Diehl Craftsman power tools

[MacMcMacmac]

Decent quality? Worth picking up at the thrift store? Just saw a 3/8" Diehl Craftsman for $10. Felt hefty, like a quality piece, and certainly looked like it could spin a 1/2" chuck easily enough.

 

[jweier111]

My understanding is Diehl was it's own thing up until 1988 then it was bought by Ryobi. The 315 line included the Craftsman "Commercial" line (prior to Ryobi I think). Sometimes also refered to as "Industrial" (and not to be confused with the later "Professional" line) these were pretty good US made professional grade tools IMHO. I would say easily equal to Black and Decker Professional at the time (the tools that eventually became current Dewalt). Personally I have a bunch and I pick them up when ever I see them as they are a great option for putting together small/dedicated purpose stationary tools (mini-router table, inverted scroll saw, stationary belt sander etc). There's a reason these tools are still making their way into the HFH Restores, ebay and craigslist 40 years later.

Short list of the Commercial models to keep an eye out for:

Jig Saw 315.17280
Circular Saw 315.11870
4" Belt Sander 315.11780
1/2 Sheet Sander 315.11660
7" Sander 315.11551
1/2" Drill 315.11490
Router 315.17380

Though some of the other non-"Commercial" tools in the 315 range are nearly identical to their "Commercial" brothers. There are some differences between the two lines depending on the tool. For example the Commercial 315 router is a tank, while the standard 315 craftsman router is frequently bashed as being a complete PITA to work with (I can attest to this as I have 4 of them lol).

Personally though I would say that the breadth of the 315 line for it's time was pretty limited to just the basics (Looking a the tools that Milwaukee and Makita were making at around the time and it's not a fair comparison). But if your looking for a serviceable, cheap corded tool; you really can't go wrong for the price.

 

[MacMcMacmac]

Thanks! I have a soft spot for these older corded tools with all-metal cases. I can pick up vintage B&D stuff all day long for next to nothing. I figure they will do the job well for the limited number of times I will need them. Something about them reminds me of working alongside my father as a boy.

 

[bonneyman]

My understanding is Diehl was it's own thing up until 1988 then it was bought by Ryobi. The 315 line included the Craftsman "Commercial" line (prior to Ryobi I think). Sometimes also refered to as "Industrial" (and not to be confused with the later "Professional" line) these were pretty good US made professional grade tools IMHO. I would say easily equal to Black and Decker Professional at the time (the tools that eventually became current Dewalt). Personally I have a bunch and I pick them up when ever I see them as they are a great option for putting together small/dedicated purpose stationary tools (mini-router table, inverted scroll saw, stationary belt sander etc). There's a reason these tools are still making their way into the HFH Restores, ebay and craigslist 40 years later.

Short list of the Commercial models to keep an eye out for:

Jig Saw 315.17280
Circular Saw 315.11870
4" Belt Sander 315.11780
1/2 Sheet Sander 315.11660
7" Sander 315.11551
1/2" Drill 315.11490
Router 315.17380

Though some of the other non-"Commercial" tools in the 315 range are nearly identical to their "Commercial" brothers. There are some differences between the two lines depending on the tool. For example the Commercial 315 router is a tank, while the standard 315 craftsman router is frequently bashed as being a complete PITA to work with (I can attest to this as I have 4 of them lol).

Personally though I would say that the breadth of the 315 line for it's time was pretty limited to just the basics (Looking a the tools that Milwaukee and Makita were making at around the time and it's not a fair comparison). But if your looking for a serviceable, cheap corded tool; you really can't go wrong for the price.

Nice explanation, jweier! I was told the Craftsman 315 prefix power tools were good quality, and either Diehl or Riobi. Your info solidified that position.