Skil PWRCore 20 Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool Earns Top Value Score
The Skil PWRCore 20 Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool is the brand’s flagship model, sporting a brushless motor and Vibration Reduction System. We tested it head-to-head against the best cordless models in the business to see if its performance and design should catch the attention of budget-minded Pros.
Pros
- Brushless motor
- Easy and fast blade change system
- Isolated head and motor significantly reduce vibration
- Variable speed dial
- Twin LED lights
- Kit includes PWRJump charger upgrade
- Outstanding value
Cons
- No bare tool option
Skil PWRCore 20 Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool Speed
To cut and sand, Skil’s brushless motor can run up to 17,000 OPM at a 3.6° angle. A 6-step variable speed dial on the side lets you manage that speed starting at 11,000 OPM. Thanks to electronic communication, the tool signals the battery when it needs more power to keep its speed constant.
Based on the cuts made and sanding we did, the speed is very good. It doesn’t challenge Milwaukee and Fein at the top of the charts, but it’s better than what we expect from DIY models. It’s more in line with the speeds we get from Makita and Bosch.
Vibration Control
For this Skil oscillating multi-tool, the design team introduced a vibration control system that sets it apart from most other multi-tools. The head and motor are isolated from the main housing by a dampening system and it works great!
Skil claims that it reduces vibration by 90% over their models without it. Milwaukee and Fein still have the lowest vibration, but Skil’s system is much better than most standard multi-tools, including other premium professional brands.
We noticed that there is some movement in the head when we pushed the blade into our cuts. It didn’t affect the accuracy of our cuts, but it took a few minutes to get used to it.
Skil PWRCore 20 Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool Blade Change
Skil has one of the better blade change systems within the lever and bolt system design. Twisting the top lever to the side drops the bolt enough to change out most blades with a rear cutout.
If you need to remove the bolt completely to use a fully enclosed sanding pad or blade, you need to push the bolt in and twist 90º. It’s a very quick system that we find easier to use than a lot of the other takes on this style of system.
It’s not as convenient as Starlock and it’s not as quick as the clamping-style systems we see from Craftsman and DeWalt. However, it’s capable of using a wider variety of accessories.
PTR Oscillating Multi-Tool Test Track
To see how Skil combines its design and performance, we ran it through our Oscillating Multi-Tool Test Track against other cordless models. It finished tied for 4th place overall with a time of 1:52.
That put it ahead of some big names such as Milwaukee, Metabo HPT, and Makita. While its cutting speed was average for the cordless group, the quickness of the blade change system gave it a big boost up the rankings.
The Test Track consists of five sections and two blade changes. You can check out the full details in our head-to-head review or just roll with this summary:
- Undercutting a door jamb
- Cutting out drywall for an electrical box
- Cutting five finish nails to remove drywall
- Removing an 18-inch line of grout
- Sanding a 6-inch section of 2×4
Skil PWRCore20 Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool Feature Set
- Brushless motor
- Lock-on switch with variable speed dial
- Tool-free blade change system
- Isolated head vibration reduction system
- Upgraded PWRJump fast charger
- USB charging port built into battery
- Constant speed electronic communication between motor and battery
Pricing
You can pick up the Skil PWRCore 20 Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit for $169.99. There’s no bare tool option available at the time of writing. Here’s what comes in the package:
- Sanding pad
- 35 pieces of sand paper
- Bi-metal blade
- HCS wood blade
- HCS segment blade
- Rigid scraper
- Accessory case
- 2.0Ah battery
- PWRJump charger
Skil warranties the tool for 5 years, provided you register the product within 30 days of purchase. The battery and charger come with a 2-year warranty.
The Bottom Line
Once again, Skil nails an impressive balance of performance and price that makes the PWRCore 20 Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool an outstanding value. If you’re a budget-conscious Pro or Pro-minded DIYer, this is an excellent all-around multi-tool that keeps pace with more expensive professional brands.
Specifications
- Model: Skil OS5937-10
- Power Source: Skil PWRCore20 (20V max) battery
- Motor: Brushless
- No-Load Speed: 11,000 – 17,000 OPM
- Number of Speed Settings: 6
- Oscillating Angle: 3.6º
- Length: 12 inches
- Weight: 2.3 pounds bare, 3.4 pounds with 2.0Ah battery
- Warranty: 5 years
- Kit Price: $169.99
