Skil 18v batteries don't always come with good chargers

The importance of a good 18v battery charger for my Skil cordless power tools cannot be underestimated. Not every charger is the same, and the quality of the charge will have a huge impact on the performance of your Skil 18v batteries, and thus your tools. I learned this the hard way when I finally decided to materialize all my garage ideas. My garage was a complete mess, so I had made all these plans to give it a complete make-over. A lot of the garage ideas required the use of my power tools to build shelving, cabinets, etc. I had all the materials lying in my garage ready to be installed when I realized that my Skil 18v batteries were basically dead. They were totally charged, so I assumed that they were old and needed to be replaced.

I went to my hardware store when I buy all my stuff. The sales guy told me that the batteries that I was running with my Skil 18v drill were not very good. The chargers that come with these NiCad batteries is very basic and is contributing to the memory problems of the battery. He showed my some other chargers from other brands that had conditioning modes on them. A conditioning mode (also known a tune-up mode) will revitalize an old dying battery so they will last much longer. Skil 18v batteries, as well as most others, are wired in series of cells. What the conditioning mode does is charge these cells completely, while the standard quick charge mode will only fill the first few cells of the battery and leave the rest unused. This will prevent the NiCad battery from developing memory and ensure that you always run your power tools at their full potential.

The big problem with the older Skil 18v NiCad batteries and power tool kits is that they don’t offer good chargers with the conditioning modes. Companies such as Dewalt have much better charger offerings, so if you want to stick with the Skil brand, I suggest that you get a tool kit that runs on lithium ion 18v batteries. There are of course a bit more expensive than the NiCad kits, but definitely worth it. Otherwise, you may want to check out the batteries and chargers from other brands. Many of them are considerably more expensive than Skil, so it may not be worth switching.

I tried out a small drill from Dewalt to see the difference between the two brands. So far it is running well, and the tune up mode on the charger seems to work like a charm. I have put my Skil 18v batteries and charger aside for a while, and completed my garage project with my new tools.

Skil 18v batteries with lithium ion technology

You may be able to upgrade to Skil 18v lithium ion batteries

Buying a Skil 18v power tool is an investment, and replacing them because you are unhappy with their battery performance is often a waste of money. If you like the tool itself, you should either get replacement Skil 18v batteries, or see if you can upgrade them to get even better performance. A lot of times your tool will only be compatible with one battery model. In this case, your only choice is to get new ones of the same model. Chances are, you have either not maintained your batteries properly (bad charging habits), which causes them to loose performance prematurely; or they are simply past their usable age limit.

However, some 18v power tools are capable of using Skil 18v lithium ion batteries that have much better performance than the stock NiCad ones that originally came with your tool. They are a bit more expensive, but you get a lot of benefits by upgrading to them. They weight up to half the weight of NiCad, which will make your cordless tool much easier to operate. They also hold their charge for many months, so they will always be ready to use. They charge much faster and, most importantly, are not prone to memory problems that will reduce the lifespan of a NiCad battery. There are a couple of Skil 18v lithium ion batteries that may fit your power tool:

The Skil SB18B-LI 18 volt Lithium-ion battery:
This model will fit the following cordless power tool models: 2810, 2887, 2895, 2897, 4570, 5850, 5995, 7305, 9350.

The Skil SC118B-LI 18v Lithium-ion battery with 1 hour charger:
The model will fit the following cordless power tool models: 2810, 2887, 2895, 2897, 4570, 5850, 5995, 7305, 9350

If you do not have a model that is compatible with these batteries, and you are set one buying yourself a new lithium ion tool, I highly encourage you to take a look at the new models that Skil has to offer. Skil 18v batteries with lithium ion technology are very good, and can be purchased for considerably less money than models by other manufacturers such as Makita or DeWalt. These often are designed for professional users; so as a homeowner or casual user, you would be paying for features that you won’t need. Skil 18v cordless power tools and Skil 18v lithium ion batteries, chargers, parts and accessories are great value, and the best choice for people who want a “prosumer” product.

