Help deciding 19.2v craftsman or 12v dewalt

[gustophersmob]

Howdy!

I believe this is my firts post here, although I've been reading and lurking for awhile.

I am looking for input/advise. My parents got me a Craftsman 19.2v C3 XCP li-ion drill/driver and impact combo for Christmas yesterday.

Today my in-laws got me a 12v DeWalt max power li-ion drill/driver impact combo.

Sooo, since I only would really need one set, which should I keep?

My primary use would be general around the house DIY type stuff. I also have a nice 1/2" corded drill, so I've got a fall-back for higher torque needs if the 12V doesn't cut it.

Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas!

 

[shoturtle]

Re: Help deciding 18v craftsman or 12v dewalt

I have both bosch 12v and 18v, depending on the job around the house I will pull out the 18v or the 12v. Especially true with impactor working area.

 

[gustophersmob]

Yeah, I can see some advantage of having both, but realistically I wouldn't use them enough to justify it.

What kind of uses can you do with the 18v that a 12v couldn't handle? Probably the most taxing task I've had with my corded drill was drilling some hole for carriage bolts through 4x4's. This was a very uncommon use for me, though, and my corded drill handled it just fine.

 

[Cobbzor]

Id lean towards the 12v, I had the craftsman stuff and my 12v Bosch made it look like ****

 

[shoturtle]

If I were to pick one, 18v system is what I would keep. I use my 18v stuff for most things.

 

[itguy08]

Not a Dewalt fan at all. I've got a bunch of C3 stuff and I'd go with that if it were between the 2. You can more affordably "grow into" the C3 stuff.

However if you want, probably the best 12v platform - Milwaukee M12. Tons of tools, very well built, and long warranty. That's where I've got a bunch of tools and it works great!

 

[DanarchyCustoms]

I would keep the 12- Volt Dewalt set. I've used the Craftsman set that my friend had and I was less than impressed. I didnt think they were all that powerful, kinda bulky and after a few months you could tell the batteries were on their way out and because of that I would lean towards using the Dewalt set. I've never had a problem with any of the Dewalt Cordless drills and highly recommend them but I'm sure that I'm a bit bias.

 

[shoturtle]

But he has the Li ion, they last way longer then the older ni cad batteries. Which most of the C3 came with in the past.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

For up grading the craftsman has a lot of tools and easy to find on Craigslist but I'm sure the dewalt even being 12 volt is lighter and comparable on power.

 

[coal_man]

As you can tell, you'll get a lot of different opinions on the two. I have no experience with the dewalt, but my 19.2 volt craftsman has performed very well for several years now.

coal_man

 

[retDAC]

Don't know your needs, but this has been pretty good for me: http://www.sears.com/craftsman-c3-1...p-07174832000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

My other 19.2v stuff has been good for home use. The bottom of the line batteries aren't great but adequate. They used to have an "EX" model that was much better. No experience with the Li-Ion.

 

[jhelrey]

Just an FYI, I have a brand new Dewalt Impact and Drill with 2 batteries, case, and charger for $165 shipped.

I also have another set and they are sweet! I use them constantly for work as a maint. tech.

 

[loosewingnut]

I would return both of them and then get the dewalt 18v. That set is fantastic and dewalt li-ion batteries are awesome. I like this route because dewalt keeps all their stuff backwards compatible so you can use either battery (li-ion or NiCD) and dewalt has a ton of other tools that run off their 18v platform. I always worry with craftsman that something will change and then you will have to buy a new tool when you need batteries. With the dewalt whenever you need new batteries, just buy a combo pack in another tool and then you have new batteries and a new tool.

 

[retDAC]

... With the dewalt whenever you need new batteries, just buy a combo pack in another tool and then you have new batteries and a new tool.

I have friend who has done exactly this because "It's so much cheaper per item than just buying a battery or two."

Which is technically true, but he now has more tools and chargers than he can ever use and not that many batteries.

 

[Danglerb]

Are you sure you can return either of them on good terms?

Some places allow a return, but without a receipt they only give you credit for the lowest sale price in the last six months, even if that is half of what the gift giver paid. If its a toss up on which to keep, return terms might shift the balance.

What kind of impact is in each combo, hex drive or square? Not enough to just say the brand, look up both of the specific items and see what sort of comments they get.

OTOH which set of parents do you want to PO? And if you don't tell them what do you do when they start adding matching items for your Bday etc?

 

[reptilezs]

i would keep the 12v stuff is great for quick and easy jobs. they work for almost everything. 18v stuff is bulkier and you don't need the power most of the time

 

[tarbellb]

Keep the Dewalt stuff, way better quality. I would NOT keep both types, batteries are going to be your biggest investment.

Really look over the details of both, fit and finish, run out on the chuck, trigger sensitivity, battery features (low level, charge time) etc..... If you dont notice a difference (and you should, Craftsmen simply is not as good) then maybe keep the C3 line due to lower investment cost?

And this is coming from a guy who doesnt really like Dewalt that much.

 

[SantaAna12]

I have worked with guys that had the CMan and liked it. I use the Dewalt 18V line and prefer it over the CMan. I think there is a 25 off 100$ on Amazon right now for Dewalt stuff. I see the Dewalt as a better value, if you can buy it right.

 

[KLG73]

keep the dewalt, 12 volt stuff is very good. you wont be disapointed.

 

[ddawg16]

I would go with neither.....

Look at the 18V stuff....think long term...who has the most # of tools that use the same battery? It seems like Craftsman is changing stuff every 2-3 years.

I have the Ryobi 18v stuff....about 6-7 tools that use the same battery....except for the new stuff using Lithium (which work in the old tools), I'm using the same batteries that I was 12 years ago.

