If you are looking for a power tool brand ideal for professionals, then you might want to skip this article and check out my list of the best brands instead to find another one that suits your needs.
However, if you are a homeowner looking for a tool that can be used to fix a thing or two around the house or a DIYer looking to get started with woodworking, then both Ryobi and Skil are options worth considering.
Continue reading to learn about the two brands. I will take you through their history, product portfolios, and quality to help you decide which of the two brands to pick.
A Brief History of Ryobi and Skil
Ryobi Seisakusho Co., Ltd. was founded in 1943 in Japan. In 1961 the company began manufacturing offset printing presses and began production of power tools in 1968. The company’s name changed in 1973 to its current one.
The company operates about a dozen manufacturing facilities across six countries. In 1985, Ryobi launched production in Shelbyville, Indiana, which to date is it’s only manufacturing location in the United States Its tools are manufactured by Techtronic Industries which is headquartered in Hong Kong.
The same company also manufactures tools for Ridgid, Milwaukee, Dirt Devil, and Vax.
Skil’s history is even older. Founded in 1924 as the Michel Electric Hand Saw Co. to make the Skilsaw, a handheld circular saw, the company was renamed to Skilsaw, Inc. in 1926. It was finally renamed as Skil in 1952 as the company started expanding its product portfolio.
In 1995, Skil became a subsidiary of Bosch. Finally, in 2016, Skil was acquired by Chervon. Skil Power Tools is based in Naperville, Illinois.
Ryobi
Skil
Ryobi vs. Skil: Which Offers Better Quality?
Both Skil and Ryobi make quality products, and both are targeted especially towards DIYers and homeowners. That’s especially the case with Ryobi which positioned itself as an affordable tool brand targeting DIYers, homeowners, and enthusiast users.
While it is true that Ryobi is more of a consumer brand, it can also be used by pros. Ryobi’s 18V One+ cordless power tool lineup has a decent product selection and delivers solid performance.
Skil has designed its power tools for consumers, not for professionals, too and it shows in the performance. While their power saws are good enough for professional use, in general, their other tools aren’t robust enough for long-term daily use.
Which Offers a Better Warranty?
Ryobi offers the industry-standard three-year limited warranty on all power tools. It also has a 90-day exchange policy. To get your tool repaired, you will need to return it, properly packaged and postage prepaid, to an authorized service center.
When you request warranty service, you must also present proof of purchase documentation, which includes the date of purchase. Ryobi will repair any faulty workmanship, and either repair or replace any defective part within 90 days or less.
Skil has an industry-leading five-year warranty against workmanship defects and material for the original purchaser if the product is registered within 30 days of purchase.
Ryobi vs. Skil: Which Has a Better Product Portfolio?
Ryobi has a large catalog of 18V ONE+ power tools and accessories, with over a hundred power tools such as drills, blowers, foggers, drivers, work lights, and more. It offers a selection of over a dozen drivers and drills which can also be purchased as combo kits.
The company’s 40V product line may not be as extensive as its 18V ONE+ line, but it includes lawnmowers, pole saws, chain saws, leaf mulchers, and several other gardening equipment types.
Skil has an extensive catalog of power tools as well, with eight 20V hammer drills, and nine 20V drill drivers, impact drivers and drills.
They also have sanders, saws, lasers, grinders, vacuums, speakers, lights, and much more. Skil also has a selection of gardening equipment.
Which Brand Offers a Better Selection of Saws?
Saws are what Skil is famous for, and their product catalog doesn’t disappoint in this regard.
Their 20V Powercore line-up includes around a dozen reciprocating saws, jigsaws, circular saws, and their 12V Powercore line-up includes four saws as well.
Meanwhile, Ryobi offers five different circular saws, four jigsaws, six miter saws, and three reciprocating saws in its 18V ONE+ line-up.
Which Brand Offers a Better Selection of Drill Presses?
Both Skil and Ryobi have just one 10-inch drill press in their tool catalogs, so it’s a tie.
Which of the Two Brands Should You Choose?
If you are starting out as a DIYer, woodworker, hobbyist, or need some tools for jobs around the house, Ryobi is a great choice. If you decide to only buy Ryobi products, you’ll find pretty much everything you need for any DIY job you can conceive.
Skil is also a decent choice for DIYers, but Ryobi has the edge over Skil in this category.
If you are a professional looking for tools that you can use daily, opt for another brand. Neither Ryobi nor Skil can offer the robustness and performance that a professional will need to get a job done day in, day out.
Summary
To repeat what I said a number of times throughout the article, if you are looking for tools to be used heavily on a daily basis, then you will want neither Ryobi nor Skil. However, if you only need to use them occasionally or are on a budget, then they are both decent options.
While Skil is well-known for its saws, Ryobi is well-known for having a wide portfolio of both regular tools as well as gardening equipment. It’s also known for its bright green color.
It’s fair to say that you will be happy with either of the two brands. Even then, though, personally, I would go with Ryobi which has a better selection of tools and a community of fans looking to help each other.
How Do Ryobi and Skil Compare with Other Brands?
See how Ryobi compares with: Black & Decker | Bosch | Kobalt | Craftsman | DeWalt | Makita | Milwaukee | Porter-Cable | Ridgid | Skil | WEN | Worx
See how Skil compares with: Black & Decker | Bosch | DeWalt