Skil Cordless Drill with 18v Batteries

There are several cordless Drills that are offered by Skil, and doing your research before buying one will make you a much happier user. Some people only use their power tools for the occasional projects, while others use them much more frequently, or even on a daily basis. Skil makes different Drills, with either 12v, 14.4v, or 18v batteries, that suit each individual’s needs.

First of all, you need to be aware of what kind of tasks you will need your Drill for. Then you must think about how often you plan to use it. This is very important in order to prevent disappointment or wasted money.

Skil 2867-02 18v Cordless Drill:
This is an entry level power tool that runs on 18volt 180BAT NiCad batteries. If you feel that you need the extra power that an 18 volt power tool provides, this is a good starting point. This Drill offers a 700 RPM, 140 in./lb. torque motor with a six position variable torque clutch. It also has an electronic LED indicator, a storage tray, a bit size indicator, and a 3/8 inch keyless chuck. Also included is the 92990 three hour charger, one 18v battery, and a carrying box.

Skil 2887-05 18-Volt Cordless 2-Speed 3/8-Inch Drill/Driver:
This is a more high-end tool that has many advantages compared to the 2867-02 Drill. It is capable of 1250 RPM, 300 inch/pounds of torque with a two speed gear box. It comes with two SB18A slide 18v battery packs and a 1 hour rapid charger.

Skil 2895LI-02 18v lithium ion cordless drill:
This is the new flagship drill that runs on skil 18v lithium ion batteries, but is also compatible with the old NiCad ones. It is even stronger than the 2887-05 with a 1450 RPM, 400 inch/pounds of torque, and an all metal gear box. The 2895LI-02 kit comes with one battery, an “ENERGY STAR” qualified charger, two drill-bits, and a carrying case.

If you find that these models are overkill for your needs, then you should consider buying a cheaper and less powerful 12v or 14.4v models. The 2467-03, for example, is equipped with a variable speed trigger that allows you to control the drilling speed. You also have control of six torque settings match that allows you to dial in the proper power for each specific job. Keep in mind though that this model offers limited power and is not capable of doing very tough jobs. You may also choose to go one step up to the 14.4 volt range which offers some extra power. The 2566-03 has a 700 RPM single variable speed motor, but with less torque than the 2867-2 18v cordless drill. The batteries are the 144BAT model, which are of the NiCad technology.

I would however recommend going for a drill with 18v batteries, since these models have superior power and features. So if you are going to use your drill a few times a month, it may be worth going for a good quality model, instead of saving a few dollars. Obviously, if you are someone who will use their drill once or twice a year, a lower powered drill will be sufficient. Remember that not all Skil 18v batteries are the same for each drill model, so make sure to buy the right ones. The lithium ion batteries are by far the best, and easiest to maintain. If you can afford the 2895LI-2 18v drill; go for it. It is highly recommended!

Proper use of Skil 18v Batteries

Treat your NiCad Skil 18v batteries well for optimum performance

It seems as though there are a lot of people who complain about batteries, for any type of device. It is no different when it comes to cordless power tools. If your Skil 18v battery does not say lithium ion on it, it is most likely a NiCad battery. This technology is not famous for lasting a lifetime. This is just the reality of batteries, even lithium ion ones. One of the biggest no-nos for NiCad 18v batteries is the fact that they do not respond well to being hooked up to a charger for longer than is required. People need to know that it is very important to follow the guideline for properly using NiCads. I also find that the manufacturer does not stress enough that mistreating your Skil 18v battery will lead to greatly reduced performance. You must follow the instruction that Skil provides with their new batteries in every way.

Maybe you have also complained that the battery in you cell phone starts to loose performance after a year. You are probably not following the guidelines for that either. Do not plug you phone in every night; wait till it is totally empty.

The same principle applies to your brand new Skil 18v battery, and every other battery type on the market. Don’t get me wrong; even with impeccable care, your battery will gradually loose its performance until it needs to be replaced. But it will last a long time, and you will definitely get your money’s worth. So get back to reality and accept the fact that your Skil 18v battery won’t last forever.

