Craftsmen cordless tool quality?

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Fiveohhh
My friend used to have dewalt, and after dropping it off a roof a few times it decided to quit working. He bought a Craftsman as a replacement and to me it seemed quite a bit "clunkier". I tried to get him to go with Milwaukee The craftsman just didn't hold up for him after bringing it in for repair twice(which wasn't under warranty since he used it for work). He went back to dewalt after a few months.

Well DeWalt is the OEM for many of Sears power tools....I don't know which craftsman he had but if he was using a low level one then that could be why. My 19.2V has cut hole in metal, 4"+ holes in 3/4" plywood, self tapped concrete lags 4"+ into masonry, polished a windshield, put at least 1000 screws into pine.

 

[Fiveohhh]

Originally posted by: Ornery
Snap On is the only way to go...

Man, they're just sick. Their prices are ludicrous! I'll plunk down the money for good tools, even if they're a good bit more expensive than the norm, but Snap-On is out of their flippin' mind with their pricing.

Trouble with cordless tools is the batteries, which are inherently expensive. A 14V unit has 12 Sub-C NiCD cells in it. When you get into the 2500mAh range, that's over $3.00 per cell! Once you commit to a brand, you'll have to keep on buying their batteries, which will only last so many years. That also limits you to the other tools they offer for that size battery. I simply had top go with Milwaukee for the cordless drill, because I knew I'd want the cordless Sawzall someday. No other company comes close where the Sawzall is concerned. When Milwaukee released the new "Hatchet", that was just icing on the cake.

Your decision of what brand cordless tools (and batteries) to invest in, should NOT be taken lightly! :Q

You can get the milwaukee combo at HD now for about $350 and either another batt, a radio or a threebay charger.

 

[AlienCraft]

Craftsman Cordless tools are rebranded Ryobi.
They are very good and assembled in the US, here in Anderson, SC.
Use the flashlight to run the batteries all the way down before re-charging.

I have both Ryobi and Craftsman cordless and like them very much.

PM me if you want some extra batteries, my Sister in law works there.

 

[zoiks]

Bought the craftsman cordless screwdriver with the tilting/folding handle. 2 months and now it doesnt work when the handle is folded. One year warranty on the piece of $hit. I dont have the receipt anymore and Sears wont exchange it.

 

[T2T III]

Originally posted by: zoiks
Bought the craftsman cordless screwdriver with the tilting/folding handle. 2 months and now it doesnt work when the handle is folded. One year warranty on the piece of $hit. I dont have the receipt anymore and Sears wont exchange it.

I hate to break it to you, but a cordless screwdriver - by any brand, is going to be a P.O.S. If you intend on driving screws, get something with enough torque and staying power to complete the job. From my experience, the cordless "screwdrivers" are basically just good for removing and installing the screws that hold light switch covers on. For bigger screws, you need to get into another league.

With that being said, Sears should be able to assist you by searching for the transaction when you purchased the screwdriver. Maybe, they could search your transactions by pulling up your phone number in their system?

 

[zoiks]

Originally posted by: Tiles2Tech

Originally posted by: zoiks
Bought the craftsman cordless screwdriver with the tilting/folding handle. 2 months and now it doesnt work when the handle is folded. One year warranty on the piece of $hit. I dont have the receipt anymore and Sears wont exchange it.

I hate to break it to you, but a cordless screwdriver - by any brand, is going to be a P.O.S. If you intend on driving screws, get something with enough torque and staying power to complete the job. From my experience, the cordless "screwdrivers" are basically just good for removing and installing the screws that hold light switch covers on. For bigger screws, you need to get into another league.

With that being said, Sears should be able to assist you by searching for the transaction when you purchased the screwdriver. Maybe, they could search your transactions by pulling up your phone number in their system?

Thanks for the advice regarding getting the transaction info from Sears but I have to say that I disagree with you on cordless screwdrivers. My experience with B&D's and Milwaukees has been pretty good. Cordless screwdrivers are not new to me. They do have enough torque for most jobs around the house, assembling furniture etc. I'm not using it for drilling or doing anything that they are not meant for. I'm not sure which screwdriver you bought that you though were good enough for open screws for light switch covers but I guess you got 'screwed' there.

 

[alkemyst]

When you guys are bringing up failed tools you should bring up the rating on them, at least the Voltage.

If you are trying to but 2 1/2" drywall screws into a metal frame with a 4.8V cordless screwdriver you may get the first few in, but somehow I am willing to bet before the job is over so will the tool be.

 

[arcas]

Bought the 19.2V EX drill+light kit online yesterday to take advantage of the 10% off deal. Dropped by the store this morning to pick it up and they had none in stock and no shipments expected until the first week of '05. Instead, they let me take the drill/screwdriver/studfinder kit instead. Same drill, just with the screwdriver/studfinder instead of the light. I think I'll give the screwdriver and studfinder away as Christmas gifts.

