Is craftsman a good brand of cordless drill?

Question

Alright I went to OSH today and bought a craftsman drill that was normally like 100bucks and got it at 50... So now I'm wondering whether or not I got a good tool... The only tools I've ever used were Ryobi and Black and Decker and they didnt have any of either of those at the store... So... Whatcha think? Is Craftsman a good tool?

I bought the 3/8'' Drill/Driver with Worklight 15.6v with 24 torque settings...

Answer 1

I've owned a 16.8V Craftsman Professional Cordless drill for about 10 years now. Here's the history:

-Got it for X-mas (cost $300CND at the time)
-Used it do build a deck that summer(approx 2000 3" deck screws + 2 doz 3/8" and 1/2" x 3" lag screws into hardwood without predrilling)
-Lasted another year or two of general household drilling before the trigger went bad (the maintenance agreement covered that, 2 new batteries, and a new chuck). Took forever to get it back, because the trigger was on back order, so I assume it was a problem for that drill.
-It got stolen, so I bought another one about 5 years ago, and it's never failed me.

Craftsman = good as B&D, Ryobi, ect, but with easier service at your local Sears.

I've used Milwaulkee, Dewalt and other Industrial Service Cordless drills and they always have the same weakness, the batteries. The industrial drills tend to have better chucks with hardened jaws and 'ratchet-lock' keyless chucks that never slip. They also tend to have tougher, metal gear housings, but are also usually heavier.

Answer 2

Sears Cordless Drill

Answer 3

I use cordless tools everyday. Craftsman cordless tools are on the very low end of the scale. But, what do you expect for 50 bucks. If you are interested in a quality cordless tool, DeWalt is as good as they come. Spend a little more and save yourself the frustration. (I just sold my old Craftsman 19.2 volt drill for $20 and felt lucky to get that much.)

Answer 4

I have a Ryobi 18 volt cordless drill that has lasted me for 2.6 years and I built a 500 ft long privacy fence and deck and it is still going strong. Craftsman is good for hand tools like wrenches and stuff but I don't know if the life time warranty applies to their cordless tools. And I don't know how long Sears will be in business.

Answer 5

You got a good drill. In cordless, I own Craftsman, DeWalt, Rigid, and Black & Decker. Ryobi is a cheap drill, just good for a home tool. I own a few craftsman cordless tools and they hold up very well.

Answer 6

Craftsman are, in my opinion, as good as Black and Decker or Ryobi. Since Craftsman, part of Sears and/or Kmart, does not actually make any tools themselves it's most likely made by Black and Decker anyway. The batteries used to be their biggest down fall but I believe the new Lithium-Ion batteries are a great improvement. FYI, If you have a Sears service center close by you can purchase reconditioned power tools at a very reasonable price and they carry the exact same warranty as the other power tools.

Answer 7

We've had alot of craftsmen brand tools - used to be ONLY carried by SEARS. Sears tends to back their tool warranties, even on drills, really well.
They are OK - good "howmeowner" type tools and wil most likeyl get the job done. They do not last as long as the heavier commerical grade tools, when under daily use, thoguh.
Id say the average Craftsman power tool is comparable to a Black and Decker.

Answer 8

I think you'll love it, I make many wood related hand crafts and my husband bought me a small Craftsman cordless drill. That was 15 years ago, it and the crafts are still going strong.

Answer 9

Craftsman make good hand tools, but never had any luck with there, Drills, Saws, ect.

Answer 10

I am a woodwork by trade and use my Makita drill everyday. I love it! As a homeowner your craftsman will last a long time. But you need to use it. I believe use makes the batteries last longer!