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Skil PWR CORE 20 Brushless 7¼" Circular Saw vs Makita 18V LXT 6-1/2" Circular Saw

Buy the Skil if you want one saw that cuts 3x lumber in a single pass and comes with two batteries. Buy the Makita if you already own Makita 18V LXT batteries and want a light, compact trim saw. The Skil has the deeper cut, the faster motor and the longer warranty; the Makita has the bigger track record and the lighter body.

  • Choose the Skil CR5429B-20 if you cut thick dimensional lumber, want two batteries in the box, and value a 5-year warranty.
  • Choose the Makita 18V LXT if you are already on the LXT battery platform and mostly cut 2x material and sheet goods.

Prices

  • Skil PWR CORE 20 Brushless 7¼" Circular Saw: $179.02 at eBay (last seen Nov 8)
  • Makita 18V LXT 6-1/2" Circular Saw: $134.98 at eBay (last seen Nov 8)
  • Difference: the Makita 18V LXT 6-1/2" Circular Saw is $44.04 cheaper than the Skil PWR CORE 20 Brushless 7¼" Circular Saw at the latest prices (Nov 8)
Skil
Skil CR5429B-20 PWR CORE 20 Brushless 7¼" Circular Saw

Skil PWR CORE 20 Brushless 7¼" Circular Saw

Skil CR5429B-20 PWR CORE 20 Brushless 7¼" Circular Saw

4.8(198 ratings)
$179.02at eBayObserved at 11:45 PM
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Pros
  • Cuts 3x lumber in one pass
  • Brushless motor at 5,300 RPM
  • Two 5.0Ah batteries included
  • Electric brake, LED light and rafter hook
  • 5-year warranty
Cons
  • Heavy at about 10.7 lb
  • Keyed blade change is slower
  • Locked into the Skil 20V platform
Makita
Makita 18V LXT Brushless 6-1/2" Circular Saw ADT with Soft Start, Lightweight Magnesium Base Tool Only

Makita 18V LXT 6-1/2" Circular Saw

Makita 18V LXT Brushless 6-1/2" Circular Saw ADT with Soft Start, Lightweight Magnesium Base Tool Only

4.7(2,446 ratings)
$134.98at eBayObserved at 11:45 PM
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Pros
  • Light and compact for overhead and trim work
  • Magnesium base holds accuracy
  • Huge LXT battery and tool ecosystem
  • Long record with thousands of owner ratings
Cons
  • 6-1/2 in blade limits cut depth
  • Brushed motor and lower RPM
  • Tool-only listing needs batteries and charger

What separates them

Skil PWR CORE 20 Brushless 7¼" Circular SawMakita 18V LXT 6-1/2" Circular Saw
Blade size and depth of cut7-1/4 in blade, 2-9/16 in depth, cuts 3x lumber in one pass6-1/2 in blade, cuts 2x at 45 degrees
MotorBrushless, 5,300 RPMBrushed high-torque motor, 3,700 RPM
Batteries in the boxTwo 5.0Ah 20V batteriesTool only in this listing, one battery shown in specs
WeightAbout 10.7 lb with batteryLighter compact body with magnesium base
Bevel range0-53 degrees0-45 degrees
Blade sideLeftLeft
Warranty5-year warrantyStandard Makita 3-year tool warranty
Battery platformSkil PWRCORE 20 onlyMakita 18V LXT, one of the largest cordless lineups

Price history

$279.00$159.00
Oct 31Nov 9
  • Skil PWR CORE 20 Brushless 7¼" Circular Saw: lowest $199.00 on Oct 31 at eBay; $279.00 on Nov 9.
  • Makita 18V LXT 6-1/2" Circular Saw: lowest $159.00 on Nov 3 at The Home Depot; $246.63 on Nov 9.

Prices at every store

Skil PWR CORE 20 Brushless 7¼" Circular Saw

  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $279.00Free shippingObserved at 11:45 PM
    Visit Walmart
  • Tractor Supply CoNew

    In stock

    $279.99Free shippingObserved at 11:45 PM
    Visit Tractor Supply Co
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownReturns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $179.02Free shippingObserved at 11:45 PM
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $279.00Free shippingObserved Nov 7, 2026, 10:21 AM
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • eBayCheck price at eBay

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All 6 stores and price history →

