Craftsman 1500A 12V MAX* Lithium Jump Starter and Portable Power Pack

The Craftsman 1500A 12V MAX* Lithium Jump Starter and Portable Power Pack, simply referred to as the Craftsman Jump Starter, is a compact powerhouse designed to address the all-too-common problem of dead car batteries. Having had the opportunity to put this tool through its paces, I’ve developed a comprehensive perspective on its strengths and areas for improvement.

Design and Portability

One of the first things that struck me about the Craftsman Jump Starter is its compact design. Measuring 12.5 inches in length, 10.1 inches in height, and 7.1 inches in width, and weighing a mere 3.8 pounds, it’s incredibly easy to store in a vehicle without taking up much space. The unit comes with a convenient carry holder that also secures the positive and negative connectors, making it quite portable and user-friendly. This is a significant advantage for anyone who needs a reliable jump starter that doesn’t dominate their trunk space.

Performance and Reliability

The Craftsman Jump Starter boasts 1500 peak amps, which is quite impressive for its size. It’s capable of jump-starting vehicles with up to 8.0L gas engines and 4.5L diesel engines. In my experience, it lived up to its promise. I was able to jump-start multiple vehicles, including a Chevy Tahoe and a Chevy 1500, without any complications. The unit claims to deliver up to 35 jump starts on a single charge, and while I didn’t push it to its limit, I found it to be quite reliable for several jump starts without any noticeable decrease in performance.

Charging Options

This is where things get a bit tricky. The Craftsman Jump Starter offers two charging methods: a 12V car charger and a USB-C input. While the inclusion of a USB-C port is a modern touch, it’s not as straightforward as it should be. Not all USB-C chargers are compatible, and this can be a bit frustrating. The unit also comes with a DC barrel charger for in-vehicle charging, which seems somewhat outdated given the prevalence of USB-C technology. The absence of a dedicated wall charger is another drawback. Charging the unit via a USB port can take an inordinate amount of time, which is not ideal if you need a quick turnaround.

Additional Features

The Craftsman Jump Starter is more than just a jump starter; it’s a versatile power pack. It includes a 2.4A USB charging port, which is handy for charging mobile devices in a pinch. The built-in LED area light is another thoughtful addition. It offers multiple settings, including an SOS mode and a fast flash mode, which can be invaluable during nighttime emergencies. While these features are not groundbreaking, they add to the overall utility of the device.

Usability and Safety

Using the Craftsman Jump Starter is straightforward. The booster cables are 8-gauge and 24 inches long, with color-coded clamps that make it easy to connect to the battery terminals correctly. The unit also features a display that lets you know the charge level, which is a helpful touch. However, there have been instances where the jump starter did not perform as expected, particularly with completely drained batteries. It seems to work best when there’s at least a minimal charge left in the battery, which is something to keep in mind.

Durability and Build Quality

The build quality of the Craftsman Jump Starter is commendable. It feels sturdy and well-made, capable of withstanding the rigors of being stored in a vehicle. I’ve kept mine in the car through various weather conditions, and it has held up well. The case is robust enough to contain any mishaps, such as a potential internal explosion, which speaks to its safety and durability.

Room for Improvement

While the Craftsman Jump Starter excels in many areas, there are some aspects that could use improvement. The charging options, as mentioned earlier, are not as user-friendly as they could be. Including a wall charger would be a simple yet effective enhancement. Additionally, the unit could benefit from more USB ports, especially for those who might need to charge multiple devices simultaneously. Finally, its performance with completely dead batteries is inconsistent, which might be a deal-breaker for some users.

Final Thoughts

The Craftsman Jump Starter is a solid tool that delivers on many fronts. Its compact size, powerful performance, and additional features make it a valuable asset for anyone who drives a vehicle. However, its charging limitations and occasional inconsistency with dead batteries are notable drawbacks.

Would I recommend the Craftsman Jump Starter? Yes, but with some reservations. If you’re looking for a reliable, compact jump starter that can handle most everyday situations and don’t mind the occasional inconvenience of its charging options, this tool is a great choice. It offers a good balance of power and portability, making it a worthwhile investment for peace of mind on the road. However, if you frequently deal with completely dead batteries or need faster, more versatile charging options, you might want to explore other models that better meet those specific needs.