SKIL PWR CORE 20 Brushless 4-1/2 in. Compact Circular Saw Kit (CR5435B-10): problems, parts and running costs

Checked: 2026-10-09

Summary

The most consistent caution in the tests is cut depth: 1-1/2 in. at 90° clears nominal 2x lumber, but the 1-9/16 in. measured at the tooth tip can leave swollen or warped boards uncut [1]. Recurring costs are blades and batteries; SKIL sells a 2.0Ah PWR CORE 20 pack at $44.99 and a 5.0Ah pack at $89.99 direct (2026-10) [2]. The kit is a strong buy at or below $125 and weak above $150, where SKIL’s own 6-1/2 in. and 7-1/4 in. saws cut deeper [3].

Common problems and fixes

Cut depth stalls on swollen or warped 2x boards — the 1-1/2 in. at 90° barely clears nominal 2x stock, and 1-9/16 in. at the tooth tip is the practical maximum [1]. Workaround: cut flat stock; it is a design limit, not a defect, so the 5-year limited warranty does not apply [4].
No front pommel — the saw is one-hand only and two-hand use is not possible [1]. No workaround reported; a design limit, not covered by warranty.
Thumbscrew-style depth and bevel knobs — slower to set than clamping levers [1]. No workaround reported; a design limit, not covered by warranty.
Short runtime on heavy cuts — the included 2.0Ah battery is small for prolonged cutting [1]. Fix: carry a second pack; SKil sells 2.0Ah at $44.99 and 5.0Ah at $89.99 direct (2026-10) [2]. Not a defect.
Left-side blade — can hurt cut-line visibility for right-handed users [11][12]. No workaround reported; a design limit, not covered by warranty.

Parts and consumables

PWR CORE 20 2.0Ah battery (BY519702) — $44.99 at SKIL direct (2026-10); research notes battery replacement after 5+ years [2].
PWR CORE 20 5.0Ah battery — $89.99 at SKIL direct (2026-10); the upgrade when the 2.0Ah pack runs short [2].

Yearly running cost

The only recurring costs are blades and batteries; there are no subscriptions. A 2.0Ah replacement battery is $44.99 and a 5.0Ah is $89.99 at SKIL direct (2026-10), and research notes battery replacement after 5+ years, so a typical owner buys about one pack in that span. Replacement-blade prices were not published in the sources, so a full yearly total cannot be computed.

When it is a good buy

Kit prices seen 2026-10: $140.91 at Acme Tools clearance (was $149.00), $149.99 at SKIL direct, $155.08 at McCoy’s, $169.99 at Clatskanie Builder Supply [6][2][7][10].

At or below $125 the kit is a strong buy: brushless motor, one-hand weight, 5-year warranty, full accessory kit and a published parts list [1][4][5].
$126-150 is fair: that band is SKIL’s $149.99 direct price and Acme’s $140.91, and SKIL sells a 6-1/2 in. kit (CR6413B-11) for $109.99 that cuts deeper [2][3][6].
$151-170 is weak: McCoy’s $155.08 and Clatskanie $169.99 approach SKIL’s bigger saws; buy only if the compact one-hand format is required [7][10].
Above $170 the 7-1/4 in. CR5440B-1C at $169.99 is the better Skil saw unless the one-hand format decides it [3].