Craftsman V4 4-Volt Cordless Tools

Craftsman is coming out with a new line of super-compact cordless power tools. These new V4 tools will be powered by a 4-volt DieHard-branded rechargeable lithium ion battery pack. These tools are obviously meant for lighter duty tasks, but they should be powerful enough for casual DIY and maintenance projects around the home.

It looks like all of the following kits include the respective tool, a single li-ion battery and a charger.

Craftsman 4V Cordless Screwdriver V42100

This lightweight screwdriver features a 1/4″ quick release hex bit collet, 24-position clutch, ergonomic grip, and built-in LED. We have been told that the driver outputs a max torque of 40 in-lbs. It also features a 2-speed 200/600 RPM reversible gearbox.

From what we can tell, the 1/4″ collet can hold 1″ screwdriver bits without the need for a separate bit holder!

We accomplished quite a bit back in the day with a simple Black & Decker 3.6V driver. After a few years of regular use, it was retired in favor of a more powerful 12V model with an adjustable clutch. Despite 12V drivers having dropped in size and weight in recent years, there are times when we miss our featherweight bare-bones B&D model.

The V4 screwdriver’s quick-release bit holder, adjustable clutch, 2-speed settings and removable battery make it quite a bit more attractive than most other simple 4-volt tools in its price range.

Click for more info or to purchase online at Sears (Regular price is $40)

Craftsman 4V Cordless Multi-Cutter V43100

We have seen this type of multi-cutting pistol-grip shears before, and they’re always a hit with homeowners. It’s capable of cutting through plastic clamshell packaging, wire, carpeting, denim and other fabrics, and even cardboard.

Click for more info or to purchase online at Sears (Regular price is $50)

Craftsman 4V Cordless Rotary Tool V44100

Craftsman is also releasing a 4V cordless rotary tool as part of its V4 tool launch. The rotary tool features a 22,000 RPM motor and appears to have a 1/8″ collet capable of accepting Dremel-branded accessories. A 13-piece bit set is included to get you started.

If you’re looking for a low-power rotary tool, the Dremel MiniMite may be a better buy.

Click for more info or to purchase online at Sears (Regular price is $50)

Craftsman 6W 4V Soldering Iron V48200

This new 6-watt cordless soldering iron is capable of delivering a working temperature of 900°F. Craftsman says that the tool is useful for a wide variety of projects and is ideal for larger joints.

We’ve never really been fond of low-cost cordless soldering irons, but will reserve judgement until we learn more about the tool.

Click for more info or to purchase online at Sears (Regular price is $40)

Craftsman 4V Cordless Headphones V45100

These new Craftsman headphones provide 25db of hearing protection, and have built-in microphones so that you can still participate in a conversation while wearing the headset. An auxiliary input (4-foot cord included) allows you to route your MP3 player, iPod, or smartphone music player through the headphones.

Click for more info or to purchase online at Sears (Regular price is $60)

Craftsman V4 Rechargeable LED Flashlight V46100

This new LED flashlight features a 1W high intensity LED bulb with 65-lumen output, 100+ foot beam range, and 6 hours of continuous runtime.

Click for more info or to purchase online at Sears (Regular price is $30)

Craftsman 4V Cordless Screwdriver and Multi-Cutter Kit VCK100

This kit includes the new Craftsman V4 screwdriver and multi-cutter tools, and is bundled with 2 screwdriver bits, one battery, and the charger.

We have a feeling that this is the kit most people will want to buy. Since most users will want to keep these tools in their kitchen junk drawer or similar, there’s no need for a case.

Click for more info or to purchase online at Sears (Regular price is $70)

Craftsman 4V Screwdriver and Flashlight Combo Kit VCK110

Instead of a multi-tool, this kit bundles the rechargeable flashlight with the cordless screwdriver.

Our opinion is that those who plan to use the flashlight often should consider buying the driver and multi-cutter kit and the separate flashlight kit instead. That way you get all the tools you need as well as a second battery that you can keep in the flashlight all the time.

Click for more info or to purchase online at Sears (Regular price is $60)

V4 DieHard Battery

Replacement or extra batteries look to be cheap enough at about $15 each or less. Sears says that these batteries are good for more than 2,000 recharges, although there’s no word on how large the cells are.

Click for more info or to purchase online at Sears (Regular price is $15)

If you look carefully, you’ll see a close resemblance between these Craftsman V4 tools and Home Depot’s Ryobi Tek4 cordless tools. Ryobi’s 4-volt tools look decent enough, and we’ve seen quite a few positive reviews as well. They don’t seem to be very popular, though, but our thoughts are that this is because nether Home Depot nor Ryobi ever really advertise the tools. Hopefully Sears and Craftsman will do a better job of marketing the new lineup.