Craftsman Brake Cube

In my quest for the perfect tool to aid in brake maintenance, I recently had the opportunity to test the Craftsman Brake Cube (model number CMMT98363). As someone who regularly performs car maintenance, I was particularly interested in its promise of being a universal solution for compressing brake calipers. Here’s an in-depth look at my experience using this tool.

The Brake Cube is marketed as a universal tool designed to compress brake calipers during maintenance. It features a one-piece design, which theoretically should make it easy to store and use. The tool itself is made from steel with a full polish chrome finish, giving it a solid and durable feel. It's lightweight, weighing in at just 0.3 pounds, and compact with dimensions of 1.5 inches in height, 2.7 inches in length, and 5 inches in width. Craftsman backs this tool with a full lifetime warranty, which is always a reassuring sign of quality and durability.

Upon receiving the Brake Cube, my first impression was positive. The tool's polished chrome finish gives it a professional look, and its compact size is a definite plus for anyone with limited storage space. The steel construction suggests durability, which is essential for a tool that will be subjected to significant force during use.

I decided to put the Brake Cube to the test on a couple of different vehicles, starting with a 2001 Ford Mustang Cobra. Unfortunately, this is where I encountered my first issue. The tool did not fit the rear caliper of the Mustang. The pin spacings on the tool were too wide to engage the piston holes, rendering it ineffective for this particular vehicle. I had to resort to grinding the tool down with an angle grinder to make it fit. Even after this modification, getting enough leverage to compress the caliper was a struggle. This was disappointing, as it defeated the purpose of having a universal tool.

Next, I tested the Brake Cube on a 2015 Ford Escape. Regrettably, the results were similar. The pin spacings were once again too wide to engage the piston holes. It's clear that the Brake Cube is not as universal as it claims to be, at least not for these two vehicles. This limitation significantly reduces its practicality and usefulness.

However, I did find some success with the Brake Cube on a different vehicle. When used on a 2010 Honda Civic, the tool fit perfectly and worked as intended. It easily engaged the piston holes, and I was able to compress the caliper with minimal effort. This experience demonstrated that the Brake Cube can be effective, but its compatibility with different vehicles is inconsistent.

One of the standout features of the Brake Cube is its one-piece design. This makes it easy to store, and there's no need to worry about losing any parts. The lightweight nature of the tool also makes it easy to handle, which is a plus when you're working in tight spaces. The full polish chrome finish not only looks good but also provides some resistance to corrosion, which is important for a tool that will likely come into contact with brake fluid and other corrosive substances.

Despite its shortcomings, there are a few scenarios where the Brake Cube could be a good addition to your tool collection. If you own a vehicle that the tool is compatible with, it can make brake maintenance a bit easier. The tool's compact size and lightweight design are definite advantages, and the full lifetime warranty provides peace of mind.

However, the inconsistent compatibility is a major drawback. The fact that the tool did not fit two out of the three vehicles I tested it on is concerning. If you're considering purchasing the Brake Cube, it's essential to verify that it will work with your specific vehicle. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a frustrating situation where the tool is unusable.

In conclusion, I have mixed feelings about the Craftsman Brake Cube. While it has some positive attributes, such as its compact size, lightweight design, and durable construction, its limited compatibility with different vehicles is a significant drawback. For those who own a vehicle that the tool fits, it can be a convenient and effective solution for compressing brake calipers. However, for others, it may not be worth the investment.

Given my experience, I would recommend the Brake Cube with reservations. If you can confirm that it will work with your vehicle, it's a handy tool to have. But if you're looking for a truly universal solution, you might want to consider other options that offer more consistent compatibility across a wider range of vehicles.