Craftsman V20 Stand-outs?

[Cruzan80]

Wondering if anyone has experience with the newer CM 20V tools that are punching above their weight class.

Backstory, I got 2x of the "free" 3.0Ah batteries and $50 coupons from the recent battery swap event, and not sure exactly what to grab. I was thinking of some "stand-alone" tools, so I don't have to keep buying tons more batteries alongside existing stuff.

I have a decent amount if existing Porter Cable and Back/Decker stuff, and I know there are tools that are virtually identical across all two/three lineups. I already have the pole-saw, chainsaw, and alligator for B/D, and the Circ saw, 1/2" impact and shop vac for PC. I do have some of the more generic stuff too, like a multi-tool, angle grinder, drill, impact, blower, etc as well.

Is the 3/8 impact really any noticeably smaller/shorter than the 1/2" version (newer brushless 1/2, not the old bullet version)?

Anyone have experience with the new "swappable anvil" ratchets (thinking the long neck version, as I have other short neck options already like Husky, etc)?

I don't really see myself using the band-file at this time, but maybe I just don't realize the usefulness?

Worst case before the coupons expire, I will grab a couple of impact drivers (seems like you can never have too many).

Lastly, I already have the CM batteries and coupons, and have existing lineups. I don't really care about Milwaukee/Dewalt/Makita/Ridgid options, just things I can use these coupons on, that take these batteries.

 

[Etchase]

The pruner is great. Very fun to use. The cut off saw is surprisingly handy. I liked the pole saw. The line up is a step up from Ryobi I think.

 

[david3921]

I've used my PC version of the band file more than I though I would. So far for I've used it on both metal and wood and not been disappointed. It seems to last a long time on even smaller 2ah batteries.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Wondering if anyone has experience with the newer CM 20V tools that are punching above their weight class.

THIS.

My location for the free battery and charger combo is next month. I need another battery platform like I need a hole in my head, but I will take chance with this.

Anyone use the V20 screwdriver? Or like the OP stated, are the impact wrenches any good?

 

[Cruzan80]

@Steel_Rain , I will say the PC version of the 1/2" impact has done everything I have reasonably asked it to do. I have a 1K+ air impact for when I need tons of power. The PC seems to do fine with a 2Ah or a 4Ah, so the "free" battery shouldn't hold you back. Right now, it is on sale for $99. Just make sure to get the 275 ftlb brushless, not the old bullet-nose (supposedly) 330ftlb one.

 

[BTL-A4]

What about another drill? I'll often use 2 or more on projects.

 

[Cruzan80]

What about another drill? I'll often use 2 or more on projects.

Do any of the CM drills work substantially better than other versions (aka above their weight class)? Not snarky, but curious.

If it was in reply to "may just buy spare impacts", it is because I already have 2-3 PC drills (seem to be easier to find used as well, possibly because they bundled drills in more options than impacts).

I've used my PC version of the band file more than I though I would. So far for I've used it on both metal and wood and not been disappointed. It seems to last a long time on even smaller 2ah batteries.

What kind of projects do you find yourself grabbing it for? This seems like of those tools that some find very useful, but I am having trouble wrapping my mind around how to use it in my workflow. Or if it more of a case where the uses are from projects/steps that I don't encounter. Trying to figure out which...

I am not trying to naysay any answers here. This is NOT one of those cases where my mind is already made up, and I just want the "GJ stamp of approval", but rather I didn't feel like listing everything I do own or work on in the OP, so adding info as it may be relevant.

 

[david3921]

I use my band file pretty much where I would use a hand file, wood and/or metal. It's just that much faster. It also give a lot better access to crevices that you can't reach with a hand file. I used it today to clean up mig weld boogers I got because there was painted steel involved.

 

[Cruzan80]

Gotcha. Think it may be my projects aren't a match for it right noe. I don't really weld (need to do a bit this summer), and it is frequently a long-ish times between pulling out my angle grinder. Guessing a band-file is another level above that? I do use sanders quite a bit, but worried about how aggressive a band-file would be for feathering in wood, given the narrow cross-section.

My wife is eying the detail sander (the mouse-pad pointy one), as she frequently pairs a triangle pad on my OMT with a RO sander when refinishing stuff. Anyone use it or have thoughts?

 

[shoggoth80]

If you opt for a power ratchet, I would recommend a long neck for sure. Access matters.

The body shop guys at work use a Milwaukee band file for cutting spot welds out.

 

[darkzero]

Anyone use the V20 screwdriver?

This one?

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...-my-rule-got-the-other-red-power-tool.553648/

 

[Steel_Rain]

The tool I posted about is not the impact driver, it's the screwdriver, basically a drill with the clutch settings but no 3 jaw chuck, just a 1/4 hex chuck & only one speed (one speed gearbox, trigger provides variable speed). Not a very popular tool but useful to me. I have plenty of other impact drivers (4 Milwaukees).

This one?

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...-my-rule-got-the-other-red-power-tool.553648/

Yes, that one. I see you posted some thoughts on this in the other thread you linked, but what do you think of it now that you’ve had it awhile?

