Craftsman has come out with a couple of new Bolt-On tools and accessories that are timed to be released for the 2014 winter holiday shopping season.
We reviewed the Craftsman Bolt-On modular tool system when it was first released, and were fairly satisfied with the balance between features, performance, and price. Bolt-On tool heads don’t offer the same features or performance as standalone tools, but offer a more affordably way for DIYers to get the tools they need to complete their projects.
Most of the new attachments are exclusive to the Craftsman Bolt-On line, but many of the existing tools are also available in Black & Decker’s Matrix tool system.
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Updated Craftsman Bolt-On Drill/Driver Starter Kit (46133)
The new starter kit will include a new cordless 20V Max power base, and a new drill/driver module.
Here’s what Craftsman had to say about the new starter kit when we asked how it compares to the original one:
The updated Bolt-On power base delivers improved performance with up to 35 percent more power than the previous model, and has a built in LED light.
Up to 35% more power? Sounds good to me! It looks like the new power base will provide platform-wide improvements, with the up to 35% part indicating it will benefit some tools more than others. Certain tools, like the inflator, probably won’t see much or any boost in power.
The drill head itself doesn’t look very different from the original. It features a metal two-sleeve 3/8″ chuck, 0-800 RPM gearbox, and 11 clutch settings.
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Price: $80
Bolt-On Lawn & Garden Attachments (41326)
A new lawn & garden tool set includes hedge trimmers and shears attachments.
For more details, take a look at our post on the identical Black & Decker Matrix lawn & garden tool kit that we wrote about a few months ago.
Price: $35
Bolt-On Impact Wrench (44918)
The new Bolt-On impact wrench attachment can deliver up to 1,300 in-lbs of torque when used with the cordless power base, and has a hog ring impact socket retention mechanism. Cordless speed range is 0-3100 RPM and 0-3500 BPM.
Surprisingly, the impact attachment is a little more powerful with the cordless power tool base than the corded one (1,300 vs. 1,250 in-lbs of torque).
Craftsman emphasizes that this is best used on lag screws and stubborn fasteners, and that it’s not suitable for use on lug nuts.
Price: $35
LED Worklight (44933)
The new Craftsman Bolt-On LED worklight isn’t really a Bolt-On attachment – it’s a Bolt-On battery-compatible accessory.
It has a multi-LED lamp head that can pivot 180° for convenient aiming. Its brightness is rated as being 50+ lumens, with runtime of up to 11 hours.
From other images we’ve seen, it seems that the LED lamp head features 12 separate emitters for a broader beam, but that might be subject to change.
Bolt-On Cutter (27007)
The new multi-purpose cutter attachment can cut through materials up to 1/4″ thick. Craftsman says it can cut through tough materials, such as wire, sheet metal, vinyl, leather, cardboard, carpet, metal mesh, and plastic.
It can handle sheet metal up to 26 gauge thick. Cutting speed is 0-1500 strokes per minute.
Bolt-On Cut-Off Tool (26993)
The new cut-off tool works with 3″ cut-off wheels with a 3/8″ arbor size, and can cut through small diameter metal and plastic materials. Speed with the cordless power base is 0-9,000 RPM. It features a guard to shield users against sparks and flying debris, and a spindle lock for easier blade changes.
Bolt-On 4.0Ah Battery (44919)
The new 20V Max 4.0Ah Li-ion battery pack can extend the runtime of each tool by up to 3X. And if you need longer runtime than that, the corded power base handle is also an option.
Availability
Most of these new tools are available now, or coming soon. They can be purchased via Sears or Craftsman.com.
Buy Now(via Sears)
First Thoughts
The Craftsman Bolt-On system is designed for homeowners, casual DIYers, and other once-in-a-blue-moon users that would benefit most from modular tools. Even so, some of these tools, such as the multi-material cutter, look like they could also appeal to more advanced users.
One thing I do like is that Craftsman continues to add to, update, and support the Bolt-On line with new attachments, accessories, and power options. Their Bolt-On system isn’t replacing the C3 lineup, but looks to be a good alternative for those who want more tools with a smaller budget.
As an aside, readers keep asking about Craftsman’s 12V Max Nextec lineup, and we’ve asked about its status numerous times as well. Nextec tools were clearanced out of many Sears locations, but it seems Craftsman will continue to support the line, at least from now. One of my ongoing concerns is that Craftsman intends for the Bolt-On platform to completely take the place of Nextec, which doesn’t seem appropriate to me, but there’s not much we can do but wait and see.
