Skil Lithium Ion Power Cutter Review
SKil has a new tool called the Power Cutter. It’s a handy tool that includes some great features. Skil was kind enough to send us one for review. If you want one for yourself, Amazon sells the Skil Power Cutter for $42.44 with free shipping!
Skil Power Cutter Description
The Skil Power Cutter is a small, light-weight, cordless, cutting device. It comes with an Energy Star, lithium-ion battery that holds charge for up to 18 months. This tool weighs less than 1 lb. but can cut through tons of different materials like carpet and vinyl flooring. I’ve used this to cut through heavy cardboard and plastic packaging. The Auto Sharp blade slices right through.
Skil Power Cutter Specifications
- 3.6V Lithium Ion Battery – holds charge for 18 months
- 1-1/2″ diameter hardened steel blade
- Weighs less than 1 lb.
- Battery gauge lets you know when it’s fully charged
- Built-in hang hole for easy storage
- Included smart charger lets you leave the Power Cutter on the charger without damaging the battery
Skil Power Cutter Pros and Cons
Pros
There are several things I really like about this cutter. The biggest and most important benefit is that it easily, cuts through lots of materials without a lot of force from the user. I ordered a package online that arrived in that frustrating, clam-shell plastic that is so difficult to remove. The Power Cutter easily cut the plastic. Here are some more great features.
- Auto Sharp blade keeps the blade sharp and makes clean cuts
- Lithium Ion battery holds charge well
- Blade guard and safety button prevent accidents
Cons
This is a great tool that does what it claims. With that said, I have two small gripes.
- The safety button would be more convenient if it was located on top near the energy gauge making it easier to press.
- Sometimes the blade guard catches. When that happens you just pull back slightly to clear the blade and guard. It’s a small price for properly shielding the blade.
What do you think? Anyone own this tool? What do you cut with it?
Comments & Conversation on this Article...
10 Responses to Skil Lithium Ion Power Cutter Review
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January 8th, 2009 8:14 pm
Correct me if I’m wrong, but this is likely more of a home use than workshop use tool? I hate clamshells as much as the next guy, but can it go through light aluminum or sheet rock? $44 isn’t bad, but I’m wondering how much use I’d get out it.
-Jon
January 8th, 2009 10:47 pm
@Jon, You’re right. This is more for around the house and I wouldn’t try it on sheet rock. Think of it like a heavy duty pair of scissors or kitchen sheers.
January 10th, 2009 5:36 am
I don’t know what I’d use this for immediately, but I want one now!
January 16th, 2009 7:03 am
[...] reviewed the Power Cutter and was very impressed. It cut right through heavy cardboard and thick plastic packaging. Plus, [...]
January 16th, 2009 2:34 pm
I cut a lot of cardboard, so this sounds like a handy tool.
January 16th, 2009 3:34 pm
@David, It is pretty useful. Check out our giveaway and try to win one.
January 31st, 2009 2:49 pm
This is a tool I am definitely going to check out.
It looks like it could come in handy for making flooring templates especially for hard-to-reach places, and awkward angles. Anyone who works regularly with flooring and countertops (even shelves and wall panels) especially in reno work, knows what a hassle it is using scissors to cut cardboard and other stiff card stock, and sometimes vinyl flooring and tiles.
No more sore thumbs/fingers and cramped hands? Definitely worth a try!
October 14th, 2009 2:40 am
I just got one and even though the blade is supposed to be tough, I would like to know where to get another blade if I happen to need one?
November 2nd, 2009 4:33 pm
For the most part the Skill Multi-cutter doesn’t do anything that one could not do faster with a razor knife. It is awkward to use because of the safety features. But one thing it does and does well is open blister packaging which is difficult to do with either a knife or scissors. Otherwise, it often jams cutting crossways on thick corugated cardboard boxes and stops cutting. For me, the tool was a big disappointment. I should have known because it is not very often that Skil puts out a quality product. The concept has great promise but Skil botched it. Maybe one of Skil’s competitors will do better at less cost. Perhaps Chicago can provide a lower cost and more useful tool
June 16th, 2010 12:40 pm
This is awesome. I would not let my husband or Dad (sorry Dad) go near it…I almost purchased one the other day but saved the money.