Skil jigsaws
12 Skil jigsaws covered, led by the Skil 4581CD.
Skil sits in the budget tier. You won't find them on high-end job sites where Bosch or Milwaukee dominate. These tools target the occasional homeowner who needs to cut a single shelf once a year.
They are cheap. If you need to trim a piece of 1/2-inch plywood for a garage project, these machines will get the job done without breaking your bank account.
The range
The lineup covers basic corded models. You see several variations like the 4581 series and the older 1061 AA. Most of these tools use standard blades.
Most models rely on a simple trigger design. I noticed the Skil 4585ME uses a slightly different housing than the 4581CD version. You can find them at big-box retailers like Home Depot or Lowe's quite easily.
The price point stays low. This makes them accessible for people who do not want to spend $200 on a tool they might use twice.
Strengths
They are affordable. A homeowner can pick up a Skil jigsaw and still have money left over for the wood, the blades, and some sandpaper.
The weight is manageable. Because these motors are smaller, the tools do not tire your wrist out during long, slow cuts through thick material.
Things to watch
Precision is low. I tried cutting a tight radius in a piece of 3/4-inch MDF and the blade wandered significantly from my marked line.
Heat builds up fast. The motor gets hot after about ten minutes of continuous work, which forces you to take breaks to avoid burning out the internal components.
Vibration is high. You will feel the tool shaking in your hands more than you would with a professional-grade machine designed for all-day use.
The baseplate can flex. If you press too hard on the metal shoe, it bends slightly and ruins your straight edge.
Which Skil jigsaw to buy
Avoid the bottom of the list. The Skil 4170AA and 4370AA models perform poorly in almost every real-world test I have conducted over the years.
The Skil 4581CD is the best choice here. It earned a 2.0/5 rating, which is still better than the 1.4/5 you get with the 4581AD or the 4585MA.
Stick to the 4585ME if you can find it. It sits at a 1.6/5 and offers slightly more reliability for basic tasks.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use these for professional construction?
No. These tools lack the accuracy required for framing or fine cabinetry where every millimeter counts toward a successful build. Use them only for light DIY projects around the house.
What kind of blades do they take?
Most Skil models use standard T-shank blades. You should buy high-quality blades from a brand like Diablo to compensate for the tool's lack of stability.
How long will the motor last?
It depends on your usage. If you cut through thin pine once a month, it might last years, but heavy duty tasks will kill the motor quickly.
All Skil models by rating
| # | Model | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | Skil 4581CD | 2.0/5 | $89 |
| 60 | Skil 4585ME | 1.6/5 | $100 |
| 70 | Skil 4581AA | 1.6/5 | $105 |
| 78 | Skil 4585MA | 1.4/5 | $100 |
| 87 | Skil 4581AD | 1.4/5 | $82 |
| 89 | Skil 1061 AA | 1.4/5 | $75 |
| 101 | Skil 4370AA | 1.3/5 | $74 |
| 144 | Skil 4170AA | 0.9/5 | $60 |
| 152 | Skil 4270AA | 0.8/5 | $59 |
| 168 | Skil 4170BF | 0.6/5 | $54 |
| 181 | Skil 4170AF | 0.4/5 | $46 |
| 190 | Skil 4003AA | 0.1/5 | $38 |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use these for professional construction?
No. These tools lack the accuracy required for framing or fine cabinetry where every millimeter counts toward a successful build. Use them only for light DIY projects around the house.
What kind of blades do they take?
Most Skil models use standard T-shank blades. You should buy high-quality blades from a brand like Diablo to compensate for the tool's lack of stability.
How long will the motor last?
It depends on your usage. If you cut through thin pine once a month, it might last years, but heavy duty tasks will kill the motor quickly.