Initial impressions...maybe a little larger than my Harbor Freight drill, offers a lot more torque even on the lowest setting. Nice to have a 1 hour battery charger, too. The HF charger took 10-12 hours.

 

[vi edit]

The following is a HOT DEAL!

18V 1/2 in. Lok-Tor? Hammer-Drill, Sawzall - the Hatchet® Reciprocating Saw, Circular Saw & Worklight Combo Kit Special Price: $359.00

Nice deal!

My Dad uses Milwaukee tools exclusively. He always uses his work tools for personal stuff though. This will make a nice gift

He's already got the shop radio though, but another one will never hurt. Are these available in store at this price? And can anyone PM me a coupon if there's one available for HD

 

[vi edit]

Lowe's has the same deal as well on that Milwaukee set -

http://www.lowes.com/lkn?actio...Id=165111-2138-0923-29

 

[JulesMaximus]

I have Craftman wrenches and mechanics tools but for power tools I like DeWalt. I've been able to find some good deals on the DeWalt tools I have and I couldn't be happier with them. I have a compound mitre saw, 14.4 cordless drill, a 16 gauge finish nailer and a power sander. I just picked up this finish nailer a couple weeks ago to help replace the base molding in my family room (planning on doing other rooms in the house later). I could have bought a Porter Cable for the same price but decided on the DeWalt instead.

 

[GasX]

If you are not a contractor abusing your tools EVERY day, then Craftsman is an AWEsome way to go.

If it EVER breaks, it gets replaced... PERIOD.

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: Mwilding
If you are not a contractor abusing your tools EVERY day, then Craftsman is an AWEsome way to go.

If it EVER breaks, it gets replaced... PERIOD.

Maybe hand tools. Not power tools. Power tools come with a year warranty.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: AlienCraft
Craftsman Cordless tools are rebranded Ryobi.
They are very good and assembled in the US, here in Anderson, SC.
Use the flashlight to run the batteries all the way down before re-charging.

I have both Ryobi and Craftsman cordless and like them very much.

PM me if you want some extra batteries, my Sister in law works there.

I had a Ryobi 12v cordless drill and it sucked. The keyless chuck was horrible and I could never tighten it down enough on a drill bit to keep it from slipping even drilling into pine. I have never had a bit slip in my DeWalt (I know, they both use Jacobs chucks but the one that came in the Ryobi was really crap). I did end up replacing the chuck and that cured the problem but a chuck is $40 which is half the cost of a new drill. Not long after that the battery charging unit died. I only had that drill for about 4 years. I used it quite a bit though to build my patio cover and help a friend drywall a large addition on his house. He had the same drill and dropped his from a 12' ladder. Still kept working though.

When the battery charger died I tossed it and bought a DeWalt 14.4v.

 

[GasX]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
Maybe hand tools. Not power tools. Power tools come with a year warranty.

really? bummer...
They're still good though...

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: Mwilding

Originally posted by: vi_edit
Maybe hand tools. Not power tools. Power tools come with a year warranty.

really? bummer...
They're still good though...

Well, that's just what the Sear's website says when you click on warranty information. I couldn't really find a clear cut warranty period on the EX line though.

For light home use you can't go wrong with Craftsmen for the money. For daily use though, in a commercial setting there are better choices.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Mwilding

Originally posted by: vi_edit
Maybe hand tools. Not power tools. Power tools come with a year warranty.

really? bummer...
They're still good though...

Really really. Craftman power tools have a 1 year warranty just like everyone else.

 

[Ornery]

I hate to break it to you, but a cordless screwdriver - by any brand, is going to be a P.O.S.

You truly have NOT used a serious cordless drill, that's FOR SURE! Do you NOT realize how much torque 450 in-lbs is? Not as much as a corded drill, but PLENTY to drive 3" long deck screws, one after another for an hour. Oh, and that's just the 14V job. The 18V units crank out 495 lb. in. of torque! They'll burry a 3/8" masonry bit in solid concrete, up to the chuck inside of a minute!


He's already got the shop radio though, but another one will never hurt. Are these available in store at this price?

They're only about $79.00 at HD, which is the lowest price I've seen. No coupons, sorry.


I have to reiterate that whatever brand you buy, commits you to their batteries and other tools. DeWalt makes a decent drill (the newer ones are without wobble), but their reciprocating saws don't come close to Milwaukee's.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

Originally posted by: Ornery
I hate to break it to you, but a cordless screwdriver - by any brand, is going to be a P.O.S.

You truly have NOT used a serious cordless drill, that's FOR SURE! Do you NOT realize how much torque 450 in-lbs is? Not as much as a corded drill, but PLENTY to drive 3" long deck screws, one after another for an hour. Oh, and that's just the 14V job. The 18V units crank out 495 lb. in. of torque! They'll burry a 3/8" masonry bit in solid concrete, up to the chuck inside of a minute!


