Any thoughts on the Craftsman 19.2 volt combo?

[ranger_dood]

I got this combo for my 21st birthday. It has a flouresent work light, drill, circular saw, and reciprocating saw. Quality seems on par with that of the Ryobi kits. Just curious if anyone else had any experience with it.

My dad said he bought the 2 year warranty, which even covers the batts. I think I'll probably buy another set of batts just to make sure I have enough for those big projects... Should be very useful now that I'm a homeowner.

 

[eschoendorff]

If it's anything like the Ryobis.... in my experience, they don't break as easily as most people expect. Take care of those tools and they should serve you well....

 

[george4]

I got this combo for my 21st birthday. It has a flouresent work light, drill, circular saw, and reciprocating saw. Quality seems on par with that of the Ryobi kits. Just curious if anyone else had any experience with it.

My dad said he bought the 2 year warranty, which even covers the batts. I think I'll probably buy another set of batts just to make sure I have enough for those big projects... Should be very useful now that I'm a homeowner.

I have had that set for about 2 years, no problems. Mine came with 3 batteries, I have not needed more. Great for the homeowner

 

[ranger_dood]

If it's anything like the Ryobis.... in my experience, they don't break as easily as most people expect. Take care of those tools and they should serve you well....

I'm hoping as much. I've been very impressed with the Ryobi kits, both 14 and 18 volt ones. If this Craftsman setup is close to the durability and reliability of the Ryobi ones, I'll be happy.

And, I have a tendency to take care of my tools. I'm a clean freak, and I hate to leave things laying out when I'm not using it. Of course, while the above is true, it's also true that I oftentimes run out of time and can't get everything put away right away.

 

[eschoendorff]

I'm hoping as much. I've been very impressed with the Ryobi kits, both 14 and 18 volt ones. If this Craftsman setup is close to the durability and reliability of the Ryobi ones, I'll be happy.

And, I have a tendency to take care of my tools. I'm a clean freak, and I hate to leave things laying out when I'm not using it. Of course, while the above is true, it's also true that I oftentimes run out of time and can't get everything put away right away.

Then you shouldn't have any problems.

 

[Major Ramifications]

These are made by Ryobi.
The light is great, and the saw is good, too. I don't like the chuck on the drill, however. I find it difficult to tighten up. Use one of the new racheting Dewalt chucks with the carbide teeth and you will never be happy with the Craftsman chuck again. On second though, don't try the Dewalt, because then you will never know what you are missing.
I sell these 19.2 kits all the time, and the #1 repair problem is that the triggers in the drills go bad. I don't know if they use a carbon track in there that wears away or what, but the triggers are the weak link. Easy to change, though.
Bottom line: This is a great kit for a homeowner, but I wouldn't recommend it to a professional. Quite a few professionals use them, though.
Enjoy!

 

[l_bilyk]

I got this combo for my 21st birthday. It has a flouresent work light, drill, circular saw, and reciprocating saw. Quality seems on par with that of the Ryobi kits. Just curious if anyone else had any experience with it.

My dad said he bought the 2 year warranty, which even covers the batts. I think I'll probably buy another set of batts just to make sure I have enough for those big projects... Should be very useful now that I'm a homeowner.

they're alot like the ryobi kits because they are made by the same people in the same factory using mostly the same components

 

[l_bilyk]

These are made by Ryobi.
The light is great, and the saw is good, too. I don't like the chuck on the drill, however. I find it difficult to tighten up. Use one of the new racheting Dewalt chucks with the carbide teeth and you will never be happy with the Craftsman chuck again. On second though, don't try the Dewalt, because then you will never know what you are missing.
I sell these 19.2 kits all the time, and the #1 repair problem is that the triggers in the drills go bad. I don't know if they use a carbon track in there that wears away or what, but the triggers are the weak link. Easy to change, though.
Bottom line: This is a great kit for a homeowner, but I wouldn't recommend it to a professional. Quite a few professionals use them, though.
Enjoy!

All the "consumer grade" drills come with non-ratcheting chucks. They are garbage, i agree

 

[...dave]

Had mine for a year, and i've been happy with it... i suspect they're nearing the end of the production cycle on these, so i'm waiting for the sets to go on clearance to pick up some spare batteries myself.

...dave