If you are often at a job site where you need to use your power tools intensively, following the proper care instructions will not be easy. Many people use rapid chargers and begin recharging their batteries while they are hot because they can’t afford to loose time. Unfortunately this is just bad for them and will considerably reduce battery-life. The smart way to solve this problem is to buy several extra Skil 18v batteries so you never run out, and allows plenty of time for cool-down before recharging is necessary. There will also be no need for a rapid charger, as this is very destructive. This may seem like a lot of money to spend in one shot, but it will pay off in the long term as the batteries will last at least twice as long. Do not forget to disconnect the Skil 18v from the charger as soon as it is done charging. All NiCads are also prone to something called memory. This means that if you do not fully use the battery’s charge, it will adjust to that charge-level and not last as long anymore.

The proper usage of your Skil 18v batteries is really very logical. Once you pay more attention to it, it will become second nature and you will be content with the battery’s performance.

For the very serious users that just can’t be bothered with the nuances of NiCad batteries, I would definitely recommend the Skil 18v lithium ion batteries. They are more expensive but can handle abuse a bit better than the NiCads. However, they will still loose performance over time.

Choosing a skil 18v battery

Learn which skil 18v battery is right for your needs

I have been in the power tool game for quite some time now, and I can tell you one thing; there are a hell of a lot of power tools on the market. Some of the most popular brands producing power tools these day are: Dewalt, Makita, Skil, Milwaukee, Bosch, Hitachi. They all make a huge selection of different power tools, ranging from cordless screwdrivers to cordless impact wrenches and tables saws. They also have to provide different sized batteries, from 7.2v to 18v and higher, to fit all of their different sized models. Then of course you got accessories and replacement parts. There is no doubt that this can be very confusing for beginner users. Choosing the right power tool and batteries for your personal needs can take some time. The first thing you need to do is decide on a brand. The last thing you want to do is mix and match. This will only cost you a lot more money and cause even more confusion. I have chosen, for the most part, to use skil 18v power tools and batteries. When you have an 18v power tool, it means that you can only use 18v batteries. This is important to know when you first make your decision on which manufacturer to do with. Try to buy tools that have the same voltage in order to make your life easier. Obviously this is not always possible, but try to keep an eye on it.

When you buy a skil 18v power tool, you will most definitely need to purchase some batteries as well. If you don't buy any right away, you will only delay the inevitable. Then you may risk being at the job site with no fresh battery, which can be a serious hassle. You may not see the need to buy additional batteries at the time that you buy the tool itself, but they will die eventually, and usually at the most inconvenient times. Therefore, it is recommended that you have at least one additional 18v battery as a backup.

Skil make a huge selection of power tools, batteries, chargers and other accessories. You must make sure that, when buying any additional Skil parts, you know if they are compatible with you model type. Even when you have narrowed it down to the parts that are compatible, you will have to make a choice. Here is the Skil 18v battery offering:

SB18A-LI (Lithium Ion Slide Pack): compatible with model #2815

SB18B-LI (Lithium Ion Battery): compatible with models #2810, #2887, #2895, #2897, #4570, #5850, #5995, #7305, #9350

SB18A (Slide Pack Battery): compatible with models #2887, #9350, #5850

SC118B-LI (Lithium Ion Battery with Charger): compatible with models #2810, #2887, #2895, #2897, #4570, #5850, #5995, #7305, #9350

180BAT (skil 18V Battery): compatible with models #2866, #2867, #2866, #2868, #2870, #2882, #2892, #2884, #2885, #5800

This pretty much covers the skil 18v battery range. All of these models are great and made to last a long time. There is a selection of chargers that fit each model, so make sure to also get an extra skil charger so you can charge two batteries at the same time. The charge time is not very long on these things, thus an extra charger will allow you to use your power tools for an extended period of time without any downtime.

Remember to always follow the instructions included with your tool or battery. Do not abuse your tools or accessories as this may void the warranty. Skil usually provides a one year limited warranty on all of their products. If you have lost the owners manual for your tool or battery, you may find it at the skil website. Their site also has many other helpful information and tips on how to properly use their their 18v tools.