When it comes to DIY projects, home improvement, and light construction tasks, having the right tools is essential for both efficiency and quality of work. The SKIL 20V 4-Tool Combo Kit (Model: CB739701) presents itself as an affordable and versatile solution for those looking to equip themselves with essential cordless power tools. This combo kit includes a 20V cordless drill driver, a reciprocating saw, a circular saw, and a spotlight, all powered by SKIL's PWR CORE 20V lithium battery system. Let’s take an in-depth look at each tool, the battery system, overall performance, and value proposition.
Overview of the SKIL 20V 4-Tool Combo Kit
The SKIL CB739701 Combo Kit is an excellent choice for DIY enthusiasts, weekend warriors, and even some light professional work. With the combination of key power tools—each designed for a specific purpose—the kit provides a comprehensive solution for various tasks around the home, workshop, or job site. The tools are powered by the SKIL PWR CORE 20V lithium battery system, which ensures extended runtime, reliable power delivery, and durability.
Contents of the Kit:
- 20V Cordless Drill Driver
- 20V Reciprocating Saw
- 20V Circular Saw
- 20V Spotlight
- Two 2.0Ah PWR CORE 20 Lithium Batteries
- One Battery Charger
Key Features & Tool Breakdown
1. 20V Cordless Drill Driver
The drill driver is arguably one of the most commonly used tools in any homeowner’s toolkit, and SKIL’s 20V cordless drill driver does not disappoint. This drill comes with several features designed to make drilling and driving tasks easier:
High Torque and Speed: The SKIL drill offers up to 1,500 RPM (revolutions per minute), which is ideal for a range of tasks, from drilling holes in wood and drywall to driving screws. The variable speed trigger allows for more control depending on the application, whether you're driving screws into softwood or drilling into harder materials.
Ergonomics and Comfort: It features an ergonomic handle with a soft grip, reducing hand strain during prolonged use. The lightweight design adds to the comfort, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
Keyless Chuck: The 1/2-inch keyless chuck allows for easy bit changes, providing convenience when you need to switch between tasks quickly.
Compact Size: At just 7.2 inches in length, this drill is compact enough for accessing tight spaces while still delivering sufficient power for most common drilling and driving needs.
2. 20V Reciprocating Saw
A reciprocating saw is an invaluable tool for demolition, pruning, and cutting through materials like wood, metal, and PVC. SKIL’s version is a capable and powerful tool that is well-suited for DIY projects.
Tool-Free Blade Change: One of the standout features is the tool-free blade change mechanism. This makes swapping blades quick and efficient, especially when you're cutting through different materials.
Adjustable Shoe: The adjustable shoe allows for better control of the saw, helping you make more precise cuts and extending the life of the blade by ensuring it stays in optimal contact with the material.
Variable Speed Trigger: The saw features a variable speed trigger that gives users greater control over the cutting action. The ability to adjust the speed ensures more versatility across different materials and cutting applications.
Lightweight and Easy to Handle: Weighing in at just over 5 pounds, this saw is relatively lightweight for a reciprocating saw, making it easier to use for longer periods without causing excessive fatigue.
3. 20V Circular Saw
Circular saws are an essential tool for cutting wood, plywood, and other sheet materials, and SKIL's compact 20V circular saw is designed to offer power and precision for both beginners and seasoned DIYers.
4.5-Inch Blade: The saw is equipped with a 4.5-inch blade, which provides a good balance between power and portability. While this size is smaller than the typical 7.25-inch circular saw, it makes for a lighter tool that is easier to handle in tight or confined spaces.
Bevel Capacity: The saw features a 45-degree bevel capacity, allowing for angled cuts in addition to straight cuts. This adds versatility for projects like framing, making it a solid option for a range of tasks.
Cutting Depth: The maximum cutting depth of 1-11/16 inches at 90 degrees is ideal for general cutting tasks. For thicker materials, you might need a more powerful circular saw, but for most DIY projects, the SKIL 20V circular saw offers sufficient power.
