Sears has recently come out with a new Craftsman 20V Max cordless power tool combo kit. Their new cordless platform launched a few months ago, and this kit is their first to include more than a drill and impact driver from the new line.
The new Sears Craftsman 20V Max 5pc cordless power tool combo kit comes with a drill/driver, impact driver, 6-1/2″ circular saw, reciprocating saw, a flashlight, (2) 1.5Ah DieHard Li-ion batteries, and a charger.
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Drill
- 1/2″ chuck
- 0-350/0-1300 RPM
- 300 in-lbs max torque
- Weighs 3.1 lbs with included battery
Impact Driver
- 1/4″ hex quick release chuck
- 0-2500 RPM no-load
- 0-3100 BPM
- 1100 in-lbs max torque
- Weighs 2.8 lbs with included battery
Circular Saw
- 6-1/2″ blade size
- 2″ max cutting depth at 90°
- 3300 RPM
- Weighs 6.8 lbs with included battery
Reciprocating Saw
- 7/8″ stroke length
- 0-2600 SPM no-load speed
- Weighs 4.7 lbs with included battery
Battery charging time is said to be 4 hours. The kit also comes with a carrying bag.
Price: $198
Item number is 00946512000. Model number is “TBD.” The combo kit is currently available at Sears.com.
As a reminder, Sears Craftsman 20V Max cordless power tools are not compatible with Craftsman V20 cordless power tools sold at Amazon and Lowes. Sears’ Craftsman tools are developed and marketed under licensed, due to the sale of the Craftsman brand from Sears to Stanley Black & Decker.
Read More: Sears Launches New Craftsman 20V Max Cordless Power Tools
We’ll continue to follow up about new Sears Craftsman 20V Max cordless power tool developments. Personally, however, I am much more interested in Craftsman’s V20 cordless power tools. Confused about the difference? You’re not alone.
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Steve
The easiest way to tell the difference is if it says “Die Hard” on the batteries. You don’t want those.
Jalopy_J
Yes, but you don’t think anyone want these rebranded black and decker 20v tools either. Best to stay away from Craftsman altogether at this point.
Evadman
Are these tools made by Stanley Black and Decker? I don’t think they are? I think SBD makes the V20 Craftsman line, not this 20V line.
Stuart
He’s dumping on the new SBD tools, e.g. https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/craftsman-black-friday-2018-cordless-drill-kit-cmcd700c1-review/%3C/a%3E . More here: https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/tag/craftsman-v20/%3C/a%3E .
RHINO
Are brushed or brushless ?
Stuart
Which tools are you asking about?
RHINO
I meant the whole kit !
Stuart
The tools shown in this post have brushed motors, at least as far as I am aware.
Jalopy_J
Correct, they don’t make the Sears ones., just the V20. The OP is saying the Sears Diehard one is garbage, which is true, but IMO the V20 is just as bad. Sorry, my post was just bad and confusing and I can’t edit it.
Ethan Donahue
Regardless, SBD makes DeWalt, PorterCable, etc.
Robin
The OEM are the same people that make their Wet-Dry Vacs.
So basically the same company that makes Vacmaster Vacuums.
The manufacturer code on the drill I saw in their store was 125. Sears’ Wet-Dry vacuums have the same manufacturer code.
Danny G.
I’ve bought 2 different types of batteries for my 19.2 volt cordless tools. And now they come out with a 20 volt line… ridiculous. I’m keeping the ones I use the most and switching to another brand. These guys are behind the times in battery tech.
Steve the Gullible
Wouldn’t be interested if they were giving them away. Don’t feel you can trust Sears or Craftsman for quality anymore. Of course I still don’t buy Quaker Oats because they sponsored a show called “Guns of Autumn” that depicted all hunters as drunken bums who shot up road signs and anything that moved. That aired in August of 74 so It’ possible I’m just an old curmudgeon . . . . in fact it’s probable, but anyway: No battery operated Craftsman stuff.
Jim Felt
And I thought I was one to remember a dumb move.
If I had a hat I’d tip it to you sir.
Jalopy_J
*Yes, but you want these rebranded black and decker 20v tools either*
Sorry, typo.
