Skil tools are made by Chervon, a Chinese power tool manufacturer that acquired the Skil brand from Bosch in 2017.
The brand is known for budget friendly power tools aimed at DIYers, along with the SkilSaw sub brand that targets professional contractors.
Chervon started as an OEM supplier to Bosch before eventually acquiring the entire Skil business, and the company now sells products in more than 30,000 stores across 65 countries.
Knowing who makes Skil tools helps buyers understand how a nearly century old American brand ended up under Chinese ownership.
This article covers Skil ownership, where the tools are manufactured, the brand’s relationship to SkilSaw, and answers to common Skil questions.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Makes Skil Tools And Who Owns The Brand?
Skil is owned by Chervon HK Ltd, a power tool manufacturer headquartered in Nanjing, China.
Skil was founded in 1926 by Edmond Michel and later became part of Robert Bosch GmbH in 1996 following a joint venture that began in 1992.
In August 2016, Chervon agreed to acquire the Skil brand from Bosch, and the deal was completed in 2017, giving Chervon control of Skil in North America and Europe.
Where Are Skil Tools Manufactured?
Skil’s North American headquarters relocated to Naperville, Illinois after the Chervon acquisition, though manufacturing takes place at Chervon’s own facilities.
Chervon operates manufacturing plants in Nanjing, China, giving Skil tools a primarily Chinese production base.
Chervon also acts as an OEM supplier for other brands, including Kobalt’s cordless power tools sold at Lowe’s.
What Is The Relationship Between Skil And SkilSaw?
SkilSaw was separated from the DIY focused Skil brand in 2016 to target professional contractors specifically.
Both brands remain under the same Chervon umbrella despite operating with distinct branding and positioning.
Chervon acquired both Skil and SkilSaw in the same 2017 deal with Bosch.
What Other Brands Does Chervon Own?
Chervon owns EGO, an outdoor power equipment brand it launched in 2013, along with Flex Power Tools, added to its portfolio in 2021.
The company sells professional grade tools under the Devon brand in Asian markets as a separate line from Skil.
This portfolio strategy lets Chervon compete across DIY, professional, and outdoor equipment categories under multiple brand identities.
Skil vs Ryobi: Which Budget Tool Brand Is Better?
Ryobi is owned by Techtronic Industries and sold exclusively through Home Depot, while Skil is distributed more broadly across multiple retailers.
Both brands compete directly for budget conscious DIYers with wide ranging cordless tool ecosystems.
Pricing and features between the two brands tend to be closely matched at comparable tool categories.
For more comparisons, see our guide to who makes Craftsman tools for another widely available budget tool brand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skil Tools
Who makes Skil tools?
Skil tools are made by Chervon, a Chinese power tool manufacturer that acquired the brand from Bosch in 2017.
Is Skil still owned by Bosch?
No, Bosch sold Skil to Chervon in a deal completed in 2017.
Is SkilSaw the same as Skil?
SkilSaw is a separate professional focused brand, but it is owned by the same parent company, Chervon.
Where are Skil tools made?
Skil tools are primarily manufactured in China at facilities operated by parent company Chervon.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.