Craftsman Cordless Hard Surface Blower

As a DIY enthusiast always on the lookout for tools to simplify my outdoor cleaning tasks, I recently had the opportunity to test out the Craftsman Cordless Hard Surface Blower, model number CMCBL710B. My primary requirements were a lightweight, easy-to-maneuver blower with decent power to clear grass clippings, leaves, and other debris off my driveway, porch, and patio. Here's a detailed breakdown of my experience with this tool.

Design and Build Quality

The Craftsman Cordless Hard Surface Blower stands out for its compact and lightweight design. Weighing just 4 pounds, it feels very manageable, even during prolonged use. This is a significant advantage for someone like me, who doesn't want to wrestle with a heavier, gas-powered blower. The blower’s build quality is satisfactory; it feels sturdy enough for regular use without being excessively bulky.

The integrated nozzle scraper is a thoughtful addition, designed to help with stubborn debris. While it’s not a game-changer, it’s a nice-to-have feature that can occasionally make the task easier.

Power and Performance

One of the central features of this blower is its air volume of up to 200 CFM and a wind speed reaching up to 90 MPH. On paper, these specs seem adequate for light to medium-duty tasks. In practice, however, the performance is somewhat mixed. For clearing dry leaves, dust, and light grass clippings off hard surfaces like driveways and patios, the blower works reasonably well. It’s a great tool for quick, small clean-up jobs where dragging out a corded blower would be overkill.

However, when it comes to heavier debris or wet leaves, the blower struggles. I found myself having to get very close to the ground to move anything more substantial, which can be a bit frustrating if you’re used to the power of a gas blower.

Battery Life

Battery life is where the Craftsman Cordless Hard Surface Blower shows some limitations. The blower uses a 20V MAX Lithium-Ion battery, which unfortunately isn’t included in the package. If you already have other Craftsman 20V tools, this might not be a deal-breaker since you can swap batteries, but if you’re starting from scratch, it’s an added expense.

Upon fully charging the battery, I found that it lasted around 10-12 minutes on the highest setting. For light tasks, this might be sufficient, but for more extensive cleaning, it’s inadequate. You’ll likely find yourself needing multiple batteries or frequent recharges, which can disrupt your workflow. Charging time using the standard charger is also quite lengthy, taking around 4 hours for a full charge. This is hardly ideal if you have a lot of ground to cover.

Ease of Use

One of the redeeming qualities of this blower is how easy it is to use. The lightweight design and ergonomic handle make it comfortable to hold and maneuver. I appreciated not having to deal with the hassle of extension cords, which is a significant advantage for quick, spontaneous clean-ups. The blower is also relatively quiet, which is a pleasant surprise compared to the noisy gas-powered alternatives. This makes it more comfortable to use for extended periods without needing ear protection.

Practical Applications

I found the Craftsman blower to be quite effective for specific tasks. In my garage, it replaced the broom for sweeping out dust and debris, making the job quicker and less physically demanding. It’s also handy for blowing off the porch and patio, keeping these areas tidy without much effort.

However, its utility diminishes significantly for yard work involving wet leaves or heavy grass clippings. For such tasks, a more powerful blower would be necessary. If your primary use is for light, routine maintenance on hard surfaces, this blower will likely meet your needs. But if you frequently deal with more challenging clean-ups, you might find it lacking.

Compatibility and Storage

Another plus is its compatibility with the VERSATRACK™ Wall Organization System, making storage a breeze. If you have a garage or shed outfitted with this system, you can easily hang the blower up when not in use, keeping your workspace organized.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Craftsman Cordless Hard Surface Blower is a mixed bag. It excels in areas where lightweight, easy-to-use tools are needed for light-duty tasks, such as clearing driveways, garages, and patios. Its compact design and ease of maneuverability make it particularly user-friendly.

However, its shortcomings in battery life and power cannot be overlooked. If you require a blower for more demanding tasks or extensive areas, this model may not be the best fit, and you might find yourself frustrated by its limited run time and lack of power for heavier debris.

Would I recommend the Craftsman Cordless Hard Surface Blower? It depends on your needs. For light, quick clean-ups on hard surfaces, it's a solid choice that offers convenience and ease of use. But for more extensive or demanding yard work, you’d be better off investing in a more powerful model, whether corded or gas-powered. Thus, while it has its merits, it’s essential to consider your specific requirements before making a purchase.