Craftsman has just announced a new series of Bolt-On modular power tools that aims to save DIYers time, storage space, and money. The Bolt-On system consists of a 20V Max lithium ion battery pack and 9 interchangeable tool heads.
Although similar in design to the Black & Decker Matrix modular tool system, Craftsman’s Bolt-On line features several upgrades and exclusive attachments, shown and described below.
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Bolt-On Attachments and Accessories
- Exclusive drill/driver
- Exclusive 2-speed hammer drill
- Exclusive QuickBoost charger
- Exclusive air inflator
- Circular trim saw
- Jigsaw
- Impact Driver
- Sander
- Oscillating tool
- Router
Craftsman Bolt-On Drill Driver Kit 16496
The standard drill/driver, included with the starter kit, features a 2-sleeve all-metal chuck, 0-700 RPM motor, and 11 clutch settings.
Starter Kit (via Sears)
20V DieHard Battery and QuickBoost Charger
Craftsman has designed the 20V charger around their QuickBoost technology. Similar to Craftsman’s upgraded 12V Nextec charger, the new QuickBoost charger can quickly charge 20V Max batteries to 30% capacity in 10 minutes at the push of a button. Full charge is reached in 30 minutes.
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Although it seems gimmicky at first, QuickBoost chargers do come in handy when we need *just a little more juice* for a project. Sure we could also yank partially charged batteries from their chargers, but doing so isn’t exactly good for the battery packs.
The starter kit (16496) comes with the QuickBoost charger and single 20V Li-ion battery pack.
QuickBoost (via Sears)
Spare Battery (via Sears)
Craftsman Bolt-On 2-Speed Hammer Drill Driver 34975
The 2-speed hammer drill attachment is one of several that are exclusive to Craftsman’s Bolt-On line.
- 0-450/0-1450 RPM
- 0-7500/0-24750 BPM
- 4A motor
Hammer Drill Attachment (via Sears)
High Pressure Inflator
The inflator attachment, another Sears/Craftsman exclusive, can inflate bike tires and sports equipment up to 80PSI. It features a 14-inch hose, 120PSI peak max pressure, and comes with one needle nozzle and a beach ball nozzle.
Inflator Attachment (via Sears)
Craftsman Bolt-On Circular Trim Saw 34979
The 3-3/8″ trim saw is designed for cutting plywood, paneling, and small boards. It can probably handle plastic sheets as well, possibly with a different blade.
Trim Saw Attachment (via Sears)
Craftsman Bolt-On Jigsaw 34974
While not the most comfortable-looking jigsaw we’ve seen, the attachment looks compact for use in tight areas.
- 1/2″ stroke length
- 0-2500 SPM
- Tool-free blade change
- Includes 1 T-shank wood-cutting blade
Jig Saw Attachment (via Sears)
Craftsman Bolt-On Impact Driver 34973
- Up to 1300 in-lbs of torque
- 0-2700 RPM
- 0-5400 BPM
Normally we like to use super-compact impact drivers, but DIYers will appreciate how the Bolt-On attachment is a fraction of the price of a standalone driver.
Impact Driver Attachment (via Sears)
Craftsman Bolt-On Sander 34978
Triangular sanders are excellent for light sanding or detail work, and we expect this oscillating one to be no different. It spins at 0-7500 oscillations per minute and comes with 2x 60-grit, 2x 120-grit, 2x 240-grit sheets.
Sander Attachment (via Sears)
Craftsman Bolt-On Oscillating Multi-Tool 34980
The oscillating tool attachment features a tool-free blade change and includes enough accessories to get you started: 1 plunge cutting blade, 1 sanding base, 1x 60-grit sanding sheet, and 1x 240-grit sanding sheet.
- 0-17000 OPM
- 2.8° oscillation angle
- 1.65A power draw
Oscillating Tool Attachment (via Sears)
Craftsman Bolt-On Wood Router 34977
- Cutting depth of up to 1″
- Plunge depth of 16mm (slightly over 1/2″)
- 0-9000 RPM
- 10.7-18.5A power draw
- 1/4″ chuck
The compact cordless router should work well for small trimming and edging tasks.
Router Attachment (via Sears)
Initial Impressions
Craftsman’s Bolt-On modular system is not designed for advanced DIYers who already have a full selection of power tools. The various attachments can handle most light to medium duty tasks budget-conscious DIYers may come across.
The starter set is priced at $120, and tool attachment add-ons will be priced at $40 each. Holiday sales or special combo kits might make the tools even more affordable.
