Craftsman 19.2v C3 Fans

[duwem]

Anyone have a source for just the string trimmer? Don't need a blower or batteries/ charger. Will consider used too.

 

[ptgarcia]

Anybody use the 18ga C3 Brad Nailer? I'd could use a brad nailer for occasional use and have both the C3 and Milwaukee M18 platforms I can build on, but I think the C3 is the better value for me. The C3 is $120 vs $330 for the Milwaukee, both bare tools. I could buy the C3 1/2" Impact Wrench Kit for another $136 and get both for less than just the Milwaukee bare nailer. So can anyone comment on the nailer for the occasional user?

Thanks!

 

[71goldss]

Anybody use the 18ga C3 Brad Nailer? I'd could use a brad nailer for occasional use and have both the C3 and Milwaukee M18 platforms I can build on, but I think the C3 is the better value for me. The C3 is $120 vs $330 for the Milwaukee, both bare tools. I could buy the C3 1/2" Impact Wrench Kit for another $136 and get both for less than just the Milwaukee bare nailer. So can anyone comment on the nailer for the occasional user?

Thanks!

No experience with the C3 or Milwaukee brad nailers, but since it's for occasional use and you're doing price comparisons, I would suggest the Harbor Freight pneumatic nailer for under $20 if you have access to air. I bought one and have no regrets for no more than I use it! If I were to use daily or remotely, I would have considered the C3 or Milwaukee as you are.

 

[ptgarcia]

No experience with the C3 or Milwaukee brad nailers, but since it's for occasional use and you're doing price comparisons, I would suggest the Harbor Freight pneumatic nailer for under $20 if you have access to air. I bought one and have no regrets for no more than I use it! If I were to use daily or remotely, I would have considered the C3 or Milwaukee as you are.

Thanks for the response! Unfortunately, my little compressor is insufficient for air tools.

 

[71goldss]

Thanks for the response! Unfortunately, my little compressor is insufficient for air tools.

Though I have a 5hp 2-stage compressor, I still use a pancake compressor for the brad nailer. It doesn't take much air to opperate a nailer. It's just short bursts of air.

 

[DeadPedal]

I have the c3 brad nailer and love it. No dragging an air hose around the house. I'm no pro, only use it a couple times per year. Super convenient tho, works well.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[seatonii]

I have one as well. I also have an air brad nailer too. When I bought the C3, the air one has not been out of the case. I would definitely recommend.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[71goldss]

I have one as well. I also have an air brad nailer too. When I bought the C3, the air one has not been out of the case. I would definitely recommend.

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I'm a C3 fan and have no regrets on the tools that I have in that line, other than maybe the right angle drill. That said, I only suggested the HF pneumatic nailer at under $20 because ptgarcia was price compairing between the C3 and Milwaukee.

Though I'm sure the C3 nailer is great, one thing to consider is that the C3 nailer weighs 6.5 lbs with the battery according to Sears' website. According to HF's website, their pneumatic nailer only weighs 2.2 lbs. Sure it has an air hose, but still very light weight, so to me it might be kind of a toss-up. Depends on just how portable you want to be? I just now looked at that C3 nailer on Sears' website and my first impression was, "damn that looks big and heavy!". I'm not a professional and I use on DIY projects myself. I have no regrets having saved a lot of money by just going with the HF pneumatic.

 

[duwem]

What don't you like about the right angle drill?

I have the standard drill and the chuck has a lot to be desired for. Hard to get round bits tight enough and sometimes hex bits fall out over time.

I actually have 2 drills, look very similar, one has a small light built in, that one might be a newer/better design?

 

[71goldss]

What don't you like about the right angle drill?

I have the standard drill and the chuck has a lot to be desired for. Hard to get round bits tight enough and sometimes hex bits fall out over time.

I actually have 2 drills, look very similar, one has a small light built in, that one might be a newer/better design?

