Craftsman 19.2v C3 Fans

[coleman10]

New to this thread... I have a couple of C3 drills (regular & angle) and the flourescent light that need new batteries. I did a little reading and it looks like I may want the XCP batteries plus a compatible charger. Anybody that can suggest the most inexpensive offering of 2 batts + charger? Also, if this is cost effective as opposed to buying newer model offerings, I might be interested in picking up an impact drill to add to my collection.



Thanks in advance,



Gotta56forme/Scott

I would probably check ebay or Craigslist.

 

[Here2Learn]

I say buy Ryobi or other replacement tools, batteries and charger, then sell of your current C3 stuff, goota56forme.

 

[coleman10]

I say buy Ryobi or other replacement tools, batteries and charger, then sell of your current C3 stuff, goota56forme.

A friend just picked up an 8 tool combo for 299, cheaper than comparable Ryobi combos, so I wouldn’t discount that line. SBD has been expanding the line, too.

 

[vette-kid]

A friend just picked up an 8 tool combo for 299, cheaper than comparable Ryobi combos, so I wouldn’t discount that line. SBD has been expanding the line, too.

Expanding the C3 line??? I'm confused

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[coleman10]

Expanding the C3 line??? I'm confused

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Sorry for the confusion. Was referring to the new SBD Craftsman v20 line. C3 is a dead system.

 

[vette-kid]

Sorry for the confusion. Was referring to the new SBD Craftsman v20 line. C3 is a dead system.

Gotcha.

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[Jalopy_J]

Be careful with V20. Those are SBD's cheapest tools. They are merely slapping Craftsman branding on them and charging more. Many of those V20 tools are available for cheaper with other branding like Black and Decker.

 

[duwem]

The heck, does nonoe see genuine Craftsman Lithium batteries now? Even the Sears website has some knockoff looking one listed on it??

Flashlight fell off something into a bucket of water, fried the battery, pissed!
Have never been overly impressed with these tools compared to dewalt and Milwaukee I have used, might be time to step up to a real brand?

 

[coleman10]

Be careful with V20. Those are SBD's cheapest tools. They are merely slapping Craftsman branding on them and charging more. Many of those V20 tools are available for cheaper with other branding like Black and Decker.

I don’t think I’d agree with this statement. The reviews I read place the v20 tools (at least the drill, driver, and hammer drill) between the DIY and Pro categories, making this line a Pro-sumer. SBD’s cheapest is B&D. If these are rebranded from anything, it’s PC. I have the brushless tools. They are quite nice and should serve the serious DIY’er quite well. If you’re a home user, I don’t see any reason to spend the extra bucks on the Dewalt or Milwaukee lines.

 

[Jalopy_J]

The heck, does nonoe see genuine Craftsman Lithium batteries now? Even the Sears website has some knockoff looking one listed on it??

Flashlight fell off something into a bucket of water, fried the battery, pissed!
Have never been overly impressed with these tools compared to dewalt and Milwaukee I have used, might be time to step up to a real brand?

Sears has discontinued C3. Genuine batteries aren't available directly from Sears. They can still be found new on eBay and such though. And yes, C3 was more of a homeowner line than a pro line. Dewalt and Milwaukee will be much better (and much more expensive) than C3 was.

I don’t think I’d agree with this statement. The reviews I read place the v20 tools (at least the drill, driver, and hammer drill) between the DIY and Pro categories, making this line a Pro-sumer. SBD’s cheapest is B&D. If these are rebranded from anything, it’s PC. I have the brushless tools. They are quite nice and should serve the serious DIY’er quite well. If you’re a home user, I don’t see any reason to spend the extra bucks on the Dewalt or Milwaukee lines.

Trust me on this. For a few years I ran a little side business fixing and reselling broken power tools (C3 was by far my main money maker). Although I still sell an occasional tool every now and then, I'm pretty much out of that game now because modern brushless tools are difficult to diagnose and expensive to repair. And I admit I haven't bothered repairing V20 tools, but when the line debuted a year ago or whenever that was, I was naturally curious about what was inside them and went checking all the part numbers for the individual parts inside from the repair schematics. It was all Black and Decker and (as you correctly surmised) some Porter clone. The brushed drill that was available on launch was a clone of the $30 SBD drill and battery kit, but it cost double that or something in Craftsman red. I had to laugh. I made one of the tool shills online mad for pointing that out after he gave the Craftsman version drill a good review. If a $30 drill with battery and charger is a good performer, than we have reached the point there are no bad cordless tools being made anymore. The V20 batteries were B&D in Craftsman cases as well. If anyone is looking for an affordable tool line to get into I recommend Ryobi or Kobalt 24v. Or if you don't care about warranty, go bargain hunting online for Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita. I know a lot of us have a senseless affinity (myself included) for the Craftsman brand, but that SBD stuff is ****. At least that's my two cents anyways, fwiw.

