SKIL Set To Dominate With New 18 Volt Lithium Ion Power Tools

New high performance lithium ion power tools give
DIYers and contractors professional-grade features at consumer-friendly prices

Contact: Marilyn Bowden
SKIL Brand Manager
(224) 232-2994
marilyn.bowden@us.bosch.com

MT. PROSPECT, ILL. (April 15, 2009) – SKIL Power Tools powers up its lithium ion collection with a new line of cordless 18 Volt Lithium Ion tools giving home project enthusiasts and professionals the enhanced performance, durability and convenience they need to tackle any project at affordable prices. Using lithium ion technology that consistently outperforms and outlasts traditional Ni-Cd batteries, SKIL’s new 18 Volt Lithium Ion line offers a unique mix of cordless power tools well suited for a wide array of home repair, outdoor and professional projects.

Along with extra power and stamina, SKIL’s new line of 18 Volt Lithium Ion tools are lighter weight and have a more compact, comfortable design than traditional 18 Volt Ni-Cd power tools. Now offering the greatest value of 18 Volt Drills and combination kits in the Lithium Ion category, SKIL makes upgrading tools simple and cost effective.

“Our new versatile line of cordless power tools will help home owners and contractors get projects done better, faster and more easily.” said Dean Peterson, director, cordless tool product development. “With SKIL’s new 18 Volt Lithium Ion power tools, everyone from your resident handyman to your contractor now has access to the features and capabilities they need to complete projects successfully, without paying a professional price. That added value is especially important in these tough economic times.”

The 18 Volt Lithium Ion line includes the following tools and combination kits:

18 Volt Lithium Ion ½ In. 2-Speed Drill/Driver (Model: 2895LI-02)
Start that kitchen renovation project or build a deck with SKIL’s compact and powerful 18 Volt Lithium Ion Drill/Driver. The cordless driver delivers up to 400 in-lbs of torque with its all metal geartrain and two-speed gear box making it ideal for larger projects or those that require drilling into almost any material. SKIL has engineered the drill with a one-half inch chuck to accept larger diameter bits and a 20+1 position clutch for precise driving into multiple types of materials. With these professional-grade features, this tool can tackle tough applications particularly outdoors and in areas with little access to outlets, while its lightweight lithium ion battery — 50 percent lighter than the Ni-Cd version—reduces user fatigue and holds its charge up to four times longer than Ni-Cd batteries. Ultra-convenient features include removable bit storage, bit size index, built-in level and side-assist handle. It comes ready to go with a carrying case and two double-ended bits and has a recommended retail price of $109. The drill/driver is also available with two batteries for $149.

18 Volt Lithium Ion 2-Piece Drill/Driver and 5-3/8-inch SKILSAW Combo Kit
This two-piece package includes SKIL’s 18 Volt Lithium Ion 5-3/8-inch SKILSAW and Drill/Driver. The 5-3/8-inch SKILSAW has a compact design that can crosscut up to 50 2x4s on a single charge and is more than 20 percent lighter than other models in its class. It is the perfect starter kit for taking on an outdoor project like building your dream deck or a treehouse getaway for your kids. It provides two times more cutting visibility for increased accuracy and a bevel capacity of zero to 50 degrees to accommodate a wider range of cuts. Additional features include a patented anti-snag lower guard, as well as a spindle lock for quick and easy blade changes. The SKIL 18 Volt Lithium Ion 2-Piece Drill/Driver and 5-3/8-inch SKILSAW Combo Kit has a recommended retail price of $199.

18 Volt Lithium Ion 2-Piece Drill/Driver and Reciprocating Saw Combo Kit
Whether your project takes you outside for some home repairs or into the attic for some demolition work, the SKIL 18 Volt Lithium Ion Drill/Driver and Orbital Reciprocating Saw Combo Kit is a great value, adding versatility and convenience to your tool collection. The Reciprocating Saw is the only cordless tool in its class to offer orbital action for faster, cleaner results and the variable motor speed cuts 20 percent faster in turbo mode. Additional convenient features include tool-free blade changing system allowing for quick and easy blade changes and on-tool blade storage. It weighs 50 percent less than Ni-Cd versions and holds a charge up to four times as long, so it’s always ready to use. This Combo Kit has a recommended retail of $199.

18 Volt Lithium Ion 4-Piece Combo Kit
An exceptional value that combines high performance and convenience, the SKIL 18 Volt Lithium Ion 4-Piece Combo Kit includes the one-half inch 2-Speed Drill/Driver, 5-3/8-inch SKILSAW, Orbital Reciprocating Saw and pivoting-head flashlight. This kit will set homeowners and contractors up with a light weight, long lasting and reliable kit that can tackle any project. SKIL’s 4-Piece 18 Volt Lithium Ion Combo Kit has a recommended retail price of $259.

SKIL 18 Volt Lithium Ion Battery/PowerPlus™ System
Now you can upgrade your SKIL Ni-Cd tools to the more efficient lithium ion battery system. New SKIL 18 Volt Lithium Ion batteries can be purchased individually or as a kit with a one-hour charger. Thanks to the SKIL PowerPlus system, rather than throwing away old SKIL 18 Volt Ni-Cd tools, owners can simply purchase the new lithium ion battery kit to use with their existing SKIL 18 Volt Ni-Cd tools. The new batteries will give owners a lighter tool and more consistent power throughout the cycle, plus SKIL lithium ion batteries last up to four times longer than Ni-Cd batteries and hold a charge for up to 18 months, whereas Ni-Cd batteries only hold a charge for about three months. Visit www.skiltools.com for a complete list of SKIL Ni-Cd tools that are compatible with the new Power Plus system. The battery has a recommended retail for $69 and the battery and charger kit has a recommended retail price of $99.

About SKIL Power Tools
SKIL Power Tools is a leader in portable electric power tools and accessories serving the consumer do-it-yourself and professional construction markets. Founded in 1924 with the invention of the worm drive SKILSAW, SKIL now delivers a complete line of power tools designed and engineered to help DIYers achieve home project success, while providing professionals durable, cost-conscious tools for the jobsite. For more information about SKIL Power Tools including information on where to buy the products above, visit www.skil.com or call toll-free 877-SKIL-999.

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Elizabeth Sussman

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Cohn & Wolfe

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