Some of the tools look less than ergonomic, but there seems to be very good value built into the Bolt-On platform. We’re actually quite eager and excited to see what the new modular platform is capable of, and anticipate that many DIYers will share this enthusiasm.
You can preorder the starter kit now, via Craftsman, or wait until mid-October 2012 for the products to become available in stores.
http://youtu.be/_EvHG42L9VQ
Dan
So Stanley and SHC are BFFs again, how long until they underbid Apex for hardline production?
Stuart
Underbid? There’s also a good chance that one of them will try to buy Apex. Back in March 2012 Danaher and Cooper Tools announced that they were looking for a buyer for their Apex Tool Group joint venture. (via Bloomberg)
Steven B
I like the lithium ion, was scared that they may have crippled it out the door with ni-cad. I can see this as being ideal for new homeowners who need a slew of tools for various jobs but don’t have the budget for them all right away.
Looking at the $40 per attachment price, I’m thinking that is a bit too high considering what you actually get – no motor, no battery, no charger, etc. Yet you could probably get better separate corded sander/jigsaw/multitool for about the same price.
They could/should have just went brushless with the motor, which would give you better battery life, more torque, and cooler operation spread across several tools. The $40 per attachment price wouldn’t seem too bad then.
Dan Richards
The attachments for the Ridgid JobMax/Ryobi JobPlus interchangeable head system (TG article) are $50-70, so the SHC pricepoint is undercutting HD – not something you see every day.
Steven B
Wow! The JobMax should be renamed the ProfitMax system. I did notice that they have a pneumatic and AC powered base, and the ergonomics look to be better. That makes it somewhat attractive, but that price per attachment is outrageous since we all know most of the cost is in the power plant/battery/charger systems.
Jerry
If they would use my existing 19.2V DieHard batteries, I’d order the kit in an instant. I could use my existing tools for the garage/shop, and have a kit like this for a carrying around ‘do all’ kit, and gain a lithium battery or two.
Can anyone answer why they keep changing batteries on us? Even old standbys like Dewalt have gone from an 18V to 20V tool (even though they actually use the same working voltage, from what I understand) but are built so that the battery from one, does not fit the other. Why is that?
Fred
While battery technology does improve in big jumps rather than gradually, you have to be careful which big jumps you take to the consumer and how often. Manufacturing a battery platform is a calculated decision and if you tried to throw in every minor improvement or efficiency gain once it’s available you would see them changing tech a lot more often. Thankfully it’s been done fairly ‘right’ with 18v tools, by introducing higher capacity batteries to give the overall platform longevity while still introducing new tech into the tools themselves (M18 brushless, circuit overload protection, etc). So in short, you can keep using DeWalt 18v tools forever since there are only a thousand different ones, but the 20v line will continue to get the best and biggest improvements.
The 20v tech in this tool is the same (or derivative) as the DeWalt. Think of it as an overdrive setting; 18v nominal circuitry that can handle a burst of higher voltage/amperage without going into overload lock or frying. It’s good tech, it’s the same used in every brand’s 12v (10.8v nominal) tools, just the bigger version.
19.2v was always destined to fail, I can’t remember the last time I saw any manufacturer come out with a new tool for their platform.
Jerry
But isn’t the 20VMax DeWalt tool system called the 18V XR overseas?
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/dewalt-20v-max-18v-xr-internationally/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
What reason would they have, to change the battery footprint? I can get 18V Lithium batteries? Are the ergonomics better or something?
I just don’t like having a bunch of tools, and then when one wears out, and I need a replacement, If I want to get the latest improvements (like brushless motors) I have to get a new battery system, with new chargers, etc, all the while the battery is actually running the same voltage.
Maybe if they could make some sort of adapter, so a person could use the new battery, on an old tool? I have a few cordless tools I only use occasionally, but when I need them, I really need them. Eventually my choices will be either have multiple battery systems, or buy new tools, when my old ones are far from worn out.
Stuart
Supposedly the 18V vs. 20V Max distinction in the USA is to avoid confusion since the new slide-packs are not compatible with the previous 18V battery packs. My feeling is that it was done to maintain consistency with the 12V Max line.
The new form factor is more compact and allows for more ergonomic handles. There are possibly other forward-looking engineering benefits but Dewalt product managers wouldn’t readily discuss such matters, at least not publicly.
I have seen new 19.2V tools, e.g. new impact wrench, and the platform still appears to sell quite well.