 

[darkzero]

what do you think of it now that you’ve had it awhile?

For my uses I'm pretty happy with it. It does have a few quirks (to me) but nothing major, no power tool is perfect anyway. I do wish it was the same smaller form factor as the Dewalt 12V variant but I won't ever hop on the 12V line nor will I ever go back to Dewalt. The V20 isn't that much bigger anyway.

I don't get to use it daily & I don't use it at work. It's for home/garage projects as is my V20 vacuum. Was using an older M18 impact driver for that previously.

I will mention that I experienced poor QC, maybe it was just bad luck. First one I bought had a strange issue when left sitting overnight, when first pulling the trigger one of the LEDs would flicker a few times before staying on. After that no issue, not even a few hrs later. Only did it after sitting overnight or so.

So then I went & got another one. Second one didn't have the LED issue but the motor had a weird clicking & grinding sound that the first one didn't. Got a third one, exact same questionable motor sound. I noticed both the ones with the motor noises had the same batch/manufacture date one them. Finally I was able to choose one with a diffent batch number & haven't had an issue since.

But whatever I have a good one now, again maybe just bad luck, I'd buy it again if a deal came up. I was actually using it today for a few things I had to work on. Not that I couldn't have done it by hand or with something else but at home I tend to grab for this whenever I can.

 

[darkzero]

To the OP, the V20 handheld cordless vacuum has been pretty handy for me. We have one at work & is why I actually considered getting it. I got a great deal on it for BF & is what put me.on the V20 line. I'm currently on the M18 & M12 platform & the handheld vac offerings from Milwaukee are junk.... well not worth the money IMO for what they want for them. I bought a 3D printed 1¼" adapter for it on etsy also.

I also like my V20 screwdriver but that's not a tool for everyone. Generally a cordless drill and/or impact driver is what people prefer more.

I had also bought the V20 magnifyer light it's a cool little light especially when it was available for $20 tool only. It's usually $30 now. I returned it cause the lense ended up being plastic & not glass. But if the that $50 coupon promo could somehow get one for no cost then I'll get another.
https://www.craftsman.com/en-us/pro...DzpAgZvEGXK4Q8bxCd-nOhzTQLHddJCyCdsdXHO4lW475

I've had my eye on the soldering iron station. If I can snag the battery promo & coupon, I might pick one up for use at work. I also heard the upright stick vacuum is decent aside from the wheels possibly falling off. I haven't seen it as tool only or for a great deal. (Being on the MW platform I would only consider buying more V20 stuff if there are great deals to be had)

https://www.craftsman.com/en-us/pro...z0XLQ4axaTSDf-kmDnTJivpG0ufJjwPN87lc0uHifbxxk

https://www.craftsman.com/en-us/pro...MSljTQF3IQy7pK_g3UH6YzccY_ZcLSjUMJiQBc6ptdHDM

 

[Cruzan80]

From what the rep was telling me when I got the battery, anything under $50 would be free with coupon.

The screwdriver sounds interesting for a "one-off". How easy is it to confuse with an impact when just grabbing it out to use? I know they serve different uses.

By cordless vac, do you mean the box-shaped one? If so, I agree (I have the PC version). Thought about the upright for cleaning the floor of the shop, and/or the soldering iron (I need to swap a battery in a bench meter while floating the iron's ground, and was just going to use a UPS).

At this point, I am also just checking the "Deal of the Day" to see if I can snag something on super discount from the "maybe" list. Keep the ideas coming though, I am sure I am not the only one debating with these battery promos.

 

[Etchase]

The caulking gun is good too. The deal of the day is evil. Good line up of tools I don’t use everyday.

 

[Cruzan80]

The caulking gun is good too. The deal of the day is evil. Good line up of tools I don’t use everyday.

Caulk gun worth it for a DIYer, or more at professionals?

I appreciate everyone chiming in with their thoughts. Hopefully this can be a new source for others as well (hence why I am calling out my successes with the PC stuff I have, thinking CM should be the same).

I am not one for "likes", so please don't see my lack as any indication of caring about responses. Keep them coming!

 

[darkzero]

The screwdriver sounds interesting for a "one-off". How easy is it to confuse with an impact when just grabbing it out to use?

I don't know, maybe I'm not quite understanding, I wouldn't be able to relate? Anytime I have ever grabbed a pistol grip cordless tool, whether at work, home, or someone else's, I have never been even the slightest confused as to what the tool is. A cordless screwdriver is pretty distinguishable from an impact driver and drill, well at least to me anyway.

Impact drivers don't normally have clutch settings. Drills usually have a drill chuck. A 1/4" hex collet with clutch settings, that's usually a "screwdriver" (of course there are other similar specialty tools) & not as common to see on a construction jobsite or auto shop. Not to say you wouldn't see them though. For me anyway I would normally expect to see a cordless screwdriver type tool on an assembly line or production environment.

By cordless vac, do you mean the box-shaped one?