JamesM
The ones at lowes are made by sbd but, some are rebranded porter cable and some are rebranded dewalt, some of the electric ones are rebranded black and decker. I dont think most realize most big brands are made by Stanley black and decker. Most any power tool these days from the big brands are good, yes there are problems sometimes, but that is across all brands.
Chris
Way to go sears! I can’t wait to get ahold of this kit.
Not…. I wish sears would just die already.
Jim
I think it’d be interesting if somebody compared the two Craftsman brands head to head.
Chris
That’s a great idea! Not being sarcastic at all I promise. Stuart we need this.
Brad
And, just for fun, throw the C3 tools into this comparison. : ^)
Herb
I’ll keep my 19.2 Craftsman kit
Christopher
$200 MSRP for five tools, two batteries, and a case? That’s got to be the cheapest POS set in the world.
Matt
One would be better off buying used C3 tools if you wanted Sears Craftsman. They’re all over ebay. As for these, I doubt the recip or circular saws are any worse than the V20 ones to be honest. They weren’t impressive to me. I have no idea on the drill or impact but I’m guessing the same applies. I bought the brushless USA models of the V20 line but there’s a big jump down when going to the brushed V20 models on the drill and impact.
The only C3 tools I ever bought were the recip/circular saws & 1/2″ impact. I didn’t think the V20 counterparts were any better at all. In fact, I think they were worse. The recip was too short for my large hands to hold onto, the saw didn’t have the balance or feel of the C3 and the impact was too big and bulky compared to the C3.
I wouldn’t touch these new Sears toys with a ten foot pole but Stanley needs to step up their game themselves. V20 needs far more yellow DNA for me to consider further investing to.
Tom
I quit buying From Sears years ago,when they butchered the Craftsman brand with Chinese made junk. I am patiently waiting to see their demise,they earned it.
Richard. S
I think that it should be better than harbor freight brand, so for those folks who don’t care about good and proven brands, this will suit their needs
Brian M
I can’t wait for Sears to Die Hard.
Please don’t be this respectful to these tools. I know this isn’t an opinion post, just information but…F Sears for doing this and costing people’s hard earned money that don’t know any better.
I live in Florida, there’s a large Spanish speaking community, people who barely speak English. They save up and buy stuff like this or even buy NiCad drills that Lowe’s still carry as their first nice tool. People getting into the trade, spouses…this is borderline criminal to deliberately try to confuse people.
Corey
I almost wonder if there’s not some obscure clause which will somehow further profit Lampert if Sears can blame their final failure on litigation lol It all seems like such a bad joke, the ridiculousness of these death throws for Sears: I’m somehow looking for any explanation that can make sense of it all. I’ve usually found that the root of all influences of changes to the world at large, stem from the fact that nobody actually is operating on a higher level, and will forever just be fumbling around whatever station they hold in life, all while trying desperately to convince everyone else that they’re in control and more informed. I’d still love to find something to tie up all these loose ends lol
Alladin
How much?
Stuart
$198, as mentioned in the post.
Pastor Dan
If it says either Sears or Craftsman on it, just put it back on the shelf and look at something else. I agree: it’s high time both names end before any more harm is done. The lessons of the past are plain enough that no one should have any excuse to repeat the same mistakes. Cut it loose, let it go, and move on.
I’m near to saying something similar about B&D. Note that I didn’t say SBD – yet. Most of the yellow stuff is still fair competition to Milwaukee’s and (dare I say it?) Bosch’s nearest comparable products.
Pastor Dan
Should have added: ” IMHO.”
Nick
Use it on one job make all your money throw them away go buy real tools LOL
Bert
Sears is being sued by SBD because of their new “craftsman” tool line. Legally sears can’t sell anything craftsman.
Stuart
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/stanley-black-decker-sues-sears-craftsman-ultimate-collection-tools/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Leeroy
Sears is being sued because SBD made a bad deal and wants out. SBD didn’t buy the brand, they boug a 25 year license. They got no IP and have at best a 50% ownership stake. After the 15 year period where SBD pays Sears and the 10 year period where Sears pays SBD, there is a tipping point. At 25 years after the sale, SBD has the option to renew their license with Sears. If it isn’t renewed, Craftsman in it’s entireity reverts to Sears ownership.