Regarding 18V vs. 20V compatibility via an adapter, I don’t really see this happening. Short-term it will be inconvenient for those with large 18V tool sets, but long-term many such users will likely upgrade to 20V. Dewalt’s not killing the 18V line just yet and 18V+20V dual chargers make it easier to use both platforms.
Jim
Simply put – “marketing strategy”. This way, they can keep-0n selling them.
JeffD
Another battery change…another gimmick.
Will Sears ever learn?
Jeff Tieman
More junk. I thought business wasn’t good for Sears right now? Looks like they will self destruct by making more BS products that SUCK. This is like black and decker firestorm all over again. What the hell is going on over there?
Etaipo
Actually, for the past three years Sears has stuck with only two different battery types for the most part. I’m not sure about the 20 volt Li-Ion, but it more customers buy it, then it will stick around. If they don’t it won’t!
Charles
And I just invested a lot in the last few months in the 19.2v cordless tools … upgraded to LiIo battery’s – theirs 2 types and I got 2 large (one large and charger was $120.) and 1 small … have the whole set of tools … and now there going to change everything? all over .8v … ?? should have went with DeWalt!!!
Michael
The 19.2 isn’t going anywhere. They just launched a new addon ( the angle grinder) and have shown no signs of stock drawdown (besides the Lithium Ion batteries, which will probably be replaced with higher capacity versions in the near future, from what I can tell). This is probably a one or two year gimmick, just like the 16v lithium ion, just like the v4, etc., etc. If you’re looking for a setup with longevity, stick with your 19.2 and avoid this one.
Stuart
The 19.2V line is not inferior to the new 20V line. It’s not about 20V>19.2V, because the 20V Max batteries operate at 18V more or less.
Comparing Craftsman 19.2V to Dewalt is a bit unfair as well given the differences in tool performance and price. In many cases Dewalt products are superior, but the benefits only come with greater costs.
Troy Murphy
Isn’t this Craftsman Bolton the same as the Black and Decker Matrix featured at the bottom of the article? Forget buying it at Sears when you can get it at Walmart for half off. Or better yet… I think the test version was at Manards last spring for much much less.
Stuart
It appears so. Still, there are a number of Craftsman exclusives that make the Bolt-On system slightly more appealing. The Matrix is not without their own exclusives as well, such as the 12V and corded power base handles.
Nobody will tell me whether the Bolt-On and Matrix tools and base handles are compatible with each other, so I’ll have to find out on my own in a couple of weeks.
charles
After using (and wearing out) two successive Craftsman drill/drivers, I needed something more reliable. 10 years on (I used corded tools…) I bought into the DeWalt 18V tools. The Craftsman tools wore out because the bushings (!) in the gears wore out and the entire chuck had >>1/8″ play. I still have them in the garage… I now have more time on the Dewalt tools and they still perform as new, even if they look like I dragged them behind my truck.
Most of the time, when I need a cordless impact driver, I’m drilling a pilot hole. I’m very happy to have separate tools. In fact, because of the silly pricing on everyone’s tools, when I needed more batteries and another charger it was actually cheaper to buy another hammer drill kit!
I’ve used a lot of routers. I have serious doubts that a 7500rpm free speed (what happens under load?) is going to be effective for most or any jobs.
Ken
Battery changes are a pain to the consumer. As for DeWalt the good ol’ 18V NiCad/NiMH/LiON platform is still with us, but the format is crazy oversized for LiON needs. The new 20V tools are very svelte in comparison to the smallest 18V tools.
There is no excuse for Milwaukee having two 18V LiON lineups, I think this was done merely to facilitate their transition from US manufacture to China. I considered their first 18V setup and I’m really, really, really glad I didn’t jump on that ship.
Craftsman power tool quality has been so spotty I’m unlikely to jump on this ship. The history of power tools is littered with combo stuff like this; most don’t last. If they get the quality right it could be fabulous… almost too much to ask of Sears at this point, they can’t get anything right.
Nate
For someone who’s trying to become a DIYer and begin building a toolkit, which would you recommend, the Craftsman Bolt On or the Black&Decker Matrix Modular system? And/or would you recommend staying away from these modular tools, saving up and slowly buying the tools individually?
Stuart
Truthfully, the Matrix vs. Bolt-on choice is a difficult one. It might be possible that the handles and attachments are compatible with each other, but nobody from Black & Decker or Craftsman will confirm this. I’ll need to wait until I have samples of both in-hand to check.
I would say wait until October/November and make the decision based on the holiday kits/specials that might pop up. If you want to buy before or after that, I would go for the Craftsman 20V starter set.