 

[coleman10]

Sears has discontinued C3. Genuine batteries aren't available directly from Sears. They can still be found new on eBay and such though. And yes, C3 was more of a homeowner line than a pro line. Dewalt and Milwaukee will be much better (and much more expensive) than C3 was.







Trust me on this. For a few years I ran a little side business fixing and reselling broken power tools (C3 was by far my main money maker). Although I still sell an occasional tool every now and then, I'm pretty much out of that game now because modern brushless tools are difficult to diagnose and expensive to repair. And I admit I haven't bothered repairing V20 tools, but when the line debuted a year ago or whenever that was, I was naturally curious about what was inside them and went checking all the part numbers for the individual parts inside from the repair schematics. It was all Black and Decker and (as you correctly surmised) some Porter clone. The brushed drill that was available on launch was a clone of the $30 SBD drill and battery kit, but it cost double that or something in Craftsman red. I had to laugh. I made one of the tool shills online mad for pointing that out after he gave the Craftsman version drill a good review. If a $30 drill with battery and charger is a good performer, than we have reached the point there are no bad cordless tools being made anymore. The V20 batteries were B&D in Craftsman cases as well. If anyone is looking for an affordable tool line to get into I recommend Ryobi or Kobalt 24v. Or if you don't care about warranty, go bargain hunting online for Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita. I know a lot of us have a senseless affinity (myself included) for the Craftsman brand, but that SBD stuff is ****. At least that's my two cents anyways, fwiw.

So which tools specifically did you test?

 

[bds1984]

New to this thread... I have a couple of C3 drills (regular & angle) and the flourescent light that need new batteries. I did a little reading and it looks like I may want the XCP batteries plus a compatible charger. Anybody that can suggest the most inexpensive offering of 2 batts + charger? Also, if this is cost effective as opposed to buying newer model offerings, I might be interested in picking up an impact drill to add to my collection.

Thanks in advance,

Gotta56forme/Scott

Scott,
I have had C3 tools for over a decade now and do not plan on replacing them anytime soon. I recently purchased a pair of no-name-brand 19.2v NiMH batteries for about $30 shipped. They charged up just fine in my old nickle-cadmium and lithium ion chargers and seem to perform fine in the tools I tested. The only tools I have not tested them in yet is my shopvac and angle grinder but with their 3.6 amp capacity, versus the 2.6 and 1.3 in my smaller Lion batteries, I do not see that being an issue with the new Ni-mh batteries. Time will tell, and if these batteries perform for a couple years and then fail, I'll just recycle them and purchase the same models again. Or, like others have pointed out, you can go the ebay route for new stock of original lithium ion batteries like I have also done. You have plenty of options, the C3 system isn't going anywhere for a while in the aftermarket world.

 

[coleman10]

I had posted in another thread some C3 literature that lists tools and model numbers for the lineup. Figured I’d copy them here. I think between all of them, the majority of the tools are represented. If you’re a completist, this may help with finding what you’re missing.

 

[vette-kid]

Not a completist, but good info. Thanks!

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[vette-kid]

Has anyone used or owned the planer? I've got a use for one coming up and can get them around $100 on eBay.

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[dodge610]

I still have all my C3 stff and been getting Ryobi in place of it I do not intend to sell the C3. Those are my back up tools as long as i can get batterys i will keep them. I do not figure i could sell them anyway since that line is gone.

 

[coleman10]

I still have all my C3 stff and been getting Ryobi in place of it I do not intend to sell the C3. Those are my back up tools as long as i can get batterys i will keep them. I do not figure i could sell them anyway since that line is gone.

Actually, many C3 tools command a very nice price on eBay. I sold most of mine well over 100, a number in the 130-150 range. I figured I’d sell while there was still interest in the line.

 

[dodge610]

Actually, many C3 tools command a very nice price on eBay. I sold most of mine well over 100, a number in the 130-150 range. I figured I’d sell while there was still interest in the line.

Nice too know but i will hang on to them for now they are nice back up tools. Actually just have a hard time letting go of tools with a sentimental value too me.

 

[coleman10]

Nice too know but i will hang on to them for now they are nice back up tools. Actually just have a hard time letting go of tools with a sentimental value too me.

