Craftsman Cordless 1/2-in Hammerdrill Kit

Exploring the world of power tools can be daunting, but there are certain names in the industry that have long been associated with quality and reliability. Craftsman is one such brand, so I was intrigued to test out their Cordless 1/2-in Hammer Drill Kit, model CMCD711D1. This tool stands out with its cordless convenience and robust features, promising to be a handy addition to any DIY enthusiast or homeowner’s toolkit. Here's a detailed look at my experience using this hammer drill and whether it lives up to Craftsman's reputation.

Design and Build Quality

Out of the box, the drill felt solid and well-constructed. It has a brushed motor, which some might argue is a step behind the latest brushless models, but it still packs a punch. The drill features a 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck that makes changing bits a breeze and ensures better bit retention. This is particularly useful when switching between tasks that require different bit sizes or types.

One noticeable aspect is its ergonomic design. The grip feels comfortable and balanced, even during prolonged use. However, the chuck is made of plastic, which gave me some concerns about its durability, especially when using it for more demanding tasks like drilling into masonry.

Performance

The performance of this hammer drill is quite impressive for its category. It boasts a high-performance motor that produces 280 unit watts of power, which is sufficient for most home improvement projects. The two-speed gearbox offers speeds of 0-350 RPM and 0-1500 RPM, providing versatility for different tasks, from drilling into wood to hammer drilling into concrete.

The hammer function, delivering 25,500 BPM, is particularly effective. I used the drill to install some tapcons into a concrete wall for a backyard project, and it performed flawlessly. The hammer drill made quick work of the concrete, and I didn’t experience any significant slowdown or overheating.

Battery Life

One of the key features of this kit is the inclusion of two 20V MAX* 2Ah lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are part of the Craftsman V20 ecosystem, meaning they are compatible with a range of other tools. This compatibility is a huge plus if you already own other tools from the same lineup.

In terms of battery life, the 2Ah batteries are adequate for smaller projects. For more extensive tasks, you might find yourself needing to swap out batteries or recharge them more frequently. During my use, I found the batteries to last long enough to complete most of my weekend warrior projects without interruption. However, for heavy-duty tasks, having a higher capacity battery would be beneficial.

Usability

The drill is user-friendly, featuring an LED light that illuminates the work area. This is particularly helpful when working in dimly lit spaces like basements or attics. The direction switch, however, felt a bit flimsy and not as intuitive as I would have liked. Finding the neutral position was sometimes a challenge, adding a minor inconvenience during use.

One thing I missed was the inclusion of leveling bulbs, which would have been a nice addition for ensuring accuracy, especially during more precise tasks.

Issues and Concerns

While the drill performed well overall, there were a few issues that could not be overlooked. Firstly, the plastic chuck, although functional, might not withstand heavy wear and tear over time. Secondly, the included charger and batteries had some quality control issues. Although my unit worked fine, I came across instances where the batteries didn’t charge or the charger itself was faulty.

Moreover, the drill has a tendency to overheat under heavy load. During one of my more intensive projects, the motor started to heat up significantly, which raises concerns about its long-term durability.

Customer Support and Warranty

Craftsman offers a two-year warranty for this hammer drill, which provides some peace of mind. However, the experiences with customer support have been mixed. It’s advisable to thoroughly test the tool within the return window to ensure there are no defects or issues.

Conclusion

Would I recommend the Craftsman Cordless 1/2-in Hammer Drill Kit? It depends on your specific needs. For homeowners and casual DIY enthusiasts, this drill offers a great balance of power, convenience, and versatility. The inclusion of two batteries and a charger adds value, and the performance across a range of tasks is commendable.

However, for professional use or extensive heavy-duty projects, the limitations in battery life, the plastic chuck, and potential overheating might be deal-breakers. In such cases, investing in a more robust, professional-grade tool might be a better option.

Overall, the CMCD711D1 is a solid choice for those looking to tackle various home improvement tasks without breaking the bank. Its ease of use, decent power output, and compatibility with other Craftsman V20 tools make it a worthy addition to your toolkit, provided you are aware of its limitations and are not pushing it beyond its intended use.