Makita 18V LXT 6-1/2" Circular Saw

  • eBayOpen box

    In stockSold by oldpopospartsandsupplies (100% positive, 1,389 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $119.00+ $55.30 shippingVerified
    Visit eBay
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by significantservices (99.6% positive, 58,600 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $134.98Free shippingObserved at 11:45 PM
    Visit eBay
  • The Home DepotNew

    Availability unknown

    $159.00Observed Nov 3, 2026, 7:03 AM
    Visit The Home Depot
  • WalmartNew

    Out of stockSold by The Hardware Online SpecialistReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $245.41Free shippingVerified
    Visit Walmart

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

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All 4 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecSkil PWR CORE 20 Brushless 7¼" Circular SawMakita 18V LXT 6-1/2" Circular Saw
Power SourceBatteryBattery
Voltage20 V18 V
Battery IncludedYesYes
Motor TypeBrushlessBrushed
Blade Diameter7 1/4''6 1/2 in
Blade LocationLeftLeft
colorRedMulti
size7-1/4 In.6-1/2 in.
Material CompatibilityLarger pieces of dimensional lumber, Dense wood—
Cutting MaterialWood—
Safety HighlightsElectric Brake—
Weight6.8 kg—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecSkil PWR CORE 20 Brushless 7¼" Circular SawMakita 18V LXT 6-1/2" Circular Saw
CordlessYes—
Power HighlightsDouble-battery case—
Cutting Capacity3X lumber in one pass—
Cutting Depth2 9/16 inches—
Cutting Thickness3X lumber (in one pass)—
Cutting Bevel0-53—
Cutting AngleUp to 53-degree—
Electric BrakeYes—
Motor Amperage0 Amps—
Motor Power

What reviewers say

Skil PWR CORE 20 Brushless 7¼" Circular Saw

  • 4.8 / 5198 ratings

Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 198 ratings, buyers treat this as a capable cordless framing saw. The two-battery setup and one-pass 3X cutting draw the most praise.

What people mention
  • Cutting powerPraisedOwners say the brushless motor rips through 3X lumber in one pass without stalling.
  • Battery runtimePraisedTwo 5.0Ah packs are reported to last through long framing sessions, up to 600 cuts per charge.
  • WeightCriticisedAt 10.7 lb the saw is tiring to use overhead or one-handed.
  • Blade changeMixedThe keyed arbor works but is slower than tool-free systems.

Makita 18V LXT 6-1/2" Circular Saw

  • 4.7 / 52,446 ratings

Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 2,446 ratings, owners treat it as a reliable light-duty cordless saw. Most praise the cut quality and the LXT battery platform; complaints center on the bare-tool packaging and the smaller blade size.

What people mention
  • Cut qualityPraisedOwners say it cuts straight and clean in 2x framing and trim.
  • WeightPraisedThe magnesium base keeps it light enough for one-handed work.
  • Battery platformPraisedBuyers like that it shares the 18V LXT batteries they already own.
  • Box contentsCriticised

Questions and answers

Which saw is better for cutting 4x4 posts?
The Skil. Its 7-1/4 in blade and 2-9/16 in depth cut 3x lumber in one pass. The Makita's 6-1/2 in blade needs a flip on thick stock.
Which one is easier to use overhead?
The Makita. It is lighter and more compact, which matters on rafters and trim. The Skil weighs about 10.7 lb with a battery.
Do I need to buy batteries for the Makita?
This version is tool only, so you need Makita 18V LXT batteries and a charger. The Skil ships with two 5.0Ah batteries.
Which lasts longer?
The Skil backs its tool with a 5-year warranty, longer than Makita's standard 3 years. The Makita's brushed motor will likely need brushes serviced sooner than a brushless motor.
Is the Makita worth stepping up to if I already own LXT batteries?
Yes, if you want a light trim saw and already have the batteries. If you need deep cuts in thick lumber, the Skil is the better single saw.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best cordless circular saws for DIY and job-site work
40V power
—
Motor Speed5,300 RPM—
Blade Length7.25 Inches—
Blade TypeCircular—
Blade Change SystemKeyed—
Battery Amp Hours5 Ah—
Bevel Capacity53 deg—
Number of Batteries Included2—
Arbor Size5/8 in.—
Tool Weight10.7 lb—
Volts20V—
Maximum Speed5300 rpm—
Diameter7-1/4 in.—
Tool Length18.11—
Country Of Origin—China
Battery Technology—Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity—5 Ah
Number Of Batteries—1
Voltage (V)—18.0
Some buyers were surprised it ships as a bare tool with no battery or charger.