around but light enough to move wherever the work is.

Setup and compatibility

There’s no setup beyond plugging in and dropping on a PWRCORE 20 battery. It’s keyed and the pack seats securely with a satisfying click; I never felt like I needed to fiddle to get charging started. It’s compatible across the SKIL 20V line, which means one charger for every 20V tool I own. If you’re invested in the SKIL ecosystem, that simplicity matters. If you’re not, it’s not cross-brand—this is strictly for SKIL’s 20V PWRCORE batteries.

Note on power: it’s a 120V, 60 Hz charger. If you work in regions that use 220–240V mains, you’ll need an appropriate transformer, and I’d consider a region-specific variant instead if one is available.

Charging performance

Speed is the headline here. With a 6A charge current, the Skil PWRCore 20 charger is noticeably faster than the typical 2A or 3A “starter” chargers bundled with many tools. My times aligned closely with SKIL’s published numbers:

• 2.0Ah pack: right around 30 minutes to full
• 2.5Ah pack: about 40 minutes
• 4.0Ah pack: approximately 50 minutes
• 5.0Ah pack: around 60 minutes

The PWRJUMP boost is handy in real use. On several occasions I needed just enough runtime to finish a task—sanding the last cabinet door or driving a handful of screws. Five minutes on the dock delivered a meaningful bump that got me through, and then I could cycle the pack back in to finish topping up. The transition from boost to normal charge is automatic; there’s nothing for you to manage.

Charging is consistent too. Whether the pack was warm from use or at room temperature, the charger ramped appropriately, and I didn’t see erratic start/stop behavior. It’s a “set it and forget it” experience, which is exactly what I want.

Thermal management and noise

High-rate charging generates heat, so I paid attention to temperature and cooling. The charger moves a good amount of air while working—there’s an audible fan that spools up under load. It’s not loud, but you’ll hear it in a quiet shop. Airflow keeps both the pack and the charger housing in the “warm but not worrisome” range, even when I charged multiple packs back-to-back on a warm day.

As with any charger, give it space. Don’t bury it under rags or mount it in a cramped cubby. A clear, hard surface with a few inches of breathing room is all it needs. I also avoid charging right after pulling a battery from heavy duty—if the pack feels hot, let it sit for a few minutes for best longevity.

LED indicators and usability

The indicator lights are simple and legible: you can tell at a glance if the charger is in boost, charging, or done. A completed charge shuts down automatically. I never managed to confuse it or cause a false full—once the light said done, the pack delivered expected runtime.

The battery interface is solid. Packs insert and release without wobble, and the latch feels sturdy. The unit stays put when you one-hand the battery out, thanks to a stable base and just enough heft. The plastic housing is what you expect from SKIL—durable enough for a shop or jobsite, with the usual red finish that’s easy to spot in a crowded bench.

Indoor/outdoor, in practice

It’s listed for indoor/outdoor use, and I’ve used it under a covered patio without issue. I wouldn’t leave any charger in the rain or in direct splashes—this isn’t a weatherproof box—but it handles typical outdoor environments fine if you use common sense. For dusty work, a quick brush or blast of air before docking a battery keeps the vents clear and the contacts happy.

Reliability and warranty

I’ve run a steady rotation of 2.0Ah, 4.0Ah, and 5.0Ah packs through this charger without hiccups. The auto shut-off works reliably, and I haven’t seen nuisance fault indicators. As with any fast charger, heat is the enemy of lifespan—of both the charger and the battery—so I treat ventilation as non-negotiable.

The 5-year limited warranty is generous for a charger at this price tier. Keep proof of purchase and consult the specifics for coverage boundaries, but it’s reassuring backup for a high-use accessory.

What could be better

• Single-port only. If you manage a fleet of batteries, you’ll still be swapping packs. A dual-port version would be handy for heavy users.
• 120V input. For international users, the 120V-only input limits flexibility without a transformer.
• Fan noise is present. It’s not excessive, but if you work in an ultra-quiet space you’ll notice it during the high-rate portion of the charge.
• Footprint is larger than a trickle charger. That’s the trade-off for speed; plan a dedicated spot on the bench or a shelf.

None of these are deal-breakers for me, but they’re worth noting as you consider your setup.

Who benefits most

• SKIL 20V users who cycle between two or more batteries during a project. The 6A rate and 5-minute PWRJUMP boost keep the work moving.
• DIYers who only own one battery but dislike downtime. Even a single 2.0Ah pack becomes significantly more practical with a charger that can turn it around in half an hour.
• Pros who use SKIL 20V tools for light-to-medium tasks and value predictable, quick top-offs during the workday.

If you’re deeply invested in another brand’s ecosystem, or you primarily run 12V tools, this isn’t for you. It’s purpose-built for SKIL’s 20V line.

Practical tips for best results

• Place the charger on a hard, flat surface with clear airflow.
• Let hot packs cool briefly before charging to prolong battery health.
• Use the 5-minute boost to bridge inevitable gaps—then set the pack back on the dock to finish when convenient.
• Keep the vents and contacts clear of dust; a quick clean now and then makes a difference.
• Avoid extreme temperatures. Like all lithium chargers, it performs best at moderate indoor conditions.

The bottom line

The Skil PWRCore 20 charger does exactly what I expect a modern fast charger to do: it turns batteries quickly, manages heat responsibly, and gets out of the way. The 6A current and PWRJUMP boost are the real-world difference between taking a break and staying on task. Add clear status LEDs, secure battery seating, and a solid-feeling build, and you’ve got a dependable bench mate for the SKIL 20V ecosystem.

Recommendation: I recommend this charger to anyone using SKIL’s 20V tools. It meaningfully reduces downtime compared to entry-level chargers, supports the full range of PWRCORE 20 batteries, and has the speed and simplicity to keep projects moving. If you need multi-port charging or operate outside 120V regions, there are logistical considerations—but for most North American SKIL users, this is the right charger to own.