Craftsman 12V MAX* Fully Automatic Battery Charger and Maintainer

12V MAX* Fully Automatic Battery Charger and Maintainer

Features

  • Fully automatic operation
  • Compatible with 12V MAX* standard, AGM, deep-cycle, and lithium (LiFePO4) batteries
  • Scrolling digital display for charging status and instructions
  • Multi-stage charging to enhance battery health
  • Float mode monitoring to maintain charge
  • Reverse hook-up protection to prevent damage
  • Bad battery indicator

Specifications

Product Height 5.0 IN
Product Length 12.0 IN
Product Weight 4.3 LB
Product Width 16.0 IN

This device is designed to maintain vehicle batteries in optimal condition. It is suitable for use with various battery types, ensuring they remain charged and ready for use.

Model Number: CMXCESM260

Craftsman 12V MAX* Fully Automatic Battery Charger and Maintainer Review

5.0 out of 5

Craftsman's 12V MAX* Fully Automatic Battery Charger and Maintainer (model CMXCESM260) is a tool that caught my eye recently. With a sleek and neat design, it promises to keep your vehicle batteries in optimal condition, ensuring you’re never left stranded due to a dead battery. After spending some quality time with this charger, I can confidently say that it delivers on its promises and then some.

Let’s start with the build and design. The CMXCESM260 measures 12 inches in length, 16 inches in width, and 5 inches in height, making it a moderately compact device that doesn’t take up too much space in your garage or trunk. Weighing in at 4.3 pounds, it’s portable enough to be easily carried around yet feels sturdy and robust in hand.

One of the standout features of this charger is its fully automatic operation. This means you can connect it to your vehicle's battery and let it do its thing without constant supervision. The charger is compatible with a range of 12V batteries, including standard, AGM, deep-cycle, and lithium (LiFePO4) batteries. This versatility is a significant advantage for anyone with multiple types of vehicles or battery-powered equipment.

The scrolling digital display is another notable feature that adds to the user experience. It provides clear and concise instructions, as well as real-time updates on the charging status. This makes it easy to keep track of the process without second-guessing whether the battery is charging correctly. The multi-stage charging process is designed to enhance battery health, extending the lifespan of your batteries by ensuring they receive the optimal charge at each stage.

One feature I particularly appreciated was the float mode monitoring. Once the battery is fully charged, the charger switches to float mode to maintain the charge without overcharging. This is crucial for preserving battery health and ensuring the battery is always ready for use. Moreover, the reverse hook-up protection is a thoughtful addition that prevents damage if the charger is accidentally connected incorrectly, which is reassuring for those who might not be seasoned pros in battery maintenance.

The bad battery indicator is another handy feature. It quickly identifies if a battery is beyond saving, so you don’t waste time trying to charge a battery that’s no longer viable. This saves you from the frustration of repeatedly attempting to charge a dead battery and helps you make informed decisions about when it's time to replace a battery.

In terms of performance, the CMXCESM260 didn’t disappoint. I tested it on both a car and a truck battery, and it worked flawlessly with both. The charger was quick to recognize the battery types and adjust its charging process accordingly. Within a short period, both batteries were fully charged and maintained their charge well over time, thanks to the float mode.

The user interface is intuitive, and even those who are not technically inclined will find it easy to navigate. The instructions on the digital display are straightforward, and the charger itself is simple to connect and disconnect. This ease of use makes it accessible to a wide range of users, from beginners to experienced mechanics.

One minor drawback I noticed is that the charger’s size might be a bit cumbersome for those with limited storage space. While it’s not excessively large, it does take up some room. However, given its robust build and range of features, this is a small trade-off for the convenience and reliability it offers.

In conclusion, Craftsman’s 12V MAX* Fully Automatic Battery Charger and Maintainer is a reliable, user-friendly tool that excels in keeping vehicle batteries in top condition. Its fully automatic operation, compatibility with various battery types, and intelligent features like float mode monitoring and reverse hook-up protection make it a valuable addition to any garage. The charger’s ability to enhance battery health and save you from the hassle of dead batteries is worth the investment.

I highly recommend the CMXCESM260 for anyone looking to maintain their vehicle batteries effortlessly. Its performance, ease of use, and thoughtful design features make it a standout choice in the battery charger market. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a casual driver, this tool will prove to be a dependable ally in your automotive maintenance toolkit.


Project Ideas

Business

Battery Maintenance Service

Offer a professional battery maintenance service for car owners, boat owners, and RV enthusiasts. Regularly scheduled visits ensure their batteries are always in optimal condition, preventing unexpected failures.


Rental Equipment with Battery Maintenance

Start a rental business for battery-powered equipment like golf carts, electric scooters, and boats, including regular battery maintenance using the charger to ensure reliability and customer satisfaction.


Emergency Roadside Assistance

Provide an emergency roadside assistance service specializing in battery issues. Equip service vehicles with the battery charger to help stranded motorists get their vehicles back on the road quickly.


Battery Health Monitoring Subscription

Develop a subscription-based service that monitors the health of customers' batteries remotely using IoT technology. Use the charger to send alerts and schedule maintenance as needed to prolong battery life.


Electric Fleet Management

Offer comprehensive management for companies with electric vehicle fleets. Include regular battery maintenance using the charger to ensure fleet vehicles are always ready for use, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

Creative

Mobile Solar Charging Station

Combine the battery charger with portable solar panels to create an off-grid charging station for outdoor activities like camping and boating. This setup could ensure batteries stay charged without relying on traditional power sources.


DIY Electric Vehicle Conversion Kit

Use the battery charger as part of a kit for converting traditional gasoline-powered vehicles into electric vehicles. The charger can maintain the custom battery packs required for such conversions.


Home Battery Backup System

Integrate the charger into a home battery backup system that uses deep-cycle batteries to provide power during outages. The multi-stage charging will help extend the life of the batteries used in the system.


Battery-Powered Garden Tools

Create a line of garden tools that run on rechargeable batteries maintained by the charger. This can include lawnmowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers, offering an eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered tools.


Power Bank for Electric Bikes

Develop a portable power bank system for electric bikes that can be charged and maintained using the battery charger. This would allow electric bike users to extend their range without worrying about running out of power.