If I had to start over again, I would still purchase each tool I needed separately rather than going with a modular set like this. I’m the type of person that will develop very specific requirements, and with the amount I use tools now, the power and ergonomics of a modular set would probably fall short.
It all depends on your anticipated needs, plans, and planned budget. If you purchase a set and use it for a project but find out the tools are insufficient for your needs, you can always return it. I believe Craftsman still has a 90-day return policy.
Emmanuel Dela Cruz
I wanted to buy the Bolt-on tools and bring to our country Philippines. I just wanted to know if the charger is auto-volt or 110Vac power. Please let me know before I do any purchase.
chris
Me too! I guess I just have to buy a voltage transformer.
Emmanuel Dela Cruz
I wanted to buy the Bolt-on tools in New York and bring to our country Philippines. I just wanted to know if the charger is auto-volt or 110Vac power. Our power line in our country is 220Vac. Please let me know before I do any purchase.
Mike
Emmanuel
I don’t think those chargers are auto sensing on the voltage. It think it’s straight 110v but you should be able to use one of those 110 to 220 adapters, just make sure the wattage is correct.
MN Craftsman
What is the reason for going with a 3/8″ chuck, other than to make more affordable. These systems must be targeted to home light DIY’s. Yet it has a 20V battery…..skeptical of the quality…..No thanks.
Mike
So I’ve read all the comments and here’s my .02.
What I’m seeing is opinions from people who seem to be professionals. This tool system wasn’t designed for you. You have your shiny toys that are awesome and designed for people like you. This is more for a homeowner who *might* need it to put a piece of furniture together or mount a new light. And it would serve well for this purpose if the male and female side of the system are made of a good quality metal. You might scoff at the $40 dollar price tag but Sears always has sales so you’ll like as not get it cheaper. And you’re not going to get a good quality cordless impact driver for 40 bucks, or a decent orbital sander for that either. But even if you could get them for the same price another factor some homeowners face is space. I’m sure y’all have wonderful 2000 sq. ft shops like I do, but most don’t and it’s a whole lot easier to pile those accessories in one bag than have to get an entire shelf or pegboard for those separate tools.
As for the B&D versus Sears, well, too many B&D products I’ve either used or owned have been shoddy and I wouldn’t put it past them to use a thermoplastic that won’t hold up to the torque but we’ll have to see.
As far as the different battery types go, how often are you replacing batteries? I’ve replaced one set of 18v DeWalts and those were the ones I got with the kit I bought. They’ll be making them for a long time coming, so I wouldn’t worry about it too much unless you just have to have the latest tech and if that’s the case then you should be used to it.
jessica ray
How much is the whole system together? My husband wants all of it for Xmas. Do they sell it all together?
Stuart
I have not seen a complete package set yet, but all the attachments are in-stores now. If you’re going to buy them all, make sure to do so during Sears’ Black Friday 3-day weekend sale because they will all be discounted up to 50%-off.
eddie
hey Stuart did you ever find out if the C-man and the B&D are compatible?
chris
$ 79.99 at craftsman.com
Bluz
I’ve always been a sucker for cordless tools. I remember I finished to interior of a custom van back in the 60’s and saw all the screwing I would have to do and cut the end off a screwdriver and stuck it ina variable speed corded drill. I told myself if they ever made a powerful cordless model I’d buy it. Should have patended it. I love my 18 volt firestom kit, have about 9 batteries all won’t hold a full charge. I bought 4 off Ebay and didn’t last a year. The drill is super 1/2″ chuck that comesoff and reveals a driver for screws. Big work saver. If only the batteries would hold up. Have a 19.2 Porter Cable kit with 4 batteries, none will hold a charge. I’ve tried zapping them and it doen’t work. I like Lithium batteries. Best thing they ever came out with…however most are priced way too high. These 20 volts are reasonable if they hold up. I wonder if Ryobi has one of these. I bought some Ryobi 40 volt tools and am very impressed, don’t by the leaf blower however…it suks!
john N
Hi I have a bolt on and I just fluted a board on a cordless table router. I done this with the 20 v. Max bolt on and a black n decker folding vice table. Works great need to buy the double battery but I have the corded version too.
Zeph
I was unable to find the following info online, so I’m providing it myself.
I’ve just checked out Craftsman Bolt-On system compatibility with the Black and Decker Matrix. They appear to be fully compatible – both the batteries and the tool heads seem to be mix and match.
There are different molded plastic bodies, but the joining surfaces appear identical and interchangeable.
Interestingly, while the batteries are the same size and feel approximately the same weight, the Bolt-On 20v claims 26 WH while the Matrix 20v only claims 22 WH. I don’t know if there is any real difference or not.