I don't like the size and of it. It's huge! I bought it about five or six years ago in a kit that came with a standard drill. I also don't care for that standard drill either! It's also huge! I've since bought two of the C3 compact drills and love those! Since I'm also invested in the Milwaukee m12/m18 platform, I purchased the m12 right angle drill and just received it in the mail today. The size comparison is a night and day difference.



BTW, I ordered a Jacobs #31048 1/2" chuck from Amazon for one of my C3 compact drills and love it! It may have been early in this thread where I read about it, but not sure? Appears to be only $13.50 right now on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WEIJFW/?tag=atomicindus08-20
or
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jacobs-3104...953915?hash=item5b15dee83b:g:MecAAOSwjVVVsqpg

This is basically the two drills that I have that I love. Craftsman used to call it their compact drill, but it appears they've dropped the word "compact" now. It's actually about the size of a standard Milwaukee m18 drill.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-c3-l...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3

 

[ptgarcia]

Thanks for all the help, guys.

71goldss, I am price shopping more from a "whats the best value for me" position rather than a "what's least expensive" stand point. I'm fortunate enough to be able to buy either setup, I'm just trying to make the wisest choice. Sounds like the C3 is a fine machine and will work great for me the handful of times I'll use it.

Paul

 

[71goldss]

Thanks for all the help, guys.

71goldss, I am price shopping more from a "whats the best value for me" position rather than a "what's least expensive" stand point. I'm fortunate enough to be able to buy either setup, I'm just trying to make the wisest choice. Sounds like the C3 is a fine machine and will work great for me the handful of times I'll use it.

Paul

Understood and good luck on whichever you choose!

 

[ptgarcia]

Well yesterday Sears surprised with $20 is free rewards points or whatever they call it so I went ahead and ordered the nailer. For $99 for the bare tool I don't think I could go wrong!

Paul

 

[duwem]

Ya the standard drills are huge compared to the M18.

Thanks for the link on the chucks. May try that. I ordered a few of the LED bulbs for the flashlight as referenced in the thread.

Bought second hand and in the mail now a right angle drill, jig saw, circular saw with laser, impact driver, sawzall, stapler, vac and 2 multi chemistry chargers and a couple unknown condition batteries.

Adds to my current collection of 2 standard drills, 2 lights, sawzall, dust buster and 3 nicad batteries and chargers.

 

[ptgarcia]

I have an old 19.2v NiCad (or are they NiMH?) battery pack for these tools that no longer charges. Should I toss it out or is there a way to salvage it, like rebuild it?

Paul

 

[Danglerb]

There are some local battery pack rebuilders, but we could use a test case buying one of the cheap generic batteries from ebay. Making the jump to lithium was well worth it to me, but does require new battery and compatible charger.

One point on brad nailers, cheap AC corded units like the one at HF kind of ****, as they won't countersink without using one hand pushing the back down as it fires. That negates the big benefit of one hand for the nailer and one hand free to hold the parts.

 

[71goldss]

Well yesterday Sears surprised with $20 is free rewards points or whatever they call it so I went ahead and ordered the nailer. For $99 for the bare tool I don't think I could go wrong!

Paul

The C3 nailer is down to $107.99 today. You can save another $12 if you contact Sears customer service. I'm not sure if Sears gives 7 days or 30 days after purchase to price adjust?

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-c3-1...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[ptgarcia]

The C3 nailer is down to $107.99 today. You can save another $12 if you contact Sears customer service. I'm not sure if Sears gives 7 days or 30 days after purchase to price adjust?

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-c3-1...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

Thanks for the heads-up! Just got $12 credited back to me.

 

[71goldss]

Thanks for the heads-up! Just got $12 credited back to me.

Cool!

 

[duwem]

Got my led bulb from superbrightleds. Seems to work well. Should take less juice to run and last forever

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

Got my led bulb from superbrightleds. Seems to work well. Should take less juice to run and last forever

For which device?

 

[duwem]

Lots of stuff now! 3 Working NiCad and one Lithium

 

[71goldss]

Anyone notice that the 4-1/2inch angle grinder is no longer available other than the combo deal with the previous generation torque wrench? I've been trying to pick on up for months but there's none available even for shipping.