Totally understand. I have a number of tools I don’t use but keep merely because of sentimental value.

 

[vette-kid]

Actually, many C3 tools command a very nice price on eBay. I sold most of mine well over 100, a number in the 130-150 range. I figured I’d sell while there was still interest in the line.

Yeah, I don't really get it. I like the tools because they are good value for my use. But buying used on eBay is no longer really a value. Some are exceeding the new prices. You would think when a tool line is out of manufacture and rendered obsolete that it's process would drop. They nee fact that just what listings include the word "rare" tells me they have achieved some sort of collector status. Although I can't figure out why. I won't buy them if they aren't at a good value price. Sadly, that means I am being priced out of an outdated obsolete tool line. Crazy.

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[TunaNugget]

I think people get attached to tools that worked for them. The prices on the old Nextec 12V line are getting nuts, but those were great little around-the-house tools.

 

[coleman10]

Yeah, I don't really get it. I like the tools because they are good value for my use. But buying used on eBay is no longer really a value. Some are exceeding the new prices. You would think when a tool line is out of manufacture and rendered obsolete that it's process would drop. They nee fact that just what listings include the word "rare" tells me they have achieved some sort of collector status. Although I can't figure out why. I won't buy them if they aren't at a good value price. Sadly, that means I am being priced out of an outdated obsolete tool line. Crazy.

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I think it may be a case that folks would rather spend 120 on a single tool than more to change to a different system. I don’t know. Just guessing. With what I made from selling my C3 stuff, it cost me nothing to change systems, plus I bought a table saw and some other stuff. While the whole eBay thing is a PITA, it worked in my favor.

 

[vette-kid]

I think it may be a case that folks would rather spend 120 on a single tool than more to change to a different system. I don’t know. Just guessing. With what I made from selling my C3 stuff, it cost me nothing to change systems, plus I bought a table saw and some other stuff. While the whole eBay thing is a PITA, it worked in my favor.

May be something to that. I'd consider it but don't have time to mess with eBay.

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[Bacon!]

Trust me on this. For a few years I ran a little side business fixing and reselling broken power tools (C3 was by far my main money maker). Although I still sell an occasional tool every now and then, I'm pretty much out of that game now because modern brushless tools are difficult to diagnose and expensive to repair. And I admit I haven't bothered repairing V20 tools, but when the line debuted a year ago or whenever that was, I was naturally curious about what was inside them and went checking all the part numbers for the individual parts inside from the repair schematics. It was all Black and Decker and (as you correctly surmised) some Porter clone. The brushed drill that was available on launch was a clone of the $30 SBD drill and battery kit, but it cost double that or something in Craftsman red. I had to laugh. I made one of the tool shills online mad for pointing that out after he gave the Craftsman version drill a good review. If a $30 drill with battery and charger is a good performer, than we have reached the point there are no bad cordless tools being made anymore. The V20 batteries were B&D in Craftsman cases as well. If anyone is looking for an affordable tool line to get into I recommend Ryobi or Kobalt 24v. Or if you don't care about warranty, go bargain hunting online for Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita. I know a lot of us have a senseless affinity (myself included) for the Craftsman brand, but that SBD stuff is ****. At least that's my two cents anyways, fwiw.

One drill tear down does make for a good generalization about SB&D Craftsman. It is no surprise that they rushed to market with existing designs to get their presence out there, especially once they realized that Sears still intended to release their next gen Craftsman tools. SB&D needed an entry level, lower tier drill, similar to how Ryobi still puts their lower end, 1-2 generations old tools in many of their combo kits. They just needed something to put on the shelves to start generating sales. Maybe it was an unwise move in this internet era where tools get reviewed online, but they own the brand and have time to make up for that.

SB&D cordless were never "bad" tools per se, just a tolerable quality that you'd have been better off getting for that MSRP price point than settling for a generic. On the other hand, check out their newer brushless tools that share a lot of design elements from the Dewalts, for example their 1/4" impact driver:

They also share tech on things like the Craftsman V60 leaf blower and the first gen Dewalt axial leaf blower.

IMO, by a small margin, SB&D-brand < Porter Cable < Hart < Sears Craftsman C3 <= Ryobi <= SB&D Craftsman (depending on what is most important to you, if it's a wide portfolio of tools and/or battery compatibility then Ryobi moves up a slot) <= Ridgid < Dewalt < Milwaukee (only considering these SB&D & TTI brands). I'm comparing current generation tools here, obviously the older C3 NiCd based generations would fare poorly in this list, and any of them could swap positions with the next higher or lower if you only focus on one specific tool and the other brand's same tier counter part #.