Stuart
What’s your source? I cannot find any official source that corroborate what you’re saying, and a lot of what you say conflicts with published official details about the acquisition.
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/craftsman-brand-sold-to-stanley-black-decker/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Stanley Black & Decker OWNS the Craftsman brand. Sears does NOT. Sears can develop, source, and sell [licensed] Craftsman tools at Sears retail channels under a licensing agreement. After 15 years, Sears pays SBD a royalty on sales. SBD pays Sears a percentage of sales through year 15.
Leeroy
It would appear I was misinformed on the 25 year thing. According to SBD, Sears has a perpetual license to do whatever they wish with their part of the brand, and SBD cannot do anything about it. There is a sliding scale for the who is paying who royalties over time. There was minimal IP transfer, and most of that appears to be communally owned rather than outright by one or the other. (The raised panel wrench and ratchet designs and screwdrivers are about it.)
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/External.File?item=UGFyZW50SUQ9NjU2MjMwfENoaWxkSUQ9MzYyMzAzfFR5cGU9MQ==&t=1
The crux of the lawsuit is that SBD made a bad deal and expected Sears to roll over and die. Sears didn’t, and now SBD wants a judge to fix the problem they created. It should be noted, the purchase transaction hasn’t even been completed yet. SBD still owes Sears another 250 mil. at the end of this year.
Stuart
Full details of the licensing agreement aren’t public – at least not that I can find, neither is the full text of the lawsuit.
The crux of the matter is that Sears sold the brand but is now all of a sudden coming out with new tools and marketing them with messaging that says they’re the “real home of the broadest assortment of Craftsman,” and Stanley Black & Decker says this is a breach of their license agreement.
Competition between a licensee and a licensor is not normal practice.
David
My 2 cents, don’t buy tools you can only get at one store.
Stuart
Ryobi and Ridgid power tools are only available at Home Depot, and they’ve had a great track record.
Kobalt is only available at Lowes, and doesn’t have the same long-term support as Ryobi.
I would say that single-store availability isn’t the issue.
However, I can’t recommend anything from Sears. They supported the C3 lineup, but have not given the same dedication to other Craftsman cordless power tool lineups.
Craftsman power tools at Lowes or Amazon are a different story, because I think Stanley Black & Decker will support the newly launched V20 platform for a very long time.
Matt
I agree with Stuart. There’s no doubt V20 (and most likely V12/V60) will be fully supported for a long time. It’s not going anywhere and will only expand. That’s why I figured I’d take a chance and jump in on the brushless USA stuff. Nobody knows how long Sears will be around. Stanley however isn’t going anywhere. Stanley also has the outdoor power equipment line tied into V20 which from what I’ve seen so far at Lowe’s & Menards is pretty nice. Hopefully they have nicer hand power tools coming.
Diamond Dave
Seems like the current opinion of Sears is pretty universal ie “don’t go away mad Sears, just go AWAY!”
I agree with many previous comments on Sears currently marketing their cordless tools to those whom are clueless, misinformed or are only purchasing on price rather than longetivity.
Thom
Although I wouldn’t buy any thing Craftsman from Sears the SBD Craftsman tools I have bought at Lowes are good quality and seem to have plenty of power. I think lumping both brands into one basket is unfair and a little petty.
Steve
I wouldn’t buy the Sears Craftsman 20V power tools, I don’t see any reason to. The Sears ones will be confused with the SBD Craftsman V20 ones, fortunately Sears is now very small so far fewer of those tools will get out to the public before they close up shop. Like I said before, the dead giveaway to identify these tools is the “Die Hard” sticker on the battery so it’s easy to stay away.
If you compare the Sears Craftsman 20V specs to the SBD Craftsman specs you see the SBD Craftsman V20 specs are better for the tools. Plus you know with the SBD ones you are getting tools designed and produced by SBD, some in the USA, with the Sears ones you don’t know what you are getting, who designed them? Who produced them? It’s likely off the shelf of a no name OEM or spec’d by Sears to a no name OEM. You know manufacturer support will behind the SBD ones, you can’t reasonably expect any behind the Sears ones. Also, you don’t know how much longer Sears can stay in business to continue to carry on that line, where as SBD will likely be around much longer. Also, the SBD line is much larger and likely to have many more tools introduced by them for this line, with the Sears line, will it ever get much beyond the 5 or so core tools?
