Craftsman Recessed Lighting Installation Kit, 6-3/8-Inch

Installing recessed lighting can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to ensuring precise, clean cuts in drywall or plaster. As someone who frequently tackles home improvement projects, I was eager to test out the Craftsman Recessed Lighting Installation Kit, specifically the 6-3/8-Inch model CMAH36RL. This kit promises to provide all the necessary tools for installing 6-inch recessed lights, and I was particularly drawn to its potential for making uniform, precise holes.

First impressions of the tool were promising. The kit includes a 6-3/8-inch hole saw with an arbor, a segmented carbide grit cutting edge, and a dust shield for debris collection during drilling. The carbide material of the saw gives it a robust feel, and the segmented cutting edge seems designed to handle a variety of materials, from sheetrock to fiberboard.

Upon using the tool, the first thing that stood out was its ability to cut through different materials. I tested it on sheetrock, fiberboard, and even lathe, and it performed well across the board. The saw cuts through these materials smoothly and consistently, which is essential for achieving a professional-looking installation. The segmented carbide grit cutting edge seems to do a good job of maintaining its sharpness, even after multiple uses.

However, it’s worth noting that the hole saw can "walk" or bounce a bit if not handled with care. This tendency is something I had to get accustomed to, and it required a bit of patience to get the best performance out of the tool. Ensuring that the pilot drill is securely in place and applying steady, even pressure helps mitigate this issue.

One of the standout features of this kit is the dust shield. During drilling, the dust shield effectively collects debris, keeping the work area cleaner and reducing cleanup time. This feature is particularly useful when working indoors, as it helps contain the mess that usually accompanies drilling into drywall or plaster. The dust shield fits snugly onto the hole saw, and while it isn't foolproof, it does a commendable job of catching the majority of the dust and debris.

While the overall performance of the Craftsman Recessed Lighting Installation Kit is impressive, there are a few areas where it falls short. One notable issue is the durability of the hole saw. After several uses, I noticed that the saw's cutting edge began to lose its shape, becoming less circular. This reduction in durability means that the tool may not be suitable for extensive or repeated use. It worked well for my initial project, but I have reservations about its longevity for multiple projects.

Another point of contention is the size of the hole saw. Despite being advertised as a 6-inch hole saw, the actual size is 6-3/8 inches. This discrepancy can be problematic, especially if you need an exact 6-inch hole for your lighting fixtures. For traditional can-type lights, this size works fine, but for newer LED canless fixtures, the 6-3/8 inch hole may be too large. It’s essential to double-check the specifications of your lighting fixtures before using this tool to avoid any mismatches.

The pilot tip of the arbor could also benefit from being slightly longer. In some instances, I found that the pilot tip was just barely long enough to penetrate the sheetrock before the cutting edge engaged. A longer pilot tip would provide better stability and control, reducing the chance of the saw walking or bouncing during the initial stages of drilling.

Despite these shortcomings, the Craftsman Recessed Lighting Installation Kit offers good value for money. It is significantly cheaper than comparable products from other brands, such as Lenox, making it an attractive option for those who need a reliable tool for quick, one-off projects. If you don’t plan on using the tool regularly, its affordability and overall performance make it a reasonable choice.

In conclusion, the Craftsman Recessed Lighting Installation Kit, 6-3/8-Inch, provides a practical solution for installing recessed lighting. Its ability to cut through various materials, coupled with the dust shield’s effectiveness, makes it a useful addition to any DIYer’s toolkit. However, potential buyers should be aware of its durability issues and the actual size of the hole saw. If you need an exact 6-inch hole or plan on using the tool frequently, you might want to consider other options.

For those embarking on a single project or who can work with the 6-3/8-inch size, I would recommend this tool for its affordability and overall performance. Just be prepared for some minor adjustments and handle it with care to get the best results.