Craftsman C3 19.2v Cordless Drill

[supra129]

Anybody have this drill? I'm interested in getting one would like to know about your opinions about this drill? I will be primarily using it around the house.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00911548000P

TIA!

 

[Stuey]

I bought that for $99 last January ('07) and returned it by February. I just didn't like it. The charge wasn't for long enough, and the chuck slipped too much when using small bits.

After I returned it, I picked up an 18V Hitachi from Amazon, and have been much more pleased with it. The Hitachi was just lighter, and held a slightly better charge.

It's got good reviews, but like I said, I just didn't like it.

 

[Chief]

I bought one about 2-3 years ago. I actually bought the hammer drill version. Set came with 2 batteries and a charger. Price was about $119. I like the drill. I like its power alot. Its more powerful than some of the lighter duty 1/2 inch corded drills. There's never been a time when I used it and it could not get through whatever I was drilling. I used a one inch masonry bit with the hammer drill to go through my foundation. I also used it with 1 inch spade bits through rail road ties. It's a beast. I have gone though bricks many times. (Get the hammer drill, if you buy it) The downside is the batteries dont last long at all. Moreover, if you run it down too low, the battery will appear as 'defective' on the charger and it will not charge. The batteries can not be charged hot and they take longer than the one hour advetised time. I have heard there were problems with the chargers. B/t/w, I brought my batteries over to a buddy who has an old charger and even though my newer unit would not charge them, my Buddies' worked. They make a lithium battery for these units now, which i have heard are much better and last longer, but they are pricey.

good luck

 

[Mugenlude]

I have a kit with that drill and (2) 19.2V batteries which I bought about 5 years ago. I've used it for around the house stuff, fabricating a couple wood benches, hanging plywood in my garage without any issues. About 8 months ago I thought one of the the batteries took a **** on me, so I went and purchased two new batteries and a charger (charger was basically free). Come to find out, the charger is what was bad, not the batteries.

I lost the receipt (idiot), so now I have 4 batteries with my kit. I've been happy with the drill and the light (which came with my kit in lieu of the RA Drill). The batteries hold a good charge still, even the old ones.

 

[Sunrise]

i have one too, had for almost 3 years. i dont use it everyday, but it has good power and good battery life. never gave me a problem.

 

[speed bump]

I like mine, I have a 3/8" drive for sheetrock and a 1/2" drive for everything else. My dad has a couple as well as a sazawl and a circular saw which he has used on a daily basis for the last 2.5 years no problems. The funny thing is he has killed fewer Craftsman batteries in that time than I have Dewalt 18v batteries at work.

 

[JCByrd24]

The drill is decent for homeowner use. It is not one that will replace a corded drill in terms of power or high speed tasks, but perfectly adequate for most drilling jobs. I bought mine in a combo with an impact driver and 2 batteries and charger for $99 and the impact driver makes it a great deal. If you haven't used one I highly encourage you to get one as you will kick yourself for not having one sooner, great tool.

 

[dps]

I got mine because it was one of the best that Consumer's tested, beating out several that cost more than twice as much. I agree with the poster on the small bit slippage, but battery life has been great so far.

 

[64merc]

I have used that 1/2" drill around the house and it has done everything I asked it to do. The batteries are more than adequate for drilling/driving, but they don't last long with the reciprocating saw and circular saw.

 

[car99r]

I own the Drill and RA Drill which I bought in a set on sale for 99.00 about 3 years ago. I love mine but jsut recently it has started acting up on me. Sometims it does not want to go forward. I have to flip the switch a couple of times and then will work fine again for awhile.

I must say I do not use the RA Drill very often at all so I cannot speak for it. Still looks brand new. Never had a problem with batteries in this 3 years and I am already looking at just buying one of the large sets that contains saws, impact, and new drill. Will need a fe wmore batteries I think though and a couple more chargers...

 

[G1K]

I've had no probles with mine, but don't use it long enough on one job to drain a fresh battery so I can't comment on the life.

R

 

[danc333]

I have had my drill for 2 1/2 years . I have built a Deck, 2 work benches, hung cabinets, studded an addition and countless other smaller projects. It has worked without any issues. Battery life is reasonable, meaning a full battery lasts longer than it takes to charge a dead one. The best part about this system is the other tools that take the same battery. I have the drill, impact driver (which rocks), the sawzall, and the trim saw. I plan on adding the RA drill in the near future. I highly recommend this drill and this system.

 

[wrigh003]

My wife got me this drill for Christmas several years ago. I think mine was before they called it the C3 system, but it's the 19.2V version, so I think it's the same thing. I keep thinking it'll die someday, but it's kept up fine with all my homeowner-type projects. I've remodeled a bathroom, hung drywall, built planters (4" deck screws through/into landscape timbers), and used it all over the house for the last 4-5 years, and in that time have never had a bit of trouble out of it. It gets a little heavy after a while using it, but I think it's a great drill. I look at all the combo kits now and then and wonder if I should buy them (to get some more tools and an extra battery or two) and then eBay the drill. Thing is, a cordless drill is REALLY handy, where some/most of the other things I can live without.