New Craftsman C3 Tech

[Stuey]

Actually, nm, I'll post back when I have more info. Mods can delete this.

Edit: Alright, here's the gist of it:

New value-priced Li-ion tech (http://toolguyd.com/craftsman-c3-lithium-ion-drill-driver-kits-batteries/) brings li-ion advantages w/o bells and whistles budget-conscious users might not want or need. New battery packs and starter drill & driver kits are coming out.

New XCP premium Li-ion tech (http://toolguyd.com/craftsman-c3-xcp-battery-platform/) for users who want all the bells and whistles, such as fuel gauge, and more advanced protection circuitry.

New heavy-duty drill/driver with XCP battery tech (http://toolguyd.com/craftsman-c3-xcp-drill-driver/). Very nice specs, decent price. Seems to be a step higher than current generation C3 drill/drivers. Other XCP-bundled kits will be announced, I'm guessing/hoping a new impact driver will be part of the launch.

 

[fitz11]

way to get me excited lol

 

[balane]

So my current C3 tools are no good now?

 

[Stuey]

So my current C3 tools are no good now?

C3 line isn't going anywhere, but new upgrades and options will soon be available.

I added some info back into the 1st post.

 

[BigAl62]

I, for one, am glad to see Sears keep the C3 line and actually upgrade it. It's nice that the old tools are not "outdated" and that the new batteries will work with the older tools.

 

[elguappo]

My C3 tools were revitalized with the addition of the Li-ion batteries.
I can take the 1/2" impact to the wrecking yard now and it can remove more than 2 bolts.

 

[tpolley]

so has anyone used the new xcp 4ah batteries yet?

my nicad batteries circa 2009 are about shot. i also have an old stile lithium battery from the 2009 that was a ************* from day one. my 3, almost 4 year old nicads last longer than the lithium ever did. apparently those lithium batteries never were any good.

anyway, i'm just trying to decide if i want to have by current nicads rebuilt at batteries plus or ntb, buy new nicads from sears, or buy the new lithium battery. i'd need two of them at $90 a piece

 

[GSteg]

I have had the 4AH battery for weeks now. Runtime is a major improvement over the older lithium. I have power-hungry tools (Vacuum/blower, angle grinder, leafblower, etc) and the 4AH makes me like the tools all over again. I still have the older lithium as backup just in case.

I got mine for $75 after coupon + sales, so it might be worth the savings to you if you can ****** them up during a sale.