Compact Design: The tool’s compact size makes it easy to maneuver and control, especially when making precise cuts along a straight edge or when cutting smaller boards.
4. 20V Spotlight
The inclusion of a spotlight might seem like a bonus, but it is an excellent addition for users who often work in dimly lit spaces or need extra illumination during their projects.
Bright LED Light: The spotlight uses a high-output LED bulb, providing a focused beam of light that can illuminate work areas, particularly in garages, attics, or outdoor spaces during evening projects.
Adjustable Head: The light head is adjustable, allowing you to direct the beam exactly where you need it. This feature adds to the versatility of the tool, whether you need to illuminate a large area or a specific focal point.
Long-Lasting: As part of the PWR CORE 20V battery system, the spotlight offers long-lasting performance, and you can easily switch between the spotlight and other tools using the same set of batteries.
Battery System: PWR CORE 20V Lithium Batteries
The SKIL 20V 4-Tool Combo Kit is powered by two 2.0Ah PWR CORE lithium batteries. These batteries offer several advantages over traditional NiCad or older lithium-ion battery systems:
Longer Runtime: The PWR CORE 20V batteries are designed to provide a longer runtime compared to similar 20V batteries. This ensures that you can complete your tasks without constantly needing to recharge.
Fast Charging: The included charger provides a quick charging time, allowing you to get back to work faster. A full charge typically takes around 1-2 hours, which is on par with many other cordless tool systems.
Battery Protection: The PWR CORE system includes advanced technology that protects the battery from overheating and overloading, which enhances the overall longevity and safety of the tools.
Interchangeable: The batteries are interchangeable across all SKIL PWR CORE 20V tools, which adds to the system’s convenience and flexibility.
Performance and Usability
When it comes to performance, the SKIL 20V 4-Tool Combo Kit delivers consistent and reliable results across all four tools. The power output of each tool is sufficient for a range of DIY tasks, including drilling into wood, drywall, and light masonry; cutting through wood, PVC, and metal; and even providing illumination for your workspace.
Ease of Use: Each tool is lightweight and ergonomically designed, making them comfortable for extended use. The soft grips on the drill and reciprocating saw help reduce hand strain, while the circular saw’s handle is designed for secure control.
Portability: With the included carrying bag, all tools can be conveniently stored and transported to different job sites or project locations. The compact nature of the tools, combined with the portability of the bag, makes this kit an ideal solution for people who need to move from task to task or location to location.
Value for Money
At its price point, the SKIL 20V 4-Tool Combo Kit is an exceptional value for the money. The combination of a drill driver, reciprocating saw, circular saw, and spotlight, along with the PWR CORE battery system, provides a well-rounded set of tools for a variety of tasks. For DIY enthusiasts and homeowners, this kit is more than enough for basic to moderate-level projects. The inclusion of two batteries and a charger makes it a complete package without requiring additional purchases.
Pros:
- Affordable and cost-effective for a 4-tool kit
- Versatile tools for a wide range of tasks
- PWR CORE 20V battery system offers long runtime and quick charging
- Lightweight and ergonomic design for comfortable use
- Tool-free blade change system on the reciprocating saw
- High-quality spotlight with adjustable beam
Cons:
- The circular saw is smaller (4.5 inches), which may not be sufficient for heavy-duty cutting tasks
- 2.0Ah batteries may not provide the longest runtime for heavy, extended tasks (though they are more than adequate for most DIY needs)
- The tools are not intended for heavy professional use but rather for lighter DIY or home improvement projects
Final Verdict
The SKIL 20V 4-Tool Combo Kit (Model: CB739701) offers outstanding value for DIY enthusiasts and home improvement hobbyists. With essential tools like a drill driver, reciprocating saw, circular saw, and spotlight, the kit covers a wide variety of tasks—from basic drilling and cutting to demolition and lighting up your workspace. The PWR CORE 20V lithium battery system ensures dependable power and convenience, while the ergonomic designs of each tool make them easy to handle for extended periods.
For those looking for a budget-friendly, reliable, and versatile tool kit for everyday projects, this combo kit is what you need!