Caleb
I love the Bolt-on that I got for Christmas last year. I do mostly DIY repairs and other homeowner tasks. Sadly, I now wish I would have waited for the new base. 🙁
I really like that I can fit multiple tools in a small bag when going into the attic or on the roof. Really great when going to help out a friend. I use the older hex-bit impact driver the most. Sadly, it looks like it has been discontinued. And it is not powerful enough to loosen lug nuts. It works well to tighten them down and then use the torque wrench, but probably only puts out about 60lbs.
I debate adding the corded base as it does not seem to add more power for most of the tool heads. I now have 3 batteries because they are the same and my B&D string trimmer. They only take 20-30 minutes to charge so I will not run out of juice.
I would like to see more tools using this battery. B&D has some, but are mostly redundant to the Bolt-on/Matrix heads, come in combo kits only, or are yard tools. A right angle drill would be nice.
Definitely adding the reciprocating saw to my impact driver, drill, and multi-tool. Others would be nice, but don’t NEED them yet. I just wish ACE sold this line because they give me the most coupons! Still, a new tool for $25-35 isn’t bad, especially considering it is smaller, lighter, and has more power than my old Ryobi and my C3 Ni-Cad stuff. Great for me because I have a bad wrist. Probably why I use the impact driver for screws so much – does not stop and torque my wrist.
Derek
Wait until Black Friday to get the corded version. I got one last year and I think it was only $29 or $35. I don’t have the cordless version, I might pick one up eventually, but didn’t want to have to worry about replacing batteries years down the line.
Dave
Check out black decker matrix that’s who made the drill ,has it under black decker matrix, all the attachments fit this drill
DanG
I am so teed off about Sears that I have vowed never to purchase from them again. I bought a riding lawn mower from them this summer and I asked tons of questions. Like will the mower make it up a small hill and what types of discounts come with the warranty. Had it delivered and everything went wrong. Tried to order filers and accessories from the service department and I was not getting the discount I was supposed to receive. The grass catcher was supposed to be half off and that didn’t happen. Took the mower for a joy ride and almost flipped it 3 times trying to mow up the hill. In the meantime the wife was having a conniption watching my trying mow up this incline in our backyard. It was kinda funny, I was leaning forward and rocking to and fro and saying giddy up to the mower to give it enough momentum to climb the hill. I did finally get the backyard mowed but it took 2 hours longer then a self propelled mower. Told the wife that I’m not paying $1,200 for this piece of junk. It was like diving a Yugo. Called Sears and said they can have it back and they tried to make up all these excuses why I should not return the mower. They even said they would honor all the discounts they refused. I just said, enough is enough this mower is not worth what I paid for it. The they said it had to be spic and span before they would take it back. I worked on that darn mower for 2 hours and the only thing I did not do to it was wax it. Then Sears wanted to charge me delivery service to pick it up. I just said I lost $80 dollars on the last delivery charge and I’m not going to pay I’m dime more. The drivers showed up a couple of hours later and lowered the Tommy lift and dragged the mower on raised the lift and shoved it into the back of the truck. I heard a crash and thought “So much for the cleaning job.” then the driver obtained the accessories (including the grass catcher) and threw them into the back like they were disgusted. I sign off on the mower and both driver and assistant jumped into the truck and slammed the doors. The driver cranked up the Sears truck and left lovely skid marks in the street in front of our house. Now do you see why I wont by from Sears?
Anyways I purchased the Black & Decker Gyro screwdriver and I love it. I bought the DeWalt version on EBay and can hardly wait for it.
Jason
Wow, My friend order some appliances from sears and they damaged some of his wood trim in his house and it was next to impossible to get compensation for the damage. It’s because now all the delivery people are in reality contractors so Sears doesn’t carry the liability anymore. It’s always the delivery companies fault. I also can’t believe they fought you on the return was its their official terms on gas powered equipment. I wonder what the official policy is, or this was a crappy store decision. Either way its messed up. I also don’t like how one of my local Home Depot has set return policies that don’t match corporates version. They won’t take back generators or pressure washers anymore if they have had oil and gas added to them. I know people use them as a rental, but either change your official policy, or chalk it up do doing business.
DanG
My personal opinion about Sears is that they are on their way out. Soon Sears as a retail outlet will no longer exist. The whole company will bankrupt and disappear into thin air. I also believe that Craftsman will always be around. It’s such a good tool company that other stores such as Ace Hardware carries their tools. I would not be surprised to see Lowes and Home Depot carry them. It would be incredibly foolish to wipe out the Craftsman line of tools.
Did you know that “Land’s End” has divorced from Sears?
