SKIL CR5429B-20: problems, parts and running costs
Checked: 2026-10-19
Summary
What usually goes wrong is handling rather than failure: testers note the arm can block the cut line, bevel marks that are hard to read and 13.81 lb of weight with batteries, and no widespread failure modes were found in owner review aggregates. Keeping it running costs replacement blades plus a battery or charger once the 2-year battery and charger warranty ends; no part prices were reported, so a yearly figure cannot be given. It is an easy buy at or below $250 — competing rear-handle kits ran $100-200 more at launch — and weak value above $280 unless you specifically want the SKIL PWR CORE 20 battery platform.
Common problems and fixes
- Heavy for a circular saw — 13.81 lb with two batteries and heavier than sidewinder-style saws; comparable to the Milwaukee M18 Fuel (13.7 lb) and DeWalt FlexVolt (13.8 lb), with only the Makita XSR01 (12.7 lb) meaningfully lighter. [3]
- 5-year warranty needs registration within 30 days — the 5-year tool warranty requires product registration within 30 days of purchase, and batteries and chargers carry only 2 years; registering late loses the long tool term. [2][3]
- Blade can stall when overloaded — it is possible to push the saw hard enough to stall the blade, though not at normal cutting speeds. [3]
- Check used SKIL 40V batteries against the 2024 recall — a December 2024 CPSC recall covers the SKIL PWRCORE 40 5.0Ah battery (BY8708-00) sold with 40V outdoor equipment; it is a different pack from the BY519603 in this kit, but it is a brand-level quality signal. [8]
Parts and consumables
- No other user-serviceable parts — blade changes and basic cleaning are the only user service documented; SKIL directs other work to a factory or authorized service center and warns that unauthorized maintenance can disturb internal wiring and components. [2]
Yearly running cost
Not enough data. No owner-reported prices exist for replacement blades, batteries or chargers, so a yearly figure cannot be computed. The cost drivers are replacement blades as they wear, battery replacement after the 2-year battery warranty, and potential charger replacement; using non-SKIL batteries or chargers voids the warranty. [2]
When it is a good buy
Store prices as of 2026-10: SKIL $279.99 (sold out), Lowe’s $279.99 (no longer sold on Lowe.com), Ace Hardware $279.99, Walmart $279.00. [1][5][6][7] The kit launched at $249 in January 2022. [4]
- At or below $250 it is an easy recommendation: Pro Tool Reviews noted competing rear-handle kits cost $100-200 more at the time, and the kit includes two 5.0Ah batteries and a dual-port fast charger. [3][4]
- From $251 to $280 it stays competitive but the value margin narrows — every store price as of 2026-10 sits in this band. [3]
- Above $280 it is weak value unless you specifically want the SKIL PWR CORE 20 battery platform. [3]
- Milwaukee M18 Fuel (13.7 lb) and DeWalt FlexVolt (13.8 lb) are the better choice when cut smoothness or an established battery ecosystem matters; the Makita XSR01 (12.7 lb) is the meaningfully lighter option when weight matters most. [3]