The Bolt-On drill driver has an all metal chuck and is heavier, but the torque limiting clutch seems about the same. Of course, the Craftsman series has a fast charger (currently packaged with the drill driver + handle + battery for $80, or sold separately for $50), while the Matrix has only the slow charger. Both batteries of course say to charge only in their own brand of charger.
The interchangeability enhances these products. This gives one the choice of some different add-ons unique to just one line, or the ability to take advantage of sales from either brand, and maybe more chance of keeping them available longer into the future.
I’m going to go with the Bolt-on drill driver package (for the fast charger) for $10 more, but the impact driver attachment was only $24 at Home Depot, making this cheaper than the Matrix package with both heads.
I suspect the future 12v handle will be of little value, but the AC handle may enhance the product line.
Paul
I’m looking at this Craftsman Bolt-On 20 Volt Cordless Drill and no where does it state the Torque Spec on the unit. What gives? The box does not state the torque value, nor the Instructions, nor the Website Ads. and even all the blogs I’ve read do not speak of a torque spec. This is a 20 Volt unit yet only is equipped with a 3/8″ capacity drill chuck. Is the manufacturer embarrassed about stating the torque? How can anyone comparison shop if they don’t know the one vital specification of a cordless drill? Every other manufacture that I have shopped for, cordless tools, state the torque value.
Jack Lindop
I bought the bolt-on drill for the impact and hammer-drill and now I can’t get them, I now need them for a job I’m in the middle of. Can someone please let me know when I will be able to order them?
Paul
does sears make or plan on a carry case (hard) for the “Bolt-On” 20 volt drill?
James
I use to shop at sear’s exclusively as a young man. “Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Money Back” is seared on my brain.
I have been disappointed in how sears handled the failure of my calypso washer. I thought that I would give them another chance because of the advertisement and the fact that I like to buy American.
This bolt on system is disappointing. The bag does not hold the attachments securely. Circular saw is good. Reciprocating saw is awkward. Jig saw is below a 5th grade shop class. Router is for very light duty.
There is simply a lack of quality that meets the world wide standards of other manufacturers.
Booyaaa for GM and the new corvette. That’s setting an American standard.
user
what price this drill with all tools pack made in usa? Craftsman Bolt-On Modular Power Tool System
Martha Gomez
How much sale everything kit?.. i neede all ..
Linley Purinton
I would love to see them make a Grease Gun attachment for the bolt on. The bolt on is a great and handy little tool for the home owner. You have a good variety of tools to accomplish a wide array of household projects. It is not designed for the professional but is perfect for the home owner doing household maintance.
John
Has the
Bolt
On drillbeen discontinued,most stores are out
If it and online is also hit and miss?
dave
Quote: “Although it seems gimmicky at first, QuickBoost chargers do come in handy when we need *just a little more juice* for a project. Sure we could also yank partially charged batteries from their chargers, but doing so isn’t exactly good for the battery packs.”
Huh? It’s no different at all and not bad at all for the packs, though what is bad is charging them at that high a rate, unless it has a thermally well-coupled sensor that keeps heat in check.
In fact, you’ll get a lot more cycles out of a Li-Ion pack if you don’t let it charge all the way up to 4.2V/cell, even accounting for the reduced capacity, the # of addt’l recharge cycles you gain will swamp that. Unfortunately, too few consumers understand this and mostly buy based upon mAh ratings, so marketing departments have their way with the design.
Dave
Ever since I got my bolt on’s they have been my go to power tool for numerous small jobs, and with buying additional blades and such, have made life so much easier as well as jobs coming out much more professional looking. It’s a wonder I ever lived without them.
donald
if you can have this tool in canada it would be a pleasure for me to buy a set ,send me a reply when in canada it has arrive
Ron
I have had this tool for about 3 years. The battery is now dead and I can not get a new one. I now have over $125.00 tools that a worthless and sears won’t doing anything about it. I though Sears was a better company than that.!!!!! I don’t understand….
Don’t waste you money on any of the attachments that the stores still sell.
Vincent
Ron – you are just not trying… the 20v Black and Decker batter is interchangeable. They are listed on eBay, or you can buy them at Home Depot.
As for me, I love my bag of Bolt-On tools, and I am purchasing a B & D Matrix Drill and Impact Driver kit just so that I can have a second handset.
This has become my go-to kit. Too bad that Sears is imploding, but I’m glad that I bought these.
Brad
Not just the black & decker batteries but the attachments are interchangeable as well!!