Ask any guy who has 3-4 different chargers what he would do different....you will get the same story....buy all the same brand & voltage.

 

[Shocker]

My dad has the newer 19.2 Li-Ion stuff and he has really used the hell out of it putting up a loft storage area in his 40x60 shop. He is very happy with it.

 

[itguy08]

Look at the 18V stuff....think long term...who has the most # of tools that use the same battery? It seems like Craftsman is changing stuff every 2-3 years.

... snip...

Ask any guy who has 3-4 different chargers what he would do different....you will get the same story....buy all the same brand & voltage.

The 19.2 line has been out for quite a while. If it were not for a basement flood last year that submerged my Craftsman 19.2 drill from 2005, I would still be using it today. The LiIon batteries of today are good to go with any of the C3 tools and some of the pre C3 19.2v EX tools.

That being said, if you were/are lookng for a 12v and 18v set, look long and hard at Milwaukee M12/M18. They have lots of great tools in both sets and their newer chargers will charge both batteries. I'm migrating that way and love the tools.

 

[gustophersmob]

Well, thanks for your thoughts, all.

Lowes was running a sale on the DeWalt 20v max drill/driver and impact kit, so thats what I ended up with. Seems a good compromise between power and size.

 

[tarbellb]

Hey I would say you did well, thats what I just ended up buying to fill in while my Hitachi 18v Li-on set gets warranted (5+ yrs of solid hard service).

But definitely look into replacing the shtty Jacobs 400 series chuck that comes with the drill! Put a long drill bit in it, place tip near a stationary object and watch the runout on it, disgusting that Dewalt let these out the door like that.

Its a well documented issue with the gun, see the Amazon reviews. But the rest of the gun seems pretty well made, so all you need to do is replace the chuck.

I found a really great deal on a excellent Jacobs 7000 series 1/2" chuck (same specs as the OE) at Cripe

http://www.cripedistributing.com/ja...ngle-sleeve-drill-chuck-1-2-20-thread-ro.html

I just replaced mine (5 min job w star wrench) with this and its a great swap, same chuck my Hitachi came with. Bullet proof.

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

I'm not a professional nor do I use my stuff everyday. Amateur road racer and do stuff around the house, on the race car, and at the track.

I am VERY happy with the Craftsman C3 19.2volt cordless tools. Since 2006 I have acquired most of them. They are great. I'm still using the Ni-Cad batteries ... haven't made the switch to Ni-Ion which are lighter.

The only disappointments I've had are the leaf blower (doesn't seem to have enough "blow" ... L-I battery might make a difference) and the incandenscent work like (came apart).

Impact is excellent to bust the lug nuts off and back on my Cup car all day long. Hedge trimmer is great. Reciprocating saw works great (especially with quality blades). etc. etc. etc.

The prices are reasonable. Highly recommend.

 

[GSteg]

For up grading the craftsman has a lot of tools and easy to find on Craigslist but I'm sure the dewalt even being 12 volt is lighter and comparable on power.

Definitely lighter, but not comparable in power at all. The Craftsman 18v is more powerful, but that should be a given.

 

[gustophersmob]

Hey I would say you did well, thats what I just ended up buying to fill in while my Hitachi 18v Li-on set gets warranted (5+ yrs of solid hard service).

But definitely look into replacing the shtty Jacobs 400 series chuck that comes with the drill! Put a long drill bit in it, place tip near a stationary object and watch the runout on it, disgusting that Dewalt let these out the door like that.

Its a well documented issue with the gun, see the Amazon reviews. But the rest of the gun seems pretty well made, so all you need to do is replace the chuck.

I found a really great deal on a excellent Jacobs 7000 series 1/2" chuck (same specs as the OE) at Cripe

http://www.cripedistributing.com/ja...ngle-sleeve-drill-chuck-1-2-20-thread-ro.html

I just replaced mine (5 min job w star wrench) with this and its a great swap, same chuck my Hitachi came with. Bullet proof.

I read the reviews and tested mine. It does not appear to have much perceptible wobble to me. Althoug, I may still get the chuck you recommend, at that price why not. Have you received yours yet? Looking at the poor photo, it is hard to tell if it is a Jacobs or not (can't make out any markings).

I'm also curious as that PN doesn't appear to match anything on Jacobs site.

 

[tarbellb]

I read the reviews and tested mine. It does not appear to have much perceptible wobble to me. Althoug, I may still get the chuck you recommend, at that price why not. Have you received yours yet? Looking at the poor photo, it is hard to tell if it is a Jacobs or not (can't make out any markings).

I'm also curious as that PN doesn't appear to match anything on Jacobs site.

Yes I have received AND installed mine. Its a excellent chuck, labeled as a Jacobs single sleeve 7000 series chuck. Same as my Hitachi that has provided tons of reliable use.

Make sure you get Single Sleeve, as the double sleeve requires two hands to adjust. Less parts to break as well.

For that price its a STEAL. I even posted it in the "HOT DEALS" section. I would gladly put this chuck on all my drills.

 

[gustophersmob]

Yes I have received AND installed mine. Its a excellent chuck, labeled as a Jacobs single sleeve 7000 series chuck. Same as my Hitachi that has provided tons of reliable use.

Make sure you get Single Sleeve, as the double sleeve requires two hands to adjust. Less parts to break as well.

For that price its a STEAL. I even posted it in the "HOT DEALS" section. I would gladly put this chuck on all my drills.

Thanks for the tip. I found the same site selling the same chuck on ebay with a little cheaper shipping, so I ordered it. I'll report back once I get it.