The real problem with the current generation SB&D V20/V60 Craftsman tools is once you factor in battery cost, the SB&D Craftsman cost is too near that of Dewalt, and currently there are too few tools to commit if you want to plan on expanding on that platform.

 

[vette-kid]

Just picked up the planer for a good price. I'll be tearing down an old swing set this summer and this will make quick work of refinishing some of the wood to repurpose. Also got the chainsaw, great for limbing felled trees.

Bad news is that I just had another drill die on me. So now I need a new drill. Grrr!

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[lafester]

My cheapie drill is still going strong but I did lose a circular saw after only a few uses.
It had a high tooth blade but I was not working it very hard. I still have the bigger (6") one and it seems to be built a little better. I would like the 7" but nothing has popped up.

 

[vette-kid]

My cheapie drill is still going strong but I did lose a circular saw after only a few uses.
It had a high tooth blade but I was not working it very hard. I still have the bigger (6") one and it seems to be built a little better. I would like the 7" but nothing has popped up.

I didn't think there was a 7"? 5.5 and 6.5. there was a 7.5" mitre saw. I'd like a bigger saw as well. I'm still border line on getting to much more into it though, despite recent purchases. Prices are just getting too crazy. I'm tempted to replace the drill with a new line and just add to it as my c3 tools die out. But then I'm not sure what other line has the variety and the research is a bit daunting.

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[lafester]

They did, it was part of the original c3 lineup. I've seen a few on eBay usually in a set unfortunately.

Here is one: https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/312975481820


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[vette-kid]

That's pretty cool!

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[lafester]

That's pretty cool!

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Found one!

 

[vette-kid]

Nice!

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[PhysicsDude]

I have some C3 tools, and a Nextel 12v set as well. I should probably list them on eBay.

 

[vette-kid]

I have some C3 tools, and a Nextel 12v set as well. I should probably list them on eBay.

What do you have?

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[PhysicsDude]

C3 1/2 impact wrench
C3 compact drill
C3 6 1/2" (maybe 5 1/4?) circular saw
C3 Jigsaw
Maybe 1 or 2 other tools... need to dig them out.

1 good C3 lithium ion battery and charger

Nextel (mine are branded Craftsman) 12v drill/driver and right angle impact driver, 2 batteries and charger. Like-new condition

 

[blown383]

I was thinking the same thing! I have a ton of C3 tools but made the switch over to the Milwaukee Fuel line and the difference is night and day. I still love the Craftsman brand due to nostalgia and have used them for 25 years.

I have some C3 tools, and a Nextel 12v set as well. I should probably list them on eBay.

 

[ptgarcia]

I keep telling myself I'm going to sell my C3 tools, but they just work well for my light duty home use. I used the grinder a couple weeks ago, and for the type of work I do its perfect. Until they quit, it doesn't make economic sense to sell them for pennies on the dollar then buy relatively expensive Milwaukee tools.

 

[PhysicsDude]

I keep telling myself I'm going to sell my C3 tools, but they just work well for my light duty home use. I used the grinder a couple weeks ago, and for the type of work I do its perfect. Until they quit, it doesn't make economic sense to sell them for pennies on the dollar then buy relatively expensive Milwaukee tools.

Same. My C3 jigsaw is still my main jigsaw. I switched to Makita, but the Makita jigsaw was like $200, so I just kept the C3. Now I'm using Metabo, and the Metabo jigsaw is like $160.

But maybe if I can sell all my craftsman tools for $200... I can justify buying a single jigsaw, haha.

 

[Dh3256]

Until they quit, it doesn't make economic sense to sell them for pennies on the dollar then buy relatively expensive Milwaukee tools.

Have you checked Ebay sales? More like selling them for dollars on the penny, they are going for rather high prices, often two to three times full new retail prices.

 

[coleman10]

I keep telling myself I'm going to sell my C3 tools, but they just work well for my light duty home use. I used the grinder a couple weeks ago, and for the type of work I do its perfect. Until they quit, it doesn't make economic sense to sell them for pennies on the dollar then buy relatively expensive Milwaukee tools.

You’d be surprised just how much C3 tools sell for.

 

[coleman10]

Have you checked Ebay sales? More like selling them for dollars on the penny, they are going for rather high prices, often two to three times full new retail prices.

Absolutely correct. I had enough from the sale of my C3 stuff to get all new cordless tools and still had plenty left over for a new table saw and router. C3 tools are a windfall on eBay. I even sold the motor from a broken drill for $25. Not bad.