Craftsman Jump Starter and Portable Power Station

The Craftsman Jump Starter and Portable Power Station (CMXCESM256) is designed to be a versatile and essential tool for vehicle owners and outdoor enthusiasts alike. At first glance, its robust feature set and promise of reliable performance make it a compelling choice. However, my hands-on experience with this unit has revealed a mix of strengths and noteworthy shortcomings.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that struck me about this jump starter is its relatively compact and lightweight design. Weighing in at 16 pounds and measuring 11.5 inches in height, 6.3 inches in length, and 14.3 inches in width, it’s easy to store in the trunk of a car or a garage shelf. The unit feels solid and well-constructed, with practical storage compartments for the air compressor cable and jumper cables. This thoughtful design keeps everything organized and minimizes clutter, which is particularly useful when you're in a hurry or working in low-light conditions.

Features

The Craftsman jump starter boasts a range of features that cater to various emergency scenarios and everyday needs. It offers 1200 peak amps, capable of jump-starting 4- to 8-cylinder engines, and includes a 100-PSI automatic air compressor. Additionally, the unit is equipped with an LED area light, a digital display for monitoring, and multiple outlet options, including 12V DC, 110V AC, and USB ports. These features make it more than just a jump starter; it’s a portable power station that can charge smartphones, tablets, and even power tools.

Performance

Using the jump starter for the first time was a straightforward experience. The digital display is clear and easy to read, providing essential information such as the percentage of charge left in the unit. However, I did notice that the display only shows the voltage of the battery you’re trying to jump and not the internal battery’s voltage, which can be slightly confusing.

When it came to jump-starting a vehicle, the unit performed admirably. I tested it on a completely dead battery in a lawn tractor, and it started up with ease. The jumper cables are sturdy and long enough to reach comfortably between the unit and the battery terminals. The reverse-connection protection feature adds an extra layer of safety, ensuring that you won’t damage your vehicle’s electrical system if you accidentally connect the cables incorrectly.

Air Compressor

The air compressor is a handy addition, especially for inflating tires, air mattresses, and sports equipment. However, it’s not without its quirks. The compressor uses a brass screw-on connection to attach to tire stems, which I found to be less convenient than the lever-type connectors. On top of that, the compressor tends to overheat and shut off after a short period of use. This can be frustrating if you’re trying to inflate multiple tires or larger items, as you’ll need to wait several minutes for it to cool down before it resumes operation.

Charging and Battery Life

One major drawback of this unit is the lack of included charging cables. The package does not come with AC or DC charging cords, which means you’ll need to supply your own. This omission is particularly frustrating because it’s not clearly stated on the packaging or in the product description. Moreover, the unit requires a specialized extension cord to charge, which is not a common household item. Once you do manage to charge it, the battery life is decent, but the lack of intuitive charging indicators can make it challenging to know when it’s fully charged.

Additional Features

The LED area light is bright and has a flashing option for emergency situations. This is a useful feature if you’re working at night or need to signal for help. The multiple outlet options are also a significant plus, allowing you to charge various devices simultaneously. However, I did find that the power output for the 110V AC outlet is somewhat limited, which may not be sufficient for more power-hungry devices.

Customer Support and Manual

One of the most frustrating aspects of this product is the lack of accessible support and comprehensive documentation. The manual that comes with the unit is not very detailed, and there’s no PDF version available online. If you run into issues, contacting customer support can be a hassle. The Craftsman website offers limited information, and finding a phone number to call for support can be an exercise in patience. Additionally, the support chat on the website is not always responsive, which can be particularly inconvenient if you need assistance outside of regular business hours.

Conclusion

In summary, the Craftsman Jump Starter and Portable Power Station is a solid multi-functional tool with a range of useful features. Its ability to jump-start vehicles, inflate tires, and charge various devices makes it a valuable addition to any emergency kit. However, the lack of included charging cables, the somewhat confusing digital display, and the limited customer support are significant drawbacks.

Would I recommend this tool? It depends. If you’re looking for a versatile and portable power station with the ability to jump-start vehicles and inflate tires, and you don’t mind sourcing your own charging cables, this unit could be a good investment. However, if you’re looking for a more user-friendly experience with better support and clearer documentation, you might want to consider other options. The Craftsman Jump Starter and Portable Power Station has potential, but it falls short in several key areas that could impact its overall usability and convenience.