Now, for the SBD Craftsman V20 line itself, I don’t see why so many have such a negative view of it. Whatever Craftsman the brand, the myth, the legend, was is irrelevant to what SBD has here with their new Craftsman V20 line. What SBD is doing is going directly after TTI’s Ryobi in the homeowner/DIY/weekend warrior space. If that’s not the market segment you consider yourself in, that’s ok, but it’s a huge one regardless, doesn’t make it bad or unacceptable for the needs of the users in that segment. SBD spec’ed their V20 tools to be on par with Ryobi One+ and priced similarly as well. SBD had about 30 V20 Craftsman tools at launch, nowhere near Ryobi’s One+ count, but very good for a launch. They are very competitive. My guess is SBD has had their eyes on Ryobi and the market segment it dominates for a while. A segment that the Black&Decker and Porter Cable brands couldn’t compete well in. Craftsman gives SBD the most respected brand name (with US consumers) in tools to do that with. I’ll bet they go well beyond Lowes too getting them in more retailers, like Amazon.
I see the Sears Craftsman 20V line as a dead end/non-starter. I see the SBD Craftsman V20 line as the equivalent of, and direct competition to, Ryobi One+, both of which I think are good lines. We the consumers will win here with this competition. Hopefully Sears fades away sooner rather than later as they are reduced to being a nuisance on the SBD sideline here.
Matt
V20 did launch with quite a few tools, I won’t take that away from them. I was just really looking forward to a high end 1/2″ impact, grinder and high end saws. Jigsaw, circular, recip & mitre. If they had high end versions of just those to go along with my brushless drill and now impact driver I’d be happy. Those are all of the tools I use frequently. For most other things I could deal with a more middle of the road approach. I get that they’re they’re targeting Ryobi and that’s fine for some things but for others, it doesn’t make sense for me personally. I’d prefer more of a Rigid meets DeWalt approach on the other things. That’s how I view Craftsman.
I do like the bluetooth radio & small area light which I’ve thought about getting before summer and I know my wife wants the 2 gal vac for cleaning out her car and around the house. And I did get the little orbital sander which I’ve been happy with. That’s mostly been my wife’s tool for refinishing furniture but she loves it. So there’s a few things in there I like.
Matt J
I agree with a lot of your points here. The issue is that the line between Ridgid and Ryobi is getting blurred more and more as Ryobi comes out with more advanced brushless tools and the like. Add to that that I consider Ryobi a step up from Black and Decker, which gets complicated because TTI doesn’t really have a brand that matches what I’d call the sub-entry level tools from Black and Decker. Given the overlap between Ridgid and Ryobi’s offerings, I think the new Craftsman line is intended to compete with both Ridgid and Ryobi’s mainstream models, which I’m okay with.
Mike (the other one)
I feel bad for the suckers who buy this. Yeah, you get a lot of tools for $200, but I don’t any of them lasting very long.
Sears is a walking corpse, so there will likely be no warranty support on these once Sears finally dies.
Brandon S
I will admit, I bought the first offerings of the 20V tools back in September for two reasons; 1) I was curious, and 2) I had a ton of points to use which allowed me to buy the drill and impact set for less than $40. The drill is, well, pretty normal in the saturated market of DIY power tools. The impact driver is actually pretty decent; I like how it is lighter than my C3 unit and feels fairly balanced and put together with better battery life when compared to the small Lion battery. I teach high school wood shop where I tired it out for a couple weeks there and it took everything we could throw at it there which is more than what any weekend warrior/DIY type would need.
I am curious to see how the new addition will perform, probably middle-of-the-road, but I completely understand why many would be hesitant to purchase the new line-up because of Sears’ emergence from bankruptcy and their relationship with SBD. For those balking at the price of $199.99 for five tools, that is the sale price. When I was walking through the local Sears (no it isn’t closing), they had a couple sets on hand with the normal price of $269.99 and every other 20V offering. Knowing that, there are plenty of other similar sets in that price range so why gripe about it…
My curiosity is settled initially, but the real question will be how well this new offering will perform over time. I will keep everyone updated.
CT
These things look cheaper than the Coleman Outdoors power tool kit I got when I was a teenager. Junk.