Matt E
What would convince me today to switch to this system would be if the base was brushless (assuming this is brushed, or else “brushless” would have been every other word in the press release…).
Generally, I’m fine with my brushed Ryobi tools, since as a weekend warrior none of them are seeing the kind mileage or use that would justifies a much more expensive brushelss setup.
However, with the current Matrix setup From BD/Craftsman, all of the “work load” is carried by the base driver (assuming you only have 1). Think about how much work even a small project, like building a 2×8 flower box would be for the base tool. Assuming you use no outside tools, it’s now responsible for sawing (if the trim saw even has that kind of range), sanding, and drilling/driving. No sweat when you break out a sander/multi tool, Circular saw, Drill, and impact driver. For one tool however, that’s a decent weekend of work!
That said, I’d definitely buy both a corded and cordless base if I went with a setup like this. That center driving unit is a single point of failure. Down the line, if/when Craftsman and B/D stops making these, you’re one toasted motor away from having a worthless pile of tools.
To be clear: It’s an awesome system for the “average joe” looking to build out an adaptable array of around-the-house power tools, I’d just want to make sure I had reduced the single points of failure in the system, to ensure it’s around for the long-haul.
Stuart
That’s an interesting point to consider, but I don’t think Craftsman or Black & Decker have a brushless power handle in mind. A major selling point behind these modular tool systems is the price economy. I don’t think that most users or potential users of the Bolt-On and Matrix modular tool systems would be interested in a higher priced higher brushless power handle option. There might be some sales potential, but perhaps not enough to justify the R&D and production that would be needed to push such a product to market.
Andrew Christiansen
Thats why you buy 4 of the B&D handles for 60$ each. The 4 amp RS550 Mabuchi Japanese designed motor inside is only 15$ & takes ten minutes to swap with an RC motor gear press kit for 20$. No soldering it has spade connectors to pull the wires right off the motor 100% plug n play. I have 10 motors sitting on the shelf. (x4) 20v power handles, (x4) corded 4 amp power handles. Then the high speed 2800 RPM 6.5 Amp hammer drill/driver for concrete & metal, then the 900 RPM 7 Amp monster for high torque applications like drillinng 10 inch deep holes in trees, or mixing epoxy in a bucket. You’re right about 1 handle doing too much work. That’s why you get many! Also the 2nd gen B&D handles are made from PA6GF33% (Glass Fiber reinforced Nylon 33% glass fiber)!!!!! Most Milwaukee & Dewault tools are made from standard tool plastic PA6GF30 with only 30% fiber. I expected ABS from B&D. But it has a Japanese designed Machuchi brushed 15$ motor, PA6GF33 super durable body, & a sintered pinion output gear. Thats good because the input/output of the handle and attachments will be nearly identical in hardness making them like sintered steel bushings that wont wear each other out. Plus I could machine one in an hour.
typhoon
I think the Nextec system is a hard sell for Sears’ usual customer base. While a tradesman who carries his tools around all day can immediately see the benefits of a smaller but still capable power tool system, the C3 drill sets are pretty cheap and look like the better value to the layman. The average homeowner cares less about portability and more about having enough power for whatever they might need down the line, and the C3 and Bolt-on systems look the part.
Tom
I’m sad about the Nextec line. I think that just because the drill looked like a electric screwdriver, people thought that it was one. It actually has a ton of power and has never failed me.
The batteries charge fast and stay ready for months and months. It is such a step up from my old NiCd batteries that it is amazing it didn’t cost more. And the size and weight are fantastic assets.
Sears doesn’t help themselves with their insane pricing strategies wherein a $100 retail tool sells for somewhere between $20 and $60 on any given day. I would probably buy more from them if I didn’t have to constantly hunt for the best price and constantly wait around for them to put something that I want on sale.
Hayden
I wish they would make a 19.2 c3 bolt-on power head. I like the cutoff wheel and a few other attachments.
Mike
I’m thinking of getting the new Cut Off tool attachment for my Black & Decker Matrix driver. Can anyone confirm if it will still fit like all the previous attachments? Thanks!
Maurice
I’m a Handyman and have been using the Bolt-On/Matrix system for about two years. This system is absolutely perfect for my business. It’s almost a whole tool shop in a bag. Is it as robust as stand alone commercial grade tools? No. But I’m not using them day in day out all day long in a commercial setting either. The design and quality is very good for the intended usage.
Chris Brumbaugh
keep making attachments i would like to see an angle drill attachment
Paul
minute.
Bolt-On Cut-Off Tool (26993)
Do you have any available
Stuart
Sorry, I don’t know if any Sears still has these.