-B

The separate C3 angle grinder appears to be back in stock! Unless Sears has made a mistake on their website, both stores near me are now listing in stock. Was not the case a few days ago.

I'm very tempted to order one, but kinda holding out for the Milwaukee M18 Fuel braking grinder. Huge difference in price between the two though!

Anyone own the C3 grinder that can comment on it?

 

[elguappo]

I have the C3 grinder and find it useful, if not amazing. (purchased at Sears in Sacramento on Arden)
The build quality is solid, it feels good in my hands, and with a full size lithium battery it lasts long enough for simple jobs.
I got mine on sale last year for under $50, and at that price point its well worth it.

 

[blown383]

The separate C3 angle grinder appears to be back in stock! Unless Sears has made a mistake on their website, both stores near me are now listing in stock. Was not the case a few days ago.

I'm very tempted to order one, but kinda holding out for the Milwaukee M18 Fuel braking grinder. Huge difference in price between the two though!

Anyone own the C3 grinder that can comment on it?

I finally picked on up the other day and it has plenty of power for the occasional user. The tool is really convenient for working on projects with no electrical outlet but be aware that it's VERY power hungry and will zap your batteries dry quickly if you're not running the largest XCP battery.

-B

 

[71goldss]

I have the C3 grinder and find it useful, if not amazing. (purchased at Sears in Sacramento on Arden)
The build quality is solid, it feels good in my hands, and with a full size lithium battery it lasts long enough for simple jobs.
I got mine on sale last year for under $50, and at that price point its well worth it.

Thanks for the response!

I'm also curious if it's variable speed and if it takes long for the grinding wheel to stop spinning once the trigger is released? Something I read while researching reviews gave me the impression it's variable speed, but it wasn't clear.

 

[elguappo]

I'm about 96.3% certain it's not variable speed, and the brake works well enough, it certainly spins down faster than any of my corded grinders.

 

[71goldss]

I finally picked on up the other day and it has plenty of power for the occasional user. The tool is really convenient for working on projects with no electrical outlet but be aware that it's VERY power hungry and will zap your batteries dry quickly if you're not running the largest XCP battery.

-B

I purchased two of the xcp 4.0 batteries last week, which is another reason I'm thinking of giving the C3 a try over the much higher priced M18. I also have plenty of M18 4.0 and 5.0 batteries, so it just comes down to which tool would be the better value for my occational use.

 

[71goldss]

I'm about 96.3% certain it's not variable speed, and the brake works well enough, it certainly spins down faster than any of my corded grinders.

Yeah, my corded HF grinder ground through a one of my air hoses when I set it down while grinding with it under my car. Seems that thing spins forever and it was new and I wasn't used to it. For the something like $12 that I paid for it, it's a good value, but now looking to go cordless and something a little safer, which is why I'm also looking at the M18 braking grinder. But $219.00 is a bit high for my occational use.

 

[71goldss]

Thanks guys!

I decided to go with the C3 and just now placed my order. I'll pick up later today when I'll already be going right past my closest Sears. Between your comments and all the great reviews on the net, it just seems $50 vs $220 is too great of difference to not just give the C3 a try!

 

[EOC_Jason]

Anybody use the 18ga C3 Brad Nailer? I'd could use a brad nailer for occasional use and have both the C3 and Milwaukee M18 platforms I can build on, but I think the C3 is the better value for me.

I have the C3 nailer and I love it. Sure a pneumatic is cheaper and lighter, but for the occupational work where you don't want to have to drag air hoses, let the compressor build up air, etc, etc... You can slap in a battery, choose you nails, and go...

It has two adjustments for depth, typically I have no issues with it driving flush unless I happen to hit a big knot in the wood, then usually a couple hammer taps will get them down. Never had mine jam either. Only downside can be the bulk. I've had a couple times where I couldn't get a good angle, but I made do. I don't find the weight an issue. It drives nails pretty darn quick, probably 1 per second.

