Craftsman Wheeled Battery Charger and Jump Starter

When I first got my hands on the Craftsman Wheeled Battery Charger and Jump Starter, I was eager to explore its capabilities. As someone who spends a fair amount of time tinkering with cars in the garage, a reliable charger and jump starter is essential. This particular model, the CMXCESM233, promised plenty of features that I found appealing.

Sturdy Construction and Design

The first thing that caught my eye was the solid build. This isn't a flimsy piece of equipment. It's constructed with a heavy-duty steel case, and the solid wheels make it easy to maneuver around the garage. Weighing in at 30.6 pounds, it’s not something you'll want to carry over long distances, but the wheels make that a non-issue. The dimensions—23.3 inches high, 11 inches long, and 12 inches wide—ensure it’s compact enough to store without taking up too much space.

Manual Control and Versatility

One of the standout features is the manual control it offers. Unlike many digital chargers on the market, this model allows for a more hands-on approach, which I prefer. It includes a 135-minute timer and manual charging rate selection, giving you the ability to closely monitor and manage the charging process. This is particularly useful when dealing with a completely dead battery that some digital chargers might fail to revive.

Performance and Efficiency

When it comes to performance, the Craftsman Wheeled Battery Charger and Jump Starter does not disappoint. It features 250 cranking amps for jump starting, which is robust enough for most personal vehicles. The charger also offers two boost modes: a 50-amp (12V) and a 25-amp (6V/12V) option, catering to various battery types and situations. Whether you're dealing with a standard, AGM, gel, or deep-cycle battery, this charger handles them all with ease.

The inclusion of a built-in ammeter is a nice touch, allowing you to keep an eye on the charging current. This adds an extra layer of confidence when you're charging different types of batteries. The 10A standard charge rate is adequate for most needs, although I did find myself wishing for a trickle charge option for maintaining battery health over longer periods.

Ease of Use

Setting up the charger is straightforward, and the fact that it comes fully assembled saves a lot of hassle. The controls are intuitive, even for those who aren't particularly tech-savvy. The lack of a user manual might be a downside for some, but the controls are labeled clearly enough that most users should be able to figure things out without too much trouble.

Real-World Application

In my experience, this charger and jump starter excels in real-world applications. I tested it on several different batteries, including those in cars, trucks, and even a lawnmower. In each case, it performed admirably, bringing dead batteries back to life and providing a reliable jump start when needed. The manual control allowed me to fine-tune the charging process, something that automated chargers often struggle with.

Areas for Improvement

While the Craftsman Wheeled Battery Charger and Jump Starter has many strengths, there are a few areas where it could improve. First, the lack of a trickle charge option is a missed opportunity. Trickle charging is essential for maintaining batteries over long periods, and its absence is noticeable.

Second, while the charger is generally easy to use, a more detailed user manual would be beneficial. Although the controls are relatively straightforward, a comprehensive guide could help less experienced users get the most out of the device.

Conclusion

After putting the Craftsman Wheeled Battery Charger and Jump Starter through its paces, I can confidently say it's a solid piece of equipment. Its robust construction, manual control options, and versatile performance make it a valuable tool for any home mechanic or car enthusiast.

Would I recommend this tool? Absolutely. Its ability to revive dead batteries and provide reliable jump starts makes it an essential addition to any garage. While it could benefit from a trickle charge option and a more detailed user manual, these are relatively minor drawbacks compared to its overall performance and durability.

In summary, if you're in the market for a reliable, versatile, and user-friendly battery charger and jump starter, the Craftsman CMXCESM233 is an excellent choice. Its combination of manual control, sturdy construction, and reliable performance make it a standout option in its category.