Craftsman Cordless Hammerdrill Kit

As a DIY enthusiast and someone who frequently takes on various home improvement projects, I was eager to test out the Craftsman Cordless Hammerdrill Kit, model number CMCD711C2. This tool promises to offer robust performance for concrete and masonry drilling tasks, which is precisely what I needed for my latest project: installing new shelving in my garage and anchoring them securely into the concrete walls.

The first thing I noticed about this hammer drill was its solid, albeit slightly bulky, design. At 6.1 pounds, it's not the lightest tool on the market, but it feels sturdy and well-balanced in hand, which is essential for maintaining control during heavy-duty tasks. The 1/2-inch keyless chuck is a convenient feature, allowing for quick and easy bit changes without the need for additional tools. This is a time-saver, especially when you need to switch between different bit sizes frequently.

The kit includes two V20 20V Max* 1.3Ah lithium-ion batteries and a charger. While the batteries are on the smaller side in terms of capacity, they are sufficient for short to medium-length projects. For larger projects, you might find yourself swapping batteries more often than you'd like. However, the inclusion of two batteries is a thoughtful touch, ensuring you can keep working while one battery charges.

One of the standout features of this hammer drill is its dual-speed gearbox, which offers speed options of 0-350 RPM and 0-1,500 RPM. This versatility allows you to tailor the drill's performance to the task at hand, whether you're drilling into softer materials or tackling tougher, more resistant surfaces like concrete and brick. The hammer function, which delivers 25,500 beats per minute (BPM), is particularly effective for masonry work. I found it quite powerful when drilling into the concrete walls of my garage, making the task much easier than anticipated.

The built-in LED light is another practical feature that I found incredibly useful. It provides ample illumination in dimly lit areas, ensuring that you can see precisely where you're drilling. This is a small but significant addition that enhances the overall user experience, especially when working in tight or poorly lit spaces.

However, the Craftsman Cordless Hammerdrill is not without its drawbacks. One of the first issues I encountered was with the direction switch. It feels somewhat flimsy and finding the 'neutral' position can be tricky. This can be frustrating when you're trying to quickly switch between forward and reverse modes. Additionally, the chuck is made of plastic, which raises concerns about its durability, especially when used for heavy-duty drilling tasks.

Battery life is another area where this tool falls short. The 1.3Ah batteries do not last long when used with more power-intensive tools. During my garage shelving project, I found myself needing to recharge the batteries more frequently than I would have liked. For more extensive projects, investing in higher capacity batteries might be a wise decision.

Quality control seems to be an issue with this model. While my unit performed adequately, there are reports of some units being dead on arrival or experiencing battery charging issues. This is something to keep in mind, as it can be a significant inconvenience if you receive a faulty unit.

Despite these shortcomings, the Craftsman Cordless Hammerdrill Kit has several redeeming qualities. Its power and performance in drilling through concrete and masonry are commendable, and the dual-speed gearbox provides the versatility needed for various tasks. The built-in LED light is a practical feature that enhances usability, and the inclusion of two batteries ensures you can keep working with minimal downtime.

In conclusion, the Craftsman Cordless Hammerdrill Kit is a solid choice for homeowners and weekend warriors looking for a reliable and powerful tool for concrete and masonry projects. While it does have some minor flaws, such as the flimsy direction switch and the plastic chuck, its overall performance and versatility make it a valuable addition to any DIY toolkit. The issues with battery life and quality control are worth noting, but they are not deal-breakers, especially if you invest in higher capacity batteries or ensure you purchase from a retailer with a good return policy.

I would recommend this tool for anyone looking for a dependable hammer drill for occasional use. It offers good value for the price, and its performance in drilling through tough materials is impressive. Just be prepared for the possibility of needing to address some minor issues, and you'll find that this tool can handle a wide range of tasks effectively.