But for the portability options. I've had projects in my backyard where having that little nailer made life so much easier. If I had a pneumatic it wouldn't have worked because I don't have enough air hose to go from my garage, around the house, and to the back... Also I've taken it to a friend's house a couple times for projects...

 

[EOC_Jason]

I'm also curious if it's variable speed and if it takes long for the grinding wheel to stop spinning once the trigger is released? Something I read while researching reviews gave me the impression it's variable speed, but it wasn't clear.

I have one and it's great for little projects, both cutting & grinding. Even though the manual says don't use it for cutting... *rolleyes*... Just use the cutting discs that are offset, not the perfectly flat ones.

It is NOT variable speed, and the wheel stops reasonably quick after letting go of the trigger. Faster than a typical corded one.

It *is* power hungry, depending on what you are doing, but it is also pretty powerful, for being cordless. It's probably the only tool that I only use the big battery pack on, the small one would die way too quick unless you are just making one or two little cuts.

I like how the wrench goes in the handle, wish all makers did that.

I bought mine as the combo with the impact gun a year ago. Very pleased with both.

 

[EOC_Jason]

For which device?

I'm assuming the single-bulb flashlight that comes with the combo kits. Some of the combo's come with that nice LED strip handheld light, but others come with the single-bulb head that twists light...

I was up in my attic doing something and used that light FIRST TIME... Worked great until I bumped it and it tipped over... Didn't fall off a shelf or anything... literally just tipped over on its side and the bulb BROKE... *grumble*

It's not a normal bulb either, it's a special 19.2v bulb... A regular 12v will burn out instantly...

I ordered one from superbrightleds and have been very happy with it. Lasts forever on a charge and doesn't get hot.

 

[71goldss]

I just got back from Sears with the C3 grinder and so far I'm very impressed with it! Though I haven't actually used it yet, I like the ergonomics and the fact that the guard can be easily repositioned by the simple press of a lever. I also like how the wheel wrench stores inside the auxiliary handle.

One thing I found puzzling is that the "C3" lenses inside the main body were covered with foil tape? They wouldn't light up with the xcp battery, so upon inspection I saw the tape and removed it with a pair of needle nose pliers. The C3's light up as they should now!

 

[4x4_G30_Sportvan]

A few weeks ago I got the newer impact wrench rated up to 300 Ft-Lbs. Worked great for taking off some 24mm bolts on the tractor.

The grinder is pretty good, it will run down a compact Li-Ion batter pretty quick, but it sure i shandy for small grinding/ cutting jobs.

 

[EOC_Jason]

One thing I found puzzling is that the "C3" lenses inside the main body were covered with foil tape? They wouldn't light up with the xcp battery, so upon inspection I saw the tape and removed it with a pair of needle nose pliers. The C3's light up as they should now!

I noticed several of my C3's have the foil in there. I don't have any batteries with the lights so I never bothered to remove.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

I went to Sears today and walked out with another C3 Li-ion 4.0 full size battery. I now have two of those as well as two of the older full size Lithium-ion batteries. I funds allow I'm going to pick up a grinder after the holidays or perhaps a impact he driver.

Which one do you guys think that I should get?

Thanx!
Charlie

 

[ptgarcia]

What's a good price for the 4.0 XCP battery? I need to pick one or two up but don't want to pay too much, especially at this time of year.

Paul

 

[Bruce Wayne]

The only price that I have ssen them for is $100.

 

[ptgarcia]

The only price that I have ssen them for is $100.

Okay, thanks.

I just got back from Sears with the C3 grinder and so far I'm very impressed with it! Though I haven't actually used it yet, I like the ergonomics and the fact that the guard can be easily repositioned by the simple press of a lever. I also like how the wheel wrench stores inside the auxiliary handle.

One thing I found puzzling is that the "C3" lenses inside the main body were covered with foil tape? They wouldn't light up with the xcp battery, so upon inspection I saw the tape and removed it with a pair of needle nose pliers. The C3's light up as they should now!

I see (2) 4-1/2" grinders on Sears' website, Model #2904 and #FS2600. Which one did you buy? Looks like Model #2904 is maybe a newer version?