The handheld one, "dust buster" type. The box shaped ones are usually like mini wet/dry "shop vacs". I do own one of those but an M18 one. In fact this one probably exists simply because it's SB&D, Black & Decker still sells the Dust Buster after all these decades & this Craftsman is pretty much the same exact thing.

 

[Cruzan80]

I don't know, maybe I'm not quite understanding, I wouldn't be able to relate? Anytime I have ever grabbed a pistol grip cordless tool, whether at work, home, or someone else's, I have never been even the slightest confused as to what the tool is.

I was more meaning between the screwdriver gun and an impact (from pics, they both looks similar enough on the front). Thinking about if I ask my wife to grab me one of those, how likely would it be that she gets the other? I agree, drills look different, but wasn't sure how visually different the "hex end" was between these two.

Re. Vac, I have the BD version that lives in the house. It was amazing not to worry about having a dedicated charger, or being able to swap batteries quickly when one died. Took a bit to realize not to "raise the back end", otherwise the angle would suction down the front and affect pickup use. It has been a great performer, but for some reason, I didn't think of it for shop use (maybe because of the wet/dry vac)?)

 

[Etchase]

Caulk gun worth it for a DIYer, or more at professionals?

I appreciate everyone chiming in with their thoughts. Hopefully this can be a row source for others as well (hence why I am calling out my successes with the PC stuff I have, thinking CM should be the same).

I am not one for "likes", so please don't see my lack as any indication of caring about responses. Keep them coming!

I redid some siding and a shower enclosure. They came out better than my manual jobs in the past. Not sure I’ll ever use it again, but I’m happy so far.

 

[david3921]

I don't know, maybe I'm not quite understanding, I wouldn't be able to relate? Anytime I have ever grabbed a pistol grip cordless tool, whether at work, home, or someone else's, I have never been even the slightest confused as to what the tool is. A cordless screwdriver is pretty distinguishable from an impact driver and drill, well at least to me anyway.

Impact drivers don't normally have clutch settings. Drills usually have a drill chuck. A 1/4" hex collet with clutch settings, that's usually a "screwdriver" (of course there are other similar specialty tools) & not as common to see on a construction jobsite or auto shop. Not to say you wouldn't see them though. For me anyway I would normally expect to see a cordless screwdriver type tool on an assembly line or production environment.


The handheld one, "dust buster" type. The box shaped ones are usually like mini wet/dry "shop vacs". I do own one of those but an M18 one. In fact this one probably exists simply because it's SB&D, Black & Decker still sells the Dust Buster after all these decades & this Craftsman is pretty much the same exact thing.

I have two of these (one for house, one for garage) in Black and Decker. My PC batteries fit them after I cut the appropriate notch in them. I also have a B&D stick vacuum that also uses PC batteries.

 

[Cruzan80]

CM 20V Nailer is on sale for DotD... $179.99 ($40 off)


The PC version (I forget if I have the 16 or 18ga version) I have works well. They are significantly heavier than their air counterparts, but both the lack of hose and (more importantly for me in some situations), not having to find an outlet to plug said compressor into when by sheds/etc make it worth it. Even a little battery will go thru quite a bit of nails.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-16ga-20v-Cordless-Finish-Nailer/5002001823

 

[david3921]

CM 20V Nailer is on sale for DotD... $179.99 ($40 off)


The PC version (I forget if I have the 16 or 18ga version) I have works well. They are significantly heavier than their air counterparts, but both the lack of hose and (more importantly for me in some situations), not having to find an outlet to plug said compressor into when by sheds/etc make it worth it. Even a little battery will go thru quite a bit of nails.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-16ga-20v-Cordless-Finish-Nailer/5002001823

I have one that I got used off of Ebay. Worked great for installing a window. I can run it with the few Craftsman batteries I have or my PC batteries with an adapter I bought off of Amazon.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Does anyone have the handheld spreader? If so, how is it?

Lowes is doing a deal on these today:

https://www.lowes.com/collections/CRAFTSMAN-V20-20-Volt-Battery-Handheld-Spreader-Kit-with-5-0Ah-Lithium-Ion-Battery-and-Charger/GR_20032

$80 bucks with the battery and charger.

No tool ecosystem I own (Makita XGT/LXT, Milwaukee M12, FLEX and Hercules) has a handheld spreader in the lineup.

 

[Cruzan80]

While I haven't used a battery spreader, I have used regular handheld spreaders before. They frequently end up very heavy, fatiguing my hand/arm quickly after being loaded up, and keeping the spreading even is tricky (though that may be for uneven handle spinning).

Not sure adding the weight of a battery would help.

 

[Etchase]

^ takes some practice to get even spreading, but for spreading some lawn food on my tiny lawn it worked much better then my hand powered one. The hand one was canvas, so there was always residual fertilizer/pesticide dust left in it when storing. I prefer the hard plastic of the craftsman. The battery seems top shelf, and the charger performed a full charge in a little over an hour. They have a little Rototiller as deal of the day today for $130 with the battery and charger. That one might bite me.