He's already got the shop radio though, but another one will never hurt. Are these available in store at this price?

They're only about $79.00 at HD, which is the lowest price I've seen. No coupons, sorry.


I have to reiterate that whatever brand you buy, commits you to their batteries and other tools. DeWalt makes a decent drill (the newer ones are without wobble), but their reciprocating saws don't come close to Milwaukee's.

Ornery,

I could be wrong, but I think he was talking about cordless screwdrivers, noit drills. You know, the things that look like a vibrator with a phillips tip.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: vi_edit

Originally posted by: Mwilding

Originally posted by: vi_edit
Maybe hand tools. Not power tools. Power tools come with a year warranty.

really? bummer...
They're still good though...

Well, that's just what the Sear's website says when you click on warranty information. I couldn't really find a clear cut warranty period on the EX line though.

For light home use you can't go wrong with Craftsmen for the money. For daily use though, in a commercial setting there are better choices.

All Craftsman power tools and specialty tools (torque wrenches are an example) that the user can easily screw up are 1 year.

Mechanical tools lifetime....no questions asked in store replacement.

Stanley and the like have lifetime on many tools too, but you have to send the tool in at your cost.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: arcas
Bought the 19.2V EX drill+light kit online yesterday to take advantage of the 10% off deal. Dropped by the store this morning to pick it up and they had none in stock and no shipments expected until the first week of '05. Instead, they let me take the drill/screwdriver/studfinder kit instead. Same drill, just with the screwdriver/studfinder instead of the light. I think I'll give the screwdriver and studfinder away as Christmas gifts.

Initial impressions...maybe a little larger than my Harbor Freight drill, offers a lot more torque even on the lowest setting. Nice to have a 1 hour battery charger, too. The HF charger took 10-12 hours.

I really wish I looked at the 3, 4, 5, 6 piece combos when I bought my 2 piece at $109. (the drill alone sells for $99.99 I think still, 19.2V EX)...I may be a little off on my prices but the 6 piece included everything and was $169 at my local sears....I may buy it and give the light and drill to someone else then keep the cut off and reciprocating saw, the nailer, and the sander for myself.

the 3 or 4 piece set was actually the most expensive ($189) with the same tools.....

 

[Ornery]

I think he was talking about cordless screwdrivers, not drills.

Yow, he sure was! Sorry.

I bought a cheap $19.00 Ryobi 6V kit to use instead of a cordless screwdriver. They make great gifts!

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: arcas
Bought the 19.2V EX drill+light kit online yesterday to take advantage of the 10% off deal. Dropped by the store this morning to pick it up and they had none in stock and no shipments expected until the first week of '05. Instead, they let me take the drill/screwdriver/studfinder kit instead. Same drill, just with the screwdriver/studfinder instead of the light. I think I'll give the screwdriver and studfinder away as Christmas gifts.

Initial impressions...maybe a little larger than my Harbor Freight drill, offers a lot more torque even on the lowest setting. Nice to have a 1 hour battery charger, too. The HF charger took 10-12 hours.

I really wish I looked at the 3, 4, 5, 6 piece combos when I bought my 2 piece at $109. (the drill alone sells for $99.99 I think still, 19.2V EX)...I may be a little off on my prices but the 6 piece included everything and was $169 at my local sears....I may buy it and give the light and drill to someone else then keep the cut off and reciprocating saw, the nailer, and the sander for myself.

the 3 or 4 piece set was actually the most expensive ($189) with the same tools.....

nevermind that $169 was supposed to be $269. They honored that *yesterday* though ....

They have a kit without the stapler/nailer for $169 though....a pretty good deal...they also have the ultimate kit for $299 on sale now which includes a rolling cart/toolbox, two batteries, charger, reciprocating saw, trim saw, right angle drill, 1/2" drill, florescent light, and the nailer/stapler.

I hope no one buys the single battery trimsaw/reciprocating saw at $149 though that's the worse deal there.

 

[Fiveohhh]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Mwilding

Originally posted by: vi_edit
Maybe hand tools. Not power tools. Power tools come with a year warranty.

really? bummer...
They're still good though...

Really really. Craftman power tools have a 1 year warranty just like everyone else.

Milwaukee has a 5 year on the tools and 1 year on the batts

 

[psiu]

Craftsman should be good enough.



I have a DeWalt....was a cable contractor.

Maybe look at something like the DeWalt 14.4 volt lineup....they have lots of tools in the cordless lineup and the batteries will be interchangeable, (within the same voltage lineup, that is).

Certainly depends on a) how much use you will put into it;

and b) the scope of the projects.

If it's going to be some big time home projects (heavy remodeling) for a few months a year for several years, then maybe take the jump to Dewalt, Milwaukee...

If it's some smaller projects (build a bookcase on the weekend) a couple times a year, then the Craftsman will be more than sufficient.


Runtime isn't a problem....my 18 volt hammerdrill lasted plenty long on a charge.