Craftsman Cordless Power Cleaner Kit

With the arrival of the Craftsman Cordless Power Cleaner Kit (CMCPW350D1), I was eager to test its capabilities and see if it could streamline my outdoor cleaning tasks. As someone who regularly washes cars, patios, and garden furniture, I was particularly interested in the claims of portability and ease of use, especially since traditional gas-powered washers are often cumbersome and noisy.

First Impressions and Assembly

Assembling the power cleaner was straightforward, thanks to the clearly labeled components. The kit includes the power cleaner, a 2.0Ah lithium-ion battery, charger, long wand with quick connect, 5-in-1 multi-spray nozzle, soap bottle, suction hose, quick connect hose adaptor, short watering wand, and a storage bag. While the instructions could have been more detailed, especially for first-time users, a bit of patience goes a long way.

Design and Build Quality

The tool itself is compact and relatively lightweight at 10.3 lbs, making it easy to maneuver. The plastic components are robust enough for typical household use, though I did have some concerns about the durability of the quick-connect and filter assembly, which are made of plastic. The design is user-friendly, and the 5-in-1 nozzle is a great addition, allowing for multiple spray patterns without the need to change nozzles frequently.

Power and Performance

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: power. The Craftsman Cordless Power Cleaner offers a maximum pressure of 350 PSI, which is significantly less than gas-powered washers but expected given its design and target use cases. For lighter tasks like washing windows, garden furniture, and vehicles, the cleaner performed reasonably well. However, for more demanding jobs like removing stubborn grime from driveways or heavy-duty cleaning, it fell short.

When using the suction hose to draw water from a bucket, the output pressure was noticeably lower compared to when connected directly to a garden hose. This is something to keep in mind if you plan to use the cleaner in areas where a garden hose isn't available.

Battery Life

The cleaner comes with a 2.0Ah battery, which, in my experience, lasted about 30 minutes on a full charge. This battery life is sufficient for smaller tasks but can be limiting for more extensive cleaning projects. I found myself wishing for a higher capacity battery, especially during more prolonged cleaning sessions. The battery compatibility with other Craftsman V20 tools is a plus, as it allows for easy swapping if you have multiple batteries.

Usability and Ergonomics

One of the standout features of this tool is its ease of use. The lightweight design and cordless operation make it highly portable, allowing me to clean areas that are hard to reach with traditional washers. The two-speed setting is a useful feature, providing a bit of flexibility depending on the task at hand. However, the cleaner can become awkward to use for extended periods, especially if you need to hold it at higher angles.

Attachments and Accessories

The included soap bottle is a handy addition, making it easy to apply detergents when needed. The short and long wands provide versatility, allowing for different cleaning approaches. However, I did encounter some challenges with the quick-connect fittings, which tended to leak if not tightened perfectly.

Noise Level

One of the benefits of this cordless power cleaner is its relatively low noise level. Unlike gas-powered units, it operates quietly, making it more pleasant to use in residential areas without disturbing the neighbors.

Practical Applications

For everyday household tasks, this power cleaner is a convenient tool. It’s great for washing cars, cleaning garden furniture, and removing light dirt from patios. However, it’s important to set realistic expectations. This is not a substitute for a high-powered pressure washer. If your cleaning needs are primarily light to moderate, this tool will serve you well. However, for heavy-duty tasks, you might find it underwhelming.

Durability Concerns

While the tool feels well-made, the plastic components, particularly the quick-connect assembly, raise some durability concerns. Given that these parts are critical to the operation, any damage can render the tool unusable until replacements are obtained, which might not be straightforward.

Final Thoughts

The Craftsman Cordless Power Cleaner Kit is a versatile and easy-to-use tool for lighter cleaning tasks around the house. Its portability and convenience make it suitable for situations where dragging out a heavy gas-powered washer is impractical. However, it falls short in terms of power and battery life for more demanding jobs.

Would I recommend this tool? Yes, but with reservations. If you’re looking for a portable, easy-to-use cleaner for light to moderate tasks, this is a solid option. It’s perfect for washing cars, cleaning windows, and tidying up garden furniture. However, if you need a tool for heavy-duty cleaning or large areas, you might want to consider a more powerful alternative.

In summary, the Craftsman Cordless Power Cleaner Kit is a handy addition to your cleaning arsenal, provided you understand its limitations and use it within its capabilities. For everyday household tasks, it offers a good balance of convenience and performance.