Cordless tools really come in handy when the job site is without power or when portability is a must. Skil has put together four of the most commonly used tools with the added bonus of a battery operated stud finder (batteries included) to complete this five tool kit. Included in the kit is a 7-1/4-inch circular saw with carbide tipped blade. The saw has a second ergonomically designed handle for added grip and safety. With both hands on the saw housing there's little chance of an accidental kickback if the blade should bind. There is an on-tool spindle wrench for changing the blade, a rearview depth gauge with large bold lettering and a safety lock guarded trigger to prevent accidental starts. Next there is a 3/8-inch keyless chuck drill/driver. The Skil 2887-16 drill/driver has a two-speed gearbox that allows the user to shift from high-speed drilling to high torque for driving screws or bolts. The gear change lever is conveniently located on top of the tool housing next to the forward/reverse indicator light and just above the two-finger variable speed trigger. In addition to the built-in bit index and bit storage compartment on top of the housing there's a built-in work light at the base of the drill. A double-ended screw bit is stored on the side of the tool's base.
For rough cutting the kit includes a reciprocating saw that has all the features required by skilled craftsmen and is especially useful in removing damaged building materials or tree limbs. The saw has an adjustable foot plate that keeps the tool secured to the work's surface, a rubber boot at the working end of the tool, a textured handle for comfort and control and a variable speed trigger. Depending on the products to be cut, the blade's speed can be adjusted to anywhere from 0 to 2800 strokes per minute. In addition there is a side mounted "orbit" switch, which allows the user to control the swing of the blade for more accurate cutting of various materials. The saw features a quick change E-Z lock spring-loaded blade attachment (no tools required to change blades), and an on-tool 2-blade storage compartment with two blades.
How could you use all this power if there were no lights? Skil has packed in an 18-volt flashlight with an articulating head so that the light can be turned to shine in any direction in front of the light. The drill, saws and light can be powered by the two 18-volt batteries included in the kit. Each battery has a charge rate meter that lets the user know how much power is left. The batteries slide easily onto the bottom of the tools giving the tool bodies excellent balance. Also included in the kit are a one-hour quick charger, a handy battery operated stud finder and a sturdy canvas carrying bag. -- C. Dwight Barnett
